SPRING CLEANING

THE NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS -- APRIL 20, 2024

A headline that includes the phrase “Swedish Death Cleaning” is an attention grabber. It almost requires an immediate explanation. You'll be relieved to know that this Swedish tradition equally applies to the living. 

 

“The overarching goal of Swedish death cleaning is to declutter one’s home and downsize one’s possessions in advance of one’s death — essentially purging things you no longer need or haven’t used in ages. Swedish death cleaning can also benefit you while you’re still alive, not least of which through the enrichment that getting organized provides.” 

 

Apparently, Swedes do this on a regular basis. “It is not about dusting or mopping up; it is about a permanent form of organization that makes your everyday life run more smoothly.” 

 

This is sort of a heftier version of our annual spring cleaning tradition. Even Good Housekeeping offers five ways to implement the process. They suggest starting small. “Declutter your closet first. The act of sorting and setting aside clothes that don’t fit or you haven’t worn in eons is a straightforward task and a satisfying way to get started.” More at: https://nicenews.com/culture/swedish-death-cleaning-guide/ and https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/a43826147/swedish-death-cleaning/. 

 

All this got me thinking about spring cleaning the crate beneath my desk. This is where all the of research that I did not use in previous columns accumulates. They are often random and forgotten tidbits. Even I'm sometimes surprised at what I find. 

 

I found that Texas is the number one state for solar capacity. We usually associate Texas with oil, but Solar generation in Texas has been climbing steadily and continues to gain momentum. Even more growth is coming in the state in 2025. There are thousands of additional megawatts of solar capacity in earlier stages of development.” (https://electrek.co/2024/04/05/solar-topped-coal-in-texas-for-the-first-time-ever-in-march/)

 

I found that dogs can fly. It costs about $6000. “Dogs will soon be able to experience their own first class flight with the launch of the world’s first jet charter company specifically designed for man’s best friend. BARK Air offers the white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches.” (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2024/04/12/bark-air-jet-charter-service-flying-with-dogs/73289679007/)

 

Compare this to your last (human) experience on a airplane. “On the travel day, dogs and their people will arrive at the airport 45-minutes to an hour before the flight for a simple, efficient check-in process – no crates, no stressful TSA checkpoints.  The cabin will be prepped with calming aids such as: pheromone, music, warm lavender scented refreshment towels, and other comforts to help each dog feel settled. Dogs will be served their beverage of choice (water, bone broth). In addition, a variety of BARK-branded treats, snacks, and surprises will be served throughout the flight experience.” Go to air.bark.co for more information and a video.  

 

I found a study that may be of interest to individuals gradating from high school this spring. It shows the top locations where college graduates earn the highest salary. “Statistics reveal that, on average, college graduates in the United States accumulate $1.2 million more in lifetime earnings than their non-college-educated peers and are 3.5 times less likely to face poverty.”

 

Michigan stats reflect this. College grads make 75.87 percent more than non-grads. According to Career.io, one Michigan city is the place to work. “Novi, Michigan, stands out prominently with an astounding difference: on average, a college graduate earns approximately $57,703 more annually (a premium of 258.19 percent) than someone without a degree.” Lots of stats and graphics at: https://vividmaps.com/top-locations-in-the-united-states-where-college-graduates-earn-the-highest-salary-premium/. 

 

I found an article that might get a chuckle from those planting a garden this spring. Coincidentally, this also involves an elaborate April Fools' prank. In 1957, the BBC told its audience that spaghetti was harvested from spaghetti trees in Italy and Spain. 

 

According to the report, spring weather had an impact on the spaghetti harvest. “It's an anxious time for the spaghetti farmer. There’s always the chance of a late frost which generally impairs the flavor.” Also, farmers had to be on the lookout for the dreaded spaghetti weevil. 

 

While most people recognized the story as a ruse, there were those who took the bait. “Some were so intrigued they wanted to find out where they could purchase their very own spaghetti bush. The BBC’s response? Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.” (https://fox59.com/news/national-world/greatest-april-fools-prank-of-all-time-the-story-of-the-bbcs-spaghetti-trees/)

 

Finally, I found something for those who want to be on the cutting edge of fashion this spring and summer. “Pringles has teamed up with Crocs for the ultimate snacking accessory: An ankle holster for your potato chips.” (https://www.axios.com/2024/04/16/pringles-crocs-swicy-chips)

 

Wearing these will make you the center of attention at summer get-togethers. “Those 'Classic Crush' boots come with a mini-can of a new Pringles flavor called 'Croc-tail Party' — which the company describes as watermelon chili lime."They also exclaim: “The first-of-its-kind custom holster on the white boots means that fashionistas and snackers alike can carry their favorite crisps on their favorite shoes." 

 

So, here's the question. If you want to dunk the chips in a dip are you required to use your toes? 

 

Jim Neff is a local columnist. Read Neff Zone columns online at CadillacNews.com and NeffZone.com/cadillacnews.