Much has been made in recent months of the increase in the number of Americans that are overweight, a problem that begins in childhood due to caloric intake and lack of exercise. Studies reflect that obesity, beginning in childhood, is occuring in a number of other countries for similar reasons with some cultural exceptions - the subject of a Monitor article today. The World Health Organization's recommendations are being met with opposition, from developing countries who produce commodities such as sugar, to the US Department of Health and Human Services For further information on commonalities and differences among dietary guidelines in other countries, consult this page at the Asian Food Information Centre.

In honor of Thanksgiving, today's entry has links for finding documentation on the origins of the holiday from Plimoth Plantation, site of the first events. It's interesting to note that the very first Thanksgiving was quite possibly held in July, 1623, and probably did not yet involve feasting. The food historians of Plimoth do have a good essay on the early appearances of turkey, potatoes, and cranberries at this 'harvest festival' table.

For more about the early colonists' days, a primary source is available in electronic text form at the University of Virginia, including Mourt's Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, 1622 written by Edward Winslow and probably William Bradford. Some of the embellished history of the Pilgrims can be found in the writings of the late scholar of the 17th century, James Deetz, in an excerpt of his book which is also hosted at the University of Virginia, which has long been committed to electronic integrity of full-text books.