Category: Berry Interesting

Life advice you didn’t ask for, trends you’ll forget by next week, and feel-good fluff designed to help you stop doomscrolling, at least for five seconds.

The Average Person Eats 21 Cookies a Month, and Chocolate Chip Is Our Favorite

This past Monday was National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. 

And a cookie-focused poll found they’re still our favorite type of cookie.

Our five favorites are chocolate chip, peanut butter cookies, double chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and shortbread. So, no love for that old clamshell package of frosted sugar cookies on the clearance shelf at the grocery store?

Here are a few more quick cookie stats:

1.  The average American eats 21 cookies a month.  One in four admit they eat more than that.

2.  41% of us think we’ve had enough of them in our life to call ourselves a “cookie expert.”  The average person thinks you need to eat at least 319 cookies before you can say that.  At 21 cookies a month, that would only take a little over a year.

3.  According to the poll, the perfect chocolate chip cookie is soft and chewy… made with brown sugar… and just came out of the oven.

4.  61% say a really good cookie can turn your whole day around. 

So next time you’re halfway through a sleeve of cookies and wondering if you’re being a little extra… just remember, you might actually be working toward a professional title. Keep going, Chef.

Courtesy of Study Finds

USDA Uses “Marriage Story” Argument and AC/DC to Scare Off Wolves

Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson have an interesting side hustle—fighting off wolves. Sort of.

In one of the strangest but most effective forms of wildlife management you’ll hear about today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is using drones, loud music, and… Hollywood drama to protect cattle from wolf attacks.

Specifically, they’re blasting the infamous fight scene from the 2019 film Marriage Story to send a very loud message to predators: humans are loud, chaotic, and best avoided.

It’s all part of a method called “wolf hazing,” which involves scaring wolves away from livestock using drones equipped with thermal cameras and mounted speakers.

When the drones detect a wolf, they blare unsettling sounds—fireworks, gunshots, and yes, that intense Adam-vs-Scarlett yelling match. If that doesn’t work, the wolves also get a dose of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck at full volume.

And while this might sound like the weirdest Spotify playlist ever, it’s actually working. In one Oregon hotspot where 11 cows were killed in just 20 days, hazing efforts cut the number of wolf kills to only two over the next 85 days.

A USDA official summed it up best: “I need the wolves to respond and know that, hey, humans are bad.”

Hollywood drama, classic rock, and thermal drones: it’s not exactly what you’d expect from the USDA, but it’s oddly effective.

Your “Body Count” Doesn’t Matter, as Long as You’ve Slowed Down

Ah yes, nothing spices up a budding romance like the inevitable conversation about your “body count.” Right between “What’s your love language?” and “Do you believe in ghosts?” comes: So… how many people have you slept with? A true bonding moment.

But here’s some good news for anyone whose romantic history reads like a casting call: According to a new study, it’s not your total number that matters. It’s your momentum. In other words, people are apparently less freaked out by a high number of past partners if your, uh, extracurricular activities have slowed down over time.

So go ahead and be honest: “Yeah, I had a wild phase… for about 15 years. But I’m totally chill now.”

The study surveyed thousands of people in 11 countries, and surprisingly, the results were pretty consistent… even regardless of gender. Basically, your romantic history is like a stock chart… people are looking for signs the market’s cooling off, not about to crash through the ceiling.

And let’s be real: most people don’t actually care what you were doing 10 years ago, as long as you’re not still doing it now. A high number from your past can come off as adventurous, experienced, worldly even. But if you’re still collecting stamps for your loyalty card, that’s where the red flags start waving.

Louisiana Law: You Can Now Get Ticketed for Driving 64 in a 65

In Louisiana, it is now legally possible to get pulled over for driving like your grandma… even if you’re going almost the speed limit. Starting this week, the state has declared war on left-lane lurkers who treat the passing lane like a slow parade route.

