Jingostill

Whispering Activist Record, published 11-21
POW/MIA focus, lotsa T-day goodies and more
1/3 lighter text than the usual - ran outta time! Do be patient while graphics load please, one huge had to be included :~)

Freedom rings - clear and simple - the eagle soars
Supporting Our American Rights

Jingo still the positive word here ... whaddya know, not one gripe yet. Anyone who bothers will receive a blow-off note, original credit to H. L. Mencken, "You may be right." Ever noticed how easy it is not to participate in a feeble-minded argument? Irritation to instigator value - priceless!

Please help yourself to the above, made it from a scanned postcard. Cool to link back here or any series page you may prefer. Linking is a courtesy, not a requirement, which coincidentally brings up the latest piz m'off. Find 'netiquette notes below.

When you make a mistake, make amends immediately. Much easier to eat crow while it's still warm.

When you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in "V" formation, consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock has at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose flies out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front of it.

If we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go, we are willing to accept their help and give our help to others. It is harder to do something alone than together.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies to the point position.

It is sensible to take turns doing the hard and demanding tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent of each others skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources.

Geese flying in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

In groups where there is encouragement, production is greater. Standing by one's heart or core values is power quality honking.

When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese will drop out of formation with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their flock.

Those with the sense of a goose stand by colleagues and support others in difficult times as well as in good!
author unknown, edited for this publication

Media: sooooooo many birds on a wire - goin' nowhere, squawkin' and fussin' - flappin' hot air

"It's amazing, the amount of news that happens in the world every day just exactly fits the newspaper." - Jerry Seinfeld

"The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers." - Thomas Jefferson

"Journalism: A profession whose business is to explain to others what it personally does not understand." - Lord Northcliffe

"Newspaper editors are men who separate the wheat from the chaff, and then print the chaff." - Adlai Stevenson

In 2000, there were 56,393 journalists working the newsrooms of US daily newspapers. 11.6 percent were members of racial minorities; 28.7 percent of the US population are members of a racial minority. 37.3 percent of reporters were women; 51.1 percent of Americans are women. Before anyone takes that as a personal statement, I don't "do" minorities, as in dwell on, crusade for or otherwise find inequities necessary to highlight as a general rule, even though I am one (female). I am a journalist/editor, and have worked as a reporter and so on up and down the line. The statistics are facts, reported as such, such as reporters are supposed to "do."

This one's a beaut!
Edited from an open (no credit) letter posted on the Internet asking for further specific advice

Background: A US radio personality who dispenses advice recently said, "As an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 8:22 and cannot be condoned in any circumstance."

When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. What do you think would be a fair price?

Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

I have a neighbor who works on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

A friend feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. Can you settle this?

Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I wear reading glasses. Is there some wiggle room here?

Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?

I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

My uncle, a farmer, violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10 16). Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.20:14)

Yes, this does "... demonstrate the folly of extracting one" biblical passage "and using it to justify a moral position." Or in other words, George Carlin's specifically, "Keep your religion to yourself."

Somebody once figured out that we have 35 million laws trying to enforce 10 commandments. - Unknown

I am the average American ...
I'm the guy who sends you grain when crops fail, and drinking water when your rivers, streams and lakes dry up.
I'm the guy who sends hordes of rescue personnel, trucks, and helicopters to aid you when you suffer earthquakes, floods and mud slides.
I'm the guy who sends in my sons and daughters to "Keep the Peace" when you can no longer do so.
When relief-workers ration out that rice ... I probably helped pay for it.
When that UH-60 Black Hawk hoists your parents to safety from the roof of your flooded house, it's because I paid for it with my U.S. tax dollars.
When those Peace Corp members dig that irrigation ditch to help your little farming village, it is with my backing and my blessing.
And, when your neighbor threatens you and your way of life, more often than not, it is I who will stand up and make him back down.

But I weep today ...

I weep for thousands of fellow Americans whom I will never know.
I weep for hundreds of firemen, policemen and paramedics who perished while heroically doing their duties!
I weep for 244 airline passengers who never reached their destinations.
Saddest of all, I weep with the knowledge that I will forever be looking over my shoulder.
I weep for innocents lost, for innocence destroyed, naiveté shattered!

But soon I will weep no more.

I will dry the tears from my eyes and wipe my runny nose.
I will tighten my belt, and lace up my boots.
And I will sharpen my knife!
I will dry my powder and I will oil my weapon.
And as I do so, I will look, and I will listen.
I will note the kind word, the shared grief, the shocked condolences.
I will appreciate the support, and be ever grateful for any and all aid offered.
I will also note the gloating, the laughter, the jeers, and the perverse joy.

And I will remember ...

I am an American!
I am resourceful!
I am determined, and I never forget!

