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8 Thanksgiving mistakes: Frozen or overcooked turkey, too many sides and other common holiday miscuesTincknell, Tainbel, and Thomas, three other key players who were missing from the training session, further compound Arsenal's concerns. Tincknell's absence at the back could weaken Arsenal's defensive line, while Tainbel's absence in the midfield deprives the team of his box-to-box presence. Thomas, who has been a reliable force up front, was also conspicuously missing, raising doubts about Arsenal's attacking prowess without his goal-scoring threat.

The Weyburn Red Wings are carrying on with their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season, despite their hometown rink being temporarily shuttered, thanks to the generosity of those in Assiniboia, Sask, a town of about 2,400 and around 160 kilometres west of the team's home. "It was honestly, almost unbelievable to think, within 18 hours, we had about 23 billet beds. We had ice time. We had accommodations for coaches, we had meals,” explained Red Wings head voach and general manager Cody Mapes. “It was pretty, pretty extraordinary." Due to mechanical issues with the ice plant at the Red Wings' home rink in Weyburn, the team was searching for new home ice on short notice. A Facebook post by Assiniboia's recreation and community wellness manager, Stephanie Van De Sype, quickly gained traction. "It was insane. I think the post had 550 shares. The whole province was talking about it. Everyone knew about it. You couldn't walk down the street without somebody saying, well, I could take someone in, or I know somebody who could take someone," Van De Sype told CTV News. The town ended up with more billet families than necessary – something Mayor Sharon Schauenberg, believes speaks to the heart of her community. "The call went out, and I think within 12 hours, everything was in place. So, we are so lucky and so privileged to be able to have this rink in itself, but to have the teams reach out to us in small communities,” she explained. “That's what we do. We help out where we can ... the people in this community are amazing, bar none. The most incredible, amazing people I've ever met." Many of those who offered their homes to the team have some aspiring hockey players in their families as well. "It's pretty awesome because both of my brothers are gone ... and it's just nice having another guy around the house,” explained 14-year-old Caydin Karst. "The first day was just kind of talk about, but we played some badminton in my shop and ping pong and darts and all that fun stuff.” Mason Van De Sype, 13, had a similar experience with his newfound housemate. "We play a lot of Fortnite together, eat together, lots of pizza, play mini sticks and stuff like that,” he explained. "Last night we played so mini sticks and it was really fun. I'm really looking forward to the games here in town. It'll be really fun,” Cole Pituleui, also 13, explained. For many of the young athletes, its an opportunity to be inspired "It makes me push myself and then think that I'll get there that one day," 13-year-old, Houston Hillmar said. “Yeah, I think I'm gonna push myself as best as I can, try to be like him and go play college hockey.” (Left to right) Mason Van De Sype, Caydin Karst, Houston Hillmar and Cole Pituleui are all excited to have Weyburn Red Wings players billeting with their families. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News) Van De Sype went on to express that the Red Wings’ stay in Assiniboia will be a fun opportunity for the town. “We're not looking for anything in return. We want to help them out. We want to see some good hockey,” she said. “That's what small town Saskatchewan's all about." During their stint in the “Heart of the Golden South,” the Red Wings will be nicknamed the Assiniboia-Weyburn Red Wings, and the team plans to provide a full game day experience for the community. The City of Weyburn hopes to have the Red Wings back in their home rink after the SJHL's holiday break or early in the new year.

The circumstances surrounding Liu Da Meili's death have also brought to light the dangers and risks associated with cosmetic surgery, particularly when performed by unqualified practitioners or in unregulated clinics. The pressure to maintain a perfect image in the age of social media has driven many influencers and celebrities to undergo drastic procedures in pursuit of beauty and perfection. However, the tragic outcome in Liu Da Meili's case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of such decisions.In this battle of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower, Liverpool will look to their star players to lead the way, inspire their teammates, and deliver a performance that will leave a lasting impression on both their opponents and their supporters. As the final whistle blows and the dust settles, one thing will be certain: Liverpool's fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude will shine through, carrying them to victory once again.

