Happy Thanksgiving

2011

Here goes.. One of my favorite things to do Thanksgiving eve (or morn) is to search out pictures of the President pardoning that year's turkey.  Can't tell you why, at least not in a sentence or two.  They are fun.  It is a strange custom and a LOT more complicated than I ever thought.  I was happy enough with the pictures.. but when I started looking into what goes into such an affair, it is mind boggling.  We are a silly people.

Wild Turkey Bourbon offered this year's winner a job as mascot.  They should stick with wild turkeys.  (He is handsome.)

I'd like to see a wild turkey win.  They are so much more colorful, and interesting, if a turkey can be described that way.

I never knew that the turkey spent the night before in a hotel.  Or how it was chosen, or schooled.  See this from Obama Foodarama

The National Turkey–who is always male–will weigh about 45 pounds by the time he meets President Obama. Huisinga will select the official turkey and his feathery stunt double on Nov. 18th, the day before they are driven to Washington for their moment in the Presidential spotlight, according to Wilmar spokesman Jenn Baumgartner. A second turkey is always chosen in case the first gets ill, or can't "perform his duties."

Last year, President Obama likened the selection process to a popular reality TV series, noting that the wannabe National Turkeys had to "strut their stuff for a panel of judges."

"It’s kind of like a turkey version of “Dancing With the Stars," except the stakes for the contestants was much higher," President Obama said, to laughter. "Only one pair would survive and win the big prize: Life –and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington."

…

… with the Presidential Flock, exposing the toms to plenty of flash cameras, and plenty of noise–in the form of rock & roll music. The birds have also been taught to stand on a table, to replicate what goes on at the pardon ceremony, when the National Turkey is placed on a table for easy presidential access. 

"They're getting a lot of hands-on attention," Rosenblatt said.

The turkeys will travel to Washington in the back of a van that has been designed to replicate their pen on the farm. Once in DC, the turkeys will be staying at a five-star hotel, which has requested anonymity to protect the birds.         BY EDDIE GEHMAN KOHAN  

 

THis is what an educated turkey llooks like. What a great picture.. my favorite this year.  Hats off to the photographer, Pablo Martinez Monsivais.

Want to know more? Check out some of past year's on this site.  There are things that I didn't know.  ouch!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!