They whisper it all over turkey
Pachalafaka, Pachalafaka ... always quirky, never jerky: Your mid-November Mercury Digital Newsletter
Bring on the turkey hangover. Yes, there’s truth to that old wives’ tale that turkey will put you out faster than a slug of margarita before bedtime. (See below for details on that.) Here’s what Thoughtco.com has to say on the topic: “Turkey does contain L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid with a documented sleep-inducing effect. L-tryptophan is used in the body to produce the B-vitamin, niacin. Tryptophan also can be metabolized into serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters that exert a calming effect and regulate sleep.” It’s no wonder we’re wide awake for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and passed out on the floor next to Uncle Herb’s smelly feet before the late afternoon NFL kick-off. (New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys, so who cares anyway?)
The only thing better than that big, juicy roasted turkey with a ham, prime rib and Tofurky (for our soy boy/girl relatives that we love so much) on the side with all the trimmings are the leftovers. Think turkey sandwiches, turkey casserole and turkey omelets. After we metabolize all that turkey deliciousness, we rush headlong into the Christmas season with Black Friday shopping at all our local retailers. Life in the Lowcountry is so sweet.
With all the excitement of the holidays upon us, let’s not forget the be grateful for all that we have and all those we love. And while you’re at it, we hope you’re a wee bit thankful for the Charleston Mercury newsletter that magically pops into your email box twice a month featuring an entire menu of items to inform you, enlighten you, and we hope, entain you. Please know that your Mercury Team appreciates your support as a reader, subscriber and/or advertiser 365 days a year.
Thank you!
In this issue, our own ink-stained wretch will take you on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to get you in the spirit of Christmas. Then we’ll give you a glimpse of what the citizens of Charleston have done to help the people in war-torn Ukraine. Then it’s time for a little trip down memory lane with a Pluff Mud throwback about Black Friday featuring the voice of our dearly departed, David Farrow along with that of our still quite alive, Charles Waring. We’ll close as always with our readers’ favorite, Lowcountry Rambler.
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Crab Pot
Holy Land and holidays
By Charles W. Waring III
For nine years, I have seen the holiday season through the lens of a trip to the Holy Land. We were on a 35-person pilgrimage with St. Michael’s Church just ahead of the Advent season and ready for something profound. It turned out to be much more compelling than we expected, and this is only a taste to whet your spiritual appetite.
To set the tone for further reading, I would urge you to pretend you are sitting in the motorcoach and hearing the “Holy City” as we did while riding into Jerusalem the first morning of our stay there; visit
This You Tube experience has a video with sights of Jerusalem, so you can come close to what we experienced. We went with the Rev. and Mrs. Al Zadig as leaders, and we were involved in some type of worship service several times a day.
One element of the trip that I had not anticipated had to do with important details of the Bethlehem story of the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem is in the West Bank, so you are a little on edge there — at least I was — and you think about the Palestinian Authority being in control of your security as well as this being such an important place for Christians. We went to a grotto/cave and learned that this sort of place was far more likely to have been the place of the virgin birth, not a stable.
Every time I hear Christmas music bringing up the stable, I wince. Our guide wisely explained that the circumstances of the cave were indeed modest but that the culture of the day would have demanded privacy and space away from domestic animals, which shepherds and various families brought into caves at night to keep them safe. Yes, the animals would have been in another part of the grotto, but we put too much emphasis on the presence of the beasts at the birth.
I published observations from the trip, and I’ll note them here:
We took a short ride from Jerusalem to see the Church of the Nativity, built upon the site of a home that had a cave in the back and was near a field that is now the Shepherd’s Field. Some of the entrance doors were much larger and became smaller to keep the Crusaders from riding their horses inside, according to several sources. This is a heavily Coptic and Greek Orthodox concern. The church has various Christian centers of influence, and they cannot agree on much; this is a topic for future discussion.
This church is simple on the outside, reflecting the circumstances of the Christ’s birth. It was also a treat to climb down and see the 14-pointed star where tradition has it that the Christ was actually born.
After we went to the Church of the Nativity, we stayed in the spirit of Christmas and … went shopping. Yes, you cannot believe all the handmade items that fit the season and the faith. Olive wood pocket crosses, picture frames, tree ornaments galore and crosses of various styles flood the place. They really did have attractive choices, and many ornaments we purchased on our pilgrimage now make up some of our favorites today.
The ornaments on your tree should be evocative. The wooden carvings from the Holy Land remind me of the profound nature of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. When you are walking in many parts of the Holy Land, the many layers of old roadbeds tell stories, as do those places where archeologists are digging and discovering more and more evidence of how the places match biblical accounts. Note what some have found under the Wailing or Western Wall, which is the most visible part of what remains from the second temple, which was destroyed by the Romans about seven decades after the crucifixion of Jesus. Many Jews look at the Dome of the Rock on their Temple Mount and dream of building a third temple. This is one of many places to visit to learn about what has been unearthed at various places in the Holy Land: https://www.bibleplaces.com/templemount/.
