Jack Mossman's
Jack Mossman Office: 209-774-1110 Cell: 209-981-5272 theninesteam.net
Dear Friends,
Trees put on their Autumn best with vibrant displays of reds, golds and oranges. The succulent smells of roasting turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie fill the crisp air. Football insanity seizes most members of the male species and some of the female as well. Oh glorious November! The time of family and insanity! This month in Welcome Home magazine you will find answers for your most common Thanksgiving dilemmas! Want that perfectly roasted Turkey on the table like grandma used to have? Chewing you nails to the quick worrying about snagging that perfect deal on Black Friday? Terrified of making a mistake in front of the in-laws? Now there is no need to get all stressed out! So take a load off and enjoy having all the answers at the click of your mouse! Have an tasty November, and as always, Welcome Home!
If you have comments or suggestions please email us at welcomehome@activeezine.com , we love to hear from you!
Jack Mossman theninesteam.net 209-774-1110 209-981-5272
Welcome Home! Table of Contents Recipe And Design
4
A tasty recipe and a stylish home design how to.
Black Friday!
5
Your top ten tips for survival and success.
November in New York City
6-7
Amazing things to do in New York during Turkey Season.
Timeless Football Wisdom
8-9
Tips to help not look like an idiot in front of football fanatics.
10 - 11
Thanksgiving: Understanding The Holiday Have a look at where the holiday really came from.
12 - 13
Turkey: The Old Fashioned Way. Stuff, truss and roast like a pro with this awesome guide!
14 - 15
What Happened After The First Thanksgiving? Ever wonder what came next for the Pilgrims? Find out here!
16 - 17
Thanksgiving Facts Fun and interesting facts about the origin of Turkey Day!
18 - 19
Products To Love!
Hot trends, technological wonders of tomorrow and so much more! 20
City Spotlight Boston, MA. Historical beauty at it’s finest!
21
Businesses That Make A Difference Nestle, making a tasty difference in the world.
Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not intended to solicit other brokersʼ listings. If you are currently working with another broker, please disregard this information. All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu unless otherwise noted. Thanks to Wikipedia for Random Fact information and aid.
Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor The information provided in this publication of Welcome Home or on any website maintained by U.S. Cybertek, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees (collectively Publisher) is intended as a general guide illustrating common methods of common practices, and the publisher makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever of the safety, effectiveness, or other characteristic of any methods or products described herein. Neither does the Publisher assume any liability for information published in any website or other publication to which reference may be made herein. Readers are cautioned to review and comply with all written instructions, safety bulletins, and other materials provided in connection with any of the products mentioned herein and all products used in connection with any of the methods described. Neither Published nor any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees shall in any case be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special punitive or similar damages arising out of your use of or failure to use any of the methods and/ or products described in this publication or any other publication or websites to which reference may be made herein. Publisher disclaims all warranties, and any warranty or guarantee of safety, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose lies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.
Recipe and Design Classic Sweet Potato Casserole
Wrapped Votives
Yield: Makes 6-8 servings
Dress up your boring old glass votives in splendid Thanksgiving style!
Ingredients 4 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup milk 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed 1/4 cup chopped pecans 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
What You Need:
• • • • • •
Glass Votives Tamale Making Husks Candles Rubber Bands Water Glue
Preparation: •
•
•
•
1. Preheat oven to 400°. Bake sweet potatoes at 400° for 1 hour or until tender. Let stand until cool to touch (about 20 minutes); peel and mash sweet potatoes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. 2. Beat mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and next 5 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Spoon potato mixture into a greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish. 3. Combine cornflakes cereal and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle over casserole in diagonal rows 2 inches apart. 4. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows in alternate rows between cornflake mixture; bake 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Jennifer Reich, Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Living DECEMBER 2009
Instructions: 1. Soak husks in warm water for a minute to make them flexible. Tightly wrap a husk around a votive cup and hold in place with a rubber band. Trim excess husk at the top and bottom. 2. Twist a thin length of husk and tie it around the center of the candleholder; remove rubber band. 3. Secure the ends on the the husk with a drop of glue if desired. 4. Enjoy!
Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.com
Black Friday Top 10 Tips to Help You Survive it!