In a world filled with information and technology, the role of science and scientific knowledge has never been more important. However, often the complexities of scientific research and discoveries can seem intimidating to the general public. This is where the art of science popularization comes in - translating complex scientific concepts into relatable and understandable information for all to enjoy. The Carlinga Award recognizes the efforts of individuals who excel in this field, bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public. I had the privilege of speaking with the winners of the Carlinga Award to understand their perspective on the significance of science popularization.In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the world of football, former Barcelona manager Quique Setién has been appointed as the new head coach of Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan. The announcement was made earlier today by the club's official website, marking a significant and unexpected development in the career of the seasoned Spanish coach.

Lock Stock With the S&P 500 dancing nervously around all-time highs, all investors have to be careful to conduct careful reviews of our portfolios to ensure that the most richly valued stocks don't send our YTD gains down if a Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Title: Reporter: Mara Dashvili to Miss Remainder of the Season Due to Injury in Right Quadriceps MuscleDominik Szoboszlai will miss Liverpool's next Premier League game against West Ham Liverpool will be forced to navigate their next Premier League fixture against West Ham without midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai . The Reds secured a 3-1 victory over Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day, despite initially falling behind to a Jordan Ayew goal in the first half. Cody Gakpo put Liverpool back on level terms before the break, while Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah put the result beyond doubt in the second 45 minutes. Szoboszlai was initially named on the bench by Arne Slot having started, and played a crucial role, in Liverpool's 6-3 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur before Christmas. However, the midfielder was also one booking away from suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards, so had to settle for a place on the bench on Thursday. READ MORE: Premier League release two statements after Liverpool VAR checks vs Leicester City READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk makes future prediction amid Liverpool contract uncertainty The Hungarian was called into action late in the game as he came on for Jones. Moments after entering the pitch, he was shown a yellow card for a tactical foul. It was Szoboszlai's fifth booking of the league season so far, which means he will serve a one-match suspension. Liverpool's next game is away at West Ham on December 29 as they look to continue their charge towards the Premier League title. The victory over the Foxes means Liverpool are seven points clear of Chelsea at the top of the standings with a game in hand. If Arsenal are victorious in their game against Ipswich Town on Friday, they will move into second place, six points behind the Reds. Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, Gakpo and the injured Ibrahima Konate are among those still at risk of suspension if they pick up another booking before the first 19 games of the season are complete.

In the aftermath of the crash, a sense of uncertainty hung over the cryptocurrency community. Traders who had been wiped out were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered portfolios, while those who had managed to weather the storm wondered what the future held for Bitcoin and the wider market. The resilience of the cryptocurrency ecosystem was once again tested, as debates raged on about the long-term viability of digital assets in the face of such extreme volatility.

Moreover, a decrease in housing inventory could also impact rental prices in Beijing. With fewer properties available for rent, tenants may face increased rental rates and limited choices in the rental market. This trend could pose challenges for renters, especially in a city known for its high cost of living and competitive rental market.

BOSTON — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen, who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. A statue commemorating Doug Flutie's famed "Hail Mary" pass during a game against Miami on Nov. 23, 1994, sits outside Alumni Stadium at Boston College. Famous football plays often attain a legendary status with religious names like the "Immaculate Reception," the "Hail Mary" pass and the Holy Roller fumble. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie rejoices in his brother Darren's arms after B.C. defeats Miami with a last second touchdown pass on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie evades Miami defensive tackle Kevin Fagan during the first quarter of a game on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami, Fla. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.” Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

