Althouse: You know what they always say: The only Halloween that matters is Election Day.

November 2, 2022

You know what they always say: The only Halloween that matters is Election Day.

Let me just screen-shot my ramblings on Facebook (where I only talk to a few friends and family and don't want new friends):

42 comments:

Rusty said...: OK. That's funny. Thanks Althouse.; 11/2/22, 8:21 AM
RideSpaceMountain said...: Democrat warlocks conjure the ghosts of the voters of yesteryear to befuddle the GOP as the cadaver of what's left of this country, bound with linen bandages like a mummy, goes door to door 'tricking' people giving candy with a joke, the punchline of which is "the state of our union is strong!"

A great American tradition:); 11/2/22, 8:26 AM
Meade said...: Be careful—they’ll call you a “Halloween denier”; 11/2/22, 8:26 AM
Jersey Fled said...: Somehow the connection between dead people voting and the Democrats seems apt.; 11/2/22, 8:30 AM
tim maguire said...: I agree with your assessment. Nerd Ropes aren't very good and Dems fancy themselves smart, but aren't very good. Twix is better. Not the best one out there, but the best among the offered choices.; 11/2/22, 8:39 AM
Wince said...: More importantly, what's the political significance of Althouse choosing Facebook over Twitter for her "ramblings"?; 11/2/22, 8:53 AM
Curious George said...: Althouse, "Fun Size" Twix come in "Left" and "Right." I know because thats part of what I gave the little goblins this year. Next year shitcan the Nerd Ropes (whatever they are) and just go with Twix.

https://media.distractify.com/brand-img/R7S_n8mFe/2160x1130/left-twix-right-twix-difference-1635537801481.jpg; 11/2/22, 8:56 AM
Andrew said...: Can I be your fwiend, Ann?; 11/2/22, 9:01 AM
Ann Althouse said...: I have no idea if Nerds Ropes are any good to eat, as I've never tried them. I do have some left over, so I could. Maybe on video, like my old egg salad challenge.

But I buy them because they are interesting — the name, the idea. They're just goofy.

Twix I get because they seem like a standard candy bar but not quite as old-fashioned at the candy bars I considered most desirable when I trick-or-treated in the 1950s — Milky Way, Snickers, and 3 Musketeers.

The Wikipedia article on Twix shows they've associated themselves with political polling: "Since 2012, Twix launched the "Pick a Side" campaign. The advertising campaign introduced a rivalry of the two "sides" of the Twix bar. Each Twix bar was given its own distinct packaging, being labeled as either a "Right Twix" or a "Left Twix," although both sides are functionally identical."

Ha ha. Maybe that was in my head somewhere and that's how I got the idea.

By the way, when I was a kid, I thought I was special for liking 3 Musketeers more than the more famous Milky Way and Snickers. As an adult, I have sort of the same characteristic: I prefer things with fewer ingredients. Snickers has the most ingredients. Take away the peanuts, and you've got Milky Way. Take away the caramel, and you've got 3 Musketeers.; 11/2/22, 9:05 AM
mccullough said...: Both parties are Zagnuts; 11/2/22, 9:08 AM
Anne in Rockwall, TX said...: Althouse said

"By the way, when I was a kid, I thought I was special for liking 3 Musketeers more than the more famous Milky Way and Snickers. As an adult, I have sort of the same characteristic: I prefer things with fewer ingredients. Snickers has the most ingredients. Take away the peanuts, and you've got Milky Way. Take away the caramel, and you've got 3 Musketeers."

I too preferred 3 Musketeers. It has, to my taste, a different nougat than the other two. Softer, more pillowy, and more chocolate flavor.; 11/2/22, 9:10 AM
Achilles said...: How could you leave out Greens and Libertarians?

Libertarians could be Marsh Mellows.

Greens could be those Sour Apple jolly ranchers.

We should also think about the Communist party. I am thinking chalk. Or dirt.; 11/2/22, 9:11 AM
RideSpaceMountain said...: This year's best costume? "The Fetter Man". It's like "The Slender Man", but with more stuffed straw, a hoodie, and it comes with a tumescent growth in the bag that's battery powered and grunts incoherently when you slap it.

Only $49.99. Batteries not included.; 11/2/22, 9:14 AM
James K said...: By the way, when I was a kid, I thought I was special for liking 3 Musketeers more than the more famous Milky Way and Snickers. As an adult, I have sort of the same characteristic: I prefer things with fewer ingredients.

Same. Even as a kid I preferred just the old Hershey bar, or Hershey with Almonds. Now my candy of choice is dark chocolate, 85%. Does that signal Republican?; 11/2/22, 9:16 AM
Karen of Texas said...: This made me laugh. Well played, Althouse.

3 Musketeers was the only candy bar I'd eat as a child. Malt balls were equal in stature. (The best Easter baskets in my childhood contained candy coated Brach*s malt ball *eggs*. Whoppers or other brands? Just no - not even close to Brach*s.)

