Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Through the Keyhole - November 2025

 

Through the Keyhole

November 2025

Take a break from your day...

Not your typical company OR newsletter

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“The Eastern facing location is where settlers’ hopes met stone, yet no ship’s anchor ever kissed its face.  It's name and location are famous but is what historians tell us reality?” 

Can you guess the location?

Thanksgiving is late this year...

The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November was officially set by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. Before that, it was commonly observed on the last Thursday of November, as proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. But in 1939, November had five Thursdays, and Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week to boost holiday shopping during the Great Depression. The change caused confusion and controversy—some states followed the new date, others stuck with the old one, and for a few years, Americans celebrated “Franksgiving” depending on where they lived.

To settle the matter, Congress passed a law in 1941 declaring Thanksgiving would be held on the fourth Thursday of November, which is why it sometimes feels “late” depending on how the calendar falls.

In 2025, November starts on a Saturday, so the fourth Thursday falls on November 27, making it feel later than usual.

This happens because the earliest Thanksgiving can be is November 23 (if the month starts on a Thursday), and the latest is November 29 (if the month starts on a Friday). So this year’s calendar layout just pushed it toward the end of the month.

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Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie—it’s a holiday full of quirky traditions and surprising history. Did you know that the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 lasted three days and featured venison, seafood, and corn, but no turkey?

Speaking of turkey, the bird almost became the national symbol of the U.S.—Benjamin Franklin famously preferred it over the bald eagle! 

Every year, the President “pardons” a turkey in a lighthearted ceremony that dates back to the 1940s, officially becoming a tradition under George H.W. Bush in 1989.

And while football is now a Thanksgiving staple, the first holiday game was played in 1876 between Yale and Princeton. Even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a twist: it originally featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo before switching to the iconic giant balloons we know today.

So whether you're watching floats, passing the stuffing, or enjoying a post-dinner nap, Thanksgiving is a celebration steeped in history, humor, and heart. 

Oh, and by the way....be GRATEFUL.

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Windows 11 is the Standard now.

If you are unsure if your computer will upgrade to Windows 11, we have created a page for you to find out for yourself...

It's time to let that old Windows 10 machine go.

Find out HERE

Guess the Location Game

Last month the winner of the guess the location game was Ralph Nisson who guessed the right answer.  I appreciate all of the participation.  THANKS FOR PLAYING!

ANSWER: Lake Louise Alberta, Canada

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"A turquoise jewel cradled by snowy peaks, fed by glaciers and it can be said that this is it's country's most famous postcard.  The people there are friendly and always sorry about something."

 

My Dad used to love this place.

Lake Louise in Banff National Park is like something out of a dream—where turquoise waters meet towering peaks and every view feels like a postcard come to life.

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is famous for its surreal color, which comes from glacial rock flour carried into the lake by meltwater. The lake is framed by the majestic Victoria Glacier and surrounded by alpine forests, making it a favorite spot for photographers, hikers, and anyone who just wants to soak in nature’s beauty.

In summer, you can paddle across the lake in a bright red canoe, with the mountains reflecting off the water like a mirror. In winter, the lake freezes into a magical ice skating rink, complete with snow-covered scenery and even an ice castle. And year-round, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers cozy luxury with views that are hard to beat.

Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the shore or hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House, Lake Louise is a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and just marvel at the world.

For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking is a must—trails like the Lake Agnes Tea House hike and the Plain of Six Glaciers offer breathtaking views and a rewarding alpine experience. In summer, the lake’s iconic turquoise waters invite visitors to rent a canoe and paddle beneath the towering peaks and glacier-fed scenery. Winter transforms the lake into a frozen playground, perfect for ice skating, snowshoeing, and even tubing at the nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort, which boasts world-class slopes and stunning vistas.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail offers a gentle walk with postcard-worthy views. Guided tours are available for those who want to explore nearby gems like Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, or the Columbia Icefield Skywalk—a glass-floored lookout suspended high above the valley. Horseback riding is another unique way to take in the scenery, offering peaceful rides through forested paths and meadows.

Wildlife lovers can keep an eye out for grizzly bears, elk, and other native animals, especially along quieter trails. And for those seeking luxury and comfort, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise provides elegant accommodations, fine dining, and spa services—all with a view that’s hard to beat. Nearby Banff town adds a cultural touch with museums, boutique shopping, and cozy restaurants.

Whether you're chasing adventure or simply soaking in the serenity, Lake Louise offers an unforgettable experience in every season.

Enjoy.

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How about a tour? ~ 3 minutes

Ice Skating  ~ 3 minutes

Where to get a bite... ~ 3 minutes

Well this is Random...

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AI Titanic Video...

 Really realistic ~ 1 minute

What if Celebrities were fat?

AI ~ 2 minutes

AI Pepsi Commercial

No Hollywood Production...Just AI.  ~ 1 minute

Zoom Founder Eric Yaun's Story

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“I was denied a U.S. visa eight times… and ended up creating one of the most widely used apps in the world.”

My name is Eric Yuan. I was born and raised in a small mining town in China. From a young age, I dreamed of building technology — not just for innovation, but to bring people closer together.

Long-distance love shaped my vision: I saw my girlfriend (now my wife) only twice a year. That pain of separation planted a seed in my heart: “One day, I’ll build something that makes people feel closer, no matter the distance.”

I dreamed of Silicon Valley — but the U.S. rejected my visa eight times. Many would’ve given up. I didn’t. I kept learning English, coding, and pushing forward. On the ninth try, I made it.

I started as an engineer at WebEx, then Cisco. But virtual meetings were slow and clunky. I proposed ways to improve them — nobody listened. So, I quit. I started from scratch with 40 engineers who believed in my crazy dream.

And that’s how Zoom was born.

Investors told me the market was too crowded. No one wanted in. Still, we persisted — testing, fixing, listening to users, improving.

Then 2020 hit. The world shut down… and suddenly, Zoom became the bridge between classrooms, families, friends, and companies.

Behind every "Join Meeting" button was a decade of closed doors, hard work, and relentless belief.

The moral?

A “no” doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

Sometimes, the only difference between a dream and a global reality… is the person who refuses to give up.

— Eric Yuan

What if the Titanic Had Influencers?

Well That's Random.

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More Stuff.

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Edgy.

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More Edgy Stuff...

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Savory Bacon and Apple Stuffing

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Ingredients:

  • 24 oz loaf of hearty white bread (e.g., Pepperidge Farm or Sara Lee Artesano), cubed and dried
  • 7–8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup golden raisins (optional)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Prepare the Bread: Cube the bread and spread it on a baking sheet. Dry in a 300°F oven for 30–60 minutes until firm but not browned. Let cool.
  • Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble. Set aside.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In the bacon fat and butter, sauté the onion and celery over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, diced apples, raisins, herbs, and crumbled bacon.
  • Add Liquids: Whisk together the chicken broth, apple juice, and eggs. Pour over the stuffing mixture and toss gently until evenly moistened.
  • Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

This stuffing is flavorful, comforting, and just a little unexpected—perfect for impressing guests and adding a twist to your Thanksgiving table.

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