So if you are staring at the calendar and wondering whether this tiny houseguest needs to appear right after Thanksgiving or on December 1, there is room to breathe. The elf does not need to turn your holiday schedule into a second job.

When does Elf on the Shelf arrive?

The brand’s Scout Elf Return Week runs from November 24 through December 1. It is the usual window for welcoming an elf back or introducing a new one.

For 2026, that window is still November 24–December 1. December 1 makes a tidy starting point if you want your elf routine to line up with an Advent calendar.

The official arrival guidance also makes room for an elf to arrive later and fit your family’s holiday schedule. A later start does not mean you have missed the tradition.

What if the elf is late?

Pick the day that suits your family. If your child expects a story, a little note saying the elf had extra work at the North Pole can handle the explanation.

You do not need to turn a late arrival into a punishment or invent a week of elaborate scenes to catch up.

Three easy ways to welcome the elf

• A gift-box arrival: Sit the elf in an empty box with the lid open and a small hello note.
• A breakfast appearance: Put the elf beside breakfast with a paper place card. Your usual breakfast is enough.
• A book delivery: Set the elf beside a Christmas story you already own so you can read it together.

For the rest of the visit, save these 30 easy and low-cost Elf on the Shelf ideas. The official site also shares arrival-photo inspiration.

When does Elf on the Shelf leave?

Most Scout Elves leave on December 24, Christmas Eve. The brand’s departure guide describes them heading back to the North Pole following Santa’s sleigh.

That makes Christmas Eve a natural day for the last scene and a goodbye note, with the elf packed away before Christmas morning.

Can the elf stay through Christmas Day?

The official departure guide allows for special-permission exceptions, including a delayed arrival or a request to watch the family open presents. If that is your family’s tradition, you do not need to panic about getting the day wrong.

A goodbye that does not require another shopping trip

Set a toy bag or folded-paper suitcase beside the elf and leave a short farewell: “Thank you for a lovely Christmas. See you next year!”

A goodbye gift is optional. The note and the tiny suitcase already tell the story.

Featured photo: Kelly Fletcher / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. No changes to the original photograph.

It was literally one of the best times of my life.

One of my favorite critters on the farm was the miniature Donkeys, some people refer to them as dwarfs but they are actually miniature Donkeys!

Now, I am only speaking from my experience, but these small versions of the Donkey were so sweet and lovable!

As babies they are fluffy and cuddly and watching them run and jump through the pasture was one of my favorite things ever.

I mean seriously, look how freaking cute!

Now I don’t want to mislead anyone, these little cuties won’t stay this small forever.

However, my Great Dane is taller than most full-grown miniature donkeys so they still stay pretty small compared to regular-sized Donkeys.

Are dwarf donkeys the same as miniature donkeys?

The little donkeys discussed here are miniature donkeys. “Dwarf donkeys” is the nickname used in this story; Smithsonian’s National Zoo calls them miniature donkeys and describes their small size as natural.

Adult miniature donkeys measure no more than 36 inches at the withers, measured from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground—not to the tips of those ears! Smithsonian lists their weight at 200 to 450 pounds. The baby photos are adorable, but they are not a promise that a donkey stays baby-sized.

If you’re thinking about adding one of these adorable miniature Donkeys to your family, I do have to prepare you for the braying!

Donkeys communicate by braying, and the volume varies from donkey to donkey. Some can be very loud, according to Smithsonian. That is something to consider before bringing one home, especially if your neighbors are close.

What do miniature donkeys need as pets?

Miniature donkeys need companionship, outdoor space, shelter and ongoing care. Cute? Absolutely. A tiny pet you can tuck into your living room? That is a very different plan.

Donkeys are herd animals that do poorly in isolation. The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Association says they should always have a companion and that goats, sheep and ponies are not suitable substitutes. Plan for donkey companionship before bringing one home.

That association also calls for shelter from bad weather, fresh water, regular hoof care and dental checks. Have an equine veterinarian help you plan feeding and preventive care.

And this is a commitment measured in decades: Smithsonian says donkeys can live well into their 30s with proper lifelong care. Those sweet faces deserve a home ready for the grown-up donkey, too.

The good news is that Bath & Body Works is actively leaning into reusable candle vessels now.

The slightly less fun news: some of the things people casually use empty candle jars for are things the brand specifically says not to do.

So before you turn one into a candy jar, makeup pot or tiny soup bowl — yes, people do this — here is what Bath & Body Works currently says.

What Bath & Body Works says you CAN use empty candle jars for

On its current reusable ceramic candle jars, Bath & Body Works suggests reusing the empty vessel as things like:

• A desk organizer for pens, clips and other little things that normally migrate across your desk.
• A catch-all for keys, coins or random tiny objects.
• A succulent planter.
• A craft-supply container for beads, buttons or other non-food items.

Honestly, this is why I keep jars. They look expensive enough that my brain refuses to believe they are trash.

And the planter idea is not new. Bath & Body Works was sharing candle-jar planter inspiration years ago, which is why we already have a whole Bath & Body Works candle jar planter post in the TTB archive.

Do not turn the new ceramic candle jars into food containers

This is the part worth knowing.

Bath & Body Works currently says its reusable ceramic candle jars are not food-safe.

The company also says they should not be reused for anything that touches skin, food or drink.

So the cute little jar that looks like it would be PERFECT for candy on your desk?

Use it for paper clips instead.

And I would not assume an older or different Bath & Body Works candle vessel is food-safe just because it looks like a normal jar. If the container is not specifically labeled for food contact, keep the reuse idea decorative or organizational.

Bath & Body Works also says not to use a knife or direct heat to remove leftover wax

There are approximately eleven billion candle-cleaning hacks online, and some of them get aggressive.

For its current ceramic candle jars, Bath & Body Works specifically says not to use a knife or other sharp object to remove leftover wax or wicks.

It also says not to use heat from a microwave, oven or stovetop to remove wax residue.

That is probably the most useful sentence in this entire post because I have absolutely seen “just put the jar in the oven” floating around the internet as if glass and ceramic have never cracked in the history of civilization.

