https www panaloko com If it seems everyone is talking about bitcoin these days, you're onto something. The digital currency has been hitting record highs and neared $100,000 this past week, having doubled in value throughout 2024. Launched in 2009, bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, meaning that it's a digital currency and does not rely on banks to verify transactions. Bitcoin's surge – up about 130% this year – is one of the "Trump trades," market moves that have kicked in since former President Donald Trump's victory in the Nov. 5 election. Trump has dabbled in cryptocurrency – releasing crypto-based digital trading cards – and Trump Media and Technology Group , which operates Truth Social, is reportedly close to acquiring crypto trading firm Bakkt. The Trump family launched its own crypto firm, World Liberty Financial, in September. Investors have wagered Trump's support for bitcoin and other digital assets will lead to fewer restrictions on the industry. During the presidential campaign, Trump said he would make America the “world capital for crypto and bitcoin.” Trump has tapped Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk to co-lead, with Vivek Ramaswamy, the new Department of Government Efficiency, or D.O.G.E. It's an acronym for cryptocurrency called Dogecoin, which Musk supported as it became a phenomenon in 2021. Been hit with the bitcoin buzz, but don't quite understand it? Here's some bitcoin basics. What is ‘Doge’?: Explaining the meme and cryptocurrency after Elon Musk's appointment to D.O.G.E. What is bitcoin? Bitcoin is a digital asset, launched in 2009 by a person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto and designed to have a cap of 21 million bitcoin tokens. Bitcoin is created as crypto miners use their computing work to validate bitcoin transactions on its decentralized blockchain network, essentially a digital ledger meant to prevent fraud. As the crypto miners work, they earn bitcoin. So far, about 19 million tokens have been released. In April, bitcoin underwent a "halving," which kicks in about every four years to reduce the rate at which new bitcoins are created and released into circulation. As the bitcoin cap of 21 million tokens nears, demand likely increases, according to Investopedia . Currently, a bitcoin is worth about $98,000. But the ownership of fractional shares of bitcoin is common, notes NerdWallet . Cryptocurrency: Legislation likely coming under Trump administration, ex-SEC chief says What are bitcoin ETFs? It's Trump's interest in bitcoin alone that's led to bitcoin's climb. Earlier this year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission voted to allow the sale of bitcoin-based exchange-traded funds , or ETFs, to the public. That action allowed more investors to get into bitcoin in a similar manner to how they invest in stocks, bypassing crypto exchanges. How does bitcoin work? Like the dollar, bitcoin can be used as currency , but it's virtual and isn't controlled by banks or governments. While an entire bitcoin is priced at nearly $100,000, you can own partial shares of each coin. The smallest share of each bitcoin is called a Satoshi – after the cryptocurrency's creator – equal to a hundred millionth of one bitcoin, according to NerdWallet . You can buy bitcoin on a crypto exchange such as Binance.US , online stockbrokers including Fidelity and E-Trade, and trading apps like Robinhood . If you buy bitcoin on a crypto exchange, you will create a "crypto wallet" to hold your bitcoin. If you invest in those bitcoin ETFs the SEC approved earlier this year, online brokers will hold your bitcoin in your brokerage account as any other investment. What can I buy with bitcoin? Pretty much anything. For instance, you can get a bitcoin debit card , which you load with a certain amount of your cryptocurrency holdings. That can be used as you would any debit card. Beyond that, many companies now accept cryptocurrency for purchases including AT&T, Microsoft, Rolex, Time Inc., and Tesla, notes Investopedia . You can buy "art," too. That banana duct-taped to a wall , which sold last week for $6.2 million? The buyer paid in crypto. Bitcoin: How to buy the cryptocurrency What concerns are there about bitcoin and cryptocurrencies? Back in 2018, investment guru Warren Buffett predicted that cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, will likely "come to a bad ending." His stance hasn't really changed, reported Nasdaq.com . But many point to the surge in bitcoin's valuation as a sign the cryptocurrency has arrived. Anthony Scaramucci , founder of Skybridge and a former White House director of communications, has said Bitcoin could exceed $170,000 by mid-2025, and Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood has predicted Bitcoin will hit $1.48 million by 2030, Fortune reported . However, crypto exchanges can fail. The 2022 bankruptcy of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange resulted in customers losing $8 billion; founder Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March. Bitcoin values dipped after that, but have since risen to new heights – because, supporters say, as more people invest in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the currencies become more stable. Volatility can be seen as an advantage for those in search of future earnings – or as a disadvantage for those seeking somewhat stable investments. "Remember that bitcoin and crypto are highly volatile , and may be more susceptible to market manipulation than securities," notes Fidelity Investments in a primer for investors. "Crypto holders do not benefit from the same regulatory protections applicable to registered securities , and the future regulatory environment for crypto is currently uncertain." Maybe think about investing in bitcoin as you would joining the wave of online bettors. "If you decide to buy Bitcoin, it's a good rule of thumb to invest only what you can afford to lose," writes NerdWallet's Kevin Voigt , "and take measures to protect your assets." Contributing: Daniel de Visé, Jessica Guynn, Max Hauptman, Jonathan Limehouse and Bailey Schulz of USA TODAY, and Reuters. Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider . What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day

