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A Dating App Trying to Filter Out Short Kings

Well, good news: Tinder just made it easier to get rejected before your first awkward “Hey :)”.

Tinder is once again tweaking how people connect, and this time, it’s about height. The dating app has begun testing a new filter that allows paid users to narrow their matches based on how tall someone says they are.

This isn’t a verification tool. Users can still self-report their height (truthfully or generously), but now those who care—like women who prefer taller men, or men looking to filter for shorter women—can fine-tune their preferences. And yes, tall women and short kings can do the same.

Unsurprisingly, the internet had thoughts. Some users, especially shorter men, were quick to call out the double standards.

One popular comment read, “Justice for all us short kings!” while another asked why women can filter by height without backlash, but men are criticized for having physical preferences.

A few even suggested a hypothetical weight filter.

Tinder, for its part, says the filter is part of a broader move to help users connect “more intentionally.” At this stage, it’s not a “hard filter” that actually blocks profiles. It just nudges the algorithm to prioritize certain heights, and only for those paying for Tinder’s top-tier Platinum subscription (which starts at $40/month).

It’s worth noting: this isn’t entirely new. Hinge—also owned by Match Group—already allows paid users to filter by height.

There is some “good news” if you’re under 5’8″ and feeling targeted: It’s probably saving YOUR time to be filtered out early than to be matched with someone who’s measuring compatibility by inches.

Words No One Can Pronounce Correctly

Everyone has at least one word that causes a verbal faceplant. And what is up with the English language, who made all these words that are hard to pronounce?

A Reddit thread asked users to share the common words they still stumble over, and it turns out the struggle is real. These aren’t obscure academic terms or names in Elvish. They’re the kind of words you run into all the time, which only makes it more frustrating when your mouth goes rogue.

Here are some words that are the most frequently mangled:

  1. Rural – Say it too fast and it turns into an engine trying to start.
  2. Brewery – Good luck after you’ve had a few.
  3. Marlboro – The “L” and “B” are locked in a neverending fight for dominance.
  4. Posthumously – I’ve mispronounced it so many times, I have no idea what it’s supposed to sound like.
  5. Worcestershire Sauce – British culinary revenge, pronounced “WUSS-ter-sheer” (roughly).
  6. Sixth – That “xth” combo is where enunciation goes to die.
  7. Anemone – Even Nemo’s friends had trouble with this one.
  8. Hamster – Often mispronounced as “hampster,” despite having no “p” in sight.
  9. Espresso – “Expresso” may sound fancier, but it’s wrong. Very wrong.
  10. Açaí – It looks intimidating, and it is: “Ah-sa-ee.”
  11. Realtor – It’s just two syllables, but many add an imaginary one: “Real-a-tor.”
  12. Negligible – Good luck!
  13. Gyro – Depending on who you ask, it’s “yee-roh,” “jai-roh,” or “jee-roh.” You have no chance.
  14. Proselytize – The word for converting others to your beliefs should probably convert to a simpler form.
  15. Abominable – A word as difficult to deal with as the snowman it refers to.
  16. Metastasized – Science words always bring the pronunciation pain.
  17. Phenomenon – The “Muppets” made a whole song out of this one for a reason.
  18. February – That pesky first “r” disappears in casual speech more often than not.
  19. Amortization – A financial term that sounds like a mouthful of spreadsheets.
  20. Rear Wheel Drive – As one person put it: “It’s like my lips and tongue are playing Twister.”

Whether you’re giving a toast or just trying to talk about your car, there’s a good chance one of these words will make you stumble. Language is weird.

James Blunt Reveals the Meaning Behind You’re Beautiful After 20 Years

For two decades, James Blunt’s 2005 hit You’re Beautiful” has been widely misunderstood. Many listeners embraced it as a romantic ballad—an ode to lost love and aching hearts.  But on the song’s 20th anniversary, Blunt set the record straight: It’s not a love song at all. It’s about drugs and stalking.

Blunt marked the milestone with a cheeky, candid message on X. “Twenty years ago today, I released a song that bought me this house,” he wrote.

“Whoever thought a song about being high as a kite on drugs, stalking someone else’s girlfriend, would resonate quite so much? Thank you. You guys are beautiful.”

This revelation may not come as a total shock to fans who’ve listened closely. The lyrics tell the story of a man who spots a woman on the subway, feels an instant but unreciprocated connection, and ultimately admits, “She’s with another man.” That moment—combined with lines about an “angel” smiling at him—has always walked a fine line between romantic yearning and unsettling fixation. Blunt’s latest comments suggest it leaned harder into the latter.

In fact, Blunt has occasionally acknowledged the song’s darker undertones in past interviews, but the 20th anniversary post was perhaps his most direct commentary yet.

“You’re Beautiful” was a breakout hit that propelled Blunt to global fame, topping charts in the UK, US, and beyond. It also helped define the mid-2000s era of earnest, acoustic-driven pop.

But its staying power may have less to do with its perceived romance and more to do with its simplicity—and now, apparently, its creep factor.