"Anger is often more hurtful than the injury that caused it." - Yiddish proverb

If we suppress our anger, it comes out in other ways. Sometimes our anger turns against us or it leaks out into our jokes or even our everyday conversations like a deadly gas. If we fight to repress our anger it can leave us exhausted. We need to have access to our anger, to understand that it is a shared human feeling and not some horrible secret we should keep locked up within ourselves. When we accept our anger, we can turn it to good uses and we can even use it for healing ourselves and others.

I know my anger is a necessary part of my humanity. I will work toward using it properly and wisely.

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner

Although we might refer to those who commit savage acts as "animals," this is an insult to our four-legged friends. An animal would never commit the ingenious and grisly crimes that we humans do. Animals are not grasping or avaricious; they are grateful for food, water, shelter and our love. They know a great deal about loyalty to their young, their owners and often, one another. Many other cultures have revered animals as supernatural beings with special kinds of wisdom. We should pay more attention to our animals, they have much to teach us. We might just become more human.

http://www.caringpawsonline.org/ - Oh boy! Must see site - don't miss the story of a visit to a family services and counseling center in NYC. " ... he put his paws right up on her shoulders and gave one of his Big Flash Hugs!!! The girl just hugged him back and tears came down her face. He just let her hug him for a few seconds then he licked her and she began to giggle and laugh. The big fur ball had sucked up some of her tension and made her day a bit better."

One of the contributors and Caring Paws volunteers is a recent "da Dude" and "The Libby" award winner (more specifically her Shelties, who did their own typing) http://www.therealmartha.com/dadudeaward/index.htm. Their therapy stories will be featured along with other K9 heroes on a critters in the news page in the works. You are welcome to request notification when it's ready, still having mail problems though, can't guarantee - LibbyK9@aol.com, subject line: WAR Critter page. Lib did many a round herself, see LPN, Licensed Practical Noogiest http://therealmartha.home.mindspring.com/liblpn/default.htm

"You're so alive,'' murmured one mourner as she scooped up Annie, a small caramel-and-white dog, on the way to the site of so many deaths."

Be sure to guard the pupsters from the cooked turkey bones, chocolate and all the bad stuff ... if you can't resist those puppy eyes (which I - Marissa - can't) tidbits of turkey are the way to go. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your loved ones, including all the fur people!

New pets may not be the best holiday gifts. Don't consider giving an animal as a gift unless you are sure the person wants one. It may be better to give a gift certificate so the person can choose his or her own pet after the holidays.

Similarly, if thinking about getting a new pet for yourself, remember pets need routine and a time to bond with you. With its noise, commotion and special hazards, the holiday season is anything but routine. Think about getting your new pet after the holidays.

Why not make the holidays more enjoyable for homeless pets? Contact your local animal shelter to see if you can donate food, kitty litter, toys or time.

My (Martha) two cents: A new four-legged member of the family deserves and must have all the attention due any new baby. After the novelty of holiday goodies and excitement wears off, kids will be ready and much more able to tune in to a new critter's needs and the attached responsibility. For someone facing the holidays alone, particularly after the loss of a beloved fur ball, it might be perfect timing. Offer to take a friend to visit a shelter. Lots of people won't go on their own for any number of unfounded reasons. What a joy for all if a new love affair develops. Check holiday hours before making arrangements. You might also be able to prearrange payment and have paperwork filled out to the best of your knowledge. I can't think of any reason a shelter would object, if so, I'd say try another one - then I'd suggest investigating the problem.

If nothing else, a holiday visit will give you an excuse to hand out treats and rake in the benefits of purrs and sloppy kisses. Nice time to recognize the two-leggers who work so hard all year while you're at it. Take a pic of the sweetie you adopted and make a thank-you card or an ornament - guaranteed jollies all around.

"Animals are a gift to us. To bond with them is to be the recipient of a unique, unconditional love." Jeff is a sizable print - striking on a large wall, over a couch or a bed. Ordinarily I don't link commercial sites, exception worth it, the pics there, not just dogs, are all wonderful.

We have just been through quite a scary time with Buster having "spells" that almost seemed like mini-strokes or mild seizures, without twitching or thrashing though. Hard to describe ... he'd go into a head-down stance, back legs unsteady, shoulders tensed and shivering. Didn't seem like he was in pain as much as bewildered and he would gobble a treat like nothing was wrong. We tried holding him, rubbing neck and shoulders, but he didn't seem really comfortable in a lap - better if laying down in bed. Took about 30 minutes to come out of it, he'd be rocky on his feet for a few minutes, then perfectly fine, drinking a lot of water. X-rays showed a "crimped" disc space in his neck, causing a pinched nerve. He did well for about 24 hours after a cortisone shot before having a new spell. First medication didn't seem to do much good except maybe shortening the length of time. Changed Rx - seemed to do a little more good - faster recovery - now he's been fine for almost two weeks. Don't know it was the new medicine or time naturally working off the spasms. Vet said to put his food dish up off the floor to ease strain, and not let him jump off the bed or beg. Yea right on those last two - when Bostons quit fartin' - not in this lifetime!

