Around the Thanksgiving Table

As we sit together about to enjoy this wonderful meal, we remember.
We remember to enjoy the friends and family who have joined us, while remembering those who could not.
We remember all the things we have, not the things we want.
We remember how fortunate we are, and to care for those who have less.
We are thankful to sit at the table and enjoy this day together.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers,
Toby

The very best gravy (and easy too)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving - a little twist on an old idea.


Roasting Pan
Chicken Stock
Favorite Beer (Harpoon Winter Warmer or Local Holiday Brew)
Sweet Sherry
1 large red onion (rough chopped)
2 carrots (rough chopped)
2 stalks of celery (rough chopped)
Lots of garlic (smashed)
Favorite sausage (sliced) – optional (I use 1 per adult)
Salt & Pepper
Food processor
Saucepan

• After you prep the veggies and the sausage, add them to the roasting pan.
• Cover the bottom of the roasting pan with chicken stock and 1 bottle/can of beer
• Cook your chicken or turkey as usual (make certain the pan does not go dry), you may baste the bird with the pan’s contents.
• Once done, and the bird is resting, the gravy creation begins.
• Remove the sausage pieces and set into a bowl for immediate joy.
• Scoop out all the veggies, set into your food processor and blend well
• Thin out the veggie puree with the liquid from the roasting pan.
• When the gravy reaches your chosen thickness, pour it into a saucepan, add a shot of Sherry and some salt and pepper.

Please leave your comments or tell me how it worked for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers,
Toby

Why Children Need Sports

Greetings all,
This is a piece I wrote some time ago, but with hockey in full swing, I thought I would repost.
For those who have not seen the movie "Miracle," get it TODAY! My favorite scene is when Herb Brooks skates his boys to their knees and says this famous line: "When you pull on that jersey, remember the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back!" This is the lesson children, and their parents, will learn through sports. It does not matter your nationality, color, political party, or last name; to be a member of a team, one must be able to play and get along with those on the team. Children learn how to deal with winning and losing - lessons that seem to be vanishing to today's "I'm entitled" culture. Get your kids involved, you don't have to be the dad that coaches the team, but go to backyard, go to practice, go to the games. Sports do not only keep your kids healthy, sports develop their character. Cheers, Toby

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss

Why is it that EACH administration is said to be arrogant and out of touch? The Who said it best, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." Forget Red or Blue, we must be United.

Can anyone out there answer that question for me? It is very clear that our country is growing further apart rather than closer together. Melting Pot? I just don't see it anymore. Voters are influenced by media outlets only concerned with finding the latest "Gotcha" rather than reporting the issues; Politicians who listen to special interest groups, not their constituants.

Does the magic middle ground exist? Is there truly a centrist candidate out there? Where is Jed Bartlett when we really need him?

Newspapers or Writers

“Do we need newspapers or just newspaper reporters? The internet is not destroying newspapers; their poor choices of opinions and content take care of that.”

There is so much discussion among consumers and bellyaching from newspapers: are blogs and the internet stealing market share from newspapers; are papers becoming irrelevant?  Yes.

The format of the newspaper and the close-minded attitude of editors are responsible for the failing.  Blogs, Twitter, and RSS feeds are the new newspapers and they bring the information to the consumer, rather than the consumer going to it.  The information is always current and chosen by the needs, wants, and likes of the reader, not the editor – Ala cart news service has arrived!

Newspapers will ultimately lose because of bad attitudes, and BS agendas, but there will always be a need for great writers and reporters.  Without the discovery and writing of the reporters, there would be no information for the bloggers. 

As always, please post your thoughts.

Cheers,

Toby

Social Media and Communication

Thanks to Social Media, companies are rethinking how they communicate (and interact) with, their customers.  The good new is that information now flows both ways and companies are replacing communication with collaboration.   David Pakman validates this (and my blog "what to do about social media") with his wonderful article from Fast Company.
If you are still pushing information to your audience rather than receiving it from them, you will soon find yourself with no one to push.

Cheers,
Toby

What to do about Social Media

What is Social Media? Is it a fad, and what does a Community Manager do?
I have been asked these questions for a few years and there are many self claiming experts offering their opinions out there.
Social Media is a change. A change in power. A change in communication style. A change in sales and marketing. Some say that social media is a fad, that it is not scalable. What do you think of this? Social Media is about an exchange of information, engaging and interacting with your customers, and they becoming your sales force.
Not only is the message different with social media, but the delivery vehicle as well. We all love the newspaper on Sunday, but it (and the evening news), is no longer the source. PR is a great communication tool, but it is not Social Media because it is one way communication - welcome the blog. There are some out there that believe email and RSS are old hat. Why search for my information when it will find me? Do you have doubts?
So how does your new empire get built and scaled? Who ensures communication lines are open? The Community Manager. The Community Manager works in conjunction with your Marketing and Sales teams; maintains the company message while keeping the company real.
Remember that Social Media is a tool (and new way of thinking), not a magic bullet.

Cheers,
Toby

Setting Sail

Greetings all.
This will be a space where I will include my thoughts of the day, recipes, and other general wisdom.
As things get rolling, please leave your comments and topic suggestions (I can't do it alone).

Fall is certainly here in New England and it could be my favorite season.
Leaves turn, hockey begins, the meals get hardier, and we break out the brown liquors. Summer cuisine is wonderful, but everyone seems to linger at the dinner table as the evening air turns cold.
Time for roasted root vegetables, risotto, grilled whole tenderloin, double cut chops, and (Famous) White Bean Stew.
Go to the cellar and find that Zin you have been saving; may I suggest Hook&Ladder? Cut up some crusty bread and unwrap the Humboldt Fog. Welcome friends to sit by the fire while all the dinner flavors come together. Pour another glass and sit, say Grace (or not) and enjoy the food as well as the conversation. Remember the old times and laugh.
Take that fresh apple pie out of the oven and don't forget the sharp cheddar or vanilla ice cream. Scotch anyone? Port?
Thank you for sharing our table...

Cheers,
Toby