Tuesday, October 30, 2012

National Candy Corn Day, Mischief Night

Most of the Usual Suspects designate today as National Candy Corn Day. Usual Suspect Punchbowl.com explains that candy corn was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company. Candy corn "was made to mimic a kernel of corn and became instantly popular because of its innovative design."

It remains popular today -- and candy corn will be very popular tomorrow, of course, on Halloween, when it will show up in all sorts of trick-or-treat bags.

Candy Corn Day seems nice and harmless -- unless you're a stressed mom coping with kids on a candy-corn-fueled sugar high -- but when the Sun sets tonight things become a little more... sinister.

Tonight is Mischief Night -- a night originally for kids' pranks. For a number of years, Mischief Night was carried to its illogical extreme in Michigan -- Detroit in particular -- where it became known as "Devil's Night" -- a stupid, thoughtless festival of arson. Free advice: Leave the gasoline in the cars, kids.

And here's some more good advice: Shaving cream and TP are largely harmless, but eggs can permanently stain and otherwise damage roof shingles, brickwork, and good relations in the neighborhood.

Also, keep in mind that American Greetings proclaims today Bodybuilder's Day. Kids, don't be attempting any mischief tonight at the home of a bodybuilder, not if you want your teeth available to chew tomorrow night's candy haul....

No comments: