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PETA Wants Alice in Chains to Become “Betty in Chains” for a Circus Elephant

PETA is back with another headline grabbing campaign, and this time they’re aiming it squarely at the grunge legends of Seattle.

The animal rights group has asked Alice in Chains to temporarily change their name to Betty in Chains for one month. The goal is to use the band’s iconic branding to spotlight a 56 year old circus elephant named Betty, who PETA says has spent virtually her entire life, quote, “literally in chains.”

If you’re wondering why this is blowing up, here are the basics. Betty has been performing with the Carden Circus for more than 50 years. According to PETA, she’s taken part in roughly 300 circus shows each year, and they’re calling her the “world’s most depressed elephant.” That phrase alone has been enough to launch a wave of online sympathy for her situation, along with plenty of frustration aimed at the circus industry in general.

An elephant expert recently examined Betty and delivered a grim warning. They believe she is at risk of a fatal collapse if she isn’t immediately retired to a legitimate sanctuary.

That expert opinion forms the backbone of PETA’s request to Alice in Chains. In their letter to the band, they argue that a temporary name change would help “amplify her story to millions” and could “change the course of history for all animals used in circuses.”

The idea of a rock band adjusting its name for a cause isn’t entirely unheard of, and PETA has a long track record of using celebrity partnerships to raise attention. But the internet reaction has been split in classic social media fashion. Some fans think it’s a clever way to use the band’s influence for good. Others think it feels like a publicity stunt that puts the spotlight on the band more than the issue itself. And of course, plenty of people are jokingly pitching alternate names that range from charming to absolutely unprintable.

As of last night, Alice in Chains hasn’t responded. No statement, no joke, no “Betty in Chains” merch drop, nothing. Fans are watching closely though, because even a simple comment from the group would supercharge the attention on Betty’s situation.

No matter what the band decides, the campaign has already sparked fresh conversation about the treatment of circus animals and the push to retire aging performers to sanctuaries. And for Betty, even that spotlight might be the start of a very different final chapter.

Oxford’s 2025 Word of the Year Is “Rage Bait”

Oxford English Dictionary just dropped its Word of the Year, and by definition, it’s infuriating.

If you’ve spent more than 10 seconds on any social media app or news site (or in the comments section of either), you’ve experienced it: rage bait.

What is “rage bait”?

Oxford’s definition is “online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative, or offensive, typically posted in order to increase traffic to or engagement with a particular web page or social media account.” In other words, it’s the reason you can’t scroll through your feed for five minutes without wanting to throw your phone into the sea.

An old term that got trendy

Oxford says use of the term “rage bait” tripled in 2025 even though it’s not exactly new. The first known use dates all the way back to 2002, when someone used it on an internet forum to describe the pure fury of getting tailgated on the highway. That’s right, rage bait existed before Twitter, TikTok, or even Facebook – it just used to happen in traffic instead of on your For You page.

The announcement is rage bait for grammar nerds

Funny enough, the selection of “rage bait” itself has some people enraged. Grammar sticklers are melting down over the fact that Oxford’s “word” of the year is technically two words. (You can almost hear the collective sound of a thousand red pens snapping in half.)

We only have ourselves to blame

Rage bait exists because it works. Social media algorithms thrive on outrage, and nothing spreads faster than a post that makes you mad enough to comment, “You’re an idiot” or “This is why society is doomed.”

Oxford’s team says they chose “rage bait” because it perfectly captures “the public mood and online discourse” this year – which, let’s be honest, has been a chaotic mix of dunking, doomscrolling, and deep sighs.

So the next time you’re tempted to click on a headline that makes your blood pressure spike, remember… “It’s a trap!“

Variety’s Top 20 Comedy Movies Spark Outrage After “Airplane!” Lands at #62

If you want to start a fight in a group chat, just ask everyone to name the greatest comedy movie of all time.

Variety apparently did exactly that, then poured gasoline on the internet by ranking Airplane! at a criminally low #62. Sixty. Two. At that point, why even make a list? But hey, their Top 20 still gives plenty to argue about, especially if you’re into classic comedies, cult favorites, or movies your parents insist “you just had to be there” to appreciate.

For anyone Googling best comedy movies, top comedy films ever, or funniest movies of all time, here’s what Variety says belongs at the top of the pile.

Their number one pick is The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! and honestly, that’s a choice with big goofy energy.

Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan genius absolutely deserves recognition, even if we can debate whether it’s the single greatest comedy ever made. Right behind it is Some Like It Hot, the 1959 classic that’s still quoted, referenced, and studied today. Billy Wilder fans are celebrating, teenagers everywhere are shrugging, and film professors are pumping their fists in victory.