Waiting for a tram, crossing a road or catching a bus around Greater Manchester is something millions of people do across the region every day. It is part of everyday life for many, as they use the thousands of roads and complex transport network to get from A to B. But there is a little-known team of people who, for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, watch over the mammoth operation. The Manchester Evening News was invited inside the huge new control room at Transport for Greater Manchester's headquarters. A hive of activity; hundreds of staff keep a close eye on the region's transport network and make sure everything 'runs like clockwork'. READ MORE The AI camera images shaming motorists on mobile phones or without seatbelts on It's no small feat. A variety of teams, including police, the Travel Safe Partnership, network intelligence, a resilience team and a drone unit among others, operate from the control room. There are over 40 screens, with live, real-time feeds from around 4,000 stationary cameras covering movement on major roads, tram stations, bus stops and busy areas in Manchester city centre and beyond. All new buses are also fitted with hundreds of HD cameras, with trams also fitted out with the surveillance equipment. It's a hub of activity inside the Operation Control Centre (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) But the job is more than just keeping an eye on the seamless movement of millions of people and keeping them safe. Specialist equipment allows staff to use mobile phone data to track who is travelling and where from, utilise AI systems and flying drones to improve roads, and collate intricate data to prepare for the future and manage huge influxes of people heading into the city region. In short - there is always somebody watching. An omnipresent team of people working around the clock. As Control Centre Manager Luke Rodger said: "We are a team of hidden angels that nobody knows is there... smoke is coming off our fingers trying to keep our city moving." Intelligence teams track crime incidents across the network to identify trends and how best to target them. The M.E.N was told how incidents involving young people peak in the winter months and after dark. There is a particular focus on this during the festive period, with nine million people expected to attend the city's huge Christmas Markets. There have been 'persistent issues' at Stockport's new interchange and also in Bury . This data can be passed on to partners, including police, for various tactics to be implemented to tackle growing issues. They are even able to tap into mobile phone data, working with BT and EE, to determine which cohorts of people are travelling across Manchester; where they have come from, how old they are and what gender they are. There is a science to it. David Atkin, Analysis and Reporting Manager, said this can be used to 'help improve service delivery for events'. The insights into demographics travelling to the Etihad, Co-op Live and the city centre can help to 'inform service provision' and 'shape customer messaging ahead of future events'. David Atkin, Analysis and Reporting Manager speaks to reporter James Holt (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Congestion, an increasing problem clogging up the roads around Greater Manchester, is a top priority. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of cars on the roads in the region increased by 41 per cent, from 1.06 million to 1.46 million. Aside from live cameras, TfGM have also begun using drones. It follows in the footsteps of Transport for West Midlands, who recently won a National Transport Award for the use of their congestion-busting flying devices. Drone cameras can be used to assess the region's roads (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) They are used to give a more accurate, wide-angled view of busy roads and quickly seek the root of the problem. Whether that be queues in entering or leaving a car park, a broken down vehicle or faulty traffic lights, they allow specialist teams to get out on the ground and conduct traffic management procedures to curb the problem. Urban Traffic Control have overseen the rollout of AI and 5G technology. This can be used at smart junctions, which use artificial intelligence to improve traffic signal control efficiency by reducing waiting times at signals, which in turn reduces journey times and cuts pollution. Specialist AI technology is also being rolled out (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) David Watts, senior engineer, revealed how specialist cameras identify in real time whether road users are in cars, buses or are walking or cycling. It creates a digital map of people's journeys, and can identify incident hotspots. It also can inform where is best to implement the likes of bus lanes, traffic lights or crossings. In some areas, delays and cancellations are the norm, and inner-city traffic jams have become an accepted part of life. Working with AI traffic monitoring firm VivaCity, TfGM has now installed over 100 camera sensors at junctions across Manchester to gain deeper travel data insights into the city. There are over 4,000 cameras across the region's network (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) While existing sensors are able to detect when an object moves across them, the cohort of new cameras uses AI and machine learning to identify the exact type of object, such as a bike, car, lorry, or pedestrian, and then communicate with each other via a 5G network. The AI capabilities don't stop there. The Ma nchester Evening News revealed in September new AI cameras that can detect whether