Newspapers / The Black Mountain News … / Nov. 26, 1981, edition 1 / Page 2
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They can be trained to come when they're called, and often can be taught to follow their owners like a dog.' Turkey has image problem Dy non laima The next time someone calls you a turkey you may want to consider the comment a comp liment. The wild turkey stalked by the pilgrims on that first Thanksgiving Day is still one of the smartest birds in Amer ica. The domestic turkey that graces our holiday table seems to be the culprit causing the bird’s low-IQ image. But according to Charles Brewer, a North Carolina State University assistant professor of poultry science, man’s ef forts to produce an outstand ing meat product have chang ed the bird in a way that masks its native intelligence. Brewer assists the state’s turkey in dustry in formulating diets for the birds and carries out turkey-related research at NCSU. In 1981 North Carolina be came for the first time the number one turxey-p reducing state in the country with revenues exceeding $183 mil lion. "Pound for pound the broad-breasted commercial tuikey is a smart as his wild relative,” Brewer said. "Be cause of its excessive weight (males 25-30 pounds, females 15-20 pounds) the domestic turkey can neither fly nor reproduce naturally and must be artificially inseminated. But these limitations shouldn't be misinterpreted as having a bearing on the bird’s intelli gence.” Because the wild turkey is mobile and has adapted well in the forest it has a reputation of being a much more cunning animal with a keener mind, he said. “The wild birds are ex tremely intelligent, and tests have substantiated that like the squirrel, they have the ability to keep a tree between themselves and a hunter and use this shield to move through the woods until they find safe shelter,” he noted. But given the same amount of time and experience in the wild, these wily ways would be exhibited by the domestic birds as well. Brewer said. Studies at NCSU have shown that if wild young turkeys raised in captivity are released and allowed to live in the woods, it takes them three to four years to become re-est ablished in that environment. “Given the chance, the dome stic bird could establish itself there almost as quickly,” he said. Curiosity has long been considered a sign of intelli gence, and Brewer says the domestic turkey shows an interest in everything it con fronts—from a new feeding dish to an old felt hat. “If a farmer throws his hat into a tuncey pen, me Dirds will flock around, observing, assessing, all the while making a curious ducking sound,” he said. Brewer is quick to refute the old story that turkeys don’t have sense enough to come in out of the rain. “This business about turkeys caught in the rain holding their heads up and drinking until they drown is pure myth,” he stated. “Like any bird, the turkey isn’t supposed to get wet. In instances when turkeys have died, they were being range raised with little or no protect ion, got soaked to the sldn, the temperature dropped and they froze to death." In an NCSU research project designed to reduce the cost of turkey feed by cutting the percentage of protein, Brewer saw more evidence of the domestic turkey’s intelligence. “When the protein dipped to an unacceptable level, the birds began to eat their own protein-nch feathers to ac quire their nutritional needs,” he said. According to the NCSU poultry professor, the turkey even makes a pretty accept able pet. ‘‘If no other turkeys are around, the domestic bird will do Just fine,” he said. ‘‘They can be trained to come when they’re called, and often can be taught to follow their owners around like a dog.” The domestic turkeys with their made-to-order broad breasts waddle around like a man with an acclerated case of middle-age spread, but according to Brewer most ath letes would do well to have the birds’ physical makeup. ‘‘On the average human, body weight is eight to 10 percent fat,” Brewer said. “The turkey-which is over one third breast-has less than one percent body fat. Because of its low-fat meat, its high nutritional value and its economical price per pound, turkey is one of the best meat buys in America, he added. “They can be bought in parts, as breasts, in rolls, in turkey-ham loafs and as whole birds,” he noted. “In the past year a hew frankfurter product made with turkey and chicken was introduced and gained more than 10 percent of the country’s hot dog market.” This holiday season will mark a milestone in turkey pricing, with costs lower than they’ve been in more than 15 years, Brewer said. So this Thanksgiving the turkey can hold his head up proudly. He’s not only a great deal smarter than he’s cracked up to be; but also-with sky rocketing prices and the growth of inflation-the bird is rapidly becoming man’s best friend. Roads to be repa i red by Ed Weber In discussion with the Chamber of Commerce, Earl McEntire, district supervisor for Department of Transporta tion, agreed that steps would be taken to “smooth over” the rough crossing of Southern Railroad tracks on highway No. 9. Also the condition of Broadway, between State street and the RR crossing was discussed with a view of repairing it when funds be come available in early spring. George Venturella, chair man of the Sourwood Festival, has announced that the 1982 festival will be held August 4-7. The emphasis this year will be on full participation in events, shows, sports, etc. by the people, dubs, organiza tions and industries in the valley. Anyone with ideas and plans should call 669-2300 or 669-8081. The Chamber welcomes its newest members, The Seven Sisters and the Blade-Eyed Susan, both on Cherry Street. RSglgp fin r=^r==i D‘ Du >ARE Operation Santa under way Operation Santa Claus is under way at the Maijorie McCune Center for the Hand icapped. Unwrapped