He’s also been refreshingly blunt (pun intended) about his career and public image, often poking fun at his reputation as the man behind one of pop’s most overplayed ballads.

As anniversary retrospectives go, this one is less about nostalgia and more about recalibration. It’s a reminder that not every song with a soft melody and wistful gaze is about love. Sometimes, it’s just about a guy who got way too high and made a bad decision on public transportation.

The Most Dangerous Foods in America

Is your fridge harboring a hidden health risk? A new report from Consumer Reports lists the top 10 foods most commonly linked to serious foodborne illness in the U.S.—and many of them are everyday staples.

The list is based on federal food safety data from last year, ranking foods not by their inherent danger but by how frequently they were involved in outbreaks that led to hospitalizations or deaths. The usual suspects behind these illnesses? Three familiar pathogens: salmonella, listeria, and E. coli.

Here’s what made the list:

  1. Deli Meats – Topping the list, pre-sliced meats were linked to 87 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. Listeria is often the culprit, thriving in cold, ready-to-eat foods.
  2. Cucumbers – Despite no recorded deaths, cucumbers caused a surprising 173 hospitalizations. They’ve been connected to major salmonella outbreaks in recent years. Including one that’s currently ongoing.
  3. Raw Milk and Raw Milk Cheeses – These unpasteurized dairy products were responsible for 29 emergency room visits. Health officials continue to warn against their use due to frequent contamination.
  4. Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese – These popular Mexican cheeses caused two deaths and 23 hospitalizations. Listeria contamination is a known risk.
  5. Eggs – Often a salmonella carrier, eggs landed 34 people in the hospital.
  6. Onions – Linked to one death and 34 hospitalizations, onions have been involved in large-scale recalls due to E. coli and salmonella.
  7. Leafy Greens – A healthy staple that can be dangerous if contaminated. Last year, they were tied to one death and 36 hospitalizations.
  8. Organic Carrots – Often eaten raw, organic carrots were connected to one death and 20 hospitalizations.
  9. Organic Basil – A newer entry on the list, this herb caused four hospitalizations, underscoring that even garnishes can pose a risk.
  10. Pre-Cooked Meats – Including frozen burritos and deli salads, these items made the list due to frequent recalls—not necessarily due to confirmed illness, but because of their risk profile.

It’s important to note that none of these foods are “always” dangerous. But their history of contamination suggests they require more careful handling, preparation, and regulation. Washing produce, avoiding unpasteurized dairy, and keeping ready-to-eat meats properly stored can reduce your risk.

As food safety continues to be a concern, especially with rising numbers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, knowing what to watch for is more important than ever.

Spicy or Sacrilege: Adding Jalapenos to White Wine?

You may have heard of putting fruit in your wine. Maybe even ice cubes. But jalapeños? That’s not a mix-up from a rowdy brunch. It’s a real thing.

A viral trend is heating up TikTok and Instagram, where spice lovers are adding frozen jalapeño slices to their chilled Sauvignon Blanc.

On the surface, it sounds like someone mixed up their glass of wine with their margarita during happy hour. But this isn’t just a one-off cocktail experiment. It’s become a full-on phenomenon, especially among fans of bold flavor pairings.

Enthusiasts are calling the combo “refreshing, light, and spicy,” though some videos show that the heat level can be intense depending on how many seeds make it into the glass.

What’s surprising is that even wine snobs aren’t entirely against the idea. Some oenophiles are actually backing the trend, citing chemistry to explain why it works. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its grassy, citrusy, and sometimes “green” notes—thanks in part to pyrazines, a class of organic compounds that also give jalapeños and bell peppers their characteristic aroma. So the pairing, while unconventional, isn’t entirely unnatural from a scientific perspective.

One expert went a step further, rimming the glass with chili salt to double down on the flavor fusion.

That bold twist drew comparisons to a spicy margarita, only with the sophistication of wine and the zing of jalapeño.

Wine purists might still shudder, but the trend has sparked genuine curiosity among casual drinkers, foodies, and flavor chasers. It’s not the first time social media has reshaped how people enjoy wine: remember the frosé craze or red wine in Coca-Cola (aka Spain’s kalimotxo)? As long as the internet keeps experimenting, the wine world may need to keep adjusting its palate.

So if you’re looking to cool off with something crisp and catch a buzz with a bite, a Sauvignon Blanc with jalapeño just might be your next summer sip.

New Grad Goes Straight to Work, Gets Rewarded by TikTok

In a time when viral fame often comes from stunts or pranks, one Atlanta teen is making headlines for all the right reasons.

Just hours after donning his cap and gown for graduation, 18-year-old Mykale Baker clocked in for his shift at Burger King—still wearing his full graduation attire. According to the video, the graduation didn’t end until 10:00 PM.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mariabonita528/video/7507469018077416735

The moment, captured in a now-viral TikTok by a customer, has struck a chord with thousands of people online, sparking a wave of admiration and generosity.

