NYC Number One for Vampires

Oct 30, 2023 | Holidays, Show | 0 comments

If you ask us, it seems vampires have their eyes set on the city that never sleeps, New York City. With its bustling late-night bar scene and a population of nearly 9 million potential victims, the Big Apple is the ideal metropolis for Dracula and his caped comrades to call home. And you won’t believe the criteria that put NYC at the top of the list.

Lawn Love, a lawn care company, conducted a survey of the top 500 cities across the country, taking into account factors crucial to the vampiric lifestyle. They considered essentials like blood centers and basement dwellings, as well as deterrents such as garlic festivals. The result? New York City emerged as the ultimate haven for bloodsuckers.

Apart from offering a smorgasbord of human prey, NYC boasts an impressive number of vampire-friendly clubs and groups. The city is also home to a substantial number of casket makers and blood centers, making it a vampire’s paradise.

Chicago came in second place, thanks to its abundance of homes with basements (85%), while Columbus, Ohio, secured the third spot due to its limited annual sunshine (only 46% of the year) and a high number of blood drives.

Father Sebastiaan, the founder of the Endless Night Vampire Ball, even chimed in, hailing NYC as the best city for vampires in North America. He praised the towering buildings that shield vampires from the sun and the intricate network of subway tunnels and sewers where they can take refuge. Who knows, maybe they’re even mingling with the legendary “mole people.”

But don’t forget the vibrant gala circuit. According to John Edgar Browning, an expert in vampire lore and mythology, New York City’s social scene is a big draw for the fanged community. Vampires aren’t just about hunting; they love to enjoy society-type balls and parties.

So, if you’re ever strolling through the streets of the Big Apple at night, keep an eye out for more than just Broadway stars and skyscrapers. You might just spot a vampire or two enjoying the city’s dark delights.

Airbnb Is Using AI to Block ‘High Risk’ Halloween Party Bookings

Oct 27, 2023 | Holidays, Home, Show | 0 comments

Photo by Jacob Bentzinger/Unsplash.com

You know how Airbnb always tries to keep the party poopers at bay, but sometimes, those open-invite shindigs just sneak through the cracks? Well, they’ve got a new trick up their sleeve – artificial intelligence!

Airbnb is bringing in the big guns to keep those disruptive and unauthorized parties from haunting the neighborhood during Halloween. They’ve unveiled an AI-driven anti-party system across the U.S. and Canada, and it’s out to stop those wild bookings before they even happen.

So, how does this high-tech guardian of the night work its magic? It’s all about AI and machine learning. This system scans through a bunch of signals like the length of the stay, how far the listing is from your crypt of choice, and if you’re booking at the last minute. It then waves a digital red flag if things seem fishy.

Naba Banerjee, Airbnb’s safety chief, chimed in, saying they want to make sure those disruptive parties are as rare as a black cat crossing your path. Last year, their AI anti-party system managed to keep thousands of potential revelers from booking a whole house, and it might just be the secret sauce behind fewer party poopers this Halloween.

So, while you’re out there getting your costumes ready, know that AI is watching over the Airbnb realm, making sure things stay spooktacularly peaceful. Have a boo-tiful Halloween, everyone! 🎃👻

Housing Market Update: The Surprising Trend of Moving Back In with Parents to Save for a Home

Oct 25, 2023 | Home, Show | 0 comments

Photo by Binyamin Mellish: pexels.com

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market, you’re likely aware that it’s been a rollercoaster ride. Mortgage rates are on the rise, and for prospective homebuyers, it’s presenting a unique set of challenges. 

Lets explore what’s happening in the housing market and why more adults are considering moving back in with their parents.

As fall’s buying season kicks into high gear, mortgage rates are nearing 8%, making affordability a major concern. Some aspiring homeowners are finding themselves in a tricky spot, prompting a surprising solution – moving back in with mom and dad. The aim? To save up for that dream home.

Clare Trapasso, Realtor.com’s executive news editor, notes that while family assistance for homebuying is nothing new, it’s taking on a new twist. In a recent survey from Realtor.com and Censuswide, it’s revealed that of those planning to buy a home within the next year, 51% are potentially looking to their parents for financial help, while 29% have already made the move back home to save money.

So, what’s driving this trend? Climbing rents and inflation have significantly impacted the savings potential of prospective homebuyers. As a result, creative solutions are being sought to achieve homeownership, and turning to family members is an attractive option for many.

Savings vary depending on location and arrangements, but living rent-free at home for a year could save buyers over $20,000. While this might not cover a full down payment, it’s a significant boost to their savings.

But how long are these adults planning to stay with their parents? The data doesn’t provide an exact answer, but since respondents are planning to buy within the next year, it’s safe to assume that the living arrangement will last around 12 months or less.

The difficulty of paying high rent costs while trying to save for a home is a major issue. Even though rent prices have cooled off somewhat in recent months, they’re still approximately 25% higher than pre-pandemic levels. This, coupled with soaring home prices, makes saving for a down payment even more challenging.

Mortgage interest rates are adding to the complexity of the situation. In October, rates hit multi-decade highs, and when combined with elevated home prices, the monthly cost of financing a home is more than double what it was just four years ago. While moving back in with family can help save for a down payment, the monthly cost of homeownership remains a significant barrier for many potential buyers.

In this ever-evolving housing market, creative solutions like moving back in with parents are becoming increasingly common. While it may not be the dream scenario for everyone, it’s a practical strategy for some to overcome the hurdles of high rent, soaring home prices, and increasing mortgage rates. So, whether you’re considering this path or exploring other options, it’s important to stay informed about the ever-changing landscape of the housing market.

10-Year-Old Atlanta Boy’s Selfless Birthday Gift Has a Remarkable Impact

Oct 24, 2023 | Show, Warm and Fuzzy | 0 comments

Photo PLEDGE

In a heartwarming story that embodies the spirit of giving, Alex Baker, a 10-year-old boy from Atlanta, decided to forego traditional birthday presents in favor of a more altruistic gesture. Little did he know that his decision would ripple out to make a profound impact.

When Alex celebrated his 10th birthday last month, his mother, Cat Baker, asked him the customary question: “What do you want for your birthday?” Instead of listing toys or gadgets, Alex astounded his family with his response. He claimed to have “everything he needed” and suggested that, rather than gifts for himself, loved ones donate to a charity.

Alex set up a fundraising campaign on Pledge, with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as the beneficiary. This remarkable hospital had cared for him during multiple bouts of croup, making it a deeply personal choice. What began as a modest effort quickly gained momentum, and in total, Alex raised $250. However, the real surprise came when they learned that his contribution had pushed Pledge’s total fundraising over the $100 million mark.

In the face of this remarkable achievement, Alex and Pledge CEO James Citron presented an additional $2,500 donation to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Bakers were overwhelmed by the impact their son had made.

As Cat Baker, Alex’s mother, put it, “He was overwhelmed. I don’t think he really had an idea that, in his eyes, his little self could make a big impact like that.”

The essence of this story lies not just in the dollar figures but in the valuable lesson that Alex learned through his selflessness. It’s a reminder that regardless of our circumstances, giving back is a universal virtue, and its rewards are immeasurable. In the words of Cat Baker, “You just need to be grateful for what you have. And it doesn’t matter if you have a lot or not, you always need to give back where you can.”

Alex’s birthday decision serves as an inspiring example, showing that even the smallest gestures can have a massive impact.

Cracking the Code of Cuffing Season

Oct 23, 2023 | Entertainment, Holidays, Show, Television/Streaming | 0 comments

Cuffing season is back, and for many singles, it’s a time of year when finding that special someone to snuggle with during the long, cold winter becomes a top priority. But how do you know if someone is genuinely into you or just looking for temporary companionship until someone better comes along? Jacob Lucas, a dating expert and popular TikTok influencer, has some intriguing insights that might just save you from heartache this cuffing season.

Seeking Your Advice

Jacob emphasizes that a key sign of someone’s genuine interest is when they consistently seek your advice. According to Lucas, they do this for two reasons: they highly value your opinion, and it’s a clever excuse to engage in conversations with you. So, if you find someone turning to you for guidance frequently, take it as a positive sign.

Playful Teasing

Another telltale sign of interest is playful teasing. Lucas suggests that if someone starts joking around with you and engaging in more banter than they do with others, they’re likely trying to build a fun and flirtatious connection. Playfulness often indicates genuine attraction.

