Latest news with #Tiffany's
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
24 Shocking Rich Kid Meltdowns At Private Schools
Reddit user Katybee18 recently asked, "People who went to private school, what was the best rich kid meltdown you've ever witnessed?" Here are their wilddddd stories: "Two of the kids at my school got into a fight over a parking place, and one somehow drove his super lifted truck OVER THE HOOD of the other kid's sports car. Fortunately, both of their parents bought them new vehicles so nobody learned any lessons." "My best friend at the time happened to be on vacation with her family in the Bahamas the same week I was, but she was there for her 16th birthday and brought a few other friends with her. Right before her birthday dinner, her mom gave her a Tiffany's box with a silver keychain, and she had a full-blown tantrum — crying, screaming, and cursing out her parents — because the keychain did not have car keys on it. The kicker? The friends and I were standing there as witnesses as her parents just took the abuse, took us all out to an embarrassingly overpriced dinner in a limo, then proceeded to give her a car wrapped in a bow once they got home." "I went to a very privileged international school. The kid of a diplomat (who was also independently extremely wealthy) totally crashed out because their parents told them they would have to take the bus home from school instead of their Bentley, because apparently, he got caught cheating on exams. The idea of riding home with us 'peasants' (even though many were just as privileged as him, if not more) had him so screwed up that he threw a trashcan out of the window and screamed, 'I'm going to kill everyone in this school!!!' at the top of his lungs. It was an international school in a country without guns, so it didn't carry quite the same weight as saying that in the USA. Still, I was mildly surprised when literally nothing happened to him for it, and the school admin took a firm stance of 'nothing happened.'" "One kid had a meltdown because his grandma was hospitalized and he couldn't spend his holidays in his other house in Réunion Island. He went there every holiday." "I had a friend in college from a very wealthy county in Southern California. She straight-up grew up on the beach. While in the laundromat, she complained to another friend and me about a surprise care package her mom mailed her. One of the items was a custom pair of TOMS shoes. They were adorable. It was extremely thoughtful of her mom to send them in the first place. She even chose the pattern and colors. My friend was furious and claimed that they were ugly. She said she wrote a scathing note on the package and returned it to her mom. The other friend and I were in shock and didn't even respond. We couldn't believe she did this and told us about it, as if what she did was good." "I played competitive cricket on Saturdays with about six guys from school (a fairly middle-of-the-road private school). The other seven came from a neighboring private school, and these fellas were completely loaded. The coach's son, Josh, was used to getting whatever he wanted. His dad bought him a brand new gaming PC, though this was in 2005, so it was not what we're used to seeing today. However, his dad told him he needed to save for the monitor. Of course, Josh thought his dad would cave and buy him one. We're at cricket training, and Josh and his dad have a very heated argument about getting a monitor on the way home. Josh absolutely loses his shit, screaming at his dad. He then picks up a cricket ball and whips it straight at his dad's head." "A senior once got wasted and somehow ended up driving his car through a wall into the dining hall. His parents stormed into the school the next day with a lawyer and tried spinning the story that the school's parking lot had 'too many turns on the roads,' which is how his car ended up in the lunch line. Somehow, this worked, and the entire parking lot was rebuilt. The family 'donated' a new dining hall that now has their name on it." This kid got caught cheating and went to lawyer daddy to plead their case that they were just being efficient and 'using their resources.' It halfway worked. They weren't kicked out, but did have to take a zero. Incidentally, the school received a nice donation at auction from the family." "This dude got gifted a new sports car from his dad. The dealership didn't have the color he wanted, so he had to wait two weeks. He threw a temper tantrum, screaming, cursing, and throwing things. I'm dead serious." "A girl's dad came to pick her up from school in their new helicopter. She threw a tantrum and refused to get in it because she had asked for a white one, and he had bought a black one. He ended up flying home alone and sending a driver to pick her up instead." "A guy genuinely believed the WiFi password was a basic human right. He screamed, 'I'll sue the school!' when they changed it." "A girl in my class called her mom screaming because the maid packed her 'everyday' diamond earrings instead of her 'school' ones. She threw her entire Louis Vuitton bag at a wall and started hyperventilating. The school nurse had to calm her down like she'd had a panic attack." "This rich kid threw a fit during a fire drill because it interrupted his Fortnite game. He actually shouted the classic, 'DO YOU KNOW WHO MY FATHER IS?' while refusing to leave the building. Administration had to physically escort him out. Outside, in front of the whole school, he kept whining that standing in direct sunlight would 'damage his skin investment.' He literally said that. Apparently, he was on a $1,000 skincare routine. Then a bird pooped on his blazer. Dead center. Custom-made. Everyone lost it. Even the teachers were laughing behind their clipboards." "A rich kid I grew up with backed his Porsche onto a Honda Civic, and just walked away from it. He was just being a POS. Not even kidding, a week later, he had a new Porsche. His dad has a garage full of them." "When the girls' nanny came to pick her up, but she didn't have a game the girl liked on her phone, she started SCREAMING in the middle of the changing room, and the nanny was basically begging her to stop." "One guy got expelled from boarding school for stealing money. He stole someone's card to spend like £400 on some new shoes and whatnot. So his dad came and picked him up, landing a helicopter in the sports field to take him away. That flight would've cost so much more than what the kid stole." "My classmate's parents bought her a brand-new car and gave it to her in the parking lot of the school after school on her 16th birthday, and she had a meltdown because it wasn't the color she wanted." "When I was in high school, someone arranged for THOUSANDS of rose petals to be laid out on the school lawn spelling this girl's name to ask her out to prom. This was while a plane flew overhead, towing one of those banners asking the question. He got rejected and freaked the fuck out. Their parents were beefing with one another. People were telling the girl to just go with him since his family spent so much money. He was clowned on relentlessly. It was pretty hilarious." "This girl's dad bought her an ugly yellow Hummer, but the parking spaces at our school were too small for her to park. Her dad went to the school with a donation and demanded that they combine two spaces into one and give her a designated spot. The school refused, so she had to park in this strip mall, climb a fence, and cross the fields to get to school and would arrive PISSED every day." "A guy smashed a $10,000 guitar over a post at school when he couldn't learn a song. Another guy rented a private jet to go to our end-of-year event and showed up with his bodyguard, who threw a tantrum for him because the restaurant didn't have a 45-year-old whisky he wanted. Another guy paid for a steel door to be put in his room with iris scanners so his parents couldn't get in after a fight with them when they were away. I have many more stories. This was in Singapore." "We were on a school trip for 10 days. They rented three Airbnb apartments in one building – a girls' room, a boys' room, and one for the teachers. This kid had a full meltdown when he found out one of the apartments was not for him and his girlfriend. They also fought loudly and publicly through most of the trip." "A spoiled brat lost her shit because she lost as student government president (she was insufferable). She's now a congresswoman in my country." "A girl in my class once cried because her parents bought her the wrong color Tesla for her birthday. She literally said, 'How am I supposed to show my face in the carpool lane in a white Model X?!' The best part? She refused to go to school until they exchanged it — and they actually did. She returned a week later in a matte black one and acted like it was a personality trait." And: "I knew a girl who, by age 16, had totaled two brand-new cars. When her parents refused to buy her a new one and told her to get a job if she wanted a car, she threw a massive fit and complained, because 'how dare they make her walk to school?' I remember just staring at her and laughing as she complained. It made her so mad, but I thought it was hilarious." What's the worst rich kid meltdown you've ever witnessed? Tell us in the comments or share anonymously using this form. Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
60 Budget-Friendly Alternatives To Birkenstock, Drunk Elephant, And Other Top Brands
A spandex-blend slip maxi dress, because you deserved to feel dressed-up and oh-so-comfortable alllllll at the same time. Wear it at home, out to dinner, or even to a fancy event with the right accessories. Reviewers note that this is comparable to the Skims dress — and some even like it better! A set of surprisingly affordable *noise-canceling* wireless earbuds so you can jam out to your favorite tunes, nod thoughtfully at your go-to podcast, or simply call into all your Zoom meetings with great sound clarity. They also come with three sizes of silicone tips so you can ensure a secure — and comfortable — fit. If you'd like to keep several pairs of headphones or often lose yours, they're a great alternative to Apple AirPods Pro! TruSkin vitamin C serum formulated with hyaluronic acid (to provide a boost of hydration), soothing aloe vera, and vitamin E (in addition to the namesake vitamin C) — a combo designed to brighten dark spots and overall skin tone *and* smooth your skin for your glowiest glow yet. And money-saving alert: reviewers say it's comparable to the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (which costs $182 for the full-size, btw!). A