Author: Cyrell Jackson

WNBA Faces Ongoing Battle With Sex Toys

The WNBA has a bizarre problem on its hands: a wave of fans throwing sex toys onto the court during games.

Over the past week and a half, arenas in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Phoenix have all dealt with these disruptions. The most recent incident came Thursday night, when an object hit the court in the final seconds of the Atlanta Dream’s win over the Chicago Sky. In Los Angeles, a tossed toy nearly struck Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during a game against the Sparks.

Police say a man in Georgia has already been arrested for two separate incidents, including the first known court hit in Atlanta on July 29. He reportedly told officers the stunt was “supposed to be a joke” meant to go viral.

He now faces four misdemeanor charges, including public indecency and indecent exposure, which could carry fines, jail time, and even sex offender registration. In Phoenix, an 18-year-old was arrested for throwing a sex toy into the crowd, striking a fan in the back. He told police it was part of a trending prank.

Security experts say these items are notoriously difficult to detect because they contain no metal, meaning arena scanners can’t pick them up. Short of full pat-downs or bag bans, it’s challenging to stop them at the door. Ty Richmond, president of Allied Universal’s event services division, says legal consequences may be the strongest deterrent.

“The decision to prosecute and show examples of how people are being handled is very important,” Richmond explained. “Without a doubt, it will make a difference.”

The WNBA has made its stance clear: anyone caught throwing objects on the court will be banned for at least a year and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.

“The safety of everyone in our arenas remains a top priority,” the league said Friday, adding it’s working with local and federal law enforcement to pursue felony charges where applicable.

For players, it’s not just a safety issue — it’s a respect issue. “Everyone is trying to make sure the W is not a joke and it’s taken seriously, and then that happens,” Cunningham said on her podcast. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve called the trend “the latest version” of the long-standing sexualization of women in sports.

Despite arrests and league warnings, at least one crypto-based prediction market is now letting users bet on whether sex toys will appear at future WNBA games — a reminder that for some, this dangerous stunt is still being treated as entertainment.

This strange saga isn’t just a PR headache. It’s forcing the WNBA to confront both fan behavior and deeper cultural attitudes toward women’s sports — all while trying to keep the focus where it belongs: on the game.

Social media reaction from players has been blunt. Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison wrote, “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. Never was funny.”

We definitely agree with her. But this meme is still funny.

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The Heinz Ketchup Smoothie Is Here… and People Don’t Hate It

Ketchup in a smoothie sounds like the culinary equivalent of wearing socks in the shower… but hear us out. Heinz and Smoothie King just teamed up to create the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie, and early taste testers are saying it’s actually… good?

The whole thing started when Smoothie King posted a cheeky teaser: “If tomatoes are a fruit… is ketchup a smoothie?” That opened the door for the most unexpected collab of the year.

Before you gag, it’s not just a cup of blended ketchup. The recipe combines strawberries, raspberries, apple juice, açai sorbet, and yes, Heinz’s signature tomato ketchup. According to a People magazine writer who tried it, the drink is “sweet and tangy” with a surprisingly smooth blend of savory and fruity flavors. In other words, it’s not a spoonful-of-condiment situation — more of a gourmet twist on the fruit-and-veg juice trend.

Food writers from multiple outlets have backed it up, saying the ketchup adds depth without overpowering the sweetness.

If you’ve ever added tomato to a fruit smoothie at home, you might get the idea… though it’s safe to say few people have done it with a squeeze bottle.

The catch? It’s only available for a limited time in select Smoothie King locations, and you’ll need to be in one of six metro areas to try it: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or New York City.

So yes, it’s part marketing stunt, part “what if?” experiment, but it’s also tapping into a growing trend of using savory flavors in sweet drinks. Think salted caramel, chili chocolate, or celery in your juice cleanse — only this one comes with a red squirt cap.

Will it become your new go-to breakfast order? Probably not. But for anyone curious (or just in it for the bragging rights on Instagram), the ketchup smoothie might be one of the least gross “weird food collabs” we’ve seen lately. And if nothing else, it proves that Heinz isn’t afraid to stir the pot… or, in this case, the blender.

The Perfect Gift for Kids? A Candy Bar and Cash

If you’re the kind of person who shops early, picks out meaningful gifts, and even wraps them with precision… this isn’t for you.

But if you’re more of a last-minute, “oh no the birthday party is TODAY” type, this might just change your life.

A writer for Slate recently shared her accidental discovery of the ultimate kid gift: a candy bar and a $20 bill.

It started as a desperation move. She forgot to buy a gift for a kid’s birthday party and, in a panic, slapped a $20 bill around a Kit Kat.

She figured it looked lazy compared to the other gifts the kid would get. But surprise! The kid lit up and shouted, “Money AND candy?” Instant win.

Even better, the parents followed up later to say it was his favorite gift. They loved it too—because it wasn’t another plastic toy they’d trip over by Tuesday.

Now it’s her go-to gift for every birthday, holiday, or kid-adjacent event. Zero stress. No wrapping.