So if you’re the kind of person who sets your cruise control to 64 in a 65 and settles in with a podcast, congrats… you might now be eligible for a $150 fine and a confused conversation with a state trooper.

The new law targets drivers going under the speed limit in the left lane of multi-lane highways. Previously, you had to be driving at least 10 miles per hour under the posted limit to get cited. Now, going just one mph under is enough to get you busted. And yes, this includes Priuses and big rigs.

Fines escalate quickly: $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $350 for the third… at which point you could also face jail time.

On most divided highways in the state, 65 mph is the standard speed limit, and this law applies to the left lane only. It’s meant to reinforce the idea that the left lane is for passing, not poking along and blocking faster drivers. But to be clear, this doesn’t mean you can speed… it just means you can’t drive slower than the limit in that lane.

The old rule allowed more wiggle room, only penalizing people going 10 mph below the limit. The updated version gives law enforcement broader authority to ticket drivers who are disrupting the flow of traffic, even slightly.

Will it be heavily enforced? That remains to be seen. But if you’re the type who likes to coast in the left lane with no one in front of you and a mile-long line behind you, it might be time to slide on over.

Americans’ 10 Favorite Ice Cream Truck Orders

Sadly, ice cream trucks aren’t as common as they once were. In fact, there was a poll a while back that found that 17% of Americans had NEVER bought ice cream from an ice cream truck. But it’s summer… so let’s make it happen!

So what to order? A survey listed Americans’ favorite ice cream truck orders, and here are the Top 10:

1.  Crunch Ice Cream Bar

2.  Drumstick

3.  Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich

4.  Twist Soft-Serve Cone

5.  Klondike Bar

6.  Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar

7.  Vanilla Soft-Serve Cone

8.  Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich

9.  Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich

10.  Chocolate Drumstick

Overall, they ranked 29 items.  The PowerPuff popsicle came in last… just ahead of the SpongeBob popsicle.

You can find the full results, here. (And yes, the legendary Choco Taco is at #11, even though it was discontinued a few years ago. So you probably won’t be able to find that one right now… but that doesn’t mean it can’t live on in our frost-bitten hearts.)

Disturbing Screams in the Woods? Nope, It’s Just a Guy Singing Nickelback

If you’re hiking through the woods and hear someone yelling, your brain usually kicks into emergency mode. But in this case, it turned out to be slightly less urgent than it sounded.

Last Thursday, a pair of hikers exploring a remote climbing area in British Columbia, Canada, heard what they described as “repeated cries” echoing through the forest. Naturally, they assumed someone was in trouble and called search and rescue.

The response team rushed to the area and followed the sounds of faint yelling through the trees.

After narrowing down the source, they eventually discovered the culprit… a man camping alone, screaming Nickelback lyrics into the wilderness.

That’s right. There was no emergency, just an impromptu solo concert of Canadian rock classics. The man was, in the words of the search team, “belting out Nickelback’s greatest hits” with all the passion of a sold-out arena show.

Thankfully, the rescue team took it in stride. They thanked the hikers for doing the right thing and checking, just in case. After all, better safe than sorry. The search manager even got a little dig in, saying, “Our services are always free. And the money you save could be spent on singing lessons.”

While the situation turned out to be a false alarm, it’s a great reminder to always report suspicious or unusual sounds in the wilderness. It might be nothing… or it might just be someone butchering “Photograph” at full volume.

(For what it’s worth, Nickelback is from Canada — just not British Columbia. They formed in the neighboring province of Alberta. And their original band name was “Village Idiot.” Fitting, given all this.)

If you ever find yourself on a solo camping trip with nothing but the trees and your vocal cords, maybe give the rescue services a heads-up. (“AND THIS IS HOW YOU REMIND ME…!”)

How Often Do You Wash Your Jeans? Depends How Brave (or Nose-Blind) You Are

If your laundry basket could talk, it would probably say, “Please… I’m begging you.” But since it can’t, plenty of us wait until there’s a sock crisis or we’re down to our emergency underwear before doing anything about it.

