Jane Hamsher of Firedoglake writes tonight of the recent passing of Kobe Mattisse Rose, her beautiful poodle who was the inspiration for the blog. It's one of the most moving posts I've ever read.

I had the privilege of spending a week in CT with Jane, Kobe, Lucy and Katie (here's a pic of what the poodles were like together.) Jane and Kobe were so in sync -- so much a part of each other. She's really hurting, but her post is beautiful -- and about how much he gave her to be thankful for. I can't think of a more uplifting way to end Thanksgiving evening, and I hope you'll all take a few minutes to read it.

R.I.P. Kobe. Jane, we love you.

It's a great Thanksgiving tradition. Radio stations around the country today will play the 18 minute version of Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant, recorded in 1967.

It's a beautiful, sunny day here in Denver. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Let us know how you are spending the holiday. This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Who's already cooking for tomorrow? Who's going elsewhere and not cooking at all?

The Black Friday shopping deals are already available online. Here's a list of stores open both Thursday and Friday, and one of those taking online orders. More tips here. Supposedly, the stores' twitter feeds and facebook pages are the best places for early notice of new deals.

If you find any great deals online, let us know in comments. This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Update: How about that couple that crashed the White House state dinner? [More..]

Turkey Day means football, 3 games in the NFL and one of the college variety.

3 NFL games tomorrow. The traditional games in Detroit and Dallas plus the new NFL Networks game at night. The Lions, who are terrible, have a QB, Matthew Stafford, with a separated shoulder. They are playing the Packers, winners of their last 2. Seems like the Lions always get blown out in this game. I think they will again. I like the Pack (-11).

The Giants travel to Denver. I still do not respect the Broncos. I'll take the G-Men (-6.5). More . .

The top recommended diary at Daily Kos:

You have raised your flag in protest against a troop increase in a war the President, as a candidate, called a "war of necessity." The President didn't hide his feelings from you.

I knew my time alone in support of "finishing the job" in Afghanistan would be shortlived. Welcome to the bandwagon, Obama fans.

This is an Open Thread.

Another hectic day.

This is an Open Thread.

The Iron Chef finale or the Americn Music Awards? I'm watching both, but I'd rather be watching Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters. (No spoilers please until the West coast has had a chance to view it.) I don't think either of tonight's two finalists are up to past Iron Chefs.

I highly recommend AMC's The Prisoner, which re-airs episodes 1 and 2 tonight. There's also Sunday Night Football.

Here's an open thread, all topics welcome, TV related or not.

An important week for most teams. For instance, if the Giants lose for the 5th straight time this week, you really can't see them in the playoffs. They play the Falcons today at the Meadowlands. They are 7 point favorites. I think Atlanta (+7) keeps it close.

The J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! have a funny man as coach in Rex Ryan. But the league has been laughing at them now for a month. The Patriots are still discussing Belicheck-4th Down Gate. The Jets have the urgency. I'll take the Jets (+10.5). More . . .

I'm totally into watching AMC's remake of The Prisoner. If you get Comcast On Demand, all six episodes are available for free, to watch any time. I watched four hours last night. Skippy has this review. AMC will air it again starting Sunday if you don't have On Demand.

The other thing I'm following today: The new arrests in Italy in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the October, 2009 Chicago arrests of David Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana,for involvement in the planned attack on Jyllands-Posten, the Danish newspaper that published the cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed in 2005. The New York Times today has a long feature article on David Headley (formerly known as Daood Gilani). [More...]

While the Big 3 (Florida, Alabama, Texas) won't be tested today, there are plenty of interesting games on the slate. Let's start with the Oregon Ducks traveling to Arizona. Both Oregon and Zona can win the Pac 10 by winning out. If neither win out, it becomes a free for all. Oregon is a 6 point favorite. I like Zona (+6).

In the Big Ten, Rose bowl bound Ohio State travels to Ann Arbor to face Michigan. Michigan spit the bit on this season a month ago. For all the talk about Rodriguez not having talent (which is true), the indictment I would make against him is his team quit on him. I think they quit for good. I like the Buckeyes (-12.5). More . . .

Bob Dylan singing Santa? Levjoy says on Twitter it sounds like a Yiddish folk song, and he's got a point.

Here's Digby on Luke Russert's reporting on health care. Firedoglake has today's highlights.

Fernando Bermudez left Sing Sing prison today, after serving 17 years for a murder he didn't commit. More here.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Another busy day ahead.

This is an Open Thread.