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.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Feb 15-21

Ferris wheel sex, wood in parmesan, and Deadpool on SNL. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

Parmesan Is Loaded with Wood Pulp

A “Bloomberg” report found that in many cases, parmesan cheese isn’t just cheese – it also includes cellulose, aka wood pulp. Suddenly, everyone was side-eyeing their spaghetti like it came from Home Depot. The story sparked grocery-aisle paranoia and made “freshly grated” feel less like a flex and more like a necessity.

Kanye’s SNL Backstage Rant Leaks

A hot mic caught Kanye West venting backstage at Saturday Night Live, and the audio spread faster than a meme on dial-up. The meltdown fueled debates about ego, artistry, and whether anyone at Studio 8H should ever assume microphones are actually off. Peak mid-2010s celebrity chaos unlocked.

Fans Want Deadpool to Host SNL

With Deadpool dominating the box office, fans launched a petition begging the Merc with a Mouth to host SNL. Ryan Reynolds responded with a spoof “leaked audio” clip that felt very on-brand: sarcastic, meta, and internet-ready. Marketing genius or just Reynolds being Reynolds? Maybe both… but also an obvious reference to a certain Kanye story that was making waves. 👆

Las Vegas Ferris Wheel Hookup

Earlier that February, a story went viral about a couple who got arrested for hooking up on the High Roller ferris wheel in Vegas. Turned out the guy was supposed to get married that same day – to a different woman – until his fiancée revealed she was pregnant with another man’s baby. Five margaritas and one random birthday girl later, he ended up on the ferris wheel. His ex-fiancée reportedly bailed him out. No word on how they’re doing these days.

Spamageddon: Groupon Tops the List of Inbox Invaders

A ranking of the most relentless email marketers crowned Groupon as the undisputed king of “Why do I have 257 unread emails?” The list reminded everyone that unsubscribing is basically cardio for your mouse finger – and that the one coupon you used in 2013 might haunt you forever.

Trump Beefs with the Pope

Politics and religion collided when Donald Trump fired back at comments from Pope Francis about border walls. The headline felt surreal – a presidential candidate publicly sparring with the Pope like it was a cable-news crossover episode. Twitter, naturally, treated it like the Super Bowl of hot takes. (Oh, how innocent we were back then.)

Roseanne Starts Selling Weed

Roseanne Barr announced plans to jump into the pot dispensary world, proving celebrity endorsements were hitting new highs – literally. The move blended her unpredictable persona with the rapidly growing cannabis industry, leaving fans wondering whether this was a savvy business play or just peak Roseanne energy.

U.S. Marshals Arrest Man Over a Student Loan From 1987

One guy learned the hard way that student debt can outlive hairstyles and fashion trends. After failing to appear in court over a decades-old loan, U.S. Marshals stepped in, turning a financial headache into a viral story that made everyone with delinquent student debt just a little more nervous.

Women Proposing to Men Is Finally Okay

A poll found 73% of British men would happily accept a proposal from a woman, challenging old-school dating norms. The takeaway? Tradition is flexible, romance is evolving, and women don’t have to wait on their guy to get over that fear of commitment anymore.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” Author Harper Lee Dies at 89

Literary icon Harper Lee passed away at 89, prompting a wave of tributes to the author whose work shaped generations of readers. “To Kill a Mockingbird” remains a cultural touchstone, reminding everyone that even in an era of viral headlines, one powerful story can still echo for decades.

The Three Germiest Spots in Airports and on Planes

Everyone worries about getting sick from that stale, recirculated air on planes.  But what you really have to worry about is the stuff you touch. 

A study looked at how many bacteria and fungal cells there were on different surfaces.  

Here are the top three things to worry about on the plane:

1.  The “flush” button in the airplane bathroom.  On average, they have about 95,000 CFUs per square inch.  That stands for “colony-forming units.”  95,000 is almost five times as much bacteria as you’ll find in the average kitchen sink.