No guessing what a 9-year-old’s into this month. And no fear of being the person who buys a duplicate LEGO set.

It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it spends well. So next time you’re at a gas station on the way to a birthday party, grab a Hershey’s and 20 bucks. You’ll look like a genius.

Americans Eat 17 Pounds of Fries a Year (And Still Want More)

If your 9-to-5 has you feeling fried, maybe it’s time to lean in and treat yourself to something fried—because apparently, you’ve earned it. Last Friday was National French Fry Day, and it turns out America’s love affair with fries is alive, well, and deeply seasoned.

According to a new report, the average American eats a whopping 17 pounds of fries each year. If you think that sounds suspiciously low, you’re not alone—either you’re a superfan, or you’re unknowingly carrying the weight for someone out there who’s not pulling their fry-eating weight.

Collectively, the U.S. downs at least 5.6 billion pounds of fries annually. That’s reportedly enough to fill over 155,000 school buses, although who decided that’s the go-to unit of measurement remains a mystery.

Virginia tops the list as the most fry-obsessed state, with the average Virginian putting away more than 21 pounds a year. Alabama, Georgia, and Maryland also ranked high, making the South a real stronghold for spuds.

When it comes to style, most of the country (28 states) prefers the classic straight-cut and seasoned variety. But there’s regional drama in the fry world:

  • Shoestring fries are the top pick in Hawaii, New Hampshire, Michigan, Maine, and Texas.
  • Curly fries rule in Alaska, Kansas, Connecticut, and Oklahoma.
  • Crinkle-cut is the go-to in Nebraska, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
  • Waffle fries? They only have one loyal state: Colorado. (We see you, Chick-fil-A fans.)

And if you think fries are just a side dish, think again. A solid 63% of Americans say fries can totally stand on their own as a main meal. (Honestly, who among us hasn’t just eaten a tray of fries and called it dinner?)

Salt is still the reigning seasoning champ, followed by garlic powder, but some fry lovers are getting creative with Parmesan, Old Bay, paprika, and cayenne. Top dips include the classics: ketchup, ranch, and cheese sauce.

The social dynamics of fry-sharing are… complicated. While 77% say they’d share their fries with a group, 65% admit to straight-up stealing fries from someone else’s plate. So next time you’re out with friends, guard your fries accordingly.

The Ultimate French Fry Board with Curly Fries, Potato Gems, Crinkle Cut, Steak Fries, Take Out Fries, Sweet Potato and Waffle Cut Fries with Dipping Sauces. 📸 Lauri Patterson / Getty

Most of Us Clap at Concerts, Even If We Don’t Mean It

If you’ve ever found yourself reluctantly applauding at the end of a terrible concert, you’re not alone. According to a new poll, 60% of Americans say they’ll clap no matter how bad the performance is . . . because it’s polite, expected, and less awkward than sitting in silence.

That leaves about a third of us who aren’t so generous with our applause. In fact, 31% say they only clap if the performance actually deserves it. Then there’s the 7% who aren’t even sure what kind of clapper they are, and the rare 2% who claim they never clap at the end of shows. (Which feels oddly specific and a little suspicious.)

So why do so many people fake the applause? Social pressure.

One in four Americans admit they’ve clapped just because everyone else was doing it, not because they actually enjoyed what they saw.

The same goes for those spontaneous standing ovations, where you’re not sure if you’re honoring a theatrical triumph or just trying to see over the tall guy in front of you.

And while some of us might give every act a round of applause—especially if there’s free wine involved—others draw the line at certain events. Kids’ school recitals, for example, seem to be a tipping point for even the most automatic clappers. No offense, Timmy, but that wobbly rendition of “I’m a Little Teapot” isn’t quite Grammy-worthy.

Still, applause is a weirdly powerful social cue. It’s one part appreciation, one part herd mentality. And even if the performance was a dud, sometimes clapping is more about acknowledging the effort than the execution.

So next time you’re at a show that didn’t quite stick the landing, go ahead and clap if you feel like it. Or don’t. But if you do find yourself standing, applauding, and questioning your life choices . . . you’re not alone.

5 Unwritten Rules of Nude Beaches, According to a Veteran Nudist

If you’re planning to visit a nude beach for the first time, there’s more to it than just ditching your clothes. According to an 81-year-old woman who’s been a proud nudist for over three decades, there’s an etiquette to baring it all—and breaking those unwritten rules can make things awkward fast.

Here are her top five tips for keeping things respectful (and comfortable) when everyone’s in their birthday suit:

1. Give People Space
Just like at any beach, no one wants a stranger’s towel parked a few inches from theirs. But at a nude beach, personal space is even more crucial. Keep a respectful distance when setting up your chair or blanket—because close quarters feel very different when you’re not wearing anything.

2. Don’t Gawk
It’s not a zoo, it’s a beach. Staring is one of the fastest ways to make others uncomfortable. If you strike up a conversation, the key is simple: maintain normal eye contact.

3. No Body Talk
Even if you think you’re being kind, commenting on someone’s appearance—positive or not—is a no-go. Complimenting someone’s body might seem friendly, but in nudist culture, it’s considered intrusive.

