Read to the end for a nerdy workout.

'ello! Welcome to the newest issue of TimeMachiner. A shout out to James, Eric, and everyone visiting from HackerNews! Thanks for giving me space in your inbox. 🙌🏻

We're a day past a long weekend and for many it is the unofficial start to fall. If you're anywhere related to retail, it is even the kickoff for holidays / Christmas. Super crazy. I don't like it.

For years I read a website called The Consumerist which was all about calling out companies for shady practices and giving tips & tricks for deals. Sort of a Consumer Reports alternative. They folded many years ago but one thing has held true, a term they called Christmas Creep.

The concept was simple in such that the days where stores would put up holiday displays switch the music over, and gear up for the season would creep earlier and earlier each year. If you grew up in the 80s, you know there wasn't a peep of anything until after Thanksgiving.

Today, you can see it in September. Yes, September. I know people like to plan ahead, but this is extreme.

Thanksgiving was long trampled-over for the Big Man and Halloween might as well incorporate Zombie Santa in order to compete.

It irks me to no end, but what can I do? I'm simply one person writing a newsletter to you, griping about it. Two years ago in 2020 I threw my hands up and stopped thinking about the creep. That year was an exception because of, you know, so if people needed THAT to cope with a terrible year, who am I to begrudge them?

I simply don't understand the rush to get decorated, extend the season out by months, and ultimately turn a literal 24-hour period into a celebration that lasts a quarter of the year. A quick aside, it may be shocking to know there are people who don't actually celebrate it! Crazy, I know.

What I will say is people can do what they want and let whatever it is bring them happiness. All I ask is let me get some candy with my kids & have some turkey on a certain Thursday before I hear Christmas Wrapping for the 9,000th time.

Here's today's Random Factoid:

There are some spiders that keep tiny frogs as pets to stop pests that try to eat the spider's eggs. Source

Poll of the week

Thanks to everyone getting in on this new part of TimeMachiner! I have some food for thought on today's poll. But first:

Last week's results:

Which flavor of ice cream best represents you?

We have a tie! Many of you are minty with a hint of sweetness and others are a whirlwind of flavor. Personally, I'd say I'm a cookie monster since I can't resist a plate of cookies. For those who voted vanilla, I see you! I consider it THE base flavor to use for awesome sundaes.

TODAY'S POLL

Would you rather speak all languages or speak to animals?

🤟🏻 Super Linguist 
🐴 Animals, Please!

Results will be posted in the next newsletter.

Finally, when you are itching to read about the best new tech products in your inbox each week, check out Less Hunt. It's tech with a little extra spice. 🌶️