Sympathy Gift Baskets and Condolence Arrangements

It's not something we like to discuss, and sometimes it takes us by complete suprise. But there are times when we learn of the passing of a co-worker, family member or friend. It's at this time that it is so important for you to reach and show support, caring and understanding. Sometimes the best way is to send a sympathy gift basket or condolence arrangment that can say that you care and that they are in in your thoughts and prayers.

Shop The Gift Basket Store has a selection of dignified condolence gifts that can show how much you care...even when you can't find the words yourself to say. Visit them at http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com/condolence.html

Don't Forget Mom

OK, let's get this straight. You partied through high school, or at least had a good old time in band practice and band camp, or maybe you devoted all of your waking hours to either lacrosse, football or Amnesty International. In other words, you were busy....very, very busy. Too busy in fact to handle the dozen or so college applications that had to get done. Right? Who exactly sifted through the ton of paperwork that came to the house, spent hours each day on the internet researching schools, and finally hit the "submit application" button, along with the $60 application fee. Was it you? No....fess up. It wasn't you, was it? It was your Mom.

Now that all of that is behind you (plus the years of keg stands and 30's taped to your hands are over)please don't forget to recognize the person who made it all possible. Not your guidance counselor, not your biology teacher, not even you (although you did show up for the SATs, thank you). It was your Mother.

Don't forget that woman this year. Send her an adorable gift basket from Shop The Gift Basket Store. We have spa gifts, gourmet gift baskets, chocolate pretzels, flowers, cookie bouquets and more...all at Shop The Gift Basket Store.

Now, let's say it all together "Thank You Mom! Happy Mother's Day!"

Dozens of Mother's Day Gifts - Order Early...Ship Now

Your mother may have been busy burning bras and dancing at Woodstock years ago. Or, she may have been building houses for Habitat for Humanity, or perhaps she was just a regular person struggling to get by. Regardless, she's the one person in your life who's always been there for you. No matter how far away she is today, you can still "be there" with her when you send a Mother's Day Gift from Shop The Gift Basket Store. The secret is the excitement she receives when she opens this large present that is delivered via UPS or FedEx. Just imagine the surprise on her face. So this year, don't just send a gift, send a memory.

Visit us today to select the perfect Mother's Day Gift or Mother's Day Gift Basket at http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

New York Yankee Baby Gifts At Shop The Gift Basket Store

Are you a NY Yankee baseball fan? If so, Shop The Gift Basket Store has the best gift for the next Yankee slugger:

NY Yankees Baseball Gifts For the New Baby

The Yankees Spring Training Starter Kit Baby Boy Gift Basket is sure to be a Home Run with family and friends who love the boys from the Bronx. An exclusive design, every item in this gift basket is high quality, 100% Licensed Yankee memorabilia. This awesome sports gift basket features Yankee logo onesie, hat, bib, and booties, first plate, spoon and fork set, bottle, pacifier, first ball and glove, pennant, teddy bear and useful pail. Only a Red Sox fan would not like this gift, but they would have to admit --- it's good!

Visit us today at: www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com, or click the picture to be redirected.

The Baby Bunch Now At Shop The Gift Basket Store

Shop The Gift Basket Store is pleased to announce that we now carry the adorable Baby Bunch. Combining practicality with presentation, The Baby Bunch’s line of baby gifts delights new moms and dads. Oh baby! The Baby Bunch is the cutest spin on baby gift baskets ever. Super soft, 100% cotton baby clothes are craftily rolled to look like a blooming bouquet of roses. Perfect for newborns, the Baby Bunch is safe for hospital delivery where ordinary flowers may not be permitted and makes an extraordinary baby shower gift basket. Pink for girls, blue for boys and yellow when you don’t know!

Organic Baby Bunches are a perfect pick for eco-minded parents. And with our latest launch - baby onesies rolled to look like cupcakes and lollipops, baby gifting has never been sweeter! Baby Bunch baby clothes include bibs, hats, socks, mitts, onesies, pajamas and t-shirts. See them at http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Major League Baseball Cookie Gifts from Cooperstown

Shop The Gift Basket Store is proud to carry the authentic cookie of Major League Baseball: Cooperstown Baseball Cookies.

Baseball fans love great-tasting baseball cookies & treats from the Cooperstown Cookie Company. Get yours now in collectible tins featuring the name and logo of your favorite Major League Baseball team. These baseball cookies are baked by hand, using real butter. They are made in the USA, just minutes from Cooperstown, NY.Classic Shortbread, Boys of Summer Lemon Shortbread and All Star Almond Shortbread Baseball Cookies are made with all natural ingredients, and Mudville Mudball Chocolate Chip Shortbread features Hershey’s chocolate chips.

Showcased in numerous magazines and TV talk shows, these power hitting baseball cookies score home runs everywhere! Send a baseball themed cookie gift to your favorite baseball fan today.

Does your yearbook photo predict marriage success?

Tue Apr 14, 2:53 pm ET

April 5 issue of the journal Motivation and Emotion

If you want to know whether your marriage will survive, look at your spouse's yearbook photos. Psychologists have found that how much people smile in old photographs can predict their later success in marriage. In one test, the researchers looked at people's college yearbook photos, and rated their smile intensity from 1 to 10. None of the people who fell within the top 10 percent of smile strength had divorced, while within the bottom 10 percent of smilers, almost one in four had had a marriage that ended, the researchers say. (Scoring was based on the stretch in two muscles: one that pulls up on the mouth, and one that creates wrinkles around the eyes.)

In a second trial, the research team asked people over age 65 to provide photos from their childhood (the average age in the pictures was 10 years old). The researchers scored each person's smile, and found that only 11 percent of the biggest smilers had been divorced, while 31 percent of the frowners had experienced a broken marriage. Overall, the results indicate that people who frown in photos are five times more likely to get a divorce than people who smile.

While the connection is striking, the researchers stress that they can't conclude anything about the cause of the correlation. "Maybe smiling represents a positive disposition towards life," said study leader Matthew Hertenstein, a psychologist at DePauw University in Indiana. "Or maybe smiling people attract other happier people, and the combination may lead to a greater likelihood of a long-lasting marriage. We don't really know for sure what's causing it."

Hertenstein said he has considered other explanations, such as the possibility that people who smile more often tend to attract more friends, and a larger support network makes it easier to keep a marriage healthy. Or it could be that people who smile when a photographer tells them to are more likely to have obedient personalities, which could make marriage easier. The results of the study fit into a larger pattern of research that has found many personality characteristics can be determined from very thin slices of behavior.

Basically, we often reveal ourselves in the most subtle, simple ways. And smiling in photographs has been shown to be correlated with a number of traits, including a generally happier disposition. "I think [our results] go along with a lot of the literature that's been coming out over the last five to 10 years, which shows that positive emotionality is incredibly important in our lives," Hertenstein told LiveScience. "There are many, many beneficial outcomes to a positive disposition."

The findings are also notable because they found a connection between photos taken when people were young and marriage outcomes that sometimes occurred much later. "It feeds into this idea that what's occurring earlier in our lives in terms of our present situation and our mental state can predict things that occur decades later," Hertenstein said. "Showing the continuity in who we are is really important."

The study is detailed in the April 5 issue of the journal Motivation and Emotion.
Need to send a gift to someone you love? Visit us at http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com/ We have over 2000 different gifts to choose from!

Gifts for Mother's Day

Not everyone has been blessed with a good Mother. But perhaps there is someone special in your life that helped you along. I had my grandmother. I wish she were still here today.

Don't forget to say Thank You this Mother's Day to that special someone in your life (your grandmother, aunt, neighbor) who took the time to listen to you growing up, who cared for you, who loved you, and was always there for you.

Shop The Gift Basket Store carries dozens of appropriate gifts to give to that special someone on this Mother's Day. We have Mother's Day Cookie Bouquets, Mother's Day Gift Baskets, Chocolate covered pretzels, flowers, wine glasses, lollipop bouquets, ...you name it and we have it....perfect gifts for Mother's Day.

Visit us today at http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Then, just pick, click and ship!

Reflections of Mother's Day

I wish I could get more excited about Mother's Day. Even as a Mom of three children, I sometimes wonder what life would have been like had I had a Mother who was truly there for me. Luckily for me, my grandmother lived with us so the love and attention that I did not receive from my mother, I did receive from her. Because of my grandmother, I believe I had a normal, healthy well-adjusted childhood.

Now that my mother is elderly, I do help her each time she wants to move, I listen to her complain about my father who waits on her hand and foot (even though they are separated), and I do what is required to assist her when she needs medical assistance.

I sometimes wrack my brain for memories of being with her, conversations with her, fun times, anything from childhood. But I come up with nothing, except the frustration of coming home from school and taking care of three younger siblings, folding a stack of laundry, cleaning up after dinner, etc (at least my mother cooked, that's one thing she did for me. My memories of my mother was of her always talking on the phone, eating potato chips and watching the afternoon soaps, and getting her hair done on Saturdays.

I don't resent it...however, I did get jealous at times when my children were young and I would see a Mom and her daughter with the brand new grandchild...and the Mom (Grandma) would be hovering over her daughter and the new baby. I looked in awe and wonder as I struggled alone in the mall with my three little kids in tow.

Anyway, I've tried to be a good Mom to my three kids, and I think I did a good job. I've always been there for them, probably too much at times, but I am their Mom and I am also their friend. I think that's a good thing.

Anyway, how did the celebration of Mother's Day come around anyway?


The ancient Greeks worshipped Rhea, who was the mother of all deities. Other ancient peoples had celebrations in honor of various goddesses, and most of them had an overarching celebration to worship the Goddess, and the best sources we have indicate that Mother’s Day traditions stem from these pagan roots.

More modern traditions abound in England, where the people have Mothering Sunday during Lent. This holiday, which takes place on the fourth Sunday during the Lent season, is intended to honor earthly mothers. This tradition descends from the Celtic celebration throughout Britain honoring Brigid, the Celtic goddess.

In the United States, Anna Jarvis is considered the founder of Mother’s Day. Her efforts to have mothers recognized with an official holiday began with her mother’s death in 1905. She started by passing out white carnations at her mother’s church in West Virginia and asking church pastors to lead services dedicated to mothers. St. Andrew’s Church in Grafton, West Virginia was the first to do so in 1908. The state of West Virginia followed St. Andrew’s example in 1912, when it became the first state to recognize the holiday.

Jarvis worked tirelessly, even leaving her job, to convince politicians and business leaders that a holiday devoted to mothers would be beneficial. The United States Congress passed a resolution calling for Mother’s Day in 1914, and President Theodore Roosevelt signed the measure. Jarvis spent the rest of her life fighting against what Mother’s Day was becoming.

Today’s Mother’s Day celebrations are a bit different from what Jarvis imagined. Mother’s Day has become commercialized more than Jarvis would have liked, but it is still a day when American honors their mothers.

History of Mother's Day

I wish I could get more excited about Mother's Day. Even as a Mom of three children, I sometimes wonder what life would have been like had I had a Mother who was truly there for me. Luckily for me, my grandmother lived with us so the love and attention that I did not receive from my mother, I did receive from her. Because of my grandmother, I believe I had a normal, healthy well-adjusted childhood.

Now that my mother is elderly, I do help her each time she wants to move, I listen to her complain about my father who waits on her hand and foot (even though they are separated), and I do what is required to assist her when she needs medical assistance.

I sometimes wrack my brain for memories of being with her, conversations with her, fun times, anything from childhood. But I come up with nothing, except the frustration of coming home from school and taking care of three younger siblings, folding a stack of laundry, cleaning up after dinner, etc (at least my mother cooked, that's one thing she did for me. My memories of my mother was of her always talking on the phone, eating potatoe chips and watching the afternoon soaps, and getting her hair done on Saturdays.

I don't resent it...however, I did get jealous at times when my children were young and I would see a Mom and her daughter with the brand new grandchild...and the Mom (Grandma) would be hovering over her daughter and the new baby. I looked in awe and wonder as I struggled alone in the the mall or at a store with my three little kids in tow.

Anyway, I've tried to be a good Mom to my three kids, and I think I did a good job. I've always been there for them, probably too much at times, but I am their Mom and I am also their friend. I think that's a good thing.

Anyway, how did the celebration of Mother's Day come around anyway?


The ancient Greeks worshipped Rhea, who was the mother of all deities. Other ancient peoples had celebrations in honor of various goddesses, and most of them had an overarching celebration to worship the Goddess, and the best sources we have indicate that Mother’s Day traditions stem from these pagan roots.

