“Other sounds that reach 70 decibels include freeway noise, an alarm clock, and a sewing machine. But it’s still quiet for a restaurant. Others I visited in Baltimore and New York City while researching this story were even louder: 80 decibels in a dimly lit wine bar at dinnertime; 86 decibels at a high-end food court during brunch; 90 decibels at a brewpub in a rehabbed fire station during Friday happy hour.” Kate Wagner explains How Restaurants Got So Loud.

+ Holy cow, this is a big steer.

+ The elite cabal of mall Santas making up to $20,000 every Christmas season.