It's thought that hot pot originated in Mongolia (it's easy to imagine gathering around a coal fire in that cold and wind-swept region).

NPR: Friends, Family and a Feast: A Hot Pot How-To

Tuesday, ambulances and fire trucks, sirens wailing, streamed onto the wind-whipped peninsula and residents waded through waist-high water to escape with what belongings they could or for those who fled to check on homes that were certainly left with standing water.

WSJ: After Devastating Fire, Breezy Point Bands Together

The capper: I don't watch commercials--except for that Gap ad with the Earth, Wind and Fire song "September" in it.

FORBES: TiVo