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.

20 Social Etiquette Rules We Should All Be Following

The magazine “Country Living” posted a list of 50 social etiquette rules we don’t pay enough attention to these days. 

We took 20 of the best ones, and broke them down into five categories:

Classic Things People Used To Do 

  • Always say please and thank you.
  • Hold the door for people.
  • Try HARD to be on time. 
  • Send handwritten thank-you notes. 
  • And bring food to people, like when there’s a new neighbor or someone passes away.

Phone Etiquette

  • Step away to answer a call.
  • Look at someone when they’re talking to you, not your phone. 
  • Mute your ringtone when you’re at a movie, or anywhere else it might annoy people. 
  • And return phone calls as soon as possible.

When You’re Out in Public 

  • Wear decent clothes, not pajama bottoms. 
  • Don’t swear, especially around kids. 
  • Always use your turn signal while driving. 
  • And wait for people to get OUT of an elevator or subway car before you get in.

For Parties and Events

  • Always RSVP right away. 
  • Ask before you bring a guest. 
  • Always show up with a gift, like a bottle of wine or an appetizer.
  • And avoid controversial topics, like politics or religion.

Meal Etiquette 

  • Wait until everyone has their food before you start eating. 
  • Have good table manners, like putting a napkin on your lap and chewing with your mouth closed.
  • And always push your chair in when you leave the table.

10% of People Have a Secret Chili Recipe They’ll Never Share

Have you ever heard the expression, “you can’t take it with you”?

The idea is that “material possessions, wealth, and worldly goods are ultimately left behind when you die, so you should focus on experiences, relationships, and living a meaningful life rather than accumulating excessive riches.”

There is a gray area when it comes to knowledge though… like family secrets.

According to a survey, 10% of people say they have a secret chili recipe and they’ll never share it with anyone.

Not their kids. Not their spouse. Not even that one friend who always hosts the Super Bowl party. Apparently, chili loyalty runs deep. If you try to corner these people to ask what they put in it (other than the obvious things you can see, like all those beans) they’ll surely say something like, “Oh, I don’t know, I just threw something together.” Yeah… right.

Here are some more results from the survey:

1.  68% of people say they love chili and another 27% “like” it.  Which means a whopping 95% of people are on board with chili in some form.

2.  The five most popular toppings or side dishes with chili are cheese… crackers… cornbread… sour cream… and tortilla chips.

3.  26% of people like it as spicy as possible.

4.  And 14% admit that it gives them gas. That number feels… low. Either some people are lying, or others are in deep denial. Chili is delicious, but it absolutely comes with consequences, especially if you went heavy on the beans, onions, and spice. And whatever the other “secret” ingredients are.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: March 1-7

Peyton Manning’s retirement, Donald Trump’s tiny hands, and Taco Bell’s Cheetos wrap. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

Peyton Manning Calls It a Career

After 18 seasons, two Super Bowl rings, and countless “Omaha!” audibles, Peyton Manning officially walked away from the NFL. He went out on top, fresh off a Super Bowl 50 win with the Denver Broncos.

Donald Trump Denies Having Tiny Junk

In what may have been the most surreal moment of an already surreal election cycle, Donald Trump addressed the size of his hands – and then, unprompted, reassured America about what that supposedly meant. It happened during a Republican primary debate, days after “Little” Marco Rubio made a joke about men with “small hands.”

“Making a Murderer” Gets a Season 2

Just when the true-crime obsession couldn’t get any louder, word came that “Making a Murderer” might return for another season. The Netflix docuseries had already turned Steven Avery’s case into a national debate and made armchair detectives out of half the country. A follow-up promised more twists, but received mixed reviews when it debuted two years later in 2018.

Taco Bell Tests a Cheetos-Stuffed Wrap

Taco Bell decided subtlety was overrated and started testing a wrap stuffed with Cheetos. Not Cheeto-flavored – actual Cheetos, adding crunch and neon-orange flair to the fast-food mashup era. It was the first in a series of Cheetos-themed mashups for America’s largest “Mexican” food chain. Flamin’ Hot options would eventually follow.

