LEO Weekly, November 20, 2024

Robin Garr, Jeff Polk, Tracy Heightchew, Melissa Gaddie, T.E. Lyons, Rob Brezny

MARC MURPHY

STRAP UP, SISTERS

BY ERICA RUCKER

Erica Rucker is LEO Weekly’s editor-in-chief. In addition to her work at LEO, she is a haphazard writer, photographer, tarot card reader, and fairto-middling purveyor of motherhood. Her earliest memories are of telling stories to her family and promising that the next would be shorter than the first. They never were.

Do you know the story of Lozen?

Lozen was an indigenous Apache woman who fought against Mexican and American militaries for more than 30 years. Geronimo trusted her, as did her brother, Chief Victorio. Her brother called her his right hand.

Lozen rode horses, she carried her rifle, and was known as a shaman who used her powers in battle. Her ability to know the movement of the enemy and to move undetected added to her legend.

An Apache man who knew Lozen, James Kaywaykla said of her,

“I saw a magnificent woman on a beautiful horse — Lozen, sister of Victorio. Lozen the woman warrior! High above her head she held her rifle. There was a glitter as her right foot lifted and struck the shoulder of her horse. He reared, then plunged into the torrent. She turned his head upstream, and he began swimming.”

Women have always risen to the occasion when necessary to defend themselves and their communities. Lozen seems extraordinary, but sometimes it only takes an ordinary person to do something that seems remarkable because it is bold and flies in the face of expectations. That includes fighting when you’re not expected to fight.

As the Second Amendment of the United States constitution guarantees that “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,” women can and should explore the options guaranteed to them by this nation.

As we are in precarious political times, and with women’s rights and protections increasingly under attack, women should gather every tool available to protect themselves and their communities.

In Kentucky, Senate Bill 150 says, “Persons age twenty-one (21) or older, and otherwise able to lawfully possess a firearm, may carry concealed firearms or other concealed deadly weapons without a license in the same locations as persons with valid licenses issued under KRS 237.110.”

It does not apply to other states as their laws may differ. So technically, women don’t need a conceal and carry license in Kentucky but, it doesn’t hurt to apply. Just to cover your bases.

In Indiana, the law is essentially identical except for persons 18 and over. Wild, right. But some of us have teenage daughters moving out into the world. In Indiana you can still apply for a license as well, including a lifetime option. The only requirement in Indiana is fingerprints. In Kentucky, there may be some firearm training involved.

All women should apply. It is a visible action toward protecting yourself if the need arises for

you to use deadly force for some reason. I am not advocating for all women to have guns, but all women need to understand the law and how they can access their Second Amendment right should they need a gun, or any other deadly weapon.

There are plenty of non-lethal items for protection: mace, pepper sprays, pellet guns, etc. If you are interested in understanding more, former LMPD officer turned beekeeper Mike Arterburn dedicates much (not all) of his social media to giving people tips on self defense and protection. He’s got over two million followers on TikTok and years of experience and training. Follow him at Killer Bee Tactical on TikTok. Times are uncertain and as hardships increase, crimes often do. And, as choices for women to protect their bodies have shrunk in this country, the protection and defense of our bodies may fall into our own hands in more visceral ways. We may, in some ways, have to become people that we don’t like but when our bodies, our children, our communities come under threat, we have to be ready to defend them.

Perhaps Lozen didn’t want to spend a life fighting but her community was under pretty constant threat so she did what was necessary including strapping herself with a weapon. Since the election of Donald Trump to a second term, many women have asked, “What am I going to do?” Fearing an overbearing government, and laws that do not protect women, may feel that their options are limited on ways to secure themselves and to survive the regime that Trump is assembling.

It is imperative for women, in particular, to know our rights, exercise them for our safety.

Considering that men keep making looser and looser gun laws, it might be a real shock when scores of women learn how to use those guns, and become licensed to carry them.

There are organizations, like Armed Women of America that can help connect women with other women exploring their second amendment rights.

Don’t feel helpless. Study the warrior women, and if the need arises, strap up, sisters.

A HOUSE DIVIDED. WHY SOME ARE CUTTING TIES OVER TRUMP SUPPORT

How great will the divide in America grow? Americans will have to decide.

BY ERICA RUCKER

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”

~Matthew, 12:25, King James Bible.

Since the election, many who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, and against the potential fascist regime of Trump, have decided that those who did vote for Trump are not safe people to be around. With good reason.

Donald Trump’s concepts of plans theoretically run counter to the constitution and moral fiber of the nation that the blood of many have built.

The realization that neighbors, “friends,” and “family” have voted for someone who plans to actively harm or to create situations that can have far-reaching, and deadly effects has caused many to cut these people out of their lives and social circles.

It’s a healthy response to the risk of harm.

The irony of this situation is the plethora of cries in comment sections across the internet from those on the right that people are ignoring them or casting them aside for having “a difference of opinion.” What they aren’t understanding is that this difference is not innocuous. It has real-life consequences for many, many people. This isn’t a matter of liking the color blue over red. The difference of opinion risks lives and safety.

Essentially, these people are asking the abused to remain with the abuser because the abused needs to understand why the abuser keeps hitting them.

And it runs completely counter to their desire to live in isolation from anyone they perceive as benefitting or taking advantage of American wealth. It’s wild and, to be honest, hilarious.

If you are an immigrant without citizenship, you’re at risk. Trump has said that he wants to institute mass deportations from day 1. He previously gutted FEMA funds to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement more money to deport and detain undocumented immigrants. So his plans haven’t really changed and people who are without citizenship are definitely at risk, including DACA recipients and undocumented spouses of American citizens. The threats are fact.

If you’re Black, you already are aware of over-policing and the potential for more

negative interactions with law enforcement. Cases like that of Breonna Taylor would leave police immune from prosecution and responsibility for harm until a court of law said that a constitutional harm was committed. This leaves a lot of holes through which police can do harm and escape responsibility.

If you’re a family with a child in public education, your children’s education will be greatly affected by the dissolution of the Department of Education. Suppose you’re a family that needs federal food programs, PELL grants, or financial assistance through education of any kind. In that case, that will become the responsibility of the state without federal dollars or with limited federal dollars because, at the federal level, the Trump administration is looking to institute school choice.

Remember Amendment 2 which was just voted down in Kentucky? Well, Trump wants to take your public federal dollars and send them to private schools where the wealthiest children in America go. Do you think poor or middle-class parents will be able to send their children to school with the elite? Nope, because the burden of the tuition will still fall

on these families even with a voucher and many of the private institutions have a lower bar for educator qualifications than public schools.

These are just a few of the real reasons that people feel that Republicans are a threat. This doesn’t even get us started about gay marriage, healthcare, even interracial marriage from Trump and other Republicans across the country, including the new governor-elect of Indiana, Mike Braun.

In turn, many feel that his voters also pose a threat because their support of these policies is like a bat signal of their willingness to turn the other cheek while people who are immigrants, transgender, Black, etc. are harmed by the Republican Party.

People have decided that they are leaving their abusers behind — playing and working in the communities that help them survive and thrive.

The cries from those who feel ostracized are predictable. They are always shortsighted in their political decisions.

But why, if you voted for isolationism, protectionism, and Trump’s America, do you want to be around all of these groups that you

want managed by his administration? It’s silly, especially when they don’t want you. We know. You’ll miss the fun, the food, and being able to occupy space that feels welcoming and safe.

But rejoice, you’ll be left with the people you chose to protect with guns blazin’

You get to be wrapped in red MAGA hats, and ‘murican flags for the duration of Trump’s regime. You can see Kid Rock in concert and listen to Joe Rogan ad nauseum.

Congratulations. You made your dreams come true.

For those who are examining their social circles and removing harmful people, there should be no guilt in protecting one’s safety and one’s peace.

There’s a very simple saying that many of us grew up with: You made your bed, now lie in it. Trump voters chose something that has the unfortunate consequence of their isolation from people who now deem them a threat. Why whine about it, now? The house is divided. If you want it to stand, fix what you broke.

EAT, DRINK AND SEE IN THIS WEEK’S STAFF PICKS

ALL NOVEMBER

Lights Under Louisville

Mega Caverns | 1841 Taylor Ave. | lightsunderlouisville.com | $22+ | 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily

Lights Under Louisville offers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience, letting families drive through 100 acres of underground tunnels for an annual festive event. Set in the Louisville Mega Cavern, the 30-minute drive features over 900 lit characters, themed displays, a laser light show, and more than 7 million lights. Enjoy the steady 58-degree temperature as you roll down your windows. This unique show is one of the few in the U.S. that can be driven through during the day, thanks to its fully underground setting.

—Sydney Catinna

FRIDAY, NOV. 22

Party at the Gardens

Waterfront Botanical Gardens | 1435 Frankfort Ave. | waterfrontgardens.org/ gardenparty | $250 | 7 p.m.

Dance under a dazzling holiday lights display at the Party at the Gardens and sip on festive drinks, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and groove at the silent disco, all set against views of the Louisville skyline.

—Caleb Stultz

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20

DEADY + A Deer A Horse + Shark Sandwich + Pissed On

Mag Bar | 1398 S. 2nd St. | Search Facebook | $10 | 7 p.m. | All Ages

This isn’t a car wreck but a collision of monster bands that you won’t want to miss. Be sure to come ready to rage and enjoy some of Louisville’s best music.