Laundry isn’t the worst chore out there, but let’s be honest… it’s nobody’s idea of a good time. Unless you’re one of the very rare laundry lovers out there (and yes, they exist), you’re probably just doing the bare minimum to avoid mildew and social shame.

Still, most people are taking care of it themselves. A new poll found 55% of Americans always do their own laundry, while 5% say someone else always handles it. Everyone else falls somewhere in between, depending on how desperate the wardrobe situation gets.

Now, do we enjoy laundry? Eh. Only 9% of people say they love it, and 23% say they like it. On the flip side, 12% dislike it, and 5% flat-out hate it. 49% are totally neutral… the Switzerland of household chores.

The survey also asked how many times people wear different types of clothing before washing them… and spoiler alert: the results range from reasonable to “I’m gonna stand over here.”

Underwear: 80% of people wash it after one wear (as any decent society should). But 5% of people wear the same pair four or more times before washing. Yes, that’s real. And yes, men are more likely to do it.

T-shirts: 55% wash after one use. 10% wear them at least four times, which might explain why some shirts are more vintage aroma than vintage style.

Non-jeans pants: 29% go one-and-done, but 21% say, “Eh, one more wear won’t hurt.” (It might.)

Sweaters: Only 19% wash after a single wear. A whopping 32% go four-plus wears, relying on the magical cleansing power of “airing it out.”

Jeans: Just 16% wash after one wear, and 36% stretch it past four. Men, once again, are more likely to live on the edge. (Or the edge of someone’s olfactory tolerance.)

So, next time you wonder if those jeans can go another day, just remember… you’re either part of the majority, or part of the reason Febreze exists.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Aug 3-9

“Justiniston,” gun-cooked bacon, Kermit gets dumped, and “Fantastic Four” sucks! Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

Jennifer Aniston married Justin Theroux

They went to great lengths to keep their backyard Bel-Air wedding a secret, reportedly storing all of the decorations at another mansion nearby until the very last minute. The guest list was a Bezos-level of star studded, if not more so.

Guests included Chelsea Handler, Howard Stern, Jason Bateman, Ellen DeGeneres, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Will Arnett, Tobey Maguire, Jimmy Kimmel, Sia, Kathryn Hahn, Sandra Bullock, Orlando Bloom, Rachel McAdams, Whitney Cummings, and Lisa Kudrow. Jen’s other “Friends” co-star Courtney Cox was her maid of honor. 

Jen was 10 years removed from her divorce with Brad Pitt and had been engaged to Justin since 2012. Sadly, this marriage fizzled as well. She and Justin announced their split less than three years later in 2018. They never even got an official couple’s name… even though the undeniably catchy “Justiniston” was right there for the taking!

“Fantastic Four” was a box office bomb

The 2015 version – with Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, and Kate Mara – was not the box office juggernaut the 2025 incarnation would turn out to be. There was also another “Fantastic Four” flick with Jessica Alba and Chris Evans in 2005. So yeah, they keep cranking these suckers out, literally every decade.

Ted Cruz cooked “machine-gun bacon”

Using the muzzle of an AR-15 was a decidedly impractical – but absurdly “American” – way to cook breakfast. Ted was in the early stages of losing the Republican primary to Donald Trump and was trying (a little too hard) to court the 2nd Amendment vote.

Robert Downey Jr. was the world’s highest paid actor for a third straight year

He was in the midst of an epically profitable run as Tony Stark in the “Iron Man” and “Avengers” movies. “Forbes” estimated his annual earnings at $80 million. The rest of the top five were Jackie Chan ($50 mil), Vin Diesel, ($47 mil), Bradley Cooper ($41.5 mil), and Adam Sandler ($41 mil). 

A girl released balloons at her dad’s grave, and they landed in her backyard 25 miles away.

