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Thanksgiving 2021 updates – How the turkey's history started in the Southern Hemisphere with DINOSAURS
THAT turkey many families sat down to eat for Thanksgiving dinner this year has a surprising relative.
Tyrannosaurus rex and turkeys shared a common ancestor about 190 million years ago, NBC News reports.
"In the Late Cretaceous, the ancestors of modern turkeys were most likely in the Southern Hemisphere," the outlet notes. But continental drift and migration brought them to North America, where modern turkeys still live in the wild throughout the United States.
Meanwhile, viewers on the streets of New York City and at home enjoyed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, which didn't seem to have any major balloon mishaps.
Plus, former President Donald Trump might have just hinted at another presidential run in his Thanksgiving message to the country.
“A very interesting time in our Country, but do not worry, we will be great again – and we will all do it together,” Trump said in a statement.
“America will never fail, and we will never allow it to go in the wrong direction. Too many generations of greatness are counting on us. Enjoy your Thanksgiving knowing that a wonderful future lies ahead!”
Read our Thanksgiving Day live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Jocelyn Cook
WHAT FOOTBALL GAMES ARE ON THANKSGIVING DAY 2021?
There are a total of three games scheduled for Thanksgiving Day in 2021.
For the first game of the day, the Detroit Lions will face off against the Chicago Bears at 12.30pm ET.
Following the midwest showdown is the Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders, which kicks off at 4.30pm ET.
For the nightcap, the Buffalo Bills go head-to-head against the New Orleans Saints at 8.20pm ET.
During the 2020 season, only two games occurred on Thanksgiving after the originally scheduled Ravens vs. Steelers game was postponed following issues with COVID-19.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BEST THANKSGIVING MEMES, PART THREE
Another meme, shared by CoinHuntMemes, shows Spiderman's Tobey Maguire and a crying Kirsten Dunst having a serious talk in a series of photos.
The meme reads as if Kirsten says: "Tell me the truth… I'm… I'm ready to hear it."
Then, Tobey responds: "I'm missing Thanksgiving dinner to hunt the new Turkey cubie in Coin Hunt World."
The final photo of the meme shows Kirsten shedding a tear.
A photo of an uncooked turkey sitting in a sink with a beer and what appears to be two onions as eyes is also a meme that's being circulated across the internet.
"I am no cook. But I can follow directions. Which said to let the bird chill in the sink for a few hours," the meme reads.
The hilarious photo also shows the turkey's wings to be placed over a remote control as if it were actually relaxing and watching some TV.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BEST THANKSGIVING MEMES, CONTINUED
Another Twitter user wrote: "My favorite time of year is Thanksgiving!! For the food and family time but more importantly, for the Memes!!
"#thanksgivingclapback in full affect tomorrow!!"
The meme, which the Twitter user said "had me crying," reads: "Family member: 'what your grades looking like?'" followed by "Me: 'what your credit score looking like?'"
A meme that a Twitter user claims to share "every year" shows Kermit the Frog smiling and holding a coffee cup, and reads: "'Isn't that your 3rd plate?' Me: Isn't that your 3rd husband?"
"How to enjoy a nice quiet holiday with your family this year," reads another meme, showing a photo of a pie being filled with NyQuil.
A comical meme, showing dogs dressed as people and wearing wigs while sitting around a table and appearing to be looking up in dismay, reads: "When you walk into Thanksgiving dinner late and smell like weed."
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BEST THANKSGIVING MEMES
Thanksgiving 2021 celebrations are getting the meme treatment as Americans across the nation are joking about gathering with their families for the holiday.
Many people have started celebrating the annual holiday— which is usually commemorated with large plates of traditional food, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and spending time with loved ones — by sharing hilarious memes.
For people who may not be celebrating the holiday with family or friends, one Twitter user tweeted: "Alone for #Thanksgiving this year?