It shows Mykale standing in the Burger King kitchen, clearly fresh from the graduation stage, ready to take orders with the same commitment he’s likely shown in school. The contrast between the formality of his gown and the fast-food setting quickly turned the photo into a symbol of grit and determination.

The woman who took the photo, moved by Mykale’s work ethic, started a GoFundMe to help support his college dreams. What began as a modest fundraising effort has now grown into something life-changing.

Within days, the campaign blew past $150,000 in donations—more than enough to cover tuition, books, and then some.

Mykale became an internet sensation overnight, but also a beacon of what hard work looks like in action. With the support of strangers rallying behind him, he’s now free to pursue higher education without the financial weight that burdens so many young students.

The story is especially resonant for communities who understand the hustle it takes to get ahead. For many, Mykale’s decision to show up for work on one of the most important days of his life wasn’t surprising; it was relatable.

As the GoFundMe page puts it, “From Burger King to a College Dream.” Thanks to the internet’s better instincts, that dream is now very real.

The Best and Worst Celebrity Kissers

The Instagram gossip account Deuxmoi, known for its anonymous and often unverified celebrity scoops, recently posed a juicy question to its followers: Who are the best and worst celebrity kissers based on personal experience?

The responses, predictably, range from dreamy to downright disturbing. And while there’s zero way to confirm the legitimacy of these tales, that hasn’t stopped the stories—and speculation—from spreading like wildfire. Here’s a look at some of the buzziest (and weirdest) submissions:

The Good Kissers

  • Steven Tyler got a “15 out of 10” rating from one person—who claims the Aerosmith frontman paused mid-makeout to meow. Repeatedly.
  • Florence Pugh was so good, apparently, she “turned [someone] into a stalker.” Not ideal behavior, but clearly a memorable kiss.
  • Pedro Pascal was dubbed a “top 3 best kisser” and described as “very passionate and sweet.”
  • Prince Harry scored a gentlemanly 10 out of 10.
  • Orlando Bloom may not have offered “the best sex,” but his kissing game? “Truly amazing.”
  • Ralph Fiennes received a hyperbolic “a billion out of 10.” No elaboration needed, apparently.
  • One person even claimed to have kissed John Mayer and Katy Perry at the same time. Both, they said, were “great,” though John was notably “thoughtful with his mouth.”

And Then There’s the Flip Side…

  • Vin Diesel got absolutely roasted as “the worst kisser you could ever imagine.” Words like “sloppy,” “wet,” and “crusties” were used. Ouch.
  • Milo Ventimiglia apparently disappointed both in kissing and, um, follow-through. Still, the source insists he’s a “nice guy.”
  • Country singer Morgan Wallen? Just one word: “TERRIBLE.”

The Spicy Ones

  • Johnny Knoxville allegedly aced both kissing and other extracurriculars: “Really good with his hands,” said one reviewer.
  • Michael Phelps impressed in Olympic fashion: “Best. Sex. Ever.” Plus, his skin smelled like chlorine, and he reportedly had the stamina of, well, an Olympian—“six times one night.”

Jelly Roll Starts Show Off with a Bang—Literally, Right into a Fan’s Head

Post Malone and Jelly Roll are kicking butt on their Big Ass Stadium Tour. And their show over the weekend started off with a bang—unfortunately, the bang was straight into a fan’s scalp.

During a show in Toronto, a rogue firework went off at just the wrong moment and hit a woman in the head while she was filming Jelly Roll performing “Save Me.” The lyrics “I’m so damaged beyond repair” were playing when the flaming projectile smacked her, which honestly feels like a little too on-the-nose. Her hair even started smoking.

She later posted from a hospital bed with the caption, “Ouch I have a burn now, it hurts.” Not exactly the souvenir she had in mind.

Thankfully, she’s okay—just a little crispy—but the moment was caught on video and has since gone viral.

Internet detectives quickly dug up comments from other fans saying this kind of thing has happened before at a Post Malone concert. One woman said firework debris went down the back of her jacket. That’s not the kind of warm feeling you go to a concert for. So maybe tone it down on the explosives, fellas?

Just because your show’s on fire doesn’t mean your fans should be.

Comments have been flooding in from people hoping Jelly and Post reach out to help cover her medical bills—or at least hook her up with tickets that come with hazard pay and a complimentary helmet.

No official word from the artists yet, but if she does go to another show, she better keep her head on a swivel.

https://www.tiktok.com/@bartlett.xo/video/7508929946912394552?embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121497414%2C121477481%2C121351166%2C121487028%2C121679410%2C73347566%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%2C121503376%3Bnull%3Bembed_blank&refer=embed&referer_url=americansongwriter.com%2Ffan-struck-in-the-head-by-firework-at-post-malone-jelly-roll-concert-in-toronto%2F&referer_video_id=7508929946912394552
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MAY 06: Jelly Roll performs onstage during Jelly Roll & Friends at Billy Bob’s Texas on May 06, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) Don’t worry he’s not laughing at the lady who took a firework to the head.
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