Follow the instructions for the specific vessel you own rather than forcing out wax with sharp tools or extreme heat.

What I would actually do with the empty jars

I would keep this simple.

For a current reusable Bath & Body Works ceramic vessel: desk organizer, succulent, catch-all or craft storage.

For an older glass 3-wick jar: I would still stick to non-food uses unless the specific vessel is labeled for food contact.

And if you are saving twelve of them because you swear you are going to make a gorgeous matching planter wall one day?

I am not here to judge you. I am here to enable you responsibly.

Start with the original candle-jar planter idea, then maybe — maybe — we can finally clear out that cabinet.

The DIY alien abduction costume was made by Duong for her son Milo and shared through Costume Works. The illusion comes from a foam-board flying saucer supported by PVC pipes and a backpack, then loaded up with a clear dome, an alien, lights and streamers. It won Best Costume at a trunk-or-treat, which feels completely fair.

What you need for the alien abduction costume

• Eight foam boards
• Duct tape
• Gold and silver spray paint
• A large clear punch bowl for the UFO dome
• An alien figure or stuffed alien
• Fairy lights and circular lights
• Iridescent streamers
• Two strong PVC pipes
• A sturdy box, expanding spray foam and a backpack

Duong did not publish exact measurements for the saucer or support frame. That is the one part you have to size for the person wearing it. Measure the wearer, the backpack and the doorways the costume needs to clear before cutting eight boards into a spaceship the size of your kitchen.

How the foam-board UFO comes together

Duong arranged four foam boards, drew a large circle across them and divided the circle into 12 sections. She repeated that for the UFO’s top and bottom. After cutting the sections, she removed one wedge from each circle and taped the remaining 11 pieces together. That missing wedge lets each flat circle pull into a shallow saucer shape.

She cut a large center opening in both halves, painted the saucer gold and silver, then attached the clear punch bowl as the dome. The alien sits above the dome. Fairy lights outline the top and bottom, circular lights add the classic UFO glow underneath, and iridescent streamers become the tractor beam.

The backpack is doing the sneaky work

The saucer is not simply hanging from the costume. Duong ran two strong PVC pipes through the UFO and secured them with spray foam. She anchored the other ends inside a box, then placed that box in Milo’s backpack. Once the backpack is on, the frame holds the saucer upright while leaving his hands free.

Test the costume before Halloween night

This is an adult-build project. Follow the product directions for cutting tools, hot glue, spray paint and expanding foam, and use paint and foam only with the ventilation their labels require. Keep the light battery packs secure and easy to reach.

Before adding every last streamer, have the wearer try the backpack indoors. Check the weight, balance, visibility and clearance around doors and stairs. A spectacular costume stops being fun the second its UFO clips a porch railing.

The original entry does not pretend this is a five-minute costume, and neither will we. It is a foam-board engineering project wearing a Halloween costume. But if your household enjoys going wildly overboard in October, Milo’s glowing little spaceship is exactly the kind of ridiculous brilliance worth attempting.

The emoji is officially named “Moyai,” but most people call it the moai emoji. In texts and social media, it is usually used as a deadpan, stoic, awkward, or deliberately ridiculous reaction.

Basically, it is the face you send when the sentence is already doing enough and you just need to stand there like a rock.

You can copy it here:

What does the emoji mean in chat?

There is not one secret translation. Emojipedia notes that is often used for a stoic, deadpan, or silly expression, and that fits how it shows up in group chats and memes.

Think:

• “I just sent the email to the wrong person. ”
• “The meeting about shorter meetings ran 90 minutes. ”
• “He said ‘trust me’ and somehow that made it worse. ”

Sometimes it reads as “I have no words.” Sometimes it is exaggerated confidence. Sometimes somebody is just being weird on purpose. The rest of the message matters.

What does mean from a guy or a girl?

The meaning does not change because a guy or girl sent it.

If someone sends after a joke, embarrassing story, flirty comment, or ridiculous statement, it may be a deadpan reaction — basically an emotionless stone face for comedic effect.

It can also feel dismissive if the conversation is serious. There is no reliable way to use one emoji to determine what somebody secretly feels about you.

If the distinction actually matters, read the whole conversation. Or ask. Revolutionary, I know.

Is it called moai or moyai?

Officially, its Unicode name is “Moyai.” Emojipedia explains that the emoji is also widely known as Moai, and its design resembles the famous stone figures on Easter Island.

So if you searched “moai emoji,” “moyai emoji,” “stone face emoji,” “stone man emoji,” or “rock face emoji” and landed here: yes. You found the right little guy.

Why does the moai emoji show up in sigma and Chad memes?

That carved, completely unbothered expression made an easy fit for internet jokes built around exaggerated stoicism, confidence, or the “Chad” and “sigma” archetypes. Emojipedia specifically notes its use in those memes.

That does not mean every is a sigma reference. Sometimes a rock is just being a rock.

What is the stone face emoji called on iPhone?

It is the same emoji. Apple’s emoji keyboard lets you browse or search emoji from the keyboard. If searching does not surface it quickly, you can also copy this one:

Apple’s current iPhone instructions say to tap the emoji or next-keyboard button to open the emoji keyboard, then browse or search for the emoji you want.

So what does mean?

Most of the time, is a deadpan reaction. It can communicate stoicism, awkward silence, mock seriousness, exaggerated confidence, or “I am just going to stand here and let that statement exist.”

It is officially Moyai. It is commonly called Moai. And no, one stone face is not enough evidence to declare a relationship emergency.

Keep the joke in the sentence. Let the rock stand there.

Sources

• Emojipedia: Moai Emoji Meaning
• Apple Support: Use emoji on iPhone

If a group chat needs 27 messages to agree on a pizza topping, it might as well look cute while everyone argues about pineapple.

Give the chat a little makeover

1. Open your messages in the Instagram phone app.
2. Choose the conversation you want to change.
3. Tap the chat name at the top.
4. Choose Themes, then pick an option from the list.

That’s the route in Meta’s Instagram DM instructions. Start inside the conversation. There is no reason to wander through your entire profile looking for a color palette.

