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.

Here’s How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions Past January

So, how’s that “New Year, New Me” thing going? Still journaling daily? Crushing it at the gym? If not, don’t worry—you’re in excellent company.

According to Forbes, only about 1% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions all the way through the year. And it’s not because we’re lazy or doomed to fail. It’s mostly because we approach resolutions like they’re one giant, dramatic life overhaul rather than a series of tiny, manageable tweaks.

The key to keeping your goals alive in 2026? Ditch the hype and embrace the hack. Here are five science-backed, sanity-friendly strategies to help your resolutions stick:

1. Get specific—and lower the bar.

“I want to get fit” is noble, but vague. “I’ll take a 10-minute walk after work” is way more doable. Start with micro-goals. They add up, and the small wins feel good.

2. Build habits into routines, not moods.

Motivation is flaky. Habits are reliable. Instead of waiting to “feel inspired,” try this: After you press the coffee maker, do five squats. Your caffeine habit becomes your cue.

3. Plan for bad days.

Life happens. Missed your full workout? Do a two-minute stretch instead. Forgot to journal? Jot one sentence. Progress doesn’t require perfection.

4. Track it—and tell someone.

There’s real power in accountability. When you track your wins and share them (even just with one trusted friend), you’re more likely to keep going. We’re wired to want gold stars.

5. Test drive big changes.

Before you quit your job to become a goat yoga instructor, try shadowing someone in the field or taking a weekend course. Small experiments can lead to big decisions—with less regret.

In short, success isn’t about willpower. It’s about design. So instead of aiming for a perfect year, aim for one where you keep getting back on track—no matter how many times you fall off. That’s the real win.

Happy 2026. Let’s keep those goals going longer than a Shamrock Shake.

How Do We *Still* Not Have a Great Hangover Cure?

It seems like everyone has a DIY hangover cure… that DOESN’T work.

Stuff like:  Downing glasses of water… using activated charcoal… drinking pickle juice… and rubbing lemon slices under your armpits.

Researchers in the U.K. have released a comprehensive review of hangover “cures,” and it has concluded that… nothing works.  So yes, we’re already a quarter of the way through the 21st Century, and science has failed to deliver ANYTHING.

The review included clinical trials on dozens of supposed remedies… including curcumin, red ginseng, probiotics, artichoke extract, and pear juice… and nothing helped.  At least not consistently.

The researchers also dismissed a lot of flawed experiments in the past… saying there’s “a limited number of poor quality research studies [examining] hangovers.”

In fact, only three things showed enough promise for continued study:  Clove extract… tolfenamic acid, which is a painkiller available in the U.K…. and Vitamin B.  Specifically that would be a synthetic version of Vitamin B6.

If YOU discovered something that YOU think works during this holiday season, please go on TikTok and… well.. I guess join the choir, and hopefully science finds you and tests your theory.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Jan 4-10

Sean Penn chills with a drug lord, Ricky Gervais roasts Mel Gibson, and Ziggy Stardust returns to the stars. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

David Bowie Passes Away at 69

The world lost a legend on January 10, 2016, when David Bowie passed away at 69 after a private battle with cancer. The music icon had just released his final album Blackstar two days earlier, making the news feel like a surreal and devastating final act.

Sean Penn’s Secret El Chapo Interview

In one of the most bizarre celebrity-meets-crime stories ever, Rolling Stone revealed Sean Penn had secretly interviewed notorious drug lord El Chapo while he was on the run. The meeting supposedly helped Mexican authorities track the kingpin down.

Ricky Gervais Roasts Mel Gibson at the Golden Globes

Ricky Gervais hosted the Golden Globes again in 2016 and didn’t hold back. He roasted Mel Gibson to his face, poking fun at Gibson’s past scandals. Meanwhile, The Revenant won Best Drama, and The Martian confusingly won Best Comedy.

Is the New Year’s Eve Ball in Times Square Racist?

The team behing the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball’s official Twitter account apologized after tweeting “#BallLivesMatter” on New Year’s – a play on the Black Lives Matter movement. Critics slammed it as tone-deaf, while others chalked it up to a silly attempt at puns. The tweet was deleted quickly.

George R.R. Martin Delays Next Book

Just in time to crush fans’ New Year optimism, George R.R. Martin confirmed he wouldn’t finish The Winds of Winter before Game of Thrones Season 6 aired. A decade later, the book still isn’t out, and fans are still not okay.