4. Keep the PDA to Zero
Going with a partner? Keep things platonic in public. Affection that hints at anything sexual isn’t just frowned upon—it’s grounds for being asked to leave. Nude beaches are about freedom, not flirting.

5. Absolutely No Photos (Unless You’re Careful)
Snapping selfies or scenic pics? Make absolutely sure no one else is in the frame. Consent is everything, and most nudist spots have a strict no-photos policy to protect people’s privacy.

And what if a guy finds himself, uh, reacting to the environment? According to this longtime nudist, it’s rare—but not unheard of. If it happens, just wrap up in a towel or go for a swim. The cold water usually takes care of the rest.

Bottom line: treat it like any public space, just with less clothing. Respect and discretion go a long way when you’re letting it all hang out.

Words No One Can Pronounce Correctly

Everyone has at least one word that causes a verbal faceplant. And what is up with the English language, who made all these words that are hard to pronounce?

A Reddit thread asked users to share the common words they still stumble over, and it turns out the struggle is real. These aren’t obscure academic terms or names in Elvish. They’re the kind of words you run into all the time, which only makes it more frustrating when your mouth goes rogue.

Here are some words that are the most frequently mangled:

  1. Rural – Say it too fast and it turns into an engine trying to start.
  2. Brewery – Good luck after you’ve had a few.
  3. Marlboro – The “L” and “B” are locked in a neverending fight for dominance.
  4. Posthumously – I’ve mispronounced it so many times, I have no idea what it’s supposed to sound like.
  5. Worcestershire Sauce – British culinary revenge, pronounced “WUSS-ter-sheer” (roughly).
  6. Sixth – That “xth” combo is where enunciation goes to die.
  7. Anemone – Even Nemo’s friends had trouble with this one.
  8. Hamster – Often mispronounced as “hampster,” despite having no “p” in sight.
  9. Espresso – “Expresso” may sound fancier, but it’s wrong. Very wrong.
  10. Açaí – It looks intimidating, and it is: “Ah-sa-ee.”
  11. Realtor – It’s just two syllables, but many add an imaginary one: “Real-a-tor.”
  12. Negligible – Good luck!
  13. Gyro – Depending on who you ask, it’s “yee-roh,” “jai-roh,” or “jee-roh.” You have no chance.
  14. Proselytize – The word for converting others to your beliefs should probably convert to a simpler form.
  15. Abominable – A word as difficult to deal with as the snowman it refers to.
  16. Metastasized – Science words always bring the pronunciation pain.
  17. Phenomenon – The “Muppets” made a whole song out of this one for a reason.
  18. February – That pesky first “r” disappears in casual speech more often than not.
  19. Amortization – A financial term that sounds like a mouthful of spreadsheets.
  20. Rear Wheel Drive – As one person put it: “It’s like my lips and tongue are playing Twister.”

Whether you’re giving a toast or just trying to talk about your car, there’s a good chance one of these words will make you stumble. Language is weird.

Tom Cruise’s Secret to High-Flying Stunts? Eggs. Lots of Eggs.

When you’re hanging onto the wing of a vintage biplane flying over 120 miles an hour, you need more than nerves of steel—you need breakfast.

In “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Tom Cruise once again proves he’s in a league of his own when it comes to performing death-defying stunts. One standout moment shows him wing-walking on a 1940s era biplane at altitude, a feat that requires extreme physical and mental preparation—and, apparently, an enormous plate of bacon and eggs.

Cruise opened up about what goes into getting his body ready for these intense scenes. “The amount of energy it takes, I train so hard for that wing-walking,” he told People. “I’ll eat, like, sausage and almost a dozen eggs and bacon and toast and coffee and fluids. Oh, I’m eating!”

His point? Fuel is essential.

“It’s cold up there. We’re at high altitude. My body is burning a lot,” Cruise added. It’s not the kind of prep most actors go through—but then again, most actors aren’t strapping themselves to airborne machinery.

Even at 62, Cruise continues to add new skills to his stunt toolkit. From piloting helicopters to playing the piano, he approaches his craft with the mindset of a lifelong student. “The wonderful thing is you’re never there. It can always be better,” he said of his constant drive to improve.

“The wonderful thing is you’re never there. It can always be better.”

TOM CRUISE

Interestingly, that drive doesn’t just apply to high-octane pursuits. Cruise has also taken an interest in dance—not as a gimmick, but as another serious discipline. “I’m interested in that art form,” he explained. “The teachers understand how to move a body, what the shape does, and the emotion it can create in others.”

While it might seem like an unusual addition to his action-hero resume, Cruise’s embrace of dance fits neatly into his broader philosophy: mastering the body as a tool for storytelling, whether that means leaping from buildings or hitting the perfect pirouette.

Cruise’s extreme stunt work has long been a hallmark of the Mission: Impossible franchise, and his hands-on approach is a major reason fans keep coming back. With each film, he seems more determined to push boundaries—not just cinematic, but physical as well.

And yes, that includes breakfast. Would you ever fuel up for a flight like that?

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