Meanwhile, Annie Hall sits at #3, followed by The Great Dictator at #4, proving the list leans heavily on iconic, influential films, not just the ones that make you spit out your drink laughing. By the time you hit the middle of the Top 10, the list really starts to feel like a comedy hall of fame: Waiting for Guffman, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Duck Soup, Fargo, Young Frankenstein, and Groundhog Day. This is basically the comedy starter pack for anyone who wants to pretend they’re serious about cinema.

Spot #11 goes to Buster Keaton’s silent-era masterpiece Sherlock Jr., which probably delighted exactly three cinephiles while confusing everyone who just wanted to know where Step Brothers is.

Tootsie, Dr. Strangelove, and Sideways follow, giving the list a nice mix of satire, character comedy, and movies your dad quotes annually.

Then you get deep cuts like Playtime and His Girl Friday, plus cult classics like The Heartbreak Kid and mockumentary legend This Is Spinal Tap. Rounding it out are It Happened One Night and Superbad, the lone modern teen comedy in the Top 20, representing an entire generation that believes McLovin is basically Shakespeare.

Is this list perfect? Absolutely not. Is ranking Airplane! outside the Top 10 a cinematic crime? Yes. Should we still enjoy arguing about it? Always.

Here’s the full Top 20 according to Variety:

  1. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
  2. Some Like It Hot (1959)
  3. Annie Hall (1977)
  4. The Great Dictator (1940)
  5. Waiting for Guffman (1996)
  6. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
  7. Duck Soup (1933)
  8. Fargo (1996)
  9. Young Frankenstein (1974)
  10. Groundhog Day (1993)
  11. Sherlock Jr. (1924)
  12. Tootsie (1982)
  13. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
  14. Sideways (2004)
  15. Playtime (1967)
  16. His Girl Friday (1940)
  17. The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
  18. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
  19. It Happened One Night (1934)
  20. Superbad (2007)

Feel free to yell your disagreements into the void. Variety probably can’t hear you over the sound of all that chaos they just caused.

Six Things to Never Leave in Your Car When It’s Freezing

You’d never leave a gallon of milk in your trunk during a July heatwave, right? Well, winter has its own set of car-destroying, mess-making, regret-inducing mistakes.

Leaving the wrong stuff in your car when it’s below freezing can be just as bad – or worse – than when it’s too hot. If your car turns into an accidental walk-in freezer, bad things happen.

Here are six things you should never leave in your car when it’s below freezing.

Aerosol Cans

You know those cans of hairspray, deodorant, or air freshener rolling around your trunk? Yeah, they’re basically little pressurized time bombs in cold weather. Extreme temps can make them explode. Nothing says “good morning” like a can of Febreze blowing up in your backseat.

Canned Food

Bring those groceries in asap! Freezing temps can make the food inside expand, which can cause tiny cracks or even cause the can to swell. That’s how bacteria sneaks in and ruins Taco Tuesday. The USDA says if it looks swollen, toss it. If it doesn’t look swollen, maybe still toss it. Just don’t trust a cold can.

Eggs

Yes, eggs freeze. And no, they don’t bounce back from it. If you leave them in the car after a grocery run and they freeze and crack, they’re no longer safe to eat. Also, egg goo in your back seat is no fun at all.

Electronics

Phones, tablets, laptops – basically your entire digital life – is not a fan of the freeze. Cold weather can make batteries act weird, screens go wonky, and when they warm back up, condensation inside can fry them. So unless you want your iPad to become a very flat, very useless ice cube, bring it in.

Medication

Some medications, like insulin, can become unstable or even useless if they freeze. The rule of thumb with any frozen meds is: don’t guess, just toss – or talk to your pharmacist before you end up with more problems than you started with.

Loved Ones

This should go without saying, but just in case: don’t leave pets, kids, or anyone else in a freezing car, even for “just a sec.” If the idea of sitting in an ice-cold vehicle makes you miserable, don’t subject Grandma or the golden retriever to it. Your car turns into a walk-in freezer with seatbelts faster than you think.

This Guy’s “Insane” Pizza Order for His Pregnant Wife Is Going Viral

If you’ve ever placed a food delivery order that made you quietly pray the restaurant staff wouldn’t judge you, congratulations, you officially have something in common with the internet’s new hero.

A wildly complicated pizza order is blowing up online, and people cannot get over how many toppings one man stacked onto a single pie to satisfy his very pregnant wife.

And honestly, pregnancy cravings and wild food orders are basically SEO gold, so it makes sense this one took off.

The order went to a pizza shop that kindly shared the details, and it reads like a full grocery list stuck to a single crust. It started innocently enough: one large hand-tossed pizza. Then came the requests, and buckle up, because this thing had more parts than a tax return.