The Day after Thanksgiving brings out every bargain shopper looking to find the best deal. Being prepared for this hectic day can save you time and frustration just by following a few simple guidelines. 1. Arrive to the stores early Lines at the stores usually start forming as early as 3 PM Thanksgiving Day. If you are after the limited quantity items, you need to be in this line. Some stores hand out vouchers an hour before the doors open. If you don't get that voucher, you probably won't get the merchandise. 2. Park close to an exit Find a parking spot at a local store that is not open for Black Friday. This way, you won't be stuck in the big rush of people coming in and out of the main store. 3. Dress warm and comfortable. This is not a fashion show. The people in line don't care what you look like. Ladies, leave the heels at home. Guys, don't fix your hair, your going to be wearing a hat anyway. Even if by some miracle, it's 50-60 degrees outside, it gets really cold when you’re in line for 8, 10, or even 12 hours. A thick coat, thermal underwear, and a nice pair of gloves will help keep you warm. Two layers of socks and comfortable tennis shoes are a must. 4. Divide and Conquer What better way to plan your attack than at Thanksgiving dinner? Spread out the ads between family and friends, decide who is going to what store and make a list of what everyone wants. Each person buys everyone's items and then you all meet up afterwards. 5. Shop Online Many of the sale items will be available at the same Black Friday price online Thanksgiving Day. Purchase as many items as you can online and get the remainder Friday morning. 6. Make a "Dry Run" the night before Thanksgiving About an hour before the store closes on Wednesday, go to the store and spot where everything is that you want to buy. Some stores, especially Best Buy, set up a checkout maze consisting of 4 foot high DVD players, TV's, and other miscellaneous merchandise. One wrong turn could easily cost you an extra 45 minutes in the checkout line. 7. Leave the kids at home Unless you've taught your kids to get the deal no matter what (which is probably bad parenting anyway), leave the kids with a babysitter or family member. There are a lot of people at the stores that will be more willing to trample your child than help them off the ground. Standing in line for 10 hours is not fun for an adult, what do you think it's like for a child? 8. Protect your money Although big sales attract loads of shoppers, they also attract loads of thieves. Ladies, leave your purse at home. Bring your ID, credit cards and/or cash and keep it close to you. Guys, with 2-3 layers of clothing, it's harder to feel a thief lift your wallet while you’re not paying attention. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. 9. Make friends with others standing in line Having a good conversation with someone standing in line can pass the time fairly quickly. Not to mention, if you have to run to the bathroom because you just drank an entire pot of coffee. Your newfound friend will probably be willing to hold your place in line, especially if you’re willing to return the favor. 10. DON'T bring alcohol to a shopping frenzy Sure, adding a little something extra to your coffee may seem like a good idea, but there are police officers standing at every corner. They walk up and down the line to see what people are doing. They won't have any problem hauling your butt off to jail because you decided to handle line jumpers your own way. If fighting the crowds is not your style, you can always buy many of the items on your wish list online. Many shoppers don't realize that beginning Thanksgiving Day around midnight, retail stores automatically adjust the prices to reflect Fridays' sale. Simply purchase what is available online, and then decide if you want to pick them up later in the day, or pay a little extra to have it delivered to your front door. Written by Anthony Luna. Courtesy of Isnare.com
November in New York City November hosts several big events in the Big Apple, such as the New York City Marathon and the New York Comedy Festival. And with the holiday season is fast approaching, the city is alive with the excitement of both Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas holidays. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the unveiling of the legendary holiday storefront windows, November is a beautiful time of year to experience the magic of Manhattan. New York City Marathon This annual event which takes place the first Sunday is November has evolved over the last few decades from a modest few dozen runners to the largest marathon in the U.S. The course runs through all five boroughs in New York City, with the finish line located in Central Park. Over two million spectators fill the city to cheer on their favorite athlete, and the event is watched by an estimated 315 million viewers around the world. Entry to the New York City Marathon is gained by a lottery system due to its massive popularity- more than 100,000 people apply each year. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. takes place on the fourth Thursday in the month of November, and lucky travelers who are in Manhattan at this time should check out the incredible spectacle that is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This annual Thanksgiving Day tradition is a popular destination for travelers and home-grown New Yorkers alike. The colorful festivities get started at 9a.m. at 77th Street and Central Park West, and the best place to watch the parade go by is between 61st and 72nd Streets on Central Park West. Arrive early for an optimal viewing area and remember to bundle up. For more detailed information on the parade route, visit the official Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade website.
