Turkey on The Huffington Post

Aubrey Sarvis: Killing DADT Is the Honorable Thing

2009-12-01T11:27:36Z

What do Turkey and the United States have in common? Well, they are both original signatories to the NATO treaty. But they share something else. The United States and Turkey stand alone among the original signatories to that treaty in banning gay men and women from serving openly in their militaries.

In Turkey and in the United States the official stance towards homosexuality is to be ashamed of it, or afraid of it, or both. Otherwise, why would the United States have a federal law that says it's okay to be gay in the military if you tell no one, do nothing, and keep that closet door firmly shut. In other words, if you're gay pretend you're not. Stay ashamed and stay quiet.

The difference is that parts of Turkey, which didn't exist as a nation until 1923, after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I and the war for independence that followed, remain rooted in a tribalism whose values clash with what we like to think of as the values of the modern world. The founder of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, was an admirer of the Enlightenment and fought until his death in 1938 to turn Turkey into a modern, democratic, and secular nation-state. It has been a long and still only partially successful struggle.

It would not please Ataturk to know that "honor killings" still exist in his country. The New York Times reported last week that one took place 16 months ago in Istanbul. Prosecutors say a father from a wealthy Kurdish family in southeastern Turkey traveled more than six hundred miles from his village to hunt down his only son at his apartment building in Istanbul and to fire five shots into the young man as he was going out for ice cream. The son was gay, the honor of the family was therefore sullied. To restore the family's honor, a male member of the family must kill him. It's the honorable thing to do, even though his parents were said to adore their son.

This is the first reported honor killing of a gay man in Turkey. That fate is usually reserved for women in the family for looking at a boy the "wrong" way, for having sex with another man inside or outside of marriage. Dan Bilefsky reported in the Times last week that a recent government survey estimates that one person in Istanbul dies every week as a result of honor killings. The United Nations says that globally such killings claim five thousand lives each year. It is not known how many go unpunished. In Turkey, if the crime becomes known the punishment is life imprisonment. The father of the young man, who was a straight-A physics student, is being tried in absentia. He is believed to be hiding in northern Iraq.

A Turkish sociologist who studies honor killings noted that "tribal Kurdish families that kill daughters perceived to have dishonored them publicize the murders to help cleanse their shame." The sociologist told Bilefsky that "gay honor killings remained underground because a homosexual not only brought shame to his family, but also tainted the concept of male identity upon which the community's social structure depended."

"Until now," the sociologist said, "gay honor killings have been invisible because homosexuality is taboo."

I am not aware of honor killings in the United States, although men and women in and out of the military have been killed because they are perceived to be gay, lesbian, or transgendered. Still, there is an unsettling parallel between Turkey and the United States in their attitudes toward gays in the military: they don't exist.

Now everyone knows that we do in fact exist, that some of us have been or are in the military, and some are serving openly. So why the ban? Shame, fear, ignorance, a military culture of chest-thumping machismo, a misplaced sense of honor. How else can we explain why sixteen years ago our own government passed a law requiring gays and lesbians in effect to go underground to serve their country? All those who wear the uniform must be prepared to give up their lives if necessary to preserve the freedom of their fellow citizens to be themselves--but if they are gay the country they are fighting for does not allow them the freedom to be themselves.

That is what is shameful. That is what is truly disgraceful and dishonorable. In the United States we need to distinguish ourselves from countries, like our NATO ally Turkey, who continue officially to regard homosexuality as shameful. As do we. Shame and ignorance and fear lie at the root of our discriminatory policy of "don't ask, don't tell," just as in Turkey.

Twenty-seven other countries now welcome gays and lesbians into their armed forces. This week President Obama is asking some of those countries--Australia, Britain, France, Germany, Canada--to stick with us in Afghanistan. Does anyone care if the soldier or Marine beside you who is trying to protect you is of a different sexual orientation than your own? Do you care if the Navy Seal who saved your life is gay or straight? I don't think so, and I think that has been documented time and again. Good order, discipline, unit cohesion, and morale depend on strong leadership and a clear mission, not on anyone's sexual orientation.

Someone has to take command of getting "don't ask, don't tell" off the books. Ultimately, President Obama is the leader, but only Congress can repeal the law that Congress enacted. They might finally do it if President Obama includes repeal of DADT in the Defense budget he sends to Congress early next year.

The President can and should do just that.

Laura Trice: Look Mom, No Hands

2009-11-30T14:54:53Z

Here in Los Angeles we had amazing Thanksgiving Day weather and going out for a bike ride seemed like a great idea. Biking is something I have done since I was a child and have continued throughout adulthood in all types of weather. In fact, biking is so automatic for me that I usually daydream during the ride and most of my best thoughts come to me then.

Out of nowhere, this past Thanksgiving day, I started to bike the long straight stretches without having my hands on the handle bars. Biking with no hands. It brought back my childhood. The stages were: get a tricycle, then a two wheel bike with training wheels, get rid of the training wheels and ride solo then the ultimate was to be able to balance well enough to ride without hands. I felt exhilarated riding with no hands. What surprised me was it took my total focus and used different muscles to balance. I didn't daydream at all.

As I passed other cyclists, I noticed that some of them rode without their hands as well. Biking is one of the times that I feel free. Most people I see on bikes have a smile probably because it brings us back to a basic, playful time.

The final stretch back to my house was a narrow street in Venice that smelled like roasting turkey the entire block long. It felt comforting to picture so many of us enjoying the same meal on the same day. While it may have been in separate homes with different traditions, I felt connected to others and smiled.

Chinese Buick Excelle XT Previews Cruze-based Sedan For U.S.

2009-11-30T12:32:45Z

With our bellies still reeling from turkey and pie, Buick graces us today with a look at the Excelle XT, the Chinese-market Buick version of the new Opel Astra. That combo makes for what is essentially a preview of the U.S.-market Chevrolet Cruze-based sedan. Confusing, eh

Box Office: High "Road" For Turkey Weekend While "Embraces" Shines In Second Frame

2009-11-29T14:30:11Z

While “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Blind Side” battled it out in a uncharacteristically female friendly Thanksgiving weekend for studio fare, it was John Hillcoat’s “The Road” that led the specialty box office.  Leading three new specialty films to hit theaters on this very potent Thanksgiving weekend (the overall box office was up 17% over last year), the apocalyptic Cormac McCarthy adaptation grossed $1,522,870 over the three day weekend and $2,000,814 since opening Wednesday.  …

A scene from John Hillcoat's "The Road." Image courtesy of The Weinstein Company.

Andy Borowitz: Pardoned White House Turkey Slays Nine

2009-11-26T15:34:41Z

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) - In a potentially embarrassing situation for the Obama White House, a turkey pardoned by President Obama earlier this week went on a three-state killing spree on Thanksgiving Day, killing nine.

While authorities were still piecing together the motivation behind the recidivist fowl's homicidal rampage, a chorus of Republican critics complained that pardoning the feathered killer was symptomatic of the Obama administration's misguided policies.

"First they close down Guantanamo, then they let killer turkeys run free," said House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH). "Next thing you know they'll put this turkey on trial in New York."

Elsewhere, a person believed to be a party-crasher who attended this week's state dinner and acted inappropriately turned out to be Vice President Joe Biden. More here.

Read more HuffPost Thanksgiving coverage and commentary

Avital Binshtock: How To Green Your Holiday Meal

2009-11-26T11:32:52Z

Working up a menu for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or another upcoming holiday? Here are three tips to help you be more environmentally responsible while planning that feast.

1. Opt For Organic. We know that organic foods are better for our bodies, but did you know that they're significantly better for the planet too? Since organic farmers don't use toxins on their crops, they prevent chemicals from contaminating soil and water, and from harming wildlife. It doesn't just need to be just the turkey or ham that's organic; it can be the wine, too, or the vegetables in the side dishes. An added plus: organic foods taste better!

