What On Earth?-Column #30, November 2004

Well, let me begin this column with a little history. 4 years ago, we thought we would have a clear winner by the end of Election Day 2000. But that was NOT the case. In Florida, they were so busy counting up vote after vote after vote, and even though Al Gore won the popular vote, it was George W. Bush, who won the Electoral vote, and therefore, won the trip to the Oval Office.

Now, with that out of the way, it's time to focus on the upcoming holiday season. We start with Thanksgiving, as usual, with turkey and cornbread dressing, and ham, and corn on the cob, and green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. These foods are the mainstays of Thanksgiving dinners, and many more to come. And speaking of which, some families are unfortunate enough to receive any dinners. If you have the chance, buy some food and donate it to your local food banks, or become a "Meals On Wheels" volunteer.

And it really wouldn't be a real Thanksgiving Day, if we left out the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from New York City, a tradition for all to enjoy, young and old. Yes, there are other parades across the country, but the Macy's is the grand-daddy of Turkey Day Parades, like the Tournament of Roses Parade is the grand-daddy of all New Year's Day Parades. It doesn't matter where you live, Detroit, Houston, Chicago, NY, or anywhere in this country, the Macy's Parade is THE one to watch.

Then, after that, it's Black Friday, where stores and malls hope the season ends in the black. Yes, I know, the stores and malls are crowded, but if you really want to avoid the rush, do your shopping early (like I do, starting in the summer), or get up early. Nothing could be worse than getting crushed by a running crowd when you're out doing your shopping. Some people often do some of their shopping online, and that's fine. Make sure you're careful in giving out any personal info, including your name and credit card number. And remember to check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website at CPSC.gov before you shop. And remember, don't carry too much cash (just carry as much as you need), and a few credit cards. Beware of pickpockets around, and once you're finished shopping at one, two, or maybe even three stores, return to your car, and pop those bags into the trunk, before going back in, and doing more shopping. Yes, I know stores and malls can be crowded, but use this advice, and your holiday gifts will be protected.

Of course, also, it also wouldn't be a real Turkey Day if you didn't add football to your list, and plenty of chips and dip, and carrot and celery sticks and chicken wings for your football munchies, and water, juice, and soda, for your football drinks, for the real football fan. Ever since it began, the Dallas Cowboys have always played on Thanksgiving Day, and I take time out of my Thanksgiving for the game. In the spirit of the holidays and the spirit of the party, remember, if you've had too much to drink, you know the drill: PASS THE KEYS. And if you do plan to drive, BUCKLE UP, or get a ticket. If you plan to FLY, however, get ready, because the airports have beefed up security. And arrive early so that you don't miss your flight.

Are there going to be any game shows airing on Thanksgiving? You bet! Those of you that are Jeopardy! fans will get to enjoy a little more Ken-O-Mania (referring to our good friend Ken Jennings), if he manages to stay on. So far, he's racked up over $2 million on the show. Wheel Of Fortune, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, and Family Feud are also on the menu this year, as is the new Shop 'Til You Drop, Balderdash, and On The Cover.

Is Christmas time done around this month? You bet. Are Christmas decorations up in stores? Mm-hmm. Just because this is November doesn't mean you don't have to get in the Christmas spirit this early. Heck, I get into the holiday spirit once November 1 arrives. By that time, I'm playing Christmas music, thinking Christmas gifts, and even chatting about Christmas with a lot of my friends, in person or online.

41 years ago, on November 22, 1963; JFK was assassinated at Dealey Plaza in Dallas. You can relive that piece of history by visiting the Sixth Floor Museum and the School Book Depository where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the fatal shot. Now, we can only assume it was him, as none of us know if he actually acted alone. What we DO know is, when he was transferred to another prison, he was killed by Dallas night club owner Jack Ruby. Ruby would soon be convicted, but that conviction would later be overturned.

Now, for another piece of history, as we fast forward to November 19, 1967. That day, Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Limited, or TVB for short, made its debut, on 2 channels, Jade (Chinese) and Pearl (English). 37 years later, it's still going strong, with its great lineup of programming, from dramas to sitcoms, news to finance. In 1976, it launched TVB International, or TVBI for short, and distributed their programs on videotape in 1983, and VCD come 2001. In 1993, it launched a Taiwanese satellite channel called TVB Super Channel, or TVBS for short. In 1994, it went to even further lengths to launch a satellite channel available to US subscribers. In 1997, they launched their website at TVB.com, and some of the other TVB-related companies followed suit. In 2003, they moved their headquarters out of Kowloon, and into the heart of Hong Kong, at TV City at Clear Water Bay Road. However, one of their main bureaus is in Kowloon. The network continues to be the standard in Chinese-language programming all around the world.

Well, I do a little bit of the helping when it comes to the annual feast. Usually I finish off my green bean casserole with a little bit of French Fried Onions, and have plenty of gravy for the turkey and stuffing. There ARE low-carb ways to enjoy your feast, too, I should mention. You can still gobble up that turkey and stuffing, and still lose the carbs and not the taste.

And I also do a little helping with the Christmas decorations, too. I usually save it for after Thanksgiving. But if you want to put it up before Turkey Day, that's fine too.

Well, that wraps up my Thanksgiving column. Next month, it's all about the holidays! This is John Lee saying "Go HOME!">