In conclusion, the absence of Gabriel, Calafiore, Tincknell, Tainbel, and Thomas from Arsenal's recent training session has raised concerns and uncertainties among fans and coaching staff alike. As the team prepares for upcoming fixtures, the challenge of filling the void left by these key players looms large. Only time will tell how Arsenal will adapt and overcome this unexpected hurdle as they strive for success on the pitch.Lock Stock With the S&P 500 dancing nervously around all-time highs, all investors have to be careful to conduct careful reviews of our portfolios to ensure that the most richly valued stocks don't send our YTD gains down if a Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Seeking consecutive away victories for the first time all season, Angers travel to Roazhon Park on Sunday for a date with Rennes on matchday 15 of the Ligue 1 campaign. A late goal conceded last weekend sent Stade Rennais to a 1-0 defeat at Nantes, keeping them in 12th, one point above Les Scoistes, who were beaten 3-0 by Lyon. © Imago The emotional high that Rennes experienced at the end of November was short-lived as they followed up a 5-0 triumph over Saint-Etienne with a dismal display in front of goal last week. Heading into this match, the club from Brittany have lost four of their previous five Ligue 1 affairs, failing to find the back of the net in each of those defeats. They have a chance this weekend to claim consecutive domestic triumphs at Roazhon Park, which would equal their longest winning run at home this season. In eight of their last nine Ligue 1 home games against newly promoted sides, Les Rouge et Noirs have emerged victorious, including that lopsided triumph over Saint-Etienne the last time out. That was the first victory for Jorge Sampaoli since taking charge of this team, with 13 of Rennes' 14 points this season occurring at Roazhon Park. Stade Rennais have won their last three Ligue 1 meetings versus Angers, and another triumph on Sunday would mark the first time in club history that they collect four successive victories against them in this competition. © Imago Another poor home outing for Angers last weekend kept them from progressing further up the standings and putting some more distance between themselves and relegation. As things stand, Alexandre Dujeux 's men are just a point above Le Havre and a return to Ligue 2, while they are only ahead of Saint-Etienne on goal difference. Les Scoistes have claimed at least a point in five of their previous six away games in the top flight, conceding a goal or fewer each time. With a victory this weekend, the club from Pays de la Loire will win consecutive away matches in this competition for the first time since 2020. Angers have won their last three domestic encounters when netting the opening goal and have not lost all season when drawing first blood. After 14 matchdays this season, they have collected 13 points, five more than they managed at this stage of their previous Ligue 1 campaign (2022-23). © Imago An ACL injury will keep Alidu Seidu out for the remainder of the season, while Mikayil Faye will also miss this match for Rennes with a red card suspension. Sampaoli made just one change to the side that began their match against Les Verts, with Adrien Truffert replacing Aboubakar Nagida in the starting 11. Due to a broken ankle, Angers will be missing Justin Kalumba on Sunday, while Sidiki Cherif and Emmanuel Biumla are doubtful because of thigh injuries. In their previous away fixture, it was Himad Abdelli who notched the winning goal, while Yahia Fofana made one stop to collect a clean sheet. Rennes possible starting lineup: Mandanda; Hateboer, Ostigard, Wooh; Assignon, James, Matusiwa, Nagida; Blas, Gouiri; Kalimuendo Angers possible starting lineup: Fofana; Arcus, Bamba, Lefort, Hanin; Aholou, Belkebla; Allevinah, Abdelli, Melali; Dieng Rennes have scored in each of their 26 Ligue 1 home fixtures against Angers and though the visitors have been decent away from home, Stade Rennais look much more cohesive and sharper in front of goal in Brittany. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save 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. 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. Not too late! Voting closes at noon for The Press Football Player of the Week Jersey Shore restaurants shift gears to survive in offseason Galloway Township gymnastics center co-owner charged with sexually assaulting minor What does Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy mean for Atlantic City International Airport? Galloway man gets 3 years in Ocean City fatal crash Offshore wind company to buy vacant 1.5-acre Atlantic City lot for $1 million Ocean City introduces new fees on rentals Atlantic City International Airport's 1 carrier, Spirit Airlines, files for bankruptcy Prosecutor still determined to find whoever is responsible for West Atlantic City killings Jake Blum's 2-point conversion in OT propels Mainland Regional to second straight state final High school football scoreboard: Friday's semifinal winners, plus Saturday updates Want a piece of Gillian's Wonderland? This Burlington County antique shop has tons of them. Chicken Bone Beach foundation to purchase Atlantic City's Dante Hall with NJEDA grant UPDATED NHL referee taken away on stretcher at Flyers game Iconic Avalon properties on the market for $7.4 million 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. ANNE D'INNOCENZIOAssociated Press 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. Tommy Tindall, NerdWallet 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 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. 