Turkey Data

Thanksgiving weekend is a good time to focus on turkeys--and the surprising data available on the bird and the turkey industry from government web sites and trade associations.  Did you know, for example, that American turkeys have been getting bigger and bigger every year for at least 40 years, doubling in weight since 1929?  Check out this 2013 synopsis of interesting turkey facts from the  Economics & Statistics Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. For some different data and turkey history, the National Turkey Federation, a turkey farmer trade association, is a good source.  A overview of today's turkey industry, which the United States leads as the world's largest producer and exporter, and the legislative and policy concerns of turkey farmers, is available in the Federation's 2013 Annual Report.  

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Legally Thanksgiving

What's controversial about Thanksgiving? Well, the date used to be. The timing of this celebration as a legal holiday under the U.S. Constitution was anything but consistent between George Washington, who proclaimed the first one, and December 1941, when Congress finally settled on the fourth Thursday in November as the federal holiday. The National Archives covers the twists and turns of legal Thanksgiving history, with some photos and original documents available here.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The Pardoning of the Turkey

Today, President Obama pardoned two turkeys -- Courage and Carolina. Both turkeys will live out their days "in peace and tranquility" at Disneyland. You can read the Remarks by the President on the Pardoning of the National Turkey on the Whitehouse website.

For more information on presidential pardons (of the non-turkey variety), take look at the Office of the Pardon Attorney.

As a reminder: the library will be closed on Thursday 11/26 and Friday 11/27 for the Thanksgiving break.

Enjoy the break!




Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The pardoning of the turkey

It's not too late to cast your vote for the the National Thanksgiving Turkey. The lucky turkeys (the National turkey and an alternate) will be flown to Disneyland and to spend the rest of their lives in leisure.

If you are interested in statistics on clemency actions, such as pardons, the Department of Justice has a web page with statistical tables of clemency actions by administration.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat