This Week in Review, November 24-30

 By Nate Feldman

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thursday was the American Thanksgiving holiday, and the city of Philadelphia held its 105th annual Thanksgiving day Parade, the oldest in the country.  There were floats of different kinds, marching bands, people dressed in costumes, and of course Santa Claus marching through the rain on the streets of the city.  The parade begins in Center City and proceeds along Benjamin Franklin Parkway before reaching the steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum.  

In spite of the cold, dreary weather, people came out to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the festivities. 

Cold Weather and Shopping 

 Saturday was a cold, snowy day throughout many parts of Upstate New York.  For that reason, many people were doing indoor activities, like doing shopping at the Destiny USA mall in Syracuse.  With the holiday season upon is, more and more people will be spending their free time this way.  

The Sweet Tooth: Thanksgiving Edition

 By Nate Feldman

It is Thanksgiving, and Josh is preparing the dinner table.  He has prepared a roast turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie, and has a box of chocolates.  He gets a phone call.  It is from his friend Julia, who is going to be coming over for dinner soon.

"Hi Julia," he says.  "When do you think you'll get here?" he asks.

"In about an hour," she answers.

"Nice," he says.  "And remind me, what are you bringing with you?" 

"Let's see," she answers.  "I've got roasted Brussel sprouts, a spinach salad, orzo salad and some tofurky.  And what did you make?"

Josh tells her.  "You're stuff sounds really healthy," he says.

"Yes, and your stuff sounds really sweet," she responds.  

"Well," Josh says laughing a bit to himself, "I probably have a bit of a sweet tooth."

"No, not probably," Julia says.  "Definitely!" 

Josh is a bit put off by her tone of voice.  

"Well, you don't have to judge me," he tells her.  "I mean, you're not perfect with everything either!"

"What are you talking about?" she says a bit surprised.

"I mean, you need to work on your social skills.  You are condescending and a bit of a turn off!" 

"Are you serious!" she replies angrily.

"Yeah, and you know what," Josh continues, "you can just stay where you are and eat your health trash!  I will indulge myself in delicious sweets here!" 

"Whatever," Julia says and hangs up.

Josh sits down and enjoys his meal.  

Desert Adventures: Desert Demons and the Magic Torch

 By Nate Feldman

                                                          Chapter 1: Meeting at the Cafe 

It had been eons since Jackson Cohen had seen his cousin Nora when he encountered here at a seaside cafe one late summer afternoon.  They had been best friends during their youth due to their shared love of adventure and imagination.  However, a falling out between their parents (Nora's father was against their marriage) caused them to lose touch.  

At their first encounter, Nora was with two girlfriends, and when Jackson introduced himself, she claimed to have a cousin with no such name and demanded he leave or else she would call the police on him.  

Completely stunned, Jackson returned to his apartment.  Later, he received a message via instagram (apparently Nora had found his profile) that they should meet up the next day at the same cafe.  Jackson now was suspicious of her, but he felt he had to take a chance.  

When they got together the next afternoon, Nora tried to pretend like the whole incident the previous day had never taken place.  Instead, she eagerly talked about her new business venture called Desert Adventures.  Contestants spent three days and two nights in the desert on a mission trying to find something.  Whoever found it received an award of $1,500.  

Nora insisted that Jackson join her on the next Desert Adventure program in which they would be trying to find a hidden treasure.  She promised it would be a great way to connect again.  Jackson was reluctant due to her sudden shift in behavior, but he agreed.  

The Sweet Tooth: A Short Play

 By Nate Feldman

Josh is sitting down at a table for his Thanksgiving feast.  He's eating pumpkin pie with ice cream, candied yams with marshmallows, a bowl of cranberry sauce with Turkey and stuffing.  He gets a phone call from his friend Julia.

Josh: Hello?  

Oh, hi Julia!  Happy Thanksgiving!  

Yeah, I was just sitting down to my Thanksgiving feast.  

I'm having the ushe.  Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, candied yams with marshmallows, pumpkin pie a la mode, and later I'll get out a box of chocolates.  What are you having?

Vegan turkey, spinach salad, and cous cous?  Sounds healthy!

Josh smiles.  

Yeah, well, I must admit I have a bit of a sweet tooth.  

Josh makes a perturbed face.  

Well, I'm not quite a health nut like you are, but you don't have to look down on me.  

I must say you've got some issues you need to deal with yourself.  

Like your bad social skills!  You're a real turnoff, you know?!

OK, well enjoy your boring health crap while I indulge myself in a delicious meal!  

Josh hangs up the phone and chows down on his feast, defiantly.  

Japanese Uchiwa

 By Nate Feldman

A Japanese Uchiwa

A former student of mine from the Aichi prefecture in Japan mailed me an uchiwa, a traditional Japanese hand-held fan.  Uchiwas are used for cooling oneself, but they are used for other purposes and according to article online can be seen in different dance festivals.