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." 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 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. 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. 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%. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Make your house a home For the holidays: Get inspiring home and gift ideas – sign up now!Irish civil servants compiled a list of “major leaks” they claimed originated from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and Special Branch officers in the region, records show. The confidential briefing note is part of the tranche of documents made public in the annual release of State papers from the Irish National Archives. An Irish Department of Foreign Affairs official focusing on justice and security created the list in October 2002. The document starts by referencing a 1999 interview given by George Mitchell, the chairman of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations, in which he claimed the British and Irish governments, as well as Northern Ireland’s political parties, had leaked information to manipulate public opinion. However, he further accused the NIO of attempting to sabotage the process by leaking information on British Government policy to the media. Mr Mitchell, a former US senator, is said to have expressed alarm and anger over the frequency of leaks from the NIO – saying they were uniquely “designed to undermine the policy of the British Government of which they were a part”. The Irish civil servant notes Mr Mitchell himself was subjected to an attempted “smear” when he first arrived in Northern Ireland, as newspaper articles falsely claimed his chief of staff Martha Pope had had a liaison with Sinn Fein representative Gerry Kelly with ulterior motives. The Irish civil servant goes on to list several “leaks”, starting with the publication of a proposed deal in a newspaper while “intense negotiations” for the Downing Street Declaration were under way. Next, the Department lists two “high-profile and damaging leaks issued from the NIO”. A so-called “gameplan” document was leaked in February 1998, showing papers had been prepared weeks before the Drumcree march on July 6, 1997. In the preceding years, there had been standoffs and clashes as nationalists opposed the procession of an Orange parade down Garvaghy Road in Portadown. The gameplan document showed then secretary of state for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam, who was publicly expressing a desire for a negotiated solution to the 1997 parade, advocated “finding the lowest common denominator for getting some Orange feet on the Garvaghy Road”. In 1997, a large number of security forces were deployed to the area to allow the march to proceed. The incident sparked heightened tension and a wave of rioting. The document further describes the release of a document submitted by the NIO’s director of communications to the secretary of state as a “second major leak”. It claims a publicity strategy was released to the DUP in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement and showed how the UK Government would support a yes vote in a referendum following any talks agreement. In addition, it is claimed unionists used leaked sections of the Patten report on policing to invalidate its findings ahead of its publication in 1999. The report recommended the replacement of the Royal Ulster Constabulary with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the changing of symbols, and a 50-50 recruitment policy for Catholics and Protestants. At the time, UUP leader David Trimble said the recommendations would lead to a corruption of policing in Northern Ireland. Chris Patten, chairman of the independent commission on policing, said some of the assertions were a “total fabrication” and designed to “muddy the waters” to create a difficult political atmosphere. Elsewhere, the author notes it was leaked to the media there was serious disagreement between the governments of the UK and Ireland on the composition of that commission – with not a single name submitted by the Irish side being accepted by the other. The author notes this incident, still under the heading “NIO leaks”, was believed by British officials to have emanated from the Irish side. The report turns to leaks of other origin, claiming “disgruntled Special Branch officers in Northern Ireland” were blamed by the British Government for a series of releases about the IRA which were designed to damage Sinn Fein in the 2001 general election in Northern Ireland. One senior Whitehall source was quoted in the Guardian as complaining that Special Branch was “leaking like a sieve” after details of an IRA intelligence database containing the names of leading Tories – described at the time as a “hit list” – was passed to the BBC in April 2002. The briefing note adds: “This was followed days later by a leak to The Sunday Telegraph which alleged that senior IRA commanders bought Russian special forces rifles in Moscow last year. “The newspaper said it was passed details by military intelligence in London.” The briefing note adds that other Special Branch leaks were associated with the Castlereagh break-in. The final incident in the document notes the Police Ombudsman’s Report on the Omagh bombing was also leaked to the press in December 2001. Then Northern Ireland