One thing before you go rogue with the pink: Meta says chat themes change the background and text-bubble colors for everyone in the conversation.

Everyone. This is a group decorating decision.

My suggestion? Ask before giving the family chat a dramatic makeover. “Want to change the theme?” is plenty. We do not need a decorating committee, but a little warning is nice.

Pick from the choices your app actually shows. An older example is not a promise that the same theme will be there. These steps follow the phone-app route, so don’t use them as a map of desktop menus.

If Themes is missing, first check that you’re inside a conversation and have tapped its name. Checking for an app update and consulting Instagram’s Help Center are sensible next steps, not a guaranteed fix.

And if your feed could use some attention after all that decorating, our Instagram photography tips have ideas for that, too.

The pizza decision, unfortunately, is still your problem.

A piece of poster board. A marker. Their favorite candy.

We can make this cute without assigning anyone choreography.

A hoco proposal is a creative invitation to homecoming. “Hoco” is shorthand for homecoming, and the proposal is how you ask a date or friend to go with you. The important part is that you thought about the person you are asking.

Even Canyon Springs High School has homecoming invitation packages with custom posters and options for flowers or treats. You can borrow the idea of a sign and something they like. You do not have to order the deluxe package of Being Perceived.

Five ways to ask without renting a fog machine

Pick the one that fits your person. Change the words if they sound nothing like you. Please.

• For the book person: Make a bookmark that says, “Can we put homecoming on the same page?” Tuck it into a note. Use your own paper, because writing inside their favorite book is a bold way to start an argument.
• For the snack person: Pair their favorite snack with “A little snack. One big question. Homecoming?” There. A readable question and something good to eat. An excellent division of labor.
• For the puzzle person: Cut your own “Homecoming with me?” card into a few big pieces and put them in an envelope. A few pieces. Nobody should need a second afternoon to find the question.
• For the playlist person: Write “One more thing for our playlist: homecoming?” on a card and add a few songs you both enjoy. The invitation still needs actual words. Do not make them decipher fourteen track titles.
• For your friend: Try “Same friends, slightly fancier clothes. Homecoming together?” You can make a whole cute thing out of going with a friend. Fancy clothes and your favorite person to be ridiculous with.

And if you have wandered into the enormous-ribbon department, homecoming mums are a separate tradition. The mum is an accessory. The proposal is the invitation. You can put the glue gun down now.

The person matters more than the audience

Maybe they would love a whole cafeteria cheering. Maybe that sounds like their personal nightmare. If you do not know, ask privately.

Check your school’s rules and the event date before setting anything up on campus. Ask before posting their answer, picture or video, too. A cute surprise should still leave someone room to answer honestly.

The answer belongs to them. The glitter cleanup belongs to you.

Some of the new locations are set to open as soon as this week and I can not wait to check one out.

One of the locations is in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and it is two stories tall and uses an elevator-type delivery system to lower your order down to your car!

They are referring to this as “Taco Bell Defy” and the hope is to have a more efficient food delivery system that takes less than 2 minutes!

The location has 4 drive-thru lanes to keep things running fast!

They’re seriously little fast-food delivery elevators and I think the idea is pretty freaking brilliant, could we get Whataburger on board with this because those drive-thru lines are killer…

The Border Foods team was facing challenges with streamlining the journey from order to meal hand-off, and the Vertical Works team presented a solution to not only address this, but also deliver a more impactful customer experience overall.

Vertical Works co-founder Mike Strommen said

This new Taco Bell location also features digital screens where you can check in with QR codes for mobile order customers, as well as audio-video communication with Taco Bell employees that happen to be 2 stories above you.

Out of the 4 lanes, 1 is still going to be you dealing face to face with an actual person in a traditional way.

Taco Bell Defy is an incredible innovation for our brand, and one that’s meeting our consumer in a really unique way. With our bold goal of creating a two minute or less drive-thru experience for customers of this concept, Taco Bell Defy is the future.

Mike Grams, Taco Bell’s president and global COO

How cool!

Y’all, it’s going to be here before you know it, and I’m giddy!

I hate to admit it, but I used to pride myself in the fact that I had never seen Guardians of the Galaxy.

ALL the Marvel movies were in the same stupid boat in my mind. I don’t know why, but superhero movies just didn’t appeal to me.

I put Marvel in the same category with the Transformers movie franchise — which I also haven’t seen.

But then a little thing called COVID hit, and I was forced to stay home with nothing to do but binge watch movies.

The only reason I ever watched a Marvel movie was because my husband was also stuck at home. I still had to work, and he didn’t.

With nothing else to do (because you KNOW he isn’t going to do the laundry) he would stream Marvel movies while I wrote all the things.

It was weeks before I actually paid attention to anything he had playing on the TV.

It started one day while he was watching Thor: Ragnarok for the third time. I found myself staring at the TV, entranced by Chris Hemsworth the hilarity of the film.

I was hooked.

He told me that I HAD to watch Guardians of the Galaxy next, and he was totally right.

I fell in love with a little tree they called Groot, and I found myself asking to watch the sequel just so I could see what happened to the little tree dude.

ALL THAT TO SAY, there is going to be an I Am Groot TV series coming to Disney+, and I can’t flipping wait!!

Marvel Entertainment took to social media to announce the drop date, and we are only going to have to wait a couple months to see it!

I Am Groot is going to hit the Disney+ streaming network August 10th!!

GAH!!! Happy Dance!!!

According to ComicBook.com, I Am Groot is going to be a cartoon series that focuses on “baby” Groot.

The series is made up of shorts that see Baby Groot getting into and out of trouble in a world of photorealistic animation.

ComicBook.com

Baby Groot just so happens to be my favorite of the Groots. He’s so stinkin cute, isn’t he?!?

Just like in the movies, Vin Diesel is going to lend his voice talents to help bring Groot to life.

You can bet that my butt is going to be sitting in front of the TV on August 10th, waiting to hear the words, “I am Groot.”