drivers are on their mobile phone or not wearing a seat belt were being rolled out on highways across Greater Manchester. It forms as part of the region's 'Vision Zero' initiative - which aims to eliminate road death and life-changing injury by 2040, with 50 per cent reduction by the end of the decade. A recent trial of the new technology revealed how a total of 3,205 drivers or passengers were caught out on Greater Manchester roads over a five-week period using their phones or failing to wear a seatbelt. The 'Heads Up' technology captures footage of passing vehicles, which is then run through artificial intelligence (AI) to detect whether drivers are breaking the law. It is then examined by a human to confirm that the software is correct, and that an offence has been committed. Shaming CCTV images of drivers on mobile phones behind the wheel and without seatbelts on have been released (Image: Acusensus/AECOM) During the deployment, the system recorded 812 drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel, and 2,393 incidents of people not wearing seatbelts in cars. Elsewhere, a technological road model is assessed by the Transport Planning teams. Software essentially mimics the way Greater Manchester's 6,000 miles of roads are used - creating a predictive image of how motorists use the roads and how this could change in the future. The data is collated to provide recommendations on planning applications, advising local authorities and changes to road layouts, bus lanes and crossings. The Christmas Markets is just one operation that takes months of planning. Ben Cookson, senior control centre manager, revealed how a dedicated channel is set up for the festive period for transport teams and emergency crews to communicate with one another. The wall of screens providing real-time updates from cameras in the control room (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Specialist shifts are introduced to keep 'a close eye on city congestion' - making sure trams and buses are running on time to transport over nine million extra people visiting the area. It also gives teams the ability to keep an eye on people travelling into the city from Greater Manchester boroughs and beyond, with incidents more likely and stations and services much busier than normal. Teams even have control over all traffic signals. They don't just go from red to green at repeated intervals. At peak times when there are queues of traffic, the press of a button can keep lights on red or green for longer and keep traffic moving. They too have connections with the 999 emergency network and can send alerts about roadworks and road closures for incidents or repairs, diverting bus routes and notifying motorists about real-time alerts. Cameras at interchanges and stations are in place for the purpose of recording crime and safety. "We monitor the entire network," Ben explained. "From traffic signals, to the Metrolink , safety and security on buses and our interchanges. "We can use it to manage disruptions. We have access to over 4,000 cameras across Greater Manchester. We monitor it constantly to see the impact around the network. The busy corridors into Manchester are the key areas of focus. When something goes wrong, it all comes into here." That is why, on busy weekends with major events happening across the city, action is taken in advance to make sure the movement of people can remain as seamless as possible. TfGM regularly issue public updates about increased frequency in services and alternate timetables. The latest of these was issued on Wednesday (November 20) ahead of the following weekend, warning of two football games coinciding with major events at the Co-op Live Arena. And despite the regeneration of the bus network, Stagecoach and Go North West teams work together alongside the Bee Network teams. Looking over the wall of live camera screens, Steven Delaney and his team regularly assess the punctuality of services and make real-time changes. There are frustrations when bus services around the region are delayed - but they don't go unnoticed. It's a 24 hour operation at the TfGM headquarters (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Live updates into the control room show how ahead or behind the hundreds of services are running. They too can change the frequency of traffic lights, divert routes and liaise directly with drivers on the ground, in real-time, to resolve incidents within a matter of minutes. During the M.E.N's visit, a man was hit by a car along Chester Road in Stretford . A lane closure, causing congestion and delays to buses using the busy route, are instantly identified. Updates are provided to travellers on social media and by the Bee Network apps. "We have access to thousands of cameras, all in live time," Steven said. "We can see where there are regular problems at busy junctions or routes and can see any impacts on buses, to relay that information to the public." TfGM said: "The Operational Control Centre (OCC) is the incident management centre for TfGM and plays a key tactical command role in the day to day operations and delivery of the Bee Network. Their main responsibility is to ensure our networks are safe and reliable, and that our public transport offering provides people with access to work or leisure opportunities, helping Greater Manchester to thrive. "With all incidents the OCC aim to minimise the impact on customers travelling across our networks, ensuring they have access to clear travel advice and where necessary we can support passengers by activating ticket acceptance on alternative transport modes such as buses or trams. "On average the OCC deal with around 300 disruptive incidents across our network every week as well supporting major events, such as the Christmas markets, to ensure that our customers have a positive experience which will help us grow patronage and provide an integrated transport network that supports the long term economic growth across our region."

