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Thanksgiving survival guide [The Buffalo News, N.Y.]
(Buffalo News (NY) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Nov. 25--Need help dealing with the frenzy of today's festivities? The News is coming to the rescue, whether you're hitting the road, entertaining guests or just hunkering down for Black Friday. Consider this your "everything-you-need-to-know" list. As for the in-laws, you're on your own. Happy Thanksgiving.
Turkey Trot
The annual road race that's been going longer than the Boston Marathon hits the streets at 9 a.m. today. From 7 to 7:45 a.m., shuttles will take participants from the finish line (at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center) to the Target plaza on Delaware Avenue -- just a short jog from the starting area on Delaware, north of Hertel Avenue. From 10 to 11:45 a.m., shuttles will head back to Target from the Pearl Street side of the convention center. If you want to run but didn't register, you're out of luck: The race reached its capacity of 12,500 participants last week.
If you're looking for a good view of the race, which runs down Delaware Avenue, a spot in Gates Circle always works. There's also the pedestrian walkway on the Scajaquada Expressway's Delaware Avenue overpass. Another popular place closer to the finish line is the corner of Delaware and Chippewa, where there's easy access to hot beverages.
-- Aaron Besecker
House
--Hosting Thanksgiving? Take a few minutes this morning to check the following:
--You have a designated closet or spot for coats and handbags.
--The white wine is chilling. Your ice supply, sufficient. The coffee-maker, ready to go.
--The guest bath has fresh towels, soaps, toilet paper.
--The chandelier has no burnt-out bulbs.
--The table is set and all serving utensils, platters and dessert plates clean and ready to go.
--The front porch is free of unsightly debris.
--You know where you'll seat guests and what tasks you'll assign, such as carving the turkey.
--You do have a sharp knife and sturdy fork ready to go, don't you?
-- Susan Martin
Traffic
Peace Bridge traffic isn't expected to be a problem today, but travel across the bridge will see "a small uptick" on Black Friday, according to the Peace Bridge Authority. Slightly higher traffic volumes -- though nothing to be considered "major" -- are expected throughout the day, and will be a little bit higher, as well, with the Sabres home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The weekend as a whole will have higher than normal traffic levels on the Lewiston-Queenston and Rainbow bridges. The busiest time Friday for traffic crossing the bridges will be between noon and 10 p.m., according to the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.
For the latest traffic conditions, call (800) 715-6722 or visit www.nittec.org, www.niagarafallsbridges.com and www.peacebridge.com. You can also get updates on Twitter from @niagarabridges.
-- Aaron Besecker
Cooking crisis?
Faced with a cooking crisis, some people would call their mother first. If that's not an option, or your mother gives terrible culinary advice, consider consulting the experts.
Turkey problem? Dial 1-800-BUTTERBALL (800-288-8372) for advice from a poultry preparing professional. Or, surf to butterball.com.
Pie problem? Crisco, the vegetable shortening maker, offers 1-877-FOR-PIE-TIPS (877-367-7438) if, for once, there's not enough flakiness in your life.
Missing baking ingredient? The Pillsbury people present pillsburybaking.com, full of tips for uncertain bakers and emergency ingredient substitutions.
As for last-minute supply runs, most of the major grocery stores are open today but will close anywhere from 3 to 5 p.m.
-- Andrew Z. Galarneau
Blessing
Here are some tips for a thoughtful before-meal prayer:
It might be a little obvious, but being thankful in saying grace on Thanksgiving is the simplest message.
Inclusion of everyone around the table is key to saying a prayer before the meal, said the Rev. Ronald W. Sams, pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church in Buffalo.
The person leading the prayer should ask everyone to join hands and start with words of thanks -- for life, faith, family and health. Then go around the table and ask each person to say one thing for which he or she is thankful.
"It's good to hear from each person what he's grateful for, because that reminds everybody else what he should be grateful for," he said. "It's a community Thanksgiving."
Remembering and praying for those who are less fortunate is also something important to include, said Bonnie Giammusso, coordinator of the North Tonawanda Inter Church Food Pantry.
-- Aaron Besecker
Dinner music
You've got the turkey roasting and the apple pie baked, and you're thinking of getting fancy with a cranberry tart when -- oh, no, what about the music? Now is the time to give thanks for the Internet -- specifically, the likes of iTunes and Amazon.
Paul Hillier's "Home to Thanksgiving" is a beautiful vocal disc I play for Thanksgiving. It has chant, music by Tudor master Thomas Tallis, old American hymns, even John Cage. A merry mix! Download it for $7.99.
