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That's why we turned to the experts — professional chefs and caterers and interior designers — to discuss some typical Thanksgiving mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Not prepping "The overriding first mistake people make is they think they have more time than they do," said Bistro to Go Cafe and Catering executive chef Kate Kobylinski. She regularly hosts her extended family of 30 and knows "every single problem." "Food takes longer to cook, the table takes longer to set and houses take longer to clean than you think." Clean your house on Monday. On Wednesday, dice vegetables so they're "food-show ready," as Kobylinski put it. Prepare (but don't cook) your green bean casserole (leaving off garnishes like fried onions) so it can just be popped in the oven and set the dining room table. 2. Not enlisting help Don't feel that you have to do everything yourself. But be as specific as possible when doling out the assignments. "Don't let them make their own decisions!" Kobylinski said emphatically. Thanksgiving is "micromanager's heaven." For example, have someone bring ice on Thanksgiving Day because going out to buy it takes time and ice hogs freezer space. If you don't like making desserts, have someone bring one. If a guest wants to prepare a side dish, great, but decide beforehand what they will bring. Ahead of dinner, interior designer Kacie Cope likes to set out all of her serving platters with Post-it notes attached denoting what will go on them. "You'll be amazed if you have them labeled," she said. "People can help in a jiff." During the evening, Kobylinski gives people assigned jobs, such as serving drinks or taking charge of an after-dinner game. And the chef is forgiving about using premade ingredients, like gravy or cranberry jelly. "There's no right or wrong way to make any of your foods," she said. But you might want to give a homemade touch to prepared ingredients, like adding sauteed onions or celery to prepared gravy. 3. Not defrosting your turkey "Everyone goes into Thanksgiving Day with a half-frozen turkey," said Kobylinski. "And you can't get the bag of giblets out because they're frozen in place." It takes one day for every 4 pounds of turkey meat to defrost in the refrigerator. (No, it is not safe to leave your frozen turkey out on the counter to thaw and breed bacteria.) So if you've got a 20-pound bird, you've got to start thawing on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. However, there are other methods. Kobylinski suggests submerging the bird and running a thin stream of cold water over it. "It doesn't have to be a lot of water." The U.S. Department of Agriculture says there are only three ways to safely thaw food: In the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave. To safely thaw turkey in cold water, the USDA says it takes about 30 minutes per pound. Put the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and submerge it. Change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately when it's thawed. If opting for your microwave, follow its instructions for thawing and cook immediately. Then, if you're running late and need to speed things up to satisfy the hungry hordes, you can cut the bird in half before cooking (skin side up). This significantly reduces cooking time, requiring about 10 minutes per pound. Kobylinski also recommends resting the turkey on vegetables in the oven to keep the bottom from getting burned. 4. Serving a dry, overcooked turkey Private chef and culinary educator Emily Larsen warns that those plastic thermometers in supermarket turkeys are setting you up for failure. The USDA says that you should cook a turkey until the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Plastic thermometers don't pop out until the breast meat is at about 180 degrees, "when your turkey is completely dry," Larsen said. Plus, people forget that meat continues to cook once it's out of the oven. She recommends taking a bird out of the oven when it is at 155 degrees — she likes to use an inexpensive instant-read folding probe thermometer — and continue to monitor it. (Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.) "Ten dollars [for the thermometer] can save your Thanksgiving," she said. Some feel that buying a frozen rather than fresh bird is another no-no, since freezing leaches water out of the turkey. However, if, despite your best efforts, your turkey is lacking moisture, Kobylinski has a fix: Put warm chicken or turkey stock and clarified butter into a mister and spritz sliced turkey with it before serving. "The same with stuffing if it's too dry," she said. 5. Overcomplicating the menu Thanksgiving Day is not the time to try out a completely new recipe. And you don't have to lay out 10 side dishes. In addition to opting for a simple menu, Kobylinski also recommends figuring out how long your items will take to cook and what method of cooking it requires ahead of time. Your turkey will be monopolizing your oven for four hours, so other oven foods should be limited or be easily reheated during the time that the turkey is resting. (As for resting a turkey, the chef puts her turkey on a hot plate with towels over it so "the meat rebinds itself and stabilizes for a smoother cut.") "Stovetop items should be staggered," she said, so you don't have a frying pan and three pots all going at once. As a sample menu, she suggests you might have one baked potato dish and one mashed. And for vegetables, one baked dish and one that is blanched or grilled. 6. Overcomplicating the decorating Interior designers advise against going too crazy with holiday-specific décor. "There's a lot that's being sold to us that we feel like we need," said Pittsburgh interior designer Amanda Bock. Do you really need a turkey-shaped vase or pilgrim figurines? "They're out for two weeks, and then you have to figure out where to store them," agreed Cope. "It takes an already busy season and makes it stressful in an unnecessary way." Cope says you can take things that are already part of your menu and use them as décor — a bowl of nuts or cranberries, or even removing the label from a cranberry sauce tin and repurposing it as a vase for flowers and fall leaves. Bock adds that dining room table décor should be kept to a minimum, since you'll need space for your food. You don't have to have "big chargers and five plates and three different glasses, plus all of your Thanksgiving food on the table," Bock said. If you do have flowers or a centerpiece in the middle of the table, keep it low, Cope advised. "That way, you can actually see the person who's across the table from you." Tableware and tablecloths might be in fall colors, so they can be repurposed throughout the season. Water glasses or wine goblets could be amber-toned, Bock suggests. 7. Inhibiting the party flow Well in advance of your guests' arrival, think critically about the setup of your home. Don't be afraid to rearrange your furniture so your guests move to different areas and don't all congregate in your kitchen. "You want to make sure that there are areas where people can sit and chat, watch the parade or just hang out together," Bock said. Set up a drinks station and an hors d'oeuvres station in different parts of the house, Bock suggests. Though, she admits, "I can't do that in my house because my dogs would just gobble up the hors d'oeuvres." She suggests repurposing a kitchen nook for kid seating, or as a serving area. Kobylinski might set up a half-built puzzle in a side room. She even puts out winter jackets and boots for "the gentlemen" for the moment when she urges them to go out on the porch to smoke cigars and drink brandy so they won't be underfoot. 