In the 1930s, a manmade ecological disaster of epic proportions swept the American Midwest and threatened to destroy the nation’s bread basket. The Dust Bowl, as it became known, turned prairies into deserts and unleashed a pattern of massive, deadly dust storms that for many seemed to herald the end of the world. The story of this national calamity is captured in famed filmmaker Ken Burns’ newest documentary, THE DUST BOWL, premiering Sunday, Nov. 18 and Monday, Nov.19 at 7:00 p.m. on Alabama Public Television.

Thomas D Atkinson, who heads up the local Madison County USDA/FSA says, "Although the storms of the Dust Bowl did not reach Alabama, the measures taken to prevent future tragedies had a major impact on Alabama agriculture.  That’s why people throughout the state should tune in to see the two-night, four-hour film. "

An artisan cheese maker offers cooking classes at her Huntsville home, bringing people together for fellowship and food. Wednesday’s class, Cooking with Chèvre, offered participants a chance to learn about cooking with goat cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you’re like me, you love goat cheese, but are intimidates when it comes to finding many uses for it. I’ve been eating Belle Chèvre goat cheese for about two years, and I’m sad to say I’ve only spread it on bagels for breakfast, sprinkled it in salads, or used it as a spread. It’s definitely delicious used these ways, but after the class with Tasia, I’m excited to try my hand at utilizing the versatile product.

The next couple of days are looking brutal as we go through weekend. If you are not heading to the lake or the pool this weekend, your options in staying cool are limited. After all if you stay at home, eventually is going to get boring and the book you been meaning to finish will be finished...hopefully. I have some other options to beat the heat.

1. Time to break out Rock Band! You remember that game right? You slap the bass, have your buddy plays lead guitar, your roommate who is always mad at you beating on the drums, and find someone comfortable enough to sing in front of the rest of the group. With a huge library of songs to play from the game or download, this game will last for hours. Depending on the songs that are played, this could be a family fun affair!  You could even have theme parties where everyone has to dress like a rocker or the decade. Let your imagination run wild on this.