The late Michael Jackson had a large influence on music and fashion. Only he could wear one glove and high water pants with glittery socks and be classified as “bad.” His jackets always had a military flair and quiet as it’s kept, often the jackets he wore most recently were actually jackets designed for women.

SOME SMOOTH “CRIMINALS”—Alex Matthews, Oscar Petite Jr., Art Outen, R. Daniel Lavelle, LaMont Jones Jr., CL Gunter and Jack Simmons.

On March 6, at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel, the Friends of the Martin Luther King Jr. Reading and Cultural Center held their 21st annual fashion show and luncheon, themed “This Is It!” Models stepped to “I’m Bad,” “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal” in fashions from Dales Maxima, Dress Barn (Miracle Mile), JCPenney (Monroeville Mall) and New York, New York (Station Square).

The way America cooks is in the midst of a flavorful evolution, according to the 10th annual McCormick Flavor Forecast. The report predicts an increased preference for high-impact flavors, balanced with comforting favorites. We’ll see new flavor combinations, thanks to the breadth of year-round ingredients, chosen and preserved at the peak of freshness, available in a pantry near you.

“Flavor has never been so quick and accessible,” says Kevan Vetter, executive chef at McCormick. “Today, a well-stocked pantry is like having a local farmer’s market or bountiful backyard garden in your kitchen.” The endless harvest of canned, pickled, preserved, frozen and dried ingredients are indispensable, at-the-ready tools for everyday one-dish meal ideas that are anything but ordinary.

Shepherd’s Pie with Cumin & Smashed Chickpeas

While thunder and lightening intimidates some people, the natural phenomenon intrigued Kweilyn A. Murphy.

“When I was a little girl my grandma had us turn off the television when there was a thunderstorm. I was taught to wait until the storm was over,” said Murphy, 30, who hails from West Mifflin but currently lives in Greenville, NC.

KWEILYN A. MURPHY

The workout enthusiast’s natural on-air talent led her to become a television reporter.

“I knew I didn’t want to do news because it was too serious. I’d cry along with the victims while delivering news on my own area,” she said. “I wanted to do something that would help other people. I knew my spirit wasn’t comfortable doing news.”

MARCH 24—The Willa M. Johnson School of Bible and Ministry will host an Easter Program at 6:30 p.m. at the Morningside COGIC, 5173 Dearborn St., Morningside. Come, celebrate and bring family and friends. For more information, call Lois Broadus at 412-243-0217.