8. Forgetting to set the mood As a finishing touch, don't neglect to set the mood by using lamps around the room instead of harsh overhead lights. Putting out tapers or tea candles establishes an intimate feeling. "That just leans into the cozy fall vibe," Cope said of low lighting. But don't use scented candles, Bock warns. Or a smelly flower arrangement. "That can overwhelm you when you're eating," Bock said. Putting on a favorite music playlist can set the mood and take away self-consciousness, especially early in the evening. The most important thing on Thanksgiving is simply for everyone to enjoy each other's company. A little advance preparation can help you, the host, stay relaxed throughout the evening so you can interact with your guests. As Bock advised, "Keep it simple for Thanksgiving." Let friendship and fellowship be the stars of the show.
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Austin, Dec. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The SNS Insider report indicates that, “ The Biopolymers Market size was valued at USD 17.5 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 47.4 billion by 2032, and grow at a CAGR of 11.7% over the forecast period 2024-2032. ” The biopolymers market is experiencing robust growth driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials across various industries. The shift towards biodegradable and compostable materials, spurred by growing environmental concerns, has encouraged manufacturers to invest in biopolymer technologies. According to a report from the European Bioplastics Association, global production capacities for bioplastics are expected to reach 2.87 million tons by 2025, demonstrating a significant increase from previous years. This growth is supported by favorable regulations, such as the European Union's Green Deal, which aims to promote sustainable practices in material production. Furthermore, industry players are continuously innovating their product lines, with companies like BASF launching new biopolymer products tailored for packaging applications, which are projected to grow by over 14% annually through 2025. This dynamic landscape indicates a favorable environment for biopolymers, as industries such as packaging, textiles, and automotive increasingly adopt these materials for their benefits. Download PDF Sample of Biopolymers Market @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/4679 Leading Players: BASF SE (Ecoflex, Ecovio) Bio-on S.p.A. (Minerv PHAs, Bioplastic Granules) Cardia Bioplastics (Cardia Compostable Resins, Cardia Biohybrid Resins) DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (Sorona, Biomax) Futerro (Futerro PLA, Futerro PHA) Green Dot Bioplastics (Mater-Bi, EcoSphere) Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (BioPBS, BioPolymer) NatureWorks LLC (Ingeo, Ingeo biopolymer) Novamont S.p.A. (Mater-Bi, Novamont Bioplastics) Total Corbion PLA (Luminy PLA, Luminy PHA) AkzoNobel N.V. (Aerosol Propellants, Biobased Resins) Braskem S.A. (I’m Green Polyethylene, Green Plastic) Cargill, Inc. (NatureWorks PLA, Cargill Bioplastics) Danimer Scientific, Inc. (Nodax PHA, PHA Resins) Galactic S.A. (Lactide, Galabio) Lenzing AG (TENCEL, Lenzing Lyocell) Phaerista (PHA-based Biopolymers, PHA Compounds) Solvay S.A. (Amodel, Radel) Synlogic, Inc. (Biopolymer Solutions, Synthetic Biology Products) Toray Industries, Inc. (Torayca, Toray Biomaterials) Biopolymers Market Report Scope: If You Need Any Customization on Biopolymers Market Report, I nquire Now @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/4679 What are the growth factors of the Biopolymers market? The main reasons propelling the growth of the worldwide biopolymers market are the rising use of biopolymers in the food sectors, rising interest in protein consumption & nutricosmetics, rising applications in healthcare, and rising use of biopolymers-based biomaterials. Growing regulatory pressures and consumer demand for sustainable products are driving companies to adopt biopolymers. Innovations in production processes and materials science are making biopolymers more accessible and cost-effective. Expanding use in industries such as packaging, textiles, and healthcare increases demand for biopolymers. Consumer Trends Analysis of the Biopolymers Market The increasing consumer trend toward sustainability is reshaping market dynamics, particularly within the biopolymers sector. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are actively seeking products that minimize environmental impact, leading to a rise in demand for biopolymers. This shift is evidenced by surveys indicating that over 70% of consumers prefer brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the preference for natural products is driving companies to explore biopolymer options for packaging and cosmetics, as consumers gravitate towards items perceived as healthier or less harmful. This trend not only fosters brand loyalty but also encourages innovation in biopolymer formulations to meet consumer expectations. The overall impact is a robust market that continues to grow as more consumers choose eco-friendly alternatives, reflecting a significant change in purchasing behavior that companies must adapt to. Which segment dominated the Biopolymers Market? In 2023, the packaging segment dominated the biopolymers market with a 50% share, driven by rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste have pushed manufacturers to adopt biodegradable alternatives like polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Companies such as Braskem and NatureWorks LLC are advancing biopolymer-based packaging for flexible, rigid, and food packaging due to their biodegradability, barrier properties, and compostability. With the growing trend for single-use items, biopolymers align with global sustainability goals, ensuring the packaging segment's continued dominance in the market. Recent Developments November 2024: BASF partnered with Hong Kong footwear companies to develop biopolymer-based materials aimed at improving sustainability by replacing petrochemical products with bio-based alternatives August 2024: India launched its first biopolymer demonstration facility in Pune, advancing the country's eco-friendly polymer initiatives and fostering industry collaborations Speak with O ur E xpert A nalyst T oday to G ain D eeper I nsights @ https://www.snsinsider.com/request-analyst/4679 Regional Analysis In 2023, North America dominated the biopolymers market with a 35% share, driven by the presence of key players like NatureWorks LLC and BASF SE, substantial R&D investments, and growing consumer demand for sustainable products. Regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste and a focus on sustainability initiatives have further boosted biopolymer adoption, particularly in packaging and consumer goods, solidifying North America's position in the global market. The biopolymers market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. As consumer awareness about environmental issues rises, industries such as packaging, textiles, and healthcare are increasingly adopting biopolymers like PLA and PHA. Regulatory pressures and technological advancements are further accelerating market expansion, with biopolymers offering biodegradability, performance, and versatility across various applications. Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction Market Definition Scope (Inclusion and Exclusions) Research Assumptions 2. Executive Summary Market Overview Regional Synopsis Competitive Summary 3. Research Methodology Top-Down Approach Bottom-up Approach Data Validation Primary Interviews 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis Market Driving Factors Analysis PESTLE Analysis Porter’s Five Forces Model 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting Production Capacity and Utilization, by Country, by Region, 2023 Feedstock Prices, by Country, by Region, 2023 Regulatory Impact, by Country, by Region, 2023 Environmental Metrics: Emissions Data, Waste Management Practices, and Sustainability Initiatives, by Region Innovation and R&D, by Region, 2023 6. Competitive Landscape List of Major Companies, By Region Market Share Analysis, By Region Product Benchmarking Strategic Initiatives Technological Advancements Market Positioning and Branding 7. Biopolymers Market Segmentation, by Source 8. Biopolymers Market Segmentation, by Type 9. Biopolymers Market Segmentation, by Application 10. Biopolymers Market Segmentation, by End-Use Industry 11. Regional Analysis 12. Company Profiles 13. Use Cases and Best Practices 14. Conclusion Buy Full Research Report on Biopolymers Market 2024-2032 @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/4679 Buying Options 5 Reports Pack (USD 7500) 10 Report Pack (USD 12000) Vertical Subscription (150 Reports Pack Valid for 1 Year) Use this link to Purchase above packs @ https://www.snsinsider.com/subscription [For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com ] About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.
Most of us are not professional chefs or caterers or decorators, so the thought of cooking for and entertaining a Thanksgiving crowd can be daunting. That's why we turned to the experts — professional chefs and caterers and interior designers — to discuss some typical Thanksgiving mistakes and how to avoid them. "The overriding first mistake people make is they think they have more time than they do," said Bistro to Go Cafe and Catering executive chef Kate Kobylinski. She regularly hosts her extended family of 30 and knows "every single problem." "Food takes longer to cook, the table takes longer to set and houses take longer to clean than you think." Clean your house on Monday. On Wednesday, dice vegetables so they're "food-show ready," as Kobylinski put it. Prepare (but don't cook) your green bean casserole (leaving off garnishes like fried onions) so it can just be popped in the oven and set the dining room table. Don't feel that you have to do everything yourself. But be as specific as possible when doling out the assignments. "Don't let them make their own decisions!" Kobylinski said emphatically. Thanksgiving is "micromanager's heaven." For example, have someone bring ice on Thanksgiving Day because going out to buy it takes time and ice hogs freezer space. If you don't like making desserts, have someone bring one. If a guest wants to prepare a side dish, great, but decide beforehand what they will bring. Ahead of dinner, interior designer Kacie Cope likes to set out all of her serving platters with Post-it notes attached denoting what will go on them. "You'll be amazed if you have them labeled," she said. "People can help in a jiff." During the evening, Kobylinski gives people assigned jobs, such as serving drinks or taking charge of an after-dinner game. And the chef is forgiving about using premade ingredients, like gravy or cranberry jelly. "There's no right or wrong way to make any of your foods," she said. But you might want to give a homemade touch to prepared ingredients, like adding sauteed onions or celery to prepared gravy. "Everyone goes into Thanksgiving Day with a half-frozen turkey," said Kobylinski. "And you can't get the bag of giblets out because they're frozen in place." It takes one day for every 4 pounds of turkey meat to defrost in the refrigerator. (No, it is not safe to leave your frozen turkey out on the counter to thaw and breed bacteria.) So if you've got a 20-pound bird, you've got to start thawing on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. However, there are other methods. Kobylinski suggests submerging the bird and running a thin stream of cold water over it. "It doesn't have to be a lot of water." The U.S. Department of Agriculture says there are only three ways to safely thaw food: In the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave. To safely thaw turkey in cold water, the USDA says it takes about 30 minutes per pound. Put the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and submerge it. Change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately when it's thawed. If opting for your microwave, follow its instructions for thawing and cook immediately. Then, if you're running late and need to speed things up to satisfy the hungry hordes, you can cut the bird in half before cooking (skin side up). This significantly reduces cooking time, requiring about 10 minutes per pound. Kobylinski also recommends resting the turkey on vegetables in the oven to keep the bottom from getting burned. Private chef and culinary educator Emily Larsen warns that those plastic thermometers in supermarket turkeys are setting you up for failure. The USDA says that you should cook a turkey until the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Plastic thermometers don't pop out until the breast meat is at about 180 degrees, "when your turkey is completely dry," Larsen said. Plus, people forget that meat continues to cook once it's out of the oven. She recommends taking a bird out of the oven when it is at 155 degrees — she likes to use an inexpensive instant-read folding probe thermometer — and continue to monitor it. (Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.) "Ten dollars [for the thermometer] can save your Thanksgiving," she said. Some feel that buying a frozen rather than fresh bird is another no-no, since freezing leaches water out of the turkey. However, if, despite your best efforts, your turkey is lacking moisture, Kobylinski has a fix: Put warm chicken or turkey stock and clarified butter into a mister and spritz sliced turkey with it before serving. "The same with stuffing if it's too dry," she said. Thanksgiving Day is not the time to try out a completely new recipe. And you don't have to lay out 10 side dishes. In addition to opting for a simple menu, Kobylinski also recommends figuring out how long your items will take to cook and what method of cooking it requires ahead of time. Your turkey will be monopolizing your oven for four hours, so other oven foods should be limited or be easily reheated during the time that the turkey is resting. (As for resting a turkey, the chef puts her turkey