There is also the Church of St. Anne, which was rebuilt by French crusaders in the 12th century, and it overlooks the colonnades from John 5:2 where the pool of Bethesda was located. Like the Upper Room, the acoustics here ring truly and serve as a warm-up for remembering the healing that look place in the pool of Bethesda. This church was originally built over the grotto where some believe Anne, the mother of Mary, was born. The Jordan River is another must-see destination, and you need to go the foothills of Mount Hermon to see the river in its chilly and clear state; most of it is rather green. You will learn that the course of the river moved after an earthquake in 749. You might float in the Dead Sea where the Jordan empties or walk in the Garden of Gethsemane, which you might visit while participating in the ritual of the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa (way of the Cross). The Sea of Galilee is surrounded by pilgrim stops, and you will want to have a boat ride and hear readings about walking on water, calming the stormy seas and throwing your net on the right side of the boat. “Wow moments” are everywhere.
It seems every major event in the Bible has some church or cathedral (later might have come a mosque) on top and it goes to show how the early church went to extraordinary lengths to make the Holy Land a showplace to tell the stories. Of course, we were only in one part of the Holy Land — Israel and Jordan. Egypt, Syria, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Iraq, Iran and other places are part of what the faithful call His-Story (pun intended). As mentioned earlier, various sects have shared access to many sites and — in the spirt of man’s sinful nature — they fight openly about territory.
On the other hand, evidence of the harmony of Christianity and its Old Testament foundations comes together in the Upper Room, near the burial place of David, where tour groups from various parts of the world sing hymns. The languages may differ, but this is no Tower of Babel; instead, the presence of a “holy hum” is palpable. Some suggest it is all about acoustics; others believe it is the Holy Spirit at work because the believers are in a state “at oneness” with each other and their maker.
Those curious about eternal questions should follow the lead of millions of other pilgrims and go and see how the experiences of the Holy Land may influence one’s faith. If this is of interest, you are likely to return wishing to go tell it on the mountain. What is the harm in trying?
Clockwise from top left, images by Charles W. Waring III:
Beyond the Sheep’s Gate, the ruins at Bethesda where the pool from John 5:2 was located.
This is the 14-point start where tradition holds is birthplace of the baby Jesus; it is in the lower realm of the Church of Nativity and thought to be what was once a cave.
The sun rises over the Sea of Galilee; the peaceful presence can turn quickly when a storm strikes on the lake.
Ancient olive trees remain throughout the Garden of Gethsemane.
Bottom right, image by Charleston Mercury Staff
The pilgrims were renewed after returning from the Holy Land.
Charles W. Waring III is publisher and editor-in-chief of the Charleston Mercury. He is a graduate of Porter Gaud, The University of the South, and the higher education one gets attentively listening to older gents on long car rides and happy hunting trips.
Charleston sends blessings to the people of Ukraine
This video is courtesy of #CHAS4Ukraine, a local nonprofit organization that supports the brave people of Ukraine. Pray for the people of Ukraine.
Image courtesy Unsplash, user Becca M. Chaffie
Fearing ‘Black Friday’ and better things to do
Editor’s Note: This was first published in Nov. 2014; the fresh onslaught of the slings and arrows of Christmas commercialism demands that we pull this chestnut from the hearth. Enjoy. — wretch
By David Farrow and Charles W. Waring III
David
It’s November. Although we have yet to gnaw on a bit of bird, another holiday looms large in our psyche. There are 28 shopping days left before Christmas. Pulses quicken, tempers fray. The shopping on King and at The Market reaches a fevered pitch. Which brings us to Black Friday.
Those who know me will understand when I say I would rather spend time being tossed into a dryer on high spin inside a duffel bag full of rabid wolverines than I would in a crowded store the day after Thanksgiving.
No, on Black Friday I am in New Hampshire or Maine, watching it on television. In the past few years, this is what I have observed: People have been shot over electronics.
“Put down that Xbox, or eat lead, Granny.”
Last year, a middle-aged woman whipped out pepper spray and soaked the 20 people going for the same gaming console. As they writhed on the floor, the woman proceeded to the cashier, paid and then left the store.
Black Friday seems to be expanding. Since 2010, the opening hours keep sliding back. From 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. to midnight, to Thanksgiving Day itself, the swish of sliding doors has signified a whole new take on the concept of the quick and the dead.
Now, to be honest, Black Friday is essential to the American economy. In 2012, Americans spent more than $60 billion during Thanksgiving weekend. More than 322 million folks braved the elements to get that special someone a cheese log and a tie that will never see the light of day. So, it’s not surprising that the online sales that weekend — and the following Black Monday — have soared. It seems about 130 million people clicked their way to low, low prices.
Right about now would be the point where I begin to lament and bemoan how Christmas has become commercialized. Why? The horse left that barn decades ago.
What I will say is buy local. See all these boss ads in the Mercury? If you insist on risking life and limb, please go to a shop where everybody knows your name.
Me? I’ll be enjoying a turkey sandwich and some football … and watching the huddled masses as they yearn ever so deeply for that head spa massager for Eleanor or that remote-controlled tarantula for Biff.