It happened in Oklahoma earlier that year – on Father’s Day, no less – but the heartwarming story made national headlines in August and had people thinking larger forces may have been at work.

Kermit and Miss Piggy broke up

Their historically rocky relationship went from on-again to off-again when they released a statement that said, “After careful thought, thoughtful consideration and considerable squabbling, we have made the difficult decision to terminate our romantic relationship.” If they’ve rekindled things in the past decade, they’ve kept it quiet. As of 2025, they’re still officially just friends and colleagues.

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale announced their divorce

They’d been married nearly 13 years, and Gwen’s future husband Blake Shelton had recently announced his own split from Miranda Lambert. 👀 There were also rumors Will and Jada were about to break up. But honestly, who could find time to care with the pain of the Kermit/Piggy news so fresh and so raw? 

Did Leonardo DiCaprio have fleas?

“The National Enquirer” circulated a rumor – which Leo’s camp denied – that his big beard was harboring a large number of vermin. An anonymous source told the now defunct celeb news site “Gossip Cop” that the story was “absurd.” He was sporting the beard for his film “The Revenant”, which would hit theaters in January 2016. Leo finally ditched the beard for a more flealess look a few weeks later.

Jared Leto’s lawyer threatened to sue over rumors his client had huge junk

A law firm representing the actor/singer sent a letter to the gossip site “Lipstick Alley,” complaining that people were posting potentially defamatory comments – including the claim that Jared was well-endowed. People wondered how that was “defamatory.”

A trailer for a new Brad Pitt / Angelina Jolie movie landed

No, not “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, that was 2005. Their 2015 film “By the Sea” – ironically, about a couple trying to save their marriage – was written and directed by Angelina. No one saw it, and it made a dismal $538,000 in the U.S. (Oddly enough, Brad and Ang did not receive an invite to the Aniston-Theroux nuptials. 🤔)

The Best NFL Teams of All Time (By Winning Percentage)

No matter who you root for on Sundays, few debates in sports get fans more fired up than arguing over the greatest NFL teams of all time. Sure, you can rank them by Super Bowl wins, legendary players, or iconic moments—but if you’re looking to settle a bar argument with some cold, hard stats, winning percentage is a pretty good place to start.

Here are the 16 most consistently successful franchises in NFL history, based on all-time win percentage. Spoiler: it’s not just about how old a team is, or how many rings they have—some younger franchises are punching way above their historical weight.

1. Baltimore Ravens (.574)

Overall Record: 268‑199‑1
A relatively young team (est. 1996), the Ravens have quickly earned a rep for tough defenses, strong leadership, and two Super Bowl wins. They top the list with the best win percentage in league history.

2. Dallas Cowboys (.573)

Overall Record: 569‑423‑6
“America’s Team” hasn’t won a title since the mid-’90s, but their overall dominance through the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s still carries serious weight.

3. Green Bay Packers (.572)

Overall Record: 811‑605‑38
The oldest team on this list is also one of the most successful. From the Vince Lombardi era to the Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers years, the Packers have stayed remarkably relevant.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (.553)

Overall Record: 547‑441‑12
The recent Patrick Mahomes era has rocketed the Chiefs up the ranks, adding multiple Super Bowl appearances (and wins) to a solid history.

5. Chicago Bears (.553)

Overall Record: 798‑646‑42
Tied with the Chiefs, the Bears have the legacy, but not always the recent results. Still, they’ve stayed above the fray for a long, long time.

6. Miami Dolphins (.552)

Overall Record: 504‑408‑4
The only team to ever go undefeated for an entire season and win a Super Bowl (1972). That stat alone gives them eternal bragging rights.

7. Minnesota Vikings (.552)

Overall Record: 537‑438‑11
Zero Super Bowl wins, but consistently competitive—especially through the ’70s and again in the late ’90s and 2000s.

8. New England Patriots (.550)

Overall Record: 545‑446‑9
Tom Brady. Bill Belichick. Six rings. They used to be just another team. Now they’re a dynasty.

