What's going on: Remember that Friends Thanksgiving episode when Joey gets a turkey stuck on his head? Well, if you have a Joey at your table this year, keep them far away from the precious and expensive bird. The Department of Agriculture says wholesale prices jumped 40% since last year, pushing frozen birds to about $1.32 a pound (most Americans grab a 16-pound turkey). Two things are to blame: The country’s turkey supply just hit a 40-year low, and another wave of avian flu is not helping. As if that’s not bad enough, many sides — arguably the real stars on the menu — cost more too. Consumer Price Index shows that canned veggies are 5% more expensive than last year, thanks to aluminum tariffs. Tofurkey anyone?
What it means: For once, grocery giants know shoppers’ wallets are maxed out. Stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Aldi likely plan to sell turkey at a loss to get shoppers to fill the rest of their carts — think wine, desserts, and everything else that drives profit. Smaller stores can’t pull that lever, which is why some now offer “cheaper” Thanksgiving bundles that include… less food. One expert told NPR the best strategy starts before you grab a cart: make a list and stick to it. He also recommends that you go for fresh produce when possible to dodge aluminum-driven price hikes, pick store brands, and hunt for sales and coupons. We’re telling ourselves that at least there will be leftovers for a week.
What's going on: If you’ve ever wished for a conversational cheat code — like when you’ve zoned out mid-work call — a new tool claims it can deliver. Enter Cluely, an AI meeting assistant. It listens to your video and audio calls (so much for privacy), feeding you real-time suggestions for follow-up questions, anecdotes, and segues. There’s just one hiccup: A lot of those prompts sound exactly like what they are — lines written by a robot. As an Atlantic writer who tested Cluely found out, parroting these responses is a great way to become the boring friend.
What it means: Some analysts say this is exactly the kind of tool that could be the true beginning of our social downfall. They worry tools like this could cause more brain rot, kill the lifeblood of the incredible dinner party anecdote, and turn us all into the human version of a Suzie Talks A Lot doll. AI optimists, however, say these tools can help people who struggle with small talk, don’t know a topic well enough to form a good response, or need a confidence boost for job interviews. But even the best AI-generated line can’t replace what makes a conversation actually good: connection, curiosity, and ideally, some elite gossip.
What's going on: Skincare trends rise and fall, from slugging to salmon sperm. The latest SkinTok star? Peptides. Think of them as protein’s younger sibling. They’re short chains of amino acids our bodies naturally make to regulate hormones and calm inflammation. Cosmetic giants now advertise hundreds of topical peptides, from serums to creams, that allegedly boost collagen production or support skin repair. As for the claims that peptides can lead to brighter skin, there’s some evidence behind them. One dermatologist told The New York Times, “They’re not a scam.”
What it means: As with everything in skincare, it’s tough to tell what helps and what just drains your bank account. Take injectable “Barbie” peptides, which promise a sunless tan but come with serious safety concerns. Researchers and the Food and Drug Administration are still looking into peptides and their limits — especially when it comes to muscle-building and biohacking. Dermatologists say topical peptide products are generally safe to try, as long as you stop if your skin reacts. The real heavy hitters to use for anti-aging are sunscreen, moisturizers, and retinoids (if your skin can handle them). And yes, we remain unclear about the correct order for all these steps.