—Erica Rucker

THURSDAY, NOV. 21-24

The Little MerGay PLAY Louisville | dragdaddy.pro | $20+ | 7:30 p.m., doors at 7 p.m

Experience The Little MerGay, a lively and heartfelt drag parody set in Louisville’s queer nightlife scene. With a dynamic cast including Uhstel H Valentine, Diana Rae, and The Drakewood Twins, the show champions Drag Daddy’s mission of inclusive representation through performances by trans, drag, non-binary, and queer talent. Directed by Yehudah Husband and choreographed by Leigh Nieves, this twist on The Little Mermaid brings hilarious musical parodies, bold comedy, and a powerful message of self-love. Admission includes entry to PLAY Dance Bar for the rest of the night.

—Sydney Catinna

SATURDAY, NOV. 23

Christkindlmarkt

German American Club | 1840 Lincoln Ave. | Search Facebook| Free | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The second annual Christkindlmarkt promises vendors with locally made goods, hot Glühwein, and other festive goods. Best believe there will be German food and music. This is a pet free event so only service animals are allowed.

—Erica Rucker

SATURDAY, NOV. 23

Jingle Walk

New Albany Main Street | 406 Pearl St. | Search Facebook | Ticket Required $32+ | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | 21+

The New Albany Jingle Walk promises “wine, hops and shops.” This 21 and over holiday event introduces participants to the charms of downtown New Albany and allow walk participants to shop til they drop for holiday gifts. Along the way, there will be taste samples from local wineries and breweries.

—Erica Rucker

SATURDAY, NOV. 23

The Nightmare Before Christmas Whitney Hall | 501 W. Main St. | my.louisvilleorchestra.org | | $32+ | 7:30 p.m.

Led by conductor Jason Seber, this one-ofa-kind concert brings the spooky magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas to life as you watch it on the big screen while the Louisville Orchestra performs the enchanting score live. Journey through Halloween Town and Christmas Town, reliving iconic moments and melodies, including “This Is Halloween,” “What’s This?,” and “Oogie Boogie’s Song.”

—Caleb Stultz

FRIDAY, NOV. 29-30

Jack Harlow’s “No Place Like Home” with the Louisville Orchestra

Whitney Hall | 501 W. Main St. | louorchestra.org | Tickets Limited | 7:30 p.m.

Jack Harlow returns with his 4th annual “No Place Like Home” concert series, this time featuring the powerful accompaniment of the Louisville Orchestra led by Teddy Abrams. This special two-night event invites fans to “Dress To Impress,” so break out your best attire. Experience a unique blend of hip-hop and orchestral music as Harlow takes the stage in his hometown. Proceeds from the shows will benefit the Louisville Orchestra, supporting local arts.

—Sydney Catinna

MONDAY, NOV. 25

Competitive World Powers Book Talk

Bomhard Theater at Kentucky Performing Arts | 501 W. Main St. | kyperformingarts. org | $35+ | 5 p.m.

There’s a changing landscape among the nations that America considers to be adversaries. And we’d all better keep an eye on that ball. But then, NATO is expanding. To help bring understanding to the roles of current alliances, economies, and certain great(?) egos, Jim Sciutto will be in discussion with Jane Perlez, Pulitzer winner and host of the podcast Face-Off: US vs China.

—T.E. Lyons

SATURDAY, NOV. 30

Small Business Saturday - West Louisville

Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning

Center | 3029 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. | Search Facebook | Free | 3 – 7 p.m.

Spend your money in community with Small Business Saturday. Get the best of local holiday goods. This event is held in collaboration between LIBA, Louisville Urban League, MELANnaire Marketplace, Russel Neighborhood, and AmEx’s Shop Small campaign.

—Erica Rucker

FRIDAY, NOV. 29

Nitro Circus

KFC Yum! Center | 1 Arena Plaza | kfcyumcenter.com | $32+ | 7:30 p.m.

Nitro Circus promises a lineup of elite riders performing jaw-dropping stunts, including massive, never-before-seen tricks on Nitro Circus’ legendary 50-foot Giganta ramp. Check out this crazy experience where daredevils push the limits of what’s possible.

—Caleb Stultz

SATURDAY, NOV. 30

VHS or BETA

Headliners | 1486 Lexington Rd. | Search Facebook | $20 in advance/$25 day of show. | 7:30 p.m. | All Ages

Join one of Louisville’s best party bands when VHS or Beta reunites for a special show at Headliners Music Hall. The show will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their “Night on Fire” album release. Maggie Halfman and 3GT will open the show.

—Erica Rucker

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BAXTER AVENUE THEATERS NOW THAT MID CITY MALL IS UP FOR SALE?

BY SYDNEY CATINNA

Louisville’s Mid-City Mall, a mainstay at 1250 Bardstown Road in the Highlands, has officially hit the market. Known for housing Baxter Avenue Theaters, ValuMarket, and Comedy Caravan, this 11.5-acre property is being sold through Cushman & Wakefield, potentially paving the way for a significant redevelopment.

Given this news, the fate of Baxter Avenue Theaters—a beloved community institution—comes into question.

Owner Leslie Aberson shared that they were aware of the property being up for sale, noting, “This is not new news, and all of my investors in the theater are also very well aware.”

When asked whether the theater would consider staying at Mid City Mall under new ownership, Aberson said that he “would definitely consider continuing operations under new ownership” so long as he had buy in from his board of investors.

The future of Baxter Avenue Theaters remains uncertain. While the team is committed to staying open for now, they admit there are no long-term plans solidified. “None of us hold a crystal ball, so in all honesty, Apex continues to take each day at a time and will continue to evaluate whether or not it makes sense to continue operating or not. As of now, our plan is to stay the course and open, but we do not have any

long-term plans at this time.”

He candidly added, “I am sure it is no surprise that since the COVID-19 pandemic, theaters have struggled. Streaming services have made it more difficult for theaters to survive.”

As Louisville awaits the outcome of Mid City Mall’s sale, the community will be watching to see how the potential redevelopment impacts some of our most beloved local businesses. For now, the theater’s commitment to staying open reflects a cautious optimism amid an evolving landscape.

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that on October 31, 2024 at 2:40 PM Holcomb’s Services, Inc. at 6005 Fern Valley Road Louisville KY 40228 will sale for unpaid mechanics fees a 2006 BMW 530xi identified by VIN: WBANN73556CN01400. The owner of the vehicle is Anthony J. Gentile. For more information contact Holcomb’s Services at 502-618-4800.

THIS LOUISVILLIAN IS LEADING THE CITY’S SUSTAINABILITY CHARGE. SEE HOW HE’S HELPING MAKE THE CITY GREENER.

BY CALEB STULTZ

Nicholas Johnson is a program manager for the Louisville Sustainability Council, which has partnered with dozens of organizations around the city for years in partnership to help the city’s environmental causes, including help drive down energy costs to people’s wallets and costs to the environment overall. We sat down with Johnson, and asked him about his work with the council, and why he continues to fight against climate change in Louisville.

Parts of this interview have been edited for clarity.

LEO Weekly: So Nick, what’s your first and last name and what do you do for the Louisville Sustainability Council?

Nicholas Johnson, my title is program manager. So, we have a whole series of programs that we run that I help with on a day to day basis, as well as just general administrative and typical nonprofit. Everybody does a little bit of everything.

What inspired you to work in sustainability and what’s kept you motivated so far?

I grew up in a more rural area in Western Kentucky, a little more connected with nature, Boy Scouts, things like that. I always really enjoyed being outside and nature and things like that. But I didn’t really understand the issues about the environment until college. And there were some guys in my fraternity working on environmental policy and got me really interested in climate change issues. I realized how important it was going to be moving forward throughout my lifetime, and those that follow us. So it really got me interested in trying to do what I could for our world currently, and also for the impacts in the future.

What changes have you seen in the city’s approach to sustainability over the years? You know, Louisville is a really interesting case. We are kind of a blue Island in a red state. So there’s some things that we try to do that maybe aren’t being done elsewhere in the state. We’re definitely not as far along as other parts of the country or world. There’s a lot of really good things happening and we want to continue that momentum, but there’s a lot of work to be done as well. I think we’ve definitely seen nonprofit partners

and the city government step up a lot in the last decade or so with more organizations and more focus and emphasis on sustainability at that city level.

That doesn’t necessarily mean everyone’s on board, you know. It’s still a diverse sort of community, and trying to bring everyone along is part of the challenge. I do think one of the really positive things about our area that I say is, if we can do it here in Louisville, Kentucky and coal country, we can do it anywhere.

So the wins that we’re able to make are really representative of models that can work pretty much anywhere if we can do them here.

How long have you worked with the sustainability council?

About two years as an employee, but I was a volunteer for several years before that. So I’ve been affiliated with the LSC for a while. And then I was part time for about half a year and then full time for the last couple. So, during that time, what are some of those

wins that you were referring to during your time while you’ve been with them?

From the Sustainability Council perspective, one of our most successful and exciting programs that we’ve been a partner on is Solarize Louisville. We just wrapped up the third year of it. The first year it was called Solar Over Louisville, so folks have heard that term. It’s the same program, just with a rebrand. So Solarize is a national model of helping folks get access to renewable energy in an affordable and safe way so that they’re not getting scammed or taken advantage of. And the idea there is to really connect homeowners and small business owners and residents with vetted solar installers who are able to give them a bulk purchasing discount. That saves money on their upfront costs and then down the line on their utility bill as well. So this is a campaign that we’ve wrapped up for the third year.

Solarize has been kind of a flagship and I do want to be clear, it’s a partnership. The LSC isn’t the only participant. We are the

non-profit arm of the partnership and we interface with the public and do publicity and promotion and help educate people about the opportunity.

We couldn’t do it without our partners at the city government. The mayor’s Office of Sustainability runs a lot of the day to day logistics and admin of the program, as well as helping along with Kentucky Solar Energy Society. They’re a statewide organization. It’s a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. And they’ve really got the expertise for the actual solar, the technology, the installers themselves, the things we need to look for in the companies that are brought on board to be the installers. So it’s a really successful partnership. And the really cool thing about it is not only has it worked well here in Louisville, but as I was saying, if we can do it here, we can do it anywhere.

Courtesy photo

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and we didn’t want you to miss out on some great gift ideas from local businesses who curated their own shopping lists just for you. We also didn’t want to leave out the LEO crew of tastemakers. It’s really just us staff members, but we do have pretty good taste. If you have a hard person to shop for, we can almost guarantee that one of these lists will have exactly what you need.

leo’s holiday shopping guide

LOCAL STORES

If you need to drop a hint to a loved one about your tastes before they buy you another pair of socks or cheese grater, send them this list.

More than anything, we want you to have a beautiful holiday season and share good times with the ones you love. But also shop local as much as you can.

1. Hand crafted terrariums with ethically sourced insects, moss and dried foliage by Aurora co-owner Lyndi Lou

2. Hand built ceramic vases by Jooby Ivey in a variety of beautiful colors

3. Whimsical crocheted Opossum stuffy. One of many adorable creations by Ginger Crafty

4. Hand made statement earrings with charms by Aurora co-owner Alex Rumsey of Hekas Creative

5. Hand thrown Pride heart mug by local ceramic artist Backyard Kiln

Aurora Gallery And Boutique

1264 S. Shelby

6. Mini moss, foliage and crystal terrariums by local artist Iseri Catei

7. Hand blown glass wall hangers in a variety of colors by Brook F White Jr of Flame Run

8. Stunning, simple metal necklaces by Found in a Field

9. Handmade bone and stone asymmetric earrings by Aurora co-owner Mia Farrugia of Dandelion

1. Lilliput post earrings

2. Beasts of the Bluegrass posters 3. Bats bone china mugs

4. Woodland Wardens oracle decks

5. Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs books

6. Upside down opossum mugs 7. Foot Clothes socks 8. Cryptid Construction Kit magnets

9. Everyday Spells For Busy Witches decks

10. The Fright Before Christmas books

968 Barret Ave.

10. Hand woven multi colored neckerchief by the talented Bri Weaves

Grady Goods

1. Glass Drop Vase by Flame Run Studio with handmade silk flower by Sabrina Peyton - $55

Beautifully hand-blown glass drop vase paired with a locally handmade silk flower to add color and class to any room.

5. Ceramic Mugs by GH Wood, Amy Elswick, Molly Otremba, Madeline Donohoo, and Marty Edlin - $25-$60

For a gift that will be used well and truly appreciated, you can never go wrong with a locally handmade ceramic mug.

3. Amish Made Cutting Boards and bamboo Patent Image Boards by Rob Burkett - $10-$80

Kentucky Amish expertly made cutting boards and bamboo cutting boards with Kentucky patents laser engraved by Rob Burkett

9. Locally Made ‘Guided Hand Studio’ Tarot Cards by Louisville Artist Irene Mudd - $48

Tarot Cards are as big as they’ve ever been as we all try to find more avenues for meditative reflection, personal insight, and thoughtfully setting intentions. Louisville’s own Irene Mudd has created a spectacular set, and each card is a work of Irene’s art. We also carry her amazing zodiac collection of stickers, greeting cards, prints, and ornaments, as well as some of her original artworks.

2. Hand Crocheted Plush by Joanne Manning & Michelle Russell $10-$100

Two Louisville crochet artists, Joanne Manning and Michelle Russell, create adorable and sturdy plush ranging from baby dragons to Emotional Support Pickles and more!

6. Locally Made Jewelry $8-$200

Whether it’s the resin preserved botanical jewelry of Gritty Pearl, the spiritual and nature inspired pieces of Brianna Songbird, the fantastic lampworked glass jewelry of Krista Bermeo, or any one of the other talented jewelry artists we carry; a piece of locally made jewelry is always well received.

7. Woven Cowls & scarves by Bri Weaves $75-$150

Exquisitely woven cowls, scarves, and neckerchiefs by local fiber artist Briana Frederick is a gift that will last and be cherished for years. (My wife got me a Bri Weaves scarf for Christmas last year and it’s my favorite accessory I own.)

4. Leather Journal Cover by Warhammer Leather $70-$90

Immaculately handmade leather journal/notebook covers by local veteran and leather worker William Humphrey of Warhammer Leather.

10. Grady Goods Gift Card for Local Art & craft! - $10 and up

Sometimes it can be daunting to try and pick out a piece of original art, jewelry, apparel, or any number of artful gifts for people, no matter how well we know them. Fear not! You can gift the joy of perusing through an art and craft store to find that perfect locally made treasure with one of our Grady Goods digital gift cards. Available in any amount from $10 up.

and

Every bourbon lover appreciates a good rocks glass, and these bridal leather wrapped glasses by local leatherworker Mark McGee paired with one of his many leather coaster designs allows you to tailor to the gift recipient’s personality; and the patina will only get more beautiful with use.

8. Leather wrapped rocks glasses

leather coasters by Mark McGee - $6-$35

LEO STAFF

SYDNEY’S HOLIDAY TOP 1O

(LOCAL & ONLINE

SHOPPERS)

1. Taylor Swift Gift Boxes

Jones & Daughters | 806 E Market St | $62+| jonesanddaughters.co/

The perfect gift for the Swiftie in your life.

2. Customized Duffle Bag

Clayton & Crume | 216 S Shelby St | $925+ | claytonandcrume.com

The ultimate travel accessory from Louisville’s premiere leather goods retailer.

3. KY Baseball Cap

Le Lieu | 213 S. Shelby St | $40 | shoplelieu.com

Show your state pride in style with this ball cap from Nulu’s newest shopping destination.

4. Howdy Bandana

Le Lieu | 213 S. Shelby St | $38 | shoplelieu.com

A little dash country has never looked cuter.

5. Puttshack Giftcard

Puttshack | 7900 Shelbyville Rd |

Various Prices | puttshack.com

Buying for a couple or a whole family? Pick up a gift card to this minigolf and dining destination.

6. Bri Bowers Louisville Ornaments

Revelry Gallery | 742 E Market St | $14 | bribowers.com

These ornaments featuring Louisville institutions from past and present are the perfect way to complete a friend’s Christmas tree.

7. Rainbow Metallic Tinsel Fringe Earrings

Velvet Outlaw | 1860 Mellwood Ave Studio 268 | $18 | velvetoutlaw.com

Looking for something shiny and stylish? These earrings can be worn all yearround.

Erica

’ s

Holiday Top 10

(FOR ONLINE-ISH SHOPPERS)

8. Nice Bottle of Champagne

Nouvelle | 214 S Clay St B | Prices vary | nouvellewine.com

Nouvelle’s owner hunts far and wide to stack his shop with some truly special bottles that would make an unforgettable gift.

9. Holiday Spice Candle

Kozy Kandles | 213 Pearl St | $25.99 | kozykandles.com

This holiday spice candle will smell extra nice under the Christmas tree.

10. Cleanse This Space Gift Bag

Bluegrass Witch | 2040 Frankfort Ave | $30 | thebluegrasswitch.net

Have a friend making a big move? Help them get their new place ready with this kit from the Bluegrass Witch.

2. A Purposeful Ponte Online

Painting Class

purposefulpontecom.wpcomstaging.com - $6

1. Reversible Chenille Blanket Muji.us - $24.90

This small blanket is perfect for wearing over the shoulders. There is a button that holds the blanket in place like a shawl making it the perfect cozy companion for cold mornings.

Learning to paint is a great way to manage stress and to learn or improve on a skill. A Purposeful Ponte is a Black-owned painting studio in Louisville that offers many online class options.

3. A Donation to Hip Hop

Sweet Shop hipsweets.com - $ your decision but any amount will help

After a fire took their former location, this

Louisville business has been selling their goods from their mobile bakery but is working towards the build of a new location and could use your help. Hip Hop Sweet Shop is a Black/LGBTQ+ -owned business.

4. Better Days Records Gift Card

@betterdayslouisville on Instagram - $25+

Louisville’s legendary record store has supported local musicians and music fans for more than 30 years. A Black-owned business, proprietor Ben Jones has managed to weather the ever-changing music landscape.

5. Down Room Boots

Muju.us - $49.90

I’m a big fan of warm toes and if I don’t have warm toes, I feel miserable. These muji boots seem like the perfect remedy for cold feet and I’m sad that I didn’t buy any when I was at Muji in Japan.

6. Fraziertown Artisan Soaps fraziertownsoaps.com - $5+

Local Black-owned, artisan soaps with fragrances that pull from nature, memory and seasonal treats. Self-care is never a bad bet when giving gifts.

7. Uniqlo Ukiyo-E

Dark Fantasy T-shirt

uniqlo.com - $24.90

When I went to Japan, I bought several of the Ukiyo-E shirts but there were so many more that I saw I wanted. If you have any fans of Japanese culture, Yokai, or other ghosts in general, you can’t go wrong with one of these beautifully illustrated shirts.

