By Bob Garver In 2018, “Black Panther” became the biggest hit of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It even made more at the domestic box office than that year’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” Since then, King T’challa (Chadwick Boseman) of the African kingdom of Wakanda died at the hand of Thanos, came back in “Avengers: Endgame,” and then died permanently of an unspecified illness. This of course mirrors Boseman’s real-life death in 2020. The opening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is dedicated to T’challa (and Boseman’s) passing and the celebration of his life. Yes, the Marvel logo is Boseman-centric, but it opts for a quiet, reverent tone rather than the call to cheer that was Stan Lee’s tribute at the beginning of “Captain Marvel” in 2019. Nothing wrong with either approach, they’re just respectful in different ways. This portion of the film is handled perfectly. The rest of the film is… less perfect. A year after T’challa’s passing, Wakanda is still thriving thanks to the strong leadership of his mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett). A sequence where she makes a stern speech at the United Nations with the help of military leader Okoye (Danai Gurira) is the best post-T’challa scene in the movie and is even garnering Bassett some Oscar talk. There’s still some unease because Wakanda no longer has sovereign hero Black Panther around to protect it. Ramonda would like her daughter Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) to pick up where T’challa left off, but Shuri wants only to bury herself in scientific research so Wakanda can survive without an antiquated superhero. Danger rears its head in the form of Namor (Tenoch Huerta), ruler of the undersea kingdom of Talokan. Talokan is the only other place on Earth with access to vibranium, the element that allows Wakanda to be so technologically-advanced. Namor orders Ramonda and Shuri to assassinate Rari Williams (Dominique Thorne), a teenage scientist with the ability to expose Talokan’s existence to the world. Failure to do so will lead to Talokan declaring war on Wakanda and then on the rest of the world. Namor’s plan doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, as Talokan doesn’t seem to have a terribly strong military once they lose the element of surprise, but for purposes of this movie, Wakanda has to find a way to fend off Namor and the rest of Talokan, with lives of important characters hanging in the balance. Ramonda and Shuri even have to enlist the help of Nakia (Lupita N’yongo), the former lover of T’challa, to help with the effort, because she’s an expert in languages. The mission doesn’t need Nakia nearly as much as the movie needs Oscar-winner N’yongo. And if you think there’s little reason to have her in the movie, wait until you see the flimsy reasoning behind another cameo late in the movie. It pains me to say it, but the forced cameo is where the movie lost me. Or if not there, then definitely a moment in a climactic battle that brings to mind one of the most laughable scenes in a rival superhero franchise. For all its importance in saying goodbye to Chadwick Boseman, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is a below-average MCU installment. Wakanda really is one of the greatest worlds within the MCU, which makes it all the more glaring that it’s in danger from the cramped, primitive-looking Talokan. Also, if Wakanda was really going to defend itself without a Black Panther, the protector’s name wouldn’t be right there in the title. We know we’re getting a new Black Panther, no need to spend so much time playing coy. I’m in no hurry to return to Wakanda after this movie. Grade: C “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action and some language. Its running time is 161 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

During the next couple of weeks, Salvation Army locations throughout the region will kick off their annual Red Kettle fundraisers and Christmas assistance programs. These programs will provide local families and individuals in need with food, clothing, and presents under the Christmas tree for their children. “As the need for Salvation Army assistance has continued to increase due to current economic hardships, so has the need for volunteers,” said Major Kevin Stoops, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army, Empire State Division. “Volunteers are the backbone of The Salvation Army – the army behind the Army – and we cannot provide the services we do without volunteers coming along side us as partners in our mission of helping those most in need.” In fact, according to Major Stoops, thousands of volunteers are needed locally to help The Salvation Army in its mission – especially during the next two months. “Whether it’s ringing bells at a Red kettle for a couple of hours, sorting donations of toys and clothing, or helping parents pick out that perfect Christmas present for their child at a Salvation Army toy shop, The Salvation Army has numerous and meaningful ways to serve others during the busy holiday season and beyond,” added Major Stoops. Salvation Army services continue year-round – and so do the volunteer opportunities. All donations collected during Salvation Army fundraisers like the Red Kettle campaign, stay in the community to help local families and individuals. To enquire about Salvation Army volunteer opportunities, call your local Salvation Army, or text “TSAVolunteer” to 51555.

