Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Live so that if you miss a day of work people aren’t hoping you’re dead.

Republicans are the party of chaos and catastrophe.

We know you aren’t a Democrat but since you seem confused let me help you.

We will not go quietly into the night; we will not vanish without a fight.

Boeing: repeatedly making the case for high speed rail.

At some point, the ability to learn is a factor of character, not IQ.

Following reporting rules is only for the little people, apparently.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

This blog will pay for itself.

“I never thought they’d lock HIM up,” sobbed a distraught member of the Lock Her Up Party.

Not so fun when the rabbit gets the gun, is it?

Books are my comfort food!

Hey Washington Post, “Democracy Dies in Darkness” is supposed to be a warning, not a mission statement.

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. keep building.

Giving up is unforgivable. ~Joe Biden

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

I might just take the rest of the day off and do even more nothing than usual.

Everyone is in a bubble, but some bubbles model reality far better than others!

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

I am pretty sure Katy Tur wasn’t always such a bootlicking sycophant.

No Justins, No Peace

The lights are all blinking red.

Donald Trump, welcome to your everything, everywhere, all at once.

They think we are photo bombing their nice little lives.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Happy Thanksgiving

Reader Interactions

108Comments

  1. 1.

    Keith G

    Happy Thanksgiving, John. And the same to all B-Jers.

    Not a big turkey fan, so here in Houston I tend to cook a lot of goodies from the Gulf of Mexico and environs.

  2. 2.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    Turkey, savory roasted sweet potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, dressing and lots of beer are on the menu. And then later it will be time to settle down and watch the Giants whup dem Broncos.

    Have a good’un.

  4. 4.

    jon

    Not a turkey fan, either. But I’ll gladly spend time with my family, my extended family, my friends, and all the people at all the places I’ll be going today. I’ve come to see Thanksgiving as a drinking day, which is why I am taking tomorrow off.

  5. 5.

    RedKitten

    No turkey for me, as we already had our Thanksgiving last month. We did have a nice big scoff of Chinese food last night, though, which was awesome (although I screwed up my phone order and ordered two chicken dishes, because Sam was voicing his displeasure at a rather impressive decibel level.)

    Ugh…ever have one of those days when you just don’t feel like doing anything? I should probably go put a fire on, but can’t be arsed. The dishwasher needs emptying, I need to go put sheets back on the spare-room bed, our bathroom is a fright, etc. etc., but I really just can’t seem to get my butt in gear today.

  6. 6.

    SiubhanDuinne

    I said it on the last, now fairly moribund, thread, but I’ll say it again in this nice shiny one: the happiest Thanksgiving to all Balloon Juicers and your family and friends. Whatever (and with whomever) you eat, may it be delicious and satisfying and provide good leftovers. And as you travel on this weekend, may you be safe.

    This B-J community is very high on my list of Things For Which I’m Thankful.

  7. 7.

    Brian J

    A friend from work who also reads this site said that John Cole was the best things Republicans have ever given us Democrats. He’s right. Some days, I just can’t bring myself to this site, but only because I know that while I intend to spend a half hour before actually getting stuff done, it’ll be at least an hour and a half, if not longer. The people, the host included, are that good. So yes, I am thankful this site.

  8. 8.

    valdivia

    Happy Thanksgiving all of you. Enjoy the holiday. I am having over a bunch of Latin American holiday refugees (no family to go to) so it will be a Latino thanksgiving. Lou Dobb’s nightmare.

  11. 11.

    jeffreyw

    As you know, Thanksgiving is the traditional kick off for the annual War On Christmas. I expect to go underground again and engage in my usual sabotage operations. Last year’s fart bomb at the Santa exhibit in the mall may have been my finest operation.

  13. 13.

    Brian J

    @jeffreyw:

    I still haven’t gotten my pamphlet about who and what to attack. If possible, like last year, I’d like to club carolers and people collecting money for charity in the knees. I just finished shining my pipe, if it makes any difference. ACORN says it would be a good idea.

