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A Thanksgiving Tradition: Pumpkin Pie And Pigskin; Anti- Redskins Ads Before NFL Games; Personal Shopper To The Stars; Happy Thanksgivukkah!; CNN Honors Heroes Changing The World
Aired November 28, 2013 - 16:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
JIM SCIUTTO, CNN GUEST ANCHOR: A very happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I'm Jim Sciutto. So put down the gravy boat for a second and refocus on what really matters today, America's favorite past time. No, despite what the White House would have you believe, it's not about eating nine different kinds of pie. The annual Thanksgiving Day football slate kicked off with a matchup for the NFC North Division lead between the Detroit Lions and the team from title town, the Green Bay Packers.
The Lions looking for their first win on Thanksgiving in ten years, thankfully for them, the Packers were without once again quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, might as well have been making pumpkin pie without the pumpkin. Green Bay managed only 41 total yards in the first two quarters, staking the Lions to a 17-10 half-time lead.
It could have been a lot worse because Detroit proved equally adept at shooting itself in the foot, turning the ball over three times. But the rest of the time it was the Calvin Hill show. The Lions' wideout finished the day with six catches for 101 yards, doing things like that, scoring a touchdown. Explains why they call him Megatron and the dunk over the crossbar. Detroit cruises to a 40-10 win.
Don't worry, even though the Westminster dog show is over, there's more than enough football to guarantee you only have to say three words to your loved ones the rest of the day. The Cowboys just got under way. The Steelers and Ravens play the nightcap just up the road from here in Baltimore.
In other football news, the Washington Redskins have made more headlines off the field than on this year and that's because of their name. Thanksgiving Day is no different. The United Nation is airing radio ads in Detroit and Baltimore whacking the D.C. team for refusing to drop what it calls its racist mascot.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RAY HALBRITTER, ONEIDA INDIAN NATION: The supporters of change have sent a powerful message to the NFL. They have said that no group deserves to be treated as targets of a racial slur. They have said Native Americans deserve to be treated as what we are, Americans.
(END VIDEO CLIP) SCIUTTO: Ray Halbritter, who United representative who voiced that ad, met with NFL executives back in October. While he said he appreciated the opportunity, the Native American Civil Rights advocate said he left disappointed. Roger Goodell and Washington team owner, Daniel Snyder, did not attend that meeting.
Now, like the Redskins, life off the field is complicated for Florida State's football team. Its star quarterback, Jameis Winston, is being investigated as part of an ongoing sexual assault case, which could sideline the likely Heisman candidate as his team marches toward the national championship game.
But perhaps surprisingly, when it comes to the team's name, things are simple. Unlike their NFL counterparts in Washington, the school and the Indian tribe from which it gets its name, Seminoles, rally around the Seminole identity.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The tune is unmistakable, as is the Tomahawk Chop from the sellout crowd, many wearing war paint and Native American head dresses. A student portraying the Seminole Chief Osceola rides out and thrusts a flaming spear into the ground. For decades, this has been tradition at Florida State University's Seminole home football games.
The stereotyping of Native Americans with mascots and nicknames like Indians and Braves is in the spotlight again, this time, over the Washington Redskins. It may shock you, but here, the people portrayed don't just tolerate the university's use of their tribe's name, Seminoles. They support it and defend it.
CHAIRMAN JAMES BILLY, SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA: Anybody come here into Florida trying to tell us to change the name, they better go someplace else, because we're not changing the name.
ZARRELLA: It almost happened once in 2005 the NCAA tried banning the use of the mascot in post-season play until Seminole Tribe of Florida leaders stepped in, signing a proclamation reiterating their support. The NCAA backed off. Even on the Seminole reservation in Hollywood, Florida, you see support for the university. So why does it work here? Why is it OK?
ERIC BARRON, FSU PRESIDENT: We have total focus on mutual respect and honor.
ZARRELLA: University President Eric Barron says the tie between the tribe and the university goes well beyond the football field. Tribal members are included in graduation ceremonies, homecoming. The school offers a class in Seminole history and there are scholarships for Seminole students.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This design right here is actually called man on a horse.
ZARRELLA: The jacket Kyle Doney wears symbolizes the link between the Seminoles and Florida State. Doney is Seminole and went to FSU on scholarship. It works, he says, for a simple reason.
KYLE DONEY, SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA: You know, to be honest with you, I think it was just acceptance on both sides.
ZARRELLA: But acceptance has not been universal. Support from the Seminole tribe in Oklahoma is at best lukewarm, telling us they are neutral on the matter. Might the ongoing Washington controversy blow back on FSU?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not going to be surprised if in any year, we have someone who says is this appropriate.
ZARRELLA: To anyone who stirs it up, says Chairman Billy --
BILLY: Stay out of our territory.
ZARRELLA: John Zarrella, CNN, Tallahassee, Florida.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SCIUTTO: Florida State finishes up its conference schedule this Saturday when they take on their arch rival, Florida in Gainesville.
Coming up, she's a personal shopper to the stars and she's sharing her tips for finding the perfect gift. At 86, she has lots of experience.
Pope Francis is making news again, announcing plans to fulfill a lifelong dream.
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SCIUTTO: Welcome back to the NEWSROOM. It happens every year. As soon as the meal has settled the stress kicks in. Just 26 days left to get your holiday shopping done. But instead of facing the throngs at the mall yourself, why not get a little help this year from an 86- year-old personal shopper to the stars? Our Richard Quest has the story.
RICHARD QUEST, HOST, CNNI'S "QUEST MEANS BUSINESS": In the battle that is shopping after Thanksgiving, we all need as much help as we can get. What to buy, who to buy for and how much to pay and where to buy it. I needed some real professional help. It came in the form of the 86-year-old personal shopper from Bergdorf Goodman's in New York. She knows a thing or two about how to buy.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BETTY HALBREICH, PERSONAL SHOPPER: Come hither into Lala land.
QUEST: Wow. This is quite -
(voice-over): Becky and I have something in common. Not just any Christmas crackers. Christmas crackers from Fortinham's. We both love holiday shopping.
HALBREICH: As a little girl I loved snow globes. The old fashioned snow gloves, I think this is the beautiful part of it.
QUEST (on camera): What are the basic principles of buying gifts?
HALBREICH: I think we sometimes become so imbued with what we like. I noticed when you were picking up things, sometimes we don't think about whom we are buying for.
QUEST: This is spicy stuff.
HALBREICH: Yes, but you kind of smell three at one time. Nobody's nose can take in three at one time. One lifts them out.
QUEST: I think I've just been told off.
(voice-over): Over the years, Betty has built up her own personal shopping empire. It's not difficult to see why. You found an honesty about price, about packaging, and you're not afraid to tell me when you don't think something's right.
HALBREICH: I'm glad you found it out so early.
QUEST: If she's honest in the gift shop, wait until you see her in women's wear.
HALBREICH: This is nice, isn't it?
QUEST (on camera): This is nice.
HALBREICH: Feel it. You wouldn't wear it.
QUEST: You're right, I wouldn't wear it, but that's not the point. You won't tell me who shops with you, going to you?
HALBREICH: Absolutely not. I can't. They know who they are.
QUEST (voice-over): They certainly do. Betty has worked with the likes of Cher, Meryl Streep and Sarah Jessica Parker. It's quite a feat for a woman who only started this job in her late 40s.
(on camera): Thirty seven years ago you came into this building. Why?
HALBREICH: I was brought here by someone.
QUEST (voice-over): At the time, Betty's marriage had ended and her children were grown up.
(on camera): What did you want to do?
HALBREICH: I wanted someone to rescue me and they did. They're too short and too skimpy, I pass.
QUEST (voice-over): She has never used a computer or cell phone. She doesn't even ring up her own sales. When it comes to fashion, Betty is never left behind. HALBREICH: I can foresee what's going to happen. I can tell you now what we're going to go into in a year from now. They're going to drop the skirts and we're going to go into a simpler, more contemporary look.