2. Think Through the Decor. If you're shopping for table settings, look for organic, reusable linens and cloth napkins. As for the centerpiece, try to go with one that's nondisposable or edible -- such as a cornucopia filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables - instead of flowers. Did you know that around 80 percent of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported from Colombia and Ecuador and contain 50 times more pesticides than is legal to have on edibles? Just some food for thought.

3. Do Right With What's Left. If there's one thing synonymous with American holidays, it's lots and lots of leftovers. So what to do with yours? If there's a food bank or homeless shelter in your region that takes prepared foods, take them there. If not, you can turn your leftovers into other meals, including soup or sandwiches; mashed potatoes can become a breakfast hash.

Whatever becomes of your grub, deal with those licked-clean dishes responsibly: A full load in the dishwasher is greener than washing them by hand, especially if you skip the drying cycle.

Tell us: How do you green your holiday meal?

Read more HuffPost Thanksgiving coverage and commentary
Read more: Pesticides, Organic Farming, Hanukkah, Soil, Turkey, Agriculture, Thanksgiving, Flowers, Green, Toxins, Soup Kitchen, Decor, Vegetables, Christmas, Dishwasher, Leftovers, Holidays, Holiday Season, Food Banks, Crops, Ecuador, Green Living, Reusable, Family Meals, Decorating, Imports, Menu, Organic Food, Fruit, Cornucopia, Colombia, Water, Environment, Tips, Homeless Shelters, Food, Decorating Tips, Green News

Kathy Freston: Thanks, But No Thanks

2009-11-26T09:05:00Z
I grew up in a household of very loud, opinionated people. There were hardcore conservatives and what my father called "bleeding heart liberals" among us and everyone was at each others' throat vying to make their point. I always remember gearing up for what I knew would be a test of endurance and persistence for who could make the final point; it was a matter of pride to hold your own in the face of the jeers of opposition. Thanksgiving was not warm and cozy, but it was lively, and I learned to thrive in -- and actually appreciate -- the chaos.

But when it was time to carve the bird, everyone came together and partook of the ritual. My father got out the electric carving knife and then each of us put in our requests for body parts. I wanted the white meat of the breast, one of my brothers wanted a leg, and my mother fished around for the wishbone. My other brother would scoop out the stuffing from the cavity, and our mouths would water as the bird was disassembled and passed around. Around the meat, we would pile on mashed potatoes and gravy, brussel sprouts, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Dessert was pumpkin pie and apple crumble with whipped cream. We all had a laugh that there was a lull between arguments while we enjoyed the feast, finally in a sort of trance over our shared love of the food. The tradition of sharing this meal brought all the disparate parts of the family together, and we celebrated despite -- or maybe because of -- our differences.

So imagine the pushback I got when I went vegetarian, and then vegan. It wasn't pretty. It was like I had betrayed the family on what was the foundation of our unity (remember, we didn't have a ton of common ground as it was): "What do you mean you don't want to eat turkey?! People have been dining on birds since the beginning of time!" Well, that wasn't altogether true; I said, "The first settlers apparently dined on bean soup with the native Americans. But besides that, I watched some pretty awful video of how turkeys -- who are really gentle and familial animals - were treated egregiously as they were processed and slaughtered for our big day. Their toes and part of their beaks are cut off without anesthesia; they are smashed together in extremely close and dirty quarters; they are given huge amounts of antibiotics (as are all factory farmed animals); they are fed rejected meat products, sawdust, and leather tannery by-products; and they are all too often dunked in scalding water and dismembered while still alive and conscious."

I looked at my parents and said, "Look, you raised me to say 'please' and 'thank you'. You raised me to be a nice person, a person who does not do unkind things. You raised me to not hurt animals. You raised me to be thoughtful and to question things if they don't feel right to me. It's become impossible to avoid the conclusion that eating turkey doesn't jibe with those very basic and wise principles. I don't need meat to survive and it's just too cruel and ugly to feast on without feeling I've betrayed the values you've tried to instill in me."

Accusations of self righteousness flew around the house. Jabs and making fun were the talk for a few years. But I was adept at handling criticism and opposition; I held my own (without imposing my will on anyone else). Then, when we moved Thanksgiving to my house in California, things began to quietly settle down. I served sliced Tofurky (far surpassed this year by Gardein, found in Whole Foods deli section) and mashed potatoes made with Earth Balance instead of butter, and soy milk instead of milk. The stuffing was made of bread crumbs and vegetable stock, the brussel sprouts and beans and cranberry sauce were the same. The pumpkin pie and apple crumble were made from recipes by Tal Ronnen and topped with vegan whipped cream. And the truth is, it all looked the same but felt better.

And everyone loved the food; no one missed the traditional bird. The conversation was still chaotic and loud and lively. We disagreed on what we always disagreed on. But we got the foundational stuff -- the food -- right. We all shared the common desire to do a good thing and be a little thoughtful. As a family, we sacrificed a teeny tiny bit of tradition in favor of applying our shared values to what we eat, at least for that one meal a year. For that, I am truly grateful!

Read more HuffPost Thanksgiving coverage and commentary
Read more: Veganism, Meat Substitutes, Gardein, Thanksgiving Commentary, Turkey, Thanksgiving, Tofurky, Stuffing, Thanksgiving Food, Vegetarian Thanksgiving, Family, Living News

Soren Gordhamer: The Fire Of Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T18:23:07Z
Thanksgiving is one of those few times in a year when families, even ones with which there is discord, come together. For some this is a joyous event, for others it is greatly loathed.

Ram Dass used to say that if you ever thought you were enlightened, go spend a week with your parents and siblings. That would be the test. It is one thing to stay calm and clear with those who share our views and beliefs, quite another to do so with those who have very different world views, which families tend to have. Even in the best of families, siblings and parents can ignite strong negative emotional reactions in us, stirring like no one else what Eckhart Tolle refers to as our "pain body."

A person on the street or a co-worker can say that we do not look our best, and we are not likely to respond with much emotional charge. We hear the comment and easily let it pass. A sibling or parent can say the same thing, and instantly our shoulders rise, our jaw clinches, or belly tightens, and we are flooded with all the memories in the past when we felt poorly treated by him or her. Our response then is fueled less by the words spoken, and more by the emotional pain that we carry in relationship to that person. Depending on the person expressing the words, our mind and body can respond much differently.

Interactions with our families, in many ways, reveal how much we still have not let go of, how much we have not forgiven, how much we are still trying to prove to them and the world that we are "someone of worth"; they reveal how much we have not completely accepted ourselves. This takes the form of strong emotional outbursts, attempts at highlighting the flaws in parents and siblings, and "one-upping" them when given the chance. Essentially, it reveals all the ways that we believe ourselves separate.

However, in any moment, we can either decide to reinforce this separateness or no longer feed it. We can, for example, not take the bait when a family member comments on our appearance or job, expecting us to respond with a strong emotional charge as we have in the past. And when we do not respond in such a way, people often stop trying to bait us, since it is no longer as exciting as it once was. Doing this with family members, of course, can be challenging work, more than the fiercest Zen teacher, but if our work is to live our best in all situations, it is a great opportunity.

Rumi has a poem where he says that there is a fire on the left and a lovely stream on the right. Some people are tempted by the water, but on entering instantly their heads appear in the fire. Those who go into the fire show up in the water. He says, "Most people guard against going into the fire, and so end up in it." He continues, "If you are a friend of God, fire is your water."

While there are certainly some family situations that are abusive and best to avoid, Thanksgiving also gives the opportunity for us to enter the fire, to explore living with calm, patience, and wisdom when around those who know best how to push our buttons. It is also a time where we get to see that part of us that wants to cause pain and increase suffering in others. Time with family often reveals all that is not healed or resolved in us.