8. Mahonia Gift Card

mahoniastudio.com - $50

Mahonia is one of Louisville’s most unique floral and plant shops. From gorgeous exotic greens to exceptional blooms, Mahonia elevates the flower buying experience.

9. Norabar Karaoke Room

Reservation

noraebar.com - $45+

For the singer in your life, what could be better than a reservation in a room full of friends to sing their hearts out. Noraebar is always a fun time and ordering a bucket of soju only guarantees the party goes on til late. Plan to ask for extra time if its available.

CALEB’S HOLIDAY TOP 1O

1. L-Shaped Standing Desk

amazon.com | $449.99

Go big or go home with this huge L-shaped standing desk for those who appreciate their backs when they’re older. There is plenty of space to put your assorted items across this 75 x 63 inch desk with a programmed controller on the side to measure how high up you want your desk to be.

2. Please and Thank You Cookie

Please & Thank You | 800 East Market St. | $33

Cookies are one of the most important desserts one can snack on during the holiday season. What better way to get friends and family around than to surprise them with a dozen amazing chocolate chip cookies?

3. Season Tickets To Louisville Soccer Racing Louisville | racingloufc.com | $168+ Season tickets to Racing Louisville Soccer Club offer a lot of value, especially if you’re a soccer fan or want to get more involved in the local sports scene other than basketball. By getting season tickets for you or a friend, you’re directly supporting the team and helping grow women’s soccer around here.

4. Cacao Espresso Martini Modica | drinkmodica.com | $20 Espresso martinis can make the holidays add a layer of depth to the flavors of the season. Made from local Louisville cocktail mix shop Modica, there are plenty of amazing flavors to choose from as a gift for friends and family.

10. Bar Vetti Gift Card

www.toasttab.com/bar-vetti-louisville/ giftcards - $5+

An absolute favorite restaurant for many locals in Louisville. Bar Vetti’s menu and drinks list is easily in the top 10 spots in the city. If you’re looking for a foodie that you know (or me), this is a good bet.

5. Pappy & Company Breakfast Gift Set

Papay & Co. | pappyco.com | $45

This Kentucky-inspired breakfast comes with Weisenberger Mills Kentucky buttermilk pancake mix and Pappy Van WInkle

bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup to make the most delicious breakfast in bed.

6. Bourbon Truffles

Art Eatables | arteatables.com | $46

Small-batch truffles for the sweet tooths in your friend groups and in your family are the perfect gift to give. These truffles offer a taste of an entire Bourbon Trail all in one box.

7. Friendship Plant

Pretty Decent Bar | 2235 Frankfort Ave. #107 | $40

The pilea peperomioides are the “friendship

plants” that sprout up through the soil from the mother plant, giving the opportunity to give out new sprouts to friends. This pet-safe plant is perfect for anyone looking to get into taking care of a new green pal.

8. Julep Cup

Stoneware & Co. | 731 Brent St. | $27

Even if you or your friends aren’t the biggest fan of the mint julep, having a neat cup to hold your yearly horseracing drink in can’t hurt. This julep cup captures the fun and excitement of horseracing all around.

9. Zodiac Necklace

PinkTag | 7900 Shelbyville Rd. Suite E20 | $28

A personalized gift for a friend who gives off the energy of their sign, this zodiac necklace is perfect for someone you care about.

10. Cooking Play Set

Milk & Honey | 1301 Herr Ln. #152 | $44.99

If you or someone you know has a young chef that wants to learn to cook, check out this adorable cooking play set that allows creative young minds to run wild.

MY MORNING JACKET’S PATRICK HALLAHAN TALKS

NEW ALBUM, SOBRIETY, AND POSSIBLE FUTURE MMJ MUSIC FESTIVAL IN LOUISVILLE

“I don’t think we’ve ever felt younger or more alive than we do now”

BY JEFF POLK

My Morning Jacket is a band that needs no introduction. If you live in or are from Louisville, you know exactly who they are. Hell, you probably know them personally, (everyone here seems to, or at least has a good story about running into a band member somewhere around town). In the words of former Mayor Jerry Abramson, spoken onstage before My Morning Jacket’s sold-out August 2008 show at Waterfront Park; “We’re going to have guys on this stage from Male High School, St. X High School, Oldham County High School - these are Louisville folks!” While not entirely true for the My Morning Jacket lineup that’s been together since 2004, (guitarist Carl Broemel and keyboardist Bo Koster were both born and raised outside of KY), band founders Jim James (vocals, guitar), and Tom Blankenship (bass), as well as drummer Patrick Hallahan, (who joined the band in 2002), are indeed Louisville folk, (hence the three high schools Abramson name-checked).

Since forming in 1998, the three-time GRAMMY Award-nominated band has released ten studio albums, ten EPs, three compilation albums, eleven live albums, and has gone from playing the likes of Twice Told Coffeehouse, Rudyard Kipling, and yes, even Toy Tiger, to soldout headlining world tours with shows at some of the world’s most famous venues, (Red Rocks, Madison Square Garden, The Greek Theatre), and top-billing at several major music festivals, (including 2024’s Bourbon and Beyond). Even going as far in 2014 as creating and playing their own annual destination music festival called One Big Holiday, (named after the song of the same title from their 2003 album It Still Moves). The next of which takes place April 3-5, 2025 in Miramar Beach, Florida. On the heels of releasing their latest single, “Aren’t We One?” — the first single released from their upcoming eleventh as-of-yet untitled full-length studio album — LEO was given the opportunity to chat with My Morning Jacket drummer Patrick Hallahan over Zoom from his home right here in Louisville. Here’s what he had to say.

LEO: So what can you tell me about the next album?

Patrick Hallahan: It’s recorded, it’s mixed, it’s mastered, and it’s ready. We’re going to release it sometime next year, first quarter, probably March, just to give us some time to release it properly, to get the vinyl pressed, and get a proper record campaign built up around. We’re really excited about it. We ended up recording it at Henson Studios in Los Angeles — the old A&M Records plant. It’s the first time in a long time that we’ve worked with a producer — Brendan O’Brien, whose resume speaks for itself — and it was just a really positive experience. We’re big fans of the records that he’s done throughout the years and thought that he would be a great fit for the group, so we took a chance and it was better than we would have ever imagined. It was the exact ingredient that we needed in our process. We needed a coach. We have enough creative input to last seven lifetimes, and we needed somebody to reel us in when we needed to be reeled in and push us when

we needed to be pushed. It was just a really great team and I can’t say enough about working with him and the recording process in general. It was just super enjoyable.

You all never have the same set list twice, and there is no way for the fans to predict what songs you all will play from night to night. How does the setlist get created each night? Well, we try to do a different set every night because we have this group of fans that I can’t begin to express my gratitude for their dedication. They come to every show, and we think about their experience coming to multiple shows, and we think about the people who are seeing us for the first time, and we try to come up with a set list every night that’s interesting to the people that see us every night and the people that are only seeing us in that town. Our keyboardist, Bo Koster, he’s a gamer by trade, he’s a great poker player and loves word games, so he started looking at the setlist and coming up with strategies of how to mix things up. I mean, we’ve always tried

to mix things up, but we were definitely doing more repeat in previous years. And Jim’s been open to it a lot more recently as well. Like, I don’t think you’d want to have to publicly recite poetry that you wrote in your freshman year of high school, you know? [laughs]. That kind of stuff weighs on a person after a while, and he’s let a lot of that go, which has taken a lot of songs out of the doghouse and made it possible to mix it up. So really, no rules apply and there’s nothing off-limits anymore for any of the band members, and we’ve had a great time not playing the same way every night. Like, if somebody wants to take a guitar solo, they can do it. If I feel like there’s a drum solo that’s going to happen in the middle of a breakdown, I can take that. We’re in our mid-40s and we’ve found immense freedom, and it has just kind of trickled into every detail of our organization, and it’s really liberating. It’s my favorite era to date. I hope it only gets better, but it’s never been more fun being in this band.

Do you all have a list of all the songs you know, or do you all have to go back and relearn a lot of songs?

So on our normal headlining tour, we reserve 90 minutes a day for sound check. So we’ll play a 90-minute show before a show usually, and that’s to go back through old material and become reacquainted with it. What can we do new with it? How do we blend parts of songs that we don’t want to play all the way through, and what songs when we do? It’s just a lot of thought put into it, but we do have lists we keep. We have nights where we’ll make a note of, like, OK, we really like this setlist and how this feels for this night. We won’t do that exact same thing again, but we’ll store it and we’ll just say things like this beginning is really good. This ending is great. This is good for a Saturday night. This is good for a Monday night. This is good for a quieter night. This one’s good if there’s still sun out and we’re blending into the light show. We just have all these different lists that we pull from and then we customize it to each night. We like to think about that stuff ahead of time, and then we’re not scrambling at the end to do it. Bo usually takes that on. He gets it all started and then brings it to us and we put the finishing tweaks on it.

Have you all ever considered starting your own festival here in Louisville, separate from One Big Holiday? Or maybe even bringing One Big Holiday here?