Holiday Storefront Windows The Fifth Avenue shopping area and its world-renowned boutiques are already a popular destination for travelers, but the stunning holiday storefront windows are an absolute must-see. Unveiled in mid to late November, retailers like Bergdorf Goodman at 57th and 58th Streets offer holiday shoppers creative and colorful displays that draw crowds of window-gazers. Sak's Fifth Avenue at 50th Street showcase animated windows with imaginative themes; past windows have been inspired by children’s story books and feature mannequins adorned with creations by famous designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren. Macy’s also unveils an elaborate set of displays along Broadway and 34th Street, with the windows along 34th inspired by scenes from the classic movie Miracle on 34th Street. And not to be outdone by the others, Bloomingdale's flagship location at 59th Street unveils spectacular holiday displays in its Lexington Avenue windows with a different theme every year. New York Comedy Festival Comedians like Ricky Gervais, Tracy Morgan and Andy Samberg are some of the big names that take the stage at the New York Comedy Festival, along with 150 other entertainers. Shows take place at ten venues across New York City, including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and Carolines on Broadway. Tickets to each event can be purchased online. Other fun events to check out in New York in November include the annual Chocolate Show, where visitors can cross the chocolate lovers off their Christmas list. The show features hundreds of exhibitors offering delicious delicacies. This massive all-aboutchocolate event also features demonstrations by chocolatiers and pastry chefs, and a chocolate fashion show. Tickets are $28 and available online. Written by Rosalie Scott. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com
Timeless Football Wisdom Football FAQ: So You Won't Look Too Stupid Watching Football With Your Date
What are the positions in football? There are two types of position, an offensive position and a defensive position. One of the most essential offensive positions is the quarterback. The protectors of the quarterback are the offensive line. As an additional protection there are the running-the-ball positions of running back and fullback. These positions are located in the backfield, behind the quarterback. The last offensive position is the wide receiver. This position has the main objective of receiving (catching) the ball when the quarterback throws (passes) it.
The defensive positions are: defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, and safety, who has the last thing to say about defense. Safeties are located at the back, while the defensive ends are out front. What does each position in football do? Offensive positions are: quarterback, offensive line, running back, fullback, and wide receiver. The quarterback is the leader of the team. He gets the ball at the beginning of each play and he makes the decision whether to throw the ball or run it. The offensive line's job is to defend the quarterback or the running back, especially while they have the ball. Another thing the offensive line does is block or catch passes. Running backs and fullbacks are the major hurrying unit. The wide receiver is the one who will usually catch the ball when the quarterback throws it. He must be tall and quick.
cannot be used to move the ball. Later, rugby came into popularity, wherein the hands are allowed to be used. American football has been widely influenced by rugby, and is known throughout the world today as (guess what) "American football." Where did they get the shape of the football? The shape of the football comes from the shape of the ball in the game of rugby. Football has an elongated ball with pointed ends. The ball is perfectly designed for the player to hold it easily and have a nice aerodynamic motion when it is perfectly thrown. It also has an unpredictable bounce when it hits the ground. The ball is eleven inches long and about nine inches wide. All of the manufacturers put some laces on one side so the players can grip and hold it easily. This is the reason why rugby and football have almost the same shape of ball, in contrast to soccer, which has a round ball that is manipulated mainly by the feet.
Defensive positions are: defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, and safety. The defensive ends are the outer part of the defensive team. Linebackers are the most important line-up of the defense. They are the quick, hard hitters. Cornerbacks are in charge of defending the wide receiver so he can catch the ball and run with it, while the safeties guard and defend the cornerbacks. Where did the name football originate? A form of football called harpaston was first played by the ancient Greeks. In the United States it was played as early as 1609 in Virginia, though in a simpler form. For the ball, they used the inflated bladder of a slaughtered pig. Most "football" today is played in Europe and South America, and is the sport that North Americans call soccer. Football got its name because in soccer the hands Written by sschelum44. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com
Thanksgiving
Understanding The Holiday
Thanksgiving to most folks means family and friends and Turkey, or maybe beer and football. Many do not know or even care about the significance of the Holiday. Way back in the 1600's a group of people who were members of the English Separatist Church (Puritan's) in England fled their homeland to escape religious persecution. They boarded a ship and sailed to Holland in the Netherlands. In Holland the people enjoyed a brief time free from the religious persecution they faced back in England, but they soon became frustrated with the Dutch peoples bad morals and what they considered sinful lifestyles. Seeking yet a better way of life, the Separatists made a deal with a stock company in London to finance a trip to America on a ship named the Mayflower. There were others from England that were not separatists, in fact the majority that made the trip on the Mayflower were not. The group arrived in America on Dec 11, 1620 and they set ground at Plymouth, Massachusetts. The first winter season the pilgrims encountered in America was horrible. With extreme cold and blizzard conditions, they lost 46 of the original 102 who came over on the Mayflower.
But the spring and summer of the next year was wonderful with most of the days pleasant and nice and most of the pilgrims staying healthy. The local indians showed them where and how to hunt and trap for the available game, and shared their secrets on growing and storing of the native crops. The harvest of 1621 was very bountiful and the pilgrims along with the local indians who had helped them survive their first year, decided to have a huge feast to celebrate and give thanks. The feast or as it's commonly called 'The First Thanksgiving' was probably held outside on handmade tables and benches, most of the people sat on blankets on the ground while eating, because records show that the colonists didn't have a building large enough to accommodate all the people.
From an original letter of a member of the colony, Edward Winslow, here is the actual account of the First Thanksgiving celebration: "Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, Many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
From the hand written letter we can see that 1 Indian Chief or King and 90 others (91 total indians) that were invited as guests attended the event along with the pilgrims, and that the feast or celebration lasted 3 days. The celebration or feast was not repeated again until the year 1623, when during a severe drought the pilgrims all gathered and prayed for rain. The next day, a long steady rain occurred, and Governor Bradford proclaimed another day of Thanksgiving, and again the pilgrims or 'colonists' invited their indian friends to celebrate. The next Thanksgiving celebration did not occur until the year 1676, when the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting on the best way to celebrate and give thanks for the good fortune their community had experienced. By voting, they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29th as a day of Thanksgiving. The next Thanksgiving celebration did not occur until the year 1676, when the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting on the best way to celebrate and give thanks for the good fortune their community had experienced. By voting, they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29th as a day of Thanksgiving. Other dates that were important to the Thanksgiving Holiday were October of the year 1777, when there was a Thanksgiving holiday that was celebrated by all 13 colonies that had been established. In 1789 George Washington proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving, and after a campaign of letter writing to presidents and governors, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving. The date was altered a couple more times, but finally in 1941 it was sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, on the fourth Thursday in November, where it remains yet today. Written by Robert W. Benjamin . Article courtesy of Isnare.com.
Turkey: The Old-Fashioned Way
There are many delicious ways to prepare and serve turkey. It might be deep-fried, brined, poached, grilled...to mention just a few methods of preparation. This article, however, will focus strictly on tips and techniques for preparing perfect turkey the old-fashioned way – oven roasted. Basic Technique for Roasting a Turkey... 1. The safest method for thawing a frozen turkey is by allowing the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. Be certain to plan ahead...it will take approximately 3 days for a 20 pound turkey to defrost.
8. Set the roasting pan on the lowest rack of the oven to keep the turkey away from the top, which is the hottest part of the oven. 9. Once the turkey is cooking in the oven, resist the temptation to 'peek' inside by opening the oven door. Opening and closing the oven door will cause the temperature to fluctuate, which will only increase the likelihood of a dry turkey. Avoid opening the oven door until approximately 45 minutes before the turkey expected to be done.
2. Everyone wants to prepare enough turkey for the number of guests they serve, and generally desire to have some turkey left over. To determine the correct turkey size that will be needed, see the section below entitled ‘How Much Turkey is Enough?’
10. After checking for doneness (see ‘When is the Turkey Done?’ guidelines below), remove roasting pan from the oven, tent the turkey with foil and let it ‘rest’ for approximately 15 minutes before carving (see tips on ‘How to Carve a Turkey’ below). If additional time is needed to prepare gravy, heat up side dishes, etc., the turkey may be allowed to sit at room temperature (covered) for up to an hour without losing too much heat.
3. Cooking time will differ depending on whether the turkey was purchased fresh or frozen. Calculate approximate cooking time in a 350F (175C) oven based on the following: 20 minutes per pound for a defrosted turkey, and 10 to 15 minutes per pound for fresh.
11. Refrigerate any leftover turkey within 2 to 3 hours of preparation. Store in airtight, shallow containers to allow adequate circulation of cool air; date and label the containers. Turkey may be safely stored refrigerated for approximately 5 days and frozen for up to 4 months.
4. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed. As an alternative, flavor may be added by loosely filling the cavity with aromatic vegetables and/or fruit -- carrots, celery, onions, apples, oranges, kumquats or garlic. Carefully tucking fresh herbs underneath the breast skin will also add flavor.
How Much Turkey is Enough?