on a hot plate with towels over it so "the meat rebinds itself and stabilizes for a smoother cut.") "Stovetop items should be staggered," she said, so you don't have a frying pan and three pots all going at once. As a sample menu, she suggests you might have one baked potato dish and one mashed. And for vegetables, one baked dish and one that is blanched or grilled. Interior designers advise against going too crazy with holiday-specific décor. "There's a lot that's being sold to us that we feel like we need," said Pittsburgh interior designer Amanda Bock. Do you really need a turkey-shaped vase or pilgrim figurines? "They're out for two weeks, and then you have to figure out where to store them," agreed Cope. "It takes an already busy season and makes it stressful in an unnecessary way." Cope says you can take things that are already part of your menu and use them as décor — a bowl of nuts or cranberries, or even removing the label from a cranberry sauce tin and repurposing it as a vase for flowers and fall leaves. Bock adds that dining room table décor should be kept to a minimum, since you'll need space for your food. You don't have to have "big chargers and five plates and three different glasses, plus all of your Thanksgiving food on the table," Bock said. If you do have flowers or a centerpiece in the middle of the table, keep it low, Cope advised. "That way, you can actually see the person who's across the table from you." Tableware and tablecloths might be in fall colors, so they can be repurposed throughout the season. Water glasses or wine goblets could be amber-toned, Bock suggests. Well in advance of your guests' arrival, think critically about the setup of your home. Don't be afraid to rearrange your furniture so your guests move to different areas and don't all congregate in your kitchen. "You want to make sure that there are areas where people can sit and chat, watch the parade or just hang out together," Bock said. Set up a drinks station and an hors d'oeuvres station in different parts of the house, Bock suggests. Though, she admits, "I can't do that in my house because my dogs would just gobble up the hors d'oeuvres." She suggests repurposing a kitchen nook for kid seating, or as a serving area. Kobylinski might set up a half-built puzzle in a side room. She even puts out winter jackets and boots for "the gentlemen" for the moment when she urges them to go out on the porch to smoke cigars and drink brandy so they won't be underfoot. As a finishing touch, don't neglect to set the mood by using lamps around the room instead of harsh overhead lights. Putting out tapers or tea candles establishes an intimate feeling. "That just leans into the cozy fall vibe," Cope said of low lighting. But don't use scented candles, Bock warns. Or a smelly flower arrangement. "That can overwhelm you when you're eating," Bock said. Putting on a favorite music playlist can set the mood and take away self-consciousness, especially early in the evening. The most important thing on Thanksgiving is simply for everyone to enjoy each other's company. A little advance preparation can help you, the host, stay relaxed throughout the evening so you can interact with your guests. As Bock advised, "Keep it simple for Thanksgiving." Let friendship and fellowship be the stars of the show. The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade coverage is slated from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST Thursday, Nov. 28. This year's event will feature 28 clown crews, 26 floats, 16 giant balloons, 11 marching bands, five performance groups, three "baloonicles"—cold-air inflatables driven down the parade route, and numerous performers. Stacker curated a selection of photographs from the past century of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to help illustrate the history of the iconic event. The parade in New York City, presented by department store chain Macy's, was first held in 1924 under the heading "Macy's Christmas Parade" to promote holiday sales and spotlight the newly expanded and, at the time, largest in the world Herald Square store in Manhattan. The success of the event led organizers to turn the spectacle into an annual tradition. Each year, the parade ends outside the same Herald Square Macy's location. The event has been televised nationally since 1953 on NBC. The parade at first featured Central Park Zoo animals escorted by Macy's employees and professional entertainers for 6 miles from 145th Street in north Manhattan's Harlem to Macy's. A quarter of a million onlookers lined the streets. Real animals were replaced with balloons in 1927; that same year, the name of the event was changed to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The longest-running parade float is the event's unofficial mascot, Tom Turkey. Tom features moving wings, head, and eyes and usually functions as the lead float in the parade. Bringing up the caboose in virtually all the parades is Santa Claus who ushers in the holiday shopping season with his arrival at Macy's Herald Square. The parade offers a glimpse into pop culture of the time, from beloved children's entertainment to hit Broadway shows and musical acts. The Radio City Rockettes, formed in 1925, have performed in the parade annually since 1957. In 1933, the outside temperature was 69 degrees F, the warmest it's been; 2018 was the coldest day in parade history at 19 degrees F. In 2022, for the first time, the event featured a trio of women hosts. Today, more than 44 million people tune in to watch the parade. Keep reading to learn more about the parade's history and see some iconic shots of the event. You may also like: Game on: The booming growth of online gaming The Thanksgiving parade enjoyed rapid growth throughout the 1930s, with more than 1 million revelors lining the parade route in 1933. In this 1931 photo, a giant hippopotamus balloon makes its way down Broadway. A blue hippo balloon—possibly this one—released after the parade was still at large several days later, thought to be somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. In this image, the Felix the Cat balloon is led down Broadway by its four handlers tailed by Terrible Turk and Willie Red Bird. The original Felix the Cat character balloon made its parade debut in 1927, but was destroyed after its post-parade release by a high tension wire in 1931. The Terrible Turk also was destroyed the same year by an electric sign. In 1932, Macy's Tom Cat balloon got stuck in the propeller of a plane when the aviator flying the plane tried recovering the balloon for a reward. While the plane eventually landed safely, that event marked the final year of releasing balloons after the parades and offering prizes for their return to Macy's. Pinnochio, Tin Man, and Uncle Sam make their way along the parade route in 1939. Mickey Mouse made his debut five years earlier with a balloon designed in part by Walt Disney; Mickey's handlers were also dressed as mice. New iterations of Mickey appeared over the next 70 years as the character evolved. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was canceled from 1942-1944 because of supply shortages during World War II, namely helium and rubber. Festivities returned in 1945. The Christmas classic "Miracle on 34th Street" was released in 1947 and prominently features actual footage from the 1946 parade. 