ROCKEFELLER TREE LIGHTING _ The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be illuminated during the annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center ceremony tonight (December 4). The lighting will feature over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and will be topped with a Swarovski star adorned with 3 million crystals. The 2024 tree is a Norway spruce from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, marking the first time since 1959 that the tree has come from this state. The tree stands at 74 feet tall and weighs approximately 11 tons. It was planted 67 years ago. Erik Pauze, the Head Gardener at Rockefeller Center, has been selecting the iconic Christmas tree for four decades. His keen eye for perfection has led him to scout over 100 trees in a six-state radius each year. Pauze’s job involves building relationships with families like the Alberts, who donated this year’s tree, and getting to know the communities where they live. He oversees the pampering of the future prize, ensuring it’s well taken care of, and often discovers future trees near past chosen ones or front-runners. When selecting a tree for his own family’s 6- to 7-foot tree, Pauze looks for a Fraser fir with sturdy branches, green needles, and a fresh cut on the bottom. He advises checking for upright branches, a straight trunk, and few needles shed.
AIR TRAVELERS ARE EVEN MORE RUDE DURING THE HOLIDAYS _ From oblivious parents to loud phone talkers, rude airline travelers are a year-round occurrence. In a survey of people who traveled over the Thanksgiving holiday, 24 percent said people are even more rude during the holidays. Some of the worst offenders:
• A lady telling her kid to stop kicking the seat in front of them because the mean lady wants them to stop.
• A man clipping his toenails while sprawling on the floor at the gate.
• Some dude picking scabs off his bald head.
• The guy with the wad of chew, spitting into a cup throughout the flight.
A BOOK ABOUT McDONALD’S _ In his new book McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches, food journalist Gary He takes readers on an unprecedented global tour of McDonald’s. He traveled to 55 countries and shows reaers 250 photographs, uncovering how McDonald’s becomes a local enterprise, adapting its menu and identity to meet the unique cultural tastes of each market.
… India offers the McAloo Tikki, a potato and pea patty, replacing beef burgers.
… The Philippines features McSpaghetti, a sweet marinara pasta dish popular at children’s parties.
… China sells marinated chicken bones as a menu item.
… South Korea boasts an egg bulgogi burger that He considers “the most delicious menu item on the planet”.
… In Japan and Hong Kong, students use restaurants for studying and dating, quite different from the drive-thru culture in the United States.
… The book is available now at McAtlas.com and will be sold everywhere starting in February.