In fact, if there was a "suffering barometer" Thanksgiving would likely be the one day in the US where there is the greatest shift, the one day where suffering either increases or is diminished more than any other day in the year. Here's to a Thanksgiving where this barometer decreases, and where families see the opportunity to support rather than hinder one another's growth.

***

Soren Gordhamer works with individuals and groups on living with greater mindfulness and purpose in our technology-rich age. He is the author of Wisdom 2.0: Ancient Secrets for the Creative and Constantly Connected (HarperOne, 2009). Website: http://www.sorengordhamer.com
Read more: Healing, Families, Suffering, Mindfulness, Pain Body, Thanksgiving, Turkey, Fireplace, Traiditon, Family, Culture, Living News

Video: Butterball Talk Line: Fielding Your Fowl Queries

2009-11-25T08:45:05Z

Operators are standing by an dlines are open at the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, where no question is too weird and no bird is beyond saving. Carol Miller, supervisor of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, shares her turkey tips with CNBC. (CNBC)

Butterball - Turkey - CNBC - Recreation - Travelogues
Read more: Turkey, Home News

Steve Rosenbaum: Happy Digital Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T09:01:36Z
Each year, the milestone moments remind me that things are changing fast, and digital is emerging as the new way we learn, share and engage the world around us.
Now, Thanksgiving may seem like the least likely of the Digital Holidays. After all, for Christmas we've been tracking Santa on the Web for years, and e-commerce has replaced the slog to the mall for many of us.

But Thanksgiving, how can that be digital? After all it's about tastes, smells, family and food -- right?
Well, for those of you just discovering a Digital Thanksgiving, here's a beginners guide to going digital for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

1. The Food

Unless you're one of those folk who's going to eat Thanksgiving dinner at the local diner, chances are you're going to end up cooking something. For some that means a side dish, for others it's the whole turkey (or vegan Thanksgiving alternative). So, the question is, just where does this knowledge come from? It used to be it was handed down from generation to generation. Now, as families are spread around the country and the globe, it's harder to get a cooking lesson from Grandma. So the Net arrives to fill the gap. Video is fast becoming the teaching tool -- and entrepreneurs are filling in where Grandma once was.
One such foodie-entrepreneur is StreamingGourmet's Amy Wilson, a San Francisco-based former journalist. For her Thanksgiving Video Roundup, Wilson has assembled collections of the best videos from across the Web in the following categories: Turkey, Stuffing, Sides, Apple (pie ) and Pumpkin (pie ). Wilson's site offers scrolling thumbnail selections on Thanksgiving Turkey Video Collection; Stuffing; Side Dishes; Apple and Pumpkin Dessert.
Wilson is not alone in her culinary online video world. The number of Internet entrepreneurs and mainstream magazines making the move to web video is dramatic. Other great User-Generated food sites include Reader's Digest Taste Of Home site, as well as culinaria.net and epicurious.
And of course, Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes can be found here.

2. The Experience

If you can be in New York, there's no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving than standing in the cold and watching the Parade, the marching bands, and the balloons float by. But if you can't be there in person, here's a way to experience the Parade live from street level: it's Earthcam's Times Square web cam view:
If you're looking for a bit of pre-parade activity, you can start here for a great collection of videos and highlights from last years parade.
In addition to Miley Cyrus, the following are among the 2009 Macy's Day Parade Performers:

Julie Andrews

Laurie Berkner

Chris Brown

Cheyenne

Ciara

Diana DeGarmo

Gloria Estefan

Renee Fleming

Grandma from the Big Apple Circus

Natalie Grant

Hall & Oates

The cast of Disney Channel's High School Musical

Jonas Brothers

Josh Kelley

Darlene Love

Barry Manilow

Sarah McLachlan

Miss U.S.A 2006-Tara Conner

Sandi Patty

John Tartaglia

3. The Sports

Associate Content reports that On Thanksgiving Day itself, there will be several different football games to view. As per the Thanksgiving tradition, the Dallas Cowboys take to the field battling the New York Jets. Currently, the Cowboys have a 6-1 record under new head coach Wade Phillips. Tony Romo brings great life to this team as he leads the team down the field. Terrell Owens has also opened up possibilities for this team. That combination of offensive force makes for some great football. (for complete data)

4. The Family Far Away And The Recovery

Of course, not everyone can drive or fly to be together for the holidays. So here's a chance to put your web cam and iChat or Skype account to use. While it may seem a bit like sci-fi, the fact is that grandparents and grandchildren can connect via the Web -- and it's the next best thing to being there. So log in and start video chatting.
And after all that visiting, and eating and sports watching, odds are you're feeling sleeeepy. About.com reports: "The turkey is often cited as the culprit in afterdinner lethargy, but the truth is that you could omit the bird altogether and still feel the effects of the feast. Turkey does contain L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid with a documented sleep inducing effect. L-tryptophan is used in the body to produce the B-vitamin, niacin. Tryptophan also can be metabolized into serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters that exert a calming effect and regulates sleep. However, L-tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any other amino acids or protein in order to make you drowsy. There's lots of protein in a serving of turkey and it's probably not the only food on the table. "
Each year, the traditions and connections of our lives and holidays make the transition from analog to digital. This year, having a Digital Thanksgiving is easier than ever. So use the links above, gather round the laptop -- and start cooking!

Read more HuffPost Thanksgiving coverage and commentary
Read more: Macy's, Thanksgiving, Turkey, Parade, Steve Rosenbaum, Technology News

Patrick Takahashi: How To Roast A Turkey

2009-11-23T18:46:23Z
[In July, the day after my wife passed away, The Huffington Post published my article on "Gratitude, Not Grief." With all the trauma now fading memories, I have entered a new and rather exciting phase of my life.]

For some of you looking for a reasonably safe adventure, you might want to consider roasting a turkey for the holiday season. I would like to share with you my first attempt.

I noticed that Safeway was charging only $3.99 for any turkey 16 pounds or less... not per pound, but per whole fowl. (Later I learned that various supermarkets also had similar sales, and, for all I know, this happens every year at this time. I would imagine that a state like Minnesota, which is noted to produce the most number of turkeys--the kind you eat--must give them away for free. Oh, another nice piece of trivia is that the US annually raises just about as many of these birds as our total population.)

For that price, I would have been satisfied with a pigeon-sized bird, but the smallest one I could find was 11 pounds. Then, I couldn't check out because the fine print said I had to have a bill of at least $20. But that was no problem, since I bought a few more necessary items. Unfortunately, at home, I couldn't fit it into the refrigerator, so I placed it into one of those insulated bags for defrosting.

The next day I learned from my golf group that it would be smart to first soak the bird in a saline bath to kill the salmonella and such, and add some taste. I did not have enough salt, so again I went to the market and bought a whole standard model cylindrical container of salt for all of $1.07. Amazing, considering the one pound 10 ounce weight and shipping cost. I then thought about cranberry sauce and sweet potato, but, no, it was not really that day yet, and I would see too much of it on November 26, so I went home with only the salt.

However, circumstances prevented my actually placing the bird in the oven at that moment, so I added ice as necessary. Already it was much more work than I wanted, especially as I don't particularly like turkey.

Rather than going to the Internet, I noticed a large brown Treasury of Great Recipes in the kitchen, and found "Roast Turkey Wayside Inn." I hate cloves, parsley, thyme, neck, heart, liver and giblet, so I purposely left them out. Oh yeah, you need to remove those organs inside of the turkey. There was also a plastic contraption which served no particular function to me, and maybe could melt in the oven, so with great difficulty, I removed it. Maybe a reader will comment on this matter.

I'm also not a great fan of bread stuffing, so I created my own: cooked rice, can of corn, water chestnuts, and chopped macadamia nuts/mushrooms/onion. I found some bacon, and with some irony noted that it was made of turkey. So that's what Pearl was feeding me. Anyway, I crisped the bacon and worked it in with a raw egg, plus some salt and pepper. The whole concoction perfectly fit into the turkey and I tied the legs to keep everything in place, barely. Into a large pan with aluminum foil lining, I added two cups of water and a quarter pound of butter.