San Francisco’s Waldo Tunnel Is Renamed for Robin Williams

The Waldo Tunnel, the iconic gateway into San Francisco, was officially renamed the Robin Williams Tunnel. The tribute honored the late comedian, who called the Bay Area home and remained one of its most beloved figures. For commuters driving under that rainbow-lit passage, it became more than infrastructure – it felt like a small, permanent nod to a hometown legend.

“Zootopia” Tops the Box Office

Disney’s animated buddy-cop movie “Zootopia” roared into theaters and knocked “Deadpool” down the chart. The talking-animal satire pulled in families while still sneaking in sharp social commentary, proving it wasn’t just kid fluff. After weeks of R-rated superhero dominance, it was a reminder that a clever PG movie could still own the cultural moment.

Jared from Subway Gains 30 Pounds in Prison

Less than a year after beginning his prison sentence, former Subway spokesman Jared Fogle reportedly gained 30 pounds behind bars. The irony was hard to ignore, given that his entire public identity had been built on weight loss and sandwiches. It was one more strange footnote in a scandal that had already completely rewritten a once-ubiquitous brand story.

Meet the Donut Cone

An ice cream shop in the Czech Republic went viral after looking at an ice cream cone and thinking, “What if this was a donut?” It was sugary excess stacked on sugary excess, tailor-made for Instagram’s golden age of food photos. Dessert had officially entered its hybrid era, and moderation wasn’t invited.

Erin Andrews Wins $55 Million in Peephole Civil Suit

Sportscaster Erin Andrews took the stand during her civil trial over a secretly recorded peephole video and became visibly emotional recounting the ordeal from 2008. The case highlighted the invasive nature of digital voyeurism and the toll it took on her career and personal life. It was a sobering moment in a media cycle often obsessed with spectacle, forcing a more serious conversation about privacy. Days later, a jury awarded her $55 million in damages.

Rumors of the Last Living Munchkin’s Death Were Greatly Exaggerated

Reports circulated that the last surviving Munchkin from “The Wizard of Oz” had died – a headline that felt like the official end of Old Hollywood. But unlike the Wicked Witch of the East’s legs under that farmhouse, it turned out Jerry Maren was very much still kickin’. He passed away two years later in 2018 at age 98.

Replying “STOP” to Spam Texts Could Make Things Worse

It might seem like the responsible thing to do: you get a weird text from a mystery number, and at the bottom it says, “Reply STOP to opt out.”

But before you tap that reply button, you might want to reconsider. In some cases, responding at all could actually increase the amount of spam you receive.

Here’s why: Replying “STOP” confirms to the sender that your phone number is active, and that someone is reading those texts. That tiny bit of data is gold to scammers and spammers. Once they know you’re real, your number could be targeted even more—or sold to other shady senders. Not ideal.

Now, this doesn’t mean replying “STOP” is always a bad idea. If you get a message from a trusted source—your bank, pharmacy, school, or even a retailer you’ve opted into—it’s usually safe to reply and opt out that way. These organizations are required to follow opt-out laws, and replying “STOP” should actually unsubscribe you.

But if the message feels sketchy or unexpected, don’t respond at all. Instead, block the number and report it as spam if your phone allows it.

On both iPhones and Android devices, blocking a number takes just a few taps. You can also turn on spam filters in your message settings for added protection.

So next time a random number promises you a free cruise or claims there’s a problem with your delivery, resist the urge to reply. Ignore, block, and move on. Letting that “STOP” message fly could open the door to even more junk.

And let’s be honest—your phone already has enough notifications. You don’t need extra spam yelling at you about your car’s extended warranty.

How Many of These Things Did You Do When You Were Underage?

I guess we were all BAD KIDS in our own way.

A survey asked people about a bunch of things they could’ve done when they were underage and, well, if you’re like me, you did most of them. 

