THE FIRST SPOT IS THE BEST SPOT
We are all guilty of circling the parking lot at least once in search of the “perfect” parking spot. During the holiday season, parking can become a precious commodity. There are spots we consider more valuable than others — spots in which we desperately want to park our vehicles. For some people, the prime spots are nearest the store entrance; for others, the best spots give you optimal door- opening space. All of these “perfect” spots have one thing in common: They offer convenience — a convenience many drivers are willing to fight for. Let’s look at the parking spots near the entrance of the store. In an ideal world, these spots ensure you get in and out quickly. In reality, the spots closest to the store entrance are often the least convenient spots in the entire parking lot and are almost never worth the hassle or aggravation. Foot traffic dominates the area around a store entrance. During peak hours and peak shopping days after Thanksgiving, you may spend more time waiting for people to filter in and out of the store than it would take to park farther away and walk into the store. Areas near store entrances are routinely congested, and when drivers compete for those “best” spots, traffic jams are guaranteed. When it comes to scoping out the best spots, CarInsurance.com has identified two types of drivers. Upward of 38 percent of drivers are “vultures.” These drivers circle the parking lot at least twice before settling on a spot. Another 24 But is it worth it?
percent of drivers are “stalkers.” These drivers follow people carrying bags or pushing carts toward their own cars.
Stalkers can be particularly troublesome for the drivers who only care about getting in and out. They are notorious for pulling up near their target spot and waiting. This can cause traffic jams and hamper the parking process for others. According to the Southeastern Psychological Association, drivers defined as vultures or stalkers “spend significantly more time on the lot” compared to virtually all other drivers. If you value your time, parking in the first available spot you see will get you in and out faster than parking anywhere else.
SPICY, CREAMY SWEET POTATOES
SUDOKU
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but they’re often the blandest thing on the table. Luckily that’s not the case with this recipe, which features Thai spices and coconut milk.
INGREDIENTS
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5 pounds sweet potatoes 1 cup canned coconut milk
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1/2 cup dark brown sugar 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes. 4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Uncover potatoes and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot.
Inspired by The New York Times
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