You know, we’ve talked about doing that kind of stuff a lot. Honestly, the One Big Holiday model was always based around an all-inclusive resort, which made it kind of like escaping from places like the Midwestern and Southeastern United States in the winter to go someplace warm. So we haven’t done anything like that yet because we didn’t want to mess with that model too much. Well, now we’re doing one in Florida because there were a bunch of festivals that couldn’t happen on the site that we normally do One Big Holiday, so we had to pivot to Florida this year. But of course we’ve talked about doing it in Louisville. Actually, we had a two-day kind of like festival there [in 2022] at Iroquois and then Waterfront, but then Jim got COVID, and that all went away very quickly. So it’s been a plan for a long time, it just hasn’t been properly executed yet. It’s a tricky play because a lot of people look at Louisville now as a great place to throw a festival, and we’re one of them. It’s just a matter of figuring out how to do it and where to do it. How do we do it and not mess with the radius clauses of Bourbon and Beyond? We were dealing with the Forecastle Festival and not wanting to crossover on that too much. We’re up for all of the effort and everything to do it. We love it and we’ve been longtime partners with Production Simple and this kind of

stuff, and we’ve talked about it at great length, it’s just a matter of doing it right. We had a great thing lined up before the COVID cancellation. That one was like taking eight sucker punches to the stomach, [laughs]. Actually, we drove by it the day we were supposed to play. The Louisville Leopard Percussionists were going to open that day, and my daughter plays in the Leopards. We had visited the site the day before and she was just looking at it, and we were both saying that we get to share this moment together on a stage in this beautiful Great Lawn and just having a little father-daughter moment about the whole thing. And for her to get that news; I had to deliver that to her, and then she wanted to drive by the site. She was like, “Well, I want to go see it,” and it was one of the saddest moments I’ve had in a while driving by that fully functioning festival site that was just being taken down, oh my God, [laughs]. So yeah, to say that we were overdue for that and wanting to figure out how to make that happen is an understatement for sure.

Any chance you’ll ever bring back your cooking show “In The Kitchen with Patrick Hallahan” or something like it?

Yes, that’s the goal, I’m just trying to figure out how. I’ve had several opportunities to work on show models for that, I’m just trying to find something a little more interesting than just me standing there cooking because you can watch a real chef do that. I have a few show models lined up, I’m just trying to figure out

was ever thinking about doing it, all the lies you tell yourself about people not wanting to hang out with you or you not being fun, it’s all in your head. I couldn’t quite conceive a life without booze, just being in the food and music industries. Louisville is a drinking town; it’s just part of how we grow up and what we do. It was hard for me to conceive not having that outlet or going to a social gathering and not drinking, and it’s been so easy. It really has been. And nowadays it’s even more accepted. I highly recommend it. If anybody has ever questioned if that might be the right move for them, I would say try it out because it certainly was extremely illuminating to me how better my life was without alcohol. And what’s made it super easy on the road is we don’t even have alcohol on the rider anymore. We haven’t for three years, and it’s been a beautiful thing for our band for sure.

who’s going to do it and how to pull it off. But yes, I’m very much actively pursuing that because that was so much fun and it is definitely an equal love of mine. When it comes to music and food, they go hand in hand. That was a fun thing to do during the pandemic and it kind of lit a fire to figure out how to do it in more of a permanent way instead of just a subscription-based thing. But yeah, there will definitely be more of that type of thing to come.

I saw where you said you’d been three years sober now, congratulations! How is that going and how did it come about?

That came about after 2020. I just decided I was going to clear my head, get focused, and get physically and mentally healthy. I went on a strict diet, started working out a lot, and took a break from drinking, and I quickly found out that my life was just better without it. I didn’t really have a moment where I needed to stop; it was more like I just realized that my life was infinitely better without it. My relationships were better, my work ethic was better, and I wasn’t planning my week around feeling like crap. I was getting really bad hangovers and I just made a decision to take a break from it and I’ve never gone back. I don’t have any judgment on people who do drink. A lot of my friends and family are in the alcohol business. It was just a personal choice. I just felt better, slept better, and I felt like a better human being without it. So I haven’t gone back, and it hasn’t been hard. If anybody

It seems like you all have progressed quite a bit as a band and as people. I know at one point you all were ready to split up. Yeah, that’s true, and that all came from just being in a long relationship. Friendships change. It’s literally like being married to four other people. And it doesn’t matter how good of a relationship you have, it’s going to be tested and tried. People are going to have different feelings at different times and yeah, it got close for us. It really did. And I’m really happy that we were able to pull it around and see how lucky we were. That’s really what it came down to — the gratitude of the level of relationship that the five of us have together and how special it is. You don’t get that everywhere and with everyone, and so here we are.

Hopefully, you all never get back to that point again.

I don’t see that happening. You know, honestly, it’s the best it’s ever been. I know it’s easy to go into hyperbole, but I truly mean that. It feels like the healthiest the band has ever been. The term ‘youth is wasted on the young’ is certainly applicable to us at times because — and I can speak for the rest of the guys too — I don’t think we’ve ever felt younger or more alive than we do now. And not feeling like we’re chained to anything, it’s truly liberating!

My Morning Jacket’s latest single “Aren’t We One?” is available now on all streaming platforms. Their live album, MMJ Live Vol. 4: Terminal 5 – NYC – The Tennessee Fire 10/18/ 10, will be released on November 22, 2024. For more information, visit mymorningjacket.com.

My Morning Jacket at Bourbon & Beyond

Courtesy Photo

My Morning Jacket Austin Nelson

BELLISSIMO BRINGS AFGHAN PRIDE TO THE TABLE

BY ROBIN GARR

Just about every successful restaurateur worked hard to achieve that dream, but for some of our immigrant neighbors, that’s only half of the story.

Consider, if you will, an Iranian-born chef who learned Italian cooking at Vincenzo’s, then with his Afghanistan-migrant wife bounced from the upscale Italian eatery to a popular Italian food truck and restaurant that has now expanded into Louisville’s first Afghan eatery: Bellissimo.

Bellissimo – Italian for “very beautiful” –rolled around the metro, attracting a growing following for its upscale Italian fare for six years before it grew into the Buechel space vacated by Dasha Barbour’s Southern Bistro, which moved downtown. That was about a year and a half ago, and almost from the start, Chef Abbas Jamshidi and his wife Mahboba Rasoli and their three grown children added an Afghan menu to the familiar Italian delights.

“Discover Louisville’s newest culinary gem,” the owners exhort social-media followers: “Bellissimo serves up authentic Italian favorites AND is proud to be the city’s firstever Afghan restaurant!”

We took a quick look at the Italian menu during a recent visit, but it didn’t take long to zero in on the less familiar (to us) Afghan dishes. Nine main dishes are offered, each with a clear description of its ingredients and form.

(Please note that the costly looking fullcolor, laminated menus have not been updated since a price change. I get that, given rising food costs, but I would have appreciated knowing that before we ordered. Our server, Fahwad, one of the family’s younger generation, was kind and helpful, so I’m not having a tantrum over this. But take note of the discrepancy if you go … as you should.

The Afghan dishes range in price from $12 (listed as $8) for Banjan Borani, an eggplantbased entree, to $19.99 (listed as $16.99) for Qabili Palow, an impressive lamb and rice dish.

The Italian menu, if you insist, comprises a dozen familiar options listed at prices from $9 to $17.

Coffee and standard sodas are available, but I opted for the experience of Afghanstyle chai ($2.25), which was a happy choice. A tall, handled glass teacup bore an aromatic serving of hot, clear bronze-color tea with a distinct scent of cardamom to give it a lift. It was a welcome quaff on a brisk afternoon. The dining room is simple and bright, decorated with a mix of Central Asian decor and a colorful vertical mural depicting an Italian

village. Table settings, however, may signal the owner’s heritage at Vincenzo’s: Quality, heavy silverware was set on the tables, and dishes came out on good china plates; on the more casual side, tables go undraped, and paper napkins are provided.

But service, as noted, was attentive and kind, and the food – which is what we come for, after all – was consistently exceptional.

Qabili Palow ($19.99), for example, was built around a large lamb shank. Like all the Afghan meat dishes, the lamb was halal: Raised, butchered, and prepared according to Islamic requirements. In my experience, this procedure all but guarantees a natural, flavorful product, and this was no exception.

If you don’t love lamb, avert your eyes, but this long-braised shank had a distinct gamey character that I associate with freerange lamb. The meat was tender and pulled easily off the bone. It was rich with fat and collagen that made it juicy and even more flavorful, and all those juices dripped unctuously into the Afghan-style spiced basmati rice on the plate. It came with a spicy cilantro, jalapeño, and vinegar Afghan green sauce so would optionally kick up the flavor one more notch.

This dish, also known as Kabuli Palow, is

often billed as “Afghanistan’s National Dish” thanks to its popularity. But our other entree, Borani Banjan ($12) also earns that frequent accolade.

It achieved similar delights to the lamb and rice dish but with a plant-based approach.

Cut-up chunks of cooked eggplant were simmered with tomatoes and onions until completely tender. Then it was formed into a neat round, topped with a thick slice of cooked tomato, plated on a creamy yogurt sauce and artfully drizzled with more of the

same, and finished with snipped cilantro and mint. All that brought a lot of flavors to the culinary concert, and they came together in resounding harmony.

Baklava may strike us as a traditional Greek dish, but the fame of this intensely sweet dessert pastry has carried it across the Levant and Central Asia all the way to Afghanistan. A generous slice of dense, honey-sweet Afghanstyle baklava ($3), big enough to share, was built on many layers of flaky phyllo pastry enveloping finely chopped walnuts and hardto-pin-down spices that inspired memories of orange, cardamom, honey, and roses. It was on the dense side, almost tough, but once broken down with knife and fork, it made a splendid ending.

Our meal for two came to $39.74, with all

Bellissimo 2217 Steier Lane 690-2040

facebook.com/bellissimo.lou instagram.com/bellissimoisbeautiful threads.net/@bellissimoisbeautiful

the remaining cash we could find in our pockets and purse thrown in as tip for Fawad’s friendly and helpful service.

