18 years later, and this is still the best internet video ever created. You’d think they would have made something better by now.
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10 Trends That Disappeared Without Anyone Noticing
Some cultural fads go out with a bang— while others choose an Irish goodbye. An online thread asked: What things quietly went away? The answers? A nostalgic, weirdly satisfying list of things we collectively outgrew, forgot, or pretended never happened.
Here are 10 former staples of everyday life that faded into obscurity:
1. Waterbeds
Once considered the peak of bedroom luxury (and, somehow, sex appeal), waterbeds were bulky, hard to move, and prone to leaks. Eventually, we all collectively agreed: just… no.
2. Facebook Poke Wars
There was a time when poking someone on Facebook was flirty, funny, or just a weird way of saying “Hey.” Now it feels about as current as logging into MySpace from a flip phone.
3. That Old TV Screen Shrink Effect
Remember when turning off your TV made the picture collapse into a little white dot before fading to black? That tiny death spiral is now just a memory—thanks to flat screens and LED technology.
4. Flash Mobs
For a few years, strangers bursting into choreographed dance routines in public was a viral sensation. Now, not even your grandma on Facebook is watching those anymore.
5. Traveler’s Checks
Before credit cards worked internationally and apps made everything easy, people carried pieces of paper to “safely” convert cash. Now? Good luck even finding someone who knows what they are.
6. HQ Trivia
Millions tuned in to shout “Savage question!” in real time. Then it fizzled out just as fast, proving that trivia apps—like most startups—are fragile.
7. “ROFL”
Once an internet staple, “Rolling on the Floor Laughing” has gone the way of dial-up. These days, it’s LOL or LMAO—because nobody wants to imagine rolling around on a gross floor.
8. Planking
The viral trend of lying stiff like a board on random objects came and went so fast, we’re still unsure why it started. Or why we ever thought it was funny.
9. Ringtones
Remember when everyone had a custom ringtone and it was a huge deal? Now phones mostly stay on vibrate—because we’ve evolved into silent scrollers.
10. The Weird Plastic Soda Bottle Base
Those weird crinkly “feet” at the bottom of 2-liter bottles? Phased out in favor of simpler, more recyclable designs. You didn’t miss them, but now you’re thinking about them again.
So if you ever feel embarrassed by your old online habits, viral obsessions, or questionable taste in mattresses—don’t worry. Culture moves on. And apparently, so do we. Quietly.
Brad Pitt Owes His Career to a Stripper
Brad Pitt owes his career to two people, and their names aren’t Thelma and Louise. It’s actually Charlie Sheen and a stripper.
Brad dropped out of the University of Missouri two credits shy and drove his dented silver Datsun to Hollywood with clichéd dreams of stardom. He had $300 to his name.
He started doing odd jobs to survive, like dressing as a chicken for a fast food joint, and driving strippers to bachelor parties in a limo. And that’s where he got his big break.
He was about two months into the job and already fed up with it. He had given his notice and it was his last night on the job when one of the girls he was driving told him about an acting class that her . . . ahem . . . “friend” Charlie Sheen was attending.
Brad figured, “If it’s good enough for Charlie, it’s good enough for me.” So he signed up.
A woman he met in the class had lined up an audition with a talent agent, and she asked Brad to go with her and be her scene partner. So he went, and they signed HIM . . . but not her.
So Charlie Sheen’s sex addiction may not have helped HIS career . . . but it did wonders for Brad’s.
FYI, Brad did a little sex work during his college years . . . but he didn’t get paid for it.
He was part of a group called the Dancing Bares. In a 2007 interview he explained, “When a girl from one of our sister sororities turned 21, the Bares would put her in a chair and come out butt-naked with pillowcases on their heads and do a choreographed dance for her.”
In Manicure News: Tropical Fruit… Nails
This summer, your nails might be looking… snackable?
A new trend is sweeping nail salons (and search queries): fruit-inspired nail colors. From cherry red to kiwi green, these juicy shades are turning fingertips into miniature fruit bowls. It’s fun, it’s fresh… and according to a new Google Trends map, every state has a fruity favorite.
Topping the list is cherry red, the go-to color in nearly half the country. It’s bold, and clearly the queen of the nail polish aisle.
A slightly softer watermelon shade takes over much of the South, while the pinker strawberry is the top pick in Ohio and Georgia.