More modern traditions abound in England, where the people have Mothering Sunday during Lent. This holiday, which takes place on the fourth Sunday during the Lent season, is intended to honor earthly mothers. This tradition descends from the Celtic celebration throughout Britain honoring Brigid, the Celtic goddess.

In the United States, Anna Jarvis is considered the founder of Mother’s Day. Her efforts to have mothers recognized with an official holiday began with her mother’s death in 1905. She started by passing out white carnations at her mother’s church in West Virginia and asking church pastors to lead services dedicated to mothers. St. Andrew’s Church in Grafton, West Virginia was the first to do so in 1908. The state of West Virginia followed St. Andrew’s example in 1912, when it became the first state to recognize the holiday.

Jarvis worked tirelessly, even leaving her job, to convince politicians and business leaders that a holiday devoted to mothers would be beneficial. The United States Congress passed a resolution calling for Mother’s Day in 1914, and President Theodore Roosevelt signed the measure. Jarvis spent the rest of her life fighting against what Mother’s Day was becoming.

Today’s Mother’s Day celebrations are a bit different from what Jarvis imagined. Mother’s Day has become commercialized more than Jarvis would have liked, but it is still a day when American honors their mothers.

Sugar Free Easter Baskets

Send this wonderful sugar-free gourmet Easter gift basket to anyone who is sugar-conscious, diet-conscious or diabetic. It includes sugar-free gourmet candies, cheeses, chocolates and snacks, and features Madelaine’s Sugar-Free Milk Chocolate Easter Eggs in a decorative gift bag. This is sure to be a “sweet” gift basket that they will enjoy!

Easter Lollipop Bouquets

Easter Wishes Lollipop Bouquet

Hip-pity hop right into Easter season with this adorable ceramic mug filled with handmade, hard-candy lollipops. Bunnies, Easter eggs, flowers and chicks are the sweetest way to send Happy Easter wishes. Some of the great flavors include apple, marshmallow, banana, and pink lemonade. The ceramic pot is a great keepsake and will be shipped in one of the many spring colors.

Approx. Size 5x9x13, 14 lollipops

Order yours today at: http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com/eacagieawilo.html

Easter Jelly Beans

Get the grins going with this irresistible basket full of just-for-the-fun-of-it treats from Jelly Belly® Confections. And who better to share the treats with than Thumper, our snugly plush bunny.

Features a Jelly Belly® big bean dispenser with sour beans, a 10-flavor recipe gift box, licorice bridge mix, JBz bubble gum, and mini box assortment. To complete this treasure we’ve added Marshmallow Peeps® and a solid chocolate bunny.

A sure favorite for kids of all ages.

Easter gift baskets for young girls

Send the fashion-conscious "Glamour Girl" this great Easter basket - just right for girls ages 6 to 9 years. It is filled with traditional Easter sweets, a trendy Animal Print Coin Purse, Two-Tone Lip Gloss, Elastic Hair Pony Tail Tie with Flowers, and so much more! Fabulously designed in a Straw Purse with embroidered Flowers, it is perfect for her to use all Spring & Summer long.

Easter Fortune Cookies at Shop The Gift Basket Store

What a wonderful way to send or give Easter greetings this year....with a delightful pail of Easter fortune cookies!

This is a perfect gift for Easter! It contains six of our exquisitely hand-dipped fortune cookies gently nestled inside our assorted translucent pastel colored Take Out Pails.

Each crisp vanilla fortune cookie is dipped in your choice of Dark, Milk or White Chocolate, Caramel, Strawberry or Peanut Butter Confection. Our Confectionary Artisans decorate it with 100% hand-made Royal Icing Easter Decorations then sprinkled with pastel Candy Confetti.

Each cookie is individually wrapped in its own cellophane bag and heat sealed at both ends for freshness. A signature Lady Fortunes Gold Label graces each Take Out Pail and a beautiful ribbon accentuates the presentation.

This Gift of Fortune is a perfect way to celebrate the Holiday!

(Take Out Pail colors may vary according to availability.)

Easter Baskets at Shop The Gift Basket Store

Pretty soon the Easter Bunny will be hopping down the bunny trail. Will you be ready? We have lots of beautiful Easter gift baskets, Easter Cookies, Easter candy gifts, Easter Gifts for Kids, Easter Baskets for Children and even mouth watering spiral hams. Order your Easter gifts today! Jelly beans, Peeps, Chocolate Easter Bunny, Chocolate Eggs

Order your Easter baskets today at www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Martini Glasses by Lolita

Shop The Gift Basket Store now carries the adorable Martinia glasses by Lolita. These Lolita Martini glasses make any day special and fun. Celebrate life's occasions: birthday, friendship, or any milestone with your own Lolita collectible martini glass.

They come in a special box which is almost as neat as the glass itself. Each whimsical Martini glass has a special martini recipe on the bottom.

Since each martini glass is hand painted, their availability is subject to change. Order yours today from www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Lolita Pilsner Beer Glasses

"Gotta Love Beer" pilsner glasses by Lolita® are the pefect gift for the special beer drinker in your life. These gracefully shaped glasses feel solid in the hand. There is a humorous saying painted on the bottom of the glass. Each 22 oz. glass comes individually gift boxed in Lolita®'s signature style.

Lolita pilsner or beer glasses are collected the world over. With their humorous style, they are sure to please as a gift or for your own private pub. These gracefully shaped glasses feel solid in the hand and when he gets to the bottom of the galss a humorous saying is waiting.

Your pilsner glass will arrive in a unique gift box.

Enjoy a truly fun beer drinking experience and start your own beer glass collection!

Order them today at www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Lolita Wine Glasses at Shop The Gift Basket Store

Shop The Gift Basket Store is proud to carry the Lolita line of collectible wine glasses. Whether you order them for a gift or for yourself, we have the perfect wine glass for every occasion: wine glasses for birthdays, divorce, weddings, girl's get together or any milestone that comes your way.

Lolita wine glasses are perfect collectibles. Each 15 oz. glass comes in it's own special gift box and has a special wine cooler recipe on the glass bottom. Treat yourself today!

Each handpainted glass availablility is subject to change.

Lolita Champagne Flutes at Shop The Gift Basket Store

Shop The Gift Basket store is proud to carry the whimsical line of Champagne Flutes by Lolita. Each hand painted glass carrys a different theme and comes delivered in it's own gift box.

