Feb. 5, 2024.
Welcome to our daily wrap-up at HowSmart.net, where the news isn’t just news—it’s a treasure trove of trivia waiting to be discovered. Today, Feb. 5, 2024, we’ve got a lineup that’ll tickle your funny bone and turbocharge your brain cells while ensuring you’re the most interesting person at your next social gathering (virtual or otherwise). Let’s dive into our world’s delightful absurdity, one fact at a time.
Swifties vs. MAGAs: A Pop Culture Political Melee
In the left corner, wearing sequins and armed with catchy hooks, we have the Swifties, ready to defend Taylor Swift’s honor in the political arena. And in the right corner, sporting red caps and tweets as their weapon of choice, the MAGAs stand poised to enter the fray. When Swift threw her support behind Biden in 2020, it was more than just a celebrity endorsement; it was the spark that ignited a pop culture clash of the titans. Four years on, it’s the subject of a conspiracy theory involving the Pentagon, the Super Bowl, and the Swift-Kelce romance. Will she endorse Biden again after her boyfriend’s presumed Super Bowl win? Only time will tell.
In the mood for Taylor Swift trivia? Take our Taylor Swift Quiz!
Target’s Black History Month Blunder: A Misidentification Mishap
Imagine the scene: Target, in a well-intentioned but poorly executed attempt to celebrate Black History Month, ends up playing a game of “Guess Who?” with historical figures—but without checking the rules first. The retail giant’s Black History magnetic set mix-up sent them scrambling faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. This led to a hasty retreat and an apology tour that would make even seasoned politicians nod in respect. It’s a reminder that it’s a good idea to stick to the facts rather than guessing names when it comes to history.
Need some Black History facts that are facts? Check out our big Black History quiz.
The Pineapple Express: California’s Uninvited Moist Guest
Ah, the Pineapple Express: not just a movie but California’s ticket to an impromptu swimming lesson. This atmospheric river, a veritable conveyor belt of moisture, decided to grace the Golden State with its presence, bringing the kind of party that makes you reconsider your stance on rain dances. As Californians braced for “life-threatening” fun, one can’t help but wonder if Mother Nature is just trying to keep things interesting.
Want some more weather trivia? Check out our Climate Change Quiz!
Remembering Carl Weathers: The Champ Who Punched His Way into Our Hearts
Carl Weathers, the man who brought Apollo Creed to life, leaves a legacy that’s both rocky and revered. With his passing, we’re reminded of the punches he threw, both on and off-screen, that made us all root for the underdog. Whether facing down Stallone or teaming up with Schwarzenegger to battle extraterrestrial foes, Weathers was the real deal—a champion in a world of contenders.
More in Memorium trivia? Take our 2023 Celebrity Deaths Quiz!
So, there you have it—today’s news served with a side of trivia and a dash of sass. Whether you’re a trivia night champion or just someone who likes to sprinkle conversation with fascinating tidbits, remember: the world’s a lot more interesting when you look at it through the lens of curiosity… and a little bit of sarcasm. For more enlightening trivia, swing by HowSmart.net—because knowledge is power, but knowing quirky facts is a superpower.
Sources for the Feb. 5 News Trivia Update
We cross-checked the facts in today’s Feb. 5, 2024, News Trivia Update with the world’s leading news outlets.
Taylor Swift and Politics
- Right-wing media targets Taylor Swift with Super Bowl conspiracy theory ahead of the Super Bowl – CNN Business
- Taylor Swift Makes Fox News Suddenly Hate Celebs in Politics – The New York Times
- ‘Being mean will only rally her fans’: Taylor Swift is winning whether she backs Biden or thumps Trump – The Guardian
- Trump Allies Pledge Holy War Against Taylor Swift – Rolling Stone
Target’s Black History Month Errors
- Target Pulls Magnet Kit That Misidentified Three Black Leaders – The New York Times
- Target pulls Black History Month book that misidentified icons – NPR
- Target pulls Black history item that misidentified Civil Rights leaders – CNN Business
- Target stops selling product dedicated to Civil Rights icons after TikTok video shows errors – AP News
- The Reason Target Pulled a Civil Rights Book From Shelves – TIME
California Atmospheric River
- Atmospheric River: California braces for life-threatening rain storm – BBC News
- Severe storm expected to unleash flooding, damaging winds in California – The Washington Post
- Stronger storm expected to hit California with potentially deadly floods – Reuters
- What’s an atmospheric river? A pineapple express? AP explains the weather phenomenon – AP News
Carl Weathers’ Death
- Carl Weathers Dead: Rocky’s Apollo Creed Star Wars Predator Actor Was 76 – Variety
- Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed from Rocky movies, dies aged 76 – BBC News
- Carl Weathers, Rocky and Predator actor, dies aged 76 – The Guardian
- Carl Weathers, Who Played Apollo Creed in ‘Rocky’ Movies, Dies at 76 – The New York Times