Peach rules in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Montana, and Massachusetts.
In sunnier palettes, pineapple yellow stands out in New York, Florida, Louisiana, and Wyoming. A lighter lemon tone leads in Michigan, Colorado, Tennessee, Hawaii, and Delaware.
Heading north, greens take over. Dark lime is hot in Maine, Minnesota, and North Carolina, while a more mellow kiwi tone is popular in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and North Dakota.
And then there’s Nebraska, the one and only state to go blue with its top pick: blueberry.
The fruit-nail craze fits right in with other seasonal beauty trends, including sheer jelly finishes, “fruit water” manicures, and translucent colors that give off the look of hard candy or stained glass. The overall vibe? Playful, low-key nostalgic, and good enough to eat (though please don’t).
Was Joey from “Friends” a Copy of Joey from “Blossom”?
Could one of the most iconic sitcom characters of the ‘90s have started out as a copy?
According to Joey Lawrence, the answer is yes. In a recent interview, the Blossom star claimed that Matt LeBlanc’s beloved Friends character, Joey Tribbiani, was directly inspired by his own role as Joey Russo—a similarly dim-witted but charming ladies’ man.
“Joey Russo was so successful that when they were creating Friends, they wanted a 25-year-old version of that,” Lawrence said.
He even alleges that Matt LeBlanc was sent to live tapings of Blossom, where he’d sit in the audience with a yellow legal pad and study Lawrence’s performance—focusing on how he brought a certain innocence to the character. The idea, he claims, was to give Tribbiani the same likability that would let him “get away with his womanizing.”
Perhaps most surprisingly, Lawrence says the Friends creators changed the character’s name to Joey as a direct nod to Blossom’s popularity at the time. NBC’s Blossom wrapped its five-season run just a few months before Friends premiered in 1994.
Neither NBC nor the creators of Friends have commented on the claims. Matt LeBlanc, for his part, has never publicly acknowledged Blossom as a reference point.
One in Six Single People Have Dated an A.I.
Singles are using AI to find love… and sometimes to even be in love. According to Match’s 14th Annual Singles in America report, nearly one in six single people have dated an A.I. (Kinda…)
One in four singles say they’ve used A.I. to help with dating, a massive 333% jump from last year.
The report found a surprising number of singles are bringing artificial intelligence into the dating world.
So how exactly are people using A.I. to boost their love lives? Some are letting it help write dating profiles or come up with clever openers. Others are even using it to screen for compatibility–basically letting AI swipe left or right for them.
26% of singles overall admit to using A.I. to help with dating in one way or another, with Gen Z leading the charge.
49% of Gen Z singles have tried A.I.-assisted dating.
Yep, half of young singles are now leaning on A.I. to help them track down their soulmate. Just meeting up and seeing if you have chemistry doesn’t cut it anymore.
But here’s where it really gets weird. A surprising number of single people have also used A.I. as a sort of fill-in while they keep looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right.
One in six singles have used A.I. as a “romantic companion.”
You read that right. 16% of singles say they’ve interacted with A.I. as a romantic companion before. The poll described it as using A.I. for “companionship or emotional support” that a romantic partner would normally provide. (Translation: lots of people have already tried out robot boyfriends or girlfriends, or at least dipped their toe into that world.)
It’s not just a Gen Z thing.
Around a third of Gen Z singles say they’ve experimented romantically with A.I., but so have a quarter of Millennial singles. So whether it’s loneliness, curiosity, or just testing out the tech, it’s clear people are getting more comfortable with blurring the line between real and virtual romance.
Does dating an A.I. mean you’re already taken? (Asking for a friend.)
If you’re dating a robot and a warm-blooded human shows up, maybe opt for the human. But Match asked, and the answer is yes. Many people feel that dating an A.I. would count as “cheating” these days.
40% said having an A.I. boyfriend or girlfriend would be cheating. (We assume that’s emotional cheating. If it’s physical too… please wipe down your keyboard.)
If you find all this a little unnerving, you’re not alone.
As A.I. tools get smarter and more customized, the world of dating could see an even bigger tech upgrade whether we’re ready for it or not. But no matter what, one thing’s clear: A.I. isn’t just writing emails and grocery lists anymore. It’s also playing Cupid.
If you thought ghosting was complicated, just wait until A.I. sends you a break-up text.