"Stop by Fort Cattis tomorrow for a virtual visit! I have polls, trivia, memes, etc. cooking up in the oven right now. (That may be why the smoke alarm is going off…) #Thanksgiving2021#CatsOfTwitter."
Alongside the tweet is a drawing of a cat appearing to lick its lips as it stands over a cooked turkey at a dinner table.
One funny meme, shared by Twitter user OnlyinIdaho, shows a drawing of a man holding a firearm and a drinking glass, which reads: "I shot my first turkey yesterday.
"It scared the hell out of everyone in the frozen food section."
The tweet read: "Most of us have seen this, but would it really be #Thanksgiving if this meme wasn't on your feed?"
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
OUT OF TOUCH?
The first family also released a two-minute video message posted on social media where Joe and Jill alternated saying what they're thankful for.
Their message was about being together as a family again after last year's Thanksgiving was derailed by the pandemic.
"After being apart last year, we have a new appreciation for those little moments we can't plan or replicate," Jill Biden said. "The music of laughter in a warm, full kitchen. The thump of small feet making big sounds. The circle of faces crowded around our dining room table, glowing in the candlelight."
The president went on to thank the troops and their families.
"As we give thanks for what we have, we also keep in our hearts those who we lost and those who have lost so much," Joe Biden said.
"And those who have an empty seat at their kitchen table or dining room table this year because of this virus or cruel twist of fate or accident. We pray for them."
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
‘AMERICA IS BACK’
JOE Biden's "America is back" comment during one of the most expensive Thanksgiving holidays on record was slammed on social media.
Biden made a surprise appearance via a phone call from his $30 million Nantucket compound to Al Roker during New York City's iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday.
Roker asked the president what his message is to the American people.
Biden responded: "My message is after two years, you’re back, America’s back, there's nothing we’re unable to overcome, Al. And you’re one of the reasons for that. You’re always up and moving."
Meanwhile, a classic Thanksgiving meal feast for 10 jumped $46.90 to $53.31 since last year, a 14 percent increase, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey.
The main driver in the increase is the 24 percent uptick in the cost of turkey and 26 percent spike in the costs of chicken breasts, according to Labor Department statistics.
Biden, who's spending his holiday in his ritzy, -13-acre Nantucket estate, was criticized on social media.
"What is Joe Biden’s definition of America’s Back? It must be the rich are getting richer and everyone else is getting poorer," one Twitter user said.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE (CONTINUED)
Thanksgiving 2016 proved to be a stressful time for the Kardashian clan, as rapper Kanye West was hospitalized that year for "exhaustion and dehydration."
The Yeezy founder was taken in an ambulance on psychiatric hold after days of erratic behavior and abruptly canceling 21 dates on his Saint Pablo tour.
Kim Kardashian reportedly rushed to be by his side during the meltdown, though their marriage did not hold for long as she filed for divorce in February of this year.
Though many Americans cherish the Thanksgiving holiday as they surround themselves with family and delicious food, for many celebrities the indulgent day ultimately ends in disaster.
Hollywood A-listers beware of the Turkey day curse!
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE (CONTINUED)
On America's national feasting day of 2018, tensions ran hot for Hollywood couple Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott.
After a nasty altercation over the 90210 star's acting career, the argument ended with her kicking her husband out of the house.
At the time, a source told Radar Online: "Tori and Dean are having serious problems.
"It got so bad she kicked him out and he slept at a hotel."
The pair have had a rocky relationship since Dean's 2013 affair with Emily Goodhand while they were in Canada promoting his show Chopped Canada.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE (CONTINUED)
In 2012, Halle Berry’s ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry was arrested on allegations of assault against her then-fiancé Olivier Martinez.
The altercation occurred outside the couple’s LA home on Thanksgiving after Aubrey dropped off their four-year-old daughter Nahla.
Both men were hospitalized after the fight, as they suffered from cuts, bruises, and broken ribs.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE (CONTINUED)
Turkey Day of 2000 was a rough time for actor Robert Downey Jr., who was arrested for drug possession in a Palm Springs hotel.
