Surprising

Costco customers are splurging in surprising ways — with a 50% jump in sales on self-care and luxury goods

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Costco customers are splurging in surprising ways — with a 50% jump in sales on self-care and luxury goods

Costco shoppers aren’t sweating high prices. They’re sweating in home saunas.  Inflation, international warfare and sociopolitical in-fighting across the US, apparently, cannot hold a candle to self-indulgence as sales on personal care products such as perfume, jewelry, saunas, makeup and massage chairs recently skyrocketed amid the economic crisis, per Costco Chief Financial Officer, Gary Millerchip.  … Read more

Fertility problems? Surprising issue in your mouth could be to blame

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Fertility problems? Surprising issue in your mouth could be to blame

Talk about an oral fixation. Much of conception is out of our control and can simply come down to age or the number of eggs a woman produces. But some lifestyle habits could play a surprisingly big role in helping or hurting fertility, including one that’s right in front of your face — or more … Read more

Surprising solo activity might be the key to being less lonely

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Surprising solo activity might be the key to being less lonely

Being alone doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely. A loneliness epidemic has been hitting adults hard, with Gen Z and millennial men feeling the effects of isolation the most. A study out of Norway has found a potential solution, but it’s a bit counterintuitive. While Gen Z and millennials are facing a loneliness epidemic, one … Read more

Amputation rates are on the rise — especially among a surprising at-risk population

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Amputation rates are on the rise — especially among a surprising at-risk population

An alarming shift is emerging in US hospitals. A new study has revealed a disturbing rise in life-altering amputations nationwide, with one unexpected at-risk population seeing a particularly sharp increase in recent years. Even more concerning, those cases tended to be more severe, often involving loss of an arm or the upper leg above the … Read more

Former Navy SEAL has some surprising advice for parents

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Former Navy SEAL has some surprising advice for parents

A former Navy SEAL and elite sniper instructor, Brandon Webb has jumped out of planes, raced cars, seen combat in Afghanistan and the Middle East, and trained people to shoot to kill. A bestselling author, he’s written about his exploits in books such as “Mastering Fear: A Navy SEAL’s Guide” and “The Killing School: Inside … Read more

Exclusive | The one surprising rule divorce attorneys swear by on the third date

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Exclusive | The one surprising rule divorce attorneys swear by on the third date

Every person who’s married technically has a prenup — either written by the government in the form of a marriage license, or by the two people who chose each other out of the other 8 billion people in the world. And one expert believes a conversation about having a prenup could and should take place … Read more

Spirit Airlines customers can redeem unused loyalty points for a surprising edible freebie

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Spirit Airlines customers can redeem unused loyalty points for a surprising edible freebie

Spirit Airlines passengers were feeling anything but lifted following the company’s abrupt shutdown on Saturday. But thanks to Papa John’s, grounded passengers have a reason to stay home… and order in. The now-defunct airline’s loyalty members are being offered a consolation tasty prize: free pizza. On Friday, Papa John’s announced a new promotion, “Skies to … Read more

The surprising drug that may soon be used to treat panic disorder — and works like a heavy-duty benzo

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The surprising drug that may soon be used to treat panic disorder — and works like a heavy-duty benzo

This surprising discovery may hold the key to calmer nerves. A new study out of Brazil found that a low dose of a common antibiotic, typically used to treat acne, rosacea and a range of bacterial infections, could also help people living with panic disorder. The findings suggest the drug might one day offer an … Read more

A surprising sunscreen booster may be hiding at your favorite bar

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A surprising sunscreen booster may be hiding at your favorite bar

Something exciting is brewing in the skincare world. A new study suggests that a byproduct of beer production could make sunscreens more effective at blocking harmful ultraviolet B rays, which are responsible for sunburns. The finding could be significant, as studies have shown that many products on store shelves don’t deliver the level of protection … Read more

Illuminating research reveals the surprising way people become narcissists — and whether it’s reversible

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Illuminating research reveals the surprising way people become narcissists — and whether it’s reversible

It seems that a—holes are born, not made. Groundbreaking data suggest that narcissism may be determined more by people’s genes than their environment, as is popularly believed, per a study in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science. “We found that parents’ and children’s narcissism scores were correlated, but this association was entirely genetically driven,” … Read more

LeBron James gives surprising answer when comparing himself to Michael Jordan

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LeBron James gives surprising answer when comparing himself to Michael Jordan