5. Before roasting, coat the outside of the turkey with vegetable or olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 6. For even roasting, it is best to truss the turkey, and especially so if roasting stuffed poultry. (See ‘How to Truss a Turkey’ below.) 7. Set the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan to promote maximum air and heat circulation and to ensure that it cooks evenly. To yield moister, juicier white meat, place the turkey ‘breast-down’ on the rack. This technique will prevent the turkey breast from overcooking and becoming dry.
On average, to provide 2 servings of turkey for each guest (and allowing for leftovers), the suggested weights are as follows: 10 pound turkey for 6 people 12 pound turkey for 8 people 15 pound turkey for 10 people 18 pound turkey for 12 people 21 pound turkey for 14 people 24 pound turkey for 16 people - If you will be serving more than 16 guests (a recommended turkey size of more than 24 pounds), buy two turkeys that equal the total suggested weights. - If the recommended turkey size is less than 12 pounds, you may wish to buy a turkey breast to roast.
How to Truss a Turkey... To ‘truss’ means to secure poultry or meat into a compact shape. Trussing will ensure even roasting. The following technique is recommended when roasting poultry, especially a stuffed turkey. 1. To truss with string, take a piece of butcher's string about three times the length of the turkey. Place the turkey on its back, tail end nearest to you. Slide the string underneath so that it is cradling the turkey in the center of its back.
roasting; if they are clear, the turkey is probably done. (Try to insert the thermometer as infrequently as possible, to prevent the juices from escaping.) Another way of checking for doneness is to move the leg up and down. The looser it becomes, the closer it is to being done. How to Carve a Turkey...
2. Gently pull the string up the sides...then around the wings. Pull the strings toward you, close to the breast, so that the wings are held against the body. 3. Cross the strings at the base of the breast, then wrap each string around the end of a drumstick. 4. Tie the ends of the string together, cinching it tightly so that the legs cross. 5. Finally, lift the turkey so that the tail end is up and wrap the string around the tail. Tie the string, pulling tightly so that the cavity is covered by the tail.
To carve a turkey, it is essential that you use a sharp carving knife and a good, heavy-weight fork. The following instructions will make carving a turkey almost effortless. 1. Begin by cutting through the skin where the leg meets the breast. Pull the leg away from the body with the fork and continue to cut down, close to the body, to find the joint where the thigh meets the body. Pull the leg out further and slice right through the joint to remove the leg and thigh. 2. Place the leg skin-side down and locate the line at the joint where the thigh and the drumstick meet. Holding your knife along this line of the thigh, you can slice easily through the joint. If you hit resistance, adjust your angle and try again. Cut down through the line and separate the thigh from the drumstick. Repeat this process with the other leg.
When is the Turkey Done? You will want to test your instant-read or traditional meat thermometer a few days before preparing the turkey to ensure it is properly calibrated. Place the thermometer in a pot of boiling water. It should register 212F (100C) -- water's boiling point at sea level. If the reading does not reach the desired temperature, you will want to buy a new thermometer. Keep a careful eye on the thermometer during the last half hour of cooking since the internal temperature may rise rapidly toward the end. Using a meat thermometer, test for doneness in the thickest, meatiest parts of the turkey: Test the widest section of the breast near the wing joint; the temperature should be 165F (73C). Test the legs at the top of the thigh, near the hip joint; the temperature should be 180 (82C). If cooking a stuffed turkey, determine the internal temperature of the stuffing as well; it should be at least 165F (73C). If using an instant-read thermometer, insert it deep enough to reach the heat sensor (the indentation about two-inches from the tip). Also examine the juices and oils at the bottom of the pan that are released during cooking. If they have a pinkish tinge, continue
3. Remove the wishbone (actually the collarbone) from the turkey. Removing the bone will prevent it from splintering when you carve the breast meat. 4. Next, run your knife through the skin along one side of the breastbone. Then cut down along the ribs, pulling the meat gently away from the bones in one large piece, leaving behind as little meat as possible. 5. When you reach the wing joint, cut through it and continue to remove the breast from the body. Repeat with the other side. 6. Finally, remove the wings and slice the breast meat before serving. (For even, attractive slices, cut the meat against the grain.) So, there you have it...everything you need to know about successfully roasting a turkey. As you can see, preparing a turkey by adhering to the techniques above is not at all difficult. The small amount of effort you invest will be well rewarded when the final product reaches the serving table and your guests rave about how absolutely marvelous it is. Just remember one thing – serving a juicy, flavorful roasted turkey does not have to be reserved solely for the holiday season – it’s wonderful anytime of the year. Written by Janice Faulk Duplantis. Courtesy of Isnare.com
What Happened After The First Thanksgiving?
