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10 Things That Happened 10 Years Ago: Sept 28-Oct 4

Caffeinated peanut butter, “Family Feud” isn’t so family friendly, and Trevor Noah debuts on “The Daily Show.” Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.

Trevor Noah debuted on “The Daily Show”

Young people liked it, old people didn’t. “Slate” called Trevor’s debut “a Jon Stewart impression” with “glimpses of something new.” Ratings dropped 37% before rebounding, then cratering to their lowest level ever by 2020. He announced his departure on Sept. 29, 2022, exactly 7 years after his debut. His final show aired that December.

Caffeinated peanut butter?

Yep, caffeinated peanut butter. A company in Massachusetts called Steem came up with it. Shockingly, it was not the huge success they’d hoped it would be. Their website says it’s “no longer in production.”

Hillary Clinton showed up on “SNL”

The presidential hopeful didn’t host (Miley Cyrus did), but appeared in a skit alongside Kate McKinnon. McKinnon played Hillary drowning her sorrows at a bar, while the real Hillary played the bartender. Her opponent Donald Trump did take up full hosting duties that November, prompting protests outside 30 Rock.

“The Simpsons” revealed Smithers was gay

Exec producer Al Jean announced that Mr. Burns’ longtime assistant Waylon Smithers would come out of the closet during the show’s 27th season. He also claimed the show would likely end after its 30th season. (It’s currently in Season 37.) Smithers’ coming out did eventually happen in April 2026 in an episode called “The Burns Cage.”

“Family Feud” wasn’t family friendly

People questioned whether the game show was getting too dirty after Steve Harvey asked contestants to name “the last thing you put your finger in,” and a guy responded with, “My wife!” 👀 “Fox News” called the show “not so family friendly anymore.”

Caitlyn Jenner ducked vehicular manslaughter charges

The L.A. County D.A. opted not to charge her for a crash in Malibu that February that left one person dead. She’d rear ended the person’s car, pushing it into oncoming traffic. Officials determined she did hit the brakes late, but wasn’t speeding.

Honey Boo Boo released her debut single

The reality star’s foray into music was predictably short lived. As you’d expect, her song “Movin’ Up“ wasn’t great. (Honey Boo Boo, aka Alana Thompson, turned 20 this past August, btw.)

“The Martian” was a box office hit

Despite its 2 hour 24 min runtime, the Matt Damon sci-fi flick went on to earn over $630 million worldwide. Meanwhile, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Twin Tower tightrope movie “The Walk” was so realistic, it caused theatergoers to vomit.

Leonardo DiCaprio fought a bear

“The Revenant” wouldn’t hit theaters for another few months, but the official trailer had people saying, “Damn, that bear fight looks intense!” They were correct.

Sean Astin said a “Goonies” sequel would happen

It was just a prediction, not a revelation – he said it wasn’t a question of “if” but “when.” A decade later, that continues to be the question. A recent report suggested the sequel was still “moving in the right direction.”

14% of Gen Z’ers Use More Than 100 Emojis a Day

You probably know at least one person who almost exclusively comments in emojis online… for better or worse.

And it’s probably “for worse” if you don’t like decoding all messages like it’s “Classic Concentration”.

In a recent study by Adobe, 91% of people say emojis make it easier for them to express themselves.

More than half of messages from Gen Z’ers or Millennials include at least one emoji.  And Gen Z’ers estimate that 41% of their messages are only emojis.

14% of Gen Z’ers say they average more than 100 emojis a day.  That declines for older adults.  Only 2% of Boomers are that prolific.

But emojis can complicate communication too. 

More than 70% of Gen Z and Millennials say they’ve received an emoji that did NOT match the emotion a person was trying to convey.  And about two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennials admit that they’ve used emojis differently than their intended meanings. 

Maybe you’re someone who’s somehow still holding out, and refusing to use them. But it would be a lot cooler if you did. 73% of American emoji users think people who use emojis are friendlier, funnier, and cooler than those who don’t.

🤠🏆❤️😍💁🤡🥳🦒👽🙄

What’s “Heavy Soda”?

If you’ve ever chugged a 44-ounce fountain drink and thought, you know what this needs? More syrup… then buckle up. There’s a new trend bubbling up online called heavy soda, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — soda with extra syrup and maximum sweetness.