1948 marked the parade's first network television broadcast. You may also like: Legendary interior designers from every decade of the 20th century The 23rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held Nov. 24, 1949. In this photo, a teddy bear makes its way through Times Square. This parade marked the second appearance for the bear. Other balloons made their debut: Freida the Dachshund, Howdy Doody on the Flying Trapeze, and Macy's Hobo Clown. Macy's original character The Giant Spaceman made his debut in 1952's parade, measuring 70 feet long and 40 feet wide and weighing 600 pounds. More than 25 gallons of paint went into painting the astronaut. An estimated 2.25 million people lined the streets for the festivities that year. Throngs of onlookers pack the sidewalks in Manhattan's Times Square during this 1955 parade. Mighty Mouse, an animated superhero created by Terrytoons, is seen in the back left of the photo. Mighty Mouse made his debut in the Thanksgiving Day parade in 1951; he appeared in 80 short films between 1942-1961. Popeye makes his way through Times Square in the 1959 parade. A year earlier, another helium shortage meant balloons were inflated with air and hung from construction cranes to make their way through the parade route. Also in 1958, the first celebrity performances were added with the Benny Goodman sextet. Live music proved a challenge technically and logistically. The parade was transitioning to the now-familiar lip syncing by 1964. The iconic peacock float makes its debut in this photo of the 1961 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. That same year, Miss Teenage America Diane Lynn Cox appeared in princess attire sharing a float with "Prince Charming" actor Troy Donahue. You may also like: Baltimore buried its urban streams—now an artist is bringing one back Teen performers appear in classic roller skates in this image from the 1961 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The sign above the skaters reads "Macy's presents A Fantasy of Christmas in New York." This 1961 photo shows shoulder-to-shoulder parade onlookers at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The year marks the first balloon featuring Bullwinkle Moose and the first year for floats with Pinocchio, The Racetrack Grandstand, Cinderella, Peacock, Ferris Wheel, Brigadoon, Meet the Mets, and Santa's Sleigh. Several years later, in 1968, Macy's creative team figured out how to design floats up to 40 feet tall and 28 feet wide that could fold into 12.5-by-8-foot boxes for strategic transportation from New Jersey to Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel. A Bullwinkle Moose balloon floats down Broadway in this 1972 photograph of the parade. The 46th annual parade featured five firsts for floats: Alphabet Blocks, Snow Mountain, Windmill, Curious George, and Santa's Holiday Home. A giant inflatable balloon of Kermit the Frog makes its way down the 1982 parade route in this photo. The parade marked Kermit's sixth appearance. First-time balloons included Olive Oyl and Woody Woodpecker. You may also like: Far from making their last calls, LGBTQ+ bars evolve to imagine a new world The Soaring Spirit Canoe float, pictured here in 1995, made its debut in the parade in 1986. Popular '90s balloons included Bart Simpson, Cat in the Hat, and The Rugrats. New York City first responders carry two American flags during the Nov. 22, 2001, 75th Anniversary of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which was also held on the heels of 9/11. They honored those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that year. New Yorkers crowded the streets to watch the parade, which featured 15 giant balloons and marching bands that all added an air of patriotism to the event. Dora the Explorer makes her balloon debut in this 2005 photo. That same year, the M&M 's chocolate candies balloon collided with a streetlight in Times Square, and debris from it injured two siblings. A woman dressed in an elf costume sprinkles spectators with confetti in Times Square during Macy's 85th Thanksgiving Day parade on Nov. 24, 2011. Sonic the Hedgehog and Julius the sock monkey, which was created by Paul Frank, made their balloon entrances that year. You may also like: 5 tips for making your next event more affordable Snoopy and Woodstock made their way along the 89th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route Nov. 26, 2015. To date, Snoopy boasts the most years flown as a character balloon in the event. In this 2016 photo, spectators like this one recorded videos of the parade on their phones. More than 24 million people were estimated to have streamed the parade that year on TV. Performers in this photo prepare at the 94th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 26, 2020. The event was one of few public occasions to be kept on schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit in a tempered manner. Much of the performances were pre-taped and the parade route was massively reduced. Participants wore masks and balloon handlers were cut by nearly 90%. Santa Claus celebrates at the 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in this photo from Nov. 23, 2023. First-time giant balloons included Beagle Scout Snoopy, Leo (Netflix), Monkey D. Luffy, Po from "Kung Fu Panda," and The Pillsbury Doughboy. Copy editing by Lois Hince. You may also like: From the Roman Empire to your therapist's office: The history of the chaise lounge In Macy's first Thanksgiving parade, Santa Claus sat atop a float pulled by a team of horses down Broadway. That year floats, bands, and Central Park Zoo animals were featured in the procession. At the parade's end, Santa Claus was crowned "King of the Kiddies" on Macy's balcony at the 34th Street entrance. Macy's quickly announced the parade would be an annual event. The large balloons that replaced live zoo animals in 1927 were filled with regular air and had no release valves—they were simply let go to pop in the air following the parade. 1928 marked the first year of Macy's inflating balloons with helium to allow them to float. They were also outfitted with valves so the helium could gradually escape rather than waiting for the balloon to inevitably pop, and featured a return address so anyone who found them could return them and receive a reward. In this photo from 1928, a 35-foot fish and 60-foot-long tiger were featured prominently in the parade. A $100 prize was offered for each balloon recovered after its release. A solo tortoise float makes its way down the street near Columbus Circle in this 1974 parade photo. Not pictured is the accompanying hare. This marked the seventh appearance of the duo. Woody Woodpecker greets the crowd as he floats past One Times Square during the 63rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1989. In the coming years, safety concerns troubled '90s-era parades—namely the wind. Strong gusts in 1993 pushed a Sonic the Hedgehog balloon into a Columbus Circle lamppost that broke and hurt a child and off-duty police officer. Four years later, intense winds caused a Cat in the Hat balloon to hit a lamppost, hurling debris into the air that fractured the skull of a spectator who spent 24 days in a coma. The incident, among others, led then-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to form a task force. The Pikachu balloon floats down Central Park West for its fourth time during the 91st annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2017. That year's lineup featured 1,100 cheerleaders and dancers, more than 1,000 clowns, 28 legacy balloons, 26 floats, 17 giant helium balloons, 12 marching bands, and six performance groups. For the holidays: Get inspiring home and gift ideas – sign up now!
