iDeals? I hate to be shilling for Apple, but since I know there are several Mac and iPod users who read this blog, I thought I should remind you that on the day after Thanksgiving, Apple Stores and Apple.com knock prices down on lots of products — unfortunately, they don’t tell you what’s going to be for sale until the day. While I can think of a few thousand places other than a shopping mall I’d rather be on the day after Thanksgiving, who knows, I may go check it out. (Another hint: Most Apple stores open early tomorrow. For example, the one in Nashville opens at 8 a.m.)

Update: Here’s the stuff on sale today only at Apple Stores (you can get them at the Apple Store online (the link takes you there), as well)

Here are some good deals if you’re considering any of these items:

Save $11 on a might mouse (I’ve been waiting for a blue tooth version)

Free Laser Engraving on iPods (I think this is an online deal, only — I can attest it’s worth it if you plan on losing yours. Also, some folks have fun with this feature.

Save $50 on a .Mac membership (I have one for specific reasons not everyone needs. This is half-price.)

Save $5 on an Incase Sleeve for Nano (I have one, it’s great).

Save $50 on an iSight camera (then we can video chat)

Save $30 on an AirPort Express (the coolest gadget I have. Can be a base station (great for hotels) or wifi-relay if you have Airport extreme as your base or a wireless means to print or play music through a sound system.)

Also, they’re knocking $101 off iMac G5s ($1,198) and iBook G4s ($898)

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Thanksgiving day facts: (from the U.S. Census Bureau) What many regard as the nation’s first Thanksgiving took place in December 1621 as the religious separatist Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. The day did not become a national holiday until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving. Later, President Franklin Roosevelt clarified that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month to encourage earlier holiday shopping, never on the occasional fifth Thursday.

256 million

The preliminary estimate of the number of turkeys raised in the United States in 2005. That’s down 3 percent from 2004. The turkeys produced in 2004 weighed 7.3 billion pounds altogether and were valued at $3.1 billion. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)


44.5 million

The preliminary estimate of the number of turkeys Minnesota expects to raise in 2005. The Gopher State is tops in turkey production. It is followed by North Carolina (36.0 million), Arkansas (29.0 million), Virginia (21.0 million), Missouri (20.5 million) and California (15.1 million). These six states together will probably account for about 65 percent of U. S. turkeys produced in 2005. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)

649 million pounds

The forecast for U.S. cranberry production in 2005, up 5 percent from 2004. Wisconsin is expected to lead all states in the production of cranberries, with 367 million pounds, followed by Massachusetts (170 million). Oregon, New Jersey and Washington are also expected to have substantial production, ranging from 18 million to 52 million pounds. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)

1.6 billion pounds

The total weight of sweet potatoes — another popular Thanksgiving side dish — produced in the United States in 2004. North Carolina (688 million pounds) produced more sweet potatoes than any other state. It was followed by California (339 million pounds). Mississippi and Louisiana also produced large amounts: at least 200 million pounds each. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)

998 million pounds

Total pumpkin production of major pumpkin-producing states in 2004. Illinois, with a production of 457 million pounds, led the country. Pumpkin patches in California, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York also produced a lot of pumpkins: each state produced at least 70 million pounds worth. The value of all the pumpkins produced by these states was about $100 million. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)

2.1 billion bushels

The total volume of wheat — the essential ingredient of bread, rolls and pies — produced in the United States in 2005. Kansas and North Dakota — combined — accounted for about 33 percent of the nation’s wheat production. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)

$5.2 million

The value of U.S. imports of live turkeys during the first half of 2005 — all from Canada. Our northern neighbors also accounted for all of the cranberries the United States imported ($2.2 million). When it comes to sweet potatoes, however, the Dominican Republic was the source of most ($2.3 million) of total imports ($2.6 million). The United States ran a $1.7 million trade deficit in live turkeys over the period, but surpluses of $3.5 million in cranberries and $10.6 million in sweet potatoes. (Source: US Census)

13.7 pounds

The quantity of turkey consumed by the typical American in 2003 and, if tradition be true, a hearty helping of it was devoured at Thanksgiving time. On the other hand, per capita sweet potato consumption was 4.7 pounds. (From the upcoming Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2006)


$3.6 billion

The value of turkeys shipped by the nation’s poultry processors in 2002. Those located in Arkansas led the way with $581.5 million in shipments, followed by processors in Virginia ($544.2 million) and North Carolina ($453.0 million). Businesses that primarily processed turkeys operated out of 35 establishments, employing about 17,000 people. (Source: US Census [PDF])


$1.00
Cost per pound of a frozen whole turkey in December 2004. (From the upcoming Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2006)

3
Number of places in the United States named after the holiday’s traditional main course. Turkey, Texas, was the most populous in 2004, with 496 residents; followed by Turkey Creek, La. (357); and Turkey, N.C. (267). There also are 16 townships around the country named “Turkey,” three in Kansas. (Sources: US Census and here)

8

Number of places and townships in the United States that are named “Cranberry” or some spelling variation of the name we call the red, acidic berry (e.g., Cranbury, N.J.), a popular side dish at Thanksgiving. (Source: US Census)

20

Number of places in the United States named Plymouth, as in “Plymouth Rock,” legendary location of the first Thanksgiving. Plymouth, Minn., is the most populous, with 69,797 residents in 2004; Plymouth, Mass., had 54,604. Speaking of Plymouth Rock, there is just one township in the United States named “Pilgrim.” Located in Dade County, Mo., its population was 135. (Source: US Census)

107 million

Number of occupied housing units across the nation — all potential gathering places for people to celebrate the holiday. (Source: US Census)

When “real people” know you’re a blogger: Today at different events, I’ve seen lots of people I have known for years through family, civic and business activities. As I am whenever I hear the remark, I was surprised when several people said, “I’ve read your blog.” (My favorite comment was someone who said, “I read about your blog.”)

And then, someone didn’t even say, “I’ve read your blog,” — they just started talking to me about a specific post I made a few days ago, picking up the conversation where I’d left off in my post.

Whenever anything like this happens, I have this strange feeling somewhere between amazement and fear. Years ago, when I started this blog, I didn’t really think about it having an audience beyond the employees of Hammock Publishing and a few of my magazine wonk friends. I certainly didn’t think “civilians” would discover it.

And I certainly never thought I’d be known more for being a blogger than for other things I do.

But that’s okay. I like it.

Indeed, I’m thankful for it.

Heck, people used to think I had something to do with publishing.

Thanksgiving in Nashville: If there’s been a more beautiful Thanksgiving Day in Nashville, I can’t recall it. Almost 7,000 runners/walkers participated in this morning’s Boulevard Bolt. Because I was jogging with my 18-year-old daughter and wanted to pretend I wasn’t about to pass out, I finished ten minutes faster than I have in years (she still had to slow down).

We always have a three-family breakfast after the Bolt and then drop by a noon-time gathering of friends before settling down to our family turkey dinner mid-afternoon. We have so much to be thankful for — family and friends being first on the list. Family here and family far away. Friends here and friends far away. Friends like you. Happy Thanksgiving (even if you’re not in the U.S. and don’t celebrate this tradition)!

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