Author: Cortlyn McCarthy

Six Wild Phone Features We Want by 2036

Samsung asked 2,000 people what they want their phones to do by 2036, and the answers did not disappoint.

Some are genius. Some are terrifying. All of them prove we’re sprinting toward a future where your phone might know you better than your mom.

One charge = one week of freedom

No more panicking at 3% while begging your Uber to arrive. People want a phone that can hold a charge for at least seven days. Bonus points if it charges just by moving around. You’d never need a charger again – just pace around your apartment like a caffeinated squirrel.

Languages no longer matter

Real-time translation during phone calls? Yes, please. Imagine chatting with anyone in the world, no Duolingo owl required. It’s like the Babel fish from Hitchhiker’s Guide, but less slimy and more Bluetooth.

Holograms, baby

We’re talking full-on Star Wars projections. 3D meetings, holographic selfies, maybe even midair cat videos. People want to interact with their screens in the air. The future is one big Zoom call where nobody’s pants are real.

Your phone is your life coach

Forget Googling. Folks want their phones to listen in and offer real-time advice. Like, “Hey, maybe don’t text your ex right now.” We’re already kinda there, but this would crank it to full-on nosy best friend mode. Privacy? Never met her.

Total money management

Imagine never paying a bill again – because your phone just… handles it. Auto-pay on steroids. You’d wake up, sip coffee, and your phone’s already paid rent, canceled your unnecessary subscriptions, and moved your leftover fun money to a taco fund. (Sadly, tacos will cost $100 each by 2036.)

Think it, send it (regret it instantly)

Hands-free texting? Yes, your phone can read your mind. Why type when your iPhone could just know what you’re thinking and send it for you? It’s efficient, sure – but your phone better not leak your inner monologue. Yikes.

The #1 Thing Americans Are Experts on Is Pretty Pathetic

Forget coding, investing, or, you know, actual job skills. America’s passions these days lie elsewhere.

According to a new poll, the average American’s top area of expertise is now… reality TV.

Out of 2,000 people surveyed, respondents rated themselves on various topics using a 1 to 10 scale. And “reality TV show drama” came out on top with an average self-rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Coming in just behind reality TV were social media trends and DIY projects, both clocking in at 6.0. Trending music scored a 5.9.

But the real surprise? Interest rates – yes, the thing that determines what your mortgage costs – scored a 5.7. Either people are more financially literate than we thought, or everyone’s just been doomscrolling too much news about the Fed. (The study was commissioned by Lending Club, so that might have had something to do with it too.)

How our collective “expertise” shakes out:

  • Obscure movie and TV trivia (5.6)
  • Reality TV show drama (6.4)
  • Social media trends (6.0)
  • Home improvement/DIY projects (6.0)
  • Trending music (5.9)
  • Interest rates (5.7)
  • Obscure facts about movies and TV shows (5.6)
  • General trivia (5.4)
  • History (5.3) (Sounds impressive until you realize “I watched Hamilton” might’ve factored in there.)
  • Health and fitness (4.8)
  • Saving money (3.9)

There’s definitely something to unpack here about how our media consumption shapes our knowledge base. But at least w’ere experts on something, right? Sure, you don’t know how compound interest works. But you can list every feud in Real Housewives of New Jersey in order.

At the very least, it proves one thing: The average American may not be qualified to manage their 401(k), or even know how a basic light bulb works… but you want them on your team for that pop culture trivia night.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Jan 25-31

Stick figures, Flat Earthers, and Barbie gets curves. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

Be Like Bill Meme Goes Viral

A smug little stick figure named Bill was the hottest meme on the internet. The “Be Like Bill” format praised common-sense behavior in a sarcastic, passive-aggressive tone – perfect for social media virtue signaling. Love it or hate it, Bill quickly dominated Facebook timelines across the world.

Rapper B.o.B Declares the Earth Is Flat

In one of the weirder celeb moments of 2016, rapper B.o.B made headlines for claiming the Earth is flat. He doubled down on Twitter with diagrams and “proof,” sparking a bizarre feud with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who tried to science him back to reality. Spoiler: It didn’t work.