NASA’s Stennis Space Center operated much like a musical symphony at the site’s most versatile testing area – the E Test Complex – 10 years ago with high levels of coordination and a variety of tempos. Over a three-day stretch the week of Nov. 5-9, 2012, test complex operators conducted 27 tests on three different rocket engines/components on three different test stands. The work demonstrated the flexibility of Stennis employees and their desire to fulfill NASA and commercial space company testing needs. “This is not something just anybody can do,” then-NASA E-2/E-3 Test Director Craig Chandler said at the time. The accomplishment involved conducting tests on a Blue Origin engine thrust chamber, a modified steam generator, and a prototype liquid oxygen, liquid methane engine. It also demonstrated the expertise of the Stennis test complex team and the unique capabilities of Stennis’ E Test Complex facilities. The test team expertise and test complex capabilities have continued to grow since that historic week, operating as a valuable resource as NASA focuses on deep space missions to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all and commercial space initiatives grow. “What makes the E Test Complex unique is the pressures and flow rates it is capable of handling,” explained Stennis Chief of Test Operations Maury Vander. The three-stand complex includes seven separate test cells that can support testing with ultra high-pressure gases and cryogenic fluids. The capability includes the delivery of liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, and liquid methane at pressures up to 8,500 pounds per square inch (PSI). “There are all sorts of elevated pressures that are not available anywhere else at flow rates like that,” Vander said. “If you have a relatively large engine and are trying to validate a component, it takes high pressure and a high flow rate to do that. That is what really makes the E Test Complex unique, not just for the agency but for the world. There are not many places that can do that.” In addition, the E-3 Test Complex offers its own unique capabilities. With slightly lower pressures, the E-3 facilities require less modifications to begin a project, meaning commercial partners can receive data in a quicker timeframe at Stennis. Since the November 2012 record-setting week, Stennis personnel in the E Test Complex have worked with more and more commercial companies. Companies such as Relativity Space, Blue Origin, Launcher, SpaceX, Ursa Major, and Virgin Orbit have taken advantage of complex capabilities. Some of these are currently testing engines/components in the area with success. SpaceX tested engine components on E-1 and E-2 test stands while developing its Raptor engine for the Starship spacecraft. In April 2021, NASA selected Starship for its human landing system. In 2017, a California-based space company, Relativity Space, began its partnership with Stennis by testing on the E-3 Test Stand. The relationship soon expanded in 2018, allowing Relativity exclusive use of the E-4 Test Complex. Relativity now tests on the E-2 and E-4 stands. Last month, it also announced plans for a major expansion of its rocket and engine test facilities at Stennis. “That’s an example of a company that has a vision and came to Stennis, took advantage of some of our resources and facilities, and are headed toward a launch soon,” Vander said. “They are good example of the value of the E Test Complex.” In addition to the complex being highly adaptable to meet customer needs, chief among the valuable resources at Stennis are the people working to help companies to be successful in their development and test efforts. “It was that way 10 years ago and it is even more that way now,” Vander added. “We are getting more involved in the intimate details of our customers, and they are taking advantage of the resources and people who work here to do things we never thought they would do in the past. Our workforce is getting smarter, and our customers are getting smarter. It all leads to being the best we can be and to increasing the likelihood of success for our customers.” For information about Stennis Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/

We are so proud of our Academic Quiz Bowl Team!! They competed in the MAIS Academic Competition at Mississippi College. They won the first round 150-105, and they will be competing in round two on December 6 against MRA. Reagan Lord, Bella Saums, Macie Curtis, Alexis Burt, Sam McCoy and Brayden Bullock

The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board is pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Egg Bowl Giveaway, Mrs. Faye Steinwinder, who entered the contest at this year’s Mississippi State Fair. Mrs. Steinwinder, a resident of Florence, said, “I usually have to work on Thanksgiving Day, but when I found out I won tickets to the game, I made arrangements to take off and enjoy the game in person.” Visitors to the 2022 Mississippi State Fair had an opportunity to register for a tailgate grilling package that included a pair of tickets to the Egg Bowl, the traditional rivalry between the Mississippi State University Bulldogs and the University of Mississippi Rebels football teams, as well as a portable grill and accessories. In addition to the Egg Bowl Giveaway, the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board is partnering with the Mississippi Food Network to sponsor an “Egg Bowl Food Drive Challenge.” Bulldog and Rebel team supporters can drop off canned goods at area Kroger stores in Mississippi to show their team spirit. Canned food collections in Kroger stores in Oxford will be deposited in the University of Mississippi Food Bank, and canned food collections in Kroger stores in Starkville will be deposited in the Mississippi State University Food Bank. Mississippi Egg Marketing Board President Ryn Laster said, “We are excited to partner with The Mississippi Food Network. This is a great way to support your team and help those in need.” Monetary donations can also be made online at www.msfoodnet.org. Visit www.MSEggMarketing.com for great tasting egg dishes brought to you by the Incredible Egg. For more information about the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, contact Jennifer Thompson at msegg@mdac.ms.gov.

