Author: Cortlyn McCarthy
10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Nov 16-22
Charlie Sheen’s “winning” streak, Jared Fogle’s sentencing, and an emoji wins “Word of the Year.” Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.
Charlie Sheen Is HIV-Positive
Charlie Sheen went on “Today” and dropped a bomb: he was HIV-positive and he’d been living with it for four years. The revelation set off a media firestorm, but Charlie called it “a turning point.” Suddenly, “winning” meant taking his meds, staying healthy, and using his infamous spotlight to push HIV awareness.
Jared from Subway Is Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
Former Subway spokesman Jared Fogle – once a wholesome symbol of healthy eating – was sentenced to over 15 years in prison for child sex crimes. It was one of the most stomach-turning celebrity scandals of the decade. Subway had already cut ties.
Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year Is an Emoji
Words are so last century. Oxford Dictionaries made history in 2015 by naming an emoji – “Tears of Joy” 😂 – as its Word of the Year. It was the first time a picture beat out actual words. Linguists groaned, teens shrugged, and the rest of us realized we might officially be living inside our phones now.
Thanksgiving Dinner Tops $50 for the First Time
Thanksgiving 2015 came with some sticker shock. The American Farm Bureau said the average (very basic) turkey day feast for ten broke the $50 mark for the first time ever – $50.11. The priciest item on the list was a 16-pound turkey at $23.04. The cheapest was dinner rolls at $2.25.
Psychics Predict Han Solo’s Death in “Star Wars”
Before “The Force Awakens” hit theaters, psychics (and basically every fan on the internet) predicted Han Solo wouldn’t make it out alive. Spoiler: they nailed it. Was it supernatural foresight – or just knowing Harrison Ford was probably tired of space vest duty? Either way, 2015 proved even the Force couldn’t stop a good plot twist.
Facebook Adds “Ex-Proof” Feature
Facebook finally gave the brokenhearted what they really needed in 2015: an ex-blocker. The new feature let you quietly limit how much of your ex’s face invaded your feed – without the drama of an unfriend. It was like a digital restraining order for your sanity.
Carly Simon Confirms “You’re So Vain” Is (Partly) About Warren Beatty
After four decades of mystery, Carly Simon finally confirmed what everyone suspected: at least some of her song “You’re So Vain” was about Warren Beatty. When asked if Warren knew, she joked, “He thinks the whole thing is about him!”
Woman Breaks Husband’s Junk While Online Shopping During Sex
A woman in China broke her husband’s penis while trying to shop online during sex. She tried to multitask on Singles’ Day – a holiday for single people that’s become the biggest shopping day worldwide – ended up with a trip to the ER. Doctors say “penile fractures” are real, and so is buyer’s remorse. Add it to the list of things you should never do mid-romp.
STDs Hit an All-Time High
The CDC dropped some bad news: America was catching feelings – and infections. Gonorrhea and syphilis cases were up, and chlamydia rates hit an all-time high. Experts blamed hookup apps, fewer clinics, randy seniors, and people forgetting what condoms were for.
David Beckham is “People” Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive
The retired soccer legend, model, and dad of four joined the club of impossibly attractive humans. He reacted humbly, saying, “”I never feel that I’m an attractive, sexy person. I mean I like to wear nice clothes and nice suits and look and feel good, but I don’t ever think of myself that way.” Agreed… nice clothes, but otherwise hideous. 👀
The 12 Things in Your Home Most Likely to Hurt You When You’re Drunk
When you’re drunk and stumbling around your house, pretty much everything is dangerous. But which spots are the most dangerous?
A study analyzed emergency room visits – looking at injuries people suffered while drunk or high – and the percentage of injuries caused by 12 different things in your home.
- Stairs, 17%
- Floors, 13%
- Bicycles, 10%
- Ceilings and walls, 4%
- Windows, 3%
- Beds, 3%
- Porches and balconies, 2%
- Tables, 2%
- Chairs, 2%
- Bathtubs or showers, 2%
- Fences, 2%
- Alcohol bottles, 2%
The study also found 70% of all drunk injures happen to men, and there’s only one part of the body women are more likely to injure… the groin region.
Women are slightly more likely to injure themselves there.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are the days you’re most likely to suffer a drunken injury… because, yeah obviously. The least likely day is Tuesday.
10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Nov 9-15
Butterball morons, Victoria’s Secret bug repellant, and Ellen is Hollywood’s “kindest” celeb? Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.
The Butterball hotline’s dumbest questions ever
The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line revealed the dumbest Thanksgiving questions customers had ever asked. They included:
- “For the sake of delicious smells, can I cook my turkey over the course of four days?”
- “My turkey thawed on my lap… can I eat it?”
- “How do you carve a turkey when all of its bones have been broken?”
- “How do I roast my turkey so it gets golden brown tan lines in the shape of a turkey bikini?”
