Hattie Kemp

This is my last Meals, Munchies and More column for the Patriot Talon, as I am graduating in May.

I am writing this just a few hours before my deadline although I’ve had two weeks to compose it.

Why did I wait so long to write it? Well, I tend to put off things I don’t necessarily want to do. In fact, I’ve jokingly said many times I have a black belt in procrastination.

Iabsolutely love movies, all genres of movies. Whether they are new or old, filmed in color or black and white, silent or with sound, watching movies brings me great pleasure.

I confess I am addicted to them.

My favorite movies when I was in grade school include “The Parent Trap,” “Flubber,” and “The Love Bug.”  Not surprisingly, the great Walt Disney produced them all, as he did most of the movies created for young people during the 1950s and 1960s.

Recently, I achieved a milestone in my life and new career as a journalist: I had my first article published in a newspaper other than the Patriot Talon.

On Feb. 23, The Tyler Morning Telegraph published my story about homemade tamales on the front page of their food section.

I cannot explain what a thrill it was to see my words in print, not to mention my byline.

It was exactly the way I felt in the fall of 2009 when my first-ever article appeared in the Patriot Talon.

Watching the Academy Awards two weeks ago rekindled memories of a movie, which holds a special place in my heart and always shall.

The movie is “True Grit.” And no, I’m not referring to the current remake by Joel and Ethan Coen.

I mean the original movie, the one starring “The Duke.” You know, John Wayne. The actor whose career spanned five decades and more than 175 films.

The movie legend who became an American icon.

Years ago, scientists associated noise-induced hearing loss with workplace environments, but recently they began to scrutinize the damaging effects of noise exposure from leisure activities.

Many studies revealed sound levels at nightclubs and concerts, along with those produced by iPods, MP3 players and other personal listening devices, can be unsafe.

Businesses’ exploitation of romance could possibly be one of the biggest debacles of society today. Their exploitation for profits dictates the public to spend money on loved ones for every holiday and special occasion with Valentine’s Day being the big kahuna of all.

Currently, the wares these retailers peddle range from exotic trips and fine jewelry to chocolate candies. Sorry, Hershey, but your cheap chocolate does not scream romance.

Although this recipe is called Dirt Cake, it's actually not a cake at all. But you won't care what it's called because it tastes so good.

It also is a very versatile dish, as you can dress it up or dress it down for practically any occasion.

Show off your creative fun side by assembling the dessert in a flowerpot, a new one of course. Then decorate the top with gummy worms and an artificial flower.

A trifle dish would upgrade the dessert's stature by giving it an elegant presentation.

Countdown: only two more days until Thanksgiving and 32 days until Christmas.

This is my favorite time of year, and like most of you, I can hardly wait.

Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, my entire family gathers together at my sister Beckie’s house where we revel in our camaraderie. We delight in irreverent buffoonery and are constantly trying to top the last one’s good-humored insults.

Why do Dish Network program executives force Dallas/Fort Worth area news and weather down the throats of their customers living in the East Texas area?

Doing so makes no sense whatsoever!

Some have rumored the primary reason for this illogical programming is money. They say Dish executives are humoring Dallas/Fort Worth area merchants, who want their commercials seen by East Texas viewers. To them, news programs are merely conduits for advertising. These merchants are hoping to entice East Texans to travel to the DFW area to shop.