9. San Francisco 49ers (.545)

Overall Record: 630‑526‑16
From Joe Montana to Steve Young to today’s contenders, the Niners have always found a way to stay dangerous.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (.538)

Overall Record: 681‑585‑22
Six Super Bowls, a blue-collar image, and some of the fiercest rivalries in the game. Pittsburgh is a perennial powerhouse.

11. Indianapolis Colts (.525)

Overall Record: 564‑510‑8
Their best years came during the Peyton Manning era, but the Colts have quietly been a solid franchise over time.

12. Denver Broncos (.523)

Overall Record: 518‑472‑10
Three Super Bowl wins and some truly wild quarterback chapters (Tim Tebow, anyone?) have kept the Broncos relevant and resilient.

13. New York Giants (.522)

Overall Record: 724‑663‑34
One of the oldest and most storied franchises, with a few unforgettable playoff runs—including two Super Bowl wins against Brady’s Patriots.

14. Seattle Seahawks (.517)

Overall Record: 402‑373‑1
A model of consistency in the 2010s, the Seahawks became a force under Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson, winning their first Super Bowl in 2013.

15. Las Vegas Raiders (.509)

Overall Record: 509‑480‑11
With a legacy of renegade flair, iconic coaches and players, and three Super Bowl titles, the Raiders have remained close to .500 and edge into the top 16.

16. Los Angeles Rams (.502)

Overall Record: 624‑606‑21
From early NFL days through multiple relocations, the Rams have hung in just above .500 and remain one of the league’s consistently competitive franchises.

So there you have it—some solid ammo for the next time your buddy claims his team is the best just because they have more rings or a louder fan base. Winning percentage doesn’t lie (though it might still get you punched in the face at a tailgate).

“Everyone Has Hemorrhoids Now”: Why Your Butt Might Be in Trouble

If you’ve been feeling a little… inflamed lately, you’re not alone. According to a cheeky but surprisingly informative feature by The Cut titled “Everyone Has Hemorrhoids Now”. . . the unglamorous condition is having a major moment. And no, it’s not just your grandpa who’s struggling—young people are increasingly dealing with it too.

Hemorrhoids, for the uninitiated, are swollen veins in your lower rectum or anus. They’re super common, often uncomfortable, and in severe cases, can require surgery. So, why the sudden hemorrhoid boom? Doctors told The Cut it’s a mix of modern habits and lifestyle choices, many of which are… avoidable.

Here are some of the biggest culprits:

1. We sit too much.
Whether you’re binging shows, working from home, or deep into a TikTok spiral, sitting for hours puts pressure on your nether regions. It restricts blood flow and can cause—you guessed it—hemorrhoids. Bonus fun: lack of movement also makes constipation more likely, which doesn’t help the situation back there.

2. We bring our phones into the bathroom.
Yep, your daily scroll on the toilet may be hurting more than your productivity. A 2021 survey found that nearly three-quarters of people admit to phone use while pooping, with under-30s leading the pack at 93%. Longer bathroom sessions = more strain. Doctors recommend keeping it under two minutes. (So maybe leave the doomscrolling for the couch?)

3. We’re fiber-deficient.
A low-fiber diet makes bowel movements harder (literally). More strain means more irritation. It also leads to more wiping, which can worsen inflammation. The fix? Load up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Your gut—and your butt—will thank you.

4. We’re dehydrated.
Not drinking enough water slows digestion and ups your chances of constipation. Again: more straining = bad news for your backside.

It’s not just these four things, but they’re some of the most common causes doctors are seeing. And while hemorrhoids are treatable, ignoring them can make things worse. Many people put off seeing a doctor out of embarrassment, only to end up needing a very un-fun surgery.

So, moral of the story? Stand up, drink water, eat your greens, and leave your phone out of the bathroom. Your future self—especially the part that makes contact with chairs—will be grateful.

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