The main parameters of importance I sought from the book were what temperature (325 degrees F) and for how long. To my chagrin, stated was: ten to twenty minutes per pound. Thus, using a calculator I determined that the oven should be on for anywhere from less than two hours to nearly four hours. I arbitrarily selected three hours. The main thing was to gain the right shade of brown, which was a slam dunk, as the other options are white and black.

The directions called for basting every half an hour. Basting? What's that, and how? Well, that's somehow getting the liquid part in the pan spread over the bird to keep it moist and, ultimately, tastier. I think I needed that bulb and tube thing, but a large spoon sufficed. Be careful, as this can be a dangerous process when the oven is hot.

Well, three hours later, perfecto. After a cooling period, I didn't bother with careful carving because no one was watching and I also never learned. Instead, I cut delectable portions and placed them on a plate. The recipe also called for gravy, but why bother with having to wash another pan and add flour. It would be sacrificed anyway if diet was a factor. I placed a bit of pan liquids over some mashed potato I found in the freezer from a previous experiment, had the outstanding stuffing a la Takahashi and fixed a lettuce and tomato salad with blue cheese dressing. Complemented by a glass of cabernet sauvignon, no, make that two, I had one of my best meals, ever.

You know, maybe now, I might begin to appreciate turkey, which is a good thing because the leftovers filled eight quart size Ziploc bags, and should last me the lifetime of the freezer. For only $70 - $150 I could have bought a whole prepared turkey with all the trimmings from assorted suppliers, but this was for the sheer experience, plus it was incredibly economical. Heck, I even had more than 50 cents of salt left for future use.

My next adventure could well be a goose for Christmas...or, maybe Peking Duck.

Read more: Turkey, Recipes, Retirement, Cooking, Thanksgiving, Food, Thanksgiving Recipes, Roasts, Living News

How To Avoid Holiday Overeating

2009-11-23T14:51:28Z
Fill up on the vegetables. Skip the pumpkin pie, or at least the whipped cream. Forgo the gravy; go really easy on the stuffing. And just say no to alcohol -- it's apt to set off a frenzy of feasting.

Read more: Holidays, Turkey, Thanksgiving, Gravy, Diet, Alcohol Consumption, Obesity, Feasting, Overeating, Wellness, Overweight, Holiday, Calories, Health, Willpower, Nutrition, Alcohol, Holiday News, Living News

Sarah Newman: 10 Tips For A Sustainable Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T12:26:15Z
Since I wrote last year about tips for a sustainable thanksgiving meal, much has transpired in the food movement. We now have a First Family that regularly toils in their backyard to grow and harvest organic produce. The hit documentary, Food, Inc. was released this past year and is now in the running for an Academy Award. I had the pleasure of working on the Social Action campaign for the film which has given me the privilege of learning much from amazing food activists who are working daily in fields, offices, schools and boardrooms daily to help to build a more just and sustainable food system.

Preparing a sustainable meal can be a selfish endeavor; I guarantee you that it will be more fun, tastier and make for a good conversation at your table. However, it's also about our global community; you'll help to prevent the emission of greenhouse gas emissions, the slaughter of animals living under inhumane conditions, meet local farmers and help to foster the establishment of a more equitable food system through your creation of the biggest American meal of the year.

1. Buy organic. Organic produce and products are so commonplace now that Coca-Cola and Doritos are practically getting pushed off shelves to make extra space for these hot items. Try to purchase from a small, local farmer, but if you can't find one, then you can stock up on your Thanksgiving goods at any major retailer. By choosing organic foods, you are helping to prevent the usage of millions of pounds of poisonous pesticides and fertilizers and emission of greenhouse gas emissions. Best of all, organic foods taste better.

2. Save a turkey. Choose the most humane option that will significantly lighten your environmental impact by having a meat-free meal. You can make your centerpiece a hearty, fall-themed vegetarian dish or opt for a tofurkey. Either way, you'll be saying no to our industrial food system, reducing your global warming contribution and saying yes to a healthy, happy meal. You can also make a turkey happy by adopting it. Yes, you read correctly, save a turkey from the chopping block and give it the gift of a happy home at Farm Sanctuary. For those of you who roll their eyes at my incredible suggestion in tip two of going meat-free on Thanksgiving. If you fall into that camp, I'd suggest you opt for a humanely-raised turkey.

3. Get down and dirty with your food by starting a garden in your yard, porch, window sill or community garden. While the crops won't be ready for this year's feast, start now to grow and harvest a bountiful collection of herbs and produce for 2010.

4. Save your scraps. Start your own compost bin with all of your fruit and veggie scraps. By composting, you prevent useful food scraps from ending up buried in landfills and you'll be able to apply your nutrient-dense soil to your new garden.

5. Dig chicks. I share my small backyard with neighbors in Los Angeles, who are generally tolerant of my outdoor clothes drying, composting and gardening, but I know bringing chickens home would push our respectful relationship over the edge. However, for millions of Americans with their own, private backyards, raising your own chickens is a reasonable feat. Imagine collecting eggs early Thanksgiving morning to enjoy while preparing a pie or soufflé for the big meal. You can learn about how to do this from my 12-year old friend Orren Fox who raises his own backyard chickens.

6. Read labels. When purchasing Thanksgiving items at the market, choose items whose labels you can read. I'm not referring to the font size, which can sometimes make you feel like you're doing an ad-hoc eye exam at the store. Rather, choose products with five ingredients or less and with words that make sense. If it's unpronounceable to your mouth, imagine how disagreeable it will be to your stomach.

7. Go union. Millions of workers toil daily in fields across the country to bring foods to your table. Look for a union label when buying for your meal to ensure that you're foods harvested by people who are the backbone of our country.

8. Celebrate diversity. By eating endangered foods, you're actually helping their survival. I'm not referring to a Gray Whale or African Elephant but to things like a Sierra Beauty Apple, Bull Nose large Bell Pepper, Sheboygan Tomato and Sea Island Red Peas. Eat these beauties to help keep our food sources diverse, support farmers keeping these varieties alive and enjoy consuming new foods (how can you not love something called Bull Nose?).

9. Go paperless. I'm not referring to getting your bank statements via email but forsaking paper products and opting instead for reusable cutlery, napkins, plates and glasses. Add extra beauty to your table by collecting leaves and other outside goodies as centerpieces.

10. Drink (tap) water. Skip wasteful, unregulated bottled water in favor of tasty, reliable zero-calorie tap water. If you're concerned about the quality of H2O from your kitchen faucet, invest in a water purifier. Drinking tap water might not make you look like Jennifer Aniston but you'll definitely look a lot smarter than her with a plastic bottle.

I've yet to reach the lofty 100 tips a la New York Times food writer Mark Bittman. While my list is only 10 tips, there's many more that could be included. Please share your ideas for how to have a more sustainable Thanksgiving. Happy eating.

Sarah's Social Action Snapshot originally appeared on Takepart.com

Photo: Wild Turkey by Steve Vought, Flickr Creative Commons
Read more: Sarah's Social Action Snapshot, Turkey, Sunset Magazine, Smart Water, Sustainable Agriculture, Paperless, Thanksgiving, Mark Bittman, Los Angeles, Sustainable, Orren Fox, Sustainable Thanksgiving, Coca-Cola, Food Inc., Water, Tap Water, New York Times, Takepart, Union, Green News

Thanksgiving Turkey Substitutes: The Least Appetizing Choices (PHOTOS)

2009-11-23T08:00:11Z
Here at HuffPost Green, we appreciate the positive effect that vegetarians are having on the environment, especially come Thanksgiving time when millions of factory farmed turkeys are slaughtered for the feast.