  14. 14.

    RedKitten

    @Keith G: British, actually. I’ve read too much Brit chick-lit, and have picked up some of the vernacular.

    However, out here on the East Coast, we do tend to use both “arse” and the more commonly used “ass”, depending on the situation. “Arse” has a touch of humour to it, whereas “ass” is a bit more serious. My grandmother’s legendary epithet of “Oh, go chew me arse!” just wouldn’t sound the same if “ass” was used.

  15. 15.

    DougL (frmrly: Conservatively Liberal)

    We got a jump on everyone because the wife has to work today so she made T Day dinner on Monday and we have been eating it all week. Since we have turkey once a year I can deal with it. Our son eats anything that hesitates long enough so he is happy as long as he gets his pumpkin custard.

    Happy Turkey Day!

  16. 16.

    General Winfield Stuck

    Gobble Gobble have Gobble a Cobble Gobble happy Gobble

    Turkey Gobble Gobble day :)

    everyone.!

  17. 17.

    demkat620

    Happy Turkey Day! Mine is in the oven and cooking away.

    There will be wine, women, and song at my house later. I have cousins who like to sing when they get to drinking.

    Always a good time.

  18. 18.

    Mark S.

    Winston’s residents were mainly poor farmers who viewed the Confederacy with suspicion, fearing it was meant to maintain the political control of the wealthy planter class.

    If only the rest of the South were bright enough to figure that out.

    Happy Turkey Day, all!

  20. 20.

    bystander

    Happy Thanksgiving John, Tim, Doug, Anne, Lily, Tunch, and the Balloon Juice community.

    When I need an honest to goodness laugh-til-the-tears-run, I head for these threads. Y’all never fail. And, I’m thankful for that.

    Best wishes for the holiday.

  23. 23.

    Keith G

    Mike Pence and NPR just harshed my buzz.

    NPR played excerpts from Obama’s inclusive and positive Thanksgiving message.

    They then played an excerpt of the Repug response (WTF?). In it, Pence attacked Obama’s economic policies. It’s a joyous holiday, so I will not type my first reaction. But, I will start drinking, like now, so I can get the taste out of my mind. Thanks, Mike.

    Time to start shucking oysters.

  24. 24.

    Brian J

    @Keith G:

    Think of it this way. In their party, they get whining, immature clowns like Mike Pence and Eric Cantor or absolute dolts like Sarah Palin and Micheal Steele. In ours, we get classy, inspiring leaders like President Obama and Sec. of State Hillary Clinton. Flaws and all, our party is light years ahead of theirs. Something to be thankful for every day of the year.

  25. 25.

    henqiguai

    Bah (woke up with a splittin’ headache). But that notwithstanding, y’all all have a rippin’ National Day of Cannibalism (i.e. millions of turkeys eating millions of turkeys).

    Just glad I don’t own the primary cooking slot, just the prep and cleanup.

  26. 26.

    Cat Lady

    @Brian J:

    This. Also, too.

    My local New England inn will be the gathering spot and providing the traditional fare, on this day that I truly feel connected to this country that I love with all of my heart. It’s too bad that the Puritans got here first – we’d have been way better off with Jamaicans. Local herb with jerked turkey and cranberry rum would be way more fun.

    I give thanks for all of the laughs here in this weird little world of ours. Thank you John.

  28. 28.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    Just not feeling Thanksgiving this year. Usually it’s my favorite holiday but it seems different this year.

  29. 29.

    valdivia

    @Keith G:

    yeah I just read the Dionne piece in WaPo saying everyone hates Obama now and that he should start yelling at the top of his lungs or something. Ugh.

    I may start drinking early too.

  31. 31.

    moe99

    Thanks to John and all the BJ’ers from this longtime lurker. You have made my days brighter (especially during my recent two rounds of chemo–hopefully only one more to go). Here’s to many more Thanksgivings!

  32. 32.

    Karen S.

