THE NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS - SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Well kidlings, it's time for another round of "You Can't Make Up This Stuff," the game based on my brother Big Rob's theory that reality is stranger than any fiction. This time around, for a slight twist, we'll focus on some good stuff.  As usual, we begin with news from Rob's stomping grounds of Flint.  

Flint often gets negative publicity, but there a lot of good things happening in the city. One major improvement has a link to Cadillac. For those who enjoyed the “Back To The Bricks” car show in downtown Cadillac, you might wonder what the word “bricks” references. 

The main thoroughfare through downtown Flint is Saginaw Street. That section is around a mile long. In 1898 it was paved with bricks. Over the years the roadway had deteriorated, but now it's a gleaming showpiece. This summer, brick by brick, 750,000 bricks have been re-laid or replaced. “People in downtown Flint said it’s the street that gives Flint its identity.” It's also the home of the “Back To The Bricks” main car show. (https://www.wnem.com/2024/07/19/iconic-brick-street-flint-reopen-soon/)

This was not an easy task. “Damaged bricks were replaced with ones from the same era by a company in Iowa that salvages vintage street bricks as mass production of them ended 100 years ago.” See photos at: https://flintbeat.com/flints-saginaw-street-brick-restoration-to-be-completed-by-august/.

Elections are in the news right now, but you'll be glad to know that regardless of how odd things get in Michigan, we can't top a situation in Alaska. See, a guy running for Congress there has never been to Alaska, does not live in Alaska, and is serving a twenty-year sentence in a New York federal prison. 

How? “In the ranked-choice system Alaska voters approved in 2020, the top four candidates in the primary make it onto the ballot. The inmate finished sixth with 437 votes. The Republicans who finished in third and fourth place dropped out, lifting the inmate and the fifth finisher to the ballot.” 

The good news is that he probably won't be elected. That means when he gets out of the hoosegow he'll be free to resume his chosen political activities. “He was sentenced for threatening numerous officials and their families and calling in bomb threats to government offices.” (https://www.newser.com/story/355721/hes-never-lived-in-alaska-hes-in-prison-and-hes-on-the-ballot.html)

Elections aside, another season is now upon us. Of course, we're talking about candy corn season. What better way to celebrate than with some innovative decor? “The creator of the controversial treat is offering up an experience that allows fans to celebrate in style. Brach’s, America’s number one candy corn brand, unveiled its first ever Candy Corn Suite this week.”

These sweet suites will be at two Great Wolf Lodge locations in Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania and Gurnee, Illinois. “The suites, which are decked out top-to-bottom in all things orange, yellow, and white. The suite is fully decorated with everything from iridescent candy corn headboards to an illuminated wall sign and a candy corn checkers game.” (https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/09/first-ever-candy-corn-suite-is-just-a-short-drive-from-michigan.html)

You may not want to travel so far just to see some food-inspired furnishings. No problem. “Jell-O unveiled it's entering the home decor market with the new Jelly Collection by Jell-O. And it's exactly what you think it is: A line of inflatable, playfully bold furniture inspired by iconic Jell-O molds." 

What do these creations look like? “You can pick a jelly chair in one of four colors — red, yellow, green, or orange — each made with smooth, rounded curves,  much like the classic Jell-O mold, creating a plush, inviting seat that offers both comfort and style. And, each chair also comes with a built-in cup holder, perfectly designed to fit a Ready-to-Eat Jell-O Gelatin cup.” (https://www.foodandwine.com/jelly-collection-by-jell-o-inflatable-furniture-8708255)

You might relax in your Jell-O chair while watching an NFL game at home. However, if you do go to a stadium to watch a game, Ford Field in Detroit is one of the most cost-effective spots in the league when it comes to purchasing a hot dog and a beer. “NFL beer and hot dog prices for the 2024 season will cost fans an average of $15.02, according to data experts at Sportscasting.”

The most expensive stadium is in Seattle. You'll pay $11.98 for a beer and $8.49 for a hot dog. Detroit is fifth from the bottom at $5.49 and $6.49. If you want a bargain, head for Atlanta where beer is $5.49 and hot dogs are two bucks. (https://www.sportscasting.com/news/nfl-beer-and-hot-dog-prices-2024)

By the way, those hot dogs might not taste the same every time you chomp them. “Taste buds are such hardworking organs that their cells die off quickly. As they work, they age and lose sensitivity, which is why the body regenerates them about every two weeks. On any given day, about ten percent of the sensors expire, while twenty to thirty percent are in the process of developing, leaving us with sixty percent of the buds active to analyze the food we consume.” (https://interestingfacts.com/fact/taste-buds-are-replaced-every-two-weeks/)

Finally, good news for parents. Keep those dad joke coming! “Research has come out supporting the idea that humor has an important role in parenting.”

Researchers at of Penn State College of Medicine did the study. Here's what the kidlings revealed. “Over seventy percent of participants said they believe humor can be an effective parenting tool. Additionally, more than half reported being raised by parents who used humor, and researchers found significant correlations between the use of humor and the quality of respondents’ relationships with their parents.”  

There's more. “In addition to stress relief and easing social interactions, humor promotes language and literacy skills, creative problem solving, and resilience, and helps kids cope with disappointment.” (https://nicenews.com/health-and-wellness/research-suggests-humor-plays-important-parenting-role/)

So, parents, keep yukking it up. In the long run your children will thank you. 

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