I have developed a number of tricks for dog pill popping over the years. The most ridiculously memorable, after deciding I wanted to keep those fingers after all, was putting the damn thing in my open palm to be snatched. Ted, who went on to prove he was the Tasmanian Devil's red-headed stepchild on every other possible occasion thereafter, evidently thought that was the greatest game. Lib was a pushover for goof-talk, "Lookie, oooooooooh, what do I have here, yum, yum, eat 'em up." Buster, sweetie he is otherwise, is a terrible, stubborn sneak. Any time we think we won the push-it-down, we have to keep an eye on him to swallow or find the pill in a corner. About the only sure trick is sinking into a blob of peanut butter on a spoon. He's too busy lickin' the sticky to notice. Cream cheese blobs or American slice wraps fake him out pretty well, as does a short shot of salad dressing - or put the pill in dressing left in a bowl. If dog germs on people ware gross you out, use plastic spoons or save pudding/fruit cups. That little bit of sweet won't hurt. Almost anything that isn't the usual works by surprise value. Altogether, I will say, I am most thankful he's over the immediate ills.

Many scholars believe it was Benjamin Franklin who established the rattlesnake as a symbol of the American desire for freedom. The coiled serpent was frequently stamped onto barrels and other items with the words ''Don't Tread On Me'' written below. Franklin's words are just as relevant now as they were in 1775.

"... the Rattle-Snake is found in no other quarter of the world besides America. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. ... she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.''

Last page was largely devoted to Veterans Day. Thanksgiving seems to be an appropriate time to focus on a veterans' issue largely forgotten and, in fact, not even recognized by far too many young people. When was the last time you thought about our POW/MIAs (Prisoners of War/Missing in Action)? The numbers still unaccounted for are unbelievable and completely inexcusable. Helen took the first pic on a recent trip to DC, which lead to a correspondence with her friend, Rick, who furnished the other pics and comments.

Mike Benge, former POW, in cage same as used during his incarceration. I was supposed to meet a friend (Rick) who is normally in the cage. They take in contributions to go back to Nam to search for any MIAs.

From Rick, "First, let me explain why Mike Benge was in the cage. He was helping Roger Hall raise funds to cover the cost of the litigation (lawsuit) against the CIA for POW/MIA documents. The CIA has not and refuses to release all of the documents that were to be declassified regarding POWs. Roger, as a researcher working on the POW/MIA issue, is representing a number of POW/MIA families. The money raised by his efforts goes strictly for that purpose.

"When I take the ''Tiger Cage'' around the country and to DC for various functions and on veterans holidays and set up the display, it is to raise awareness and to raise funds for SEARCH Inc. (233 Richter Road, Bourbon MO, 65441), an organization that sends teams to various countries looking for information and 'Live POW's. We do so, because we believe that 'Live American POW's still exist, based on the information and Intel that we have collected over the past 10 years.

"We do not look for 'bones' or bodies! Our government does that quite well, as they are only interested in 'bones' not live Americans. In a sense, we attempt to do what our government was supposed to be doing all these years.

"We are asked many questions: 'Why are you in there?, What did you do to get locked up? Did they really keep people in that?, How long did they keep people in that?, Was it really that small?, Did they leave you out?'"

"Here's a real winner, 'What's a Pow - a Mia?' We hope, that in some small way, that by answering their questions, by handing out our information, and by our presence that we can gain support for America's Live POWs!"

Rick offered to answer more questions. I will forward those and/or support notes - MarthaJones1@aol.com, subject line: POW/MIA/cage. I do not have any more specific info, go to sites below for personal/family contact help. Watch for more and check http://www.therealmartha.com/WARJingonext/index.htm (previous page) for other veterans' links and info about becoming involved.

Please let me know of other links to list here: MarthaJones1@aol.com subject line: link suggestion

I want to share that my daughter has been 'adopted' by four families! She received letters from all of them within one week, and she has already responded to all. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for what you are doing. She was so excited about being 'adopted' and having families that will write to her while she is on her tour in Germany for the next two years. You have made my daughter very happy. This will be her first holiday away from home and she is sad about that. But, hearing from her 'families' will help her so much. Again, thank you for what you are doing for not only all our soldiers, but for their families too ... you see, for us, knowing that our children (soldiers) are not forgotten means more to their parents than you could ever know! May God richly bless everyone who is involved in this wonderful, thoughtful program!