Sliding into Your DMs

When someone is regularly creeping into your DMs, it’s a “dead giveaway” that they’re crushing hard, says Lucas. Consistently commenting on your Instagram Stories or sending you memes that remind them of you is a subtle way of initiating a conversation. It’s a clear sign of interest.

Mimicking Your Speech and Slang

If you notice someone trying to copy the way you speak and even mirroring your slang terms, they’re likely drawn to you. It’s a subtle yet effective way to establish a connection and show that they’re attuned to your personality and interests.

Investigating Your Dating Status

Finally, if someone is discreetly trying to find out if you’re dating someone else, it’s a strong indicator of their interest. Lucas suggests that they may be gauging their competition and, in turn, showing their intentions to make you their “bae” for the holidays.

While cuffing season can be a bit daunting, these hints could help you navigate it with more confidence. So, keep an eye out for these subtle signals and enjoy the winter with someone who’s genuinely into you.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Trivia

Oct 20, 2023 | Entertainment, Holidays, Show, Television/Streaming | 0 comments

Photo: United Feature Syndicate/Apple

Ed. Note: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown airs exclusively on AppleTV+, a free window from 10/21 thru 10/22 is being offered to non-subscribers.

As you prepare for your Halloween tradition of watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” let’s dive deeper into some trivia surrounding this timeless classic.

Mystery Candy Deliveries
After the first airing of the special in 1966, viewers, empathizing with Charlie Brown’s rock-filled Halloween haul, began sending candy to Charles Schulz’s studio.

Lucy’s Football Prank
In the special, Lucy teases Charlie Brown with her infamous football prank. Surprisingly, this was the very first time TV audiences witnessed this iconic trick. In the original comic strip, it was Violet, not Lucy, who pulled the prank back in 1951.

The ‘Sparky’ Connection
Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, was affectionately known as “Sparky” for a significant part of his life. The nickname was bestowed by his uncle in reference to a horse named Spark Plug from the “Barney Google” comic strip.

Sponsors and the Coke “Bug
In the early days, production costs for Charlie Brown specials were sponsored by Coca-Cola and Dolly Madison snack cakes. The beginning and end of the broadcast featured these brands. The famous Coca-Cola “bug” adorned the specials for several years before eventually fading away.

CBS’s Salty Reaction
CBS, which had been home to Charlie Brown for decades, lost the rights to three holiday Peanuts specials in 2000. Despite being given the chance to make the first offer, ABC ultimately secured the rights. This move didn’t sit well with CBS executives, who felt they were losing a cherished tradition and loyalty over a few more dollars.

The Mystery of the Great Pumpkin
Schulz’s creation of the Great Pumpkin sparked curiosity among scholars. Many wondered if the legend was based on something real. Schulz received letters from academics inquiring about the origins of the Great Pumpkin story. He playfully suggested they consult Linus for the answers.

A Secret Santa Twist:
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” has a hidden connection to Santa Claus. Schulz originally conceived the Great Pumpkin saga as a metaphor for the hope and occasional disappointment associated with Saint Nick. He wanted to address the fact that not all families could afford abundant gifts during the holidays, and the Great Pumpkin served as a satirical take on Santa Claus. When Linus’s Great Pumpkin doesn’t appear, it mirrors the disappointment felt when Santa doesn’t deliver as expected.

Naked Composer’s Misadventure:
The jazzy scores in the early Peanuts specials were composed by Vince Guaraldi. While working on “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” Guaraldi decided to take a quick shower. However, he emerged to strange noises outside. Investigating the commotion, he found himself locked out—completely naked. He attempted to climb a ladder to a second-floor window when the police spotted him. With humor, Guaraldi exclaimed, “Don’t shoot, I’m the Great Pumpkin.”

A Toothache Saved the Day:
The voice of Sally, Kathy Steinberg, was only four years old when she first portrayed the character in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” However, there was a little hiccup. She had a loose tooth, and they feared it might affect her voiceover. Rushing to complete her lines, they succeeded just in the nick of time. The day after finishing, her tooth fell out, ensuring a lisp didn’t spoil her performance.

As you relish “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” this Halloween, these trivia nuggets will deepen your appreciation of this beloved classic. Enjoy the magic and nostalgia of this special tradition! 🎃🍬