Do you know someone celebrating a special occasion? Or are you a collector? Each champagne flute has a special or significant meaning. Send one today to your best friend, or send one to yourself. You can find them at: http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com/locogl.html

Irish Jokes for St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate St. Patty's Day with wonderful goodies and treats from Shop The Gift Basket Store http://www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Then, join in the celebration with these Irish jokes:

When the Irish say that St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland, what they don't tell you is that he was the only one who saw any snakes!

Paddy was shaving when he knocked the mirror off the shelf and it fell to the floor and it cracked across the middle. Paddy gazed in horror. 'Bejabbers, I've cut my throat,' he gasped.

"Ah, good morning, Mrs. Murphy, and how is everything?" "Sure and I'm having a great time of it between my husband and the fire. If I keep my eye on the one, the other is sure to go out."

Paddy and Mick were nailing up the side of a wooden house. Mick noticed that Paddy was examining the nails and throwing away every second and third. 'What's wrong with the nails?' he asked. 'Sure the heads are at the wrong end.' 'You are stupid you idiot, can't you see they are for the other side of the house!.

Paddy Was driving his lorry when he saw a bridge with a sign saying 10 foot max. headroom. He slowed down wondering if he could drive under it or not , 'A shure I'll give it a go, he thought only to find that his lorry got stuck underneath it. Paddy sat back in his seat, poured out a cup of tea and lit a cigarette. A policeman arrived a short time later and knocked on the cab door which Paddy then opened, 'what do you think you are doing? asked the policeman in a sharp tone, 'Sure I'm having me tea break, replied Paddy, 'And what do you work at? asked the policeman, 'Agh shure I deliver bridges,! smiled Paddy!

Finnegans wife had been killed in an accident and the police were questioning him. "Did she say anything before she died?" asked the sergeant. "She spoke without interruption for about forty years," said Finnegan.

Why did God invent whiskey? So the Irish would never rule the world.

Two farmers were driving their tractor down the middle of a country road. A car comes around the corner backs hard to avoid them , skids, tumbles twice and land in a field. Jimmy say to Eamonn it's just as well we got out of that field.

Seamus do you understand French, I do if its spoken in Irish

Two Irishmen had just won $5000,000 in a lottery. Having a pint in a pub Tim say to Sean, what about all them beggin letters, Sean replies, we'll just keep sending them.

O'Connell was staggering home with a small Paddy in his back pocket when he slipped and fell heavily. Struggling to his feet, he felt something wet running down his leg. "Please, God," he implored, "let it be blood!"

An Irishman, Englishman and a German are caught in Saudi Arabia drinking. "Under Saudi law you are sentenced to 30 lashes then deported. Before you begin you are entitled to something on you back, what would you like?" said the prison guard to the Englishman just before lashing him. The English man, being a bit of a cricket fan, asked for linseed oil. When they lashed him on a post and let him go to catch his flight back to London he groaned and crawled to the airport. Next came the German. "Under Saudi law you are sentenced to 30 lashes then deported. Before you begin you are entitled to something on you back, what would you like?" said the prison guard "Nothing" said the German and, after receiving his lashes spat on the ground, called the prison guards Schisers and started off towards the airport. The guards then came to the Irishman. "Under Saudi law you are sentenced to 30 lashes then deported. Before you begin you are entitled to something on you back, what would you like?" "Oh", replied the Irishman, "I'll take the German".

An Irish man walks into a pub. The bartender asks him, "what'll you have?" The man says, "Give me three pints of Guinness please." So the bartender brings him three pints and the man proceeds to alternately sip one, then the other, then the third until they're gone. He then orders three more. The bartender says, "Sir, I know you like them cold. You don't have to order three at a time. I can keep an eye on it and when you get low I'll bring you a fresh cold one." The man says, "You don't understand. I have two brothers, one in Australia and one in the States. We made a vow to each other that every Saturday night we'd still drink together. So right now, my brothers have three Guinness Stouts too, and we're drinking together. The bartender thought that was a wonderful tradition. Every week the man came in and ordered three beers. Then one week he came in and ordered only two. He drank them and then ordered two more. The bartender said to him, "I know what your tradition is, and I'd just like to say that I'm sorry that one of your brothers died." The man said, "Oh, me brothers are fine - I just quit drinking."

The local District Judge had given the defendant a lecture on the evils of drink. But in view of the fact that this was the first time the man had been drunk and incapable, the case was dismissed on payment of ten shillings costs. "Now don't let me ever see your face again," said the Justice sternly as the defendant turned to go. "I'm afraid I can't promise that, sir," said the released man. "And why not?" Because I'm the barman at your regular pub!

History of St. Patrick's Day

The O'Briens and Ryans and Sheehans and Meehans all come from Ireland. Help celebrate the season by sending a mouth watering St. Patrick's Day Gift Basket from Shop The Gift Basket Store to someone with smiling Irish eyes.

Then, treat them to the history of St. Patrick's Day:
Saint Patrick is believed to have been born in the late fourth century, and is often confused with Palladius, a bishop who was sent by Pope Celestine in 431 to be the first bishop to the Irish believers in Christ.

Saint Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing christianity to Ireland. Most of what is known about him comes from his two works, the Confessio, a spiritual autobiography, and his Epistola, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish christians. Saint Patrick described himself as a "most humble-minded man, pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker for having chosen him as the instrument whereby multitudes who had worshipped idols and unclean things had become the people of God."

Saint Patrick is most known for driving the snakes from Ireland. It is true there are no snakes in Ireland, but there probably never have been - the island was separated from the rest of the continent at the end of the Ice Age. As in many old pagan religions, serpent symbols were common and often worshipped. Driving the snakes from Ireland was probably symbolic of putting an end to that pagan practice. While not the first to bring christianity to Ireland, it is Patrick who is said to have encountered the Druids at Tara and abolished their pagan rites. The story holds that he converted the warrior chiefs and princes, baptizing them and thousands of their subjects in the "Holy Wells" that still bear this name.

There are several accounts of Saint Patrick's death. One says that Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, on March 17, 460 A.D. His jawbone was preserved in a silver shrine and was often requested in times of childbirth, epileptic fits, and as a preservative against the "evil eye." Another account says that St. Patrick ended his days at Glastonbury, England and was buried there. The Chapel of St. Patrick still exists as part of Glastonbury Abbey. Today, many Catholic places of worship all around the world are named after St. Patrick, including cathedrals in New York and Dublin city

Why Saint Patrick's Day? Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.