Noise Level: A friendly group talking at a neighboring table and quiet music in the distant background did not hamper conversation, with noise levels hovering around a moderate 65dB.

Accessibility: The restaurant appears accessible to wheelchair users.

A traditional Afghan dish, Borani Banjan assembles sauteed eggplant, tomatoes, onions, cooked tomato, cilantro and mint in a hearty veggie entree.

Billed as a national dish of Afghanistan, Qabili Palow turns simple basmati rice rich and delicious with sensuous spices. It’s topped with carrots and a huge, flavorful lamb shank.

Dense and firm, a hefty block of baklava filled layers of flaky phyllo pastry with chopped walnuts, spices, and sweet honey.

Afghan-style chai is simple and refereshing: Strong, clear black tea the color of fallen autumn leaves breathes an aromatic scent of cardamom.

Robin Garr

DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN JUST LANDED IN SOUTHERN INDIANA. HERE’S WHAT WE THOUGHT OF THEIR FOOD.

It’s hard not to salivate over this new spot in the Louisville area.

BY CALEB STULTZ

Dave’s Hot Chicken, a chicken-based restaurant out of East Hollywood, has opened its doors on Thursday, Nov. 8 on Town Center Boulevard in Jeffersonville, IN.

This short, 15-minute drive north of Louisville is worth the drive, consisting of some of the best hot chicken one could ask for. Dave’s Hot Chicken has more than 230 locations across the country, including a hot chicken spot in the heart of Kentucky in Lexington.

There are set to be eight more locations across Louisville over the next few years, but the first is just across the river for Dave’s, which served up a delicious meal we got a chance to try over the weekend. Here’s what we thought:

Going into Dave’s on Sunday, Nov. 10, I figured the wait would have died down a little since the grand opening two days ago. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

There were folks scattered all over the open floor waiting for their orders being rang out from one man over a microphone as Dave’s prompter showing in-progress orders was not working. I listened intently for my order to be called, and salivated evermore in anticipation.

I snagged the Number 2, consisting of two medium hot chicken tenders with a side of macaroni and cheese. I got it to go as there were no tables available to go sit down. Think of Chick-Fil-A just a few minutes down Veteran’s Parkway in Clarksville, then double the foot traffic.

While I waited on my food, I saw some gorgeous interior design that really made me feel like Dave’s truly knew the culture of the area. I can appreciate a spot that gives more than a moment’s thought to its customers. The callback to the Belle of Louisville was also a tasteful touch in a packed waiting area for takeout orders. Taking in that interior helped with the dreadful wait. I’m sure these longs waits will die down as more spots open up around Louisville, but man it was painful this time around.

I drove back hope to open up my delicious box of goodness, and boy was I in for a treat. See, I’ve had Dave’s before in Oklahoma City, so I know the reputation of this company is staked entirely on its unique and bold flavor. I really thought

since it was a new link in the chain of over 200 restaurants, maybe the quality would suffer.

I couldn’t be more wrong.

Each bite was a gentle reminder of why these owners beat the breaks off their competition with no sweat. The gooey macaroni and cheese blends so easily with the hot chicken that it makes everyone else look amateur in their futile attempts to make hot chicken in the first place.

Overall, I think it only took me seven, maybe eight minutes to scarf it down, since I knew I could always just go back there tomorrow since it’s so close to my house, and not seven hours away in the middle of the southwestern United States.

There’s no real score we could use, because Dave’s Hot Chicken is in its own stratosphere in terms of quality hot chicken.

Caleb Stultz

Meet Jerry! This 4-year-old Domestic Shorthair mix came to the Kentucky Humane Society as his previous owner could no longer care for him. While Jerry is a calm and rather independent fellow, he will never decline some snuggles or a good chin scratch. Jerry is FIV+, but don’t let that scare you! With proper nutrition and veterinary care, FIV+ cats can live long, healthy li Jerry is the purr-fect companion for quiet nights in, providing a comforting presence and warm purrs Jerry promises to bring joy, peace, and a lot of lo into your life. Want to take Jerry home? He’s neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready to go home, today! Come meet him at our Sam Swo Pet TLC - 241 Steedly Drive

CORALINE JERRY

Introducing Legend! This 7-year-old American Staffordshire mix came to KHS from Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch after their shelter was destroyed by Hurricane Milton. Legend is a big lovebug, who truly believes he is a lap dog and oves nothing more than some cuddles. He gets along well with other dogs, and would do best in a home with older, dog-savvy children. With his sweet, squishy face, you'll be sure to fall in love with him! Legend is currently being treated for heartworms, but that just means he needs a low-energy lifestyle and a oncemonthly dose of Advantage until he tests negative KHS covers all heartworm treatment expenses, so you'll have nothing to worry about with Legend in your ife! Come meet this snuggly guy today - who knows? He may just be your pawfect match! Legend is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready to meet you at our Sam Swope Pet TLC - 241 Steedly Drive.

ELEVATE YOUR THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH THESE BRINING TIPS FROM LOUISVILLE CHEF ANTHONY LAMAS

Discover Chef Anthony Lamas’ Tips for the Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey

BY SYDNEY CATINNA

Ready to serve a Thanksgiving turkey as juicy and flavorful as a dish from one of Louisville’s top chefs? These tips and tricks from Seviche’s Chef Anthony Lamas guarantee a tender, flavorful turkey that’ll make this Thanksgiving a holiday to remember.

Chef Lamas, a farm-to-table pioneer is also a three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist and seasoned TV personality, having served as judge and competitor on shows like Bar Rescue and Beat Bobby Flay.

His brine recipe will take your holiday meal to the next level with a perfectly juicy, seasoned bird. Read on for his essential tips and ingredients!

Chef’s Tip: The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

The longer you give the bird and skin to dry, the better it will brown. Drying it overnight is best!

Before roasting, frying or smoking, take the turkey out of the brine and place it on a rack for at least a couple of hours. Allow the turkey

skin to dry thoroughly. Use paper towels to pat it dry if needed. You can place the roasting pan in the refrigerator.

Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

Ingredients

2 gallons of water

1 cup salt

1/2 c pure cane sugar

1/4 c whole peppercorns

6 cloves garlic

2 roughly chopped poblano peppers

2 lemons (zest and juice)

2 oranges (zest and juice)

2 limes (zest and juice

2 Tablespoons crushed chilies

1/4 cup sliced fresh celery

2 carrots sliced

3 fresh sliced shallots

1 fresh leek sliced

1 Tablespoons juniper berries

Fresh rosemary

Fresh thyme

WHAT TO WATCH AT THANKSGIVING

An alternative list

BY TRACY HEIGHTCHEW

Hopefully you, dear reader, get a nice long break around Thanksgiving, and are looking for a few movies to watch. To get into the holiday mood, you can stream the tried and true titles like “Home for the Holidays” and “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” or go to the theater to watch “Wicked” and “Gladiator II.” Maybe you have a family tradition all your own. Growing up, my family loved watching Clint Eastwood movies after stuffing ourselves, and to this day, catching sight of the Man with No Name makes me think of those times. Here is a rundown of titles that, for a myriad of reasons, say Thanksgiving to me.

Starting with the food movies, I never miss an opportunity to recommend one of the best food fight movies ever — the Czech New Wave Classic “Daisies.” Věra Chytilová’s surrealist comedy classic is a hedonistic exercise in excess with experimental film techniques and pranks galore as the camera follows two wild and crazy gals on a romp. It’s a much watch for film connoisseurs of all stripes (stream on Max & Criterion). Or go a whole other direction with the cozy, feel-good movie “Soul Food,” a portrait of an extended Black family in Chicago, and the meals that bring them together every Sunday. “Soul Food” launched the career of George Tillman, Jr. and his subsequent “Barbershop” films, which are also good Thanksgiving movies (stream on Tubi). And we are blessed with Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci as brothers running a restaurant in “Big Night,” set in 1950s New Jersey. Or explore the intersection of food and Catholicism and family ties in the long-lost, newly remastered “Household Saints.” You can stream “Household Saints” and “Big Night” on hoopla, a free, no-ad streaming app available with your Library Card.

Since Thanksgiving means family to so many, it’s no wonder that films about family make this list. I never let a year go by that I don’t tell the world about my favorite family film — “The Farewell,” featuring a Chinese family who come together from all around the world to say goodbye to their terminally ill matriarch. The thing is, she has no idea that she is sick and no one is sharing this information with her. This sounds like a depressing and rough watch, but is instead an uplifting, rich, and hilarious film (stream on Max).

Even though these films fall short of being escapist, they are feel-good films,

despite some occasional heavy themes. But this time of year does bring a certain level of melancholy to the table, and I have films that will help you lean into that feeling. Robert Altman’s dreamy cult classic

“Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” is a portrait of nostalgia and regret, all set in a worn down, small town diner and centered around the friendship of a once tight circle of friends (rent on

Prime). And if you want to spiral deeper with this theme, check out “The Last Picture Show,” a crisp, black and white ode to fading youth and bad decisions (stream on Criterion and Prime). It feels like a good year to revisit “The Ice Storm” and marvel over how young Christian Ricci and Elijah Wood were in this film. Based on the novel by Rick Moody, “The Ice Storm” is a quintessential 1970s suburbia film set

on Thanksgiving, about the heartbreaking dynamics of a dysfunctional family and society (rent on Prime).