"Thanksgiving: A Windham Hill Collection," practically New Age, will calm your hectic dinner. Tunes from Ireland, Germany, America, with harp, flute and guitar solos. Download it for $9.99.
Gospel music goes with Thanksgiving like gravy with stuffing. Mahalia Jackson's "The World's Greatest Gospel Singer" can be yours for $5.99. At least download her "Amazing Grace" single for 99 cents.
-- Mary Kunz Goldman
Football
Turkey? It is what it is. Politics can split families apart. Need some holiday conversation starters? We'd recommend they revolve around football.
Here are some talking points:
--The first of three NFL games on TV today is the New England Patriots at Detroit Lions (12:30 p.m., Channel 4). This could be the day's worst mismatch, so keep an eye on Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, part of the Gronkowski football family from Amherst and a favorite target of Pats quarterback Tom Brady.
--Rob's brother, Chris Gronkowski, is starting at fullback for the Dallas Cowboys, who host the New Orleans Saints (4:15 p.m., Channel 29). The Cowboys have been revitalized under new head coach Jason Garrett, but they should have their hands full with Drew Brees and his Saints. Last year, the Cowboys cost the 13-0 Saints a perfect season when they beat them, 24-17, on Dec. 19.
--The Cincinnati Bengals, who had a short week after Sunday's loss against the Bills, are in the Meadowlands to face the New York Jets at 8:20 p.m. on NFL Network. Getcha pumpkin pie ready: Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco will try to put on a prime-time show against the Jets and quarterback Mark Sanchez, who is trying to live up to his "Sanchise" tag.
--Another holiday tradition, the Harvard Cup championship football game, will not be played for the first time since 1903. The city's football teams merged into Section VI this season, making the Turkey Day game extinct.
-- Greg Connors
Black Friday prep
Hot items:
All Apple and Mac products are expected to be strong sellers this holiday season, said Burt P. Flickinger III, managing director of Strategic Resource Group. That includes iPads and iPhones and other new Mac products, he said.
Zhu Zhu Pets, any "Harry Potter"-licensed merchandise, like Lego Hogwarts, or any "Toy Story"-themed stuff will also be big sellers.
Outrageous deals:
If it's your first time, be prepared for long lines and limited quantities. A few hearty souls determined to get the best deals often start lining up around midnight at the big retail chains. Some major chains are getting a jump on the action with special deals today (Kmart at 6 a.m.; Sears at 7 a.m.; Toys R Us at 10 p.m.).
But Friday remains the focal point for bargain hunters. Here's a look at a few of the deep discounts that are sure to draw crowds:
--Walmart will sell a 32-inch Emerson LCD HDTV for $198 and a 42-inch Emerson LCD HDTV for $398 starting at 5 a.m. The store will also offer an HP laptop for $298.
--Best Buy will package a 32-inch Samsung LCD HDTV with a Nintendo Wii Console for $399.99. The store will also sell a 50-inch Panasonic Viera Plasma HDTV for $699.99.
--Target will sell a 40-inch Westinghouse LCD HDTV for $298 and is offering certain Chefmate toasters, mixers and sandwich makers for $3 each starting at 4 a.m.
When the malls open:
Boulevard: 6 a.m. (Sears, Macy's and J.C. Penney at 4 a.m.)
Eastern Hills: 7 a.m. (Bon-Ton at 3 a.m.; Sears, Macy's and J.C. Penney at 4 a.m.)
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls: Midnight (some stores at 10 p.m. today)
McKinley: 5 a.m. (Bon-Ton at 3 a.m.; Sears, Macy's and J.C. Penney at 4 a.m.)
Walden Galleria: 6 a.m. (Sears, Macy's and J.C. Penney at 4 a.m.; Dick's and Lord & Taylor at 5 a.m.)
Big-box stores:
Target: 4 a.m.
Walmart: Most deals start at 12:01 a.m.; electronics deals at 5 a.m.
Best Buy: 5 a.m.
Kohl's: 3 a.m.
Kmart: 5 a.m.
-- Aaron Besecker and Denise Jewell Gee
Parade
The 84th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Kanye West, Jessica Simpson and Jimmy Fallon will top a lineup that includes 15 giant balloons and 28 floats. New balloons this year include Kung-Fu Panda and the Kool-Aid Man, along with returning favorites including Spider-Man, Kermit the Frog and Spongebob Squarepants, according to Macy's website. NBC's coverage of the event -- hosted by Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker -- starts on "Today" at 7 a.m. on Channel 2. Coverage on CBS begins at 9 a.m. on Channel 4 and will be hosted by Maggie Rodriguez ad Dave Price of "The Early Show."