Vancouver Canucks (12-7-3, in the Pacific Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (10-11-2, in the Atlantic Division) Detroit; Sunday, 12:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Vancouver Canucks visit the Detroit Red Wings after the Canucks took down the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in overtime. Detroit has gone 5-6-1 at home and 10-11-2 overall. The Red Wings have gone 3-3-2 in games they serve more penalty minutes than their opponents. Vancouver has a 12-7-3 record overall and a 9-2-0 record on the road. The Canucks have a +two scoring differential, with 71 total goals scored and 69 given up. Sunday's game is the first time these teams square off this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Dylan Larkin has 12 goals and six assists for the Red Wings. Lucas Raymond has six goals and four assists over the past 10 games. Quinn Hughes has five goals and 20 assists for the Canucks. Elias Pettersson has scored five goals with eight assists over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Red Wings: 4-5-1, averaging 2.5 goals, 4.3 assists, 2.9 penalties and 6.3 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game. Canucks: 5-5-0, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.7 assists, 3.7 penalties and 9.1 penalty minutes while giving up 3.2 goals per game. INJURIES: Red Wings: None listed. Canucks: None listed. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

By BEN FINLEY The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Related Articles National News | ‘Depravity’: Man set woman on fire in New York subway and watched her burn to death, police say National News | Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights National News | Why did Bob Casey lose his Senate seat? Blame Elon Musk, Fetterman says National News | Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting National News | Today in History: December 24, former defense secretary pardoned in Iran-Contra scandal Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. The origin story is Hollywood-esque It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Is the origin story humbug? Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” A rare addition to Santa’s story NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.NORAD’s Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids

Washington Commanders release 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel ForbesPatrick Mahomes and Chiefs win at the buzzer again, topping Panthers 30-27 on Shrader's field goal

Football: Fairview’s title hopes fall short in the semisA Republican senator has blocked the promotion of a general who oversaw troops in Kabul during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, a Senate aide told NBC News . The move by Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin follows threats from President-elect Donald Trump to fire senior officers and officials who oversaw the chaotic pullout from Afghanistan in 2021. It also comes as Trump’s transition team weighs possible court-martial proceedings against current and former officers involved in the withdrawal, as NBC News previously reported. Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are Army Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was nominated for promotion to become a four-star general and to oversee U.S. Army forces in Europe. His nomination was among more than 900 proposed nominations sent to the Senate but Donahue’s was put on hold by Sen. Mullin, according to the Senate aide. Mullin’s office declined to comment. Donahue was the last American service member to board the final U.S. military plane out of Afghanistan in 2021. A night-vision photograph of Donahue boarding a cargo plane went viral, capturing the symbolism of the end of America’s 20-year-long war. After the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan fell to Taliban militants, Donahue — then commander of the 82nd Airborne Division — was ordered to Kabul to oversee the withdrawal of U.S. forces, American embassy staff and Afghans who fought alongside American troops. Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world. Retired Gen. Tony Thomas, former head of Special Operations Command, said in a social media post that the decision was a “disgrace” and that Donahue was being treated as a “political pawn.” Heather Nauert, who worked for the State Department in Trump’s first presidential term, said in a social media post that she is a Trump supporter and likes Sen. Mullin but disagreed with the hold put on Donahue’s promotion. “Unless there are facts I don’t know, holding up military promotions bc of our disgraceful Afghanistan withdrawal is wrong,” she wrote. Donahue is currently commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty in North Carolina. His promotion could now be at risk as the current Senate will soon go into recess and the new Republican-controlled Congress will start its work in 2025. This article first appeared on NBCNews.com . Read more from NBC News here:

The 110-Year-Old Pecan Pie Recipe That Will Change the Way You Make the Classic Dessert