And for many people, Thanksgiving means Friendsgiving. Netflix has gifted us with “It’s What’s Inside,” a body-swap film centered around friendship that turns into an existential nightmare for all involved. It recalls “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies,” but is nowhere as polarizing as that film. Staying with the dark theme, other films like “Dark Harvest” (stream on MGM+ and Prime) and “Blackcoat’s Daughter” (rent on Prime) make good use of the season, letting the look of harvest time and winter set the tone for the horror unleashed on screen.

But if what you are looking to do is crawl out of seasonal depression rather than wallow in it, I have a film that may have slipped under your radar and is an utter delight. Do yourself a favor and fire up the Roku Channel and enjoy the overthe-top “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” Daniel Radcliffe stars as Yankovic, alongside Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna and Rainn Wilson as Dr. Demento in a biopic like no other.

The Ice Storm Daisies 1966 Courtesy Photos

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of November 20

ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Award-winning Aries filmmaker Quentin Tarantino was born and raised in the US. But he has said, “I don’t make movies for America. I make movies for planet Earth.” I applaud his expansive perspective and recommend you cultivate your own version of it in the coming weeks. You will generate good fortune for yourself as you enlarge your audience, your range of influences, and your sphere of activity. It will be an excellent time to transcend previous notions of who you are and what your life’s assignments are. The frontiers are calling you to open your mind wider than ever as you leap to the next higher octave of your destiny.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Earth knows no desolation. She smells regeneration in the moist breath of decay.” Author George Meredith said that, and now I’m conveying it to you. Why? Because you’re entering a phase when you will have maximum power to ensure that decay leads to regeneration. My advice: Instead of trying to repress your awareness of what’s decomposing, tune into it energetically. The sooner you embrace the challenging but interesting work to be done, the faster and more effective the redemption will be. Here’s your battle cry: Turn rot into splendor!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Mercury will be your slippery but sticky companion in the coming weeks, Gemini. Whether or not you believe he is a literal god who abides in the spiritual realm, I trust you will acknowledge that he is a vivid archetype. He symbolizes forces that facilitate communication and promote connection. Since he is constantly traveling and conversing, he also represents boundary-crossing and thresholds. I encourage you to summon his assistance whenever you want to lubricate links and foster combinations. He can help you unify disparate influences and strengthen your network of allies.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Utility poles and telephones poles may seem to be indestructible towers, but they have a limited life span. A prime factor in their gradual demise is woodpeckers. The birds drill holes that over time weaken the wood. Their handiwork allows moisture to seep in, causing rot, and creates access points for small animals to burrow in and cause further disintegration. I bring this to your attention because I want to encourage you to launch a woodpecker-like campaign against any seemingly impregnable structures that oppress and restrict you. It might take a while to undermine their power to

interfere with your life, but now is an excellent time to begin.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): As an American, I’m jealous of how many festivals the Japanese people celebrate. By some estimates, there are over 100,000 events every year—an average of 274 per day! They may feature music, theater, dancing, entertainment, karaoke, sumo matches, games, delicious food, colorful costumes, spiritual observances, and parades of floats and shrines. If you are a Japanese Leo, you’re in luck. The astrological indicators suggest that in the coming months, you should take extra advantage of your culture’s revels, parties, and social merriment. If you’re not in Japan, do your best to fulfill your cosmic mandate to frolic and carouse. Start as soon as possible!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Flintstones was an animated TV comedy show broadcast in the US from 1960 to 1966. It was colossally silly and wildly popular. It portrayed cavemen and cavewomen living suburban lives in the Stone Age with dinosaurs as pets and cars made of wood and rocks. The chirpy theme song for the show was stolen from a piano sonata written by the classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I invite you to steadily carry out the opposite of that conversion. Transform what’s daft or preposterous into what’s elegant and meaningful. Change superficial approaches into righteous devotions. Move away from trifling diversions and toward passionate magnificence.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Even if you’re not a professional writer, I invite you to compose three lyrical messages in the coming days. One will be a psalm of appreciation for a person who enchants your imagination and inspires you to be your best self. Another will be a hymn of praise that you address to yourself—a gorgeous, expansive boast or an outpouring of gratitude for the marvel and mystery of you. The third salutation will be an address to a higher power, whether that’s God, Goddess, Nature, your Guardian Angel, Higher Self, or Life itself. If you can find it in your brave, wild heart to sing or chant these exaltations, you will place yourself in close alignment with cosmic rhythms. (PS: In general, now is a fantastic time to identify what you love and express your feelings for what you love.)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The Greek term pharmakon has a complicated set of meanings: scapegoat, poison, remedy, and recipe.

According to my astrological analysis, all of these could soon be operative in your life. One surprise is that a metaphoric “poison” you are exposed to may ultimately serve as a remedy. Another curiosity is that a scapegoat may reveal a potent recipe for redemptive transformation. A further possibility: You will discover a new recipe for a very fine remedy. I’m not certain exactly how the whole story will unfold, but I’m betting the net effect will be a lot of healing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Museum of Broken Relationships is in Zagreb, Croatia. It collects castaway objects left behind after intimate relationships have collapsed. Among its treasures are love letters, wedding rings, jars of bitter tears, stuffed animals, feather-filled quilts, and matching sweaters. Inspired by this sad spectacle, I invite you to create a very different shrine in your home: one that’s dedicated to wonderful memories from times of successful togetherness. Making this ritual gesture of hope and positivity will prepare you well for the potential relationship growth available for you in the coming months.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It’s the Soul Retrieval phase of your long-term cycle, Capricorn. Have there been people, either alive or dead, who wounded or pirated parts of your treasured essence? Have you experienced painful events that weakened your connection to your inner riches? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to undertake meditations in which you carry out repair and restoration. You will summon curative agents whenever you reclaim lost and missing fragments of your soul. Be aggressive in seeking helpers who can synergize your own efforts.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The Wistaria Vine in Sierra Madre, California is the world’s biggest blooming plant. Spread over an acre, it weighs 250 tons and teems with over 1.5 million blossoms. I propose we regard it as your inspirational symbol for the coming months. Why? I expect you will be more abundantly creative and generative than maybe ever before. Your vitality will overflow. Your vigor will be delightfully lavish and profound. Homework: Start planning how you will wield and manage all that lushness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean playwright and songwriter Robert Lopez is the only person to have won all four of the following awards more than once: Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, and Grammys. He was also the youngest person to have won all four. I propose we make him your inspirational role model in the coming weeks and months. According to my astrological analysis, you are primed to ascend to new levels of accomplishment in your chosen field—and to be acknowledged for your success. Think big! Then think even bigger.

Homework: I invite you and dare you to revise your definitions of success.

SAVAGE LOVE

TWINNING

BY DAN SAVAGE

Hey Dan: I might be falling in love with my husband’s identical twin brother.

My husband and I have been in a traditional monogamous cishet straight marriage for twelve years. It wasn’t until the last few years that I started catching feelings for my brother-in-law, who is also married. I started to notice my BIL in a way that surprised me when we went on a family vacation together. He’s just so empathetic, compassionate, and articulate. He also has the same body my husband does (obviously), although my BIL is little fitter than my husband. What is really hard to understand is that my feelings for my husband haven’t changed. Do I love them both? Is that possible? Our sex life isn’t suffering. I’ve never been someone who can have orgasms without a vibrator assist, and I’m fine with that. Sometimes though, I find myself thinking about my BIL and feel extremely turned on. When he’s not around I miss him. I’ve even dream about the two of us just talking to each other. I feel extremely guilty about this because acting on it would mean betraying everyone I love. Sometimes it’s extremely overwhelming. I find myself watching my BIL and wondering if he feels the same way about me. I think he might — to a degree — but I know neither of us would want to jeopardize our marriages and I would never ask my BIL to jeopardize his relationship with his brother. I also love my sister-in-law very much. But I can’t help but wonder that in some weird parallel universe maybe I was meant to be with my BIL. I can’t tell anyone about this and I’m desperate to hear what you think. Could I have chosen the wrong twin? I am afraid the only way forward is to just keep quietly loving my BIL and never say anything.

—Crumbling Rapidly Under Stupid Heartache

It’s certainly possible to love more than one romantic partner at a time — please see the hundreds of columns I’ve written over the years about polyamory — but it’s not always possible for a particular individual to have more than one romantic partner at a time. Like, say, someone in a traditional monogamous cishet straight marriage.

You know what else is possible? It’s possible for a cishet married monogamously married person to have one of those run-of-the-mill, all-consuming, life-affirming, harmless crushes on someone they’re not married to. (It’s impossible to have a crush on someone you are married to.) When a married person has a one of those run-of-the-mill, etc., crushes on someone who isn’t their spouse, CRUSH, it’s not a sign — not all by itself — that there’s something wrong with their marriage. Even happily married people sometimes fantasize about alternative timelines

where they’re married to someone else, e.g., that friendly coworker, that hot barista, that unattainable movie star, etc., instead of the person waiting for them at home.

But when the object of a crush is someone explosively inappropriate… when the disclosure of the crush would create a blast radius so wide nothing for miles could possibly survive… that crush can best be understood as a kind of death wish. In other words, CRUSH: sometimes a crush is just a crush and sometimes a crush is a manifestation of a subconscious desire to blow it all up.

What can be done about a death-wish crush? Nothing. All you can do — if you don’t wanna blow it all up — is wait it out, same as you would one of those harmless crushes. It might take a few weeks or months… or it might take the rest of your life... but crushes, death-wish or otherwise, like everything else, don’t last forever.