2.  Your tray table, just under 12,000 CFUs.

3.  Your seat belt.  Specifically the buckle.  Just over 1,000 CFUs.

But the thing you really need to worry isn’t on the plane. 

It’s one of the first things you touch at the airport.  Here are three things to worry about before you board:

1.  The self check-in kiosks.  The screens had an average of 254,000 CFUs.  So almost three times as many as the “flush” button.  And one they tested had over a million.

2.  The armrests on the chairs at your gate, 22,000 CFUs.  That’s slightly higher than what you’d find in a kitchen sink.

3.  The button on water fountains, 19,000 CFUs.

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that the easiest way to limit your exposure to germs is to wash your hands frequently… avoid touching your face… and wear a mask if you’re sick to avoid spreading it to others. And there’s always the option of wearing a mask yourself, if you don’t trust your fellow Americans to keep their germs to themselves.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Feb 8-14

Bricked iPhones, Dorito roses, and perfect pancakes. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

Don’t Set Your iPhone to January 1970 – You’ll Destroy It

A bizarre iPhone bug went viral when users discovered that manually setting the date to January 1, 1970 could permanently brick their device. Phones would reboot endlessly and never recover, proving that time travel (even digital) comes with consequences.

Doritos Roses Go Viral Ahead of Valentine’s Day

In peak internet energy, someone figured out how to fold Doritos into surprisingly convincing roses. Equal parts romantic and ridiculous, the DIY snack bouquet became a Valentine’s Day option for people short on cash, time, or basic floral dignity.

Burger King Adds Hot Dogs

Burger King shocked everyone by announcing it would permanently add hot dogs to its menu. The move raised questions about brand identity, and Burger King eventually did a little soul-searching itself. The “permanent” new menu item was nixed at most BK locations just one year later.

Scientists Try to Cure Glaucoma, Discover the Perfect Pancake Instead

While researching potential glaucoma treatments, scientists figured out the exact ratio for perfect pancakes – 1.75 cups of water for every one cup of flour. The accidental discovery reminded the world that science doesn’t always give us what we want, but sometimes gives us what we need.

“Deadpool” Opens to a Record-Breaking $132 Million

$132 million was the best opening weekend ever for an R-rated film. It remained unmatched until “Deadpool & Wolverine” beat it with a $211 million first weekend in 2024.

Red Lobster Sales Jump 33% Thanks to Beyoncé

After Beyoncé casually (and profanely) referenced Red Lobster in her song “Formation” – and also dominated the Super Bowl halftime show – the seafood chain saw a stunning 33% sales spike. It was the clearest proof yet that pop culture shout-outs can move more cheddar (and Cheddar Bay Biscuits) than traditional advertising ever could.

A Kid Buys Valentine’s Day Flowers for Every Girl at His School

A high school senior in Utah became an instant legend after buying Valentine’s Day flowers for every girl in his school – all 834 of them. The grand gesture melted hearts, emptied his wallet, and set an impossibly high bar for teenage romance. Hey, it’s a numbers game, right?

A Lock of John Lennon’s Hair Goes Up for Auction

Described as a “substantial” lock from the mop top’s head, John Lennon’s hair went up for auction and eventually sold for $35,000. It was a reminder that celebrity memorabilia has no limits – and that for the right superfan, owning a literal piece of Beatles history is worth the price of a small sedan.

Bill Murray Tosses Fans’ Phones Off a Rooftop Bar

Bill Murray leaned fully into his chaotic reputation after grabbing fans’ phones and tossing them off a rooftop bar near Pebble Beach Golf Course in California. Witnesses said the “fans” were being annoying. Bill eventually offered to pay for the phones, and that was that.

A Guy in Spain Skipped Work for Six Years Without Getting Caught

A Spanish civil servant successfully skipped work for at least six years while still collecting a paycheck before anyone noticed. He ended up with a ~$30k fine – a small price to pay for internet glory.