However, our appreciation for turkey-abstainers does not necessarily mean all turkey substitutes look particularly appetizing. We mostly get behind the philosophy that vegetarian food is better when it's not trying to pretend that it's meat. We thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the more wacky vegetarian and vegan turkey alternatives.

From Tofurky to nutloaf, check out this slideshow of the most bizarre foods to be consumed this Thanksgiving. Vote for what you think is the weirdest!

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Read more: Veganism, Tofurkey, Thanksgiving Turkey, Vegetarian, Turkey, Vegetarian Turkey, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Slidepoll, Food, Turkey Substitutes, Vegetarianism, Green News

Mark Olmsted: Sarah Palin, Fill Out this Map!

2009-11-23T01:30:18Z

According to the Republican right, their great hero Ronald Reagan personally caused the dissolution of the Soviet Union with his insistence to Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall!" Twenty plus years later, I issue another plea to the woman who, by all indicators, wants to be taken seriously as a potential leader of the Free World.

Our current Free World Leader, Oprah Winfrey, is set to resign in 2011. If Sarah Palin wants to replace her (that is her plan, right?) she's going to have to know certain things. Like in which two countries American soldiers are currently stationed. Hint: One of them starts with "I-R-A." Another hint: you can't see Russia from any of these countries, but all those "--stans" I've left filled in are a clue to the other one. And the one sticking out on the left? Think Thanksgiving dinner with Levi.

I know I'm giving you a chance to study up, but I don't care. As long as you run to become the new Queen of Daytime Television and not that other leader of the Free World, you can cheat all you want. It'll be good practice for preparing for all those interviews you'll have to give. (Ask Katie Couric how it's done, I'm sure she'll be glad to help.)

Oh, and thanks Oprah. Your timing is very sly--planning to step down just when Sarah would be announcing for President. You're nobody's fool. You know darn well how to satisfy Ms. Palin's insatiable desire for celebrity without actually harming the country. And you know the only thing that will take Sarah down for good is the power that transcends continents: Bad ratings.
Read more: Sarah Palin Katie Couric Interview, Turkey, Iran, Oprah Winfrey, Geography, Afghanistan, Middle East, 2012 Election, Sarah Palin, Iraq, Politics News

Dr. M.J. Wegmann: 4 Ways To Avoid The "Holiday Weight Gain"

2009-11-20T17:21:10Z
One of the toughest times of the year for those trying to lose weight is the holiday season. Many people will gain between 5 and 7 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year's. While the holidays are a time to rejoice, celebrate and share fond memories, they are also a time for eating, eating and more eating. Wherever you go, whatever you do, food always seems to be the central focus. Cookies, chocolates, fruit cake, eggnog, holiday breads and a myriad of other 'goodies' can been seen in the kitchen, on the coffee table, at the office, grocery store, friend's house... even your chiropractor's office! How can you try to maintain your weight and heart-health during such a tempting time? I've come up with 4-steps to surviving the holiday hoopla that is surefire success - this season and in the future ones to come.

1. Limit your sweets to one-a-day

While you can't control every situation, you can control how much food goes into your mouth. If you are constantly bombarded with holiday parties and displays of desserts or candies you can still effectively help prevent overeating and weight gain. One way is the one-a-day method. Allow yourself one small serving of a cookie or piece of candy each day during the holiday season. Remember that you may have to compensate for it later in the day by reducing your total caloric intake or by burning a few extra calories while exercising. If you aren't confronted with holiday foods that day, just skip your one-a-day - but don't compensate and double-up on your serving the next day.

2. Don't starve yourself all day to justify eating more at dinner.

Eating a satisfying breakfast can ward off the temptation to overindulge later in the day. I recommend eating 3-5 small meals throughout the day. Portion control is a must. If you miss this one you could easily consume 2000-3000 calories in one meal! This is how people pack on the pounds.

3. Planned physical activity.

Get moving. Take a family walk before the "big" meal, and take one after the "big" meal. Get outside and get some fresh air. Make it a priority by scheduling daily activity into your routine. Physical activity is an effective method for preventing weight gain during the holidays by burning calories, suppressing appetite, and helping deal with stress (you know, the stress from hanging out with the in-laws for a week). Physical activity is the common denominator for losing weight and keeping it off. Some ideas are flag football, ice skating, skiing, or an extra lap around the mall when shopping.

4. Say No

Inevitably there will be people that try to get you to overeat. "You just have to try these cookies." Sound familiar? Or I love this one "there is only a little left, just finish it up." Or even tougher to turn down; "I made these especially for you, have some." It can be difficult turning down offers of food at the holidays because you don't want to hurt the person's feelings. However, that person should understand that eating their food is not a sign of love and affection. You can just explain that you are on a health and fitness plan (not a diet) and you do not want to have any of what they are offering because it looks so good that you won't be able to control yourself.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a "high risk" time for over eaters and obese people. I think the number of people who only overeat at the Thanksgiving meal is slim to none. Make a commitment to getting healthy, and for a majority of people reading this website, make a commitment to staying healthy. Your health is more important than the temptation to over indulge constantly.
Read more: Healthy Eating, Chirstmas, Food, Holidays, Turkey, Holiday Season, Thanksgiving, Living News

Denise Vivaldo: Talking About Turkeys

2009-11-20T16:52:22Z
Years ago, I cooked for one of the richest men in the world. He had been a catering client and then asked me to come to work for him full time as his private chef. His peeps offered me a big bag of money, health benefits, and even stock options in his company. He was a commodities broker. Almost never left his home, did all his trading from his bedroom desk, and lived in his pajamas.

After a week of working there I knew that all the Lord had given him was money. He didn't have looks, personality, taste or kindness. The day he sunbathed naked outside the kitchen window I swear there was printing on the window that read "Objects may appear disappointingly smaller in direct sunlight." The Lord works in mysterious ways.

This was when I was trying to sell my first cookbook. Working for "Mr. Oh-So-Rich" made it easier for me to eat. I would write in the morning and then cook at his house in the afternoon. Often I was testing the recipes I wanted to include in my cookbook. He paid for the groceries and gave me honest feedback.

I was able to buy the best of everything and his team of gardeners even put in an entire organic vegetable garden for me. My unlimited food budget, ocean-view kitchen and the fact that I hardly ever saw him made it a dream job. But there are always strings. And I never see them coming.

Turned out "Mr. Oh-So-Rich" loved Thanksgiving dinner. Really loved Thanksgiving dinner. The entire dinner: turkey, gravy, pies, potatoes, yams, stuffing. He could eat it every week. When his secretary started calling me at noon every Monday with "He'd like a full turkey dinner for dinner tonight. Ta da!" Here were the strings ... tied right to his big old bag of money. He tugged the strings and I cooked the turkeys.

The first surprise turkey dinner was a small disaster. Turkeys are frozen in July and trying to thaw it and cook it in less than four hours was more than I could accomplish. I had all the side dishes and a pie but no turkey. The following week I bought the biggest chicken I could find and stuffed it. I put the sides in small casserole dishes to make the chicken look bigger but "Mr. Oh-So-Rich" was smarter than he looked. He knew it was a chicken.

By week three I had the butcher take a turkey out of the freezer on Friday and thaw it out for me in his walk-in over the weekend. With 5 hours to shop, drive and cook, I almost made it. So dinner was just a bit late...what's a few hours here and there?

I was talking to the turkey (I might have been a wee bit stressed) and setting the timer for my fifth week of Thanksgiving dinners (we're now into August) that I thought to myself, "If I cut this sucker up into 8 parts like a chicken and roast him on top of the dressing, and get rid of that heat-sucking cavity, I can probably cut the cooking time in half if not more." Desperation is the mother of genius.

