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Pre-Thanksgiving Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Afghanistan 2009
Posted on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 02:48:55 PM EST
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Are any of you cooking tomorrow? I am -- and I have lots to finish up today.

I plan to have a totally Trump-free holiday. I'm sure I'll binge watch something, I'm just not sure what yet. And check out the Black Friday online sales.

Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

Wishing you all a happy pre-Holiday eve.

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    Pre-Thanksgiving Open Thread | 43 comments (43 topical)

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    I'd rather go binge-surfing. (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 04:47:11 PM EST
    We're flying to Honolulu tomorrow morning -- avoiding tonight's airport crush -- to spend Thanksgiving weekend with Elder Daughter and family, and play with our grandson. I can't believe he's going to be one year old next month. Younger Daughter will go with us tomorrow, but has to return home Friday morning because she's working through the rest of the weekend. We'll return to Hilo on Saturday night, and similarly avoid the Sunday crowds at HNL airport who'll also be heading back home.

    We are cooking a traditional Thanksgiving (5.00 / 2) (#15)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 08:21:25 PM EST
    turkey dinner for ourselves (65ish hetero couple), three grown daughters (now residing in 3 different cities, only one nearby), two excellent sons-in-law, one daughter's friend-from-work who isn't ready to have T'giving with her own family this close to the election, and two foreign students (one from China and one from Kenya) from a nearby college who have never experienced an American Thanksgiving dinner. There will be multiple homemade pies, inter alia. We are stoked!

    We are doing the traditional dinner, too (5.00 / 4) (#16)
    by Towanda on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 08:41:00 PM EST
    with a 25-pound turkey for two dozen family and friends, from a couple of continents . . . plus three dogs.  ("The puppy can't be left for that long, and if we bring him, the older dogs can't be left for that long. . . .")

    Our cat is being given a room of her own.  I may flee to find quiet time with her there, when I'm not giving my lap to the star of the show: my first grandchild, for his first Thanksgiving . . . more than ninety years younger than our eldest guest.  

    Parent

    Towanda, I didn't know you were (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by caseyOR on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 09:14:24 PM EST
    a grandmother. Mazel tov, my friend! Have a great Thanksgiving.

    Parent
    Thanks! (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by Towanda on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 10:45:26 AM EST
    My dotter had a hard time, as did my grandson, so I wasn't posting much, as we had a lot of trips to our children's hospital for a while -- one of the best in the country, fortunately, and the same one that saved my life and then hers -- but all is well now.  He's ready now to meet lots of aunts and uncles today.

    And of course, we also -- per your post about your day -- will be remembering many no longer with us.  Glad to have a moment here to think about you and yours, too . . . before I head back downstairs to put my hand up a turkey's butt and other weird rituals of the day.  

    Parent

    I cook a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by vml68 on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 09:12:43 PM EST
    every year, even if it is only for my husband myself and the dogs but I am not going to this year.

    My parents were with me for about six weeks and left a couple of days ago. Their mission while they are here is to stuff my husband and myself with all our favorite foods. Plus, we have been travelling quite a bit this year and trying out all kinds of foods/restaurants. So, husband and I decided that we would give our stomachs a break for Thanksgiving.

    I never thought the day would come when I would pass on a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner!

    Parent

    A bittersweet time for me. (5.00 / 6) (#20)
    by caseyOR on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 09:32:03 PM EST
    This Thanksgiving will be the fourth in a row that I will spend with a loved one who will not be alive for the next Thanksgiving. I have lost my sister, my aunt, my mother and, this year, another aunt who is very near the end.  So, while I am grateful to have had this holiday with each of them, there is an undercurrent of sadness.

    So, this year I am thankful that I have been with each of them as they near the end of their time with us. Thankful that none of them were alone, but instead were with family. Not just me, but children and grandchildren and sisters and nieces and nephews and longtime friends. Thankful that each of them knew such love.

    Parent

    I am truly sorry to hear that Casey. (none / 0) (#22)
    by vml68 on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 09:46:22 PM EST
    My relatives are spread out all over the globe so get togethers with relatives happened very infrequently and never with more than a few at the same time. So for me, family is basically my parents, my sibling, my nieces and a few close friends. And husband, can't forget him! And, even we few usually don't get together every Thanksgiving or Christmas due to everybodys schedules.

    I am very thankful for my family, don't know where I would be without them.

    Parent

    Sounds like a good crowd, Peter. (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by caseyOR on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 09:15:06 PM EST
    Have a very happy Thanksgiving.

    Parent
    Sounds awesome (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by Yman on Fri Nov 25, 2016 at 03:11:33 PM EST
    But first time I think I've ever heard "inter alia" used in a menu.  :)

    Parent
    thanks to all of you (5.00 / 5) (#24)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 10:34:36 PM EST
    who are posting about your Thanksgiving plans. It is very heartwarming to read them. I'm very appreciative of all of you who take the time to comment here. It's threads like these that make me feel like TL really has fostered a little community over the years, and that's very gratifying.

    Thank you, Jeralyn (none / 0) (#34)
    by BackFromOhio on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 06:38:07 PM EST
    for creating the basis for the community.

    Parent
    I follow you guys, rarely post, but I (5.00 / 5) (#28)
    by Suisser1 on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 02:07:38 AM EST
    will be making the whole shebang for just my little family of three. Mostly I'm grateful to be alive (I'm 53) when HRC is alive. I'm angry and brokenhearted now but as I strive to figure out how to mark this holiday I keep returning to my gratitude that I am living through this moment - that I've worked for and supported this first, profoundly viable female candidate and that maybe, despite the gut punch of the electoral collage that there's something brewing worth living through and maybe I can play a part.

    Chin up, Suisser1 (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by NYShooter on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 11:41:51 PM EST
    America is way too powerful, even a wacko President can't break it.

    Parent
    Hubris. (none / 0) (#38)
    by vml68 on Fri Nov 25, 2016 at 12:52:37 PM EST
    America is way too powerful, even a wacko President can't break it.

    I give you the Roman empire, Ottoman empire, British empire, to name just a few.

    As the saying goes, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

    Parent

    LOL, when I see the Romans, etc. (none / 0) (#42)
    by NYShooter on Fri Nov 25, 2016 at 07:08:50 PM EST
    marching down Pennsylvania Ave. we'll have something to talk about. Till then I'll put my money on the Stars & Stripes.

    Parent
    Bizarre reply (5.00 / 4) (#44)
    by Chuck0 on Sat Nov 26, 2016 at 09:15:22 AM EST


    Parent
    Happy Thanksgiving to All. (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by KeysDan on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 10:43:00 AM EST
    My favorite holiday--an inclusive and festive day to enjoy with family and friends, and to enjoy in whatever way that pleases, pausing to give and share blessings.

    Pafko at the wall... (none / 0) (#1)
    by desertswine on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 02:54:12 PM EST
    Baseball legend Ralph Branca dies at 90.
    Ralph was one of a small handful (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by jondee on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 09:45:10 PM EST
    of Dodgers who welcomed Jackie Robinson with open arms when Jackie was signed by the Dodgers in 1947..

    Then there was the little matter of a Durocher-designed, Giant's sign stealing operation in '51, involving a telescope in center field and a buzzer system, that may or may not thicken the plot of the legendary "shot heard 'round the world"..

    Parent

    Binge watch ideas please (none / 0) (#2)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 03:27:02 PM EST


    Netflix? (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 03:36:16 PM EST
    Bloodline. The unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Those are two right off the top of my head.

    Parent
    Yes, I have Netflix (none / 0) (#4)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 04:26:57 PM EST
    And never watched either of those

    Parent
    All crime driven but all good (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by Suisser1 on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 04:57:24 PM EST
    Hinterland, Broadchurch, Longmire, The Fall and River. Enjoyed the movie "Admiral" (Dutch with subtitles) the other night. I'm sure I've enjoyed lighter fare, but none comes to mind.

    Parent
    One of my friends loves Longmire (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 05:24:48 PM EST
    I think I could get the family involved

    Parent
    I like Longmire a lot (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by Towanda on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 10:49:41 AM EST
    and recommend the books, too.  And for the lawyers here, his lawyer daughter's ethical conflicts are intriguing, as is her work for Native Americans.  The series really does do well in portraying life on the rez, according to my friends in tribes here -- but that the lead is played so well by an Australian actor really surprised me.

    Also, if you're a Downton Abbey fan and/or modern British history fan, I recommend the first season of The Crown.  My trip to London, at last, last year really adds to the fun, with glimpses again of that lovely, lively city.

    Parent

    Didn't Longmire (none / 0) (#35)
    by MKS on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 08:58:06 PM EST
    migrate somewhere to another channel.

    Good series.  Set in Wyoming, but filmed in New Mexico because they did not have enough experienced crew in Wyoming.

    Parent

    Thank you for (none / 0) (#39)
    by KeysDan on Fri Nov 25, 2016 at 01:49:44 PM EST
    the recommendation of "Longmire."  Watched the first one last night. Was looking for a new series after completing the available "Crown,"--which was just excellent.  

    Parent
    The Crown (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by robert72 on Fri Nov 25, 2016 at 02:55:06 PM EST
    was a good binge watch - I was surprised that Matt Smith did a reasonable Phillip.
    My favorite long binge watch was Scott and Bailey - a Brit cop series with women in all the main roles - and there are 4 seasons so a good long binge.
    I also liked Shetland - a rather obscure one, but interesting - although the accents were difficult at times.

