Social media is all smoke and mirrors
Most "mirror selfies" from big-time influencers are just regular pictures taken by a second person while the subject holds up a decoy cellphone to give the appearance of photographing their reflection. The whole appeal of mirror selfies (for people who care about
those things) was their genuineness. It was comforting to see these relatable, spontaneous glimpses into the lives of people who had it all. It was understood that they may have cleaned up a bit and tried a few different angles to get the best possible shot, but, in the end, they still presented a real part of themselves.
Dr Mead's longevity
A curious tombstone in Hertfordshire, England, reads: "In Memory of William Mead, M.D. who departed this Life on the 28th of October 1652 aged 148 years, and 9 months, 3 weeks and 4 days." The life expectancy at the time was 30 to 40 years old. So, how did he do it? In life, Mead cooked up medicines that were sold from several shops, including an elixir for long life. The story goes that, following his death, Mead's wife saw an opportunity in the inscribing of his headstone. How better to market an elixir for long life than boast the century-and-a-half age at death of its creator?
Screw you, planet Earth