Let’s walk through the list, because it reads like a greatest-hits album of youthful poor decisions.

Watched an R-rated movie at home or a friend’s house, 79%.
This is basically everyone. If you grew up in a house with cable, DVDs, or parents who went to bed before 10 p.m., congratulations, you saw things you were not emotionally prepared for. 90% of us watched an R-rated movie and pretended we totally got the jokes.

Bought alcohol, 54%.
More than half of people pulled this off, which explains why every small town had that one gas station clerk who did not ask questions. Fake IDs, older friends, or just raw confidence did a lot of heavy lifting here.

Bought cigarettes, 39%.
Different era, different rules. Back then, all you needed was cash and the ability to not look nervous while saying “Marlboro Lights.”

Watched an R-rated movie in a theater, 27%.
This was the elite-level crime. You had to buy a ticket to something innocent, sneak into the “cool” movie, and hope no employee cared enough to stop you. Absolute adrenaline rush.

Had sex, 25%.
One in four people checking this box feels surprisingly low, which suggests either honesty was optional or people are still lying to surveys.

Drove a car, 14%.
These people drove before they were legally allowed, which is terrifying in hindsight. At the time, though, it probably felt like freedom and zero consequences.

Gambled, 13%.
Some of you were underage and still managed to lose money legally. That takes initiative.

Got a tattoo, 6%.
This is the wildest one. These people convinced an adult with a tattoo gun that this was a great idea. Somewhere out there is a regrettable ankle tattoo that tells this entire story.

Rethinking Pizza Night: Toppings That Might Help Lower Your Cancer Risk

Yes, this may sting a little, but it’s time we talk about your beloved pepperoni.

According to the World Health Organization, processed meats like sausage and pepperoni are carcinogenic to humans, meaning they’ve been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Yikes.

But don’t cancel pizza night just yet. A registered dietitian recently shared several ways to enjoy your favorite cheesy comfort food without loading it up with cancer-linked ingredients. The key? Skip the processed meat and go big on veggies, fresh herbs, and healthier proteins.

Here are some of the healthier pizza options that still taste amazing:

1. Mediterranean-style pizza: Think olives, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a sprinkle of feta. It’s basically like taking your tastebuds on a vacation to the Greek Isles.

2. Classic Margherita: A simple but delicious combo of fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, ideally on a whole-grain crust. It’s light, flavorful, and way better than a grease bomb.

3. White pizza with kale and garlic: Swap out red sauce for low-sodium ricotta, and top it with kale and garlic. It’s creamy, savory, and surprisingly satisfying.

4. Veggie delight: Load up your pie with bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes. It’s colorful, crunchy, and packed with nutrients.

5. Pesto chicken veggie pizza: This one includes zucchini, spinach, and rotisserie chicken for a protein boost without the preservatives. Bonus points for using a whole-grain or cauliflower crust.

In short, you don’t need to swear off pizza forever, but switching up your toppings could make a big difference for your long-term health. And hey, if you can make something taste amazing and help prevent cancer at the same time, that’s a win-win worth sharing.

So next time you’re building your own pizza, maybe leave the pepperoni behind and give your body (and your taste buds) something to cheer about.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Feb 22-28

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.

One-Third of Guys Have Named Their Car, and 8% Have Imagined It as a Person

Apparently, for about one out of 12 dudes out there, the “Transformers” movies are fulfilling one hell of a strange fantasy.

According to a survey, 8% of guys say they’ve imagined… or, dare I say, fantasized about… their car turning into a person.

Here are a few more results from the survey about the ways we blend the line between our cars being machines or people:

1.  One-third of guys have named a car… and they’re slightly more likely to go with a male name. Which is kinda interesting. Maybe it’s better to say something like, “Hey babe, I’m going to go out for a ride with Ken.” Rather than, you know, “Barbie.”

17% of guys are hesitant to share the name of their vehicle, though.

2.  37% have spoken to their car like it was a person.

3.  31% believe their car has a personality. 11% of them say it definitely does.