Whimsy Is In: Why Everyone’s Googling How to Be More Playful

If one of your 2026 resolutions is to loosen up and just have more fun, you picked a good year for it. According to Google, the internet is having a full-blown whimsy moment.

Searches for the word whimsy are at an all-time high, with phrases like “year of whimsy,” “whimsy goals,” and “how to add more whimsy to your life” climbing the charts.

What is “whimsy”?

The official definition? “Behavior that is unusual, playful, and unpredictable, rather than having any serious reason or purpose behind it.” Translation: doing stuff just because it sparks joy, not because it’s productive.

Social media is feeling very whimsical

TikTok and Instagram are bursting with creators and influencers showing off their most whimsical selves – think cottagecore aesthetics, bubble machines, skipping stones, and painting for no reason other than “it felt right.” One influencer described the lifestyle as a blend of “dilly-dallying” and “farting around.” If that’s not a vibe for 2026, what is?

Why is doing things on a whim so attractive?

The trend seems to be tapping into a broader cultural shift toward more analog living. People are actively spending less time online and more time doing real-life things that aren’t optimized for views or monetized. Whimsy is now being linked to slow living, mindfulness, and just letting yourself be a little weird on purpose.

It’s also giving serious “Word of the Year” energy. “The Huffington Post” is already predicting whimsy could take the crown. And honestly, after years of hustle culture and digital burnout, it makes sense that we’d swing in the opposite direction and romanticize things like twirling in a field or crafting with glitter.

So if you’re feeling the pull to embrace your inner child, go ahead and buy that kite, bake those rainbow cupcakes, or write a haiku about your cat. Whimsy isn’t about results – it’s about the random, delightful detours that make life more fun to live.

Call it silly. Call it impractical. But in 2026, whimsy might just be the sanest trend out there.

@katafairy

2026 is the year of whimsy 🌟🧚🩷 we are bringing back analogue and all the joy and playfulness this year 🙂 welcome to my 2026 ins and outs…and follow for pt 2 with the outs! 🫶 i wanna know how you are adding whimsy to your life in 2026!!! #analog #whimsy #whimsical #2026 #personalgrowth

♬ pretty isnt pretty speed up – lauren

The Best (and Worst) Numbers to Have in Super Bowl Squares

Super Bowl Sunday is the perfect mix of football, commercials, snacks… and quietly taking your friends’ money.

Super Bowl Squares is one of the easiest ways for even non-football fans to have skin in the game, but whether you win or lose (usually) comes down to one thing: the numbers you get stuck with.

How Super Bowl Squares Work (Quick Version)

Buy squares on a 10×10 grid. Once the board fills up, the numbers 0–9 are randomly assigned to each team across the top and side.

At the end of each quarter, the last digit of each team’s score determines the winner.
Example: If it’s 14–6, the 4/6 square wins.

It’s simple, it’s dumb luck… and some squares are way better than others.

Tip for rookies: A legit squares pool doesn’t assign numbers until after the grid is full. If your friend posts a board with the numbers already lined up and in order? Smile politely, then buy as many of these squares as you can afford…

Which Numbers Are Good in General?

Football scoring isn’t random. Touchdowns (7), field goals (3), and missed extra points create patterns – and over decades of NFL games, some last digits show up way more often than others.

The Best: 0, 3, 4, and 7

They’re common endpoints for realistic scores like 14–3, 27–10, or 24–17.

The Worst: 2, 5, 8, and 9

They usually require weird stuff – safeties, missed kicks, or very specific combinations – which means fewer chances to win.

The Five Best Squares You Can Get

0/0, 7/0, 0/7, 0/3, 3/0

If you land one of those, feel free to start trash-talking early. Why? Because 0 and 7 are everywhere in football scoring. A deep dive by The Washington Post found that 0/0 has historically been the single best square overall.