    Happy Thanksgiving to everyone on this great blog! Though I comment here infrequently, I visit Balloon Juice more than any other blog. Thank you John, Anne Laurie, DougJ and Tim F. Keep on truckin’! (That really dates me.)

  33. 33.

    Rey

    I’m off too work, but will be done by the time my Mom pulls the Turkey out of the oven. I’m so very Thankful for my family, friends, a job and my lovely BJ compadres. This site is the best! Stay safe and hug your loved ones today. I know I will….

    Peace

  34. 34.

    demkat620

    Okay Juicer cooks, anyone have a good recipe for a mushroom h’ors deuvre?

    My husband got beautiful big fresh Kennett Square mushrooms and we need something for them.

    I have ricotta and fresh mozzarella. I was thinking about stuffing them and then roasting them. Think it would kill my guests?

  38. 38.

    donovong

    “Go eat some turkey.”

    Well, not yet. Waiting for the temperometer to reach the magic 165 degrees in the smoker!

    Happy Turkey Day my fellow joocers.

    Remember – if Ben Franklin had his way, we would all be eating Bald Eagles today!

  39. 39.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    I’ll try to get in the spirit of things and wish my Thankfellers a Happy Turkey Holocaust.

  40. 40.

    Cheryl from Maryland

    Happy Thanksgiving to all. In tribute to the last Gourmet magazine ever, I am making the pumpkin pie recipe from the last issue ever. It feels odd to be making pumpkin pie with cream and sour cream instead of evaporated milk, but homage must be paid.

    demkat260 — I love stuffed mushrooms and squash. I brush them with olive oil, roast them until soft at 350 degrees, and then add the stuffing. If the stuffing can’t be consumed raw, cook it first. Also good for mini mushroom pizzas — roast first, add good pizza sauce, roast until sauce is warm, add peperoni and cheese, cook until cheese melts.

  43. 43.

    GregB

    All you whacked-out leftist bloggers will now pretend to be as pure and as good as those in the heartland on this day.

    Then you’ll end the charades and get back to hating on Amurka and sodomy and atheisting.

    Happy Thanksgiving.

    -G

  45. 45.

    Brick Oven Bill

    The first week at the Facility is through and I remain employed. I have provided a single factual error of this week and that is that the guy who calls me boss with the tattoo on his neck who made wise-cracks to our female northern European diversity coach is ex-military. This was my bad assumption as in actuality; this guy failed the army’s background check and never served.

    He might however come in handy if I find the guy who stole my jean-jacket.

    Happy Thanksgiving.

  46. 46.

    Fern

    @demkat620:

    If you have nice big mushrooms, it would be a shame to do anything else with them. Don’t have a recipe, but I saute some green onion and garlic with the minced shroom stems. Let that cool a bit, then stir in some minced, fresh Italian parsley, dry breadcrumbs, Parmesan, other fresh herbs if available, or dried oregano etc. Pack the filling into the mushrooms, top with some grated cheese. Bake until everything is hot and melty.

    Before you fill the mushrooms, you can brush then with lots of olive oil, or saute them quickly in some olive oil. I usually saute – makes for a nicer surface texture.

  47. 47.

    The Other Steve

    We are roasting a Turkey, and later on we’ll be making mashed potatoes and glazed carrots with orange and cranberry. We’re using recipes and instructions from America’s Test Kitchen cookbook.

    But in case Sarah Palin is reading this, and to assure everyone of my Real American roots. We also have our Rhodes frozen dinner rolls thawing in the pan, and we shall be making the traditional Heinz Turkey Gravy from a jar.

  48. 48.

    arguingwithsignposts

    Happy Thanksgiving, BJ commentariat, JC, DJ, TF, and AL. Enjoy the day. Looking forward to lots of food and football. And, I have an idea for a novel about politics based on the Screwtape Letters. I’m thinking about a collaborative writing project.

    Might post something here tomorrow or next week once everyone is over the triptophan and alcohol induced drowsiness.