-- Aaron Besecker
Airport
Have a friend or relative making a last-minute arrival at Buffalo Niagara International Airport? Don't want to pay to park while you wait?
If you're planning to park for two hours or less, it's free in the long-term lots (follow the green, orange and blue signs). In the parking garage -- which is considered short-term and is the closest to the terminal -- it's $4 an hour.
There's also a free cell phone lot on Holtz Drive (look for the big sign). Holtz runs north off Genesee Street between the Kensington Expressway and Transit Road.
Within about 3 miles of the airport, you can listen to 1580-AM, which has airport updates, including parking information. That information is also found on www.buffaloairport.com.
-- Aaron Besecker
What's new
Hello, expats. If you haven't been back to Buffalo since Thanksgiving 2009, you may be wondering what's new -- or exactly the same -- since your last visit. Here's a brief guide.
Bass Pro: If you head downtown to the former Memorial Auditorium site, you'll find the Bass Pro mega store that opened to rave reviews this past summer. When you stop by, make sure to -- Nah, just pulling your leg. That huntin'-and-fishin' shop on steroids never opened. Bass Pro (finally) cut bait on the project in August. Then, before we could even try to seduce them, IKEA said, Don't call us, we'll call you. Planners are trying to come up with a Plan B.
Peace Bridge: This hasn't happened, either. We've had years of delays and debate over what the new bridge should look like. Earlier this year, a three-span arch design won the most public support at open houses and during a comment period. Peace Bridge officials said construction on the bridge could begin in summer 2012.
Buffalo Bills: No, they won't make the playoffs this season, again, continuing a run of mediocrity now in its 11th year. After losing their first eight games, however, the Bills have shown flashes of competence in winning their last two with gunslinging Harvard alum Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback.
Niagara Falls: We actually have some positive news coming out of the Cataract City. The state and city this year completed a $12 million project to tear down the vacant Wintergarden and replace it with the cobblestone Old Falls Street, connecting the state park to the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. Also, our would-be governor and the state's most famous e-mailer, Carl Paladino, last December finished a six-year renovation of the old United Office Building into the high-end, boutique Giacomo Hotel and luxury apartments.
-- Stephen T. Watson
Pets
Make sure your pets don't ingest something they shouldn't. Turkey bones, for one, can irritate a pet's stomach or intestines or even lodge in the pet's esophagus, says Gina Browning at the SPCA serving Erie County.
Other concerns: Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats, even in small quantities. Any food they're not used to eating can cause stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhea. The kitchen garbage contains items pets need to be kept away from, such as aluminum foil, plastic wraps and strings from the turkey.
And getting into too many leftovers can cause bloat in dogs (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which should be considered a life-threatening emergency, Browning said.
-- Susan Martin
Hangover help
The night before Thanksgiving is known as the biggest bar night of the year. Did you imbibe too heavily? Are you feeling it this morning? Here's what you should do:
We are first required to state -- and as most doctors surely recommend -- drink more moderately in order to prevent a hangover.
But if you didn't do that -- hey, try that next year -- the best things to do are to sleep as much as you can and hydrate your body, said R. Lorraine Collins, professor at the University at Buffalo's School of Public Health and Health Professions.
It's also not good to drink today if you drank a lot yesterday. Your body needs a chance to recover.
-- Aaron Besecker
Television
At some point on Thanksgiving, we all crash in front of the TV to relax after a long day at the food table. For those not interested in football, there are plenty of options.
Movies: There was a time when holiday movies were synonymous with Christmas. Not anymore. Two films airing today on the Hallmark Channel are all about Thanksgiving. At 4 p.m., "An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving" stars Jacqueline Bisset as a grandmother who reconnects with her family in an adaptation of a Louisa May Alcott short story. At 6 p.m., it's an encore of the new "A Family Thanksgiving," starring Daphne Zuniga as a workaholic executive who gets a bump on the head and, with magical help provided by Faye Dunaway, wakes up with an adoring hubby and kids. (Will she go back to her old life or realize what she's missing?)
At 8 tonight, the Hallmark Channel returns to Christmas with the premiere of one of its 13 new original holiday films of the season, "The Town Christmas Forgot" (repeated at 10 p.m.). Lauren Holly, Rick Roberts and Holly's real-life son, Azer Greco, star in this movie about a family that gets lost in a town called Nowhere (really) and, in the holiday spirit, learns how to help themselves by helping others.