secretary John Reid said at the time: “Leaks are never helpful and usually malicious – I will not be commenting on this report until I have seen the final version.” The reason for creating the list of leaks, which the Irish National Archives holds in a folder alongside briefing notes for ministers ahead of meetings with officials from the UK Government and NIO, is not outlined in the document itself. – This document is based on material in 2024/130/6.1 2 Ranchi: Hoping to wrest Jharkhand from the Hemant Soren-led JMM govt, the BJP went to the polls with a strong strategy of showcasing cases of poor tribals losing their land to Bangladeshi land grabbers, in a move that eventually backfired with the entire campaign getting lost in translation on ground. And the result was JMM in its bastion of Santhal Pargana clinched all 18, but one seat with the help of its partners BJP got reduced from four seats in 2019 to one this time while the JMM bagged 11, Congress four and RJD two. Devendra Kunwar is the only BJP man in Santhal's Jarmundi seat. The idea was to examine how much of tribal land had changed hands from tribals over the past few decades and star BJP campaigner Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighting how JMM was becoming a stumbling block. Turns out, many tribals in the region, reeling under abject poverty were signing daan patras (tribal land is legally non-transferable) to hand over their non-saleable land to local Muslims to run a business and getting paid in return. Almost the entire Santhal Pargana region is governed by Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act of 1876 under which not even an inch of tribal land is transferable. This renders the tribals poor, especially when they are unable to practice farming. Under tacit local understanding they write off their land for a small price to local Muslim families and also get some money annually when it's the time to pay land revenue. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue As polls neared and campaigning got hectic, the narrative somewhere got lost in translation and turned out to be "ghuspethiyas" (infiltrators) crossing the Bangladesh border through West Bengal's Murshidabad and grabbing land, livelihoods and even Adivasi women. What followed next was a poll cry of –roti, beti and maati (vote to save employment options, daughters and land being grabbed by infiltrators) The ruling JMM-Congress combine countered saying BJP was spoiling communal harmony, creating a divide between locals and creating unnecessary fear when the reality was something else. "Himanta Biswa Sarma is quite an artist. There is always communal talk. We don't share a border with Bangladesh and the border in West Bengal is guarded by central forces," thundered CM Hemant Soren. The Muslims of Jharkhand, who are residents for decades and the tribals wondered each time a BJP leader came asking for a "ghuspetia". "This is laughable, they are trying to find out about ghuspetias. Are we infiltrators? The tribals and Muslim local residents are a happy lot. We even had the odd love marriages," said Asharful Sheikh who married Jharna Marandi, now pradhan of Nartanpur village As the date of election approached, the local BJP leaders dropped the "ghuspetias" angle in their campaign and soon, AJSU party, an ally of the NDA dropped infiltration from their manifesto. "Yaha ghuspetias wala baat nahi chalega," said Alamgir Alam, district president of Ajsu party in Pakur, who was overlooking the campaign for his party candidate Azhar Islam. He along with the BJP poll incharge denied infiltration being any issue. "Let the leaders talk about it for the national audience, we know the ground reality here," Alam added. The result was clear as the JMM led INDIA bloc routed the BJP from the 27 (JMM-21, Congress-6) of 28 ST seats. Former CM Champai Soren emerged as the only legislator of the saffron camp to be elected from ST reserved seat (Seraikela). The INDIA bloc's strong performance across the seats indicated that the BJP's politics did not resonate among the tribal electorate. Nalin Soren, the incumbent Dumka MP who represented Shikaripara (ST) assembly segment until this year's Lok Sabha election, claimed that the tribal electorate rejected the BJP's politics of communalism and hatred in this election. "Several factors resulted in a good show. While there was the benefit of the social welfare schemes such as Maiyya Samman and Savitri Bai Phule Yojana, there was considerable discontent among the electorate because the BJP led government at the Centre did not act on the Sarna Code. Today's results proved that the tribal community has rallied strongly behind Hemant Soren," he told TOI in Dumka.Extensive confidential documents in the lead-up to the collapse of Northern Ireland’s institutions in 2002 have been made available to the public as part of annual releases from the Irish National Archives. They reveal that the Irish Government wanted to appeal to the UK side against “manipulating” every scenario for favourable election results in Northern Ireland, in an effort to protect the peace process. In the years after the landmark 1998 Good Friday Agreement, a number of outstanding issues left the political environment fraught with tension and disagreement. Mr Trimble, who won a Nobel Peace Prize with SDLP leader John Hume for their work on the Agreement, was keen to gain wins for the UUP on policing, ceasefire