1. Bloomindale’s recently apologized for running an incredibly inappropriate ad in its new holiday catalog that is suggestive of a date rape scenario, but Twitter users aren’t willing to forgive and forget just yet. The ad in question shows a woman laughing as a male gazes creepily at her and is captioned, “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.” The department store was quick to concede that the ad was “inappropriate and in poor taste,” but social media is now rife with users slamming the company using the hashtag #Bloomingdales. As one sarcastically commented, “‘What Christmassy joke can we have in our catalogue?’ ‘Something about date rape?’ ‘Bingo!’ #Bloomingdales.”
2. Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are the most expensive places to buy a home in Maine, and Waterville is the most affordable, according to a survey of home listings conducted by real estate agency Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The highest average listing price was $517,153 in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport. The lowest average price was $133,481 in Waterville.
3. It’s not even Thanksgiving, but it’s still Christmas decor and craft season! This Saturday is the 6th Annual State Street Holiday Stroll! Venues along State Street will host an array of vendors selling crafts, food and unique gifts. Plus music, caroling and hot beverages. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, State Street, Portland. Free to stroll! www.portlandmaine.com
4. Coloring books … for adults??? Yes, please! Crayola has launched the “Crayola Color Escapes” coloring kits for adults featuring illustrations by artist Claudia Nice and come with colored pencils, fine-line colored markers or watercolor pencils.
5. Not that there’s any around Maine, but Joe’s Crab Shack is becoming the first major chain restaurant to test no-tipping. Their servers would earn a base wage of $14 per hour, or more based on performance.