A 3 Muskateers frozen, then thawed a bit so you get a good snap feel when you bite it, is the "adult" way to eat it. Lol.; 11/2/22, 9:18 AM
Left Bank of the Charles said...: Halloween is the reason that Election Day is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, so that Election Day can never fall on the day after Halloween.

I have never heard of Nerds Rope, or any of the other candies in the Nerds line of candies, which I see from Wikipedia was introduced in 1983. My favorite candy bar is the Milky Way Midnight Dark.; 11/2/22, 9:19 AM
Meade said...: “ Both parties are Zagnuts”

Hahaha.
Oh, you want that Zagnut aftertaste to go away? Here, have a Sen-sen!; 11/2/22, 9:24 AM
Ann Althouse said...: "Althouse, "Fun Size" Twix come in "Left" and "Right."..."

I gave full size.; 11/2/22, 9:31 AM
Achilles said...: mccullough said...

Both parties are Zagnuts

Payday.

"chocolatey"; 11/2/22, 9:32 AM
Ann Althouse said...: "I too preferred 3 Musketeers. It has, to my taste, a different nougat than the other two. Softer, more pillowy, and more chocolate flavor."

Yes, it seemed more exalted, didn't it?

I thought I was refined because I appreciate nougat in it's purest state, not studded with peanuts or slathered with caramel. I would even nibble the chocolate off to try to create a 100% nougat bar.; 11/2/22, 9:33 AM
lonejustice said...: Nerd Ropes. Another thing I didn't even know existed until reading this post. Althouse Blog -- learn something new every day.; 11/2/22, 9:36 AM
Ann Althouse said...: "How could you leave out Greens and Libertarians? Libertarians could be Marsh Mellows. Greens could be those Sour Apple jolly ranchers...."

If you only knew how hard I find it just to present the option of Twix or Nerds Ropes to each child. Some of the kids are like 2 years old. You can't offer 4 things to choose from. It's really complicated just to see 2 things and to be asked to pick. The kid has 2 hands. He attempts to pick 2 things. It's very cute when a 2 year old does that. Not so cute in an 11 year old.

And what the hell? I had some complete adults with pillowcases outstretched collecting candy! At least 2 and one looked like she might be the little kid's grandmother. When did that start?

I saw lots of adults in costumes though, sometimes as many as 5 adults, costumed, in support of a single little toddler.; 11/2/22, 9:37 AM
LA_Bob said...: In my very young years, it was Milky Way. A little older and it was 3 Musketeers. As a late teen and young adult my preference was Mounds. Dark(er) chocolate and coconut. For a lot of years that was the ticket.

I don't eat that way anymore. Those candy bars are too sugary. Now, like James K, my chocolate of choice is 85% cocoa.

Does it say anything about me politically that my preferred dark chocolate is Green & Black's?; 11/2/22, 9:56 AM
baghdadbob said...: The Day After Halloween & The Day After Election Day are both The Day of the Dead, when the dear departed are venerated and their votes counted.; 11/2/22, 10:04 AM
Achilles said...: I saw lots of adults in costumes though, sometimes as many as 5 adults, costumed, in support of a single little toddler.

My brother and his wife did a good job being barbarians/vikings. If he wore a good wig he could have been Conan. They went to a bar though.

I have been working on his daughter and the candy thing is no longer motivational.

Our kids went to a church party with Mom while I made up hours a work.

I have issues with participating in social events. It is something I need to work on.; 11/2/22, 10:17 AM
Achilles said...: If you only knew how hard I find it just to present the option of Twix or Nerds Ropes to each child. Some of the kids are like 2 years old. You can't offer 4 things to choose from. It's really complicated just to see 2 things and to be asked to pick. The kid has 2 hands. He attempts to pick 2 things. It's very cute when a 2 year old does that. Not so cute in an 11 year old.

I used to turn the light on so kids would knock and ask for candy.

I didn't last night.

I feel like I am giving them poison.

I think giving them a hard boiled egg or a slice of cheese cake would be unpopular.

I should revive my zero carb peanut butter cup project. I have the chocolate recipe developed I just need to make the peanut butter filling.; 11/2/22, 10:21 AM
Chris-2-4 said...: Left Bank of the Charles said...
Halloween is the reason that Election Day is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, so that Election Day can never fall on the day after Halloween.

The Feast of All Saints is the reason that Election Day is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, so that Election Day can never fall on the Religious Holiday celebrating All Saints Day.

Fixed it for you.; 11/2/22, 10:26 AM
RNB said...: Achilles said: "We should also think about the Communist party. I am thinking chalk. Or dirt."

Charlie Brown: "I got a rock."; 11/2/22, 10:54 AM
MadisonMan said...: We didn't have as many candy-wanters as I expected, so I had a lot of leftover full-sized candy bars, which bars are now in the office for others to eat.
Saw some great costumes on kids. I didn't pay attention to the parents.; 11/2/22, 11:14 AM
Curious George said...: "I gave full size."