It’s Official: Coffee Isn’t Optional
If you can’t think straight before your first cup of coffee, you’re not alone. And now a report has confirmed it: coffee isn’t optional.
Coffee is the #1 beverage Americans “can’t live without.”
In its first-ever State of Beverages report, Keurig Dr Pepper (yes, the company behind your morning and afternoon caffeine fixes) surveyed Americans to find out which drinks they love the most, and which ones they need the most.
Unsurprisingly, coffee reigns supreme when it comes to daily survival. It topped the list of the drinks people “can’t live without.”
Coffee is our “happy place.”
According to the report, 62% of Americans agree with the statement, “My day doesn’t start until I’ve had a cup of coffee,” and 69% call their morning coffee their “happy place.”
In other words, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s therapy in a mug.
Coffee isn’t our “favorite” drink though.
Plot twist! While coffee might power our mornings (and sometimes our afternoons), it’s not actually our favorite beverage when it comes to taste.
That title goes to soda! (If you’re from the Midwest, that’s “pop.” If you’re from the South, we mean “Coke,” but not the brand.)
53% of Americans say carbonated soft drinks are their favorite beverage based solely on taste. So while coffee is the MVP of mornings, soda takes the crown when it comes to pure enjoyment.
The data also reflects how different drinks serve different purposes in our lives. Coffee is how we survive Monday mornings, back-to-back meetings, and groggy commutes. Soda is for backyard barbecues, movie nights, and let’s be real, any meal that just tastes better with some carbonation.
Coffee vs. Breakfast vs. Booze
The report has plenty of other fun stats too. We poured through it so you didn’t have to. Here are the highlights…
- 59% would rather skip breakfast than skip their morning cup of joe, while 41% would rather chow down and drink something else.
- 73% of people 21+ would rather quit drinking alcohol than quit drinking coffee.
- Late night coffee? Los Angeles does it the most. Dallas, Atlanta, and Boston don’t want it to keep them up at night.
- 65% customize their beverage in some way. 52% add sugar or sweeteners, 51% add creamer or milk, and 44% add flavor syrups (especially when ordering at chains like Starbucks).
- 58% find soda the most “refreshing” beverage out there.
- 74% of Gen Z’ers use social media to learn about new beverage trends.
- 56% of Americans say they’ve cut back on alcohol for “wellness or lifestyle” reasons, and 58% now prefer non-alcoholic drinks when hanging out with friends.
5 Unwritten Rules of Nude Beaches, According to a Veteran Nudist
If you’re planning to visit a nude beach for the first time, there’s more to it than just ditching your clothes. According to an 81-year-old woman who’s been a proud nudist for over three decades, there’s an etiquette to baring it all—and breaking those unwritten rules can make things awkward fast.
Here are her top five tips for keeping things respectful (and comfortable) when everyone’s in their birthday suit:
1. Give People Space
Just like at any beach, no one wants a stranger’s towel parked a few inches from theirs. But at a nude beach, personal space is even more crucial. Keep a respectful distance when setting up your chair or blanket—because close quarters feel very different when you’re not wearing anything.
2. Don’t Gawk
It’s not a zoo, it’s a beach. Staring is one of the fastest ways to make others uncomfortable. If you strike up a conversation, the key is simple: maintain normal eye contact.
3. No Body Talk
Even if you think you’re being kind, commenting on someone’s appearance—positive or not—is a no-go. Complimenting someone’s body might seem friendly, but in nudist culture, it’s considered intrusive.
4. Keep the PDA to Zero
Going with a partner? Keep things platonic in public. Affection that hints at anything sexual isn’t just frowned upon—it’s grounds for being asked to leave. Nude beaches are about freedom, not flirting.
5. Absolutely No Photos (Unless You’re Careful)
Snapping selfies or scenic pics? Make absolutely sure no one else is in the frame. Consent is everything, and most nudist spots have a strict no-photos policy to protect people’s privacy.
And what if a guy finds himself, uh, reacting to the environment? According to this longtime nudist, it’s rare—but not unheard of. If it happens, just wrap up in a towel or go for a swim. The cold water usually takes care of the rest.
Bottom line: treat it like any public space, just with less clothing. Respect and discretion go a long way when you’re letting it all hang out.