LeBron James has finally weighed in on how he believes his game stacks up with Michael Jordan. And his take might surprise some of his fans. During a recent interview with ESPN, James revealed “there are some things that I do better than” Jordan, though the Lakers star stopped well short of saying he’s more … Read more

Stephen King’s archives reveal surprising skeletons in the closet

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Stephen King’s archives reveal surprising skeletons in the closet

Caroline Bicks, Stephen E. King Chair, got unprecedented access to Stephen King’s archives. Her new book reveals King’s meticulous crafting of fear, like in “Pet Sematary,” and his inspirations. King revealed “The Shining” was shaped by a Shakespearean tragedy, but it wasn’t “Macbeth.” Every morning during her sabbatical year serving as the Stephen E. King … Read more

Walmart plans major upgrades for California stores — with surprising new foods and cheaper deals

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Walmart plans major upgrades for California stores — with surprising new foods and cheaper deals

Walmart is pouring fresh cash into California. The Arkansas mega-chain has set dozen of stores in the Golden State up for major facelifts that promise new food options, expanded product lines and faster shopping perks. The retail giant announced plans to remodel 56 locations statewide in 2026, part of a broader push to modernize stores … Read more

The surprising way colors get their beautiful, ridiculous names

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The surprising way colors get their beautiful, ridiculous names

Lexicographer Kory Stamper’s new book, ” Truel Color,” was inspired by the wild, poetic color definitions in Webster’s Third Dictionary. These unique definitions were crafted by scientists I.H. Godlove and his wife Margaret Godlove. The US sought color standards after WWI, leading to a “color boom” and dictionary inclusion. It was the third definition of … Read more

The surprising theory why boys are diagnosed with autism more often than girls

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The surprising theory why boys are diagnosed with autism more often than girls

Blame it on the X factor. Research has long shown that boys are over three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. In fact, about 1 in 20 US boys are diagnosed with autism by age 8. For girls, the rate ranges from about 1 in 70 to 1 in 100. The … Read more

Popular ‘healthy food’ was actually linked to faster brain decline, surprising experts

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Popular ‘healthy food’ was actually linked to faster brain decline, surprising experts

Talk about a brain drain. Several diets have been shown to have brain-boosting effects, from the Mediterranean diet’s gut-brain connection to reduced blood pressure effects from the DASH diet. But one health food staple surprised researchers by being linked to faster cognitive decline, even despite being part of a popular and well-backed healthy diet. One … Read more

Man eats at 28 Michelin-star NYC restaurants in 24 hours to earn world record — and it cost him a surprising amount

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Man eats at 28 Michelin-star NYC restaurants in 24 hours to earn world record — and it cost him a surprising amount

He almost bit off more than he could chew. A Las Vegas sommelier earned the Guinness World Record for most Michelin-starred restaurants visited in 24 hours. Foodie Joshua Fyksen ate at a staggering 28 Michelin-star restaurants in New York City in 24 hours — costing him $1,451.34. “The food alone cost $976.97, plus tips. Transportation … Read more

Female traveler reveals surprising hack for the most ‘freeing’ solo trip: ‘Can we talk about ugly privilege?’

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Female traveler reveals surprising hack for the most ‘freeing’ solo trip: ‘Can we talk about ugly privilege?’

Turns out “pretty privilege” has its drawbacks. Women on social media are sharing a surprising upside to downplaying their looks while traveling solo. The viral theory, dubbed “ugly privilege,” exploded after a post last week on Reddit’s r/solofemaletravellers forum racked up more than 15,000 upvotes, with one globetrotter claiming going makeup-free and low-effort made her … Read more

The surprising ways menopause can affect your mouth — and what you can do about it

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The surprising ways menopause can affect your mouth — and what you can do about it

Menopause might be best known for hot flashes and night sweats — but did you know it could be taking a bite out of your smile, too? A survey of more than 1,000 women by Delta Dental found that seven in 10 women 50 and older have dealt with at least one oral health problem … Read more

Air travelers beat long security wait times with this surprising hack

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Air travelers beat long security wait times with this surprising hack

They’re pre-checking their worries at the door. With the government shutdown snarling up security, travelers are beating longer-than-usual airport lines by using TSA PreCheck Touchless IDs. The new tech combats the interminable wait times caused by the partial government shutdown, which has forced 50,000 security officers to remain on the job sans pay. TSA security … Read more