For the year I remained at that job, I had the butcher cut a turkey into 8 parts every week. He did it on the band saw in the back of the butcher shop. Not only did the turkey parts cook faster and the drippings go directly into the stuffing, I never worried that some parts were more cooked than others. If the breast finished cooking first, I removed it. Turkey perfection became my moniker; the butcher my new best friend.

I can't cook a turkey without thinking about "Mr. Oh-So-Rich." I actually grew fond of him after a year of cooking for him, but when he remarried I decided to leave. I was scared off when I heard his fiancé believed in coffee enemas. I saw my future: "Decaf or regular, Madame?" and decided there was only so much I could brew.

Denise Vivaldo is the author of five cookbooks, her latest, The Entertaining Encyclopedia, from Robert Rose Publishing, and is cooking a ham this Thanksgiving.

Read more: Turkey, Money, Personal-Chefs, Thanksgiving, Turkey Dinner, Thanksgiving Commentary, Roast Turkey, Cookbook, Thanksgiving Recipes, Personal Chef, Living News

Bob Saget: Why I Love Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T13:32:30Z
Thanksgiving is a time of family. A time of reflection. A time of giving. And a time of stuffing. It is a time when a man or woman, sometimes a slightly intoxicated man or woman, crams their butter-coated hand into a turkey's butt. If this act were to be done to a live turkey, the person performing that act would immediately become famous, if they weren't already. They would be in all the headlines, on several talk shows, and asked questions like: "What were you thinking -- What was going through your head?" If there were video of this act, that person could instantly win ten thousand dollars on America's Funniest Home Videos.

I don't mean to be crass. Technically, it's not actually the turkey's butt. It's more of his 'back hole' -- or if I may be more detailed since my father was knowledgeable in the world of poultry, the turkey's 'two back holes' -- one larger 'back hole' that's really just the under side of the rib cage, and one above the turkey's hangy dangly thing that our family would cook, serve, and eat, but never discuss what it was exactly. When I was younger, my dad would joke with me that I should put that thing under my pillow and that night, the turkey butt fairy would come. I loved my dad more than anything but his sense of humor frightened me.

For me, Thanksgiving is also a time of un-stuffing ourselves. As the year winds down, we prepare ourselves to empty out the year that has passed and fill ourselves back up with the year yet to come... We think about the people in our lives that we love, that we lost, that we have yet to meet... Please ignore this paragraph. I was just trying to get my Rabbi turned on if he read this thing.

When I drive past a house during the holidays, and I see the smoke billowing out of a fireplace, I know, that inside that house, on that kitchen table, there's a turkey carcass, open-winged, open-legged, its body ripped apart and eaten by the entire family. If that turkey could talk, its last words would probably be, "I'll see you all in hell!! And which one of you ate my hangy dangly thing that used to be my ass!!"

But thank God, turkeys can't talk. They can only gobble. And they are a bird. A very nervous bird. You'd be nervous too if you knew that one day someone was going to cut off your head, and fill your butt cavity with stuffing. Although I know a few people that would welcome it. I can almost see them reading this right now, saying to themselves out loud, "You got that right!"

The holidays are about people. All people. Caring about the people in your life. Even though you may not see them anymore, talk to them anymore, have driven a wall between you and them that is irreparable... You know that one day... if you have enough money... they will come back to you. Unless they have what my dad used to call 'integrity.' If you had friends that are no longer your friends, perhaps it was the time to let them go. I've known people that only liked me for what money I had. I call those people, "Honey."

So as this time of thanks unfolds, be kind to each other. And be kind to the turkey. Think about the sacrifice he has made. If we give thanks, and bless this turkey for giving of himself, he won't curse us as we feast upon and eventually digest him. We all make sacrifices. That too is part of the holiday spirit. The giving, the receiving, the stuffing, and the excreting. Sometimes if it's your old Uncle Nate, it winds up being right there on the sofa. That's where slipcovers could come back in vogue. Perhaps only during the holiday weekend. I don't know why, but I picture Uncle Nate wearing an old beige suit with the pants buckled up way over his stomach, just below his breasts.

I do have a wish for you all. May all your holidays be filled with the blessings that life can bestow. And though, for all of us, in different ways, this has been a tough year, try to remember something my father taught me. Something I reflect upon that occasionally has helped me through a tough time... That at your moment of suffering, somewhere in the world, some unsuspecting turkey is about to have a fistful of gravy shoved deep into his ass.

So when you ask me, "Why do you love Thanksgiving, Bob? Is it the memories of the traditional Pilgrim garb of square buckles and square-toed shoes? Is it the festive holiday colors of brown and orange? Is it the cornucopias on the table with odd varnished vegetables we have never eaten...?" I can look you right in your eyes and tell you with complete certainty why it is that I love Thanksgiving...

It's the stuffing.
Read more: Thanksgiving, Turkey, Bob Saget, Thanksgiving Commentary, Family, Bob Saget Why I Love Thanksgiving, Saget Thanksgiving, Comedy News

Bill Allen: Sarah Palin Is Flat: Change Without Evolution

2009-11-19T14:03:56Z
Although the list is long and getting longer with each day, add one more very significant reason to the catalog documenting that Sarah Palin is not only unqualified to hold any public office, but also through her intellectual bankruptcy shows her as a threat to American leadership in one of the great financial opportunities of the 21st Century.

The only saving grace of her book, Going Rogue, is that perhaps it will ultimately find itself cataloged in most libraries as a work of fiction. However, let's assume for a moment that at least one part of the book reflects her real beliefs and that her recollection of conversations in this one instance bears some passing resemblance to reality.

During the vetting process for the number two spot on the Republican ticket in 2008, she apparently claimed to "believe in" microevolution. She then somehow contorted the entire field of biology by denying that all life on earth -- including human beings -- arose in the same evolutionary process. She thus denied the defining organizing principle of all of modern biology.

The recollections of others who participated in the vetting process and those who have researched the matter disagree with her recollection of her statements at that time. However, her writings (or the writings of whoever wrote the book) leave little doubt as to her position now and her total lack of understanding of biology. But why does this matter? After all, she doesn't plan to teach science. Let's just consider what her influence might be in any public position.

First let's think about the education of the children in the United States. If we continue to allow the promulgation in classrooms of discredited ideas such as creationism and "intelligent design" (creationism repackaged), we place the next generations of Americans at a great disadvantage as this century becomes the century of biotechnology and medical advances. The concepts of creationism and "intelligent design" deserve no more credibility than that given to those who continue to "believe" in a flat earth, the staging of the moon landings in a New Mexico desert and similar nonsense.

The proponents of creationism in the United States do have a kindred spirit, however. Muslim religious fundamentalists in Turkey are adopting the same tactics there to force creationism into the schools. Now that's quite a pairing -- creationists here uniting with Muslim religious fundamentalists to undermine education and throw out the overwhelming evidence for evolution. So far I haven't heard the creationists here push for keeping girls from being educated or to force women to cover themselves completely in public, as the Muslim religious fundamentalists propose or require, but perhaps I missed that memo.

Second, if we do not provide a workforce able to understand the basic precepts of biology, other countries are more than willing to seize leadership in this field from the United States. Do we want to yield another field to better-educated, more well-trained workers? The fruits of the biological and medical revolution are out there for the taking. Will we benefit by being able to be a leader in this field? Those who choose to keep America in the 19th Century in education will be responsible for having this country lose out on the financial windfall that will come to those able to understand these fields.

Sorry, Sarah, you are just flat wrong -- as wrong as the flat-earthers.
Read more: Flat-Earthers, Turkey, Going Rogue, Intelligent Design, Evolution, Creationism, Muslim Fundamentalism, Books, Sarah Palin, Politics News

Wendy Gordon: Organic, Heritage, Sustainable -- When Talking Turkey, Does it Matter?

