December 10th is the 345th day of the year. There are 21 days remaining until the end of the year

Today is Dewey Decimal System Day, World Digital Detox Day and National Lager Day

ON THIS DAY WITH NICOLET
— On this date in 1478,  the first teaching math book was printed

— On this date in 1927, The Grand Ole Opry premiered on the radio

— On this date in 1945, Peter Paul Inc. introduced the Almond Joy candy bar. It sold for ten cents

— On this date in 1953, The first issue of Playboy magazine is published. Marilyn Monroe is on the cover.

— On this date in 1965, The Grateful Dead played their first concert at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco.

THINGS U NEED 2 NO
Merriam-Webster announced its word of the year is . . . “polarization.”  They define it as “division into two sharply distinct opposites.” Their longer definition is:  “A state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum, but become concentrated at opposing extremes.”

McDonald’s announced they’re finally bringing back their Snack Wrap next year.  Fans have been calling for it since it dropped off the menu at most locations in 2016. 

Taco Bell is opening a new beverage-focused place called Live Mas Café.  The first one will be in San Diego, and the servers are called “Bellristas.” 

A ranking of the weirdest candy cane flavors is topped by PICKLE.

A poll found candy canes are more likely to be used as decorations than food. 60% of us use them to decorate. 58% eat them.  Overall, we’re pro-candy cane though: 80% feel nostalgia for them, 77% would describe them as “refreshing”, and 75% would even say “delicious.”

Pantone revealed its “Color of the Year” for 2025, and it’s BROWN.  They’re calling the specific shade Mocha Mousse, which is a somewhat lighter brown. Some people are calling it “a win for quiet luxury” . . . other people say it looks a lot like POOP. For the record, Pantone describes it as, “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness.  It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.”  Maybe it works for you.

According to an ear-nose-and-throat doctor, blowing your nose too hard can actually make cold symptoms worse, and cause mucus to retreat back into your sinuses.  Instead of one big blow, take your time and blow gently. 

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is no longer going forward with a plan to stop coverage for anesthesia if the surgery lasts longer than expected.

Here’s a gift idea for concert goers who like to keep their spot in “the pit”:  There’s a pleather PIT DIAPER available, which is compatible with Depend Guards for Men.  They cost $75 each, and are an “extremely limited” thing. 

Last year, a lottery ticket sold in California hit a $197 million jackpot, but no one has come forward.  The ticket expires TOMORROW, so if the person doesn’t come forward, the state will take the money for education.

A study (out of Sweden) revealed that Santa’s Christmas Eve journey to homes around the world may seem impossible, but with 2½ billion homes, he needs only 34-microseconds at each stop. There are 48 people per square kilometer on Earth, and 20 meters between each home. So if Santa travels against the Earth’s rotation he has 48 hours to deliver all the presents.

Holiday travelers are being warned not to bring wrapped Christmas presents to airports. The TSA may ask people to unwrap them at security checkpoints. A spokesperson says, “What TSA recommends is either wait to wrap the gifts after the airport checkpoint or place the item inside a gift bag so that it can be inspected without having to dismantle the wrapping paper.” The TSA’s website also points out that certain rules may apply to holiday gifts like oversized snow globes and large electronics.

Tokyo, Japan will implement a four-day workweek for its government employees next year . . . to encourage women to have more kids.

The latest report says that American life expectancy is 77.5 years.

Only 3% of Americans think THEY are a bad driver, but 17% of people say most of the OTHER drivers on the road are either “poor” or “terrible.”

According to a Tinder report, daters are valuing optimism and embracing “hopecore” . . . a mindset that focuses on positivity and joy.

The heating engineers at iHeat say the ideal office temperature is 69.8°. Women, the elderly, and underweight individuals may prefer a slightly warmer environment. Research shows that office temperatures can impact productivity, with men and women performing differently based on the thermostat setting. 

Astronauts have been banned from eating  Brussel sprouts due to fears of flammable toots. NASA is worried the toots could cause an explosion in the confined International Space Station. Baked beans, cabbage, and broccoli are also off the menu to prevent a potential blast. (Also- I had this on Random Tids & Bits recently: It’s possible to overdose on Brussels sprouts.  They have high levels of vitamin K, which can promote blood clotting.  So if you take blood thinners and mow down several dozen Brussels sprouts, it could send you to the hospital.)

There’s a new trend that’s gaining popularity on social media:  IMAGINING that you’re at an airport.  That sounds like something that requires a trigger warning, but it’s actually about REDUCING stress and anxiety. Traveling through airports can involve a lot of uncontrollable variables . . . so many people slip into a “treat yourself” mode that ignores diets, fitness, and other normal routines.  It’s ANYTHING GOES. The idea is expanding that . . . to cope with everyday annoyances. So if someone feels overwhelmed or exhausted with regular life, they announce airport rules are in effect . . . and that clears the way for eating pizza for breakfast, having a drink in the middle of the day, caffeine and energy drinks at any time, and comfortable clothes like pajamas are fair game. In one video, someone explains, “Money means nothing . . . and time of day means nothing.”

The demand for beard transplants has skyrocketed because of Prince William and his beard. Clinics have seen a 200% increase in men wanting Prince William’s rugged beard. Patients are willing to pay $3,500 for the royal look.