    Parent
    I hope that you will enjoy (none / 0) (#43)
    by Towanda on Fri Nov 25, 2016 at 07:18:52 PM EST
    Longmire, KeysDan.  I ought to have mentioned how well Lou Diamond Phillips portrays a crucial role; I so enjoyed that character in the books.  I would not have imagined Phillips in that role, which is why it's good that I don't do casting.

    And glad that we agree on The Crown.  So good.  And another surprise was how good is John Lithgow as Churchill.  I'm sad that we will not see more of him, now that we've entered the Anthony Eden era.

    Parent

    Yes, John Lithgow (none / 0) (#45)
    by KeysDan on Sat Nov 26, 2016 at 11:32:12 AM EST
    was a standout, which says a lot given the exceptionally good casting   Agree, too, on Lou Diamond Phillips. So good to watch good TV; the news is more unwatchable than ever.

    Parent
    Broadchurch (none / 0) (#12)
    by linea on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 05:47:36 PM EST
    and Fleabag. a six-part british (comedy?). her boyfriend catches her diddling to obama. ha ha.

    Parent
    "This is Us" might be an option. (none / 0) (#8)
    by EL seattle on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 05:04:34 PM EST
    I think episodes 1-8 are streaming on the NBC site. This week's show (Ep. 8) is a Thanksgiving episode, for what it's worth.

    Parent
    I will check it out (none / 0) (#10)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 05:25:47 PM EST
    Thank you

    Parent
    Oliver Stone's... (none / 0) (#25)
    by desertswine on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 11:11:42 PM EST
    Untold History of the United States is on Netflix now.  I don't know that it would make good holiday fare though.  Maybe sometime after the holiday.

    Parent
    Eliezer ben Nisan HaKohein u'Masha (none / 0) (#5)
    by Mr Natural on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 04:42:23 PM EST
    was also known as Leonard Cohen.  A brief perspective on Cohen's final album was written for the [Toronto based] Globe and Mail by Cantor Gideon Zelermyer of Congregation Shaar Hashomayimhis, Montreal, Canada.

    More perspective in the Atlantic: Leonard Cohen, Judaism's Bard by Jonathan Freedland, November 19, 2016

    Cohen adapts the central Unetanneh Tokef prayer, which imagines God as a judge, determining who shall live and who shall die in the coming year. "Who by fire, who by water," sings Cohen, "Who in the sunshine, who in the nighttime, who by high ordeal, who by common trial ..."
    Who by Trump.. (none / 0) (#23)
    by jondee on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 09:49:00 PM EST
    There's fabulous version of that song that he did with jazz great Sonny Rollins that's worth tracking down.

    Parent
    "Who by Fire" (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Mr Natural on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 11:36:36 PM EST
    - Sonny Rollins, Leonard Cohen, Perla Batalla, Julie Christensen, and Was (Not Was), February 13, 1989 on Night Music

    Parent
    Thank you (none / 0) (#27)
    by jondee on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 12:06:51 AM EST


    Parent
    Bus driver tests negative for drugs/alcohol (none / 0) (#11)
    by McBain on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 05:34:31 PM EST
    Not sure what exactly caused the tragic crash but there's been a typical rush to judgement.

    "rush to judgement?" (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by NYShooter on Thu Nov 24, 2016 at 11:32:57 PM EST
    Where?

    Parent
    Maybe a medical (none / 0) (#13)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 05:59:09 PM EST
    condition.

    Parent
    Just watched "I'm Your Father" (none / 0) (#14)
    by McBain on Wed Nov 23, 2016 at 05:59:22 PM EST
    a documentary about British actor/bodybuilder, David Prowse. He's one of the actors who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy.  Prowse feels he doesn't get enough credit for portraying, arguably, the greatest villain in film history.  He felt slighted when, in Return of The Jedi, a different actor was used during the ending scene were Vader removes his helmet.

    Prowse still travels around to different sci fi conventions (I saw him speak way back in 1979) but, he's not allowed to attend official Star Wars conventions, due to the bad blood between him and the SW producers over rumors he leaked script info to the British press.

    I can think of 6 actors who played Vader/Anakin Skywalker

    Jake Lloyd (kid)
    Hayden Christensen
    David Prowse
    James Earl Jones (voice)
    Bob Anderson (lightsaber duel scenes)
    Sebastian Shaw (ending scene of ROTJ)

    There was also at least one stuntman who wore the outfit for certain scenes.

     

    Pre-Thanksgiving Open Thread | 43 comments (43 topical)

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