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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A businessman with no experience in public office is taking over as mayor of Oregon’s biggest city as it embraces an entirely new system of government — one that’s so different, the City Council chambers had to be completely renovated. Portland voters last month elected Keith Wilson, a trucking company executive and founder of a nonprofit working to increase homeless shelter capacity. He ran on an ambitious pledge to end unsheltered homelessness within a year and was sworn in Thursday alongside a council expanded from five seats to 12. Portland is contending with , and a rising cost of living. Wilson, a Portland native, plans to reach his goal of ending unsheltered homelessness by increasing the number of nighttime walk-in emergency shelters in facilities such as churches and community centers. His message appeared to have resonated in a city where surveys conducted over the past few years have shown that residents view homelessness as a top issue. He ran against three outgoing City Council members. “Our city government has been reimagined, embodying the best of our innovation and values,” Wilson said on the stage of the Newmark Theater in downtown Portland after taking the oath of office. “Now it's time for Portland's new leadership to meet the moment we now face and solve the issues that prevent us from reaching our true potential.” Wilson said he will treat homelessness as a crisis. He noted the city's plans, announced earlier in the day, to open 200 overnight winter emergency shelter beds. “Tents, tarps and RVs are not places to sleep, because we will have secure shelters for everyone,” he said. , which featured 19 candidates, was thrown open when Mayor Ted Wheeler decided against seeking reelection after holding the city’s top post since 2017. Wheeler rose to national prominence in 2020 as nightly protests erupted on Portland streets and around the country in response to . The field of candidates in council races was crowded as well, with nearly 100 running for the new seats that were elected by voters in individual districts rather than citywide. The new city council sworn in Thursday “is more diverse and representative than any that came before,” Wilson said. Women make up half of the new council, which also includes multiple people of color — including the first two Asian-Americans to serve on the body. The 130-year-old City Hall was renovated for $8.3 million to accommodate the increase in members. The new dais can now seat 12 people; floor layouts were changed to create more office space; and technology, seismic and accessibility updates were added throughout the building. “Remodeling council chambers is a once-in-a-generation activity,” Maty Sauter, director of Portland's Bureau of Fleet and Facilities, told the outgoing City Council as it held its last meeting on Wednesday in the new chambers. “We've been able to reuse this 1895 facility and make it modern, contemporary and useful.” It’s going to take time for the new government to figure out which of the many changes are working, said Chris Shortell, associate professor of political science at Portland State University. In another first for City Hall, Wilson and the incoming Council members were elected under Portland's new system of . A candidate would win if they were the first choice of more than 50% of voters in the first round. Otherwise, a second round would eliminate the candidate with the fewest votes and their supporters’ votes go to their next choice. The process would repeat until someone emerges with a majority of votes. Some 34% of voters ranked Wilson as their first choice, according to final results. The new City Council will hold its first meeting in January. Claire Rush, The Associated Press
Championing Aviation Safety: Riadel Manzano Advocates for Better Support for Aircraft Mechanics2024 has been a milestone year for data analytics company Palantir Technologies ( PLTR 4.87% ) . Perhaps most important event for the company was its addition to the S&P 500 earlier this year -- an achievement few thought was possible just four years ago when Palantir went public and was quickly written off as a glorified government contracting and consulting operation with no real technology capabilities. That narrative has come to an end. Over the last couple of years, Palantir has entered a new phase of growth thanks to the company's successful launch of a new software suite called the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). All of these factors have contributed to notable interest in Palantir stock over the last several months. At the time of this writing, shares of Palantir have gained 283% year to date. With the stock hovering around an all-time high valuation, can it possibly keep climbing higher? In my eyes, I think Palantir stock is set to continue running. Below, I'll break down the company's latest announcement and point to why investors should have their eyes on Palantir stock on Nov. 26. Palantir's latest big announcement One thing that often goes overlooked with stocks is the exchange that they trade on. But, believe it or not, trading on the New York Stock Exchange ( NYSE ) versus the Nasdaq Stock Market can actually have some pretty big implications for a company. A few days ago, Palantir announced that it is moving its listing from the NYSE to the Nasdaq . Shares of Palantir are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq on Nov. 26. On the surface, this may seem like mundane news. But below I'm going to break down a number of examples of other companies that have switched to the Nasdaq and illustrate how their share prices moved following the transition. History is on Palantir's side Below, I've outlined two companies that have moved from their original stock exchange to the Nasdaq in recent years. Workday : On Sept. 1, 2017, software company Workday announced that it was switching from the NYSE to the Nasdaq. Shares of Workday began trading on the Nasdaq a couple of weeks later, on Sept. 20. Here is how Workday stock has moved since becoming a Nasdaq-traded security: Between Sept. 1, 2017, and Sept. 20, 2017, shares declined by a nominal 2%. Between Sept. 20, 2017, and Sept. 20, 2018, the stock gained more than 30%. Since becoming a member of the Nasdaq, the stock has increased 144%. PepsiCo : On Dec. 8, 2017, beverage and snack conglomerate PepsiCo announced that it was moving from the NYSE to the Nasdaq. PepsiCo began trading as a member of the Nasdaq on December 20, 2017. Between Dec. 8, 2017, and Dec. 20, 2017, shares rose by a nominal 2%. Between Dec. 20, 2017, and Dec. 20, 2018, the stock dropped roughly 7%. Since becoming a member on the Nasdaq, the stock has increased 33%. I think the decision to move to the Nasdaq benefited