So, why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is the day that St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th. Being a religious holiday as well, many Irish attend mass, where March 17th is the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide before the serious celebrating begins.

In American cities with a large Irish population, St. Patrick's Day is a very big deal. Big cities and small towns alike celebrate with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green!

New! Dipzel Chocolate Covered Pretzels!

One of the greatest mouth watering treats in the world is now available from Shop The Gift Basket Store. We're talking mouth watering chocolate covered pretzels coated with a whole number of different treats. Try them now. Order one for yourself, and one as a gift for someone. They'll be glad you did!
Visit us at www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Delightful line of Kosher Gifts in time for Purin

Shop The Gift Basket Store is proud to annouce that we will now carry a very large selection of Kosher gifts and gift baskets. This is especially good news with the Jewish Holiday of Purim coming soon on March 9th.

Purim is one of the later Jewish festivals. Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Persian Jews from destruction in the reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus. Held on the 14th and 15th days of the Jewish month of Adar (usually falling in March in the Western calendar), it is celebrated by feasting and merriment, almsgiving, sending food to neighbors and friends, and chanting the text of Esther. It is perhaps the most joyous day of the Jewish year, with masquerades, plays, and drinking of wine in the synagogue.

Visit www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com and order your gift for Purim today!

Scrapbooking Gift Sets

It's never too late to start the scrap book craze. After all, your kids will grow up. Your puppy will turn into a dog, the kitten into a cat. You want a way to save and display all of those photos now. You don't want them stuck in a drawer, or living in the "internet world".

So, choose one of our supply ready scrap booking kits and you are on your way!

Here's some hints:


1. Photos: If you have years and years worth of photos. Don’t panic. Start with current photos. Pick a few photos to take with you when you shop for products. You can go back later and do past photos and incorporate them into your scrapping. If you go all the way back to the beginning of your photos and try to scrap forward, it is very overwhelming. Scrap the current ones and then scrap older ones along the way. It is a lot easier to manage.

2. Purchasing product: With your photos in hand, head to your local scrapbook store or online shop. If you have nothing on hand to get you started there are some basics you may want to start with: A trimmer, a good pair of scissors, adhesive a photo safe, archival pen for journaling.


Now it’s time to shop. For my example, I have two photos I wanted to scrap. I brought them to my store, picked cardstock for my background and some accompanying patterned paper that had matching colors from the photo.


I also bought buttons in coordinating colors, chipboard letters, acrylic paint and a pen to write my journaling. I cut the circles out of the patterned paper and I used chalk ink to distress the edges of the paper.

3. Don’t be afraid to scrap-lift: When beginning to scrapbook it may be hard to decide exactly how you want to do a page without looking for ideas from others. Looking through online galleries or finding a sketch you like is a good way to start. Just be sure if you post your page online to give credit to the original designer of the page in your description. As you search make note of the kind of pages you like best. Incorporate those ideas into your style of scrapping.

4. Magazines, idea books, online: You can get a lot of ideas from magazines, idea books and online. Many of them offer tips, techniques and directions to complete your own version. Other scrappers can also be a very good source for help and a lot of message boards offer challenges and trading groups to keep you inspired and scrapping.

5. Storing your supplies: There are thousands of storage options for your scrapbook supplies. They range from elaborate to thrifty. It is something you need to think about when purchasing your supplies. You may have a room dedicated to your hobby or a corner in your den, so consider that when you purchase your supplies of where you will be storing them.

Gift Baskets for Dogs and Gift Baskets For Cats

We know you love your dog. We know you love your cat. Everyone knows that your dog loves you, and everyone knows that you cat loves you. But does precious know how much you love them? It's not just about feeding, and grooming and loving. It's about gifts. They too, want to feel pampered and special. So today, do something wonderful for that little dog or cat that shares your life. Send them a gift. Send them a delightful doggy gift basket or kitty cat gift baskets.
Or, do you know someone who just welcomed a precious little furball into their lives. Send them a wonderful kitty cat or doggy gift basket to congratulate them on the newest addition to their family.

Shop Gift Basket Store carries a large variety of gifts and gift baskets for those special dogs and precious kitty cats in our lives. Check them out at www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Valentines Day Chocolate Covered Goodies

Everyone is in love on Valentines Day, whether it is with a girlfriend, a boyfriend, your wife, your mom, or a friend. And EVERYONE loves something drenched in chocolate...whether it is a chocolate covered oreo, a chocolate covered fortune cookie, or a pretzel drenched in chocolate and dipped in sprinkles. This Valentines Day, send a chocolate drenched goodie gift to everyone on your list. Shop The Gift Basket Store has low prices on many Valentines Day Candy Gifts. Visit us today at www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Valentines Day Cookie Bouquets

Delight someone special this year with a delicious assortment of special Valentines Day Cookies from one of the adorable Valentines Day Cookie Bouquets from Shop The Gift Basket Store. Order one for your wife and one for mom! Don't delay...order today. Just pick, click and ship! Visit us at www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

Valentines Day Candy Gifts

So many Valentines Day gifts to choose from...so little time. Don't get caught short this year. Send your Valentines Day Gifts early. Shop The Gift Basket Store has prices so low that you can send multiple gifts to multiple love interests, whether they are girlfriends, your kids, nieces, newphews, even grandma and grandpa.

We have special Valentine Day cookies, Valentine Day cookie bouquets, Chocolate Covered Pretzels for your sweetheart, Valentine Day Gift Baskets, Valentines Day chocolate gifts, and more....all at Shop The Gift Basket Store.

Barack Obama Cookies

Celebrate Barack Obama as the new President of the United States with these delicious Barack Obama party favor sugar cookies. Shop The Gift Basket Store offers a pack of six presidential cookies for less than $25. Order today....as quantities are limited. Great for patriotic dinner parties and election fundraising events.

Visit us at www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com and order your Barack Obama cookies today.

Real Estate Mortgage Calculator

Interest rates are coming down. What does that mean for you? Use our mortgage calculator to work with your numbers. If you want to celebrate...why not send yourself (or your spouse) one of our housewarming real estate gift baskets to celebrate!

Home Value: $ Loan amount: $ Interest rate: % Loan term: years Start date: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Property tax: % PMI: % Output parameters » Draw charts Monthly vs bi-weekly payments Show annual amortization table Show monthly amortization table Mortgage Calculator Widget

The Power of PR and Marketing Re:Bernard Madoff

Wow. It's funny. I just googled Madoff to read the latest updates (December 17), and google presented this marketing statement. I hurried and copied it, but when I went back to get the source.........it was nowhere to be found. I'm going to go back and search some more.

Bottom line, however. READ this press release. It is amazing what the power of what words can do. Look what they say about the company...about how good it is.....little did ANYONE know that it was a shame....a house of cards.....

Moral of the story: MARKETING WORKS!!!!


Madoff Securities: Quality Executions and Service

Through Innovative Technology

Jump to specific categories:


A Global Leader in Trading U.S. Equities
Providing a Complete Dealing Capability for US Securities in Europe
Advanced Technology and Sophisticated Traders
Clearing and Settlement are Rooted in Advanced Technology
Disaster Recovery Facility Reflects the Attention to Every Detail
The Owner's Name is on the Door


A Global Leader in Trading US Equities
Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC is a leading international market maker. The firm has been providing quality executions for broker-dealers, banks, and financial institutions since its inception in 1960. During this time, Madoff has compiled an uninterrupted record of growth, which has enabled us to continually build our financial resources. With more than $700 million in firm capital, Madoff currently ranks among the top 1% of US Securities firms. Our sophisticated proprietary automation and unparalleled client service delivers an enhanced execution that is virtually unmatched in our industry.

Madoff Securities' clients include scores of leading securities firms, banks and financial institutions from across the United States and around the world. The firm is a leading market-maker in all of the S&P 500 stocks as well as over 350 NASDAQ issues. The firm is known for its fine pricing as well as its ability to execute most orders in seconds.

Madoff Securities' superior service is made possible by a sophisticated dealing staff backed by the securities industry's most advanced technology. It is underpinned by the personal commitment of founder Bernard L. Madoff and his brother Peter B. Madoff, who is the senior managing director. Their dedication to providing quality executions has enabled the firm to become a leader in the US "third market," which trades US listed equities away from the exchange floor. Madoff Securities is a registered US broker/dealer regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

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An Intricate Interweaving of Advanced Technology and Sophisticated Traders
One of the critical ingredients in creating the added value which Madoff Securities offers its clients is the firm's intricate interweaving of advanced technology and experienced traders. The firm's position at the forefront of computerized trading is widely acknowledged in the US financial community.
Madoff Securities' leading edge information processing technology means clients can choose to communicate their buy and sell orders to the firm's trading room by electronically inputting them or by making a telephone call. In either case, once an order is received, Madoff's systems scan prevailing prices in all markets to establish an execution price. Because this process may take only seconds, clients can receive immediate confirmation of their transactions.

Sophisticated computers are integral to every aspect of the firm's activities, from executing trades to clearing and settling them, from monitoring prices to identifying trading opportunities around the world.

Madoff Securities also utilizes its computers to seek out opportunities for hedging its inventory of securities. The firm uses a variety of futures, options, and other instruments to hedge its positions and limit its risks. While these hedging strategies are an important tool in protecting the firm's financial position, ultimately, these highly prudent risk management policies protect the interests of clients as well.

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At Madoff Securities, Clearing and Settlement are Rooted in Advanced Technology
The combination of quality and value that is inherent in every Madoff Securities transaction continues beyond execution. At Madoff , the clearing and settlement process is also rooted in advanced technology, which minimizes errors and maximizes efficient processing and rapid communications.
Madoff Securities is a full clearing firm and a member of all US clearing corporations and depositories. The firm's highly automated clearing and settlement systems interface with the Depository Trust Company, the Options Clearing Corporation, and the National Securities Clearing Corporation, of which Bernard Madoff is a past chairman. The firm's systems also interface fully with the systems of all major global custodians and clearing & Settlement systems.

Madoff Securities' extensive network of relationships with other broker/dealers enables the firm to ensure timely delivery and settlement of all client transactions.

Moreover, Madoff Securities' computerized transaction processing means that the firm can customize client reports and deliver them electronically in whatever format best meets the needs of clients.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account.

What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents.

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Sophisticated Disaster Recovery Facilities, Reflects the Attention to Every Detail

Madoff Securities has one of the most sophisticated disaster recovery facilities found anywhere in the securities industry. In addition to its offices in Manhattan, Madoff Securities maintains a fully equipped and staffed facility located near LaGuardia Airport. This office duplicates all of the features of the primary Madoff Securities offices. Madoff Securities' disaster recovery facility is not just an alternative trading room, but rather a full-fledged office which is equipped to receive and transact orders and to handle the clearing and settlement process as well.
Under the supervision of a facilities manager, this unique on-line facility is tested continuously to ensure that it is prepared to take over the firm's operations if any kind of disaster were to affect the Manhattan office. Members of the firm's staff are rotated through the facility and regularly perform their work from it. Thus, there is always staff on hand in case disaster strikes at the firm's main office.

The disaster recovery facility is on a different electric power grid than the main office, and it is served by a different telephone central office. The facility also has its own electrical generator.

Since this facility was created in 1992, it has been used as an adjunct to Madoff Securities' main office, and it has not been confronted with a major emergency. But the existence of this facility testifies to the high priority the firm places on being available to meet the needs of its clients under all conditions.

Return to Table of Contents...

The Owner's Name is on the Door
In an era of faceless organizations owned by other equally faceless organizations, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC harks back to an earlier era in the financial world: The owner's name is on the door. Clients know that Bernard Madoff has a personal interest in maintaining the unblemished record of value, fair-dealing, and high ethical standards that has always been the firm's hallmark.
Bernard L. Madoff founded the investment firm that bears his name in 1960, soon after leaving law school. His brother, Peter B. Madoff, graduated from law school and joined the firm in 1970. While building the firm into a significant force in the securities industry, they have both been deeply involved in leading the dramatic transformation that has been underway in US securities trading.

Bernard L. Madoff has been a major figure in the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), the major self-regulatory organization for US broker/dealer firms. The firm was one of the five broker/dealers most closely involved in developing the NASDAQ Stock Market. He has been chairman of the board of directors of the NASDAQ Stock Market as well as a member of the board of governors of the NASD and a member of numerous NASD committees.

One major US financial publication lauded Bernard Madoff for his role in "helping to make NASDAQ a faster, fairer, more efficient and more international system." He has also served as a member of the board of directors of the Securities Industry Association.