Victoria’s Secret mosquito repellant
A study at New Mexico State found a Victoria’s Secret perfume called “Bombshell” worked surprisingly well as a mosquito repellent – better than some commercial bug sprays. Finally, you could smell fabulous while fighting off pests on that camping trip with the fam.
Ellen Named “Kindest” Celebrity (Oops)
NBC News did a “State of Kindness” poll to find out who fans thought the kindest celebrities were. Ellen DeGeneres topped the list. But several years and workplace allegations later, her “be kind” mantra came under fire, making the title feel more ironic than inspiring. Taylor Swift was a distant second… Will Smith was third.
Peyton Manning broke the all-time passing yards record
His final, injury-plagued season was the worst of his career from a stats perspective, but he did pass Brett Favre to top the all-time list with 71,940 career passing yards… then went on to win Super Bowl 50 and retire on top. (Drew Brees and Tom Brady would both eventually pass Peyton on the all-time passing yards list.)
The Paris Terror Attacks
On November 13, 2015, coordinated terrorist attacks struck Paris, leaving 130 victims dead and over 400 wounded. The tragedy included shootings at restaurants, explosions near a stadium, and a massacre at the Bataclan theater. It was France’s deadliest attack since World War II and a turning point in global counterterrorism efforts.
Jason Aldean criticized for blackface Halloween costume
Country singer Jason Aldean sparked outrage in 2015 for dressing as rapper Lil Wayne for Halloween – complete with blackface. The backlash was swift, with critics calling it racist and tone-deaf. Aldean later said he didn’t mean to offend, but the damage was done.
Ronda Rousey suffers her first loss
Ronda Rousey, once seen as unbeatable in the UFC, met her match in 2015 when Holly Holm knocked her out with a brutal head kick. The stunning upset ended Rousey’s undefeated streak, and led to the end of her MMA career. Her next (and final) UFC fight would come a year later in 2016, and she lost that one too.
Stubble was having a moment
A study for “No-Shave November” found stubble was officially the most attractive type of facial hair you could have. Women found heavy stubble more appealing than a clean shave or full beards. The “I shaved two days ago” look was peak sexy that year.
Pay someone $10 to dump your significant other
Too chicken to break up with someone yourself? In 2015, a company called The Breakup Shop offered to do it for you – for less than $40. Services ranged from text message breakups ($10) to break-up phone calls ($30). Singles would eventually decide that ghosting was easier (and cheaper).
Snoop Dogg launched his own cannabis line
Medical marijuana was legal in California, but it would be another year before recreational weed was legalized. Snoop got ahead of it in 2015 with the launch of Leafs By Snoop, his own line of marijuana products. The brand includes strains of flower, edibles, and concentrates, proving once again that Snoop is as much a business mogul as he is a hip-hop icon.
Only 6% of Us Think Our I.Q. Is Below Average
The only thing we’ve really learned about the “average American” here is… they’re maybe a bit too confident.
A new poll asked people how they think their own intelligence compares to other people’s, and the results are pure statistical comedy.
Just 6% of people think they have a below-average I.Q.
Which is… not how averages work. Statistically speaking, half of any group are below average, and half are above. (Or, maybe more like 49.9% on either side to account for those Average Joes who really do land smack dab in the middle.)
We’re much more likely to think we’re “about average”
39% think they’re right around average, which might be true depending on how you define it. The average I.Q. is (by design) exactly 100, and just over two-thirds of us fall somewhere between 85 and 115. So if you want to include anything in that window as “average,” hey… whatever helps you sleep at night.
We’re even more likely to think we have a high I.Q.
A whopping 46% think they’re smarter than most folks – including 8% who said way above average… presumably while nodding smugly after they got that one “Jeopardy” question right. (Sure, yeah, you’re a genius… the category was “Pop Culture.”)
Another 10% of respondents didn’t even take a guess. They went with “not sure,” which might be the most self-aware response of the bunch.
Why such hubris?
So what’s going on here? Are Americans wildly overconfident? Or is it that we just have a seriously bleak view of the “average American”? If you think you’re the smartest person in the room, is it because you think everyone else is a few fries short of a Happy Meal?
Regardless, one thing’s clear: I.Q. tests may measure intelligence… but they don’t measure humility.
Erewhon Is Selling a Toothpaste Smoothie
If you’ve ever sipped a smoothie and thought, “Needs more toothpaste,” well, Erewhon has answered your oddly specific dreams.
The ultra-trendy Los Angeles grocery chain known for selling blueberries that cost more than a tank of gas is back in the spotlight with their latest bizarre-but-somehow-still-kind-of-intriguing creation: the Toothpaste Smoothie.
Officially named the Mint Condition Smile Smoothie, it’s available all November at Erewhon cafés and is turning heads for obvious reasons.