Triple pepperoni. Extra cheese. Banana peppers. Light jalapenos. Half chicken. Half mushrooms. Half caramelized onions. Half olives. And light sauce.

Yes, that’s nine separate customizations. And only some of them had halves specified, which raises the question every pizza worker would be afraid to ask: which half gets what? Are all the “halves” stacked on one chaotic side, like a mini doomsday casserole? Does each topping get its own quadrant? We may never know.

But the best part of the whole situation was the customer’s note, which instantly certified him as both a loving husband and a man on the brink:

“Yes, I know this looks insane, and you’re probably like who is this dude? I have a very pregnant wife. I’m done questioning what she wants. I’m scared of her, and honestly you should be too. Thank you and godspeed.”

If you’ve ever brought home the wrong snack to a pregnant partner, you understand this man’s journey. He’s not ordering pizza. He’s navigating diplomacy.

Sadly, the worker didn’t include a photo of the final product, so the world will never witness this Frankenstein pizza in all its glory. We also don’t know the final price. The receipt floating around shows $17.99, but that’s almost certainly just the base price, not the “I need hazard pay for assembling this” total.

This Is the Best Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in the Winter

(And before you say anything, we know it’s not technically “winter“, but it’s December and cold mostly everywhere soooooo.)

If you’re constantly arguing with your partner, roommate, or pet about how warm (or not) the house should be in winter, our government has entered the chat—and they’ve got a magic number for you.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal indoor temperature during the colder months—when you’re awake and at home. If you’re sleeping or out running errands, they suggest turning it down even lower.

Although shouldn’t they have said 67? Think of all the jokes your kids would make!

This recommendation isn’t just about comfort. It’s about saving money and energy, both of which are in short supply during peak heating season. And with electricity prices up more than 41% since 2020, that dial on your thermostat now controls more than just the temperature—it’s also managing your bank account.

Here’s something that might surprise you:

Keeping your thermostat set to a lower temperature doesn’t just reduce your energy use—it actually slows down heat loss from your home. In other words, the cooler your home is, the more heat it retains.

Science wins again.

So why is 68 degrees the golden number? It strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency. If you’re bundled up in cozy socks, a hoodie, and maybe a throw blanket or two, 68 won’t feel like the Arctic. But your heating system won’t have to work as hard, and your energy bill might actually give you a break.

If you’re one of those people who immediately cranks the heat at the first sign of a cold snap, this might be your sign to chill—literally and financially.

And hey, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Layer up, invest in some fuzzy slippers, and maybe bake some cookies (you know, for warmth). You’ll stay toasty while your furnace takes a breather.

What temp do you keep your house at in the winter? Asking for our energy bill.

10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Nov 30-Dec 6

Scott Weiland passes away, a big Salvation Army donation, and an unwanted “Bud Weisser” at Budweiser. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

The Top Yahoo Searches of 2015

The top search on Yahoo in 2015 was “Bobbi Kristina Brown” after she tragically passed away that July. Other top searches included “iPhone,” “Caitlyn Jenner,” “Katy Perry’s Super Bowl Halftime sharks,” and the term “man bun.” (Also of note: People were still using Yahoo back then.)

Scott Weiland Is Found Dead on His Tour Bus

Tragic news hit rock fans in early December 2015 when the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman was found dead on his tour bus. The 48-year-old’s long battle with addiction cast a shadow over his career, but his voice defined an era of ‘90s alt-rock.

Someone Left a Check for Half-a-Million Dollars in a Salvation Army Kettle

Talk about holiday spirit! A Salvation Army worker in Minnesota opened a red kettle to find a $500,000 cashier’s check inside. The anonymous couple instantly made it one of the largest single kettle donations ever.

The Most Streamed Artists on Spotify in 2015

Spotify crowned Drake the most-streamed artist of 2015, with over 1.8 billion streams. The top female artist was Rihanna, the #1 song was “Lean On” by Major Lazer, and the top-streamed album was “Beauty Behind the Madness” by The Weeknd.

Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Songs of 2015

“Rolling Stone” released its Top 50 Songs of the year, with “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd taking the top spot, followed by “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap and “Hotline Bling” by Drake.

“Bud Weisser” Caught Trespassing at Budweiser Brewery

You can’t make this up: 19-year-old Bud Weisser was arrested for trespassing at a Budweiser brewery in St. Louis. Police said he refused to leave – perhaps feeling entitled by name alone. Internet headline writers thanked him for the gift.

