In this season of approaching winter holidays and abrupt spikes in ham consumption, this much is worth noting: In the country where beef is held up as the meat that defines the American character, the pig in all its succulent, edible incarnations seems to be everywhere.

Jeff Long: Sometimes, an outsider's view can serve as a great reality check that provides a fresh perspective and makes us realize how lucky we really are.

This week, we honor Lovie's favorite defensive scheme with a chili that hits you two different ways. On the Arizona side of the ball, we've taken a classic Arizona snack food, the cheese crisp, and topped it with a chorizo chili.

No need to carve anything out of your Thanksgiving meal this year. Americans can still enjoy one of the most treasured meals of the year despite the slowing economy.

How well do you know Oswegoland Park District? The Park Foundation invites you to take this 12-question, multiple choice quiz.

When the basic ingredients are bacon, pasta, eggs and Parmesan cheese, it's hard to go wrong. This uncomplicated recipe for spaghetti carbonara from Lucinda Scala Quinn's "Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys," comes together in minutes.

Gordon Ramsay suggests serving buttered pasta or steamed rice to accompany this simple stroganoff made with pork tenderloin from his new book, "Cooking for Friends."

Last week, the Character Counts Coalition of the Montgomery/Oswego area presented awards to nine people at the Oswego Village Board Meeting.