Incidentally, if you haven’t yet seen Thor: Ragnarok, it is the BEST. Taika Waititi, who directed the film, is now my FAVORITE director. He hit a homerun with this crazy hilarious film.

Bonus, the Thor: Love and Thunder premier is just around the corner!!

It is going to be a Marvel summer, and I can’t wait!!

There have been SO MANY recalls on food lately. I’m a bit afraid to eat anything I buy from the grocery store.

We had the Sugar Recall, the Peach Recall, the Strawberry Recall, the Peanut Butter Recall, the Peanut Butter Food Recall, and the Fruity Candy Recall. Then there was the Baby Formula Recall, the Ground Beef Recall, the Salad Recall, and the latest was the Cheese Recall.

Now, we are getting word that there is a recall on tea.

Because the FDA issued a recall on organic strawberries, now the recall is being extended to products that might have used those strawberries in production.

Urban Remedy has announced a voluntary recall on tea.

According to a company announcement, Urban Remedy has announced a voluntary recall on Urban Remedy Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose.

The teas in question were sold in 12-ounce plastic bottles. They were co-manufactured by Youngstown Grape Distributors Inc.

This product uses fresh organic strawberries — which you would think would be a good thing.

But, since the strawberry recall happened, it is possible this tea is contaminated with Hepatitis A.

Yes, this sounds super scary. But, there have been no reported illnesses as of yet from people who drink this tea.  

Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that can cause liver disease. A Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infections can progress to liver failure.

Urban Remedy company announcement

The Urban Remedy company announcement goes on to say that if a Hep A illness occurs, it will typically be within 15-50 days after drinking the affected tea.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?

Symptoms of Hepatitis A infection mirror many other illnesses, including COVID.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A infection include fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine or pale stool.

Urban Remedy company announcement

There is the possibility that some people won’t present with symptoms at all. This usually happens in children under 6 years old.

The company is saying that people who may have purchased the affected product should NOT consume it.

If you have already consumed the affected tea, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately. You might also want to contact your local health department to determine if you need to be vaccinated.

In case of the unfortunate scenario where symptoms of Hep A are already present, it is very important that you immediately contact your doctor or the local health department.

The product was sold in a 12oz resealable plastic bottle at various retail stores in CA, NM, VA, CO, WA, OR, CO, NY, PA, AZ, IL, OH, MD, WI, TX, WY, MO, ME, KY, MI, NC, MA, NE, and UT states between 5/17/2022 – 5/29/2022.

Urban Remedy company announcement

Please check your stock of tea, and throw any of the tea bottles in question straight in the trash.

But, there was an incident recently at Disneyland Paris that left people confused. And, quite honestly, people were a little ticked.

MANY people have gone to Disney to get engaged. It is kind of a “thing” to do the proposing right in front of the castle — the hub and heart of the Disney theme parks.

Not too many people, however, have their proposals ruined by Cast Members who are a little too ambitious at their jobs.

That is exactly what happened to one happy couple at Disneyland Paris who were just doing their proposal thing.

The video popped onto people’s radar when it was posted on Reddit.

According to Insider, one user on Reddit, who goes by the name u/wasgehtlan, posted the video to the “I Am a Total Piece of Shit” forum.

In the video, there is a couple on a platform in front of the castle. The dude gets down on one knee and pulls out a ring.

That’s where things go downhill.

No, the girlfriend didn’t turn down the proposal.

A Disney Cast Member sprints over, crashes the proposal party, gets in between the couple, takes the ring, and walks the couple off the platform before the woman even gets to answer.

Okay. I would be so pissed off.

You can see the man in the video point and say “She said …”

The Cast Member interrupts him and says, “Yes, that’s great, but over here it’s going to be even better,” as he walks the couple down off the platform.

People in the background of the video can be heard cheering. But, the cheering quickly turns to booing once the Cast Member total ruins the proposal.

The person who posted the video claimed to be a friend of the couple and said in the comments that a different employee had given them permission to go on the platform after learning the man was planning to propose.

Insider

There appears to be a second Cast Member at the bottom of the platform who is also coaxing the couple to come down the steps of the platform.

You have to admit, that was a pretty rotten thing for the Cast Member to do.

According to Newsweek, the original poster on Reddit said “his friend ‘actually asked a female co-worker’ if proposing on the platform was OK.”

But, this male Cast Member had other ideas of what was okay. Apparently forever ruining a special moment for the couple was on the agenda.

The proposal had pretty much happened. He could have waited, let the couple have their moment, and then told them that being on the platform was a no-no.

The Cast Member totally acted in a way that I’m sure Disney would frown upon.

As for their part, Disney has kind of apologized.

We regret how this was handled — We have apologized to the couple involved and offered to make it right.

Disney Spokesperson

To see the entire 21-second proposal video, you can go HERE.

What do you think of the way this proposal was handled?

Wednesday Addams is pretty much my soulmate. I’d like to think we are twins separated at birth.

I love her in reruns of the OG Addams Family show. I love her in the Addams Family movies. I even enjoyed Wednesday in the Addams Family cartoon feature.

So, when I heard that Netflix is working on an Addams Family spinoff, I almost smiled — or smirked — or whatever the happy emotion is in the Addams Family universe!

But, when I found out that TIM BURTON is going to be at the helm of the show, I did a dark little dance.

There was also a rumor going around that Burton wanted Johnny Depp to play Gomez Addams.

In light of recent events, that’s not going to happen, but how freaking amazing would that be?!?

Just wait, though.

Netflix just released the first official teaser for Wednesday, and now I’m on dang pins and needles.

I. Must. Watch. This. Show.

It looks totally macabre and a little twisted, in only the way a Tim Burton touch will do!!

In the teaser, which was released on social media, Wednesday Addams (played by Jenna Ortega) walks out of the shadows towards the camera.

We see her braiding those famous Wednesday Addams dark plaits, and then we get a full-on shot of her body.

She is spot-on as the ominous — somewhat haunting — Wednesday Addams.

As she is looking into the camera, Thing — the severed hand of Addams Family fame — hops up on her shoulder.

I love that Tim Burton made this version of Thing into, not only a severed hand, but a hand that’s stitched together — kind of like Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Now, we don’t know a whole lot about the show.

[Wednesday] follows Wednesday Addams’ years as a student, when she attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart and solve the mystery that embroiled her parents.

IMDB

According to IMDB, there is quite the cast for this upcoming Netflix original.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is going to play Addams Family matriarch Morticia Addams.

Luis Guzmán (who you will TOTALLY recognize from so many different things) plays patriarch Gomez Addams.

Of course, Jenna Ortega is going to play Wednesday Addams.

I’m just trying to finish up the second episode out of four with Tim, and the young actress who’s playing Wednesday [Addams] is really perfect, perfectly cast. She’s just Wednesday through and through and it’s a lot of fun.

Danny Elfman

It has also been leaked that Christina Ricci (formerly of Addams Family fame) has a “major” cameo role in the show.

There is no drop date for Wednesday, but according to IMDB, the show will be released sometime later this year.

Of course, we will let you know as soon as there is more information.

To see the Wednesday teaser, you can check it out HERE.

The new series is quite different from ‘Home Improvement’; however, tools are involved, so it’s basically a new version of ‘Tool Time’, the fictional show featured on ‘Home Improvement’.

It’s called ‘More Power’ and is a 10-episode series on the History Channel.

‘More Power’ will show us the “evolution of the coolest, most iconic tools, from handheld and basic to the industrial and mighty” and I know my family will tune in!

Albert Einstein once said, ‘I’m not a genius, I’m just passionately curious,’. Having the opportunity to explore my curiosity in depth and really get to know more about the people and things that make us what we are today gets me excited. And what better pal to have at my side than Richard Karn? We both share a great appreciation of people who can solve a problem not by talking about it, but by ‘doing’ it with creativity and amazing skills.

Tim Allen said in a statement

Tim Allen and Richard Karn have great chemistry on screen and I have no doubt that this series will be enjoyable to watch while also being educational.

YouTube star, April Willkerson, will join the iconic duo on the show!

From Tim’s home shop, the trio tackles the supercharged history of tools, celebrating the coolest, most powerful, and iconic examples of tools, while showcasing their evolution of power from handheld and basic to the industrial and mighty — testing the limits in a way that only Tim can. They’ll also head out into the field to play with some of the biggest machines that power and serve our everyday lives and meet the men and woman who operate them. Along the way, Tim invites some of the most skilled makers into his shop from across the country, tasking them to create mind-blowing, specifically tailored innovations to fit his needs because there is always room for improvement.

Series synopsis

Each episode of the ‘More Power’ series will focus on a different tool and its evolution!

My friendship with Tim has lasted over 30 years… in a row! The chance to do a show like Tool Time was unquestionably exciting. We may not have Binford but we still will have a world of fun!

Richard Karn said

I’ll be watching ‘More Power’ when it comes out on Wednesday, June 29th at 10/9c only on The History Channel!

It’s played ad nauseam — on just about EVERY radio station, every dentist office, every shopping mall, and in every elevator — during the holidays.

It’s been featured in television shows and movie soundtracks.

You can’t watch — my favorite Christmas movie — Love Actually without singing the song.

What am I talking about? If you guessed Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” you’d be 100% correct!

Side Note: It’s kind of hard to believe that the song was released in 1994. It seems like it has ALWAYS been around, doesn’t it?!? (I guess for SOME Millennials, Gen Z, Gen A, and Gen B people, it HAS always been around. Ha!)

Well, it took 28 years, but Mariah Carey is now being sued for $20 million over this very Christmas hit.

Andy Stone, otherwise known as Vince Vance of Vince Vance & The Valiants, claims Mariah stole the name of her holiday hit.

(Can I sue because I’m sick and tired of hearing the Mariah Carey song? LOL!!)

Now, both songs carry the name “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” but Vince Vance & The Valiants released THEIR version of the song 5 years earlier — originally released in 1989.

By the way: If you haven’t heard the Vince Vance & The Valiants version, it is one of my FAVORITE Christmas songs. You HAVE to give it a listen.

To be clear, the 2 songs don’t share any of the same lyrics, nor do they mirror song tunes.

It is simply the name of the song (both songs) that is in question.

Stone is arguing that the identical titles cause too much confusion, and that Ms. Carey did not ask his permission to use the exact same title that he uses for his song.

I must say, I completely agree with his concern — but I probably would have said something before 28 years went by.

According to CNN, the first complaint from Stone came in 2021. He says he contacted Mariah and her people back in April of 2021, but they were “unable to come to any agreement.”

The complaint alleges that the single exploited the “style” and “popularity” of Stone’s song, which he claims received “extensive airplay” during the 1993 holiday season and charted on Billboard.

CNN

Mariah Carey isn’t the only person that Stone is going after with this suit. He’s also suing her co-writer, Walter Afanasieff, and Sony Music Entertainment, who released Mariah’s version of the single in 1994.

Incidentally, Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” — which is played on the radio like every 5 minutes during the holidays — “became the first and only holiday single to hit 10 million sales and streaming units in the U.S. last December, 27.”

Dude. We are talking about a 28 year old song! How CRAZY is it that the song it’s still charting year after year?!?

According to Yahoo Entertainment, in 2019 Mariah Carey “became the first solo recording artist to hit the No. 1 spot 19 times.” And, she did it with a Christmas song!!

Thanks to this Christmas staple, Mariah Carey became the very first artist to have a song top the charts in “4 different decades.”

Now, we don’t know how this lawsuit is going to play out.

It is my personal belief that Andy Stone is completely correct in his complaint.

BUT, Mariah Carey and Sony Entertainment are HUGE entities. It is pretty hard to win a lawsuit against people who can afford the best lawyers around.

I can’t wait to see what happens with this case!

You can hear the Vince Vance & The Valiants version HERE.

If you need a refresher on Mariah Carey’s version, you can go HERE.

According to Insider, GoFundMe had to recently take down a FAKE “$1 million fundraiser claiming to help Amber Heard pay $10 million to Johnny Depp.”