P.S. I see two upsides to this death-wish crush of yours, CRUSH, given your particular and highly unique circumstances. First, if your husband ever finds out you have a crush on his brother — and here’s hoping he never does — it’s not like you have a crush on his physical opposite. Unlike a woman with brown hair and small breasts who realizes her husband is crushing on a blond with big tits, your husband won’t have to worry that he isn’t your type. And if like all married people you sometimes fantasize about other people while you’re having sex with your spouse, CRUSH, you won’t have to close your eyes to picture your crush instead of your husband. You won’t even have to squint.

Hey Dan: I’m 36-year-old cis woman and I’ve been with my boyfriend for just over fifteen years. We’ve generally happy and we have a great and very active sex life. We’re monogamous, we’re kind to each other, and we spend a lot of time together. The thing is, we’ve never gotten married. I made it clear at different points in our relationship that I was open to it, but he’s always been against it. He says he just that he doesn’t see the point. It’s never been something I dreamt about, but I figured we’d get around to it eventually. Lately I’ve been feeling more and more like this fact — the fact that we haven’t gotten married yet — is an indicator that something is deeply wrong with our relationship. He’s not anti-marriage. He’s gotten choked up during the vows at every wedding we’ve ever been to. So now, fifteen years in, I fear it’s not marriage he doesn’t want, it’s me.

Other context: I come from a very broken family (abusive home, two siblings died from drugs/suicide, I’m estranged from nearly everyone else), and I’ve always felt that no matter how great my life might seem outwardly, deep down I’m radioactive because of where I came from. I’m also the primary earner in our house, with a very good income. He’s in a creative field and I’ve bankrolled our life together. I’ve been happy to do it. That said, his entire family is super weird about money, and I watched his sister marry and divorce an absolute troll because he was loaded. I’ve got no interest in giving him an ultimatum. Talking about it can’t change how he feels deep down towards me. What do I do?

—Relationship Isn’t Nearing Goal

If you wanna marry this man — if you’re ready to marry this man — stop waiting for him to pop the question and pop it yourself already. While a person can fake wanting to fuck you and/or spend time with you, a person can only fake that shit for so long. So, based on your description of your relationship, RING, I’d say your boyfriend genuinely loves you. If he was only interested in your earning power and willingness to subsidize his artistic endeavors, boredom and/or resentment would’ve creeped in around the edges years ago. And think about it: if your boyfriend didn’t love you — if he was only after your money — he would’ve proposed to you, married you, and divorced you a long time ago. Again, if you’re still getting wanna fuck/wanna hang vibes from him fifteen years in, odds are good they’re genuine.

And the world is full of happily married men and women who didn’t think marriage was for them, i.e., men and women only agreed to marry because it was what their spouses wanted. In some cases, these reluctant-tomarry-but-now-happily-married types only had to be asked once, RING, but in others the partner that wanted marriage had to issue a shit-or-get-off-my-face ultimatum: we’re getting married or we’re going our separate ways. There’s always a risk, of course, that a reluctant-to-marry or doesn’t-see-the-point type partner will pick the second option — and end the relationship — but you can’t get what without making demands. And if he can’t have you without marrying you, RING, suddenly marriage has a point, right?

And if he refuses to marry you — if he refuses your ultimatum — you have the option of backing down.

P.S. When people hear “creative” they usually think “extrovert.” But not all creatives are extroverts. If you boyfriend is a behind-thescenes creative (writer, composer, illustrator) as opposed to a front-and-center creative (actor, singer, contortionist), he may dread the idea of being the center of attention — and the bride and groom at a big wedding are the center of crushing amount of attention. So, if your boyfriend is an introvert, make it clear to him that it’s marriage you want, RING, not a big wedding.

P.P.S. Before anyone jumps into the comments to call RING’s partner a mooch: We can’t condemn straight men who are uncomfortable with their wives making more money than they do — and there are examples out there of straight men so threatened by successful women that they’ve actively undermined and even sabotaged their wives’ careers — and then shit on straight men being “bankrolled” by their committed romantic partners. If we don’t want straight men to feel “emasculated” for earning less than their female partners — and we live in a world where women are increasingly lapping men educationally and professionally — shaming straight men who earn less than their partners is the wrong way to go about it.

Hey Dan: I’m a man in my thirties. I have been in several serious relationships with women, but I am also attracted to men. I’m not attracted to

men in any emotional way; my interest in men is purely sexual. I have kept this a secret my entire life. I guess I don’t know if I would be considered bisexual or not. I do enjoy watching gay porn and I fantasize about having sex with a man, but I have turned down several opportunities to be sexual with a man. Which I almost regret. I am now in a serious relationship with someone I love. She wants to settle down, get married, and have kids. Do I owe her the truth? Or do I take this to the grave? The older I get, the harder it is to hide. My girlfriend is very supportive of the LGBTQ community. But I don’t know if she would be open to actually bringing another man into our bed or letting me experiment with another man on my own. I would love to hear your thoughts.

—Truth Or Lying Daily

First, you’re bisexual — you’re heteroromantic (only attracted to women romantically), TOLD, but you’re attracted to both men and women sexually.

Second, one of the reasons bisexual people have worse mental health outcomes than straight or gay people — right up there with their own internalized biphobia and the sometimes galling ignorance of monosexuals — is not being out to their romantic partners (and constantly having to hide) or having romantic partners who openly hostile to their bisexuality (and constantly having to apologize). So, for the sake of your own mental health, HOSED, you need to tell your girlfriend the truth before you marry her. And you owe your girlfriend the truth. When you ask someone to marry you… when you ask a person to enter into an open-ended-and-hopefully-lifelong romantic and sexual relationship with you… your sexual orientation is a highly relevant data point. Your girlfriend can’t meaningfully consent to marrying you — she can’t offer you her informed consent — in the absence of this information. And if what you want most is a woman who’ll let you “experiment” with other men (read: fuck and suck other men) with or without her, HOSED, there are two way to find that person: you advertise for a woman like that — and there are women who wanna watch their boyfriends and/or husbands suck dick — or you ask the woman you’re already dating if she’s a woman like that.

Finally, TOLD, if you’re watching gay porn and fantasizing about having sex with men — and your dream woman is one who would welcome another man into your bed — you aren’t going to be able to take this to the grave. You might lose your girlfriend by doing the right thing and coming out to her now, TOLD, but you stand to lose a lot more if you get caught cheating on your wife with a man a decade from now.

Got problems? Yes, you do! Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love! Or record your question for the Savage Lovecast at savage.love/askdan!

Podcasts, columns and more at Savage.Love

CAN I HAVE A RAISE?

BY SID SIVAKUMAR

PUZZLES EDITED BY JOEL FAGLIANO

Sid Sivakumar is an M.D./Ph.D. student at Washington University in St. Louis, training in biomedical engineering and neuroscience. This is his 18th puzzle for the Times. His 19th will be the upcoming Super Mega crossword in the 2024 edition of Puzzle Mania, our annual print-only games section. At 50 squares by 50 squares, it took a month to make and has over 700 answers.

Note: When this puzzle is done, read the shaded letters from top to bottom to get an appropriate phrase.

of Jah 23 Land inhabited by the Alutiiq people 25 Cultural climate

26 Racial-justice initialism

27 ‘‘Wheels’’ for a car, say 28 Make ‘‘it’’

29 Who has successfully juggled 15 balls simultaneously

30 Member of the fam 32 ____ buco 33 Attach, in a way 36 Salted or smoked

Kravitz,

Tomei 41 Word with the wave of a wand

Terse confirmation 45 Protocol part

Doppler-effect phenomenon 52 Actress Krishnan of South Indian cinema 57 Nest-egg option, in brief

Boasting words

Q&A format

60 It might be on a lot, but not worth a lot

61 Overs and unders, e.g. 63 Fracas

64 Milk source

66 Does some organizing 67 Sign of authenticity

69 Inventor of the printing press

72 Coaster in the cold

73 Where a ham might be on display

74 Order from on high

75 Challenge for a tailor

77 Did laps, perhaps

Holds a grudge against

Word following a comma in an alphabetized list

Blow a gasket

Conscientious of one’s community

Composter’s concern

Comic-strip segment

Name that sounds as if its first two letters reversed

Break down

Puerto Rico, on some

46 Taradiddle

48 Gentle reminders 49 Spirit-filled?

50 Online reference with credits 51 Become lighter 53 Installations in a Hindu temple

54 Turning some heads?

55 Performance with a sombrero 56 ____ Technica (website with gadget reviews)

60 Strong encouragement

62 Some yoga poses are named for them 65 Item on a to-do list

68 They might be used to change the tone of a film 70 Puente of Latin jazz

Returned call?

73 Sign of a packed house

____ qué

78 Jemison in the International Space Hall of Fame

Soft rock

Call from a dove

Currency used in Vatican City 86 1960s-’70s world leader portrayed in film by Helen Mirren 87 Calming oil compound, for short

Sites of conch piercings 90 Text often followed by multiple exclamation points 93 ‘‘Impossible!’’

94 Cushion upon which a ball rests 95 Altered course abruptly 96 ‘‘Hava ____’’ (hora song) 97 ‘‘Same as above’’ marks

Passes

Longtime buddy

Firecracker

Certain Tuscan

Idyllic places

What’s seemingly impossible to find when storing leftovers

106 Make one’s thoughts known

107 Natural sources of pink dye

111 1982 film that spawned a sci-fi franchise

113 [Check it out!]

115 Music genre often played at a brisk 4/4 time

116 Director Wenders