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2016

Fandango’s annual hype list for 2016 was packed with blockbusters. The top picks included Batman v Superman, Captain America: Civil War, and Rogue One, kicking off a massive year for superhero and sci-fi fans.

“The Force Awakens” Breaks U.S. Box Office Record

Star Wars: The Force Awakens officially became the highest-grossing film ever in the U.S. in January 2016, passing Avatar. It was a nostalgic mega-hit that brought back Han, Leia, and Chewie while launching a new trilogy. It still holds the record a decade later.

Sylvester Stallone Says He’s Done with Rambo (Spoiler: He Wasn’t)

In 2016, Sly Stallone claimed he was hanging up Rambo’s headband for good, telling Variety, “The heart’s willing, but the body says, ‘Stay home!'” That didn’t last – he returned for Rambo: Last Blood in 2019, proving you can’t keep a good action hero down.

Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza Head to Cooperstown

Baseball legends Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza were elected to the Hall of Fame. Griffey made history with the highest voting percentage ever at the time, receiving 437 of 440 votes (99.3%).

Science Debunks the “Mommy Kiss Fixes Boo-Boos” Myth

A study confirmed what skeptical toddlers suspected: a kiss from mom doesn’t medically help a scraped knee. Still, science can’t measure the magic of comfort, so moms everywhere carried on smooching boo-boos anyway.

The Best Things to Do in the World in 2026

If your 2026 travel goals are still wide open, buckle up: the world is brimming with jaw-dropping experiences next year. From skywatching in Iceland to ziplining in ancient forests and checking out wild immersive museums, there are more than a few reasons to start hoarding vacation days now.

We’re talking about sleepovers in sculpture parks, futuristic air taxis, e-bike adventures along the Nile, and a Pokémon theme park (finally!). Whether you’re a hardcore culture vulture or just looking for the next place to post up and vibe, here’s your ultimate bucket list for 2026.

1. Watch Paris get turned into a giant art installation.
From June 6 to 28, the Pont Neuf bridge will transform into a towering cave-like sculpture courtesy of artist JR. Think ancient quarry meets urban artwork. It’s free, it’s weird, and it’s extremely Instagrammable.

2. Party in the dark in Iceland.
Literally. The Iceland Eclipse Festival (Aug 12–15) celebrates a total solar eclipse with music, art, and tech under two minutes of complete darkness. Only 3,333 tickets available, so this is one for the bucket list and bragging rights.

3. Explore Frida Kahlo’s family home.
Mexico City just got even more magical with the new Museo Casa Kahlo, filled with Frida’s personal items and rotating exhibits. It’s just down the street from Casa Azul, so why not do both?

4. Zipline over a rainforest in Australia.
At Lamington National Park’s new Happitat Adventure Park, you can soar 400 meters above the trees or challenge yourself on a Via Ferrata course.

5. Join the Tomorrowland party in Thailand.
One of the world’s biggest EDM festivals lands in Asia for the first time in 2026. Expect lasers, world-class DJs, and a million people dancing in the jungle.

6. Ride through the Canadian Rockies on a luxury train.
The Rocky Mountaineer’s new “Passage to the Peaks” route is dropping in June and July with stops in Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise.

7. Swim with sperm whales in Dominica.
The island is opening the world’s first sperm whale reserve. Bring a snorkel and a sense of awe.

8. Step into a real-life magic mansion in Chicago.
The Hand & The Eye, opening in the renovated McCormick Mansion, blends illusions, secret doors, and magical lounges.

9. Hike the entire coast of England.
The King Charles III Coastal Path finally opens, making it the longest managed coastal trail in the world at over 2,600 miles.

10. Stargaze in Denmark at the world’s largest Skyspace.
James Turrell’s monumental dome near the ARoS Art Museum in Aarhus opens June 19, offering a meditative look at the sky like you’ve never seen before.

11. Take a reading-themed trip to Morocco.
Rabat becomes UNESCO’s World Book Capital in 2026 with literary marathons, festivals, and the grand opening of the Zaha Hadid-designed Royal Theatre.

12. Celebrate 100 years of Route 66.
The “Mother Road” turns a century old, and towns along the way are planning rallies, festivals, and a whole lot of nostalgia.

13. Tour Egypt’s Nile by boat and e-bike.
Boat Bike Tours offers a unique way to explore ancient lands in luxury and sustainability, with limited departures in February.