The five worst squares are 2/2, 5/5, 2/5, 5/2, and 8/8. Those digits usually require safeties, missed extra points, or other rare scoring quirks to hit – and needing that chaos from both teams makes these combinations long shots in any pool.

So, 0/0 is the best then? Well, there’s a catch…

Final Score vs. Quarter Payouts

If your pool pays out every quarter, 0/0 is king.

But if the really big money is on the final score (which is common), 7/0 or 0/7 might actually be the best combos to get. Games can’t end in a tie like 20–20, so 0/0 needs something like 20–10 or 30–20 to hit late.

FanDuel clocked the “final score” chances of 0/7 or 7/0 at 7%. Then it’s 0/3 or 3/0 and 4/7 or 7/4 at just under 6%.

A final score of 0/0 ranks 15th with just a 2% chance of hitting.

What About 1 and 6?

They’re… not great.

  • 1 mostly relies on 21 points (three touchdowns) and doesn’t show up often early.
  • 6 is possible early with two quick field goals, but then it’s clunky combinations with specific scoring paths.

Not the worst, but not what you’re hoping for either.

If you do get something ugly, don’t panic. A blocked extra point helped the Chiefs beat the Niners 25–22 in Super Bowl LVIII.

Here’s What You Need in Your Flu Survival Kit

We’re still in the midst of peak flu season… and, as usual it’s turning out to be a bad one. 

To help you deal with it hitting YOUR home (or making another pass), here are five things a pharmacist says you should always have on-hand during flu season:

1.  A thermometer to track your fever.  The pharmacist recommends checking your temperature at least twice a day when you’re sick.

2.  Lots of fluids.  Water is ideal but it’s hard to drink enough when you’re sick.  So you should also have stuff like Gatorade or Pedialyte to help replenish electrolytes. 

3.  A fever and pain reliever, like Tylenol or Motrin.  Just be sure to read the directions for any medicine you use and be especially careful with children.

4.  Medicine for chest congestion… a nasal decongestant for a stuffy nose and sinus pain… and a non-drowsy antihistamine for a runny nose, postnasal drip, or watery eyes.

5.  Finally, some tissues and some disinfecting wipes to stop the spread of germs. 

And since everyone could use a chuckle, here are a few more…

  • A hoodie you can sweat through and still refuse to take off
  • That one mug you only use when you’re sick and dramatic
  • Tissues specifically designed to be placed strategically in every room
  • Soup you don’t even like but insist is “what you’re supposed to eat”
  • A trash can to be placed within arm’s reach at all times, just in case
  • A phone charger long enough to reach wherever you’ve collapsed
  • And the contact information for that one friend who swears honey fixes everything.

People Rated 2025 a 5.3 Out of 10

A poll asked Americans to rate 2025 on a scale of 1 to 10, and the final verdict is about as enthusiastic as a shrug.

The average score for 2025 came in at 5.3 out of 10, which is not terrible, but it is also not something you brag about. It is the rating equivalent of saying, “Yeah, it was… fine.”

In fact, “5” was not just the average, it was the most common response. 20% of people gave 2025 a straight-up 5, the ultimate sign of emotional neutrality. On the extremes, 6% felt bold enough to give the year a perfect 10, while 9% slammed it with a 1. Those people definitely had a year.

Different generations viewed 2025 slightly differently, but no one was exactly thrilled. Gen X was the least impressed, giving the year an average score of 5.1. Millennials landed right at the overall average with a 5.3. Gen Z and Boomers were the most generous, both handing out a 5.4, which is still not exactly fireworks.

What makes this more noticeable is that 2025 took a dip compared to 2024, which scored a slightly healthier 6.1 out of 10. Apparently, whatever optimism we were riding did not quite make it through.

That said, zooming out tells a more hopeful story on a personal level. 69% of people said they felt they developed in some way over the past 12 months. The biggest gains were in personal life improvements, at 59%, followed by mental or emotional growth at 49%.