Celebrating celebrity: Not in the mood for movies? Hang out with Taylor and Beyonce. At 8 tonight on Channel 2, "Taylor Swift: Speak Now" showcases the singer as she performs across the country. At 9:30 p.m. on Channel 7, "Beyonce's: I Am ... World Tour" will be shown. Between those two, you can check out "People of the Year 2010" at 9 p.m. on Channel 2.
For the kids: It's not the great pumpkin, but it will do. Jelly beans, buttered toast and ice cream are all on the menu for "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," airing at 8 p.m. on Channel 7.
-- Toni Ruberto
Wine
Looking for something to give your host on Thanksgiving? One of the easiest things to pick up to bring to dinner is a bottle of wine. Many wine stores will be open until 4 or 5 p.m. today. But what kind should you get?
A riesling or a pinot noir goes well with Thanksgiving meals, said T. Chris Castellani, president of Supermarket Liquors and Wines in Niagara Falls.
Rieslings are good with turkey, and pinot noirs go well with dishes that have heavy sauces, he said.
Because Thanksgiving meals have foods with a variety of flavors, there really are a lot of options when picking wine, said Rick McLeod, wine manager at Prime Wines in Kenmore.
The first wine of the 2010 vintage, Beaujolais nouveau, just hit the stores, as it does every third Tuesday of November. McLeod described it as "fruity" with "a very charming nose."
To go with the "kaleidoscope of flavors" at this holiday meal, another wine to pick up would be Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which is a blend of up to 14 different grape varieties, McLeod said.
Considering the kind of wine individuals already enjoy drinking is also important.
If there are no wine drinkers at the party, some after-dinner cordials or sparkling wine for before dinner works well, too, Castellani said.
-- Aaron Besecker
Movies
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Turkey Day marks a high point in the movie season, when the fare at moviehouses tends to be anything BUT turkeys. If you're looking for relief from all that tryptophan and family conviviality, you could do much worse than to try these movies:
1. "127 Hours": A great actor/director combo: James Franco and Danny Boyle in the story of Aron Ralston, the desert hiker trapped by a boulder in a crevasse and forced to contemplate the unthinkable.
2. "Unstoppable": Denzel Washington in one of the year's great action movies about an unmanned train speeding through Pennsylvania at 70 mph.
3. "Morning Glory": Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton in the year's best romantic comedy thus far, set in the morning TV news race.
-- Jeff Simon
Conversation pieces
We offer a few conversation starters for your Thanksgiving meal. We caution that any forays into thorny political topics might lead to a drumstick being thrown. Enjoy!
Personal pat-downs: Airport body scanners and thorough pat-downs by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers have the traveling public in an uproar.
Fast facts: After a would-be bomber hid explosives in his underwear and tried to bring down a plane over Detroit last year, the TSA has increased steps to ensure safety -- and that means checking every safety pin, if necessary. The response by privacy advocates and some members of the public has been outrage and planned airport protests (up to and including talk of stripping down to underwear before walking through screening devices). TSA chief John Pistole pleaded with Thanksgiving travelers for "understanding" and asked that they not boycott body scanners.
Principals: Pistole and the flying public.
Issues: "Privacy vs. safety."
Royal wedding: Soon, Westminster Abbey will host a royal wedding. Not since parents of the groom, Charles and the late Diana, wed has there been such uproar across the pond and here at home.
Fast facts: Happens on April 29 and is reportedly set to be Britain's biggest royal event in 30 years.
Principals: Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Issue: The two have been dating for several years during which time, the soon-to-be bride's parents told television reporters, they have gotten to know the prince. They approve.
Table topic: So, why do we as Americans really care about Britain's royal wedding?
Palin Promise: Millions of viewers were locked on "Dancing With the Stars," Bristol Palin's prospects and how the number of "dancing" votes weighs in favor (or disfavor) on her mom's presidential prospects.
Fast facts: Finale consisted of actress Jennifer Grey, actor Kyle Massey and teen activist Bristol Palin, with Grey winning.
Principals: Grey the stylish dancer, Massey the personality and Palin the crowd pleaser.
Issue: Palin ascended the metaphorical musical stairs of "Dancing" despite her low scores.
Table topic: So, was her success due to sheer ability or mom, Sarah's, popularity among conservatives.
-- Dawn Marie Bracely
To see more of The Buffalo News, N.Y., or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.buffalonews.com.
Copyright (c) 2010, The Buffalo News, N.Y.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail services@mctinfoservices.com, or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544)
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