The Mindbender dines out
November 19, 2024
There are a few homes in my neighborhood that have had their Christmas lights up for a couple of weeks.
For years, people have debated over the proper date to do it. Is it around Thanksgiving? Wait until December? Is it okay to do it BEFORE HALLOWEEN?
Now a psychologist has spoken up and said this:
Putting up your lights before Thanksgiving is a sign you’re a self-absorbed narcissist.
Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. I’m just relaying the story.
But I AM laughing about it, too. Oh, the things we choose to fight over . . .
Let's get on with the countdown.
Along with today's Mindbender you get these bonus stories:
The best and worst travel days
Top five must-have foods
How to make healthier coffee
But first, today's Mindbender:
Nearly two-thirds of people, both men and women, agree this is one of the worst things you can do on a first dinner date.
I'll have a clue coming up.
The best and worst travel days
Experts have already predicted that nearly 80 million people will be traveling this year for Thanksgiving.
About 72 million will be on the road, six million will fly, and two million will hop on trains or buses.
Other experts—we have a lot of experts, don’t we?—have declared the worst day to travel next week will be Tuesday, specifically between 1p and 7p.
Wednesday between between 1p and 5p is the next-worse day.
And heading home, Sunday, December 1st and the following Monday could be a nightmare.
Want the BEST day to travel? Thanksgiving itself.
All these dates and times are general in nature. Here’s where you can find data for specific metropolitan areas.
Top five must-have foods
Once you sit down to a Thanksgiving dinner, are there certain foods that are on your must-have list?
A supermarket chain asked people to fill out that list. Basically, if you could have only five foods on the table, what would they be?
Turkey was #1, but I’m suspicious. Are people just saying that because it’s traditional?
Stuffing was #2, mashed potatoes #3, gravy #4, and then pumpkin pie.
I love that there’s not a single green thing on here.
And are we sure pie isn’t in the top three?
Here's a clue for the Mindbender:
I know, lobster is terrific—but this may not be the time.
How to make healthier coffee
Depending on the day, you’ll see stories about the health benefits of drinking coffee OR how it’s going to kill you.
But most people would agree that putting sugar in it is not optimal.
Now researchers have released a study showing the benefits of replacing that sugar with MAPLE SYRUP.
They say it helps with your blood sugar levels, lowers your blood pressure, gives you less belly fat, and improves your gut health.
But to be clear: We’re talking about REAL maple syrup. Just pouring Mrs. Butterworth’s into your coffee will not help you.
And it’s worth pointing out the study came from Canada, where they have, you know, a vested interest in selling maple syrup. 😀
And now, the answer to today's Mindbender:
What’s something you should never do on a first dinner date?
Order the most expensive thing on the menu.
Seems like common sense. But I’ve had it happen to me on a first date.
She ordered an appetizer, too. And dessert. And multiple cocktails.
I wonder where she is today?
That'll do it for today's Mindbender. Thank you for being part of The Club.
Enjoy your day!
Dom
And by the way, you know, when you're telling these little stories? Here's a good idea: have a point. It makes it so much more interesting for the listener!
Mindbender books are on sale for the holidays!
Pick up copies of the Mindbender books and you’ll have hundreds of classic Mindbenders to entertain your guests or coworkers. Or take them on road trips with your family.
And thru November 28th, get the first four in paperback at more than 35% off!
Find your copies here.