There was also a solid amount of spiritual growth, with 45% saying they felt stronger in that area, and 33% reporting intellectual growth. So while the year itself was underwhelming, a lot of people were quietly leveling up behind the scenes.

Generational differences really show up here. Gen Z leads the pack, with 75% saying they grew as a person in 2025. Boomers were lowest at 59%, which is still respectable considering they have been doing personal growth since before Gen Z existed.

Gen Z was most likely to say they developed emotionally and intellectually, while Boomers were more likely to feel spiritual growth and improvements in physical health and fitness. Millennials claimed the crown for professional, creative, and artistic development, which tracks for a generation always trying to optimize itself.

And then there is Gen X. According to the poll, they did not particularly excel in any category. Not emotionally, not professionally, not spiritually. Just quietly surviving, as usual.

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

“Resting Bitch Face,” unhealthy salads, and killer Super Bowls. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

You’re More Likely to Die if Your Team Makes the Super Bowl?

A study at Tulane found that football fans 65 and up are 18% more likely to die of the flu if their team makes the big game. Basically, more time spent at parties = more exposure to flu virus. Especially big parties with people you might not see otherwise.

Scientists Figured Out Why People Have “Resting Bitch Face”

A study found “resting bitch face” is caused by subtle facial expressions that signal one specific emotion – contempt. The main factors are slightly squinted eyes and a tiny rise at the corners of the lips, possibly just on one side – but not enough for it to be a “smile.” Also, the term isn’t really fair since it’s equally likely to occur in men and women.

The New McDonald’s Kale Salad Had More Calories Than a Double Big Mac

McDonald’s tried going healthy, but the internet noticed a problem: its kale salad packed more calories than a Double Big Mac – that’s a Big Mac with four patties instead of two. The main culprits were the crispy chicken and sugary dressing. Moral of the story? “Salad” doesn’t always mean “healthy,” especially at a fast-food joint.

Kid Rock Endorses Donald Trump

Kid Rock became one of the first celebs to publicly endorse Donald Trump, praising his outsider status and blunt style. The endorsement fueled debates about celebrity influence in politics and signaled Trump’s growing appeal beyond traditional political circles – especially among outspoken, anti-establishment entertainers.

Internet Hero: A Woman Pulled a Cop Over for Speeding

A woman in Miami went viral after flagging down a cop and pulling him over for allegedly pushing 90 mph for no good reason. Some called her a hero for holding cops accountable; others said she was reckless and naïve. The moment sparked debates about police authority, civilian power, and whether irony should be punishable by law.

Krispy Kreme Race Turns Deadly

A bizarre endurance event turned tragic when a 58-year-old participant died during an annual “Krispy Kreme Challenge” race, where runners eat a dozen donuts and run five miles. He collapsed before the donut-eating part, but the story still raised concerns about extreme novelty races and whether mixing competitive fitness with massive sugar intake is ever a good idea.

Sofia Vergara Said She’d Get a Breast Reduction in 10 Years

Sofia Vergara predicted she’d get a breast reduction in 10 years. A decade later, it’s not clear if that’s ever happened – but no one’s complaining either way.

“The Big Lebowski” Will Never Get a Sequel

Fans hoping for a sequel to “The Big Lebowski” were officially shut down when the Coen Brothers said it wasn’t happening. They felt the cult classic stood on its own. For many fans, it was heartbreaking – but probably what The Dude would’ve wanted.

More People Voted on a Kim Kardashian Twitter Poll Than in the Iowa Caucuses

Kim Kardashian asked her Twitter followers to vote on which name for Kanye’s upcoming album they liked best: “Swish,” “Waves,” or “So Help Me God.” More than 439,000 people voted, and “So Help Me God” won – then he went and named it “The Life of Pablo.”

Meanwhile, 356,000 people voted in the Iowa caucuses. Not an apples to apples comparison, obviously. But it got people groaning about voter turnout and political engagement in general.

An AI Bot to Mess with Telemarketers

An engineer built an AI bot designed to keep telemarketers on the line as long as possible, wasting their time with endless, circular conversations. The project went viral as both comedy and revenge fantasy – and gave the world an early glimpse at how AI could be used for petty, glorious good.

February Is the Month You’re Least Likely to Get in a Fistfight

If you’ve been walking around getting attacked by strangers constantly, this is welcome news.

Statistically speaking, you’re less likely to get punched in the face in February than any other month of the year – and no, it’s not just because it’s the month with the fewest days.

Why we’re less punchy in February

A study of ER visits in the U.K. found that February is the month you’re least likely to eat a knuckle sandwich, and the main reason is… it’s just too cold to fight.

When it’s warm, more folks are out drinking, partying, and generally being morons. In February, it’s just too dark and cold, and everyone’s at home by 6 p.m. Basically, less mingling = fewer fists flying.

Shorter days make a difference too

We’re less likely to be out and about in February simply because it gets dark earlier in the day. (Assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere, that is.)

Sure, the sun sets earlier in November and December, but that’s the holidays… when you’re battling long lines to get that toy your kid must have. Too much time with extended family just has a way of stirring up that desire to fight anyone, over anything, at any time.

When are you most likely to get in a fistfight?

The study found fight-related injuries tend to peak between May and July. The pattern is clear: warm weather is just much more conducive to knock-down, drag-out fights.

So, watch your back come summer. That idiot you had words with at the bar or in the grocery store checkout lane? They will be waiting for you in the parking lot… as soon as they know they won’t freeze to death out there.

The Most Popular Things to Eat After You’ve Been Dumped

Breakups hurt… but ice cream helps. Especially in Rhode Island.

If your New Year’s resolution involved giving up chocolate, carbs, or joy in general, here is a heads-up: a breakup will absolutely wreck that plan. When hearts get broken, people are not exactly reaching for a garden salad and calling it self-care.

The dating and relationship site LoveLifeAcademy.com dug into search data to figure out what Americans crave most after a breakup, and the results are about as comforting, indulgent, and carb-heavy as you would expect. (Because sadness burns a lot of emotional calories!)

The idea is simple. When relationships fall apart, we treat ourselves. And judging by the data, we treat ourselves with burgers, cheese, chocolate, and just about anything that pairs well with sweatpants and bad decisions.

Here is how breakup food cravings shake out across the map.

In South Dakota, burgers are the number one “breakup food.” Cake dominates in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Virginia, while candy takes the crown in Hawaii and Kentucky. In colder states like Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming, chicken noodle soup is the breakup MVP, which feels equal parts sad and wholesome.

Chocolate is Pennsylvania’s go-to emotional support food, while Iowa and Missouri turn straight to cookie dough. Utah and Washington want cookies, Maryland through D.C. opt for cupcakes, and Oklahoma and Arkansas are apparently pounding donuts through the pain.

Grilled cheese reigns supreme in Midwestern states like Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. (Or “toasted cheese” as my Midwestern parents called it.) Mac and cheese takes over in Maine and New Hampshire, while pizza is the breakup food of choice in Connecticut and Massachusetts, which feels aggressively on brand.

Then there are the standouts. Nevada goes all-in on french fries. Delaware wants french toast. North Dakota and Vermont reach for garlic bread, which honestly might be the most emotionally honest choice on the list.

Ice cream only officially tops the list in Rhode Island, but let’s be real, it is probably sneaking into everyone else’s searches too. Milkshakes dominate across much of the Southeast, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, proving that nothing soothes heartbreak quite like dairy-based denial.

And finally, tacos take the top spot in Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. Congratulations to those states for clearly understanding that tacos are always the antidote, even when love fails.

Breakups are rough, and Americans cope by eating their feelings, one comforting bite at a time. If that means abandoning resolutions temporarily, so be it. Healing takes time, and sometimes it takes garlic bread.

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