    Anyway, cheers to all. I’m thankful you’re here. :)

  51. 51.

    The Other Steve

    I was afraid of making dressing from scratch. I thought this would upset Sarah Palin and she would not call me a Real America. So I considered doing Stove top stuffing but realizing that it kind of doesn’t really taste all that great… I opted for a compromise and purchased a bag of Brownberry herbed stuffing.

    For desert my father is bringing over a pumpkin pie. But don’t worry, as Real Americans we’ll be serving it with Cool Whip and not that elitist whipping cream crap.

  52. 52.

    mandarama

    This will be the first year of my life where the lefties outnumber the wingnuts at our table. Oh, we’re too polite to bring up politics–but we all know and seethe. Heh. Happy Thanksgiving, indeedy.

  53. 53.

    Corner Stone

    @PaulW:

    THE TURKEYS! They’ve mounted a counter-attack!

    You’ve got to hand it to them. They just wanted it more.
    /Homer

  57. 57.

    burnspbesq

    Late to the party, but let me also give thanks to, and for, the BJ crew and our genial hosts. This is the coolest neighborhood pub on the intertubez.

    Mulling over heading over to the Anaheim Convention Center to watch some college basketball. Early session has John’s ‘Eers against Long Beach and Clemson – Texas A&M. Late session is the best matchup on paper (Butler – Minnesota) followed by the worst (UCLA – Portland).

    Or I may just go scratch Hurley and Laettner for a while and then go back to bed.

    Whatever you choose to do today, enjoy it.

  59. 59.

    jeffreyw

    Yay! Bird’s in the oven. I elected to roast it covered with the cavity stuffed with apples, and apple juice in the bottom of the roasting pan. Not from any recipe, just a last minute whim, what the hell-can’t hurt. Should add an interesting note to the gravy.

    Mmmm…gravy.

  62. 62.

    Genine

    Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

    I’m having a Thanksgiving Linner with Three vegetarians and a vegan. I’ll have to pick up some fresh carved turkey for myself later.

  63. 63.

    asiangrrlMN

    @moe99: Good luck to you. May you have many more turkey days to celebrate. Positive vibes beaming your way.

    Guys, I am not feeling it right now, but I am thankful for this odd little place called Balloon Juice where we can bitch, snark, laugh, and cry together. Oh, and Tunchie. I am thankful for Tunchie. And food pr0n. That’s all I got.

    Peace to you and yours on this turkey day. May you all be healthy, happy, and wise.

  65. 65.

    Corner Stone

    @jeffreyw: I do something a little like that with apple juice when I do ribs in the oven.
    After they’ve been roasting for a while I take a spoon, get some of the juice out of the bottom of the pan, mix it with some brown sugar and cayenne, then use that to baste the ribs over the final stretch.

  66. 66.

    RedKitten

    Well, no turkey for us, but I’ll be honoring my neighbors to the south by grilling hamburgers (they’re pretty much All-American, right?) and by eliminating all superfluous “u”s from my writing today.

    And it goes without saying that I’m thankful for you guys. This IS the coolest neighborhood pub on the internets, and having stumbled across it back in 2004, it’s been amazing to watch it evolve, and to watch new people come in and become part of this wacky community.

  68. 68.

    Punchy

    First T-giving with the new wife. The choice of gravy (brown, not white dammit!) may be the first real test of our marriage. By “test”, I really mean that I will be forced to do whatever she wants, but with a frowny face.

  69. 69.

    Leelee for Obama

    As others have mentioned, BJ is one of the things I am thankful for. It’s been a year many difficulties, coupled with the kindness of people whose faces I have not seen, but whose hearts were opened to me when I needed you.

    Thanks so much, and Happy Give Thanks for what makes you stronger Day.

    Leelee

  71. 71.

    jeffreyw

    @asiangrrlMN: Pictures of turkey are so iconic that I fear any attempt on my part will fall well short, I will take some snaps just for the album. If any look suitable I’ll put some up on flickr.