14. Travel back in time in Kyoto.
Uzumasa Kyoto Village reopens as an Edo-period theme park and interactive movie set.

15. Visit an art gallery where you can also do your laundry.
Seriously. The Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney now includes a recording studio, monkey bars, and vintage washing machines.

16. Dance to R&B on the beach in South Africa.
Afro Nation launches WAV Festival in Cape Town on Jan 2, dedicated entirely to R&B vibes.

17. Explore train stations turned museums in Istanbul.
Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci stations are getting major glow-ups, with gardens, exhibitions, and even an ancient city hidden beneath.

18. Live out your Pokémon dreams in Tokyo.
PokéPark KANTO opens in Tama Hills with two zones and over 600 Pokémon to interact with.

19. Sleep inside a sculpture park in Brazil.
The Inhotim Institute now has a luxury hotel so you can snooze right next to giant outdoor installations.

20. Experience George Lucas’s wild new museum in LA.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will showcase storytelling in every form, from Frida Kahlo to Star Wars props.

21. Walk across South Korea in 50 days.
The new Dongseo Trail stretches coast to coast through mountains, forests, and rural villages.

22. Get inspired in Abu Dhabi’s two new mega-museums.
The Zayed National Museum is now open, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is on deck for late 2026.

23. Lose yourself in immersive art in Germany.
TeamLab’s new digital art museum opens in Hamburg, blending tech and trippy visuals across 26,000 square meters.

24. Eat and dance at Stockholm’s coolest queer space.
House of Q is an LGBTQ+ cultural hub opening in a converted industrial space in 2026.

25. Catch an air taxi in Dubai.
Electric air taxis capable of hitting 320 km/h will soon lift off from Dubai’s first “vertiport.”

26. Feast at new Time Out Markets in Vancouver and Abu Dhabi.
Canada’s second Time Out Market lands in Vancouver, and Abu Dhabi’s version comes complete with food, culture, and entertainment.

Ready to hit book now yet?

You Might Be Washing Your Clothes All Wrong

If you’re still washing your clothes on hot for every load, it might be time for a chill pill—literally.

According to Consumer Reports, cold water might just be the hero your laundry (and wallet) needs. It turns out, modern detergents are built differently these days. The enzymes they use are actually designed to work better in cold water, not hot.

So if you’re worried that cold water won’t get your clothes clean, the science says otherwise. Plus, washing with cold can save energy and help your favorite hoodie last longer. It’s a win-win, unless you’re emotionally attached to your electric bill being sky-high.

Here are a few more cold, hard facts:

  • Cold water protects delicates like lace, silk, and anything you’d cry over if it shrunk.
  • It keeps dark colors from fading or bleeding. No more accidental tie-dye surprises.
  • And perhaps most importantly, it won’t “cook” protein stains like milk or blood into your clothes, which hot water can sometimes do.

Oh, and remember how your washer uses electricity? Almost all of that power goes toward heating the water.

So using cold can help you save cash, lower your carbon footprint, and maybe even earn a smug little eco-friendly grin in the process.

That said, hot water isn’t totally canceled. It still has its place, especially if you’re dealing with greasy messes, sweaty gym clothes, or nylon and polyester fabrics that respond better to a little heat. Sheets and towels after a flu bug? Yeah, go ahead and nuke those germs.

One little caveat: If it’s freezing outside—like, under 40 degrees—the “cold” water coming into your machine might be too cold for your detergent to work properly. In that case, lukewarm might be your best bet. Or at least check the detergent label to see what it recommends.

Bottom line? Hot isn’t always better. These days, cold is cool—for your clothes, your budget, and the planet.

Exercise and Happiness Are the Top 2026 New Year’s Resolutions

If you are already thinking about New Year’s resolutions for 2026, you are definitely not alone.

A new poll suggests many Americans are keeping things simple this time around, focusing less on ultra-specific goals and more on broad, feel-good intentions. And honestly, that approach might finally give people a fighting chance.

According to the survey, one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2026 is simply being happier.

No rigid rules, no complicated systems, just a general desire to feel better about life. Vague? Sure. But also refreshingly realistic.

The poll looked at 25 common resolutions and asked people which ones they plan to prioritize as the new year approaches. The results were familiar, with health, money, and self-improvement once again dominating the list.

Here are the Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2026:

  1. Exercise more
  2. Be happier
  3. Eat healthier
  4. Save money
  5. Improve overall physical health
  6. Lose weight
  7. Improve mental health
  8. Learn new things
  9. Spend more time with family
  10. Read more books

What stands out is how broad many of these goals are. Instead of “lose 20 pounds by March” or “go to the gym five days a week,” people are leaning toward resolutions that leave room for real life. Experts often say flexible goals can actually be easier to stick with, because they do not feel like an all-or-nothing commitment.

