(KMAland) -- The restaurant business has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. To fill that gap in sales, the Pork Checkoff is putting an emphasis on convenience stores.
National Pork Board Director of Channel Marketing Neal Hull explains.
“Well, if you think about convenience stores, and every small town has one, and they're kind of that gathering place and producers are in and out of convenience stores all the time. Convenience stores continue to focus on food and we want pork to be central to that focus, simply because it's an area that there's opportunity for volume, there's opportunity to expand menu offerings as they continue to focus on the food service side of their business.”
To grow pork sales, the Pork Checkoff is customizing promotions for different convenience store chains.
“There's a major convenience store chain that has 1800 locations and we're working on an item that would have bacon, it would have sausage in it. would have ham. So, I mean really central to the producer, and another area that is good for the pork checkoff is that allows us to engage with our state organizations. So, if you think about a Quick Trip out of La Crosse which touches Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, you think about Casey's which is central to Iowa but really in the heart of producer country, and that's where we're really trying to align our focus and energy is working with those convenience stores where we can demonstrate value from a checkoff standpoint back to the producers.”
Drag Race is back, baby! There may be no guest stars, the judges may be separated by dystopian plexiglass sheets, and RuPaul may be avoiding the Werkroom like the LITERAL plague, but it’s BACK. And I’m back, too! Here to walk you through this COVID-compliant season every step of the way.
This episode was just fine. Drag Race loves a format change, which has herstorically resulted in some soaring successes (All Stars 2) and some dismal failures (All Stars 1). This episode’s lip sync battle twist falls somewhere in the middle. While the first 10 minutes or so feel fresh and invigorating, this ep begins to follow an increasingly predictable pattern: queen #1 enters and says some version of the phrase “I’m the first one!”, queen #2 enters and makes slightly forced banter with queen #1, both queens are SHOCKED by a twist we have now seen play out 2-5 times, and finally a lip sync of varying quality. That said, the episode is boosted by the talent of the cast, so you might very well forget the Groundhog Day of it all. Without further ado, let’s meet the queens!
Kandy Muse/Joey Jay
About half the queens think they’re first into the Werkroom, but canonically, the prize goes to the legendary Kandy Muse. Formerly Haus of Aja (we have yet to get the full tea), Kandy rose to viral internet fame thanks to her loud mouth and iconic tweets. Kandy was a winner this episode, she proved what New York drag fans have known for years: she’s funny, loud as hell, and a smart performer to boot. However, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous for Kandy. Drag Race has a nasty habit of airlifting confident queens out of NYC, knocking them down a peg or seven, and villainizing them in the process. Next is Joey Jay, a “filler queen.” Hey she said it, not me! Joey Jay repeats that phrase several times throughout the episode, I assume in an effort to reclaim a term that has been weaponized against the Magnolia Crawfords of the world. I don’t love this branding. I think self-awareness is an overrated trait in drag queens. Once we finally admit that Anna Kendrick ruined the concept of being self-deprecating in 2015, we can realize what the gays have always known: delusional self-confidence rules!
After a brief onstage interrogation, Joey and Kandy lip sync to “Call Me Maybe.” In short, Kandy slays it. The most memorable moment is Kandy’s boombox prop, which she uses to “turn off” the song at the end of the lip sync. True to form, it’s become an instant meme. Kandy wins, and Joey Jay gets “the pork chop”… whatever that means.
Denali/LaLa Ri
Next up is Denali, Chicago’s ice princess. It’s notable that Drag Race has now had so many queens that Denali isn’t even the first professional ice skater slash drag queen to be cast. God, I love this show. Denali is a Chicago darling, and enters the show with a polished package, a competitor’s mindset, and a dedicated fanbase. Fitting, then, that Denali is paired with LaLa Ri. LaLa Ri is—in a word—delightful. She’s funny, she’s completely at ease, and she doesn’t seem to care that she’s entering the werkroom in a cheap bodysuit and jacket (much to Denali’s chagrin). LaLa says she’s “an Olive Garden pasta with Popeye’s chicken tenders on top,” probably the most succinct and perfect branding of any queen this episode.
The two lip sync to “When I Grow Up” and their differences in mindset are immediately on full display. Denali is clearly thrown by the format twist. She’s nervous, and the immense pressure she feels to succeed at Drag Race is clear as day. She’s also in the unfortunate position of having to pull her outfit up every few seconds, which doesn’t help matters. LaLa Ri, on the other hand, is just having fun. She delivers an entertaining performance with just the right amount of attitude. Lala is victorious and a devastated Denali is pork chopped.
