PLEASANT POLLS

THE NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS -- OCTOBER 26, 2024

Are you tired of all those political polls? Do you want to shout “enough is enough” into the wilderness? Do not despair. There are some polls that are actually pleasant and inoffensive. 

For instance, since Halloween is this Thursday. It's fun to know what candies are the most desirable. CandyStore.com notes: “We’ve crunched the numbers to reveal the top three Halloween candies in each state. From coast to coast, some choices might surprise you—and others will make you question your neighbors' taste buds.”

The top three candies nationwide are M&M's, Reese's Cups, and Sour Patch Kids. “M&M’s have dethroned Reese's Cups as the top Halloween candy for the first time ever. Move over, Reese’s—the people have spoken.”

In Michigan, the top three are Starburst, Candy Corn, and Butterfinger. See all the data and an interactive map at: https://www.candystore.com/blogs/facts-trivia/halloween-candy-map-popular.

The Michigan candy corn rating reflects a national trend. “Love it or hate it, candy corn has somehow climbed its way to number seven overall on the list. It's definitely a strange one, considering it also regularly ranks as one of the most despised candies.” 

On the other end of the polling spectrum are the rankings for the worst Halloween candies. “Think all Halloween candies are a treat? Think again. Get ready for this year's definitive list of Halloween candy culprits.” 

Topping the worst list are circus peanuts, followed by peanut butter kisses and (you guessed it) candy corn. “Circus Peanuts held onto the number one spot like a bad habit.” For all the candy equivalents of a "trick" on Halloween night, go to: https://www.candystore.com/blogs/holidays/definitive-ranking-best-worst-halloween-candies. 

When it comes to taste treats, there's nothing like lip-smacking comfort food. Ranker.com asked readers to rate the top one hundred of these. The five most comforting choices were: pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, chocolate, and french fries. (https://www.ranker.com/list/the-most-comforting-comfort-food/analise.dubner)

Even number one hundred on the list is pretty tasty – Nutella. As a bonus, Nutella is also number ten on the “Funny Names to Give a Squirrel” rankings. (https://www.ranker.com/list/funny-squirrel-names/pet-project)

Another poll relates to naming pets: The Ten Most Popular Pet Names of 2024. “According to the pet insurance company Spot, Luna is popular for both cats and dogs. It came out on top in thirty-seven states—including Texas, Maine, and California—making it the number one general pet name in the country.” The top ten pet names are: Luna, Bella, Milo, Charlie, Max, Daisy, Coco, Lucy,  Leo, and Nala. (https://www.mentalfloss.com/most-popular-pet-names-2024)

Children enjoy playing with pets and both love their favorite toys. A poll to keep on eye on is balloting for the Toy Hall of Fame Finalists. These are all detailed at: https://www.museumofplay.org/exhibits/toy-hall-of-fame/2024-finalists/.

While you might think electronic toys would dominate the candidates, it's interesting that some “old school” playthings are present. These include the simple balloon, Hess toy trucks, the stick horse, and the trampoline (invented in 1945). 

Those kids sometimes get a bad rap as being only interested in what's happening on their phones. However, when it comes to social media there seems to be a positive ray of light occurring. “Social media is increasingly driving an interest in skilled trades careers among members of Generation Z, generally defined as people born from 1997 to 2012, according to a report from home services app Thumbtack.”

The findings are significant. “Fifty-five percent of Gen Z respondents now say they are considering a career in the skilled trades, up twelve percent from last year. Two out of three Gen Zers say social media has made them more interested in the trades. The Thumbtack report also found that ninety-three percent of Gen Z college graduates and eighty percent of parents surveyed said learning a skilled trade can be a better route to economic security than college.”

According to Thumbtack: “The interest in the trades will help to fill much needed gaps as plumbers, electricians, and contractors retire, building much needed infrastructure and housing supply. (https://www.facilitiesdive.com/news/skilled-trades-shortage-gen-z-training-hvac-electrical-plumbing-contractors-thumbtack/729839/)

Finally, some colorful predictions for 2025. “The 2025 colors of the year have arrived, selected by some of the industry's top paint brands. The home design landscape is taking on new hues. While 2024 was dominated by cool blues and soft, neutral tones, the 2025 color of the year selections have shifted toward an earthier palette with cozy colors, many of which are inspired by comforting spices and foods, like cinnamon, caramel, and even eggplant.”

RealSimple.com has a nifty compilation of these at: https://www.realsimple.com/color-of-the-year-predictions-2025-8730245. “Check out each brand’s pick for the 2025 Color of the Year and learn how these hues can be used to upgrade your home.”

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

Click on a state to see the favorite candies.