Sarah, I want to share some information about my children's soldiers. My son is 8 and has written soldiers since this began. The other day he received an 8 X 10 color picture of the USS KEARSARGE and written on the top of it was a Big "THANK YOU" with his name. He has shown it off at school and now has the children at his elementary school excited and wanting to write to them also. We have also received a letter from our young lady in the Air Force and she has sent other addresses for us. Thank you so much for starting this program. We are PROUD to be helping in anyway we can. I wish this would have been around during Desert Storm. I wrote to several service personnel them and actually got to meet two of them. When they came home they looked me up to say, "Thank you."
From Operation "AdoptSoldier" newsletter, http://members.tripod.com/adoptsoldier

http://www.memorialflag.org/ - Plan to construct a giant memorial flag to honor those lost in acts of terrorism - volunteer stitchers needed (machine and cross)

http://www.dayngrzone.com/americana/oef.htm - Operation Euring Freedom includes group e-list to join, "The Department of Defense officially suspended the "Any Service Member" http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Oct2001/n10302001_200110303.html and "Operation Dear Abby" http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/viewda.cfm?uc_full_date=20011112&uc_comic=da&uc_daction=X mail programs October 30th due to the anthrax threat. An Internet campaign called eMail our Military is about providing a safe way for people to continue the tradition of "Any Service Member" mail. An opportunity to let America's military know how much you appreciate what they do on your behalf 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. "So far our group is a success! We have been featured in a Stars & Stripes article http://ww2.pstripes.osd.mil/01/nov01/ed111501c.html and have had our group information posted onboard the USS Arctic, USS Bradley, USS Champion, USS Comstock, USS Essex, USS Iwo Jima, USS Osprey, USS Peterson, USS Ramage and the USS Vinson and have over 50 pen pals to email."

http://www.hackworth.com/ - David H. Hackworth, soldier, author, columnist - includes a load of interesting links and articles - a sample from security tip page: "Get rid of those marked parking places. Open parking to a first come, first serve basis. Make the bad guys guess who senior people in the organization are, or get close enough that they can be observed. Do not allow parking in front of an entrance." http://www.hackworth.com/sr.html

I (not me, someone else's review) can't vouch for the credibility, but I find this Pakistani newspaper interesting to read - it's in English, of course, but not always grammatically correct, which I suppose is due to translation. The Frontier Post From Peshawar Pakistan - http://www.frontierpost.com.pk/

http://www.september112001.com/ - "Domain name is not for sale and is committed to a permanent memorial." Excellent link collection, including News Sites From Around the World, "It's hard to believe the spin different countries put on the the same stories."

http://www.aurumxxl.de/ny/load.htm - Slide show, superior images of NY - had a problem getting past script error messages on Aol, worked fine on Explorer

http://www.care2.com/acuramemorial/index.html - Create a memorial for your loved ones and heroes lost or affected by 9-11, part of the Care2 Environmental Networks, features green/take action pages, cards, polls, wildlife facts, healthy lifestyle, artist links and more

Edy's Ice Cream is delivering a half-million scoops of ice cream to firefighters nationwide. Join them in thanking these heroes by sending a personal online postcard and they'll send a scoop in your name. Send An E-Greeting http://www.conefactory.com/index.asp?Vp=107&Vbi=1

Help farmers help the environment. Send a message to your senators urging them to support more funds for farmers working to clean the water and protect their land. Take action on this alert from Environmental Defense Action Network at
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/farm_reform_senate2?rk=odzaATF1ucDXW

Eagles can see eight times better than any human. A bald eagle can make out another flying eagle 12 miles away.

Leathernecks?

Until 1872, the Marine uniform included a high leather collar. It was to ward off sword cuts to the neck.

thank \thangk\ (verb)
The notion of "gratitude" in modern English thank arose out of an earlier "thoughtfulness." The word goes back ultimately to prehistoric Germanic thangk-, thengk-, which also produced English think, and the noun thank originally meant "thought." The sense "thought" graduated via "favorable though, good will" to "gratitude." It was originally singular, and the modern plural usage did not emerge until the 14th century. Thank you first appeared in the 15th century, short for I thank you. From Word A Day: http://www.shagmail.com/sub/sub-word.html

There is no "empowered" award board - no award police. Usually it's just a nice way to show a little extra appreciation and respect for a job well done. Anyone can decide to offer an award, and follow up by listing pages where they're posted. People, being people, will take advantage in one-bad-apple-spoil-mode by helping themselves to something they like and/or by assorted other weird, stupid moves - which, gee what a surprise, all show up as remarkably weird and stupid.

"Legit" awards, as far as legit goes, are reciprocal links, based on following like-minded taste/logic. To date, not that many specifically war-related page honors exist. That support recognition is very different than the usual cheery, fun, pats on the back. Response to mine has been quite something as far as requests. Particularly cool coming from other countries - allies truly understanding and feeling so strongly to go to the trouble on our behalf. Discovering new voices from the not-so-well-circulated and unexpected at home and away is my reward. All goes toward "solidarity" and getting the job done as soon as possible. Patriotic pages are an excellent push for those still fence-sitting about involvement (doing anything on their own) and all helpful ammo when aimed (anywhichway possible) at shutting up the peace freak idiots who are still whining about discussions.