PepsiCo and Workday in a number of ways. First, the Nasdaq is often affiliated with technology, growth, and innovation. While PepsiCo is a consumer packaged goods empire, I think the move to the Nasdaq helped the company's perception as more of a growth stock and less of a mundane soda and snack business. In addition, both Workday and PepsiCo joined the Nasdaq-100 following their respective moves from the NYSE. Earning inclusion into the Nasdaq-100 index can help a company land on more investor radars. As such, increases in trading volume and buying can occur which positively influences stock prices. What I think will happen after Palantir's debut on the Nasdaq While the news about Palantir's change from the NYSE to the Nasdaq is interesting, you're probably wondering why a company would do this in the first place. To be honest, there are a lot of reasons that could influence a company's decision to move exchanges. Some of the more pedantic factors could be related to fees associated with different stock exchanges, for example. In my eyes, the cost structures among different exchanges isn't really a concern for Palantir. Rather, I think the move to the Nasdaq is rooted in branding. While the Nasdaq is home to companies in many different industries, it is most commonly affiliated with the technology sector. Given Palantir's success throughout the AI revolution, I think the notion of the company being a consulting business for the government has been erased. Palantir's close alliance with big tech cements the company as a strong force in the AI industry, and I think moving to the Nasdaq will help strengthen the company's image as a legitimate player in the technology realm. I previously predicted that Palantir's inclusion into the S&P 500 would help get the company on the radar of more institutional investors. I'm now doubling down on this stance, as becoming a member of the Nasdaq should help better position Palantir as an attractive growth stock in a sea of leading technology companies. Some analysts are already projecting that increased institutional buying in combination with the spotlight of the Nasdaq could propel Palantir into the coveted Nasdaq-100 index. Should that come to fruition, I think it's almost a certainty that the company's share price will continue soaring. While I can't say for certain what will happen, Palantir's stock price has already experienced some momentum following the news of the company's switch from the NYSE. I think trading on the Nasdaq will help Palantir become more widely recognized as a leading opportunity in AI and the technology arenas over time. For these reasons, I think the stock will follow the trends I outlined above and continue soaring after its move to the Nasdaq.China’s state-run Global Times on Thursday mocked the United States as a “breeding ground for delusion” because of the furor over drone sightings in New Jersey. The Chinese Communist propaganda organ was particularly irked by House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Michael McCaul claiming the mysterious aircraft were “Chinese spy drones.” “Some American politicians seem to have a special preference for sensationalizing the ‘China threat.’ Much like the ‘spy balloon’ incident that unfolded in early 2023, the latest accusations against Chinese drones follow an old script, repackaged with new rhetoric aimed at smearing China,” the Global Times hooted. The Chinese spy balloon of 2023 was, of course, a real Chinese spy balloon, as numerous studies of its behavior have confirmed. Beijing has developed a penchant for floating suspicious balloons into the air space of adversaries – either to gather information or to test how adversaries respond to the penetration of their air defense zones. The Global Times nevertheless insisted that shooting down China’s spy balloon in 2023 turned the U.S. into a “laughingstock around the world,” and drone fever in New Jersey was another embarrassment. “From ‘spy balloons’ to ‘spy cranes’ to ‘spy drones’ ... these absurd and paranoid labels reflect the distorted and narrow-minded mentality of some U.S. politicians in their attempts to contain and suppress China,” the Global Times lectured. The “spy crane” controversy from the spring of 2023 involved U.S. military and national security officials warning that huge computer-operated cranes built and operated by China could be used for intelligence-gathering purposes. The cranes were built by a subsidiary of a leading Chinese government contractor that has been restricted from access to sensitive U.S. technology since 2020. In at least one documented instance, the FBI found “intelligence-gathering equipment” mixed with a shipment of these cranes. The regime in Beijing, and its mouthpieces like the Global Times, dismiss all concerns about Chinese espionage as groundless “paranoia” no matter how much evidence stacks up. Every U.S. official who warns about threats from China is dismissed as a mindless hatemonger seeking to gin up “anti-China sentiment” for political gain. The Global Times revealed the most pertinent reason it was assigned to mock the New Jersey drone story: The accusations against “Chinese spy drones” coincide with a recent move in the U.S. Senate, where a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 aims to create mechanisms for further oversight and prohibition of the use of Chinese drones. The bill seeks to add Chinese drone companies to the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List,” which would prevent their use in telecommunications industries. Proponents of the bill argued that the U.S. should ban Chinese drones, claiming that these drones pose a threat. Undoubtedly, some U.S. politicians, by fostering continuous fear of a specific “other,” are pushing political agendas that serve their private interests. The result is that the U.S. ultimately bears the costs. American industrial insiders have told the media that 90 percent of public safety agencies in the U.S. and globally are already using Chinese drones. If the bill goes fully through and prohibits the use of Chinese drones, it would be catastrophic. The drone ban is also opposed by U.S. farm groups, who consider Chinese drones to be better, cheaper, more capable, and more reliable than U.S.-made alternatives, arguing that it would cripple U.S. agriculture. The Senate voted 83-12 on Tuesday to hold a full vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a huge bill whose many provisions do indeed prohibit the use of Chinese drones, call for an investigation of two major Chinese drone manufacturers, and encourage both the U.S. and its allies to become less reliant on China for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The NDAA’s language on Chinese drones was adapted from legislation introduced by two Republican senators, Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Rick Scott (R-FL). Stefanik on Tuesday amusingly referred to drones from China’s titanic DJI corporation as “TikTok, but with wings” – a jab at China’s notoriously insecure and surveillance-prone TikTok social media platform. Many Americans do not realize how dominant Chinese companies have become in the drone market. VOA cited estimates that DJI alone controls almost 90 percent of the U.S. market, in part because it undercuts prices from American manufacturers by 50 percent or more. DJI representatives have denounced U.S. efforts to restrict or ban their products as “protectionism.” As echoed by the Global Times piece on drone hysteria, the company insists its cheap drones have become indispensable to entire American industries. It also claims its drones do not forward any data to the Chinese government or military. As for whatever is going on in the skies above the Garden State, there are still many theories but few hard facts. Rep. McCaul did say on Tuesday that at least some of the mystery craft could be “spy drones” from China. “We need to identify who is behind these drones. My judgment based on my experience is that those that are over our military sites are adversarial and most likely are coming from the People’s Republic of China,” McCaul told reporters. “I believe they’re spy drones and the PRC, and Communist China is very good at this stuff. We know they bought land around military bases. This would be very consistent with their policy over the past couple years,” he said. McCaul clarified that he believes there could be several different origins for the unidentified drones. The objects appearing over military installations, such as Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, are the ones he most suspects of being Chinese spy drones. “We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” the FBI, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Pentagon, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a joint statement on Monday.
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A victim of an elaborate online romance fraud has told BBC Scotland that she was completely convinced by deepfake videos used to scam her out of £17,000. Nikki MacLeod, 77, sent gift cards and made bank and Paypal transfers believing she was sending money to a real woman she was in an online relationship with. She said she was initially sceptical but felt reassured by video messages from the person, which she now knows were fake. She wants to warn others about the increasing use of AI technology by scammers. Nikki got in touch with BBC Radio Scotland's Morning Programme during the BBC's Scam Safe week last month. The retired lecturer from Edinburgh said: "I am not a stupid person but she was able to convince me that she was a real person and we were going to spend our lives together." The 77-year-old said she was lonely after losing her parents during lockdown and the end of a long-term relationship. She started speaking to people online and met the person she knows as Alla Morgan in a chat group. She was told this person was working on an oil rig in the North Sea and was asked to buy Steam gift cards to allow them to keep talking. These cards are typically used for buying video games. The person Nikki was chatting to told her she needed them to allow her to get an internet connection on the rig so that they could keep talking. Nikki said she was sceptical, but was persuaded to buy several hundred pounds worth of the cards. She repeatedly asked Alla Morgan for a live video call which was refused, or didn't work. It was then that she started receiving recorded video messages. "I had started to think, are you a real person?" Nikki said. "Then she sent me a video to say 'Hi Nikki, I am not a scammer, I am on my oil rig', and I was totally convinced by it. "A few weeks later she sent me another video, also on the oil rig with bad weather in the background. This was before she started asking me for all this money. " The images and video sent to Nikki were created using AI technology. There is no way of knowing where the image of the woman - Alla Morgan - came from. It could have been made using the face of a real person with no connection to the scammers and no idea that their identity was used. Nikki said documents, images and videos she was sent were enough to convince her to part with her cash. "She (Alla Morgan) said she was going to come and visit me and asked could I pay for her vacation from the oil rig to come to Scotland," Nikki said. Nikki was the sent details of a company Alla supposedly worked for and contacted by someone in their HR department who asked for money to pay for a helicopter. "She said she would pay me back, so I gave them $2,500," Nikki said. The scam finally came to light when Nikki was attempting to make another payment to a bank account, supposedly belonging to Alla Morgan, and her own bank informed her she was a victim of fraud. Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating the matter. BBC Scotland asked Dr Lynsay Shepherd, an expert in cybersecurity and human-computer interaction at Abertay University, to take a look at the video messages Nikki was sent. She said: "At first glance it looks legitimate, if you don't know what to look for, but if you look at the eyes – the eye movements aren't quite right. "There are a number of apps out there, even something as simple as a face swap app or filters, that can do this. You can sometimes see when people are talking, when you look around the jawline, the filter kind of slips a bit. "It is relatively straightforward to do." Dr Shepherd said online scammers often claim to be in a location where meeting face-to-face or even a live video call are not possible. "Oil rigs is one of the common ones - in the military on base, a doctor overseas - and then typically they build up that relationship and then say 'there has been an emergency, I need some money for travel'." Nikki said she sent around £17,000 in total to the scammers. Her bank and PayPal have been able to get around £7,000 of that money back, but she was persuaded by the scammers to send some of the money as personal payments - through the friends and family function on PayPal. This has not been recovered. PayPal said they do not cover personal payments under PayPal Buyer Protection. In a statement a spokesman added said: "We're very sorry to hear this has happened to Ms MacLeod. Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud, which includes romance scams, is a threat that has grown across the industry." He urged PayPal users to be wary of "unusual payment requests" and added "always question uninvited approaches in case it's a scam." On their website, Steam warn of increasing reports of scammers coercing victims to purchase Steam wallet gift cards. The company said people should never give out a steam wallet gift card to a person they do not know." Police Scotland said an investigation is under way after the fraud was reported in October and inquiries are ongoing. A spokeswoman added: "We would ask people to be vigilant and encourage anyone who believes they may have been victim to fraud or a scam to contact police on 101." Nikki told us the scammers are continuing to contact her, most recently sending her a newspaper article, claiming Alla Morgan is now in a Turkish jail and needs more money. She wants others to learn from her experience. "These scammers don't have any empathy at all. It's their job and they are very good at it," she said. "The documents looked real, the videos looked real, the bank looked real. "With the introduction of artificial intelligence, every single thing can be fake."Let your little ones glide with the best kids’ ski boots
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