Facebook adds emojis, Katy Perry is JonBenét, and views from the toilet. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.
Facebook Replaces Its “Like” Button with Emojis
After years of pretending the “Like” button covered every possible human emotion, Facebook finally rolled out six new reaction emojis – Love, Haha, Wow, Sad, and Angry. Suddenly you could accurately respond to a breakup post or a political rant without looking unhinged. It felt like a small update, but it completely changed how we talk online. Turns out nuance comes in tiny yellow faces.
The Toilet-View Photo Trend
For a brief, baffling moment, posting photos of your view from the toilet was a thing. Ideally, photos from a toilet with spectacular views – not just sinks, shower curtains, and bathroom doors. It had peak “the internet has run out of ideas” energy.
Is Katy Perry Actually JonBenét Ramsey?
In one of the strangest conspiracy theories to catch fire, some corners of the internet tried to argue that Katy Perry was secretly JonBenét Ramsey grown up. Never mind timelines or basic facts – YouTube “evidence” was apparently enough. It was a reminder that the web can connect us to the world and also to deeply unserious rabbit holes.
The Oscars Crowns Its Winners
Awards season wrapped with the Oscars handing out gold statues: “Spotlight” won Best Picture, and Leo finally got his Best Actor trophy for “The Revenant.”
The Razzies Crowns Its Losers
Meanwhile, “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Fantastic Four” shared the honor of Worst Picture at the Razzies. Also a huge honor… of sorts.
Are Those “Spaceballs 2” Posters for Real?
New York commuters started spotting mysterious “Spaceballs: The Search for More Money” posters, sending fans into a hopeful spiral. Was Mel Brooks secretly reviving the beloved sci-fi spoof, or was this just a prank? The answer: Those posters were just a goof. But better news 10 years later: An actual “Spaceballs 2” is set for release in 2027.
Arby’s Celebrates Leap Day With the Saddest Vegetarian Option Ever
Arby’s marked Leap Day by announcing a “vegetarian menu,” including a toasted bun with absolutely nothing on it. Yes, just bread. It was classic Arby’s trolling – leaning into its meat-heavy reputation instead of fighting it. In an era when every chain was chasing plant-based credibility, Arby’s zigged by proudly zagging.
Abercrombie & Fitch Overtakes Walmart as America’s Most Hated Chain
A survey crowned Abercrombie & Fitch the most hated retail chain in America, edging out Walmart for the dubious honor. Years of logo overload, exclusivity drama, and shifting mall culture finally caught up with the once-dominant brand. It was a real sign that the early-2000s cool-kid aesthetic had officially worn out its welcome.
Curly Sue Shows Up on “The Voice”
Alisan Porter, best known as the kid from the ’90s movie Curly Sue, showed up to audition for The Voice — and absolutely crushed it. The judges were stunned, and so were viewers who suddenly realized that adorable child star could really sing. It was one of those pop-culture time-warps where nostalgia meets genuine talent.
A Minor League Baseball Team Unveils a Cheeseburger Wrapped in a Pizza
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers pushed ballpark cuisine into new (deep-dish) territory with their Meatlover’s Pizza Burger – a quadruple cheeseburger wrapped in an entire pepperoni and sausage pizza. It’s amazing anyone survived.