Abe Vigoda Dies (For Real This Time)

After decades of premature death rumors and false reports, character actor Abe Vigoda passed away at 94. Best known for “The Godfather” and “Barney Miller,” his death inspired countless “sleeping with the fishes” headlines. Even in death, Vigoda remained a punchline – and those who knew him knew he would’ve appreciated that.

Science Says Being a Bar Regular Is Good for You

A study out of the U.K. suggested that regularly visiting a local pub could actually improve your health and happiness. It wasn’t about drinking – it was about community, routine, and social connection. In other words, “Cheers” wasn’t just a sitcom. Your local watering hole might be your therapy.

“Creedbombing” Went Viral

It became a widespread thing after the Carolina Panthers adopted it as a locker room prank. Derived from the term “photobombing,” Creedbombing is when you sneak up on a friend and relentlessly scream-sing the lyrics of a Creed song – “With Arms Wide Open” being the go-to choice for most. Creed lead singer Scott Stapp was a fan.

Justin Bieber Dies in Zoolander 2 Trailer and People Cheer

Fans couldn’t help but cheer one particular moment in the “Zoolander 2” trailer: Justin Bieber’s dramatic slow-mo death scene. In the film’s teaser, Bieber gets assassinated mid-duckface, to the delight of Bieber-bashers everywhere. It was 2016, and even the Biebs was in on the joke.

Barbie Gets a Body Update: Tall, Petite, and Curvy

Mattel shook up the toy world by introducing three new Barbie body types: tall, petite, and curvy. After years of criticism over unrealistic proportions, Barbie finally got a much-needed refresh. The move was hailed as a step toward inclusion—even if the fashion industry still had some catching up to do.

Rihanna Drops “Anti” – Then Goes Radio Silent

Rihanna’s long-awaited eighth album “Anti” was released January 28th, 2016. Fans devoured the hit “Work,” but the real shock came after: she more or less disappeared from music. A full decade later, her ninth album is still TBD, leaving fans thirstier than ever for “R9”. Makeup empire? Yes. New album? Not yet.

Homeless Man Goes Viral for Accepting Credit Cards

Abe Hagenston made headlines from under a Detroit overpass by becoming the first known homeless panhandler to accept credit cards. An early adopter of Square readers, Abe paired it with his phone and began accepting Visa, Mastercard, and AmEx – safely and securely. Despite the buzz, he admitted people seemed hesitant to give their credit card info to a homeless man.

Tom Hanks Once Again Named America’s Favorite Actor

For what felt like the umpteenth time, Tom Hanks topped the poll as America’s most beloved actor. The honor reflected his decades of box-office hits, good-guy reputation, and general national treasure status. Whether he’s Forrest Gump or Sully Sullenberger, we just can’t help but trust Tom.

The World’s Shortest IQ Test Is Just Three Questions

Pretty sure you’re a genius, but too lazy to prove it with a lengthy Mensa test? Here’s a two-minute alternative.

The Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) is just three questions long and was created to quickly assess a very specific ability. Can you avoid choosing the intuitive or obvious answer long enough to work out the correct one?

Less than 1 in 5 get all three questions right.

The test is designed to trip you up with questions that seem simple but have surprisingly tricky answers. Only 17% of people manage to get all three correct. The other 83% are fooled by their own instincts at least once.

So, let’s see which group you fall into. Read each question carefully and come up with your answer, then click the question to see if you’re right.

QUESTION #1: A bat and ball cost $1.10 total.  The bat costs $1 more than the ball.  How much does the ball cost? (Click to reveal answer)

Correct answer: 5 cents

Your brain probably screamed “10 cents,” right? That’s the trap. If the ball is 5 cents, the bat is $1.05. (aka, “$1 more”)

QUESTION #2: It takes 5 machines 5 minutes to make 5 widgets.  How long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets? (Click to reveal answer)

Correct answer: 5 minutes

If you said 100 minutes, you’re not alone. But… each machine makes one widget in 5 minutes. So 100 machines make 100 widgets in 5 minutes. Obvious now, right?