QUEST: So it's with some trepidation I let her loose on my own ensemble.
(on camera): Tie.
HALBREICH: Yes. Blue.
QUEST: I know. What do you think?
HALBREICH: OK. I would put something else with a print on it myself.
QUEST (voice-over): Whether it's that little black number for the office party or an unusual gift for the boss --
HALBREICH: Letters.
QUEST: No!
HALBREICH: Bills.
QUEST: Toast.
(voice-over): -- you can be sure of one thing.
HALBREICH: I have one, bills.
QUEST: Betty knows best.
HALBREICH: Bills.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
QUEST: I thought of it as a toast rack. Bergdorf is one of those stores that going to be closed on Thanksgiving, allowing the staff the day off with their families. But you can be assured they are open on Black Friday -- Jim.
SCIUTTO: Well, coming up, turkey shaped Menorrahs? Thanksgivukkah doesn't last for eight days so enjoy that (inaudible) turkey while you can.
And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, one wealthy Springsteen fan will be able to give thanks to the boss by buying a little piece of rock history.
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SCIUTTO: So this is something that hasn't happened in about a century. Hanukkah on the same day as Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving on Hanukkah, two great holidays that go great together for the first time since 1888 or 1918, depending on whether you're counting from sundown or not. I would like to say something you may have to wait a very, very long time to hear again, Happy Thanksgivukkah.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RABBI SHMUEL HERZFELD, OHEV SHOLOM THE NATIONAL SYNAGOGUE: We're going to make hundreds if not thousands --
SCIUTTO: The rabbi is getting ready for the big day. His congregation is celebrating in style, deep frying turkeys and mashing together a holy Jewish holiday with a wholly American one.
HERZFELD: Hanukkah's come out, quote/unquote, "early this year." Really, Hanukkah comes out on the same day in the Hebrew calendar every year, but in the secular calendar, it's coming out early so that's why there this fluke that there is this overlapping of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving.
SCIUTTO: That calendar fluke won't happen again for another 70,000 years, experts say.
HERZFELD: We call it Thanksgivukkah but it's really a beautiful fusion of the two days, a day of thanks and a day of praise to God.
SCIUTTO: His congregation in Washington, D.C. Ohev Sholom is having a feast to mark the special occasion.
HERZFELD: This is the only time I think that we going to be able to celebrate Thanksgivukkah in our life so we going to make it a good one.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This has been surprisingly great.
SCIUTTO: Jennie Rivlin Roberts is the owner of Modern Tribe. They sell Jewish themed gifts online.
JENNIE RIVLIN ROBERTS, OWNER, MODERNTRIBE.COM: Thanksgivukkah sales were so big that we had to move from my basement into a commercial space. We did it in a weekend.
SCIUTTO: They opened up this brick and mortar store in Atlanta for the holidays.
ROBERTS: We have never been able to have a physical store. We have only been online. Now we can interact with customers and get to see their excitement about Thanksgivukkah and Hanukkah and our line of Thanksgivukkah products.
SCIUTTO: Roberts said part of the profits from her Thanksgivukkah line are going to a Jewish charity that works to end hunger, the must- have item here, the Menurkey.
ASHER WEINTRAUB, "MENURKEY" CREATOR: Everyone wanted to know what I thought it should look like. So I went to an art store near our house and got some brown clay.
SCIUTTO: The "Menurkey" was dreamed up by Asher Weintraub, a fourth grader from New York City on a road trip with his mom and dad. CAROLINE BARON, MOTHER OF "MENURKEY" CREATOR: Asher says wow, we should make Menorrahs in the shape of turkeys. Anthony was driving, I looked over at Anthony, I was like that's brilliant.
SCIUTTO: With dad's help, Asher used software and a 3D printer to turn his idea into a real product.
WEINTRAUB: Then we have the plaster ones which are made in a factory.
SCIUTTO: So far, they have sold almost 7,000.
