Leave it to good ole’ Nawlins to pack more flavor into Thanksgiving and not just in the turkey. As
a token of their appreciation to all the kind folks who pitched into the Katrina
Relief and a means to celebrate all there is to still be thankful for – they ask to join them
Down by the Riverside. On Saturday, November 26, 2005 from
1 PM – 5 PM, at Woldenburg Riverfront Park in New Orleans, the city will celebrate culture and music with
performances by Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Jon Cleary with Walter “Wolfman” Washington, John Boutte,
Topsy Chapman, and Wanda Rouzan. Swingin’ your hips to a tune or two definitely ought to help shake off some after
Turkey Day pounds plus it’s completely fat free.If I were in the area I’d surely make plans to attend.
Stuffing Lady Goes to Great Turkey Oven in the Sky
Some enterprising young songwriter needs to get busy. Mournful ballads should be written and sung. Poems and paeans
penned.
For it is a sad sad day in Whoville. As we head out for our gluttonous repasts, pay special tribute as you lift that
spoonful of Stove Top to your lips. For
the inventor of
stuffing has died.
Africa Panos
Always on the lookout for excellent panoramic photos, I just discovered a bunch this morning
that took my breath away. Shot in Africa, this series takes a wonderful documentarian look at disease and daily life in
Africa. They are superb. Really. I mean, here we are on the day before our great feast, when families give thanks, but
also stuff themselves with food, while, as hackneyed as it sounds, people ARE starving elsewhere. Take
a look at these panos, and give a little more thanks.
The Truth about Tryptophan
It’s time for a quick science lesson, courtesy of National Geographic. Here’s the deal — you can’t use
trypotphan as an excuse when you pass out after stuffing up on turkey tomorrow. When it’s time to drive home, no
pulling the “I’ve overdosed on tryptophan,” okay? You can drive just fine (unless you’ve had too much beer, wine or
scotch, of course) and it’s time this poor amino acid gets some holiday respect.
According to researchers,
eating turkey on Thanksgiving
will not make you tired, and, in fact, the often-blamed substance it contains might actually aid in the treatment
of depression and multiple sclerosis. While it is true that purified tryptophan is a mild sleep-inducer and natural
sedative (used by some to combat serious jet lag), there is no way it can induce anything at all on a full tummy, since
it only works on an empty stomach! Snopes has debunked
this too, so rest assured, if you fall asleep after dinner, it’s either because the football game is over or your
distant relatives are boring as heck. Just don’t blame it on the turkey!
Mendoza, Argentina
From Long
Island wines to Argentinean varieties
— how’s that for a shift? Two things about the Mendoza
region of Argentina have landed in my inbox this week, both raving about the amazing wines in this region. First, I
read about Mendoza’s annual wine festival in an article
just posted on GoNOMAD, and my mouth began to water…The next Vendimia
will be held March 4-5, 2006. Then I received digital photos from a friend who just returned from ten days exploring
Buenos Aries and Mendoza. A horseback riding trip with Aconcagua and the Andes
as a backdrop was the highlight of his trip, and after seeing photos, I understand why. This region is home to a
fabulous culinary atmosphere, breathtaking views and a rich cultural tradition. Don’t you want to go? Yeah, I know…me
too. Here’s one hotel recommendation that Adrienne
mentioned earlier this year and a bunch more to get you started.