Various stories of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving exist. Some are conflicting while others have been greatly embellished. But, everyone concurs that the first winter at Plymouth was brutal, and deadly, with half of the colony losing their lives. It is not my intention to prove or disprove some of the stories told about that first Thanksgiving. Instead, I hope to share with you a story you may not be familiar with.
While there are many stories that have emerged around that first Thanksgiving, you may not have ever heard what you are about to read. It is more than a story. It is based on accounts from the diary of William Bradford, the first governor of Plymouth. Anyone who takes the time to read what Bradford wrote will not only learn a great deal about the early days of the Pilgrims, but, in many cases, gain an accurate and true account of what really happened. Some may even been shocked to find out that some of the things that have been told about the Pilgrims are absolutely false. What happened after the first Thanksgiving, after a very brutal and deadly year? The colonist decided to make a major change. They agreed that what had been set up was not working, and, that their very survival depended upon making a drastic change. Before they sailed to America, the investors financing the trip entered into a contract with the Pilgrims on July 1, 1620. It was a seven year partnership. In the contract, the investors were called, "Adventurers," while the Pilgrims were called, "Planters." At the end of the seven years, all profits would be "equally divided betwixt the Adventurers and Planters." The contract called for all property, as well as the fruits of all labor, to go into a common pool to be divided equally among all the Pilgrims. There was to be no private property. They called this arrangement a "commonwealth." Today, it would be easily identified and labeled as, socialism, or communism. But after that first Thanksgiving, the leaders of the colony decided to make a very big, and in their eyes, a very critical change in how the colony operated. Seeing the results of the commonwealth, they chose to replace it with a system of private property. In observing how the commonwealth operated, they noticed the resentment by those who were working very hard only to have the fruits of their labor given to others who chose to not apply themselves equally as hard.
The leaders realized that in a commonwealth society people could not be expected to do their best work without some personal incentive. The solution was more than just private property. Each family was assigned its own parcel of land to work. They not only kept and enjoyed the fruit of their own labor, but they could then market what they did not need. Bradford later wrote, "This had very good success, for it made all hands industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been." They began to set up trading posts with the Indians. With their profits they were then able to pay off their debts to the Adventurers back in London. And as you might imagine, news of their success traveled fast. Their prosperity began to attract more and more Europeans who also wanted to live in a society where there was promise and reward for hard work. The Great Puritan Migration began. Even though this account is rarely taught in schools, it was recognized by the founding fathers as they labored to put together a viable government and constitution more than 150 years later. The phrase, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" echoes what the Pilgrims decided to do. They worded it as, "the pursuit of happiness," not "the guarantee of happiness." One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, James Wilson, who was later appointed as an associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, mentioned that critical decision by the Pilgrims. In 1790 he wrote, "The introduction of exclusive property immediately produced the most comfortable change in the colony, by engaging the affections and invigorating the pursuits of its inhabitants." On that first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims were grateful to God for all that they had. They were thankful to God to be alive. They celebrated their thankfulness to Him. And then they made a very important decision. A decision we ought to be very thankful for, and never forget.
Bradford noted this at length in his diary: "For this community was found to breed much confusion and discontent and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort." He also referred to those who imposed such an operation, "vanity of that conceit...as if they were wiser than God."
Written by Michael A. Verdicchio. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com
Fun and Interesting
Thanksgiving Facts
So just how did “Turkey Day� come to be? Thanksgiving Day is a Holiday rooted in rich history. Here are some very fun and interesting Thanksgiving facts to share during Thanksgiving dinner. *Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. *Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.
