Thanksgiving dinner: Truly American

I was just thinking about where all those foods we serve at Thanksgiving originated. Well, it turns out that they are, indeed, overwhelmingly American in origin.

Turkey, the centerpiece of the meal, was native to eastern North America. Mashed potatoes -- c'mon, you can't have turkey without mashed potatoes: well, potatoes originated in South America. Corn and gren beans, standard vegetables, also both originated in the Americas, beans in South America, corn (maize) in southern Mexico.

Having pumpkin pie for desert? Thank the natives of what is now central Mexico. Ditto sweet potatoes (my mother always included a dish of sweet potatoes with Thanksgiving dinner), although they seem to have been more widespread, occurring down into South America.

So you see, Thanksgiving dinner really is an American feast.

Today at Green Man Review

Son of a gun -- it's Sunday again, and new goodies at Green Man Review:

Comfort Food, The Bordertown series, Music from Nick Burbridge and other matters

The "other matters" include a lot of Welsh music, so pop on over and have a look see.

Today at Green Man Review

I know, I've been largely silent this week -- a combination of all Trump, all the time, and being rather seriously under the weather. Mending now, so it's time to take a look at what's happening at Green Man Review:

a Raga Guide, Elizabeth Hand on Chocolate, Ellen Kushner on Urban Winters, Music from Skerryvore, A Royal Christmas and other things as well…

There -- that should whet your appetite, so check it out.

Should I Stock Up Now?

OK, this hits me where I live:

Chocolate could reportedly vanish as early as 2050. This revelation has led scientists from the University of California at Berkeley to work with Virginia-based manufacturer Mars, Incorporated to save the cacao plant from disappearing.

Warmer temperatures and drier weather conditions are expected to be the root of the cacao plants' potential disappearance, according to Business Insider. New technology, known as CRISPR, is being used by UC Berkeley scientists to modify the DNA of the plants. The crop's tiny seedlings would be able to survive in different climates if the experiment is proven successful.

All the "No GMO!" freaks can just shut up right now.

Sunday at Green Man Review

And it's all India, all the time -- some really fascinating stuff. Scoot on over and read.

It's Sunday at GMR

Interesting mix this week -- as the heading puts it, " Spring festivals, wise fools, outlaw heroes, an English country house mystery, chocolate!, and more."

You really should check it out.