By Kara Kimbrough To borrow a phrase uttered by a friend this week on social media… “Don’t fight me about this!” The difference between her statement and mine lies in one key fact. She made the comment while posting photos of her already-decorated Christmas tree, thereby bypassing Thanksgiving. I’m here to make the argument that Thanksgiving and all its glory should be given its due. I feel it’s my job to share a few time-saving ways that might help you appreciate Thanksgiving before Christmas takes over our world. First, a segment on The Today Show on how to prep for Thanksgiving now caused me to rewind the DVR and take in some simple, but truly valuable tips shared by a cooking expert. Calling her list, “Thanksgiving Checklist 101,” she ran down a list of easy-to-accomplish tasks to make the big day a little easier: 1. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer, throwing out old leftovers and out-of-date condiments to make room for the good stuff to come. While you’re at it, give the shelves a thorough cleaning by scrubbing with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. OK, I added that last sentence, primarily because it’s something I really need to do. 2. Here’s a tip I thought was absolutely genius. Review your baking recipes and measure out dry ingredients, i.e., 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons baking powder, etc., Then store each pre-measured ingredient in a separate airtight clear containers Use a Sharpie to label each container with the ingredient/amount. Stack the containers in a clear box labeled “Thanksgiving baking,” set aside and you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to bake. 3. Make ahead more than you ever thought possible. Items like cranberry sauce, dressing and mashed potatoes can be made now, providing extra time for the turkey and last-minute baking nearer to Thanksgiving. Pour cranberry sauce in a clear, airtight container, label and place in the fridge. Dressing can be stirred together and frozen in a tightly-covered baking dish, then defrosted and fully baked just before the main meal. Mashed potatoes can be completely cooked before being frozen in a flattened Ziploc bag until the big day. I saved the best for last: pies. I recommend baking your own, especially if adequate preparation and baking time exist. However, sometimes additional guests arrive or there simply isn’t time for pie-baking. That’s where store-bought pies come into play. After doing a little research, I can attest that supermarket pies are more than acceptable for this important pie-specific holiday. Many bakeries and delis sell delicious fresh pies, but for this taste test, I concentrated on frozen varieties. Marie Callender’s Lattice Apple and Southern Pecan Pies are heavy favorites among everyone that sampled a variety of pies for my pie taste-testing session. I purchased both pies and for comparison purposes, Mrs. Edwards Pecan Pie. The unscientific taste test was unanimous. Marie Callender’s pies are quite simply, really, really good. First out of the oven was the lattice apple pie. With a crunchy, sugary crust and dense filling of thick chunks of apples and the right amount of spices, it was the best frozen pie I’d ever tasted. Placed in your own pie plate, it could pass as homemade. Likewise, Marie’s pecan pie lives up to its own billing as a pie “brimming with a sweet and luscious filling topped with plenty of crisp pecan halves and pieces in a flaky, made-from-scratch crust.” Mrs. Edwards’ version was acceptable, but lost votes due to a so-so crust, semi-soft whole pecans and a gelatinous caramel filling. Other frozen varieties food reviewers gave high marks are Whole Foods’ Vermont Mystic Apple Pie and a Marie Callender’s pumpkin pie, which I didn't include in my test. Next week I’ll share a few classic recipes as well as tips on, from personal experience, how to cook Thanksgiving dinner and live to tell the tale. If you’re still determined to bake your own pie, send me an email and I’ll share my grandmother’s unparalleled recipe for Dutch apple pie. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