Only about one-third of adults say they plan to make a New Year’s resolution this year. But among those who do, nearly 89% believe they will follow through. History suggests that confidence may be a little optimistic, but starting the year believing things will go well is not the worst mindset.

At the very least, the message is clear. Heading into 2026, many of us want healthier habits, less stress, and a little more happiness overall. And if your resolution is simply to feel better than you did last year, that might be the most achievable goal of all.

Midnight?! 44% Will Snore Their Way Into 2026

If you’re the type who likes to start the New Year well-rested instead of wildly hungover, you are absolutely not alone.

Staying up until midnight on New Year’s Eve used to feel like a sacred tradition. The countdown, the champagne, the awkward kiss at 12:01. But for nearly half of Americans, that whole vibe is officially getting… snoozed.

44% won’t stay up for it

A poll by AP-NORC found 44% of people plan to be asleep when 2025 turns into 2026. No fireworks, no toast, no “Auld Lang Syne.” Just a nice, peaceful doze under a weighted blanket while the rest of the world yells “Happy New Year” at their TVs. And honestly, can you blame them?

January 1st is a work day for some

New Year’s Eve falls on a Thursday in 2025, which means Friday is still a workday for many – and nursing a headache the size of Times Square isn’t a great way to start the year fresh.

Some time zones have it easier

West Coasters have an easy out. They can catch the New York ball drop at 9 p.m. Pacific, do a quick celebratory cheer, then dive into bed before East Coasters even finish that glass of champagne. (Is watching a replay three hours later even worth it anyway?)

Most of us do still care

The fact that over half of us plan to stay up until the wee hours means New Year’s celebrations are still alive and well. The midnight countdown isn’t going extinct anytime soon – maybe just evolving. For some, the New Year starts with fireworks. For others, a solid eight hours of sleep and maybe a smoothie the next morning.

That said, health-conscious Gen Z is more apt to sip a mocktail than take a tug on a bottle of champagne. And once you’re over 50, it can take more than a calendar flip to muster that much enthusiasm.

New Year’s Eve is still a big night either way… some of us just celebrate with less glitter and more melatonin.

Rich People Are Shockingly Good at Stealing from Self-Checkout

Have you ever had a self-checkout screen ask for a quantity, then looked at your bag of avocados, and thought, “Eh, ‘four.’ Close enough”?

Turns out a lot of people do exactly that, but here’s the twist: it is not the people struggling the most who are doing it. It is the people who definitely can afford the avocados.

A new report found that 27% of Americans admit they have intentionally skipped scanning an item at self-checkout. But when you break it down by income, the numbers get funnier and also slightly villainous.

Among households earning $100,000 or more, a full 40% admit they have stolen something at least once. That number drops to 27% for people making between $50,000 and $99,000. And only 17% of people making under $50,000 say they have done it.

So basically, the more money you have, the more likely you are to commit a misdemeanor over a bag of grapes.

This survey relies entirely on self-reporting, so it is possible rich people believe it’s less of a big deal. There is also no distinction between people who have done it once and people who treat self-checkout like an all-you-can-steal buffet.

The demographic split is just as wild. Men admit to cheating the system at a rate of 38%, compared to just 16% of women. Millennials are the boldest at 41%, closely followed by Gen Z at 37%. Gen X sits at 24%, and Boomers are basically saints with only 2% admitting they have done it.

Parents with young kids at home? Oh, they are absolutely stealing snacks. A giant 44% admit to it, compared to 7% of parents with adult kids and 19% of people without kids.

So why are people risking legal trouble over a $3 item?

The thieves were given 10 reasons to choose from, and the top answer was the economy. People said they are having trouble affording essentials because of “the current financial climate.” Next was frustration with recent price increases, followed by the general vibe of “prices feel unfair.”

After that, the excuses get a little philosophical. Some say self-checkout is essentially unpaid labor, so taking something small feels like compensation. Others think big stores are so profitable that the harm is minimal. And of course, plenty of people admit they steal because the chance of being caught is low.

17% of people justify stealing because there are long lines.

And 14% say they feel justified because they have been falsely accused of shoplifting before, which is… quite a plot twist.

So the next time you are at self-checkout and the machine says “unexpected item in the bagging area,” just know it is probably referring to someone’s conscience.