No, it doesn’t really have toothpaste in it
Despite the hype, it doesn’t really contain toothpaste (phew). Instead, it’s “inspired” by one – specifically, a flavor from the high-end dental brand Boka called Ela Mint.
What’s actually in it?
What’s in it, besides viral potential? The $11 drink blends together mint, banana, mango, coconut, and blue spirulina. So it tastes less like a dentist’s office and more like a tropical vacation with a polite burst of freshness. According to Boka’s marketing director, the idea “might sound unusual, but that’s what made it so fun to create.” Of course it did.
If you’re a member of Erewhon’s $100-a-year loyalty program, you can even try it for free. Which is either a great perk or an elaborate prank, depending on your taste in smoothies and sense of irony.
Tastes better than it sounds?
Social media reactions range from “Honestly looks kinda good?” to “LA has gone too far.” And maybe that’s the point. Erewhon’s whole brand is built on that tightrope between luxury wellness and low-key chaos. A smoothie that reminds you of brushing your teeth feels perfectly on-brand.
Would you try it? Or would you rather just drink a regular smoothie and, you know, brush your teeth like a normal person?
Either way, LA’s fanciest grocery store continues to prove one thing: in the right zip code, everything can be a lifestyle flex – even your breakfast beverage.
10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Nov 2-8
Red cups, endless TV, and fart-filled airplanes. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.
“Binge-Watch” Becomes Word of the Year
Collins Dictionary officially crowned “binge-watch” their Word of the Year, validating everything we did that weekend we “accidentally” watched all 10 episodes of “Making a Murderer.” It was the year TV stopped being a weekly ritual and became a competitive sport, sleep and social life be damned.
Starbucks’ Holiday Cups Spark Outrage
Ah yes, the great Starbucks cup scandal of 2015. That was the year some folks got very upset that the holiday cups weren’t Christmassy enough. Just plain red! No snowflakes! No joy! Outrage brewed faster than a Venti Pike, though most just wanted to sip their Peppermint Mochas in peace.
Raking Leaves? Actually Bad Now
In 2015, environmentalists gave lazy husbands and teenagers their out: raking leaves is bad for nature. Turns out, leaf piles are free mulch and bug condos. So if you skipped yard work that year, you weren’t lazy – you were an eco-warrior. Tell your HOA to take it up with science.
Britney Spears Explains “Hit Me Baby”
In 2015, a book called “The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory” explained that “Hit me baby one more time” was never about getting smacked – it meant “call me.” The Swedish songwriter thought “hit me” was American teen slang for “call me,” likely thinking of the term “hit me up.”
Terminal “Star Wars” Fan Sees Movie Early
The Force was strong with Daniel Fleetwood, a terminally ill superfan who got to see “The Force Awakens” early thanks to a global campaign and support from the “Star Wars” cast. He passed away shortly after, but not before making the Kessel Run straight to our hearts. He was the first person outside of the production team to see the film.
Science Reveals the Best Grilled Cheese Cheeses
Scientists got serious in 2015 and figured out the perfect cheeses for a grilled cheese sandwich. Top picks: gouda, Gruyère, and manchego. Basically, the gooier, the better. Sorry, cheddar – you’ll always be melty in our hearts.
Plane Diverted Due to Flatulence
An incident report went viral after a flight from Australia to Malaysia had to make an emergency landing because it was filled with too many farts. It was a cargo plane with 2,186 sheep, and their gas set off the smoke alarm.
Chris Stapleton Scored His First #1 Album
Chris Stapleton went from “Who’s that bearded guy?” to “King of Country” after his album “Traveller” shot to #1. Suddenly your aunt, your barber, and your Spotify Discover playlist were all obsessed. 10 years later, Billboard.com would name it the top country album of the 21st century.
Katy Perry Tops Highest-Paid Women in Music
Katy Perry made $135 million in 2015 and topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid female musicians. Between the Prismatic World Tour, Super Bowl halftime show, and brand deals, she was on fire. Left Shark may have fumbled the choreo, but Katy’s bank account never missed a beat. Taylor Swift was a distant second at $80 million.
Trevor Noah Misses “The Daily Show” for Surgery
Just weeks into his new gig, Trevor Noah had to miss “The Daily Show” for an emergency appendectomy. Fans freaked. Producers scrambled. His appendix? Evicted. It was the first unexpected hiatus of his hosting era.
One in Eight Americans Claim They’ve Lived with Ghosts
Forget skeletons in your closet – some people have full-blown ghosts roaming the hallways.
A Halloween poll from Realtor.com found one in eight Americans claim they’ve lived somewhere that was haunted. Like, signed a lease and everything.