This note became necessary to address the "mine, mine, all mine" attitudes I've seen from the beginning, which I've already written plenty about on regular pages. However, one "do NOT take" statement I just came across was so incredibly snotty as well as someone else's assbackward generalized opinion of tribute pages, looks like another common sense, straighten-up, fly-right slap is in order. Of course I fully realize asking these people who the hell they think they are is a waste of time, and won't do anyone but me one bit of good but it settles the peevies - at least until the next moronic rant pops up.

When someone asks to borrow, is that not a compliment? I try to make it clear that anyone is welcome to anything they want of mine, no credit "required" although always appreciated. I see my stuff all over the place anyway. The 'net was invented to share info, duh. People who habitually publish without acknowledgements find themselves coming up short of contributors - their publications die of natural causes soon enough.

I do believe, the last time I heard, we were all supposed to be working together. There isn't a graphic that couldn't be reproduced if anyone wanted to go to the trouble and more than a few people have been known to have the same basic thoughts before. Pride is one thing, inflated egos show asses of another color.

The one idiot's spewl on using "famous" images was so far out I must conclude he listened to one too many messages for his Captain Midnight decoder ring. Any well-known pic found on a personal page is obviously the one that says it best and means the most for that individual. Certainly no harm done, I haven't seen any credit taken yet. Anyone who "knows" what they're doing, knows better anyway. Beginners make mistakes, give 'em a break. Lending suggestions will encourage improvements and corrections. Only bullies jump on the uninitiated.

Bottom line, this award "game" isn't a game. A lot of good thinking out there needs help with exposure all around. Displaying and linking back strengthens and benefits the betterment of all efforts.
You may be interested in my overall feelings about awards: Cats PJs award

As usual, the holidays have snuck up on me. However, there is still time to order

a cookbook and survival guide for adult beginners. Makes a great gift for the old pros too. Those who've been through that war tend to appreciate the humor and it's the only place in the world my infamous secret bean recipe is printed! You'll never know if it's you or the beans they want but you'll never lack bring-something invitations.

Lifestyles is not just about the holidays - chapters include The Generic Party, Casual Indoor/Outdoor, Turkey to Tacos and miscellaneous tips, trickery and lots more stuff you won't find on any of my cooking pages.

A recent note from a friend - "Mary Jane is still at the stage where she is mystified about a lot of the whole process and intimidated by TV cooking shows. Your book (words) will help to let her know that there's no reason not to take it easy and have fun and, still, produce something edible. Well, most of the time!" (More reviews on link page.)

Makes check payable to Martha Jones, 11469 Olive Blvd. Box #236, St Louis, MO 63141 - $6. per copy (includes postage) or three for $15. Add $1. postage for separate addresses. Please allow three weeks for delivery.

Here's a printable order form to use for a reminder (which, if your mind works like mine, better go do it right now).

List leaders (or anyone with a list): Help yourself: freebies - for every five people who tell me they ordered from your promo, I'll send you a book. That can add up to contest prizes or other promo/raffle/donation uses on large lists. Up to you to make it clear who gets credit - thanks!

I truly believe this recipe is what prompted my husband to marry me! - Heather

I have to say, I got a laugh out of your homepage. But, it is so true! I have a great recipe that you may want to add to your website. It's so easy and so unbelievably good. Great for working moms or to put together the night before church, or any time at all!

Heather is probably right about the proposal, no better way to tame the beast than keepin' his belly full. Incidentally, dry onion or mushroom soup mix sprinkled over a roast or a coupla steaks wrapped in foil and baked for about an hour at 350 is hard to beat. Gravy happens somewhere along the way all by itself.

After looking over your site, I thought you might like this recipe. I got it from a radio show so I can't take the credit but my family and friends all love it.

Spoon fruit filling evenly down center of each tortilla, sprinkling evenly with cinnamon. Roll up and place, seam side down, in a lightly greased 2 qt. baking dish. Bring butter and next ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Pour over enchiladas. Let stand 30 minutes (or longer if you're preparing ahead). Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Can be served with ice cream on top. From Mary C.

Red, White & Blue American Pie

1 10-inch pastry or graham cracker
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1 12-ounce package whipped topping
1 21-ounce can blueberry pie filling
1 cup powdered sugar,sifted
1 21-ounce can tart cherry filling

Bake pie pastry; cool to room temperature. Pour blueberry pie filling into shell; refrigerate 30 minutes. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread cheese mixture over pie filling; refrigerate 30 minutes. Spread cherry pie filling over cheese mixture. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 (12-ounce) package cranberries, picked over and rinsed
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/4 cup orange juice

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and heat on medium until sugar dissolves. Bring mixture to a boil and do not stir for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add cranberries, and simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until sauce is thick. Skim the top of the sauce (and discard), then add orange zest and orange juice, stirring to combine. Allow to cool (or chill) and serve.