Reflecting the growing international involvement of the firm, when Madoff Securities opened a London office in 1983, it would become one of the first US members of the London Stock Exchange. Bernard Madoff was also a founding member of the board of directors of the International Securities Clearing Corporation in London.

Peter B. Madoff has also been deeply involved in the NASD and other financial services regulatory organizations. He has served as vice chairman of the NASD, a member of its board of governors, and chairman of its New York region. He also has been actively involved in the NASDAQ Stock Market as a member of its board of governors and its executive committee and as chairman of its trading committee. He also has been president of the Security Traders Association of New York. He is a member of the board of directors of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corp. He is a member of the board of the Securities Industry Association.

Bernard and Peter Madoff have both played instrumental roles in the development of the fully computerized National Stock Exchange. Peter Madoff has been a member of its board of governors and has served on its executive committee. They have helped make the National Exchange the fastest growing regional stock exchange in the United States.

These positions of leadership not only indicate the deep interest Madoff Securities has shown in its industry, they also reflect the respect the firm and its management have achieved in the financial community.

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Early Symptoms of Pregnancy

Are you pregnant? One way to tell is to look for signs — like tender breasts, fatigue, and nausea — all of which can show up a few short weeks after conception. Here's a look at the most common early symptoms of pregnancy.

Many will be similar to the feeling you get right before your period (bloating, fatigue, breast tenderness…) so it may be hard to tell whether they signal your period or motherhood. Still, if you've been TTC and you've got some (or all) of these symptoms, it may be time to pull out an HPT.

Tender, swollen breasts: That tingly, sore, and/or full feeling in your breasts is a first sign. The dazzling hormonal duo — estrogen and progesterone — deserves most of the credit (or the blame) for this breast (and nipple) tenderness. It's pain with a gain, though, since they're preparing your body for the milk-making mania to come.


Fatigue: Imagine running a daily marathon (without training) or climbing a mountain (ditto) while carrying a backpack that weighs a little more every day. That's pregnancy in a nutshell. In other words, it's hard work! During early pregnancy, a huge amount of energy goes into building a life-support system for your baby (aka the placenta). And all that baby building can zap you of your usual get-up-and-go right from the get-go.

Bleeding and cramping: Light spotting or implantation bleeding before you'd expect your period (around five to ten days after conception) is sometimes a sign that an embryo has implanted itself into the uterine wall. Some women also experience abdominal cramping in the first few weeks of pregnancy, similar to menstrual cramps. Only a small percentage of women experience implantation bleeding or cramping, however, so you can miss these symptoms and still be pregnant.

Nausea and heightened sense of smell: That tell-tale queasy feeling in your stomach, also known as morning sickness, can hit you anytime of day beginning just a few short weeks into your pregnancy. Hormones — mainly increased levels of progesterone, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly — are, again, largely to blame (though estrogen and hCG can also take some credit for your nausea). You may also develop a heightened sense of smell, making previously mild odors strong and unappealing.

Food aversions and cravings: Almost all expectant mothers experience cravings, and most experience at least one aversion as well (thanks, again, to hormones). And that's not a bad thing: Many cravings and aversions have an uncanny way of keeping you away from the bad stuff (coffee and alcohol, for example) and drawing you to the good stuff .

Frequent urination: Two to three weeks after conception you may notice an increased need to pee. This new gotta-go feeling is due to the pregnancy hormone hCG, which increases blood flow to your kidneys, helping them to more efficiently rid your body (and eventually, your baby's body) of waste. Your growing uterus (yes, it's starting to grow already!) is also beginning to put some pressure on your bladder, leaving less storage space for urine and making you head for the toilet more frequently.

Bloating: Having trouble buttoning your jeans? Early pregnancy bloating is hard to distinguish from pre-period bloat, but it's definitely something you'll feel early on (for most women, that is). You can't blame that puffy ate-too-much feeling on your baby yet, but you can blame it on the hormone progesterone, which helps slow down digestion, giving the nutrients from foods you eat more time to enter your bloodstream and reach your baby.

Don't Delay! Order Your Gift Baskets Today!

It's not too late. You can still send holiday gift baskets to Aunt Sue, Uncle Bill and Grandma and Pop-Pop. We have over 1000 gifts and gift baskets. From chocolate pretzels, to cookie bouquets, to spiral hams, gourmet food gifts, wine cases and more....we have it all at Shop the Gift Basket Store.

Don't just send a gift, send a memory. Make a happy holiday memory today with one of our Holiday or Christmas Gift Baskets or cookie bouquets.

You can still order ground shipping and get it there in time!

So, You Want To Have Twins? Chances for Multiple Births

So, you want to have twins?

Interested in knowing what your chances are for multiple births. Currently in the U.S., there are 31 pairs of twins for every 1,000 babies born. That's up 65 percent in the past 20 years!

Why such a huge increase? Much of it's due to advances in assisted reproduction, of course, but there are also other factors at play, at least when it comes to fraternal twins (identical twins occur at random, so they're even more of an exciting surprise!). Your chances of seeing double (or more) go up if:

You have twins in your family. Heredity plays a role — but only on the mom's side. Even if your partner's family tree is loaded with dynamic duos, that won't increase your own odds of conceiving twins.

You're African-American. Black women are a bit more likely than Caucasians to have twins;

if you're Asian or Hispanic, then you're a bit less likely to get two-for-one.

You're an older mom-to-be. As you age, your chances of conceiving twins multiply.

You've been pregnant before. With each pregnancy, the odds that you'll have twins go up.

You've had twins before. Lightning can and does strike twice! If you've already borne a set of twins, look out — you're twice as likely to do so again.

You're undergoing fertility treatment. About 20 to 25 percent of women taking ovary-stimulating drugs or undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) will conceive twins or higher-order multiples.

You're overweight. Recent studies have shown that obese women are twice as likely to give birth to fraternal twins as those who aren't obese.

You're tall. The same studies found that taller women tend to face higher odds of having fraternal twins.

White House has Christmas Tree on Hanukka Invite

By LUKAS I. ALPERT - New York Post
Jewish community leaders received an invite to a Hanukkah party at the White House - with an image of a Christmas tree.


Last updated: 1:59 pm
November 26, 2008
Posted: 2:47 am
November 26, 2008

Merry Hanukkah from the White House!

The president and the first lady invited leaders of America's Jewish community for a Hanukkah reception at the White House next month - but raised more than a few eyebrows by putting a picture of a Christmas tree on the invitation.