The trend is reportedly taking off at gas stations and convenience stores, especially in southern Missouri, where it supposedly got its start. But thanks to TikTok and Reddit, heavy soda is now going viral across the country.

So, what is heavy soda?

At self-serve fountain drink machines, the soda flavor comes from a mix of carbonated water and flavored syrup. Some stores — intentionally or not — have started tweaking that ratio and upping the syrup, creating a sweeter, “heavier” version of your favorite drink.

Some locations are even labeling their machines so customers know which ones are heavy.

Why are people doing this?

Sure, some folks just like their soda tooth-achingly sweet. But fans of the trend say there’s a practical reason too: if you’re grabbing a huge soda in the morning and sipping it all day, the extra syrup helps combat ice dilution. As the ice melts, the drink still tastes normal instead of watery.

From a flavor science perspective, it kind of makes sense. From a health perspective? Not so much. Critics have pointed out the obvious: even regular soda is already packed with sugar, so heavy soda takes things into turbo mode. Not ideal if you’re watching your sugar intake — but hey, it’s your pancreas.

Haven’t I heard this before?

Some people claim McDonald’s fountain drinks have always had a slightly higher syrup ratio than the standard recommendation, which might explain why their Coke hits different. But heavy soda takes that idea and cranks it up way past fast-food levels.

Curious? There are plenty of TikToks and Reddit threads where people are testing it out. Whether you’re intrigued or horrified, one thing’s clear: we’ve officially reached the point where even our beverages are getting algorithmically optimized for sugar content.

@earlypete

Heavy Soda Explained! #missouri #soda #pop #regionalfood

♬ Blurry – Puddle Of Mudd

Howl Owl Howl: R.E.M., The Black Crowes, and Hootie Walk Into a Band…

It’s been a minute since we’ve had a proper rock supergroup, but that dry spell is ending thanks to a new trio with one of the most tongue-twisting names in music: Howl Owl Howl.

The project brings together R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman, and none other than Darius Rucker, a.k.a. Hootie himself. Yes, that Hootie.

The band is describing their sound as roots rock with an alternative flair, which makes sense considering the mix of backgrounds here. R.E.M. was a defining force in alternative rock, the Black Crowes drummed deep into Southern rock, and Darius has spent the last decade-plus as one of country music’s biggest crossover stars.

Put all that together, and you’ve got a recipe for something that could appeal to both nostalgia-loving rock fans and a fresh wave of listeners who never knew they needed Hootie back in his rock element.

Their first single, “My Cologne,” is set to drop on Halloween, giving fans a taste before they head out on a tour that kicks off November 3rd in Indianapolis, and judging by early buzz, tickets are likely to move quickly.

For Darius Rucker, this isn’t just a side project; it feels like a return to form. He’s been a successful solo country artist for years now, but in his own words, “It feels great to be singing with a rock band again. It’s like buddies getting together, but also getting to play with your idols.”

The Best and Worst Airports in America

While flying still comes with plenty of headaches (hi, baggage fees), it looks like travelers are finally feeling a little better about airports themselves. According to the latest J.D. Power airport satisfaction survey, overall satisfaction is up across North America, with scores climbing 10 points on a 1,000-point scale.

(I don’t know about you, but my airport satisfaction is at an all-time low.)

The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. and Canadian travelers and ranked airports based on things like terminal design, ease of travel, baggage claim, food and retail options, and staff friendliness.

Here’s how U.S. airports performed in 2025, broken down by size. We’ve included only the Top 5 Best and Top 5 Worst in each category — so if you’re looking to avoid a travel meltdown, this is your cheat sheet.

Mega Airports

(More than 33 million passengers per year)

Top 5 Best:

  1. Minneapolis–Saint Paul International (MSP)
  2. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
  3. Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
  4. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
  5. Harry Reid International, Las Vegas (LAS)

Top 5 Worst:

  1. Newark Liberty International (EWR)
  2. San Francisco International (SFO)
  3. Miami International (MIA)
  4. Orlando International (MCO)
  5. John F. Kennedy International, New York (JFK)

Large Airports

(10 to 32.9 million passengers per year)

Top 5 Best:

  1. John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA)
  2. Tampa International (TPA)
  3. Dallas Love Field (DAL)
  4. Kansas City International (MCI)
  5. Raleigh-Durham International (RDU)

