Remember the Left Shark from the Super Bowl a few years ago? He was supposed to be just a guy in a shark costume dancing next to Katy Perry during the halftime show. But because he decided to do his own thing, he became the center of attention. Every so often, another Left Shark will come along in the background of an event only to steal the show.

The most recent of these was the Fiji Water girl during the Golden Globes red carpet, who has been given the title 2019’s first meme after appearing to have photobombed many shots of the celebrities on the red carpet. Her real name is Kelleth Cuthbert, a Canadian model and influencer.

That brings us to today’s topic. As you’ll find out, this everyday object is less about necessity but more about clever marketing, even before Cuthbert generated $12 million worth of brand exposure the past week.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Bottled Water.

*Note: A previous version of this podcast episode mentioned "Sarasota Springs," instead of Saratoga Springs. Thank you to John for calling this to my attention.

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