Now, we know that Amber Heard is BROKE. She doesn’t have the money to pay what the jury determined she owes Johnny, and her worth is now in the negative.

It’s a sob story, and some people might feel that they need to help.

I do not feel the need to help her out, but you do you.

Some regular ol’ non-celebrity civilian named Kimberly Moore started a GoFundMe with the SUPPOSED intent to help Amber pay the money she owes.

Moore claimed to have made contact with Heard’s legal team and vowed Amber would have direct access to any money raised.

TMZ

There’s only one problem. Nobody has ever heard of her — not Amber Heard, not her legal team.

I believe Amber, and social media protected the abuser. The judgment exceeds her net worth. It’s so sad that he was able to get away with the abuse. The judgment furthers that abuse. If you can please help her.

Kimberly Moore on Go Fund Me

The campaign in question wasn’t started by Amber nor anyone close to her.

It just happened to pop up pretty much immediately after the trial verdict was read.

Basically, it was a fraudulent fundraiser.

Now, I can’t say for certain that Kimberly Moore was going to raise all this money and then abscond with it.

But, Kimberly Moore was PROBABLY in the business of ripping people off.

She was most likely about to be rich off other people’s money.

I mean, the campaign sounded legit. And, if you, for some reason, sided with Amber, a fundraiser to help her raise the money sounds like it would be a good idea.

But, odds are, she was never going to see a penny of that money.

Here’s what the GoFundMe post read:

The trial was a disgrace. I believe Amber, and social media protected the abuser. The judgment exceeds her net worth. It’s so sad that he was able to get away with the abuse. The judgment furthers that abuse. If you can please help her.

GoFundMe fundraiser — “Justice For Amber Heard”

The GoFundMe post went on to say that Kimberly had actually contacted Amber’s attorney.

She will have the direct access to the money. I also contacted her attorney so they can loop her in.

GoFundMe fundraiser — “Justice For Amber Heard”

Once again, I don’t actually have the evidence that Kimberly didn’t contact Amber’s attorney. But, really, what are the odds?

Whether you believe Kimberly or not, GoFundMe quickly took the fundraiser down.

They were able to flag the profile quickly — before a substantial amount of money was raised. It was determined neither Amber nor anyone on her team had created the page … and it was shut down.

TMZ

What’s the moral of the story? Don’t just throw your money at any fundraiser that touches your soul. Do some research. Know where your money is actually going.

In this movie (loosely based on a short story), Benjamin Button is born old. He literally looks like a little old man.

He then begins to age in reverse. As he gets older, he appears younger.

It’s a pretty awesome situation, but as you can probably guess, there are consequences to aging in reverse.

But, that’s a story for another time.

Today we are here to talk about mice. Yes, those furry little rodents that scare the beetlejuice out of you when they appear in your house.

What Do Mice Have To Do With Benjamin Buttons?

Researchers have stumbled upon a way to reverse the aging process in mice.

Excuse me? What kind of sorcery is this?

There is no magic involved — unless you consider science to be magic.

In molecular biologist David Sinclair’s lab at Harvard Medical School, old mice are growing young again.

CNN

The process is complicated, but here is the gist of the situation.

Researchers use some special protein that can turn the cell of an adult into a stem cell.

So, what exactly is a stem cell, you ask?

You’ve heard the term before, but maybe you’re stumped as to what a stem cell actually is.

According to the Mayo Clinic, stem cells are “cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated.”

Huh?

They are basically the cells in their raw form.

Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells.

Mayo Clinic

So, Sinclair — in all his scientific wisdom — and his team have altered aging cells in mice.

These new cells have turned the mice into earlier versions of themselves.

I’m sorry. This sounds like we are in Fantasyland, AMIRITE?

Sinclair’s team made the first stem cell breakthrough in late 2020 when they published “Reprogramming to recover youthful epigenetic information and restore vision.”

That’s a confusing, scientific way to say that they basically defied the laws of nature, and made the mice appear young again.

Old mice with poor eyesight and damaged retinas could suddenly see again, with vision that at times rivaled their offspring’s.

CNN

I mean, can I have some of these stem cells put into my eyes?!?

While modern medicine addresses sickness, it doesn’t address the underlying cause, “which for most diseases, is aging itself. — We know that when we reverse the age of an organ like the brain in a mouse, the diseases of aging then go away. Memory comes back; there is no more dementia.”

CNN

What Does This Reverse Aging Process Mean For Us Humans?

So, the results of the study in mice have lasted for months.

If it works on mice, there’s no reason it shouldn’t work on humans.

(I’m not sure I want to be the guinea pig who tries it out)

BUT, these stem cells don’t turn into younger versions, and then stay that way forever.

Like, you can’t turn into an immortal vampire or anything — no matter how bad you want to.

It’s as permanent as aging is. It’s a reset, and then we see the mice age out again, so then we just repeat the process.

David Sinclair, molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School

What Happens To These Magic Stem Cells After The Aging Process Once Again Begins?

We believe we have found the master control switch, a way to rewind the clock. The body will then wake up, remember how to behave, remember how to regenerate and will be young again, even if you’re already old and have an illness.

David Sinclair, molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School

We do know that eventually the cells age again, and the mice go back to being elderly rodents.

But, for a brief moment in time, they appear and act younger.

Studies on whether the genetic intervention that revitalized mice will do the same for people are in early stages. — It will be years before human trials are finished, analyzed and, if safe and successful, scaled to the mass needed for a federal stamp of approval.

CNN

Let’s get this testing done and complete. Once we know it’s safe for humans — and FDA approved — I will be first in line to get my stem cells!!

Looking back on the week, there are so many reasons to smile.

Here are 10 of our favorite stories from this week.

1) Johnny Depp Is Rumored To Be Signed On For ‘Beetlejuice 2’

I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more!! It would make TOTAL sense for Johnny Depp to show up in Beetlejuice 2. He’s only the BEST character actor ever, IMHO. And, it would continue the Bromance between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.