America’s Favorite Fast-Food Fries? Not McDonald’s
If you had to pick one fast food fry to eat for the rest of your life, who would you ride or die for? McDonald’s? Chick-fil-A? Dairy Queen? (Sorry… “Dairy Queen” was a joke, obviously.)
Well, brace yourself: A new study just dropped the fry equivalent of a mic… and these results feel like a joke.
A restaurant supply company analyzed over 40,000 Yelp reviews across 21 major fast food chains, looking specifically at what people were saying about the fries. And the winner is… In-N-Out.
Yep. We’re not saying it’s wrong, but we are saying that’s a bold choice.
Here’s the Top 10 Best Fast Food Fries, according to the Yelp hive mind:
- In-N-Out
- Shake Shack
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
- Bojangles
- Chick-fil-A
- Raising Cane’s
- Zaxbys
- Arby’s
- Hardee’s
- Checkers / Rally’s
Now for the real chaos: McDonald’s — yes, THE McDonald’s, purveyor of the fry so iconic it has its own scent — came in 20th out of 21. Second. To. Last.
Only KFC fared worse, possibly because nobody’s ever voluntarily ordered fries there on purpose.
Here are the Bottom 5:
- KFC
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Church’s Chicken
- Popeyes
Notably missing from either list? Sonic. Wendy’s. Probably because their fries fall somewhere in the middle, in that mysterious category of “technically edible, but no one’s writing home about it.”
At the end of the day, fry rankings are subjective, emotional, and borderline religious. But this list proves one thing: Yelp reviews are apparently the new democracy. And in this one, even the mighty can fall.
The 25 Best TV Dads
With Father’s Day on the horizon, we’re giving TV’s finest fathers their moment. From wholesome to hilarious, stern to completely unhinged, these 25 small-screen dads have earned their place in pop culture history.
Whether they gave heartfelt advice or just grumbled from their recliner, these iconic characters helped define what it meant to be a “TV dad.” Here’s the list, presented alphabetically by first name.
- Al Bundy, Married with Children – The shoe salesman with a sharp tongue and even sharper sarcasm.
- Andy Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show – The gold standard for calm, wise parenting in Mayberry.
- Archie Bunker, All in the Family – Flawed, loud, and unforgettable.
- Bob Belcher, Bob’s Burgers – A burger-slinging dad who supports his quirky family unconditionally.
- Carl Winslow, Family Matters – Chicago cop, full-time dad, part-time neighbor wrangler.
- Dan Conner, Roseanne – A working-class dad with a big heart and better sense than he gets credit for.
- Danny Tanner, Full House – The clean freak with three daughters and the most wholesome hugs in the ’90s.
- Frank Lambert, Step by Step – Stepfamily chaos? Frank handled it with charm and a mullet.
- Fred Sanford, Sanford and Son – Always one faux heart attack away from getting out of an argument.
- Herman Munster, The Munsters – Frankenstein’s monster with a heart of gold.
- Homer Simpson, The Simpsons – The blueprint for animated dads everywhere: lazy, loud, and lovable.
- Howard Cunningham, Happy Days – America’s ideal mid-century dad with an open heart and front porch wisdom.
- Jason Seaver, Growing Pains – Psychiatrist by day, sitcom dad by night.
- Michael Bluth, Arrested Development – The only semi-functional adult in a sea of dysfunction.
- Mike Brady, The Brady Bunch – The original blended-family blueprint.
- Peter Griffin, Family Guy – Not the brightest, but always entertaining.
- Phil Dunphy, Modern Family – Dad jokes perfected.
- Philip Banks, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – Uncle Phil to Will, but a father figure to all of us.
- Phillip Drummond, Diff’rent Strokes – A millionaire who opened his home and heart.
- Red Forman, That ’70s Show – Tough love and a foot poised for your rear.
- Steven Keaton, Family Ties – Liberal ex-hippie trying to parent a Republican teen.
- Tim Taylor, Home Improvement – Power tool enthusiast, parenting work-in-progress.
- Tom Bradford, Eight Is Enough – Managing a household of eight kids with calm dad energy.
- Tony Micelli, Who’s the Boss? – Housekeeper, baseball player, and Mr. Mom before it was a thing.
- Ward Cleaver, Leave It to Beaver – The OG classic dad, all pipe-smoking patience and timeless advice.
Did we leave your favorite off the list? Or include someone you think shouldn’t be anywhere near it? Sound off in the comments—but remember, even Homer’s trying his best.