Charles
Black Friday will be a day of work for us, getting our copy prepared for final production. I’ll give you my shopping strategy in short order: My bride does it; she lives for giving just the right item and also buys local. I primarily buy for my bride; I used to struggle with shopping but that is no longer the case, and I must give credit where it is due. “Mrs. Dubya” is Mrs. Claus big time and that is fine with me. I am just the elf on the shelf in spite of myself — could not resist that.
The commercialism of the season should be a balanced part of what we do. It is great fun to buy for others but stressing about what to buy takes the wind out the sails of the most stalwart Santa. I think our November is far too beautiful a time in South Carolina for the likes of going overboard on anything that is not part of an outdoor adventure. If you have seen the hue of yellow hickory leaves shimmering in their reflections that glow in water the color of planter’s punch, you know why the soul stirs in our Lowcountry autumn.
In the spirit of the old John Wayne sign-off on late-night television, let me remind you what awaits outside and why I love the Lowcountry. Buy a South Carolina County By County Atlas and learn how to read it. If you can pick up the nuances of the landscape and find the little numbers on the road signs, you can get just about anywhere, weather permitting.
Ponder your options, Pilgrim. Those of you with an inclination to hunt or fish … you know your deal, but you may not be planning ahead enough and would get much more out of each trip by following a few of the Wretch’s Rules for Outdoor Adventure. Always take a camera; pack snacks for all possibilities, as you never know when you might miss a meal; take some gifts for hosts you have not met; think about what other species are in season and how you might expand your options. Always carry extra ice in your cooler. Fill up the day before you leave and study highway options in case the traffic is rotten in the better-known path.
No matter if you hunt or not, the countryside provides many pathways for the adventurous. Get up to McClellanville for some fresh seafood and a stroll amid the live oaks and historic houses. Then, ride over to Hampton Plantation and take a tour of Archibald Rutledge’s family home. Set aside plenty of time to walk the grounds and imagine what George Washington and Francis Marion would have seen and done when they visited. Walk the avenue of holly trees and see how Bard Rutledge wanted you to enjoy this unique gardening touch among the other bushes and shrubs he planted.
Tap on your computer and find a reputable outfitter near Givhans Ferry and organize a family canoe trip. Pack lunch and be ready for high adventure. Drive down to the ACE Basin and ride all the way to Bear Island and go observe wildlife, especially the waterfowl. Know where you can and cannot go and don’t turn off on a dirt road without clearly knowing it is OK. See the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church and don’t be in a hurry; take a picnic. Go have lunch or early supper with Bill Green at Gullah Grub Restaurant at 877 Sea Island Parkway (Weds.-Fri., 12 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; ring (843) 838-3841 to confirm they are open.)
It is essential to make the time and plan some trips but also be prepared to go when the weather is right. You cannot take in the soaring bald eagle from the sofa; you cannot smell from your lounge chair the fresh cypress needles that coat the bottomlands like a soft blanket. When you make it to one of these glorious spots, you will then realize why you are compelled to give thanks.
Newsletter Rambler
Baby blessings abound
We were thrilled to hear from our Will Cathcart that Ethan Townes Cathcart arrived Nov. 15, weighing in at 7 pounds and 9 ounces. Mother Tika Gogia and son are doing just fine in Tbilisi.
Biden goes missing at the G20 dinner
Fox News’ Peter Doocy has reported “The breaking news would be President Biden is missing the G20 leaders’ dinner.” While Doocy said there’d been no explanation given, your Rambler has investigated, and it’s because the president already ate … at IHOP’s “Early Bird” Pancake buffet.
Just try Elon’s patience
After Elon Musk tweeted an announcement about why Twitter was running slowly, a brilliant young man named Eric Frohnhoefer responded with “I have spent ~6yrs working on Twitter for Android and can say this is wrong.” Another user tweeted to Mr. Musk, “You probably don’t want this guy on your team,” to which Mr. Musk replied, “He’s fired.” Mr. Frohnhoefer said he’d appeal the decision to the board of directors, which is comprised of … Elon Musk.
A currency for the financial crypt?
The collapse of cryptocurrency has been headline news for days. Your Rambler searched the nation and did find one person older than 40 who was surprised.
On the rocks, please
Tilly Beargon of Fresno, Calif. recently turned 105. The secret to her long life: “Every night when I get ready for bed, I’d have me a drink of margarita first, and boy did I sleep good.” In other news, it’s been predicted that your Rambler team will live to be 175.
Signage for students
Residents of Charleston’s upper peninsula are fighting for safer, pedestrian-friendly streets, with the roads of biggest concern being Rutledge, Moultrie, Simons, and King Street. Jason Sakran, District 3 councilmember for the city of Charleston, says his constituents have been emailing him about this issue for at least two years. Ever the civic-minded organization, your Rambler has suggested that signage reminding C of C students that they aren’t in Disney World, and actually “looking before lurching” into the street is a smart strategy.
Clan Douglas has no wimp factor
As we approach Nov. 30 and the glorious celebration of St. Andrew’s Day, we are delighted to report that we stumbled upon the above photo of the late Baron Fain with Clan Douglas at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. As we noted earlier, the Douglas boys run to the beefy side of the quaich. Highland cheers to Mr. Fain in his celestial kilt!
That’s it for November. Your Mercury Team has left the building.