"Next year..."; 11/2/22, 11:20 AM
Bryant said...: Obviously the adults represent voter fraud in this scenario.; 11/2/22, 11:27 AM
BG said...: Oh, great. What does it mean that my all-time favorite is a Butterfinger? Second place - Mounds/Almond Joy. They bring back memories of being with my dad. I will have one maybe once a year. Now if I need a "treat," I make myself almond crackers.; 11/2/22, 11:43 AM
Lurker21 said...: Historically, election day has been the day when the dead come to life and monsters escape the laboratory.

The fewer ingredients the less varied the experience. Snickers gives you a variety of tastes and textures. Three Musketeers is more acetic and puritanical. The musketmen must have been on Cromwell's side in the war.; 11/2/22, 11:54 AM
Ann Althouse said...: "Oh, great. What does it mean that my all-time favorite is a Butterfinger?"

Ha ha. That's one of the candies that I would eat if I got it at Halloween, but would never even think of choosing for myself. Ditto Baby Ruth.

"Second place - Mounds/Almond Joy."

Now you are naming things that I wouldn't eat when I got it at Halloween and wouldn't even eat if you paid me. I have avoided coconut all my life. Bleh!! Who would hand out Mounds at Halloween. That seems crazy!; 11/2/22, 12:16 PM
Christopher B said...: Back when I was a kid one of the local AM radio stations (which while professionally run often sounded a lot like WPIXL of Green Acres fame) was based in a town that conducted the "Toilet Poll" early in November during election years. After suitable announcements and at the appointed time the Democrat supporters were to flush their commodes, and after an interval the GOP households were instructed to do the same. The water and sewer department would consult various gauges of inflows and outflows, and announce which party was going to be circling the drain in the coming election.; 11/2/22, 1:01 PM
Baceseras said...: No trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood since about 2012. The number had been dwindling since the 1990s. The last few diehards (or their parents) finally wouldn't go door to door where lots of other kids weren't too.

In the 90s I gave Kit-Kats and Snickers until I was advised some kids don't like chocolate. I guess I knew that but never could process the information. Then I added things like Smarties or Necco Wafers. I had enough sense not to offer licorice, not even Good 'n Plenty which is barely licorice.

It would have been impossible to tell kids here to "pick one" between two candies -- universally, they'd demand "both." (And darn right, I'd think.)

Awfully late in the decade I realized they weren't best pleased with the big candy bars that I used to prize in my own Halloweening days. They wanted handfuls of loot. So I switched to huge bowls full of Mary Janes, Bull's Eyes, Root Beer Barrels, and Chunkies. The good times rolled, but they've rolled away. I still stock up in case there's a revival.; 11/2/22, 1:08 PM
who-knew said...: Can't remember what I liked as a kid but as an adult, my favorite is Zagnuts, which are almost impossible to find around here so the once or twice a year I spot one, I buy it. I don't eat candy any more (except for the once or twice a year Zagnuts bar), but when my kids trick or treated I'd steal the smarties and explain to them that Snickers bars were awful and they should give them to me just to get rid of them. Good old dad, always willing to help.; 11/2/22, 1:55 PM
James K said...: Does it say anything about me politically that my preferred dark chocolate is Green & Black's?

Mine is Endangered Species 88%, despite the woke name. Probably half the price of Green & Black and (almost?) as good.

Someone mentioned Mounds, and I remember now that I did like that and Almond Joy as a kid.; 11/2/22, 2:26 PM
Greg The Class Traitor said...: If Madison is 56%D 44% R this election, the Dems are hosed.

So I gleefully accept the results of your poll :-); 11/2/22, 4:09 PM
iowan2 said...: Snickers is the perfect candy bar. Although the argument that less ingredients intrigues me. I'm a purest at heart. I buy Vanilla Ice cream if I'm buying for myself. Salt and pepper on my burgers, no other condiments. Same with the fries. A bottle of catsup would go bad when I lived alone.

But candy bars, I go though phases, ButterFinger, Nestle Crunch, Hershey almonds, With Snickers the king of the hill. All of them are almost as much texture as taste.; 11/2/22, 6:56 PM
gpm said...: >>I have avoided coconut all my life.

Ah, Something I share with Althouse. Though I think I may have had fresh coconut once that wasn't so bad.

Maybe I'm forgetting a few, but pretty much the only good Halloween stuff consisted of Hershey bars, Reese's peanut butter cups (which I swear are worse than they were in the good old days), M&Ms, and Kit-Kat bars. Definitely not apples with embedded razors.

From the Althouse choices, I would have concluded that I'm never trick-or-treating at this place again.

--gpm; 11/2/22, 9:46 PM
JAORE said...: No one giving any love to the Heath Bar?

Sad.; 11/2/22, 11:48 PM