Happy birthday to the Slurpee

Thank goodness for life’s simple pleasures, like the Slurpee, which turns 40 this week (joining fellow 40-year-old the Pillsbury Doughboy). I find comfort in knowing that I can always walk down to the corner 7-Eleven and grab a cherry- or Coke-flavored Slurpee. Apparently I’m not the only fan. Since 1965, more than 6 billion Slurpees have been sold. The carbonated slush is sold in 17 countries, and U.S. annual sales alone are $170 million. Plus, Slurpees are much cooler than 7-Eleven’s other old standby: “grilled” hot dogs.