Police reportedly found him alone in his hotel room with 4.5 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Robert's booking came just three months after he checked out of a California State Prison for a similar offense.
The actor was busted yet again in April of 2001 before making his big comeback as the star of Ironman.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE (CONTINUED)
After a whirlwind marriage of only nine months, Baywatch icon Pamela Anderson and singer-songwriter Kid Rock filed for divorce on Thanksgiving of 2006.
Just weeks before their split was announced, the blonde bombshell starred in the movie Borat: Cultural Learning of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, where in a hilarious scene she ran away from a hysterical Borat trying to kidnap her.
According to the film's creator, Baron Cohen, the movie was the downfall of their marriage as, after viewing the picture, Kid Rock asked the actress for a divorce.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE (CONTINUED)
On Thanksgiving weekend of 1981, tragedy struck when Oscar-nominated actress Natalie Wood's body was found floating on the shore of Catalina Island in California.
The West Side Story star was vacationing on a yacht with her husband Robert [RJ] Wagner, friend Christopher Walken, and the boat's captain Dennis Davern.
Though Natalie's death was initially labeled an accidental drowning, years later in 2009 the case reemerged after Davern provided new details to the police.
RJ Wagner was eventually marked as a "person of interest" in Natalie's death after the captain recalled a tense argument between the two shortly before the incident took place.
The now 91-year-old actor has never faced trial for murder although the case was marked "suspicious" almost 40 years after the fact.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE (CONTINUED)
Another infamous turkey day that plagued the headlines was November 27th of 2009, when golf pro Tiger Woods' extensive cheating scandal came to light.
Two days prior, the National Enquirer published a story alleging that the golfer was having an affair with NYC nightclub manager Rachel Uchitel.
Then, on the morning of Thanksgiving, the PGA winner crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant and a neighbor's tree after taking a dangerous mixture of Ambien, Vicodin, and THC.
Tiger's accident happened just minutes from his Florida home, allowing his wife, Elin Nordegren, time to arrive on the scene and in a fit of rage break his rear window with a golf club.
However, the athlete lay unconscious and completely unaware in the front seat.
The ex-couple finalized their divorce in 2010 after he spent a brief stint in rehab for sex addiction.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE (CONTINUED)
From messy divorces to shocking arrests, the gluttonous celebration has garnered a cursed reputation for A-listers.
Popstar legends Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey were the quintessential couple of the early 2000s.
The singing duo tied the knot in 2002, and their life post-wedding was heavily followed on MTV’s reality series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica.
However, disaster struck on Thanksgiving of 2005, when the Dukes of Hazzard star revealed in a statement that they would be parting ways.
Fans were heartbroken as Jessica announced: “This is the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other."
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
HOLLYWOOD’S THANKSGIVING CURSE
Thanksgiving has proven to be an unlucky day for many celebrities, with disaster striking in the way of divorces, deaths, and arrests for some of Hollywood's greatest.
Although Thanksgiving was created with the purpose of unity and appreciation, many celebs have instead suffered tragedy during America's feasting extravaganza.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: MIGHTY MOUSE
In the 1956 Macy's Parade Might Mouse came very close to crashing at Columbus Circle.
As winds were measured to be peaking at 45 miles per hour, the Might Mousy balloon fell slowly dropped to the ground after its right arm and ear lost helium.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: FIGURE WITH A HEART
In 2008, a balloon created to look like Keith Haring's most popular work got into some trouble during the parade.
The balloon — dubbed "Figure with a Heart" — depicted a black-outlined white figure holding a red heart.
As the balloon made its way down the street, it hit the NBC Broadcast booth.
After striking the booth, shocking TV hosts Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, and Al Roker. Thankfully, there were no injuries.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: KERMIT THE FROG
In 1985, the Kermit the Frog's stomach was shredded after making contact with a tree during heavy rains.
The accident took place as the balloon flew over Columbus Circle.
Despite the air getting let out of the balloon, the big green frog finished "marching" in the parade and looked "looked as if he passed out," host Pat Sajak said.
The frog concluded the parade in Herald Square as planned, but only about three feet off the ground.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: BARNEY THE DINOSAUR
Barney the Dinosaur was also plagued during the 1997 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A gust of wind pushed the purple dinosaur into a lamppost —making it very difficult for the balloon handlers to maintain control over the large figure.
It took minutes for handlers to try and take control of Barney the Dinosaur.
Police officers eventually had to surround Barney the Dinosaur and stab the balloon with knives.
Spectators watched as the massive balloon deflated in front of their eyes.
Footage of the incident was shared to YouTube years later, titled: "Thanksgiving '97. The day Barney was killed."
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: BARNEY THE DINOSAUR
Barney the Dinosaur was also plagued during the 1997 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A gust of wind pushed the purple dinosaur into a lamppost —making it very difficult for the balloon handlers to maintain control over the large figure.
It took minutes for handlers to try and take control of Barney the Dinosaur.
Police officers eventually had to surround Barney the Dinosaur and stab the balloon with knives.
Spectators watched as the massive balloon deflated in front of their eyes.
Footage of the incident was shared to YouTube years later, titled: "Thanksgiving '97. The day Barney was killed."
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
'VERY BIG TREAT'?
Donald Trump, Jr., the son of the former president, made a bizarre tweet for Thanksgiving with "deepfakes" of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The tweet had a video with President Biden cutting open a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner only to have Donald Trump emerge from it while The Village People's YMCA played in the background.
The deepfake also featured First Lady, Jill Biden, and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, and "Squad" members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: CAT IN THE HAT
Meanwhile, Tom Kat wasn't the only feline to cause a problem during the yearly march.
In 1997, the Cat in the Hat balloon hit a lamppost while passing an intersection at 72nd Street and Central Park West.
The unexpected impact prompted the cat's metal arm to tear off.
And the lamppost, which weighed about 100 pounds, fell and injured four people — with the worst injury being that a woman nearly died.
One of the victims, Kathy Coronna, fell into a coma which lastly for a month.
Coronna was successfully sued Macy's after the incident.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: TOM KAT
Many years earlier, a 60-foot Tom Kat Balloon nearly caused a plane to crash.
Despite, Macy's spreading the word to New York news outlets to warn pilots to keep away from the large balloons, one plane didn't steer clear of trouble.
The shocking incident happened during a time where Macy's would free the balloons into the sky at the end of the parade — something which hasn't been done since the nearly fatal event.
However, people were given rewards if they located the balloons afterward.
About 30 minutes after the balloons were released on November 24, 1932, a flying instructor and her student flew their plane into the yellow-striped Tom Kat balloon, The Hatching Cat explains.
The plane ultimately went into a tailspin after fabric from the balloon covered the aircraft's left-wing.
But as the plane was approximately 250 feet above rooftops over Queens, the plane was able to resume flying and safely land.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, PART 2
According to Mike Goldenthal, who saw the incident from his apartment, the big blue hedgehog "smashed into the lamp post, broke the lamp post, and a large part of the lamp went and, it looked like it smacked this fella on the back."
The balloon was immediately deflated and didn't finish marching in the parade.
- Cheyenne R. Ubiera
BALLOON BLUNDERS: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
Back in 1993, the Sonic the Hedgehog balloon was plagued by strong winds, which caused the inflatable character to crash into a pole on West 58th street.
Sonic the Hedgehog wasn't strong enough for the wind speeds and got hit in the left eye with a lamp post.
The impact caused a section of the balloon to tear and a part of the streetlight to fall into the paradegoers.
Both a 10-year-old girl and an off-duty police officer were injured in the balloon mishap.
Additionally, one woman was hit with helium fumes. All three victims were treated on the scene.
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