  72. 72.

    gnomedad

    @RedKitten:
    I’m not new to “arse”, but I’ve not seen it used as a verb before, apparently meaning “to be bothered”. Gave me a chuckle.

    Add one more vote of gratitude for BJ.

  74. 74.

    demkat620

    Ok so, here’s what I did.

    Mushrooms with the stems removed.

    Chopped the stems finely and sauteed in butter with onion, salt, and pepper, a little worcestershire and white wine.

    Allowed to cool and then added breadcrumbs, chicken sausage, and parmesan.

    Now I am going to top with parmesan and bake later.

    Cheers all!

  76. 76.

    D-Chance.

    And a Happy Xgiving to you, too, Cole!

    Meal 1 down. Parade down. Two NFL games and 4 meals to go before the day’s end.

  77. 77.

    Bostondreams

    Happy Thanksgiving to all the folks at my favorite place to lurk.
    I had my AP US History students read James Loewen’s chapter on Thanksgiving from his ‘Lies My Teacher Told Me.’ I look forward to parent complaints.

  78. 78.

    valdivia

    @burnspbesq:

    Or I may just go scratch Hurley and Laettner for a while and then go back to bed.

    so the little guys are now officially adopted? happy to knwo they are still around.

  79. 79.

    Violet

    Dang it. Husband has stomach virus that has been going around. I had it a few weeks ago. Know others who have had it. It comes on really suddenly and you’re down for the count for about 24 hours. He wasn’t feeling well last night, but mostly he was just tired so I figured it was work being really busy that left him tired. Nope.

    No idea if he’ll be well enough to go to our Thanksgiving gathering later today. I am guessing not. That sucks.

  81. 81.

    JK

    @Bostondreams:

    Way to go with the reading assignment.

    You can also look forward to Bill O’Reilly sending one of his stalker producers after you to do an ambush interview.

  82. 82.

    Corner Stone

    @Punchy:

    By “test”, I really mean that I will be forced to do whatever she wants, but with a frowny face.

    Play it the way Obama would and 11-dimensional chess her ass. Sop up every.teeny.drop of the gravy and yum, yum it up with a smile on your face.
    You may have to endure it a couple more years but eventually she’ll start to believe you actually *like* her version. At which time she will switch to the other and then you can frown your way through paradise.

  83. 83.

    JK

    @JGabriel:

    Never saw The Addams Family, but loved The Ice Storm and was disappointed it wasn’t a box office hit. Ricci was also great in The Opposite of Sex and Buffalo ’66.

  85. 85.

    Cathyish

    Happy Turkey Day to the entire BJ crowd. I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate each and every one of your pointy, little heads. I read y’all often, comment hardly ever, but look forward to my visit at the end of the day.

    I’m a pediatric RN and barely have enough brain-power to make the drive home at the end of my shift, but a glass of Gnarly Head and this place revive me in some stupidly absurd way. Carry on.

  86. 86.

    Bad Horse's Filly

    @jeffreyw: I always cook my Christmas bird stuffed with oranges. Yum. Let me know how this turns out.

    I said it last night – but it bears repeating: Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here. You’re on my list!

    Watching Guys and Dolls, then a bike ride, then off to Thanksgiving dinner. Do I have a life, or do I have a life?

  87. 87.

    Corner Stone

    @jeffreyw: Just not a fan of turkey, so anything that can give the skin a nice complex texture is a better deal for me.
    It’s too bad about the sugar. I make a mean marinade for beef fajitas that has brown sugar in it, and with the slender beef it crusts up and is deeelishous. Not to be a jerk about it or anything.

  89. 89.

    Steeplejack

    Just got up about an hour ago after going to bed at 5:00 a.m. Thank you, Balloon Juice and night-owl syndrome.