BARON: It's been pretty intense.
ANTHONY WEINTRAUB, FATHER OF "MENURKEY" CREATOR: Incredible popup business that going to end on a certain day.
BARON: Right.
WEINTRAUB: Potentially.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SCIUTTO: Asher and his family plan to give a portion of the proceeds to charity as well.
Here's a look at some of the other top stories we're monitoring here in the CNN NEWSROOM. Pope Francis will be heading to Israel in the New Year. An official Israeli source says the visit is scheduled for the end of May. The Vatican would not confirm the exact dates of the trip. The pope made other news this week calling for more radical changes in the Catholic Church in his first written document titled "The Joy of the Gospel."
New NASA images of a closely watched comet as experts now fear may have just been destroyed by the sun. The comet was making its closest approach to the sun, skimming just 730,000 miles above its surface when it disappeared from the view of space telescopes. Observers say it appears the comet broke up into chunks and evaporated. They were hoping it would survive its Thanksgiving close encounter and emerge with an extraordinary sky show in December.
It's considered one of the greatest songs of all time. Now a piece of Bruce Springsteen "Born To Run" could be yours. Next week, the original handwritten lyrics from the boss' signature hit going to be auctioned off. It's expected to rake in between $70,000 and $100,000. He wrote the song almost 40 years ago, long before becoming a rock icon that he is today. Many of the songs' original lyrics didn't make the cut, but the manuscript is said to contain nearly perfect chorus.
You can find refuge in the relatively serenity of a movie theater with a slew of new releases. "Frozen" is being called Disney's best non- Pixar film in years. It's a musical about a young woman's search for his sister. If you want to leave the kids at home, Spike Lee's latest "Old Boys," a remake of a 2003 South Korean movie of the same name. The revenge thriller stars Josh Brolin and Samuel L. Jackson. In a limited release, Nelson Mandela gets the treatment with a biopic of the South African icon.
Coming up, the star-studded awards show to celebrate the everyday heroes among us, we look at the nominees for "CNN Hero of the Year" next.
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SCIUTTO: It's a time honored tradition at CNN, honoring heroes chosen by you who helped change the world one day at a time. CNN's Nischelle Turner looks at this year's "Heroes" awards.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: It's that time of year when giving back to others is in the air. Hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper, this year's annual "Heroes" event is packed with emotion and unforgettable moments. A night when Hollywood's brightest stars come together.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It shines a light on people that don't do it for the light.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: These are the people to get excited about. It kind of makes your jaw drop.
TURNER: To shine a spotlight on ten remarkable people who are changing the world.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is like the Academy Awards for good people.
TURNER: Like a great grandmother who used her life savings to turn a bus into a classroom.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Get on the bus, everybody! CNN Hero, Estella.
TURNER: And a woman who started a drill team to keep kids off the streets.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The pride of Camden, New Jersey!
TURNER: Turning the tables on a traditional awards show.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not the only hero in this room, and none of us as heroes stand alone.
TURNER: "CNN Heroes" puts these everyday people center stage. It's a star-studded event with a few surprises and the heroic ending that you don't want to miss.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: The 2013 CNN Hero of the Year --
TURNER: A night to gather together to celebrate the human spirit.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SCIUTTO: "CNN Heroes an All-Star Tribute" airs Sunday night at 8:00 Eastern.
Now earlier we asked you to tweet us some of your unique Thanksgiving traditions. You came back with a lot. Here are a few of our favorites. Theresa tweeted the turkey is in oven for the smell, cater delivering one, we will eat later. Learned my lesson. #cantcook.
Jordan sent a whole turkey wrapped in bacon. I'm coming over to your house right now to share that with you. We received several turkey displays with vegetables. Here's a pretty one. And a unique tradition, mismatched holiday socks and a faithful friend napping at his feet. And Chris tweeted my favorite, after round one of food, passing out on naptime tradition of grandpa to our sons.
That's all for CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Jim Sciutto. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Up next, a CNN special "The'60s, The JFK Assassination."