audits and paramilitary disarmament – but also to present his party as firmer on these matters amid swipes from its Unionist rival, the DUP. These issues were at the front of his mind as he tried to steer his party into Assembly elections planned for May 2003 and continue in his role as the Executive’s first minister despite increasing political pressure. The documents reveal the extent to which the British and Irish Governments were trying to delicately resolve the contentious negotiations, conscious that moves seen as concessions to one group could provoke anger on the other side. In June 2002, representatives of the SDLP reported to Irish officials on a recent meeting between Mr Hume’s successor Mark Durkan and Prime Minister Tony Blair on policing and security. Mr Blair is said to have suggested that the SDLP and UUP were among those who both supported and took responsibility for the Good Friday Agreement. The confidential report of the meeting says that Mr Durkan, the deputy First Minister, was not sure that Mr Trimble had been correctly categorised. The Prime Minister asked if the SDLP could work more closely with the UUP ahead of the elections. Mr Durkan argued that Mr Trimble was not only not saleable to nationalists, but also not saleable to half of the UUP – to which Mr Blair and Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid are said to have laughed in agreement. The SDLP leader further warned that pursuing a “save David” campaign would ruin all they had worked for. Damien McAteer, an adviser for the SDLP, was recorded as briefing Irish officials on September 10 that it was his view that Mr Trimble was intent on collapsing the institutions in 2003 over expected fallout for Sinn Fein in the wake of the Colombia Three trial, where men linked to the party were charged with training Farc rebels – but predicted the UUP leader would be “in the toilet” by January, when an Ulster Unionist Council (UUC) meeting was due to take place. A week later in mid September, Mr Trimble assured Irish premier Bertie Ahern that the next UUC meeting to take place in two days’ time would be “okay but not great” and insisted he was not planning to play any “big game”. It was at that meeting that he made the bombshell announcement that the UUP would pull out of the Executive if the IRA had not disbanded by January 18. The move came as a surprise to the Irish officials who, along with their UK counterparts, did not see the deadline as realistic. Sinn Fein described the resolution as a “wreckers’ charter”. Doubts were raised that there would be any progress on substantive issues as parties would not be engaged in “pre-election skirmishing”. As that could lead to a UUP walkout and the resulting suspension of the institutions, the prospect of delaying the elections was raised while bringing forward the vote was ruled out. Therefore, the two Governments stressed the need to cooperate as a stabilising force to protect the Agreement – despite not being sure how that process would survive through the January 18 deadline. The Irish officials became worried that the British side did not share their view that Mr Trimble was not “salvageable” and that the fundamental dynamic in the UUP was now Agreement scepticism, the confidential documents state. In a meeting days after the UUC announcements, Mr Reid is recorded in the documents as saying that as infuriating as it was, Mr Trimble was at that moment the “most enlightened Unionist we have”. The Secretary said he would explore what the UUP leader needed to “survive” the period between January 18 and the election, believing a significant prize could avoid him being “massacred”. Such planning went out the window just weeks later, when hundreds of PSNI officers were involved in raids of several buildings – including Sinn Fein’s offices in Stormont. The resulting “Stormontgate” spy-ring scandal accelerated the collapse of powersharing, with the UUP pulling out of the institutions – and the Secretary of State suspending the Assembly and Executive on October 14. For his part, Irish officials were briefed that Mr Reid was said to be “gung ho” about the prospect of exercising direct rule – reportedly making no mention of the Irish Government in a meeting with Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan on that day. The Northern Ireland Secretary was given a new role and Paul Murphy was appointed as his successor. A note on speaking points for a meeting with Mr Murphy in April showed that the Irish side believed the May elections should go ahead: “At a certain stage the political process has to stand on its own feet. “The Governments cannot be manipulating and finessing every scenario to engineer the right result. “We have to start treating the parties and the people as mature and trusting that they have the discernment to make the right choices.” However, the elections planned for May did not materialise, instead delayed until November. Mr Trimble would go on to lose his Westminster seat – and stewardship of the UUP – in 2005. The November election saw the DUP emerge as the largest parties – but direct rule continued as Ian Paisley’s refused to share power with Sinn Fein, which Martin McGuinness’ colleagues. The parties eventually agreed to work together following further elections in 2007. – This article is based on documents in 2024/130/5, 2024/130/6, 2024/130/15

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