Top 5 Worst:

  1. Philadelphia International (PHL)
  2. Chicago Midway International (MDW)
  3. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (FLL)
  4. LaGuardia Airport, New York (LGA)
  5. Seattle–Tacoma International (SEA)

Medium Airports

(4.5 to 9.9 million passengers per year)

Top 5 Best:

  1. Indianapolis International (IND)
  2. Ontario International, California (ONT)
  3. Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)
  4. Jacksonville International (JAX)
  5. Palm Beach International (PBI)

Top 5 Worst:

  1. Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE)
  2. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
  3. St. Louis Lambert International (STL)
  4. San Jose Mineta International (SJC)
  5. Bradley International, Connecticut (BDL)

What Makes a Good Airport?

The airports that landed on top tend to have easier navigation, shorter security lines, better food and drink options, and friendlier staff. The bottom-ranked ones? Think long wait times, packed gates, and fewer services.

So if you’re deciding between layovers or booking a trip out of town, these rankings might save you a few headaches — or at least help you pack some extra patience.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Welcome Baby Girl

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky just made their family a party of five, and this time, they’ve got a little girl in the mix.

The superstar couple welcomed their third child, Rocki Irish Mayers, on September 13th.

The baby girl marks a big first for the pair, who already share two sons: RZA, born in May 2022, and Riot Rose, born in August 2023. Now, their new daughter officially balances the squad.

Rihanna shared the happy news with photos that melted the internet: one of her cradling Rocki in a pink onesie, and another of tiny pink boxing gloves laced with ribbon.

Subtle flex from the parents who know how to make a baby announcement feel like a cultural moment.

In case you didn’t know, A$AP Rocky’s real name is Rakim Mayers, so their daughter’s last name comes straight from dad.

Fans are already buzzing about the name Rocki, pointing out it’s the perfect blend of her dad’s stage name and her own unique flair. And if Rihanna’s track record as a style and beauty icon is any sign, little Rocki is already destined for the coolest baby fits on the planet.

This new addition cements Rihanna and A$AP as one of the most-watched celebrity families right now. Between parenting, music, and running billion-dollar fashion and beauty empires, the two somehow make balancing it all look effortless.

Get Paid $666 to Watch Horror Movies This Halloween

If your idea of the perfect night is turning off the lights, grabbing some popcorn, and screaming your lungs out at a horror flick, CableTV.com has a gig for you. The site is offering $666 (yes, the devil’s favorite number) to watch, rank, and review five scary movies as part of what they’re calling a “Thrillternship.”

This spooky side hustle isn’t just about the cash. The chosen “Thrilltern” also gets a $50 Uber Eats gift card for their midnight snacks and a one-year subscription to Screambox, so the scares can keep on coming long after the experiment is over. But there’s a catch: applicants must be 18 or older, and the deadline to apply is October 7th.

CableTV is clear that this isn’t for the faint of heart.

In their words, they want “real fans of fear, enthusiasts of the eerie, and devotees to the dreadful.” Translation: if you’re the type who hides behind a pillow during “Hocus Pocus”, this job probably isn’t for you.

The assignment is simple but chilling. You’ll choose five movies from their curated list of 13 of the scariest horror films ever made. And it’s a heavy-hitting lineup.

Think classics like “The Exorcist” (1973), “Halloween” (1978), and “The Shining” (1980), alongside modern nightmares like “Hereditary” (2018) and “Get Out” (2017). The list also includes cult favorites like “The Thing” (1982), “Candyman” (1992), and “The Evil Dead” (1981).

Your job is to watch, survive, and then rank and review them. Easy money, right?

Unless you pick something like “Martyrs” (2008), which has been traumatizing audiences for years.

These kinds of promotions pop up every Halloween season, with companies paying people to binge horror movies in exchange for their screams, opinions, and social media buzz. The $666 payout is a clever marketing nod, but the free snacks and streaming subscription sweeten the deal.

So if you’ve got nerves of steel, a love of horror history, and a tolerance for creepy late-night Uber Eats deliveries, this Thrillternship might be your dream (or nightmare) gig. Just don’t forget to sleep with the lights on after “IT” (2017).

Would you sign up for $666 to scare yourself silly, or are you leaving this job to the horror junkies?