gifts will be accepted through Dec. 14 to be given to residents at Christ mas. Suggested items include: toothpaste and brushes, cos metics, larger size dresses and slips, panties, socks, comb and brush sets, coloring books, ties, handkerchiefs, after shave lotion, men’s under wear, postage stamps, tob oggan caps, bicydes, records, record player, icecream freez er, tape players, tapes and roller skates. The items must be new, not used. Attach your name and address so the gifts can be acknowledged. For more information, call Irene Stephenson, director of volunteer services at the cen ter, 669-8452. Ezcmr emesd rj~ For More Under Your/ fhPistmaiJreeI *10 6 Foot Artificial Christmas Tree ^ Easy to assemble scotch ! pine Complete with stand. J* 4-Ft. Christmas Tree 7.99 Accessories For m The Tree |•3,'x12’Garland.3/'1 gSK!' *8-Ct./12-Ct. Glass jSSS-T x Ornaments.1.59 * Lite Star Tree jmiifT°P.2.99 WM?’ *50 Li,eSe*.3 99 $2 Ladies' Tee Tops 100% cotton tee with I cap sleeves and scoop j neck. Fashion colors. I S,M,L. 588 Pair Fashion Jeans > With contrast stitching I and color piping on / back pockets. 5/6- / 15/16 & 10-18. / ,_Lj $5 Each Men’s Western , Shirts Woven plaid shirts f with front and back a yoke. Snap front, fl cuffs and pockets. ff S,M,L,XL. ft 588 P Pair ^ Men’s Western Denim Jeans 5-pocket cotton denim jeans with slight flare leg. Sizes L__ r 58 »iX, Pair Family ^ Choose from assorted styles of canvas court shoes and nylon or suede joggers in sizes to fit the' whole family 1 j 99 Dixie Charger Die Cast Set Set of 3 die cast ^ miniatures with wheels. _A 7 A A Thundervette Battery operated remote control car with motor _ sound. ,, 9" Daredevil 500 Includes 3 stunt cars and “whip action” track with speed loop. lu»l* •‘/'J? Estate 1 841 Quaker State Super Blend Premium quality 10W30 motor oil. Limit 5 quarts. _____d r — .— CQ0 Light Pk. Bulbs Pack of 2 60. 75 or 100 watt Sylvarua inside frost light [bulbs Q9 9 Plastic Lace Table Cloth 54 x72 wipe clean vinyl tablecloth Machine washable h___J f—SSL-^ "JP $ Plates mm Or Cups 25-ct Hefty foam plates or 20-ct 10-oz tumblers > -i 5$ 4 Ultra Brite For I Toothpaste 1 3-oz Ultra Brite for whiter teeth Pro Toothbrushes.2/*1 k._M $ 4 Holiday I Trash Bags Choose from 1 5-ct. 44-qt. bags, 12-ct. 20-gal bags or 9-ct 30-gal bags. . l ] i } t ' i • •*“! J*| b v 5 ' < 5 * 5 s 5 2$ 4 Lander For I Products Choice of i 2-oz shampoo and rinses or 16-oz lotion $ K 21 Piece Socket Set 1/4" and 3/8" ratchet socket set Rustproof Plastic carrying set. . > _ —H Kiaii Pobsh Re movtr^H U & Conditioner JWj L m\ $ >4 Nail Polish I Remover 4-oz Beautiful Nails polish remover Dip nail in and it removes polish 2)88 ■ Ea. Pc. Men’s Thermal Underwear Men's warm and com fortable poly/cotton thermal underwear. kS,M,L,XL. Prices Good At All Family Dollar Stores Through The Weekend. Quantities Limited On Some Merchandise. No Sales To Dealers. HWY 70, Black Mountain Mon. - Sat. 9-9 Sun. 1-6 Depot report Rocking horse makes fine gift by Priscilla Hopkins “Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross, To see what Tommy can buy, A penny white loaf, A penny white cake, And a two penny apple pie. ” m . mn&fln Any child lucky enough to get a rocking horse made by Sam McElrath for Christmas this year can ride anywhere his imaginati.-.i can take him. In addition ... the rocking horses he make lo sell at the Old Depot at'-:. North Carolina Chris Tolley Is riding to Banbury Cross. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tolley. He attends kindergarten at Swannanoa Primary. mmm mmmm mmmmmmmmtmmmm MOTORCRAFT OIL and OIL FILTER SPECIAL Includes up to 5 quarts of Motorcraft oil. Motorcraft | oil filter and installation | FREE LUBE with Oil & Oil Filter Special TOTAL SPECIAL PRICE-PARTS and LABOR I "J ■ ’is50 m ! I C\^ I 9 | Any applicable taxes extra j vJSsfr | ^ PRESENT COUPON "=J fairs, Sam makes other de lightful toys such as stick horses, jumping monkeys, gee-haw whimmy diddles and rocking chairs. For adults he makes white oak split gizzard baskets, note holders, chums, owls and footstools. Sam is self-taught and un like many of the Old Depot exhibitors, his craft items are his vocation. He works chiefly in pine. He has been appear ing at fairs for eight years and began exhibiting at the Old Depot two years ago. He lives with his family in Buckeye Cove. A week from this Saturday, Nov. 28, the Log Cabin pattern double bed quilt and matching pillow will be raffled off at 4:30 p.m. in the Depot The winner need not be present to win. Each chance costs just $1. Proceeds will go to support educational projects of the Old Depot Association in the Val ley. Both quilt and pillow are on display in the showcase of the Gallery. The annual Christmas open house will be held on Friday, Dec. 11 from 6-9 p.m. Moun tain toys will be used in decorating for the party. Re freshments will be served. Entertainment will be provi ded by Diane, Mose and Christy Henry. Plan to drop in and have some fun with fri ends. If you have boxes that you do not need, the Depot could use them. The Depot is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. CLASSES: There will be no more classes in 1981, but there will be classes in basket making and broom-maldng of fered in March of 1982 before the Gallery re-opens on April 1. If you are interested and would like to be contacted in early March when the day and time of each of these classes is set, please contact Edie Jack son or Lillian Reynolds now at 669-6583. The Old Depot Gallery will be open through Dec. 24. f Burgess 66 I Service Center \ Thanksgiving / Special I Keep your tires new with Computer Balancing > wh-t **per tlre\ Kerosene 669-9854]
The Black Mountain News (Black Mountain, N.C.)
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Nov. 26, 1981, edition 1
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