*The pilgrims arrived in North America in December 1620. *The Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to reach North America. *The pilgrims sailed on the ship, which was known by the name of 'Mayflower'. *The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the
Pilgrims how to cultivate the land. *The drink that the Puritans brought with them in the Mayflower was beer. *By the fall of 1621 only half of the pilgrims, who had sailed on the Mayflower, survived. The survivors, thankful to be alive, decided to give a thanksgiving feast. *They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day at Plymouth, Massachusetts. *The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford organized the Thanksgiving feast and invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians also to the feast. *The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days. * At the first harvest celebration with the pilgrims and Native Americans, "fowl" was eaten. While this might have been turkey, it's more likely to have been geese and ducks. * A mature turkey has 3,500 feathers. Turkey feather were used by Native Americans to stabilize arrows. * Turkeys have lived in North America for 10 million years *There was no milk, cheese, bread, butter or pumpkin pie at the original Thanksgiving Day feast. *The cranberry got its name because the pale pink blossoms on the plant resembled a crane's head and neck. The name craneberry stuck, eventually becoming cranberry. *Ben Franklin liked the Turkey so much he wanted it to be the official bird of the US. *A male turkey is called a (tom). The female is called a (hen). The babies are called poults. *Only male (tom) turkeys gobble. Females (hen) make a clicking noise. The famous gobble is actually a seasonal mating call. * A tom's gobble can be heard a mile away. *A hen lays around 115 eggs a month which take about 28 days to hatch. *Turkeys are known to spend the night in trees! *Domesticated turkeys cannot fly. Wild turkeys however, can run 20 miles per hour and fly up to 55 miles per hour. *Turkeys can drown if they look up when it's raining! *A group of turkeys is called a flock. *Currently over 670 million turkeys are eaten at Thanksgiving. *A turkey under 16 weeks of age is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a roaster. *The largest turkey on record was 86 pounds. *The average person consumes 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
Written by Shana Croft. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com.
Products To Love In November A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting tops my personal list for children始s holiday books. This sweet and super cute book gives children a fun new look at the turkey始s roll in Thanksgiving festivities. The story starts with Mrs. Moose deciding that they simply must have a turkey for Thanksgiving, so Mr. Moose sets out to find one for her! The ending will surprise and delight children and adults of all ages. This book also comes highly recommended by my very charmed 4 year old little girl. Please click here for more information.
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November and Thanksgiving for many people means one more very important thing: Football! Make your house the ultimate Thanksgiving sports spot with the Samsung UN55B7000 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV. This super sweet piece of football enhancing technology is practically guaranteed make this year始s Thanksgiving one that will be remembered for many years to come. It even offers Internet connectivity to allow those diehard fans to check the stats between plays! The only problem you may have is getting everyone to stop staring long enough to eat dinner. Please click here for more information.
This sweet, heartwarming cartoon from the Peanuts gang once again shows Charlie Brown in a pickle, as his erstwhile friends impose upon the hapless wouldbe-host to provide a memorable and traditional Thanksgiving feast. And as much as Charlie Brown would rather forget the whole thing, he just can't help but try for fear of being labeled a failure. Ultimately it's up to Snoopy and Woodstock to save Charlie from certain embarrassment, and it falls to Linus to impart to all assembled the true meaning of Thanksgiving. This very special Emmy Award-winning cartoon features the usual sweet unassuming humor that only the Peanuts can provide, this is one of those childhood classics meant to be enjoyed again and again. Please click here for more information.
Products To Love In November Your oven is crammed full and yet more things that need baking are lined up on your counter. Tired of the same problem every Thanksgiving? Not enough oven space because of the turkey? Let us ease your fears! Nesco Professional 18Quart Convection Roaster Oven in beautiful Stainless Steel is the answer! This kitchen saver will roast up to a 12 pound turkey and adjusts up to 425 degrees for perfectly cooked, well anything! So take a deep breath, sit back and relax, because help is here! Please click here for more information.
Tired of squabbles over who has to hold the ball for the kick off? Well check out this little wonder! Kick like a winner with the Wilson Pro Kick. It makes your practice or warm-up session a snap by holding the ball at just the right angle for that perfect kick. Durable, all metal construction collapses easily for transport to and from the game. This football tee holds the football at any kicking angle and it is ideal for practice or warm-up sessions before games. Sturdy, all-metal construction gives stability and durability and it works on any kicking surface! Please click here for more information.
Tired of you old boring plates? Sad looking mugs got you dreading a visit from the in-laws? Check this out! The stylish Mikasa Gourmet Basics Donavan Set is just what you have been longing for! With 4 place settings, each place setting consisting of: 1 Dinner Plate, 1 Salad Plate, 1 Soup/Cereal Bowl, and 1 mug you will be well set for Thanksgiving dinner. Fashioned from clay, these Stoneware settings are exceptionally pretty, but heavy duty tough. The pattern features multiple half circles in colors of red, tan and bone and best yet, they are microwave and dishwasher safe! Please click here for more information.
City Spotlight
Boston, MA The city of Boston is frequently referred to as the gateway to New England. It is the capital of Massachusetts, and the largest city in New England. There is plenty to do for young and old alike in Boston, making it a great destination for a holiday to New England. Boston lies on a peninsula, with the Massachusetts Bay on one side and the Back Bay on the other. It became one of the wealthiest cities in North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, which led to a great many cultural buildings being built during this era. The Public Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the USA, with its flower gardens, trees, grassy lawns and lakes. The most famous part of The Public Garden's is of course the Swan Boats, to take you on a graceful ride around the lakes. Faneuil Hall Marketplace was built in 1742, and now houses over one hundred shops and restaurants. Great for shopping or for sampling the local cuisine, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a "must see" in Boston. The restaurants feature many local favourites such as clam chowder, and Boston baked beans! The Museum of Fine Arts is Boston's oldest and most respected art institution. It is home to a lot of early American art, as well as Egyptian and Impressionist collections. There is also a fine collection of French art. Many of the famous historic buildings make up the Freedom Trail, which is marked out with red lines or
bricks. These are buildings that played some significance in the American Revolution. The trail includes Paul Revere's house (home to the night time messenger that warned Samuel Adams and John Hancock of the British Army's planned movements), Faneuil Hall (a meeting point for revolutionaries), Granary Burial Ground (where Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere are buried), Bunker Hills, the site of Benjamin Franklin's birth, and the Old State House (where the Declaration of Independence was first read). Not on the trail for obvious reasons is the USS Constitution. This ship is 200 years old and is the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy. Still afloat the ironclad/ironside ship gives some of the most spectacular views of the city of Boston. One of the most visited attractions in Boston is the New England Aquarium. With a massive 200,000 gallon tank, with giant turtles swimming in it, it is a fantastic sight to behold. Home to the universities of Harvard and MIT, the city has a vibrant atmosphere in the evenings. There are plenty of restaurants and venues with live music to entertain you after a day of sightseeing or retail therapy! Steeped in history, great for shopping and abundant with evening entertainment, Boston makes a great destination for your New England holiday. Written by Fiona Napier, courtesy of Isnare.com
Businesses That Make A Difference
Here at Tom’s Of Maine we We believe that people are the know an awful lot about how to critical element in the success make great natural products in a of a mission, so we focus our grants on core mission and leadership development goals and then get out of the way! We are also passionate about water. A supply of clean water positively impacts community health, business, recreation opportunities, and overall quality of life. That’s why Tom’s of Maine is dedicated to improving water quality and supporting those who work to achieve this in their own towns. sustainable way — but we certainly can't claim to always know what's best for our communities down to every last detail. That's why we donate 10% of our pretax profits each year to charitable organizations: because they know best how to serve their own communities.
Since the very first product our cofounders Tom and Kate made in 1970 – a non-polluting phosphate-free laundry detergent called Clearlake – Tom's of Maine has advocated for clean water. Today, we're working with River Network and American Rivers, the two
largest nonprofit rivers organizations in the United
States, and their thousands of dedicated volunteers. Their efforts large and small add up to one huge positive impact on the health and safety of our nation’s rivers. So come on and help us lend a hand. . . . naturally of course! Check out www.tomsofmaine.com to find out more.
Random Facts
This month's random fact gives us further insight into one of Thanksgivings most mysterious culinary traditions Stuffing the Turkey.
Some of the first references to this rather bizarre practice are found in ancient Roman texts pertaining to cooking. After dressing out whatever poor animal was destined for the table they would stuff the main cavity with anything from old bread mixed with spices to another smaller animal! Strange as this practice sounds there is some common sense behind it. Stuffing the cavity helps to retain moisture and therefore should help to produce a juicier product.
Stuffing as it was known kept both it's name and it's place of honor at dining tables everywhere until the victorians took umbrage at the name stuffing. It was so offensive to them that they changed the name to "dressing" and served it on the side instead of the traditional form, still in the bird. That was the beginning of the end for poor stuffing! Before too long someone figured out that while it does not taste exactly the same, the bird cooks faster without stuffing and the stuffing it's self can be cooked separately and more quickly as well.
The real death nell of traditional stuffing however was not the Victorians changing it's name or some over worked cook conniving to same time. It was the USDA! They claim that stuffing your Turkey at Thanksgiving does not allow the temperature to get high enough to throughly cook everything, possibly resulting in, GASP!, food poisoning! So Stove top Stuffing is now the be all and end all of stuffing and not many people stuff their turkeys anymore. Sad but true!
So on Thanksgiving day before you tuck into your turkey, ham, tofurkey or whatever it is that your family honors the holiday by eating, take a moment of silence for the once great side dish stuffing, aka, dressing.
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