Note: Buy lots of bags of fresh cranberries now while in season and keep in the freezer. You can then enjoy homemade sauce all year long! Thanks JoAnne

Add: Cooked wild rice, chopped cranberries, orange zest and chopped pecans.
Diced red, yellow and green bell peppers and jalapeno peppers (especially good with cornbread variety).
Mixed dried fruit, chopped carrots, ground nutmeg and fresh thyme leaves.
Crumbled, cooked bacon, sliced mushrooms and water chestnuts.
Chopped bell peppers and onions, browned Italian sausage, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dried sage.
Chopped, roasted chestnuts, sliced celery, chopped onion and apples and a little mace.

That will be me, we're doin' the deli thing again this year - I may never wrestle another turk. Plain wasn't feeling well last year, Bub suggested, took two seconds to say cool and gravy. Little expensive yes, well worth the time off to actually fully enjoy the holiday for a change and not be wiped out before the sandwich round.

Thanksgiving Cooking Sites

Dang, can't remember where I swiped this list for credit - have slapped self - thanks in any case!
You know who you are and certainly you know how I am by now.
Butterball Recipes
Norbest Turkey Information & Recipes
The Reynolds Kitchens - Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving at Feeder's Digest
You need this page! Yummy, easy recipes and lots of LOL!
National Turkey Federation
What could be more appropriate?! Tons of turkey facts, recipes and a whole lot of Thanksgiving inspiration.
Thanksgiving Recipe .Com
From appetizers to veggies ...
Culinary Café - Holiday Favorites
Awesome selection of slightly challenging but amazing Thanksgiving fare!
Grandma's Holiday Recipes
Unbelievable amount of family Holiday recipes.
Thanksgiving at Foodgeeks.com
Tips, tricks and lots of good recipes.
Shabooms Thanksgiving Kitchen
Family Thanksgiving recipes.
Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Thanksgiving Menu
Gravy How-To
An Alternative to Turkey
Full menu featuring stuffed pork loin and all the trimmings.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Turkey, Stuffing, and Gravy Tips
Nestle's Pumpkin Recipes
Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie
The all-time best!
Thanksgiving Check List
Print it out and save your brain for more important things!
New Twist on Turkey
Great recipes for leftover turkey.

OMG, nothin' like "keepin' it in the family" - I plead the fifth! Or it was a second-hand deal, as in somebody else got there first. Shame on me though, should have recognized the comments as Rexanne's (see link below). All is forgiven - about all I can do is laugh at the state of current mind toast. Doesn't take a war to keep me rattled. Forgot all about cranberries too.

Turkey is high in l-tryptophan, an amino acid that is so calming, you might just go to sleep! Don't fight your post-pig-out nap. Go with it and enjoy.

Mash potatoes early in the meal preparation and then put them in crockpot till it's time to serve. They can sit a few hours and be just fine, freeing up a burner for something else. Or, try this old family-fave which I will be doing or it wouldn't be T-day: Replace milk measure with cream or cottage cheese, maybe a little sour cream too if that sounds good. OK to use instant, the cheese leaves no clues :) Put in a baking dish (make ahead OK too, refrigerate), and sprinkle with a little bag of sliced almonds. Put in the oven after bird comes out. The reason this is a family must-have is in honor of the extremely proper aunt who first served them. A rather improper cousin upset the usual decorum by christening them Male Potatoes. There is always one unsuspecting new guest to pull the "Because they have nuts" gotcha on.

Rexanne sent this gem a while back - applies to more than cooking ...

The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude. - Julia Child

Right on Julia! No kidding here, something is bound to go wrong when you're in charge of the whole rodeo. Big deal, there's always a fix, people are used to waiting on turkeys anyway. Whatever happens, fake it and get on with it the show. Anyone who isn't cooking is thrilled to be relieved of the duty - and has already decided they'd like to be invited back - highly doubtful there'll be any complaints. Now, don't you feel better already?

Create a memory

Have each guest sign a plain tablecloth, tell what they are most thankful for this year and date it. Each year you'll enjoy reminiscing about the previous years "Thanks." Don't forget to trace those wee hands to preserve precious moments in time.

Cornucopia place cards

brown construction paper
one-bugle shaped corn snack
small dried flowers or weeds - baby's breath works well
pen
glue
scissors

Cut paper into 3" x 4" rectangles. Fold in half lengthwise. Place dried flowers inside bugle. Squeeze 2-3 drops of glue inside snack to secure flowers. Write name on place card. Glue bugle horizontally across center. Let dry.

Here's a neat company's-coming trick from BJ Parsons. "My husband is a National Park Service ranger. We live in our nation's wonderlands. We get lots of 'drop-in' visitors. Usually they call from the park's visitor center, at most, about five minutes from our house. I throw the worst of our daily clutter in a remote closet (NOT the coat closet!) and use Windex like an air freshener. Everybody has an olfactory memory of Windex as 'clean.' It works with Lemon Pledge too, but the wax can make wood and linoleum floors slippery."

That reminded me of a friend who spritzes herself with water to "work up a sweat." Hubby thinks she's been hard at it all day. Now that reminds me of someone else who "hired" a maid - draw your own conclusions.