2) ‘Granny Pods’ Are The Hot New Trend For Letting Grandma Live with You

This makes me giddy. I mean, I love my mom and dad. But, I need my own space — and so do they!! How cool would it be to have your parents in a ‘Granny Pod’ on your property? It’s such a great alternative to nursing homes.

3) Disney Releases Live-Action ‘Pinocchio’ Teaser Trailer And Release Date

I am so excited!! This flick looks like it’s going to be AWESOME! This live-action Pinocchio is supposed to be released on Disney+ Day. Be looking for it to start streaming September 8th.

4) Taco Bell Announces Plan to Bring Back The Mexican Pizza Permanently

OMG!! This is such good news. I had 6 of them while they were back in restaurants — and then they were gone — again. I can’t wait until they are brought back permanently.

5) Will Ryan Reynolds Show Up In ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5?

I am almost as excited for Ryan Reynolds to show up in Stranger Things as I am for Johnny Depp to make an appearance in Beetlejuice 2. Please, oh please let this happen!!

6) The Jury Has Reached A Verdict in The Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard Defamation Case

It was the verdict heard ’round the world! We had all been waiting on pins and needles to find out if the jury agreed with us. #JusticeForJohnnyDepp

7) You Can Text 9-1-1 to Be Connected With the Police If You’re Ever In A Situation Where You Can’t Call

This is SUCH good information to know!!

8) The ‘Pink and Green’ Trend From TikTok That Everyone is Talking About

As a fan of the former Nickelodeon hit, The Fairly Odd Parents, this trend makes me so happy. Cosmo and Wanda can show up ANYTIME as far as I’m concerned.

9) Millions Of Americans Will Be Getting A Stimulus Check In June.

I mean, it would be a whole lot more awesome if I was included among the lucky people who were going to receive a relief check. But, it’s still pretty cool that some states are taking the initiative to help residents.

10) A Crispy, Deep Fried Pickle Dip Exists, And It’s Every Pickle Lover’s Dream

You had me at Deep Fried Pickle.

What do you think? What else made you smile this week?

This trial. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

I could have guessed this information — I think we ALL could have guessed this shocking news.

Amber doesn’t have the $10.4 million she owes Johnny Depp after the jury found in his favor at the defamation trial heard ’round the world.

Want to see something kinda funny. I guess I shouldn’t laugh at her expense. But, one quick Google search for “How Much Is Amber Heard Worth” brings up the Celebrity Net Worth website.

They estimate that Amber’s value is -$6 million. Yes, that says NEGATIVE $6 million.

Seriously, karma is a b****, so I really shouldn’t be so elated to see this number. But, you have to admit. It’s kinda funny.

As sources told The [New York] Post the actress is “broke” due to hefty legal fees associated with the bombshell defamation trial.

The New York Post

All I can think is: She should have thought of that before she dropped a big steaming pile of s*** in Johnny’s bed.

Is that still allegedly?

With her net worth being in a world of hurt, how the heck is she going to pay Johnny Depp the money she owes him?

Amber’s attorney, Elaine Bredehoft (you might remember her as the lawyer who just couldn’t seem to remember to turn her mic on), says that Amber absolutely does NOT have the means to pay the money she owes Johnny.

According to The New York Post, Amber’s money woes are not just from this case — although that’s a huge part of it.

One [source] also placed the blame on Heard’s past lavish spending, on travel, clothes, gifts and wine.

The New York Post

I feel kind of bad for her — in a “there’s NO WAY she should have ever won that case” way.

Nobody needs likes deserves to be virtually destitute.

On the other hand, she did try to (do we say allegedly?) end Johnny’s career in one of the most horrible ways possible.

Multiple sources said the “Aquaman” star had to switch legal representation and is relying on her homeowner’s insurance policy to cover the cost of her current attorneys in the case.

The New York Post

It’s not uncommon for people to use their homeowner’s insurance to help cover defamation cases.

That’s kind of weird, isn’t it. Most people don’t know about this little insurance feature, but it’s a real thing.

It’s a little oddity that most people don’t know. In most homeowner insurance policies, there is coverage if you are sued for defamation based on how much you pay through coverage.

Heather Heidelbaugh, trial attorney

As for how she’s going to actually pay Johnny the money, there are several things that are possible in this situation.

We know she is going to appeal the decision, but as it stands now, she owes the money.

Depp could still potentially claim the money he was awarded by garnishing his ex-wife’s wages from her two upcoming movies, levy her assets or even seize her house in California’s Yucca Valley.

The New York Post

Amber owns a three-bedroom house — mansion, if you will — that has been valued at $1 million, and it’s possible that Johnny could have the property seized to get part of the money that he’s owed.

We will have to see what happens.

I’m sure we haven’t heard the last from this case. The drama surrounding it will probably be in the news for quite awhile.

All the recalls on food and food items are getting a little insane and out of control.

We had the Sugar Recall, the Peach Recall, the Strawberry Recall, the Peanut Butter Recall, the Peanut Butter Food Recall, the Fruity Candy Recall, the Baby Formula Recall, the Air Fryer Recall, the Ground Beef Recall, the Salad Recall.

And, now I feel like I’m being personally attacked with this one.

There has been a recall on CHEESE.

9 states are included in this recall.

Let’s play Recall Roulette. Is your state included in this Cheese Recall?

What States Are Included In The Cheese Recall of 2022?

Here we go: The cheese in question was delivered to wholesalers for distribution in grocery stores. The recalled cheese went to Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Mississippi, and Florida.

If you live in — or have recently traveled to — one of these states, Listen Up!!

Why Is Cheese Being Recalled?

According to a company announcement, Paris Brothers, Inc. has issued a VOLUNTARY recall on cheese and cheese products.

The cheese in question has been found to possibly be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes [is] an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

FDA

Is The Recalled Cheese Packaged Under Any Other Name?

Yes.

The brand names of the cheeses in question were sold under the names Paris Brothers, Cottonwood River, Cervasi, Milton, and D’amir.

If those sound familiar, check your cheese packages.

Exactly What Cheeses Are Included In The Recall?