The message reads that the couple "requests the pleasure of your company at a Hanukkah reception," written beneath an image of a Clydesdale horse hauling a Christmas fir along the snow-dappled drive to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

And, no, it is not a Hanukkah bush. A close look at the wagon reveals the message "White House Christmas Tree 2008."

In the background, the White House windows are festooned with Christmas wreaths.

The incongruity of the message did not go unnoticed.

"It's absolutely bizarre to receive an invite to the White House for Hanukkah in a Christmas format," said one person who was invited. "They should have consulted with their chief of protocol before sending this out. This belongs right in the 'Weird But True' column."

Jewish community leader Isaac Abraham of Brooklyn had a simpler explanation.

"It's obvious what's going on here: The Christmas tree is being taken out of the White House and the menorah is being brought in the back," he quipped.


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Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses

For close to 30 years (OMG!) it has been a family tradition for my sisters and I to gather 'round after too many martinis to perform our annual Christmas tradition of singing "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses. You would think that after all of these years we would get the lyrics right. Wrong. We still mess up.

I am determined to memorize the words this year. Why not start your own family holiday tradition if not with this song, then choose another. Doesn't matter if you can sing or not........what matters is how strong the martinis are.

Christmas Wrapping (The Waitresses)
"Bah, humbug!" No, that's too strong
'Cause it is my favorite holiday
But all this year's been a busy blur
Don't think I have the energy

To add to my already mad rush
Just 'cause it's 'tis the season.
The perfect gift for me would be
Completions and connections left from

Last year, ski shop,
Encounter, most interesting.
Had his number but never the time
Most of '81 passed along those lines.

So deck those halls, trim those trees
Raise up cups of Christmas cheer,
I just need to catch my breath,
Christmas by myself this year.

Calendar picture, frozen landscape,
Chilled this room for twenty-four days,
Evergreens, sparkling snow
Get this winter over with!

Flashback to springtime, saw him again,
Would've been good to go for lunch,
Couldn't agree when we were both free,
We tried, we said we'd keep in touch.

Didn't, of course, 'til summertime,
Out to the beach to his boat could I join him?
No, this time it was me,
Sunburn in the third degree.

Now the calendar's just one page
And, of course, I am excited
Tonight's the night, but I've set my mind
Not to do too much about it.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.

Hardly dashing through the snow
Cause I bundled up too tight
Last minute have-to-do's
A few cards a few calls
'Cause it's r-s-v-p
No thanks, no party lights
It's Christmas Eve, gonna relax
Turned down all of my invites.

Last fall I had a night to myself,
Same guy called, halloween party,
Waited all night for him to show,
This time his car wouldn't go,

Forget it, it's cold, it's getting late,
Trudge on home to celebrate
In a quiet way, unwind
Doing Christmas right this time.

A&P has provided me
With the world's smallest turkey
Already in the oven, nice and hot
Oh damn! Guess what I forgot?

So on with the boots, back out in the snow
To the only all-night grocery,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
In the line is that guy I've been chasing all year!

"I'm spending this one alone," he said.
"Need a break; this year's been crazy."
I said, "Me too, but why are you?
You mean you forgot cranberries too?"

Then suddenly we laughed and laughed
Caught on to what was happening
That Christmas magic's brought this tale
To a very happy ending! "

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn't miss this one this year!
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn't miss this one this year!

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How To Cook A Turkey

I've never been able to cook a turkey properly. And I'm no spring chicken (pardon the pun). This year, I am determined to get the darn thing cooked before bedtime. My family thinks that having a Thanksgiving Day with a cooked turkey is something that happens only on television. I'm hoping to change that this year...

Simple steps how to cook a turkey:

1. Preheat oven to 325. Remove the wrapper to see how much the turkey weighs and determine approximate cooking time. Remove the giblet bag and the neck from the turkey cavity. Wash the turkey inside and out and pat skin dry with paper towels.

2. Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a shallow (about 2 inches deep) roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thigh. Add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of pan, if desired.

3. Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Roast the turkey until temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180°F. Cooking time will vary. For example, a 20 pound turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 hours to cook, check the temperature on the thermometer after 4 1/4 hours.

4. Meanwhile, mix the stuffing or dressing. Place in a casserole and pop it into the oven during the last hour or so of roasting time.

5. Remove the foil tent after 1 to 1 1/2 hours of cooking time to brown the skin. Brush with vegetable oil to enhance browning, if desired.

6. A whole turkey is done when the temperature reaches 180°F. The thigh juices should run clear (not pink) when pierced with a fork and the leg joint should move freely.

7. Allow the turkey to set 20 to 30 minutes before carving to allow juices to saturate the meat evenly. Note: Cooking times do vary. Why? There are many reasons - oven temperature may not be completely accurate, the turkey may be very cold or partially frozen, and/or the roasting pan may be too small which inhibits the flow of heat. The USDA highly recommends use of a meat thermometer to determine doneness of turkey. This is an important tool in learning how to cook a turkey.


Stuffed Turkey:
For uniform cooking results, the USDA recommends cooking the stuffing outside of the bird (see step 4 above) If you insist on stuffing the turkey, stuff loosely and follow the steps below.

1. See step one above

2. Mix stuffing and lightly fill cavity. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey. It is safer to understuff than to overstuff the turkey. Stuffing expands during cooking. Refrigerate any leftover stuffing and bake in greased casserole during the last hour of turkey roasting time.

3. Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a shallow (about 2 inches deep) roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thigh (see Turkey Safety: Using a Thermometer). Add up to 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan, if desired.

4. Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cooking time takes longer for a stuffed turkey. For example, a 20 pound stuffed turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 1/2 hours to cook.

5. Remove the foil cover after about 1 to 1 1/2 hours of cooking to brown the skin. Brush with vegetable oil to enhance browning, if desired.

6. A whole turkey is done when the temperature in the thickest part of the inner thigh reaches 180°F and the stuffing is 165°F. The juices should run clear (not pink) when a long-tined fork is used to pierce the thickest part of the thigh.

7. Check the internal temperature of the stuffing. Insert the thermometer through the cavity into the thickest part of the stuffing and leave it for 5 minutes. Or use an instant red thermometer which will register the temperature after 15 seconds. The stuffing temperature will rise a few degrees after the turkey is removed from the oven. If the center of the stuffing has not reached 165°F after stand time, return the turkey to the oven and continue cooking.

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