“I hate this, I don’t want to have to go thru this!” Don’t blame you for feeling that. But sometimes, maybe you need ‘this’. Maybe, it’s going to prepare you for something that is coming your way, years from now. Or just maybe, it is to shape you into becoming a better person. Truth is, your Creator knows you, and knows exactly what’s needed in your life. But let’s face it, most of us human race members are self-oriented and really despise hurting. We detest not having things go exactly the way we want them to go. Totally dislike when certain people don’t act and react the way we want them to. Somehow, we seem to feel that we should be treated special, and all bad stuff should stay the heck away from us. And we are extremely glad to voice our opinion of how unfair it is when something bad does happen to us. But when hurtful things happen to someone else, somehow that doesn’t cause us near as much heartburn. When a barely tolerated co-worker suffers unfairly, some will react with, “That’s okay with me. After all, they deserve it, the way they always act around here.” And if a neighbor suffers thru a horrible event, “Well yeah, that is a tough one. But, ya know, what goes around comes around. They probably needed to come down a peg or two, always behaving like they own the world. Guess they’re gonna see life from us regular people’s level now.” And yes, if a beloved friend has a tragedy happen in their life, then friends and neighbors will rally around them to help and console…for a little while. “But, after all, life must go on, and everyone has to get back to normal sooner or later.” Want an example that people are naturally self-oriented? Easy. Just watch and listen to a baby. Concern for his exhausted Mom is not anywhere on the radar of that infant. He just insists on being fed when he feels that first pang of hunger. And if he wants a clean diaper, that baby will let whoever is in earshot know it – loudly. If he is lonely, or sleepy, or angry, then he will demand that someone in his universe fix it. We humans are probably the most automatically self-centered creatures ever made. Oh, we can overcome that inborn ‘Me first and always’ instinct, but that is definitely not our go-to attitude in life. Yep, we are born totally fixated on ME. We have to be taught that others deserve our love, care and respect, just as much as ourself. And that teaching is supposed to begin with parents training their kid to be unselfish and kind. And then training continues, with life applying its firm hand of discipline to our stubborn and self-centered backsides. And if parents neglect to do their job? Never fear, often life seems to take over and do double-duty to make up for them.

The Department of Homeland Security is hosting a free webinar for those interested in serving. The webinar will be held on November 15 from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm. Please pass this along to anyone who may benefit from this opportunity. Interested individuals can register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DHSisHiring-Nov15.

By Bob Garver NOTE: This film is available in both “Subbed” (Japanese spoken with English subtitles) and “Dubbed” (English spoken with no subtitles) versions. This review is based on the Subbed version. This past weekend was a slow, awkward one at the domestic box office. With surefire hit “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” opening next weekend, not many new releases were eager to step up and do well for exactly one weekend before getting obliterated. “Black Adam” continued its reign in the #1 spot, while horror movies fell like rocks into Charlie Brown’s trick-or-treat bag now that Halloween is over. Things were so bad that niche anime “One Piece Film: Red” was able to come in at a relatively strong #2. Unlike that “Dragon Ball” movie from a few months ago, I had never even heard of this franchise before I learned its movie was getting a wide release. And unlike that “Jujutsu Kaisen” movie from earlier this year, I’m not particularly happy to have been introduced to it. The film takes place in a world overrun by pirates. The government and military have vowed to wipe out the pirates, but otherwise they do nothing to help victimized civilians. Pop star Uta has heard the pleas of the masses and has agreed to perform a free concert to give everyone a reprieve from pirates and misery. Good-hearted pirate Luffy and his crew attend the concert, and it turns out that Uta and Luffy grew up together, mentored by wise pirate “Red-Haired” Shanks. Uta is happy to see Luffy again after all these years, but she’s not happy that he’s still a pirate, good or otherwise. Moreover, she has a plan to make sure that everybody gets to enjoy the concert forever and never have to worry about pirates, corruption, work, school, or sadness ever again. Of course, anybody who wants to shield the world from life like that is going to be a villain. Uta’s plan is basically to trap the population in a sort of dream world while their unconscious bodies wither and die. It’s up to Luffy and his crew, and later Shanks, to stop her. The government might also intervene by blowing up the entire concert, but hopefully it won’t come to that. Maybe Uta can be convinced to snap out of her derangement herself, as we learn more about her motivations and tragic past. One thing’s for sure, whatever happens, we’ll get lots of that confusing anime-style fighting where impacts and damage are assigned seemingly at random. There were things I liked about “One Piece Film: Red.” Uta is a sympathetic character and her songs are beautiful. Villain songs are usually my favorites in Disney musicals, and here we get at least two, maybe more if you retroactively count early ones before Uta’s heel turn is official. And some of the comedy works, in that manic-anime-energy sort of way. But then there’s the biggest detriment to the film, which is that it’s just so darn confusing. The cast is top-heavy on characters, Uta’s plan is convoluted, and the action is near-impossible to follow. I couldn’t even tell if a certain character was alive or dead at the end. Nor do I have any idea why the film is called “One Piece Film: Red.” I assume the “Red” refers to Shanks and his hair, and it is undeniably a film, but otherwise I haven’t the foggiest. Yes, I’m coming into this movie without a lick of knowledge about “One Piece Film” lore, and established fans will probably get more out of this movie than I did, but I can’t say that I found this to be an effective entry point into this series. There’s an effort being made here, but for a non-fan like me, there’s a headache-y quality that the film never quite manages to shake. Grade: C “One Piece Film: Red” is rated PG-13 for violence, suggestive material and language. Its running time is 115 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