I didn't mean to go off on a housework tangent but here it is. Swapping chores is a great idea. If you hate cleaning the shower but a friend doesn't, trade for windows, the oven, whatever you hate the least. You might also find timing the everyday grind makes it less depressing. I'm not talking about beat the clock, just that a sink full of dishes really doesn't take the three hours it feels like.

You could also negotiate with a friend about each cooking a turkey or ham and trading leftovers.

Every time I walk into a singles bar I can hear Mom's wise words: "Don't pick that up, you don't know where it's been."

Senior Citizens Love Song
(with apologies to Elvis!!)

Are you lonesome tonight, does your tummy feel tight?
Did you bring your Mylanta and Tums?

Does your memory stray, to that bright sunny day ...
When you had all your teeth and your gums?

Is your hairline receding? Are your eyes growing dim?
Hysterectomy for her, and it's prostate for him.

Does your back give you pain ... do your knees predict rain?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

Is your blood pressure up, your good cholesterol down?
Are you eating your low fat cuisine?

All that oat bran and fruit, Metamucil to boot, keeps you like a
well oiled machine.

If it's football, or baseball ... he sure knows the score.
Yes, he knows where it's at ... but forgets what it's for.

So, your gall bladder's gone. But his gout lingers on.
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

When you're hungry, he's not. When you're cold, then he's hot
Then you start that old thermostat war.

When you turn out the light, he goes left, you go right.
Then you get his great symphonic snore.

He was once so romantic, and witty and smart.
How'd he turn out to be such a cranky old fart?

So don't take any bets, this is as good as it gets.
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight ?

In a recent survey, 80 percent of women thought their ass was too fat, 15 percent said their ass was too thin and the other five percent said they didn't care - they would have married him anyway!

Yes I know I'm very baaaaad, especially because I have more guys checking these pages now. Old habits die hard ... in the spirit of equal opportunity and fair play, please feel free to send your fave female bashers. I didn't say I'd use 'em necessarily, at least the effort might make you feel better.

All material was edited however I (or one of my other selves) happened to have felt like it. If you notice a line missing from a list, there's a reason ... "We" were not amused, and in some cases the joke attempt was just plain stupid or rude. Bashers are for laughing with - not at - our sweeties. Life with a number of men (four of them brothers - tsk, tsk for what you're thinking), eminently qualifies me on the subject.

So as not to offend the innocent, I also made "secret" pages. You gotta request the link. None of the material is actually vulgar - just a bit much for the kiddies. And don't worry, I won't think you're a bad person or use your address for anything else.

Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. I'm telling you in advance, so don't act surprised. Since Ms. Stewart won't be coming, I've made a few small changes.

Our guests will note that the entry hall is not decorated with the swags of Indian corn and fall foliage I had planned to make. Instead, I've gotten the kids involved in the decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the front yard. The mud was their idea.

The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this IS thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic Peter Rabbit plate and the Santa napkins from last Christmas.

Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised. Instead we will be displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it is a turkey.

We will be dining fashionably late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I'm sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims, and the turkey hotline. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 a.m. upon discovering that the turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds.

As accompaniment to the children's recital, I will play a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don't own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are lying.

In the spirit of harmony, the children will sit at a separate table. In a separate room. Next door.

Now, I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress "private" meaning: Do not, under any circumstances, enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat.

Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice between 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice; take it or leave it.

You have my permission not to cook on Thursday.
By Suzanne Martinson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Food Editor

We're trying to have a homey, happy Thanksgiving here. We can't pull it off if crabby, overextended people are dragged, kicking and screaming, into the kitchen. In fact, we believe more Thanksgiving feasts are ruined by bad vibes than by bad food.

However, my letting you noncooks off the hook in the culinary department does not mean you can come to the feast, plop yourself down, eat and burp. Complaining is out, too.

You still have to contribute. If you're lucky enough to be invited out, here are some ways to do your part:

Buy a tray of veggies (you'll get too much celery and not enough carrots, but we'll survive). Some of these trays even include dip - a surefire way to get the kids to get down at least one thing that's good for them, and that's extra points for you. And veggies cut the hunger without filling the tummy.

Fruit trays are festive, too. Yes, they cost more money than if you washed, chopped and arranged the fruits yourself, but some nice person in the produce section (she should be home baking her pumpkin pies, but she's not) took a day to put together something pretty for you to carry in. You're paying for her - or his - considerable labor.

Hand a bouquet of flowers to the cook. It's even better if they come in their own little vase. On Thanksgiving, the turkey-dresser doesn't want to have to dig around looking for one from last year.

Take the kids - or the dog - for a walk around the neighborhood. The hostess will never forget the person who single-handedly took these distractions out from underfoot.

Take a jug of Pennsylvania cider. It quenches the thirst without the deleterious effects that alcohol overindulgence can cause.