The following cheeses produced on May 4, 5, and 6, 2022 are the only products in the recall. Shipping cartons with the affected product will bear the lot codes of 05042022, 05052022, or 05062022. Individual retail outlets may have relabeled the individual consumer packages.

FDA

• Cottonwood River Cheddar
• D’amir Brie Double Crème French Brie
• Milton Prairie Breeze White Cheddar Style
• Milton Tomato Garlic Cheddar
• Paris Brothers Mild Cheddar
• Paris Brothers Colby Jack
• Paris Brothers Pepper Jack
• Cervasi Pecorino Romano

What Else Do We Need To Know About The Cheese Recall?

Nobody has reported getting sick from the cheeses in question. This is just a precautionary volunteer recall.

This recall is the result of routine sampling by the FDA, which revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

FDA

What Do We Do If We Find The Recalled Cheese Among Our Cheese Stash?

If you were unfortunate enough to have purchased any of the products that are included in the recall, you can return them to the place you got them from for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company and ask for the FDA contact, Doug Schnell, at 816-455-4188. Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm CST

FDA

It’s freaking hot. You sweat. Gas prices go up. It is more crowded everywhere. And, did I mention you sweat, and the temperature gets to hell levels of insanity?

One other thing I hate, despise, loathe, dislike, and abhor about the summer? The snakes come out in full force.

I can deal with a lot of unpleasant things — but snakes are a big NOPE for me.

Unfortunately, I happen to live in an area where one venomous snake in particular, the copperhead, hangs out and flourishes.

If you live in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S., you might want to listen up.

That would be anywhere from Texas, up through Illinois, and Indiana, all the way over to the New England area, and south along the Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana borders.

What Do Copperheads Look Like?

Copperheads, as you might garner from the name, have large, triangular shaped copper or brown heads.

The rest of the copperhead body is a mixture of browns and tans, and these colors take on a specific pattern. Some think of it as an hourglass pattern. But, I think they look like big ol’ symmetrical splotches of brown and tan.

The color of these bad boys allow them to almost completely camouflage themselves in brush, among rocks, or around wood piles.

They often show up in yards or gardens, so be on the lookout!

We often find copperhead skins along our rockway that leads up to our garage. That means, the snakes were there, and we didn’t even see them.

There have also been times that we have found baby copperheads in our basement. Eeeep!! That was scary.

Sometimes copperheads are so well hidden that even professionals have trouble locating them.

The Washington Post

Make sure you are very aware of your surroundings, and especially watch out for little kids playing in the yard or in the brush around your property.

Are Copperheads Venomous?

YES!!

The eyes of a copperhead help to identify it as a venomous snake. This snake has yellow eyes with black, vertical pupils. The vertical pupil is a common feature in other venomous snakes. Most non-venomous snakes have round pupils.

AZ Animals

The bite of a copperhead usually requires medical attention. This medical treatment sometimes involves the use of antivenom.

So, if you get bit, you need to seek medical help immediately.

If you were bitten, and can’t tell if it was by a copperhead, get help.

Try to get a picture of the snake, if possible, from a distance. This will help medical professionals get you the right treatment.

How Do Copperheads Attack?

Copperheads are ambush predators, and if you don’t know what that means, just let me school you.

These creepy slithering serpents like to lie in wait for their prey. They will strike and release — allowing the venom to do its job in incapacitating their victims.

Unfortunately, one of the things it can strike and release is a human being.

Keep an eye out for copperheads, big and small, when outside. If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone. Copperheads are not aggressive snakes.

The Washington Post

I still wouldn’t play. If you are bit by a copperhead, get help immediately.

Even if you think you will be okay, GET HELP!

What Should You Do If You Find A Copperhead?

First and foremost, don’t play with it.

If you see a copperhead, give it space. Attempting to kill a snake increases your risk of being bitten. Instead, a spray from a garden hose will encourage it to leave.

The Washington Post

It might be prudent to call in backup if the snake is in an area where it might harm people or pets.

There are individuals who will come out and relocate the snake to a more appropriate, unpopulated area.

Things To Avoid If You Are Bit By A Copperhead.

The Cut and Suck method. Contrary to what we see in the movies, cutting and sucking a bite will do no more than introducing bacteria to a wound.

Tourniquets. This will only stop blood flow to the area. Where there is loss of blood, there is tissue injury.

Venom Extraction Devices. These are big in sporting goods and outdoorsy-type stores. Turns out, they don’t really get any venom out of the wound, and they can actually harm you more.

Electrical therapy: I hate that I even need to address this, but enough people recommend this nonsense that I cannot let it go unanswered. Electricity is not the cure for an envenomation. Multiple studies have proven conclusively that “electrical therapy” causes local damage and can kill the victim. It may seem cool in a Tarantino sort of way to connect your friend to a car battery, but please don’t.

BTGSP

Benadryl. Social media has popularized the use of Benadryl on people with snake bites. Benadryl is for allergies, and has absolutely no effect on venom.

Keeping the extremity below heart level. This is something that was taught in the olden days. Keeping the affected extremity below heart level will only increase swelling, and has pretty much no other valuable effect.

Ways To Keep Copperheads Away From Your House.

The good people at Innovative Pest Solutions have some great ideas for keeping copperheads from congregating on your property.

Keep small rodents like mice, rats, and moles at bay around your property by using traps, baits, or other techniques. One thing to consider is feeding other animals near the house — birds, dogs, cats, whatever. Their food can attract rodents, which will attract snakes.

Keep your yard neat and clean. Remove piles of leaves, rocks, trash, and even toys from around the house. This eliminates places for the copperheads to hang out.

Keep bushes pruned and mow down any tall grass that’s around your yard.

Get rid of standing water, and avoid overwatering your yard.

Snake repellants around the home can, and should, be used. This repellent might come in the form of sprays, pellets, or powders.

Wear boots and gloves when working in and around the yard — especially in areas where snakes might hang out or breed. I always make fun of my mom, because she dons cowboy boots and heavy-duty gloves to work in the garden. But, she has the right idea!

Stay safe out there, and avoid those copperheads at all costs!