Why Mr. Claus Loves Kansas
Don’t be surprised if Santa doesn’t linger too long at your house tomorrow night. Hey, he’s hungry — and he’s got to make his way to the Midwestern states while he still has the strength.
Families in the Midwest are most likely to leave out some milk and cookies for the big guy, with 35 percent saying they did so in a survey for Land O’Lakes butter.
Folks out West didn’t do all that poorly, though, at a respectable 30 percent — a hair ahead of the Northeast (28 percent) and the South (27 percent).
No word on whether Midwesterners’ generosity is rewarded with anything extra in the presents department.
Winning spirits
If your holiday travels take you through Spokane International Airport and you happen to stop off for a bit of Christmas cheer at Lefty’s Northern Trail Bar and Grill, be assured that you’re in good hands.
Glenda Ates, Lefty’s lead bartender, recently took second place in a Bloody Mary contest open to all the airport concessions across the country operated by CA One Services, one of the nation’s leading airport food service companies.
Ates’ lavishly garnished “Garden Bloody Mary” earned her $50 in the contest sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix and Skyy Vodka.
Silver lining
Trying to spruce up those tarnished silver utensils and serving pieces for your yuletide dinner?
Forget the elbow grease and follow this scientific method recommended by Johns Hopkins University, said to be particularly good at removing pesky stains from cracks and crevices:
* Wrap the entire object in aluminum foil, making sure the foil makes tight contact with the silver in at least one place; make a few cuts in the foil.
* Place in a large glass, enameled or stainless steel pot that can go on the stove.
* Fill with water to cover, using a solution of 4 to 5 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water. Simmer gently for 30 minutes.
* Remove aluminum foil, rinse silver and dry thoroughly. Repeat process if necessary. For extra sparkle, apply a small amount of commercial silver polish.
Ho, ho, ho
Finally, this seems to sum up the true spirit of the season: According to the second annual Boxed Chocolate Holiday Survey for the American Boxed Chocolate Manufacturers, 29 percent of men believe that giving a box of chocolates as a gift increases their chance of getting, um, seriously romantic with the recipient — although only 8 percent of women agree.