COLD SNAP SHENANIGANS

THE NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS -- JANUARY 24, 2026

The frigid climes this month have turned us into cabin fever crazies. It's a perfect time to access some news that has the potential to induce a smile or even a chuckle. This is no time to utilize the dreaded grawlix. 

You might wonder what constitutes a grawlix. “A grawlix is a string of symbols (glyphs) often used in cartoons and comic books, either to convey an obscenity or a variety of emotions.” You might think of curse words for the cold, but you could convey those thoughts in writing with a creative grawlix string – “#@*&!%@!.” (https://wordsmarts.com/grawlix/)

While enduring the cold in 2026, you may wonder what the winter in 2027 will bring. Well, you'll have to wait two years to find out. According to Google AI, next year is not 2027. Futurism.com explains: “We have it on good authority that next year is not 2027. That authority, of course, is Google’s horribly inaccurate AI Overview feature.” 

It says: “No, 2027 is not next year; 2027 is two years away from the current year (2026), meaning next year is 2028, and the year after that is 2027, which is a common year starting on a Friday.” You know, there's something to be said in favor of old school paper calendars, (https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/google-ai-overview-year)

Although it's really cold outside, you might want to consider burping your house. This is a German tradition. “Germans rely on 'luften' in their homes, schools, offices, and other public spaces—it's even written into some apartment leases.” 

This “house burping” happens even in the winter. “When winter closes in and your windows stay shut tight, the air inside your home can grow stale without you even noticing. With just a short blast of fresh air through wide-open windows a couple times a day, you can flush out moisture, allergens, and lingering odors while welcoming in cleaner, oxygen-rich air that helps you breathe easier and feel more energized.” More at: https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-luften-11865527. 

After burping your house, perhaps a pre-storm shopping trip would be appropriate. “When a winter storm is on the way, everyone rushes to the grocery store. You'll probably buy extra eggs, milk, and ingredients for a few hearty meals to store in the fridge and freezer. But when a blizzard or ice storm occurs, there's always a possibility the power could go out. There are a few critical items you should have in your pantry before snow, ice, or sleet makes the roads too slick to venture out. Stock at least three days' worth of these pantry items on our list before the snowstorm arrives.” These categories include drinks, snacks, easy-prep meals, and first aid supplies. Of all places, SouthernLiving.com gives advice at: https://www.southernliving.com/things-grocery-store-snowstorm-11889649.

Being confined indoors gives you a chance to participate in an activity that is gaining renewed popularity – letter writing. “At a time when screens blur the line between work and home, some people are slowing down and disconnecting by looking to communication devices from the past. Tactile activities ranging from writing letters to typewriter clubs are giving retro writing instruments a resurgence. More than quaint throwbacks, the pursuits provide their enthusiasts with opportunities to reduce their technology use, be more intentional with time and build meaningful connections with others.” (https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/letter-writing-enjoys-revival-fans-145557502.html)

On a personal note, I exchange notes and letters with some friends and relatives. I always marvel at the tremendous value of a postage stamp. In a time when a candy bar can cost a couple of bucks, a seventy-eight cent stamp is the quite a deal. For example, I affix a stamp to a letter to my daughter in Oregon. A human being collects it from my home's mailbox. The letter travels across the country. A human being delivers it to my daughter's mailbox. All this personalized service for seventy-eight cents is an unrivaled bargain. 

In addition to the cold weather, another cold experience is coming to Michigan. It might be categorized as cold hearted: “Michigan’s first true crime restaurant to feature last meals of serial killers.”

The menu will be interesting. “You will soon be able to feast on the same last meals as some of the most infamous people in American history. Nate Thompson, who also owns The Michigan Museum of Horror, says everything on the menu at The Last Meal are actual last meal requests of serial killers. The Last Meal will be located at The Mall of Monroe.” (https://www.mlive.com/business/2026/01/michigans-first-true-crime-restaurant-to-feature-last-meals-of-serial-killers.html)

Finally, stay warm with: ”Seventeen Cozy Recipes to Make on a Snow Day.” All Recipes (https://www.allrecipes.com/snow-day-recipes-8736915) says: “These comforting, low-effort recipes are perfect for all-day warmth and will keep everyone happy!” 

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