Symone/Tamisha Iman
Next up, the mononymous Symone. Symone is quite simply a star. She tells us: “My drag is very real woman”. Did she lie? She sports a dress constructed entirely of chain-linked polaroids of herself. It’s a garment you can only possibly pull off if you’re that thin, gorgeous, and confident, but that said… she is, so she does. These days, every queen comes in with a focus-tested branding package ready to go, but Symone’s entrance is noteworthy because of how organic it all feels. Symone even effortlessly riffs with Ru herself when she gets on stage. She’s what we call a TP: a total package. Symone is matched up with Tamisha Iman. Tamisha is a seasoned, old-school queen, and as we find out on the main stage, a cancer survivor. She has juuust enough time to walk us through the devastating trauma of being diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, and finding the strength to brave radiation and chemo for the chance to be on season 13 before she is promptly eliminated. That’s Drag Race for ya!
She and Symone lip sync to “The Pleasure Principle” by Janet Jackson. Tamisha bodies those Janet-at-50 dance moves (which is a compliment, to be clear!), but it’s simply no match for Symone’s raw star quality and stage presence. You can’t keep your eyes off her, and not just because every inch of her exposed body is covered in highlighter. It’s completely iconic. If anyone can lay claim to the title of frontrunner after only 10 minutes of screentime, it’s Symone.
Gottmik/Utica Queen
Next, here to “crash the system,” it’s Gottmik, the first trans man on Drag Race. Gottmik puts it succinctly: “born a girl, transitionend to a guy, dress like a girl for money… very that!” Gottmik is a prolific celebrity makeup artist, and has the distinction of being the most followed season 13 queen on Instagram at the time of cast announcements. She’s inspired by fashion designers, and clowns. Same! Gottmik’s lip sync opponent is the kooky Utica Queen. If Gottmik is a clown, then Utica is the whole circus. Utica wears a clown-like patchwork suit and a gigantic strawberry fascinator. Utica is funny and likeable, but the editors do their very best to convince you otherwise. They underscore her every sentence with the cringey musical stings, and frequently pan to the judges’ placid faces when she tells a joke. It all feels very manufactured, especially given how well Utica performs in her lip sync. She and Gottmik are assigned the gay cult classic “Rumors” by Lindsay Lohan, and I find myself quite impressed with Utica. Behind her wacky persona is clearly a studied, polished queen. It feels like a BenDeLaCreme performance in the best way. However, despite my dozens of letters and threatening voicemails to World of Wonder headquarters, I am not a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the judges quite disagree with me. They seem wholly unmoved by Utica, and award Gottmik the win.
Rosé/Olivia Lux
Rosé is an established NYC entertainer, a reality TV veteran, and a member of the drag girl group Stephanie’s Child. Rosé marks Drag Race’s second foray into the SCCU (Stephanie’s Child Cinematic Universe), after season 12 fan favorite Jan. Clearly a pro, Rosé has a quick, sharp wit and really pops in the confessional chair. Not to mention boy Rosé is quite a cutie as well! Kind of the best-case scenario when it comes to aging as a twink. Like a good sommelier, RuPaul pairs the acidic, dry Rosé with the light and sweet Olivia Lux. Olivia Lux is BEAUTIFUL. She’s a drag baby, but her makeup and hair have the polished perfection of a far more seasoned queen. She sports a two-toned dress, and an adorable little Jacquemus knockoff purse. The tension between the two queens is immediately palpable. Well… at least to Rosé it is. Rosé is clearly miffed that the very green Olivia Lux is already on Drag Race, and she’s ready to see her taken down a peg. But unfortunately for Rosé that won’t happen today! The pair lip sync to “Ex’s & Oh’s,” and I could have seen it going either way. But Olivia is indeed “one with the music.” She’s sultry, ferocious, and it ultimately gives her the edge. Rosé is PISSED to lose to Olivia, and doesn’t try to hide it. Much like her sister Jan, Rose gives great face crack. Honestly, I live for a sore loser. As Rosé walks offstage, Olivia Calls out: “Wait, I’m so confused!” “Me too,” Rosé replies. Gag. This is a high point of the episode, and I hope we get to see more of this one-sided rivalry as the season progresses.
Tina Burner/Kahmora Hall/Elliott with 2 Ts
Our final lip sync of the night is a menage a trois. First up is Tina Burner. The campy, 8-foot-tall NYC legend injects some much needed energy into the last act of this episode. She’s quickly joined by Kahmora Hall, the self-described “Mackie Barbie doll.” It takes about 0.2 seconds for Kahmora to start antagonizing anyone in her sightline this episode, which I of course stan. She walks in dressed to the nines in a Bob Mackie original (which had to be taken in because she’s “sample size”) and tells Tina she looks like a hot dog. I’m expecting great things. The pair are then joined by Eliott with 2 Ts, who lumbers in, sings a low-energy cheer jingle, and half-heartedly poses for the camera. As Kahmora correctly summarizes, “she looks… fun.” This episode, Elliott is dragged by everyone on screen (Tina, Kahmora) and even some people offscreen (her story producer). It’s hard to imagine her sticking around too long.