Even most people who haven’t had an encounter aren’t totally ruling out the supernatural. A whopping 86% said hauntings are at least plausible. Only 14% gave a hard “nope” to ghost talk. The rest are leaving the door open – and hoping it doesn’t slam shut on its own.
So what exactly screams “haunted house” to people who’ve experienced it firsthand? Here are the most common spooky encounters people reported.
Unexplained noises
67% of people who’ve lived somewhere haunted reported this one. Think footsteps when no one’s home, mysterious thuds, or music that starts playing when your speakers are off. 51% said they heard “disembodied voices” as well.
Ghostly visuals
61% said they saw a shadowy figure or something they absolutely couldn’t explain. So, some sort of spirit… or they took a second Ambien by mistake.
Objects moving on their own
58% reported objects moving around on their own, like sliding across a surface or magically appearing in places they didn’t belong. Cue dramatic stare at that glass of water sitting on a table across the room.
Phantom pokes
Half of haunted home veterans say they’ve felt touched when no one was around. Pretty risky behavior in a post Me Too world, even for a ghost.
Light shows
48% said their lights flickered or appliances powered on and off randomly. Either it’s a spirit or your wiring hasn’t been updated since the Nixon administration.
Afraid of the Dark? Study Finds Nightlights Can Be Deadly
If you’re someone who can’t sleep without a nightlight, the TV glowing in the background, or your bathroom light peeking under the door, you might want to sit down. Preferably in total darkness.
A new study out of the U.K. just dropped a shocking bedtime bombshell: sleeping with even a little light on might seriously mess with your heart. Like, heart attack level mess.
Researchers strapped wrist sensors to 90,000 adults and tracked how much light was in their bedrooms at night. The average age of the participants? 62. So, no need to yank the nightlight out of your kid’s wall socket just yet – this study focused on the 40+ crowd.
Bright bedrooms increase your heart attack risk by 47%
People who slept in total darkness were the least likely to have heart issues. But folks with bright bedrooms (we’re talking overhead lights, TVs blasting, glowing electronics) had a 47% higher risk of heart attacks.
Yes, even nightlights had a deadly effect
Even those in “moderately lit” rooms – like with a nightlight or that TV you “accidentally” fall asleep to – had a 20% higher risk. So yeah, turns out your cozy little bedtime setup might be sabotaging your arteries.
What counts as “moderate light”? Think soft nightlights, your phone screen lighting up every time someone likes your cat photo, or the bluish glow of a paused Netflix screen. Apparently, your body isn’t chill about any of it.
Why is light at night so bad for you?
Previous studies have found that light messes with your circadian rhythm, reduces melatonin, and keeps your nervous system a little too alert for comfort. Your heart’s like, “Can I please get some peace and quiet in here?”
So if your bedroom looks like a low-budget spaceship at night, it might be time for a glow-down. Maybe consider some blackout curtains, cover your electronics, or at least set that sleep timer on your TV.
Whatever you do, don’t worry so much about that monster under the bed. Your nightlight might be the true villain. Sweet dreams!
Breaking News: Candy Corn Is (Still) the Worst
Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for the annual grocery store dance: pretending you’re buying candy for the neighborhood kids when you’re actually just stocking your secret snack drawer. No judgment.
But this year, as people try to stretch their candy budget and indulge their own sweet tooth, one thing is clear: some treats are tanking hard. And by “some treats,” we mean the usual suspects that should’ve been canceled years ago.
Candy corn popularity is tanking
What’s not to love about that waxy, tri-colored triangle that tastes like regret and sadness? Consumer interest in candy corn is down 9.1% this year, and honestly, it’s shocking it still had 9.1% to lose. If you’re still handing this stuff out, you’re either trolling the neighborhood or cleaning out your grandma’s pantry.
No one wants licorice either
Licorice saw an even bigger nosedive, down 13.6%. (No offense to the four people who still willingly eat black licorice, but… are you okay?)
Other treats we’re giving a hard pass?
Also falling out of favor: marshmallow candies (down 9%) and caramel apples (down almost 7%). Turns out, people don’t want to eat something that immediately yanks out a filling.
The candies we do want to eat
Now for the good stuff – the candies that are rising from the shadows and into our reusable tote bags. Haribo gummies are up a whopping 48%, because chewy little bears are basically universal joy. Baby Ruth bars are having a moment too, up 42%. (Did someone’s grandpa get access to TikTok?) Hershey’s Kisses, up 37%. Apparently, we’re all in our “give me bite-sized chocolate and no one gets hurt” era.
“Parade“ magazine chalked some of that surge up to nostalgia. But are Baby Ruths and Hershey’s kisses really any more old-school than candy corn? Methinks kids today just know they have other options and don’t have to eat wax to get that sweet candy-induced dopamine hit.
So, ditch the licorice, forget the candy corn, and embrace the candy that actually sparks joy. It’s Halloween. Life’s too short for sad sweets.