The Internet Responds to a Gen Z Girl Crying After Her First Ever 9-5 Shift

In the latest entry into the “welcome to adulthood” chronicles, a Gen Z woman posted a tearful selfie captioned: “Just finished the first day of 9-5 in my life.” Within hours, the internet did what it does best: roast, relate, and reminisce.

If you’ve ever stumbled out of an office at 5:02 PM like you just completed basic training, this photo probably hit you square in the feels.

Boomers muttered “character building,” Millennials whispered “been there, sis,” and Gen X collectively shrugged while chain-smoking in the parking lot.

The comments section, however, was the real story. Here are some of the highlights:

  1. “Keep your head up, it’s tough now but it only gets worse.”
  2. “There’s a reason we’ve been calling it “happy” hour.”
  3. “It doesn’t get better sweetie.”
  4. “Hey so your soul will die sooner than your physical body so you won’t feel this much pain after 3-5 years or so. Hang in there.”
  5. “Hey quuen! It only feels like this from age 22-26, then you just kinda accept the torture and it’s a lot better. Hope this helps.”
  6. “1 day down, 40 more years to go!”
  7. “Dissociation is key.”
  8. “You go numb after a while babe, it’s okay.”
  9. “Awww don’t worry girlie. There’s no light at the end of the tunnel.”
  10. “Just wait! One day someone will bring in banana bread :)”

Do you remember how you felt after your first full day of work? Hopefully it was better than this poor girl.

Jimmy Kimmel Delivered His First Monologue Since His Suspension

Jimmy Kimmel came back to late night last night with what was easily one of the most-watched monologues in recent memory, and let’s just say he didn’t waste the moment.

Kimmel opened by thanking fans and even some unlikely allies, like Senator Ted Cruz, who defended his right to free speech during his suspension. But the jokes took a backseat when Kimmel got emotional, clarifying that he never intended to, in his words, “make light of the murder of a young man.” He admitted he understood why some found his earlier remarks “ill-timed or unclear or maybe both.”

His most heartfelt moment came when he praised Erika Kirk for forgiving her husband Charlie’s killer. With his voice cracking, Kimmel said, “That is an example we should follow. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Kimmel monologue without some political criticism. He accused President Trump and the FCC of trying to silence him, calling it “un-American and so dangerous.” Kimmel even joked that Trump’s attempt to “cancel” him only boosted his ratings: “Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this.”

Trump blasted Kimmel for filling ABC’s airwaves with “99% positive Democrat garbage” and suggested ABC might end up paying him millions, as they allegedly did before: “Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This one sounds even more lucrative.”

Better get your popcorn. Seems like the drama is only beginning.

Viral Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal Wasn’t an Affair… Apparently

The viral Coldplay concert moment that had the internet convinced they were watching an office affair in real time? Yeah, apparently we all got it wrong.

According to a source, former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR executive Kristin Cabot are not star-crossed lovers caught by a kiss cam, but simply colleagues who got way too casual at a very public concert.

The insider told “Page Six”:

“Kristin and Andy had an excellent working relationship, a great friendship. There was no affair.”

The source added that Kristin knows the hug looked bad, admitting, “It was inappropriate to be hugging your boss at a concert, and she accepts full responsibility for it. But the scandal, the downfall, the loss of the job… all of that is unfair”.

If you missed it, the pair were shown on Coldplay’s jumbotron, with Andy holding Kristin from behind in what looked a little too intimate for the workplace. Fans quickly clipped the footage, and the video went viral faster than “Yellow” in 2000. Within days, Kristin lost her job, and the internet collectively became body-language experts.

The defense that this was all innocent “friendship hugging” is… let’s just say not convincing for many viewers. Twitter and TikTok users have had a field day with the claim, pointing out that most people don’t embrace their bosses from behind in a packed stadium.

Still, the fallout highlights how quickly a viral moment can change lives.

What was supposed to be a night of music and good vibes turned into a career-ending scandal, complete with millions of strangers weighing in on whether or not two coworkers crossed a line.

So, are Andy and Kristin secretly Coldplay’s most passionate fan club, or just workplace buddies with very questionable boundaries? Either way, the hug heard ‘round the world has become one of 2025’s messiest viral sagas.

(But really… friends don’t hug like that.)

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