MISSISSIPPI Declaration 17621 (Disaster: MS-00148) Incident: JACKSON WATER CRISIS occurring: August 30, 2022 & continuing in Hinds County, Mississippi; and the contiguous Mississippi counties of: Claiborne, Copiah, Madison, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, and Yazoo Application Filing Deadline: June 14, 2023 Disaster Loan Assistance Available: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. Credit Requirements: Credit History – Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA. Repayment – Applicants must show the ability to repay the loan. Collateral – Collateral is required for all EIDL loans over $25,000. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but SBA will require the borrower to pledge collateral that is available. Interest Rates: The interest rate is determined by formulas set by law and is fixed for the life of the loan. The maximum interest rate for this program is 3.040 percent. Loan Terms: The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. SBA will determine an appropriate installment payment based on the financial condition of each borrower, which in turn will determine the loan term. Loan Amount Limit: The law limits EIDLs to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit. Loan Eligibility Restrictions: Noncompliance – Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans may not be eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain required flood insurance and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA loans. Note: Loan applicants should check with agencies / organizations administering any grant or other assistance program under this declaration to determine how an approval of SBA disaster loan might affect their eligibility. Refinancing: Economic injury disaster loans cannot be used to refinance long term debts. Insurance Requirements: To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance. SBA requires that flood insurance coverage be the lesser of 1) the total of the disaster loan, 2) the insurable value of the property, or 3) the maximum insurance available. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Mississippi's General and Special Election Day is less than a week away. The November 8 ballot features congressional, state judicial, and school board races, in addition to a handful of special elections. To familiarize yourself with the upcoming election, all congressional and state district races can be viewed on the Secretary of State's website. For a sample ballot specific to you, contact your local Circuit Clerk. Polls for the November 8 Elections will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. Several counties have changed polling places since the 2020 elections, so we strongly recommend voters verify their polling place with their local Circuit Clerk before Election Day. Problems at the polls observed by State observers or otherwise reported to our Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office or the appropriate District Attorney’s Office. As a reminder, the Secretary of State’s Office has no enforcement authority over election-related issues. Primary and General Election Day Reminders In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline: The last day to absentee vote in-person is Saturday, November 5. Circuit Clerk Offices will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline: All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 8 and received by county Circuit Clerk Offices within five business days of November 8 in order to count. Voter ID Affidavit Ballot Deadline: Voters who cast an affidavit ballot by reason of voter ID must present an acceptable form of photo ID to their Circuit Clerk's Office by November 15. Polling Place Location: Please contact your county Circuit Clerk’s Office or local Election Commissioners to verify your polling place. Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. Click here to view a list of acceptable photo IDs. Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.

Falling back to Standard Time early Sunday morning remains a good reminder to check your smoke alarms and change batteries. "There were 84 fire deaths in 2021," Chaney said. "In 41 of those fires, there were no working smoke alarms in the home. That's 48 percent. I believe many of those lives could have been saved if only alarms had been in place. If you need an alarm and can't afford one, please call your local fire department." Remember to: Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn't respond properly when tested. Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home. Should a fire break out in the home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Once everyone is outside the burning home, call 911 and don't go back inside the home under any circumstances.