13% say it’s likely a “serious” personality, 22% say it’s “playful,” 10% say it’s “sexy,” 28% say it’s “confident,” 11% say “temperamental,” and 3% say “shy.”

4.  And finally, 19% enjoy spending time with their car MORE than time with their significant other. 

Do Parents Care If Kids Swear?

If you have ever heard a kid casually drop a swear word in the grocery store and felt your soul leave your body, you are not alone.

A new poll looking at parents’ attitudes toward kids swearing, and yeah: parents have strong opinions about profanity, right up until their own child says something wildly inappropriate at the worst possible moment.

The poll surveyed parents of kids ages 6 to 17 about whether swearing is acceptable, and nearly half of them, 47%, say profanity is never okay. Not even accidentally. Another 35% say it depends on the situation, while 12% say it depends on the word. And then there is the 6% of parents who shrug and say swear words are no big deal, which probably tells you everything you need to know about what their house sounds like.

Age matters a lot here. Parents of younger kids, ages 6 to 12, are far more likely to say swearing is totally off-limits. Parents of teenagers, on the other hand, are more likely to say it depends on the situation. This is likely because once your kid is 15, you are just happy if they are not swearing at you.

Of course, when it comes to their own children, most parents swear their kids are basically saints.

44% say their child never uses profanity, and another 32% say it happens rarely. Meanwhile, 24% admit their kid swears occasionally or frequently, which feels like the most honest group in the room.

So why are kids doing it? According to parents, 41% say it is just “out of habit.” 37% think kids swear to fit in with friends, while 36% say they are trying to be funny. 21% believe their child is doing it for attention, and 27% say, with a deep sigh, that it is just the way kids talk these days now. Cool. Love that for us.

As for where kids learn these words, parents mostly blame other people, but not entirely. 65% say friends or classmates are the main influence. 58% point to popular media. But 45% of parents admit their kids probably learned those words by hearing them say it first, usually while driving.

So parents hate swearing in theory… tolerate it in reality… and secretly know they are responsible.

You can make all the rules you want, but once a kid learns a bad word, it is only a matter of time before they use it loudly, confidently, and in front of someone important.

Viral Chore List Sparks Debate Over Parenting Styles

Is today’s generation of kids too soft?

That’s the question lighting up social media, after one man shared the very detailed list of chores his dad assigned him as a kid—and people have some strong opinions.

The man posted the list on Threads, noting that it all started when he was just eight years old. He says his dad was “the coolest man on Earth,” but also ran a pretty tight ship. “Hella structure and rules,” he wrote.

And he wasn’t kidding.

The list breaks chores down by daily, weekly, and monthly expectations, covering everything from bed-making and trash duty to scrubbing the toilet and deep-cleaning the basement.

Even before-school routines were regimented: bed made, breakfast eaten, homework double-checked, and out the door on time. After school? Get changed, finish all homework, check in before dinner, and be inside before 9. Then dishes, trash, shower, and lights out by 10.

On top of that, each week had its own themed cleaning session. Monday was trash and liners. Sunday was full laundry—including ironing school clothes (yes, ironing). And each Saturday of the month brought its own deep-cleaning assignment: bathroom, kitchen, basement, and finally, the front and back of the house.

As you might guess, the internet had thoughts.

Some commenters were impressed, praising the structure and saying it taught discipline, responsibility, and time management. Others felt it was too intense for a child, arguing that kids need some free time that doesn’t involve bleach or a vacuum.

Still, the post struck a chord—especially with those who grew up in homes where “chores” weren’t optional, they were just life. The bigger takeaway for many was that structure, even if it sounds rigid by today’s standards, helped set kids up for adulthood in a way participation trophies and unlimited screen time maybe don’t.

Whether you see it as admirable parenting or old-school overkill, one thing’s clear: we’re all a little nostalgic for the days when “clean your room” actually meant cleaning your entire room… not just shoving stuff under the bed and calling it a win.

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