2009-11-19T13:03:21Z

My good friends in the Catskills look forward to turkey hunting season. They shoot only what they can eat and make many delicious meals from one bird. Most of us don't hunt for our Thanksgiving turkey, unless you count as hunting our quest for the perfect bird at farmers’ markets and supermarkets.

Suffice it to say, the Thanksgiving turkey you are likely to find today in the supermarket is nothing like the wild turkey my friends hunt, and in fact it's quite different from what your grandparents ate 50 years ago.

Today, 99% of all turkeys raised in the U.S. are the "Broadbreasted White" variety (sometimes also referred to as the "Large White"). Raised in confinement in extremely crowded conditions on factory farms, "broadbreasted whites" are fed a steady diet of grain and supplements like antibiotics, rather than the grubs, bugs and grasses they should eat and could eat if they were allowed outdoors.

As their name implies, Broadbreasted White turkeys are valued for their large white meaty breasts, which breeding has enhanced, though the process has rendered them virtually infertile. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, without artificial insemination performed by humans, this variety of bird would become extinct in just one generation.

If turkey is on your holiday menu, what then should you buy?  When looking for the right bird, or any poultry for that matter, there is much to consider. But to make the best choice, follow these simple steps.

Read more: Humane, Turkey, Organic, Heritage, Food Labels, Sustainable, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Tips, Thanksgiving Commentary, Green News

Alon Ben-Meir: An Alliance Central to Regional Stability

2009-11-19T12:49:47Z
When Turkey barred Israel from a joint military exercise earlier this October, there was a great deal of speculation about the seriousness of a rift between the two allies. Although the strategic relations between the two regional superpowers is critical to both nations it also transcends the bilateral benefits that Turkey and Israel individually derive from it, as their alliance is fundamental to the region's balance of power and political stability. Turkey's desire to further develop and sustain its leadership role in the region is directly linked to its ability to foster constructive relations with both Eastern and Western nations, including Israel which remains central to regional peace. The following four regional issues are integral to illustrate the significance of the Turkish-Israeli relationship:

The ongoing negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 (the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France plus Germany) have reached an impasse and it is unlikely now that Iran will concede on the nuclear issue through this channel. Turkey shares Israel's grave fears about Iran's nuclear agenda, and will undoubtedly support any peaceful efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power. But Turkey's close ties with Iran can undoubtedly be strategically important to the region. The improved political and economic ties between Tehran and Ankara can enhance the prospect of Turkey playing a mediating role to dissuade Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons in defiance of the international community. There is no doubt that Turkey, as a predominantly Muslim state, is better received and will have far greater sway in Tehran than any Western nations. Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan can meet face-to-face with Iran's supreme spiritual leader Ayatollah Khamenei-who refuses to meet with Western officials-and address some of the security issues at the forefront of the regimes' foreign policy concerns. Turkey can also play the unofficial mediating role by speaking privately and directly to the Israelis, Iranians, Russians, Europeans and Americans. Turkey's own great trepidations about a nuclear Iran can be mitigated by its ability to offer its good offices to all sides in this conflict. To further augment Turkey's role, Ankara should be invited to join the P5+1 negotiating team and put a Muslim face at the negotiating table. Moreover, Turkey can offer a more palatable venue than Russia to process Iran's low grade uranium and convert it into nuclear rods for medical and other peaceful purposes. For all these reasons, the stronger the Turkish-Israeli and Turkish-Iranian relationships are, the more significant and positive role Ankara can play in becoming integral part of any solution to Iran's nuclear program.

In 2008 Turkey mediated admirably between Israel and Syria, and brought both parties to a near agreement, which is not a small feat in international diplomacy. For Turkey to seriously jeopardize its relations with Israel now would forsake a critically important leverage it has enjoyed with the West, as well as its centrality to regional peace. There are absolutely no inconsistencies or contradictions between having equally good relations between Turkey and Syria and Turkey and Israel. Being allies with Israel and Syria places Ankara in the enviable position to play a decisive role in any future talks between the two nations, as the solution to their conflict over the Golan Heights can be resolved only through negotiations, which President Bashar al-Assad knows only too well. In a recent interview, al-Assad urged Turkey to have solid relations with Israel if it wished to assist Damascus in mediated talks. Ankara would have no reason to abandon its efforts or down-grade its relations with Israel if it wishes to become the region's power-broker. Maintaining equally good relations with all of its neighbors is a prerequisite to Turkey's national aspirations that transcends the Middle East, as Turkey continues to eye European Union membership. The fact that the Netanyahu government wants to involve France in future negotiations with Syria should not preclude Turkey from future involvement, as Damascus insists on Ankara's continuing its mediating role at a minimum side-by-side Paris.

The hostile relations between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) offer another critical area where Turkey is uniquely positioned to play a most constructive role. The prospect of making any significant progress between Israel and the Palestinians ultimately depends on a political agreement that governs the relationship between Hamas and the PA. No negotiations between Israel and the PA alone will lead to a sustainable agreement without the full direct or indirect participation of Hamas in the political process. Turkey was the first country that offered Hamas official recognition more than three years ago by inviting its leader Khaled Mashaal to Ankara, and there still exists trusting relations between the two sides to this day. Notwithstanding the importance of Egypt's role in mediating between Hamas and the PA, here again, Turkey is in a position to augment Egypt's efforts, by helping Hamas and the PA to reach a political understanding or by participating unofficially in talks. Despite Israel's revulsion of Hamas as a terrorist organization, the Israeli government is interested in maintaining the calm along the Gaza borders which Hamas' political leaders also seem to be eager to maintain. By avoiding the official position of the Quartette, which would require Hamas first to recognize Israel, renounce terrorism and accept prior agreements before it could become a party to the negotiating process; Turkey can help changing the rules of engagement. Turkey should capitalize on the current lull in violence and try to persuade Hamas to embrace the Arab Peace Initiative, which would allow the organization to fall in line with the rest of the Arab states.

The recent joint search and rescue military drill between Israel, Jordan, and Turkey was a much needed move as Turkey tries to rectify any impressions of a strained relationship with Israel. As long as military capability and performance matter in international diplomacy, Turkey has no military partner in the Middle East that can rival Israel now or in the future. Turkey's military prowess and its viability will depend on its continued advancement to make it indispensible not only for regional stability but for playing central role with NATO forces.

Finally, Turkey's desire to become an EU member hinges on many expectations, one of which Turkey's standing with its neighbors. Turkey's potential of becoming an EU member-state would make Iran, Iraq and Syria all EU Border States, which would have major implications to national security, trade and commerce. Turkey has thus far done admirably well in undertaking key social and political reforms in completing its required EU chapters, it has just signed an historic reconciliation agreement with Armenia, and is introducing a major new legislations that will give its Kurdish minority equal political and cultural freedoms as any Turkish citizen. This most significant progress has brought Turkey much closer to EU standards, but will not be sufficient unless Turkey demonstrates both the ability and the resolve to maintain excellent relations with all of its Middle Eastern neighbors. Turkey's strategic cooperation with Israel is viewed most positively by both the United States and the EU. Ankara cannot afford to improve its relations with other countries in the area by watering down its strategic alliance with Israel as speculated by others.

Turkish-Israeli collaboration in military, economic, intelligence and national security matters is predicated on mutuality of long-term interests that constitute the core of their strategic alliance. From the time Turkey recognized Israel in 1950 this relationship has endured several ups and downs, but it remained constant because it is also safeguarded by traditional centuries-old friendship between the Turks and the Jews that no temporary political discord can change.
Read more: Turkey-Israel-Relations, Turkey Israel, Turkey, Israel, World News

Cheryl Carlesimo: What Is Your Most Disastrous Thanksgiving Turkey Story?

2009-11-18T18:33:52Z
I think everyone's had a disastrous Thanksgiving Turkey event in their lives. My personal disaster happened in my sophomore year at Fordham, at the very end of the sixties. I was living in my first apartment, with three other roommates, in what turned out to be a tough neighborhood in the Bronx. It was the kind of building where the police broke into your apartment by mistake looking for someone else, but the rent sure was cheap!