QUESTION #3: There’s a patch of lily pads in a lake. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long will it take to cover half of the lake? (Click to reveal answer)

Correct answer: 47 days

First instinct says 24 days, but the patch doubles every day. So, complicated math wasn’t really required – it would have covered half the lake the day before it was full.

How’d you do?

If you got all three right, congrats – Einstein would probably high-five you. If not, don’t sweat it. The test is designed to trip you up, that’s the point. Now go share the quiz with your friends and see who else gets bamboozled – or lies and claims they didn’t. “Smart” people love a good flex.

Only One of These Emojis Will Be Added – Which One Would You Use More?

It’s emoji showdown time, and there can be only one.

Two contenders are currently battling it out for a spot on your phone’s emoji keyboard: Face with Squinting Eyes vs. Cracking Face. Only one is expected to make the final cut this year, so the question is… which one would you use more?

The Unicode Consortium – a group of very serious people who decide which emojis get added – will pick the eventual winner. It’s like The Emoji Bachelor, and only one face gets the final rose.

Squinting Eyes was originally selected, but now they’re having second thoughts and may replace it with Cracking Face.

Let’s meet the contenders.

Squinting Eyes

It’s giving “Wait, what am I looking at?” or “That can’t be right…”. It could mean you’re confused, suspicious, trying to read tiny print, or just throwing a little side-eye without going full shady. It’s a little redundant with the monocle emoji, but more casual. Kind of like the monocle emoji’s skeptical little brother who doesn’t own a monocle, but does squint at receipts. 🧐

Cracking Face

This one looks like someone dropped it on the floor. It’s meant to symbolize feeling damaged or broken – physically, mentally, or spiritually – but still holding it together. Think: “I’m barely functioning, but I’m here!” They also expect it to get used sarcastically, which feels on-brand.

Which one would you use more?

So, what’s it gonna be? The “I’m not buying it” squint? Or the “mentally shattered, but here for it” cracked face? One is skeptical, the other unhinged – but both are relatable this day and age. (For our money, it seems like Squinting Eyes offers a little more bang for its buck. But it’s hard to argue the average person isn’t feeling somewhat shattered these days.)

It sounds like Cracking Face could be the eventual winner, but you never know which way the top brass at Unicode might go. They’re the same folks who OK’d the Dotted Line Face emoji (🫥) that no one has ever used, so they’re hard to read and don’t always make the obvious choice.

Eight More Emojis We’re Definitely Getting Soon

The rest of the new emojis on the docket seem to be safe and sound on the final list. Here are the other eight we’ll probably be seeing when the update rolls out in early 2027. (Yep, emoji approval is a slow process.)

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Jan 18-24

Frozen jeans, “smartphone pinky,” and drunk cartoons. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

Freezing Jeans Trend

In 2016, people were literally freezing their pants – wetting jeans, propping them up outside, and letting frigid temps sculpt denim statues on sidewalks. It was the Internet at its weirdest: part laundry hack, part art project, and mostly just a great way to confuse your neighbors.

Eagles Co-Founder Glenn Frey Passes Away

The music world lost a legend in January 2016 when Glenn Frey of the Eagles passed away at 67. As a founding member, he helped define the sound of classic rock. Suddenly, “Take It Easy” and “Desperado” hit a little harder.

Zac Efron’s MLK Tweet Apology

Zac Efron got dragged in 2016 for turning MLK Day into a weird flex about his social media follower count: “I’m grateful for a couple things today: Martin Luther King Jr., and 10 million followers.”After the backlash, he quickly apologized—reminding us that no matter how handsome you are, sometimes it’s best to just log off and say nothing.

Smartphone Pinky

A new affliction emerged in 2016: “Smartphone Pinky.” People claimed their pinky fingers were becoming dented and deformed from holding giant phones. Was it science? Was it TikTok-level drama? Either way, our grip strength and self-esteem haven’t been the same since.

Will & Jada Boycott the Oscars

The 2016 Oscars faced major heat over a lack of diversity, prompting Will and Jada Pinkett Smith to publicly boycott the ceremony. It sparked the #OscarsSoWhite movement and lit a fire under Hollywood’s long-overdue diversity conversation – six years before the Chris Rock slap took over the narrative.

Jamie Foxx Saves a Guy from a Burning Truck

In a real-life action scene, Jamie Foxx pulled a man from a burning truck near his home in 2016. No stunt double, no script – just Jamie being a literal hero.

Squidward Gets a DUI

Rodger Bumpass, the voice of Squidward from SpongeBob, was arrested for DUI in Burbank, California. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the underwater clarinet survived another day. Nickelodeon decided not to fire him for it.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Reveals 15-Year M.S. Battle

In 2016, Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler revealed she’d secretly been battling multiple sclerosis for 15 years. Fans were stunned – she’d kept it quiet through red carpets, roles, and press tours. Her honesty shed light on invisible illness and proved she was tougher than any mob princess.

Buddhist Monk Slashes Tires Over Dead Bug

A Buddhist monk in Thailand slashed nearly 200 car tires… because he accidentally killed a bug and couldn’t handle the karma. It was a spiritual crisis turned slash-happy meltdown, proving even monks have their breaking point.

Chocolate on Fries at McDonald’s

McDonald’s Japan debuted “McChoco Potatoes” – fries drizzled with white and milk chocolate. Americans looked on, half horrified, half hungry, wondering when our fries would get the dessert treatment. (Spoiler alert: That day never came.)

10 Everyday Habits That Are Disrespectful

We all have pet peeves, but some bad behaviors go beyond just being annoying.

People were asked to name everyday things that are straight-up disrespectful. And once you see the list, you’ll probably agree… yeah, these are the folks making the world just a little more frustrating than it needs to be.

1. Leaving stuff in the wrong aisle at the store

Changed your mind about that frozen pizza? Cool. But maybe don’t leave it next to the shampoo. At least hand it to the cashier instead of abandoning it to melt.

2. Letting your kids go wild in public and doing nothing about it

The phrase “they’re just a kid” doesn’t fly when your toddler is screaming into someone’s face or kicking over display stands.

3. Ignoring quiet hours

Late-night karaoke in your apartment or revving your engine at 1:00 AM? Not cute. Respect your neighbors’ sleep.

4. Cruising in the left lane like it’s your personal slow lane

If you’re not actively passing someone, move over. Left lane squatting is a modern-day highway crime.

5. Parking where you shouldn’t

Curbside pickup spots, accessible parking, or EV-only chargers aren’t just suggestions. Parking there when you shouldn’t? Big jerk energy.

6. Not flushing the toilet in public restrooms

Why is this even on the list? Because it still happens. And it’s gross. Stop it.

7. Leaving a mess in shared spaces

Whether it’s the office breakroom, a park bench, a movie theater, or a fitting room, clean up your stuff. You’re not the only human who uses those places.

8. Stopping in the middle of a busy walkway

Airports, sidewalks, malls – there’s a fast lane for foot traffic too. Don’t just freeze in the middle. Step aside and let the world keep spinning.

9. Tailgating

Especially if someone’s already going the speed limit (or faster), tailgating makes you dangerous and rude. And from an insurance perspective, if they suddenly hit the brakes, you are the one at fault, not them.

10. Sneezing or coughing without covering up

This one really hit a nerve post-pandemic. And yes, spitting on sidewalks made the list too. Just… why?

Bonus: Loud phone talkers in public

It got plenty of mentions… but most people seem to have accepted that battle is already lost.

No, TikTok… We’re Not Putting Toilet Paper in Our Fridge

TikTok has given us some decent life hacks – like how to fold a fitted sheet without crying, or make perfect eggs in a coffee mug. But then there are the “hacks” that make you question whether we, as a species, deserve Wi-Fi.

Case in point: TikTok wants you to put a roll of toilet paper in the fridge. Yes, toilet paper just chilling next to your leftover lasagna like it belongs there.

Why some people claim it makes sense

The idea, if you can call it that, is that toilet paper absorbs moisture and odors. Which is true—in the same way a sponge soaks up water until it turns into a gross blob of wetness teeming with bacteria.

Sure, your TP might soak up some fridge funk… for like a day. But in practice, it will quickly turn into a damp roll of wood pulp that’s just hanging out next to your vegetables.

Why it doesn’t really make sense

In reality, it’s the kind of “hack” that sounds like it came from someone who ran out of actual ideas but had one roll of toilet paper and a social media account. Experts say it might sort of work for a minute if you’re truly desperate. But they also say – and this is a direct quote from Common Sense 101 – just use baking soda.

Baking soda is still the obvious choice

A box of baking soda costs like a buck, which is a little more than a roll of TP. But unlike that soon-to-be-wad-of-wet-paper, it works for months and won’t turn into a moldy mess.

It’s not trendy. It’s not cute. But there’s a reason why it’s been the go-to for decades – it gets the job done without confusing your house guests. If you saw a roll of toilet paper hanging out in your friend’s fridge, you’d probably think they had a screw loose – and rightly so. Or, maybe their hemorrhoids required their TP to be a chilly 38 degrees.

So yeah, not much of a “hack”

Unless you’re trying to prank your roommates or create the saddest crossover between bathroom supplies and perishables, maybe skip this one. Or at least put a sticky note on the fridge that says “Not for use – TikTok made me do it.”

In summary: Baking soda = science. Toilet paper in the fridge = social media at its weirdest. Choose wisely.

@smartfoxlifehacks

This is a secret Trick from Hotels… 😱🦊 #lifehack #tipsandtricks #cleaningtricks #cleaninghacks

♬ original sound – Smart Fox Lifehacks

Kids Say These 12 Things Mean You’re “Old”

Want to feel absolutely ancient? Just hang out with a 10-year-old. They’re sweet, they’re funny, and they can destroy your self-esteem in under five seconds by calling you “old” for something you didn’t even realize was old yet.

Here are some of the funniest and most soul-crushing examples people have shared online about the moment a kid made them feel like a relic from the past:

Born in the 1900s

Yep, that includes anyone over 30. One kid called someone old just for having a birth year that starts with “19.”

“I saw that in theaters.”

A teacher got labeled “old” because she mentioned that she saw the original “Shrek” in theaters. (Which, for the record, came out in 2001. What a brat.)

Knowing how to use old tech

Simply knowing what a VHS tape is makes you ancient. And we’re rapidly reaching the same point with DVDs. Welcome to the retirement home.

Still using CDs in your car

Congrats, you’re officially driving a time machine. And forget about listening to the radio. What are you, 90?

Carrying stamps

A woman got roasted for carrying stamps in her purse. Which, sure, does sound suspiciously grandma-ish—but still.

“When I was a kid…”

One guy got called old just for reminiscing about the days when kids played outside. You mean there was a time before tablets and TikTok?!?

Leaving a voicemail

If you leave voicemails, you’re practically prehistoric. A teen called out their parent for it, saying only old people do that. (God help you if you mention we used to have something called “answering machines.”)

Still own an iPod?

If a teenager has one, they’re “retro.” But a girl told her mom it meant she was “old old.”

Having anything other than Gmail

A woman admitted she still has a Hotmail address, and even she had to admit the kid who called her out for it might’ve had a point.

“I remember when…”

A kid lost their mind when they found out YouTube used to be ad-free by default. If you remember that golden era, congrats, you’re now ancient history.

Phrases you didn’t know were outdated

A guy shouted “Kobe!” after tossing something in the trash. His younger coworker looked at him and said, “Wow, you’re old.” That one hurts, deeply.

Overusing emojis

One poor soul thought emojis made him seem youthful – until a younger cousin told him the laughing-crying emoji is officially “old people stuff” now. Ouch. So yeah, context matters. If you’re 16, you can use as many emojis as you want. But if you’re 60, you’re not fooling anyone.

And if you grew up rewinding tapes with your finger or remember when your phone couldn’t take photos, you’re a certified fossil in the eyes of today’s youth. There’s no avoiding it, so try not to take it personally. Or do. Just don’t leave them a voicemail about it.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Jan 11-17

Billion-dollar jackpots, football returns to LA, and Chris Pratt has perfect 🏀⚾️. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

The First $1 Billion Lottery Jackpot

For the first time ever, a U.S. lottery jackpot cracked the $1 billion mark, instantly turning a routine drawing into a national obsession. Three lucky tickets split the prize, proving once and for all that “it could happen” is technically true… just not to you. The $1.59 billion jackpot now ranks sixth all-time.

Alan Rickman Dies at 69

Beloved actor Alan Rickman passed away at age 69, leaving behind a career full of unforgettable performances and iconic voices. Whether you knew him as a villain (“Die Hard”), a romantic lead (“Love Actually”), or a deeply sarcastic wizard professor (“Harry Potter”), Rickman had a rare talent for making every line sound smarter than it actually was. The world lost a legend, and a truly elite sneer.

L.A. Gets Its Football Team Back

After two decades without an NFL team, Los Angeles officially welcomed the Rams back home, with the Chargers following a year later. The move promised a shiny new stadium, massive fan interest, and years of debates about traffic, loyalty, and why everyone still wears Raiders gear anyway. L.A. football was back.

Harry Styles Goes Solo

Before launching his solo career, Harry Styles reportedly started taking professional voice lessons. Fresh off his boy-band success, Styles was clearly aiming for longevity, not just screaming fans. Turns out talent plus training is a powerful combo, especially when you already look like that.

Nick Cannon Claims He’ll Never Remarry

Following his divorce from Mariah Carey, he said, “I feel like marriage isn’t for everyone.” He’s backed it up over the past decade and never remarried. But he’s averaged a kid per year since then – 10 kids with multiple women in the past decade. So clearly the man did not give up on commitment-adjacent activities. Love comes and goes. Child support, however, is forever.

“The Revenant” and “Mad Max” Dominate Oscar Nods

Oscar voters made it clear they loved suffering and explosions. One featured brutal wilderness survival, the other nonstop vehicular chaos – and somehow both counted as prestige cinema. Leonardo DiCaprio freezing for art finally paid off, while Mad Max proved shouting and fire still impress Hollywood.

“Fifty Shades,” “Pixels,” and “Paul Blart 2” Lead the Razzie Pack

The Razzie nominations were announced, and cinematic excellence was… not present. It was a banner year for questionable decisions, lazy scripts, and movies that made you ask, “How did this get greenlit?” Hollywood answered: “Shh. Money.”

Eddie Redmayne and Rooney Mara had the distinct honor of being nominated for an Oscar and a Razzie in the same year. (Eddie went on to win Worst Supporting Actor for “Jupiter Ascending,” but lost out on Best Actor for “The Danish Girl.” Leo won for “The Revenant.”)

“George Bush” Gets Busted for Selling Monkey Heads on eBay

No, not that George Bush. A man with the same name was in court for selling endangered monkey heads in England. The bizarre case was a reminder that sharing a famous name does not grant you immunity from being incredibly weird and criminally stupid.

Anna Farris Says Chris Pratt Has Perfect Balls

Anna Faris made headlines after publicly complimenting then-husband Chris Pratt in a way that was… anatomically enthusiastic. The comment was affectionate, graphic-adjacent, and absolutely not meant for children, yet somehow still charming. Sadly, his perfect balls couldn’t save their marriage. They separated a year later in 2017.

The Hottest Men’s Grooming Trend Is… Looking Like You Gave Up

According to trend watchers, the big men’s grooming look of 2016 was intentional sloppiness. Think unkempt hair, scruffy beards, and clothes that say “effort was considered, then rejected.” The vibe? Casually disheveled, but make it fashion. It was great news for guys everywhere who wanted to feel stylish without actually doing anything differently at all.

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