Baby Names Inspired by Instagram Filters and “Empire” Characters

BabyCenter.com released a report on baby naming trends for 2015. Some of the trendiest names were based on Instagram filters like Lux and Valencia,“Empire” characters like Dre and Lucious, and royalty like Duchess and Sultan.

“Boomerang Gifts” Go Viral

A “boomerang gift” is when you give someone something you’ll enjoy too – like a Netflix subscription, concert tickets, or a fancy blender you’ll “borrow.” It’s half-thoughtful, half-selfish.

The Most Shocking Celebrity Break-Ups of 2015

The “E! News” round-up included Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner, Mandy Moore & Ryan Adams, Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert, Gwen Stefani & Gavin Rossdale, Kourtney Kardashian & Scott Disick… and Kermit & Miss Piggy. The on-and-off Muppet couple had released a joint statement that August announcing the split.

A New Shopping Channel That Only Sells Guns

Move over QVC – 2015 introduced GunTV, a shopping network dedicated solely to firearms. It sparked instant controversy when it was announced that December. It launched in April 2026 but missed its mark and shut down just nine months later.

More Than Half of Americans Plan to “Order” Thanksgiving Dinner This Year

If the idea of wrestling a 19-pound turkey at 6 a.m. makes you want to fake a sprained wrist, you are not alone.

A new report says 53% of Americans plan to order takeout or delivery for their Thanksgiving dinner this year… for at least one component of the meal.

That is more than half the country, and a huge jump from 37% last year and 32% the year before.

Another 5% of people say they are not even pretending to cook. They are eating their entire Thanksgiving meal at a restaurant. That number is holding steady from last year, though it is well below the surprise 2023 peak when 17% of Americans apparently said, “Table for four, and please bring the cranberry sauce in a ramekin.”

So why are so many people turning the holiday into a catered situation?

For starters, 63% say they just want to enjoy Thanksgiving without worrying about cooking. Which is fair, because the Venn diagram of “traditional Thanksgiving recipes” and “relaxing activities” is two circles aggressively far apart.

40% of people also believe it is cheaper or at least about the same to buy ingredients and cook everything themselves. Between inflation, the cost of butter, and the fact that somehow green beans now have an attitude problem, they might be right. And 35% of respondents are simply done with the hassle. They want the food but not the emotional trauma of timing six dishes to finish at exactly 3:42 p.m.

Then there are the honesty heroes. 26% say they would prefer a professionally cooked Thanksgiving meal, which is a very polite way of saying “I am a danger in the kitchen.” Another 19% say they are just too busy to prepare anything at all.

So if your Thanksgiving feast comes in plastic containers this year, do not feel guilty. Do not hide the bags. Do not pretend you “made the gravy from scratch” using a suspiciously restaurant-grade container of gravy. More than half the country is right there with you, enjoying a stress-free holiday and letting someone else deal with the dishes.

KFC Is Serving Gravy “Flights” for Thanksgiving

Forget the turkey, KFC is hoping you’ll let the Colonel handle Thanksgiving this year – with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and a gravy flight.

In a bold move to crash the most sacred of turkey holidays, KFC just rolled out its new Extra Crispy Festive Feast, and it’s got everything your carb-loving heart could want. For $25, you get eight pieces of crispy fried chicken, two sides of mashed potatoes, four biscuits, and a trio of gravies presented as a “flight“—because nothing says elegance like dipping chicken in three types of liquid fat.

The gravies include:

  • Classic Brown Gravy
  • White Peppercorn Gravy
  • A brand-new Southwest Cheddar Gravy, which, let’s be honest, might just be queso in disguise.

The new meal is clearly aimed at those who aren’t in love with turkey. According to KFC, a recent poll found that 35% of Americans don’t actually like it, which feels about right when you remember how many people would rather douse dry turkey in cranberry sauce than admit it’s not that great. KFC is leaning into that sentiment and giving people a comforting, fried alternative that doesn’t require basting, carving, or pretending to enjoy stuffing.

Also, let’s not overlook the marketing genius of calling three little cups of gravy a “flight.” It’s the same word trendy bars use for samplers of craft beer or fancy espresso tastings. Except here, you’re not sniffing tannins—you’re dunking biscuits in cheddar sauce. And honestly? No complaints.

KFC’s been known to roll out stunts and limited-time offerings during the holidays before, but this one feels especially tailored for folks who’d rather spend the day relaxing than cooking. Whether you’re feeding a small group, planning a Friendsgiving, or just anti-turkey on principle, the Festive Feast gives you a break from tradition without sacrificing flavor.

Will it replace Grandma’s Thanksgiving dinner? Probably not. But it might save you from dry white meat and awkward family arguments about politics.

Just be sure to call it a gravy flight when you show up with it. It makes it sound fancier.

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