A few plastic containers can be a plus. Many hostesses - me included - like to send leftovers home with guests, and a person soon runs out of cottage cheese, sour cream and whipped topping containers. The covers seem to drift off, too, at least at our house.

A little cache of paper plates and napkins might be a winner. Sure, we like to get out our best dishes for the first round of the feast, but washing dishes for all those late-afternoon, early-evening snacks of turkey sandwiches or pecan pie can send a tired cook over the edge. Gathering up the dirty plates - and dumping them later - would be appreciated, too. (The paper plates should be nice, but not so pretty that the hosts will "save" them for some unseen future event.)

Offer to help with the dishes. Cooks are of two minds on this. Some want to handle all cleanup themselves, thus eliminating the need for a two-hour search for the meat thermometer later in the holiday season. As for myself, I accept - and love - all the help I can get. Besides, at my grandmother's house, the best gossip of the year was shared over a hot sink full of dishes - a sink surrounded by aunts with towels in hand.

Buy a loaf of pumpkin bread from, say, BreadWorks, a plate of cookies or some Edy's mango sorbet at the supermarket. The hosts could secret it away for the Day After, or bring it out for the evening football game or midnight munchies.

A word of advice. This is not the time to do things on the cheap. Buy the best you can buy. This is a day of celebration, a time to give thanks. And a Thanksgiving invitation is truly something to be thankful for.

Next year you might want to do your own cooking. Or maybe not. Best to hedge your bets, and promise me that at no time during the day will you mention the words calorie, fat or politics. You want to be invited back, don't you?

One last exception: If you are the only person in the crowd who has learned to make delicious - perhaps even lumpless - gravy, step up to the stove.

You have my permission to brag about it later.

---------------------

If you feel absolutely appalled at even the idea of not dipping your hand into the Thanksgiving feast, make this tried-and-true appetizer - a favorite of my in-laws:

Plop an 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese (reduced-fat OK, but not nonfat) on a platter. Pour on enough red seafood sauce to cover cheese. Top with fresh peeled and deveined shrimp (if the tails have been removed, you don't need to worry about finding the tails around later). Encircle the platter with club crackers. Lay out a couple of spreaders for eager eaters to scoop cream cheese, sauce and shrimp on the crackers.

It's isn't cooking, exactly, but maybe nobody will remember that next year when making out the guest list.

Hmmmm, never tried that with shrimp but have had people going nutty for canned crab done the same way for years. Drain (give the cat a cheap thrill) and poke with a fork while crab is still in can to break up the big pieces. Holiday season is prime time for drop-ins. Keep the stuff on hand, the effect positively dazzles.

Had to cut a bunch again ... it'll all show up somewhere, some time. Send your timelies to MarthaJones1@aol.com or MsAtte2ude@aol.com and yippee, TheRealMartha@mindspring.com's outgoing problem finally cleared up (I think). Use only as back up though, don't check it that often.

Newest page, as of 12-05, meet my "adopted" K9 soldiers in Bosnia
http://www.therealmartha.com/WARK9/index.htm
Includes links to send greetings to any service member - e-mail and snail addys. Packing a goodie box was exactly what I needed to get the holidays rolling right.

http://www.therealmartha.com/WAR/index.htm - Central listings - remember I'm having mail problems in general so can't trust delivery if you've requested new page notification. Check the updates every week or so.

Please use either blurb below as you wish and/or the graphic with my appreciation.

"The Whispering Activist" a.k.a. Martha Jones - Opinions and ideas, mine and from others, that everyone can use to get involved, make a difference and lighten the load; includes hoax busting/hype warnings, common sense editorial, links, household tips, easy recipes and a little humor along the way. Animal issues also addressed.

Whispering Activist Record
http://www.therealmartha.com/WAR/index.htm
"The Whispering Activist" a.k.a. Martha Jones - Opinions and ideas, mine and from others, that everyone can use to get involved, make a difference and lighten the load; find hoax busters, media hype alerts, timely info, controversy, common sense, commiseration, empathy, household tips, easy recipes, critter stuff, variety links, and a little humor along the way.

Attn: St. Charles, St. Louis area - tell J.J. you saw his ad here for a special deal.

Shortly I'll be posting pics of several nifty ideas for camos and such, other than wearing. To give you a hint start, tie the draw strings of pants to belt loops or pocket buttons and run a belt through the loops to make a tote bag/back pack. No sewing or even cutting required.

Ask about featuring your biz card or a custom ad here: MarthaJones1@aol.com - subject line: ad rates

Swiped the tag from Martha, Hillbilly Cornbread editor. The ani sig above too. The tag seemed to "fit" what I'm doing here, although Martha the ed. is truly the best example after going through countless horrors connected with a recently diagnosed disease. Almost lost her more than a few times. I say once ink gets in yer blood (the publishing bug), ya gotta live forever - how could we rest in peace with all those goodies hollerin' to jump outta the files!