Thanksgiving is the ultimate food holiday. With it often comes a side of stress for the cook to make a beautiful, bountiful spread for their loved ones to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving meal, are contributing a dish to the holiday feast or are a seasoned pro at putting on the entire production, it becomes easy to make mistakes that we normally wouldn’t if we let the pressure get to us. I’m still haunted by the one year where it seemed like nothing was going according to plan and the food simply wasn’t my best work. Even I, a trained cook, have off days. (It’s frustrating when they fall on Thanksgiving, but it’s also not the end of the world.) Here are some of the common Thanksgiving mistakes you need to look out for — and how to avoid (or fix) them. Film, television and art — I’m looking at you, Norman Rockwell — have inundated us with images of perfect Thanksgiving meals for all of our lives. Let this be a reminder that perfection is overrated. You don’t need to cook an entire buffet with a million different food options, nor is this the time to try a completely new menu that you’ve never prepared before. One main dish, a few sides and a dessert or two — with a mix of family favorites and exciting twists on tradition — are more than enough. And there’s no need to try to do it all yourself, especially if you’re new to hosting. Delegation is the key to your sanity. Assign tasks to guests, such as putting your cousin in charge of beverages, or make it a potluck, which is extremely helpful when you’re feeding more than a handful of people. To help cut down on the amount of work that needs to be done on the day of, figure out what can be accomplished in advance. Come up with a cooking plan and stick to it. But in case you find yourself running behind schedule, have some snacks on hand so you and your guests don’t get hangry. Store-bought is always fine, but, in this instance, store-bought is ideal, as this route will save you from adding another item to your cooking list. There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of cooking and discovering that you don’t have a key ingredient. Sure, you could make a quick run to the store — or send someone else on your behalf — but no one wants to be at the grocery store on Thanksgiving. Part of coming up with a plan should include a list of all of the ingredients you’ll need — and checking it twice. When going through your pantry, it’s important to check quantities, of course, but also that certain items are still effective, such as baking powder, baking soda and yeast, and to make sure that the spices you need are still fresh. When you’re shopping, buy extra of pantry items and other ingredients with longer shelf lives (if you can afford to) in case you make a mistake and need to redo a recipe. Speaking of which, for dishes that are new to you or that you make only during the holidays, read through the recipes at least a couple of times to give yourself a better sense of what to do. Having to constantly consult a cookbook or your phone will not only slow you down but also can easily lead to mishaps. You don’t want to be the person responsible for ruining the mac and cheese. Waking up Thanksgiving morning to find that your turkey is still partially (or fully!) frozen is the worst way to start the day. This is why I encourage people to set the bird in the fridge the weekend before to allow enough time for the bird to fully thaw. (You should estimate about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds.) If it’s the day of and you have a few hours before you need to put the turkey in the oven, place the turkey, still in its packaging, in a clean sink or other large container, cover it with cold water, and change out the water every 30 minutes to speed up the defrosting process. But if that’s not an option, just go ahead and roast it anyway until the turkey reaches the appropriate temperature. Yes, it’ll take a bit longer, but it’ll work out just fine. (Trust me, I know from experience.) Before you place that (hopefully thawed) bird in the oven, don’t forget to remove the giblets. You’ll typically find the neck, gizzard, heart and/or liver in the cavity of the bird, though they can sometimes be in the front of the bird near the breast under a flap of skin. If your first instinct is to throw them in the trash — don’t! Put them to good use by making stock, or add them to gravy, dressing or stuffing for a boost of poultry flavor. Cook the turkey for too little time, and you risk making people sick; cook it for too long, and it can easily become tough and dry. The most challenging thing about roasting a large bird is reaching that sweet spot right in the middle. Don’t trust the plastic pop-up timer that some turkeys come with, and even checking the color of the juices can be misleading. The best way to tell when your turkey is done is with an instant-read thermometer. I love the ones that you can leave in the bird and that beep when they reach the desired temperature. Even still, you should check in a few spots, such as the breast and thigh, just to make sure. Lastly, don’t forget to let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving so it doesn’t lose moisture. One of the keys to tender, flaky pie crusts is to not work them too much. You want to use a light touch and only work the dough until it mostly holds together when you squeeze it. Your choice of ingredients and how much of them you use can also come into play. For example, too much water can lead to a sticky dough, too much gluten development and, ultimately, a tough crust. If it feels a little dry in the moment, note that the flour will continue to hydrate if you give it a rest in the fridge. There’s no feeling quite like standing in the kitchen on Thanksgiving, hearing the doorbell ring and realizing that you’re still in your pajamas. With all of the attention paid to preparing the meal and setting the table, don’t forget that you need to get ready, too. And don’t save it until the very last minute. Set an alarm for an hour or two before your guests are set to arrive to shower and get dressed, then go back to the kitchen to finish any last-minute dishes . I’d much rather be making the gravy than doing my hair once people have arrived. Although we all love to graze over the course of the afternoon and evening, for safety, food shouldn’t be left out for more than two hours at room temperature. Sure, you’ve probably done it before and been fine, but following the rule is all about risk reduction. You don’t want all of your guests calling and texting you the next day saying that they got sick. Instead, after everyone has eaten their plate and come through for seconds, pack up the food. If they want thirds, that’s what microwaves are for.URCADServices Offers World-Class MEP Engineering and CAD Solutions