    Having coffee and a roll to ease into the day, and I just kicked off my official holiday music season with Coltrane’s version of “Greensleeves” (no video, just a good audio capture). At some point later today I will make it a point to listen to Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. That always gets me psyched for the war on Christmas the holiday season.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

  90. 90.

    canuckistani

    Happy Turkey Day to all you American dudes and babes down there. I will join your celebration by finishing the digestion of the giant bolus of turkey meat with apple-and-sausage-stuffing that I started on, python-like, a month ago.

  91. 91.

    PurpleGirl

    Having a pot luck lunch with friends. I hope everybody has a good day, whether celebrating or not. Happy Turkey Day.

  92. 92.

    RedKitten

    @Annie:

    Just enjoy doing nothing. Some days that is the best thing to do… Always works for me.

    True. I think Mommy needs a break, though. I love Sam with all my heart and would lay down my life for him without a second thought. That being said, we do all need a little bit of “me” time now and again. Last week, my mom was visiting, and I had a hair appointment in town, so I thought Mom would watch him and I’d get a break and a bit of pampering. Well, she wanted to come with me, and I felt bad leaving her out here in the sticks, so all three of us went, and she and Sam sat in an unoccupied chair in the salon right next to me as I was being coiffed. So much for my break. :) I think I just need a day away from the house, the husband and the baby, and to just be able to go where the breeze takes me.

  96. 96.

    AngusTheGodOfMeat

    Happy Posthumous Thanksgiving to all of you, from Tom and Tomissa, your turkeys, and the other farm animals who gave their all for you this year.

    Those of us who stand in dung all year, so that you can eat, forgive you. Mostly. Except for a couple of you, and you know who you are.

  98. 98.

    Mnemosyne

    @RedKitten:

    No turkey for me, as we already had our Thanksgiving last month.

    My favorite knitblogger, who is also Canadian, posted this tweet:

    Email advising me that Canada not having the same thanksgiving as US is “disrespectful”. I shall advise the Queen.

  99. 99.

    licensed to kill time

    Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good night!

    (oops, wrong holiday?)

    Nah, my sincere wishes to everyone at this most excellent site, that we all give thanks for on a daily basis. Have a hearty meal, tell your loved ones you love them, and may your digestion proceed apace. And for God’s sake, stay away from the stores! Are you mad ???!

  101. 101.

    jeffreyw

    Uncovered the turkey in the roaster, browning the skin, basting often. We’re in the final stretch before dinner. Alas, Buddy seems to have an upset tummy this morning. Bad day for doggy ailments, there will be carcass.

  102. 102.

    Yutsano

    @asiangrrlMN: Thanks for the wellwish on the other thread hon. I’m currently sitting at work doing pretty much nothing (and getting paid to do pretty much nothing) but I have my reasons. By now my mother has COMPLETELY taken over my kitchen (for reasons too complicated to explain she will be cooking everything at my house but we will be eating at my parents) and is now dealing with the disaster area my brother mostly left it. So they get to handle her rage at the mess and I get paid to do pretty much nothing on a day I would have been paid for anyway. There are days I’m very very grateful for the labor movement in the early 20th Century. A revival wouldn’t be too bad IMHO. At any rate Happy Turkey Day! (except you Canucks cause you already had yours, then Happy Thursday to you!)

  103. 103.

    Yutsano

    @jeffreyw: You will be amazed how dogs have miracle healings when food is involved. I bet he’s bouncing around begging before you can blink. Oh and food pr0n plz.

  106. 106.

    Yutsano

    @jeffreyw: Keep in mind it’s not for me, this is all about keeping the wifey happy until I can make good on my bet to her. Although now I’m a touch worried. My mom made a set of cookies last night and they were somehow awful. I don’t know what she did as I didn’t watch her make them but all of a sudden I’m worried. I also didn’t buy enough butter while it was still on sale, so now I might have to pay a premium for that. It’s okay, she’s worth it.

    Oh and Buddy will be your main competition for the gravy.

  107. 107.

    Of Bugs and Books

    Thanks for BJ, this year especially to those donating money or time to the site, and hoping everyone has a safe holiday.

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