December 12th is the 347th day of the year. There are 19 days remaining until the end of the year

Today is Gingerbread House Day, Poinsettia Day, Ding-a-ling Day, National Ambrosia Day and World Book Sniffing Day

ON THIS DAY WITH NICOLET
— On this date in 1913, Stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris on August 11, 1911, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Mona Lisa, was recovered from Vincenzo Peruggia. He was sentenced to 14 months in jail.

— On this date in 1925, the first motel – The “Motel Inn” – opened in San Luis Obispo, California (Motels are a kind of hotel.

— On this date in 1957, Singer Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin, Myra

— On this date in 1991, Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford went to Las Vegas to elope

— On this date in 2003, Rolling Stones star Mick Jagger was knighted by the Queen of England

THINGS U NEED 2 NO
Oreo is offering a cookie delivery service for Santa. A survey found that many parents forget to leave out snacks for Santa on Christmas Eve. The service helps parents prevent children from worrying about Santa’s visit. Unfortunately, the service is only available in England 

Grubhub released a report on 2024 delivery trends, it includes this:  Grubhub delivered over one ton of cottage cheese to customers this year. 

Elon Musk has become the first person to reach a net worth of $400 billion. His fortune received a $50 billion boost from an insider share sale at SpaceX

The perfect gift for someone who wants to be surprised may be:  Unclaimed mail.  (???)  There are companies that let you buy “mystery boxes” of random unclaimed packages.  You’re not guaranteed to get something of value . . . it’s just supposed to be an experience . . . in a “White Elephant” sort of way. 

If you’re flying back home for the holidays, a “content creator” online is talking about how FREEING it feels to travel with ZERO luggage . . . if that’s somehow possible for you. 

One of the most dangerous toys of all time just sold at auction for $13,000.  The inventor of the Erector Set put out a science kit in 1950 called the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory . . . that came with actual URANIUM. 

A TikTok doctor is going viral after telling constipated people to try mooing like a cow.  (???)  It activates your vagus nerve and can help get things moving.

A new survey finds that most Americans aren’t concerned about the health problems that can come from poor posture while using smartphones.

A new survey by Perspectus Global reveals that 44% of the population believes Santa Claus’ image should be updated to be more modern. That number rises to 62% among Gen Z’ers. Suggested changes include a more diverse or inclusive portrayal of the beloved holiday figure, the inclusion of technology and using a hoverboard instead of a sleigh. 32% of people think Santa needs to trim his beard while 33% are calling for him to wear a tailored three-piece red suit. 18% of people think Santa should get Botox. 11% think he should get veneers to brighten up his smile 

The Huber Heights, Ohio police recently arrested a woman for shoplifting during a Shop With A Cop event. The police took the woman into custody as she was attempting to leave a Meijer grocery store. They posted; “Big thank you to Huber Heights FOP 161 for apprehending a shoplifter during a shop with a cop event they put on. Not exactly the grinch but we’ll take it!” She is the second person to be arrested this month for shoplifting during a Shop With A Cop event. In early December, Hector Maldonado was caught trying to steal $1,400 worth of items during a ‘Shop With A Cop’ holiday event at a Walmart in Chesterfield County, Virginia. He attempted to flee, but was surrounded by a dozen officers. Maldonado was charged with felony grand larceny.

A “Yellowstone” spinoff featuring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s characters is in development. The spinoff will continue the story of Beth and Rip in the same present-day setting. 

The Academy Awards will be available on Hulu for the first time ever. The move aims to reach a broader audience and boost ratings for the prestigious event. Conan O’Brien is set to host the 97th Oscars on March 3, 2025