Please Don’t Forget Thanksgiving

As we gather for Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to think about the journey our meal takes to reach our plates. Originally, Thanksgiving celebrated the local harvest, with families sharing what they had grown or raised. Today, with modern agriculture and technology, many Americans are far removed from the farms where our food originates. It’s easy to take for granted how effortlessly we can pick up groceries, forgetting the labor behind every bite.

On Thursday of this week, we celebrate Thanksgiving … then we kick off the Christmas season.

As I drive around town I see a lot of Christmas lights already up on homes. The downtown decorations are hung. My mail and email is being bombarded with Black Friday deals. A reminder that the year-end, spiritual, celebration of the birth of a babe destined to change the world is just around the corner.

But first, we must give thanks. Correction, we get to give thanks.

Earlier this year, our communities were hit by severe floods and powerful tornadoes that devastated homes, farms, businesses, hospitals and schools. Crops were damaged, personal property was destroyed, and vehicles were totaled. Months later, families are still picking up the pieces and working to rebuild. But, even amid unthinkable tragedy, Iowans rallied around our neighbors to lend a helping hand because that’s just how we do things in Iowa.

Q: What should online shoppers know to keep their wallets safe this holiday season?

Add exotic long-lasting orchid blossoms to your indoor garden. These living bouquets provide months of beauty with minimal care. Just provide the proper growing conditions and success is sure to follow.

You think this pandemic thingie we’re going through is deadly? At least unpleasant? Hey, you’ve come here to this tower of truth to learn the little-known stuff that will make you completely shunned at lunch time, and cussed during choir practice. We modestly refer to it as attempting to commit journalism.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah,” Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV).

Contrary to my column in Tuesday’s Daily Reporter — read it if you haven’t — I’m being a bit of my hypocrite in doing a pair of Christmas movies released in advance of Thanksgiving by a couple of weeks. But what the heck, at least you’ll be able to watch both in the comfort of the newly-reopened Palms Theatres.

Two contrasting styles of Christmas film, here is my take on both, but ultimately you’ll be the judge based on your own viewing interests.

Everywhere I go, especially as a teen, I see cellphones. Largely, they are overlooked in daily life. They have become so intertwined with the world’s function that cellphones have become synonymous with connection, communication and knowledge. There is one place, however, that remains in a delicate balance over the use of cellphones: the school.

After reflecting to understand why I, and many others, are so upset after the election, I believe I found my answer.

Had Kamala Harris won the presidential election … accountants, lawyers and financial planners would have been inundated with clients pushed by her election into a mad rush, frantic to put together and execute financial transactions before the end of this year. There is a lot of relief that the election of President-elect Donald Trump just bought them more time … at least another four years.

Used to be, Black Friday was just that, Black Friday.

One day a year, stores opened a bit early and offered insane deals to kick off the Christmas shopping season. That’s right, items meant to be worn under your clothes at a marked discount. Whew hoo.

Q: How can Iowans check their Social Security benefits online?

How much does America love "reality" TV? A lot, apparently, if we can judge from the recent election results. The mook who was elected is a former reality performer and has burnished his reputation further with convictions for fraud and slander. His picks for cabinet positions also indicate that this administration will out compete the “Real Housewives” and “Big Brother” for salacity.