DAILY DIRT: Want to be a Santa or an elf? You might have some competition

Daily Dirt for Monday, Dec. 9, 2024

In today’s second thought, the item dealing with Saudi Arabia importing camels from Australia genuinely surprised me. I didn’t even know Australia had camels … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,137 of The Daily Dirt.

1. A recent survey has revealed the most coveted part-time jobs in Illinois for this time of the year.

The website career.io surveyed 3,000 part-time workers to find out what holiday jobs spark the most excitement. The top 10 were:

1. Santa Claus and Elf Roles: Few jobs tend to encapsulate the spirit of the festive season quite like playing Santa Claus or a cheerful elf. The opportunity to embody the magic of Christmas, coupled with the nostalgia and cheer these roles evoke, normally ensures fierce competition for this iconic seasonal work.

2. Seasonal Decorator: Transforming homes, businesses and public spaces into winter wonderlands is a coveted job for the creative and detail-oriented. Seasonal decorators get to unleash their artistic flair, from stringing twinkling lights to arranging stunning holiday displays, making every space picture-perfect for the festivities.

3. Gift Wrapper: For those who find joy in the meticulous art of gift presentation, being a seasonal gift wrapper is a dream job, and it emerged in third place overall. Wrapping presents with precision and flair, these people play a vital role in ensuring that gifts are as beautiful on the outside as they are thoughtful within — all while basking in the holiday atmosphere.

4. Party/Event Host: The life of any holiday gathering, party and event hosts have the enviable job of keeping the festive cheer alive. From planning activities to orchestrating smooth-running events, they combine organizational skills with charisma to create memorable experiences for attendees.

5. Toy Store Associate: There’s something magical about working in a toy store during the holidays. Associates are surrounded by the season’s hottest toys, endless wish lists and excited children, making this role perfect for those who thrive on the energy and joy of gift shopping.

Honorable mention:

Christmas tree farm helperHoliday tour guideSeason sales associateHoliday market vendorFestive photographer assistant

2. Did you know (Part 211)

• That the book “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” was written by the same guy who penned the James Bond novels: Ian Fleming.
• That at this very moment, you are the youngest you will ever be again.
• That humans are the only animals that blush.
• That actor Tom Hanks has an asteroid named after him.
• That the typical American owns seven pairs of jeans.
• That Saudi Arabia imports camels from Australia.

3. Those who enjoy the following snacks should know that by sometime early in 2025 they are being discontinued and will not be found on your supermarket’s shelves:

• Doritos will be discontinuing its Honey Mustard, Tangy Fiery Lime and Smoky Chili Queso flavors. They are being replaced by Tangy Golden Sriracha, Dinamita Xxtra Flamin’ Hot and Late Night Loaded Taco offerings.
• Ruffles Lime and Jalapeno style potato chips is exiting in favor of a new barbeque taste that has not been made public.
• Tostitos Mexican Style Three Cheese chips are vacating the premises for Tostitos Hint of Queso chips.
• Tostitos is also replacing its Black Bean and Garlic chips with Simply Organic Blue Corn chips.
• Lay’s Honey BBQ Poppables are being replaced with a sweet potato variety of Poppables, although no firm description is yet available.
• Sun Chips Chili Lime flavor is being discontinued in favor of a Honey Barbecue taste.
• Rold Gold Pretzels are introducing Cool Ranch and Dill Pickle flavors.
• Cheetos is eliminating most of its varieties of pretzels and popcorn.

Steve Thought O’ The Day – I am one happy baseball fan today. My all-time favorite MLB player, Richie Allen (who became known as Dick Allen later in his career), has finally earned a spot in the Hall of Fame. I fell in love with the slugging Allen the first time I saw his Topps rookie baseball card back in 1965. Allen died this time of year in 2020 at age 78 and should have been elected to the Hall of Fame years ago, but that’s another story for another day. Today, I’m simply celebrating what is, and I hope to one day be able to see (in person) his plaque in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Dick Allen played for five different MLB clubs but spent the majority of his time with the Phillies. He played for the Cardinals in 1970 and the White Sox from 1972-1974, where he won the American League MVP award in ’72.