A Century of High Kicks: The Rockettes Celebrate 100 Years
In the words of Mariah Carey, “It’s Time!!!🎄🎁” We're starting off your SmartHER weekend read with a little holiday cheer — plus a quick catch-up on the week’s most interesting news stories.
“Unparalleled athleticism, grace and unity.”
The Rockettes opened their annual Christmas Spectacular in New York City this week, celebrating 100 years of precision choreography and their signature kick line. Formed in St. Louis in 1925, the dance troupe moved to Radio City Music Hall and debuted the Christmas Spectacular in 1933.
1933 Christmas Spectacular --> 2025 Christmas Spectacular (Credit: The Rockettes)
Did You Know? In the 1940s, the Rockettes were among the first performers to join the United Service Organization – providing entertainment for the troops at home and overseas during World War II.
🗣️ Your Conversation Starters:
❄️ “Arctic Outbreak”: The first snowfall of the season hits 13 states this weekend, and Meteorologist Ben Noll says the arctic air mass could send below-freezing temps as far south as Florida by Tuesday.
📚 Worth a Read: Ahead of America’s 250th, The Washington Post takes a closer look at " ... the doctoring of words in the Jefferson Memorial.”
🌯 “Consider the Burrito”: According to CNN, Chipotle’s third-quarter earnings offer a window into consumer spending and the broader American economy. This comes as rising American household debt reveals a growing financial divide.
🔐 "Louvre": The password for the Louvre’s video surveillance system, according to a 2014 report – a detail that sparked the below text exchange on the SmartHER News team. As for the $102 million heist? DNA evidence played a key role in tracking down the suspects.
👗 Royal Additions: Three prominent British designers will showcase designs in Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style – the largest-ever fashion exhibit honoring what would have been her 100th birthday. Opening Spring 2026, the exhibit will feature 200 pieces – from a childhood bridesmaid dress to her iconic wedding gown.
⚔️ Bend It Like Sir Beckham? In other royal news, King Charles knighted soccer legend David Beckham this week for his contributions to sports and philanthropy — just days after the Royal Family stripped Prince Andrew of his remaining titles and honors.
Credit: The Royal Family
🏆 “An interesting bunch”: That’s how the Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday describes humans after 20+ years of reviewing and verifying world-record attempts. Did You Know? “The idea for the Guinness World Records book began during a hunting trip at a country estate in Ireland, where the manager of the Guinness brewery got into an argument over who could name the fastest game bird in Europe.”
🗣 Yodel-Ay-Hee-Hoo!: Switzerland pushes for the UN cultural agency to officially recognize yodeling – a practice that goes back centuries – as a protected cultural heritage.
🎬 Cotton-Headed Ninny-Muggins: Buddy the Elf’s iconic costume worn by Will Ferrell heads to auction. Film productions typically make multiple versions of a costume, but this one bears the mark “Hero-3” — meaning it’s the highly detailed version used for close-up shots. Want it? You’ll likely need $260,000+ to spread Christmas cheer.
🐵 Monkey Diplomacy? China sends the endangered golden snub-nosed monkey to European zoos, joining its famed pandas as the country’s newest “furry envoys.” Meanwhile in the U.S., research monkeys drew headlines over the last week after they escaped during a highway transport accident last week.
🎙️ This Week From Jenna
A Sign of Backlash? Writer, host, political analyst and cultural commentator, Mary Katharine Ham joins us to breakdown what to consider after a history-making Election Day.
WATCH ABOVE OR BY CLICKING HERE. You can also listen on podcasting platforms everywhere (Apple, Spotify).
🎙️ SCOOP (approx. 67 minutes) Should 16-Year-Olds Have The Right To Vote? Listen or Watch. (SCOOP Insiders can attend this live broadcast once a week and get their news questions answered; they also receive the special video report EXCLUSIVELY delivered to their inbox along with a "cheat sheet" for the week ahead — learn more HERE).
🙌🏽 What We Found SmartHER This Week:
This week, we sat down with Emily McCarthy – former CIA spy and co-founder of GORUCK – to talk about service, family and building a purpose-driven business. We also touched on GORUCK’s recent release of its first weighted vest designed specifically for women – inspired by Emily’s time as a field agent. Watch for our full conversation next week! (Are you following us on podcast? 👀)
In the meantime, check out the Spy Ruck ... 👇🏽
“So go ahead—plant your peas when the daffodils bloom. Watch for a red sky at night. Tell the kids how granddad always swore by the Almanac. That’s how our story stays alive.”
After 200+ years, The Farmer’s Almanac announced that its 2026 edition will mark its final printing. The reason why? A "chaotic media environment."
First published in 1818 by poet, astronomer, and teacher David Young, the Almanac has long guided readers on weather, gardening, and the stars.
The Farmer’s Almanac is separate from The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the country’s longest-running almanac, first published in 1792 by Robert B. Thomas during George Washington’s presidency.
And that's The Weekend Digest!
❤️,
Jenna and the SHN Team
Daily news, interviews, our latest podcasts and more at www.SmartHERNews.com.