Anyway, we wanted to have our own Thanksgiving dinner with friends before we all went home for the holiday. I offered to cook. I had plenty of enthusiastic, untrained helpers. We all went shopping together on Fordham Road. Early on the morning of the big day, I put the bird in the oven, rubbed with melted butter, and draped with slices of bacon, as I had seen done oh so many times at home. We had a big old-fashioned white stove: your classic New York apartment standard issue to cook the whole meal. Then we began work on the side dishes, which went on all day.

Friends gathered. There was lots of noise and excitement and drinking of wine, and eating of appetizers. But after awhile, we couldn't help but notice there was very little in the way of wafting cooking smells. After five hours in the oven, the bird was still a pale yellowish gray. The oven didn't work, or just barely. We had fourteen guests, a vast quantity of uncooked food, and lots of wine and beer. So we ordered pizza from Arthur Avenue, and took our uncooked food to the very large Albanian family down the hall who turned it into their first American Thanksgiving dinner. We went on to have a memorable, fun, Thanksgiving feast with our friends, and so I guess, my Turkey Disaster worked out pretty well after all. I'd love to hear any of your Thanksgiving Turkey Disaster stories if you have a moment to share them.

This week on DishandDine, we're running a Holiday Recipe Challenge for Thanksgiving Side Dishes. Here's a recipe below from my good friend, Shawna Barrett, for Cranberry Relish. It's easy and scrumptious, with apples and walnuts, and offers a wonderful alternative to the traditional cranberry relish for your holiday feast.

Cranberry Relish
Ingredients:
1 lb. bag fresh cranberries
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup Granny Smith apples, chopped
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 tsp. orange rind
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Preparation:
Bring cranberries and water to boil. Boil gently 15 minutes. Add sugar, stir and cook 2 minutes. Cool. Add orange juice. Bring to simmer. Add 1 cup golden raisins. When raisins are plump, add to cranberry mixture. In addition, add remaining ingredients. Keeps beautifully for one week, or more.

This recipe and many other family favorites are available on DishandDine.com. And the Holiday Recipe Challenge is underway! Join the fun and submit your family's favorite recipe for this week's challenge: Thanksgiving Side Dish. Your recipe could be featured on DishandDine's Today's Hot Dish next Monday. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! And remember, pizza is a great idea the nite before Thanksgiving when you just don't feel like cooking another thing.

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Read more: Disaster, Cranberry, Turkey, Carlesimo, Thanksgiving, Living News

N.J. Turnpike's Tammy the Turkey is captured, sent to Popcorn Park Zoo

2009-11-18T12:16:13Z

The wild turkey had evaded initial attempts to catch her as she bolted through Turnpike toll lanes near Exit 14B -- Watch the video

Read more: Turkey, Home News

Mike Robbins: Have A Great Thanksgiving

2009-11-17T18:28:39Z

With Thanksgiving right around
the corner, I’ve been thinking about my own love/hate relationship to this
great holiday. It can be a
wonderful celebration of gratitude, appreciation, and family connection. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving also tends
to be about feeling obligated to spend time with the people we’re “supposed”
to, eating too much food and feeling guilty about it, and pretending to be
grateful when we’re actually annoyed and stressed out.

What if we could make this
Thanksgiving less stressful, more fun, and actually be able to enjoy ourselves,
appreciate our family and friends (even the ones who drive us nuts), and focus
on what we’re grateful for in a genuine way?

Here
are some important tips you can use to make this year’s Thanksgiving one you
truly enjoy and remember (in a good way):

1) Be you – Instead of
trying to be who you think you “should” be with your family, friends, in-laws,
or guests – just relax and be yourself!
So often we put undue pressure on ourselves to be a certain way, impress
people (even those we know well), or do or say the things we think others want
us to. When we let go of trying to
please everyone and we’re able to be true to ourselves, we create a genuine
sense of freedom and peace. This also means that we think about what would
be fun for us and our immediate family to do for Thanksgiving and communicate
this to everyone else (in-laws, extended family, etc.), even if it may upset or
disappoint some of the people involved.

2) Look for the good – Make a
commitment to focus on the things you like and appreciate about your friends
and family members, instead of obsessing about the things that annoy or upset
you about them. We almost always
find what we look for in others and in situations. When we let go of past resentments, we’re able to see people
with new eyes. As the saying goes,
“holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to
die.” Whatever we choose to do on
Thanksgiving and whomever we choose to spend our holiday with, if we make a
conscious decision to enjoy ourselves and to look for the good stuff in an
authentic way, we dramatically increase our chances of having a positive and
pleasurable experience.

3) Make it fun and easy – Do
whatever you can for yourself and those around you to make the planning, food
preparation, clean up, and the whole Thanksgiving experience as easy, fun, and
stress-free as possible. This
means we keep it light, share the responsibilities, ask others for help, and do
the things that we enjoy doing – instead of burdening ourselves and feeling
like a victim about it all. Too
often we spend and waste our time and energy being uptight, doing things we
don’t truly want to do, feeling resentful towards others, and creating a lot of
unnecessary stress and frustration.
Thanksgiving can be lots of fun, if we’re willing to go with the flow
and make it easy on ourselves and for others.

4) Express your appreciation
for others – One of best things we can do for other people
(on Thanksgiving or at any time) is to let them know what we appreciate about
them in a genuine way.
Acknowledging others is a true “win-win,” as we always get to keep what
we give away to others when we appreciate them (i.e. the good feelings are
shared by us and those we acknowledge).
There are many ways we can appreciate people on Thanksgiving:

- Write “I’m thankful for you”
cards and give them out on Thanksgiving (or mail them beforehand)

- Pick someone at the dinner
table to acknowledge, and then ask them to "pay it forward" and appreciate
someone else in the group – go around until everyone has been appreciated

- Pull people aside on
Thanksgiving (or give them a call) and let them know what you appreciate about
them specifically and genuinely

5) Count your blessings –
Remember that in the midst of all the commotion, stress, and activity of the
holiday season, Thanksgiving really is a time for us to reflect on what we’re
grateful for – in life, about others, and especially about ourselves. Take some time on Thanksgiving to focus
on what you’re grateful for, the many blessings in your life, and the things
you appreciate about yourself. A
great way for us to remember and to celebrate the many blessings in our life,
especially on Thanksgiving, is to take some time during our meal and allow each
person at the table to talk about what they’re grateful for in a genuine,
specific, and personal way.

This year, especially given all
that has been going on in the world, the economy, and our personal lives, let’s
challenge ourselves to make Thanksgiving more than just something we get
through or even simply a nice holiday; let’s have it be a time of reflection,
connection, and a celebration of the great fullness of life.

Mike Robbins is a sought-after motivational keynote speaker, coach, and
the bestselling author of Focus on the Good Stuff (Wiley)
and Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken (Wiley). More info - www.Mike-Robbins.com

Read more: Holiday, Turkey, Honesty, Grateful, Mike Robbins, Authenticity, Appreciation, Gratitude, Family, Self-Help, Thanksgiving, Holiday News, Living News

Turkey On NJ Turnpike Causes Havoc, Evades Capture

2009-11-16T16:25:43Z
TRENTON, N.J. — Authorities have stopped trying to capture a wild turkey that calls Interchange 14B on the New Jersey Turnpike home. The bird has been causing havoc for toll collectors and motorists as it runs across toll booths, plays in traffic, and sits atop toll collectors' parked cars.

Turnpike Authority spokesman Joe Orlando said efforts over the weekend to catch the turkey were unsuccessful, and for the time being, the bird will be left alone.
Read more: Toll Booths, New Jersey Turnpike, Turkey, Wild Turkey, Thanksgiving, New York News