The three lip sync to the iconic “Lady Marmalade,” a choice that feels custom picked for Tina. TIna knows every inch of this song, and I’m 99 percent sure I’ve seen her do it in Cherry Grove. She claims a definitive victory and Elliott and Kahmora are sent packing. Or… are they?
The episode leaves us on quite the ambiguous note. While not every losing queen is being sent home, it appears that one of them certainly will be. Next episode, the girls will practice their civic right to vote and decide amongst themselves who is sent home. Spooky! We’re off to the races, and although the quality of this episode is at times a little… pork choppy, it’s nonetheless a great start to the new year. These queens came to play, and I’m certain they have great things in store for us all season long.
From bubbling slow cookers filled with pork and sauerkraut, to collard greens and black-eyed peas - these and more foods find a place on many New Year's tables.
TOLEDO, Ohio — If it's just not the new year without a bite of pork and sauerkraut, you may find yourself in the company of many across the globe who turn to food tradition superstitions as a tasty way to ensure a good start to the year.
What's cooking for you in the new year? It depends on what you eat Jan. 1, the traditions say. Here's a guide to what foods bring what fortune and why:
Black Eyed Peas, Greens, and Cornbread - For Money
This dish, which originated in the South is said to represent pennies, dollars, and gold, according to Delish.com. The three foods are supposed to be eaten together, as black-eyed peas are said to bring coins, greens bring folding money (dollars), and the yellow-hued cornbread promises gold.
The type of greens can vary from mustard greens, collards, kale and even spinach. Some of your lucky eating can be accomplished in a dish called Hoppin' John, or Carolina peas and rice. This dish is made with black-eyed peas and rice, chopped onion and sliced bacon, and is seasoned with salt.
Pork - For Progress and Prosperity
Eating pork of any style on New Year's Day is said to inspire progress throughout the year to come. According to German legend, pork is eaten on New Year's Day because pigs look forward when they root for food, rather than chickens and turkeys, which scratch backward. Pigs are also plump, which portends prosperity.
WildBrine.com says as these sauerkraut lovers immigrated to the Midwest, they brought their traditions with them, including eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year's. "That’s why in Ohio and Pennsylvania, which received many German immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries, people are almost religious about this delicious duo," the website says.
Sauerkraut - To Wish Each Other Abundant Riches
Speaking of the fermented food, German tradition holds that on New Year's Day, you enjoy (or tolerate) the kraut and wish each other as many riches as there are shreds of cabbage in the sauerkraut. If you're unfamiliar with sauerkraut, that's a lot.
Pomegranate - For Fertility, Life, and Abundance
Delish.com says that pomegranate seeds have always been affiliated with fertility. In Greece, the whole fruit is thrown across the floor, releasing a sea of seeds that symbolize fertility, life, and abundance. You can also choose to just eat them, if you're looking to avoid a mess.
Fish: For Abundance
Around the world, fish symbolizes abundance. The way it's eaten differs depending on the region. In Asian cultures, people feast on whole fishes around the Lunar New Year, and in Europe, people eat carp, herring, and cod, Delish says.
Noodles: For Longevity
Super-long noodles are thought to bring long life, Delish says, especially if you can eat them without breaking them in half.
Oranges and Honey: For Good Fortune, Wealth, and Gold
Asian cultures believe that eating oranges and honey on New Year's will bring good fortune, wealth and money.
No matter what your food tradition, we hope that you have the happiest new year and that your stomachs are always comfortably full.
If ever there was a year to indulge in central Pennsylvania’s New Year’s Day tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut for good luck, this is the year.
Chambers Hill Fire Company contributed to the overall good fortune of 250 Central Pa. residents with their annual fundraiser, which sold out 250 dinners in less than an hour.
The fire company in Swatara Township shifted to a drive-thru format for its annual pork and sauerkraut dinner fundraiser. The dinners included pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, green beans, apple sauce, rolls and butter.
Almost every area has a variation on the belief that the first food you eat at the turn of the year can influence what kind of year you’ll have. Around the world, different cultures indulge in traditional New Year’s foods.
READ MORE:
Pennsylvania Dutch lore dictates eating the fermented cabbage and pork will bring good fortune in the new year.
The pig roots forward so if your first meal includes pork, you’ll move ahead all year, according to Pennsylvania German folklore. The swelling of the sauerkraut symbolizes bounty.
This year, a handful of restaurants and fire companies are selling the meals, and following Gov. Tom Wolf’s orders are selling takeout or drive-through pickup.
meat.indah.link By David Holewinski | The Intelligencer
The current stimulus package is filled with pork, almost all of which has no relationship with COVID-19 relief for individuals or businesses. The mainstream media isn't telling you what is in the 5,500 plus pages of the omnibus bill that includes the COVID relief.
Democrats and Republicans alike are pulling the wool over the public's eyes again. Here is a link to an opinion column published by The Hill — http://bit.ly/2WW7dFo — that gives facts about the stimulus you won't find in the newspaper.
Read it and call your congressperson and your senator now.
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