Survey Says: People Are Secretly Over a Lot of Christmas Traditions

The holiday season may look magical on Instagram, but in real life, not every Christmas tradition feels like a warm mug of cocoa. A survey dug into which traditions people are still excited about, which ones they tolerate, and which ones they quietly wish would be banished to the North Pole. It gathered thousands of responses, giving us a surprisingly honest look at how people REALLY feel about holiday rituals. If you need proof that holiday burnout is a thing, well, here it is.

So, what are people still gung-ho about?

Secret Santa surprisingly takes the top spot, with 54% of respondents saying they’re still into it. Maybe it’s the thrill of trying to guess which coworker bought you a mug shaped like a reindeer. Or maybe it’s the $20 limit that keeps things from getting too awkward.

Snow came in at 42%, which makes sense. Snow is beautiful in movies and on postcards, and slightly less delightful when it’s blocking your driveway.

A solid 41% insist that all presents must be opened on Christmas Day, no exceptions. This rule is beloved by traditionalists and feared by anyone who travels between multiple households and ends up opening gifts in the back seat of a car.

Christmas entertainment holds steady. Christmas music, Christmas movies, and Christmas carols all hover in the low 40s and 30s. Apparently there are still plenty of people who will listen to Mariah Carey voluntarily and even leave the house to sing about figgy pudding.

Decorations also make the list, though only 29% are still truly enthusiastic about decking the halls. Hosting Christmas parties isn’t wildly popular either, with 27% saying they’re up for it. That number feels right, considering hosting means cleaning, cooking, and pretending not to notice when someone uses your good hand towels.

Then there’s the spicy category: 26% of respondents say they’re legitimately offended if someone doesn’t like Christmas. Not “bummed,” but offended. Good luck to the polite introverts trying to navigate that one.

Ugly Christmas sweaters still have fans at 25%, tied with baking cookies. Honestly, both traditions have the same vibe: fun, cute, and slightly messy.

Some traditions ranked much lower. Only 21% of people want the tree up before Thanksgiving. And Christmas family photos? Just 14% are really into those, which tracks considering how many of them end in tears, bribery, or matching plaid pajamas no one wanted.

Finally, only 11% of people make their own Christmas cards, which raises the question: Who ARE these people, and what kind of free time do they have?

If nothing else, this survey proves that even the most beloved holiday rituals can get a little . . . complicated. But whether you’re team “let’s do everything” or team “how about we just chill,” at least you can rest easy knowing you’re not the only one feeling that holiday fatigue creeping in.

The Most Popular Christmas Present Hiding Spot Is… the First Place Kids Look

If you’re a parent, it may seem like you could hide your kids’ presents INSIDE THE WALLS… and you’d still come home to see they’d sawed through the drywall to sneak a peek. 

So maybe THIS is just admitting defeat:

According to a survey, the most popular place to hide Christmas gifts is: In a bedroom closet… the first place kids look is: In a bedroom closet… and the place where gifts are most commonly found is: Yep, a bedroom closet.

The second most-popular hiding spot is a spare room, followed by a coat closet… under the bed… the trunk of the car… a spare drawer or cabinet… the basement… the garage… and the attic.

Some tougher spots for them to investigate include:  Another person’s house… “outside,” whatever that means… a shed… and a storage unit.

50% of people say they’ve had gifts they hid get found, while 50% claim they’ve been SUCCESSFUL at hiding gifts.  Or maybe, they just haven’t found out that their hiding spot has been breached.

And now, just for fun, here’s a playful list of:

Failproof Ways to Keep Your Kids’ Christmas Present Hidden

  • Bury it under vegetables.  Trust me, your kid won’t go near it.
  • Put it in a fancy vase and claim it’s Nana’s ashes.  Hey, it works with your weed.
  • Make a deal with your neighbor that if he keeps it at his house, you won’t tell the rest of the street about that time you got his copy of “Amish Butter Churners Gone Wild” in the mail.
  • Don’t buy it until December 25th.  As long as what your kid wants for Christmas is a gift card to 7/11.
  • Store it in the same apartment that keeps your boyfriend hidden from your husband.
  • Put it behind that fake rock for your house key… that everyone knows is a fake rock for your house key.
  • Continue hiding it in your bedroom closet.  But lower your kid’s Ritalin dosage so he’s too unfocused to hunt for it.
  • Just give your kid the Christmas present she deserves: nothing.  Problem solved.
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