set of buttery button-down PJs with piping detailing that'll make you feel like you're lounging and/or sleeping in the lap of luxury — one reviewer calls them "the softest I've ever bought" and several draw comparisons with Eberjey jammies (which are around $150 👀) aaand Skims and Cozy Earth. The Hanes Ultimate crew socks because it just feels painful to shell out $20 for a three-pack of the cult-fave Aritzia TNA socks. If you've fallen in love with the perfect height, ribbed ankle detail, and (my favorite) the extra cushioned bottom of the original, fret not — these Hanes crew socks are *eerily* similar and just as cushy! And you get twice the socks for almost half the price. A snazzy-looking fitness smartwatch that takes calls and texts, helps track your sleep and activity (including daily steps and workout stats), works with both Apple and Android phones, and comes with over 400(!) different watch faces for a custom look. Reviewers note it's super user-friendly and *rakes* in the compliments when it comes to aesthetics, making it a great option if you've been mulling over $$$ smartwatches (that stylish anyway). A pack of duster sponges, because the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster seems to be constantly sold out, and these are totally similar, for less! Just dampen, and wipe whatever surface needs dusting — all the dust (and even pet hair!) will accumulate on the ridged surface. Just rinse clean, and you're done! A classic herringbone necklace if you've been longing for the look of that Tiffany HardWear beaut', but your budget is more aligned with having a croissant and coffee while looking in the window going into Tiffany's. How Audrey Hepburn of you! In all seriousness, reviewers love that this is substantial and sturdy, making it look more expensive and perfect for adding to your everyday outfits. LivaClean Superstar pimple patches with all the cutness of the original (and more expensive) Starface spoiler alert: reviewers say these work *b e t t e r* anyway — that's what I call a win-win. They're designed to absorb pus and oil from *inside* the zit, protecting skin from further damage and reinfection so you don't have to hot compress, pop, ooze, scar, and repeat. A classic pleated tennis skort you can rock all of tights season, continue to wear through the hottest summer days, and (of course) use as your go-to outfit for dominating on the pickleball court. Did I mention it has pockets? *And* favorably compared to similar versions from Nike, Artizia, and Lulu by reviewers? 'Nuff said. A Simple Modern tumbler for all of your hydration needs. Not only is the monochrome body chic (you might want to pick one up in various colors to match your 'fits), but it's leak-resistant, dishwasher safe, cupholder-friendly, and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Plus, it has a built-in straw and ~ergonomic~ handle! Stanley, who? Or a water bottle with some of the features that are *very* popular with the Owala, including a carry loop, locking lid that opens with the push of a button, and sip and chug options for however you'd like to hydrate. But unlike the Owala, this whole thing is (gasp) dishwasher-safe — and cheaper. A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger perfect for at home or traveling, so you can charge your iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods all at once without wasting space on bulky chargers or dealing with tons of cords. Several reviewers note that this connects better and lasts longer than the name-brand versions. A pair of comfortable clogs if you've had your eyes on the Birkenstock Boston Clog, but aren't sure you're ready to splurge for the long haul. These babies are from the makers of the TikTok–famous cloud slides, so you know you're going to stay comfortable all day, without spending Birkenstock money. Or a pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals for your warm-weather needs — these have arch support for all-day walking at home or on vacation, and reviewers say these are quite similar to Birks and indeed, extremely comfy! E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, which reviewers say is comparable to (or even better than) Charlotte Tilbury's famous Flawless Filter. Apply this as a luminous, blurring base, mix it with your moisturizer or foundation, or dot it over makeup as a natural-looking highlight. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration too. A CZ tennis bracelet that looks similar to the pricey Swarovski (or real deal). Reviewers agree it sparkles beautifully, has a super secure clasp, aaaand holds up well to repeated wear! And btw, buys like this are also a great way to "test drive" a piece of jewelry before splurging to make sure you like it for the long haul! CeraVe's Retinol Serum, which lives up to the CeraVe name and uses *encapsulated* retinol to reduce the appearance of scars and pores without flaking or redness. If you haven't gotten into retinoids yet or are worried about irritating your skin, this gentle but effective serum is a great option — and reviewers say they like it better than other more expensive options (like Murad's Retinol Serum, which retails for $92). A set of Amazon Basics silicone baking mats to make sure all of your homemade cookies and sheet pan dinners never end up stuck on the pan — and unlike parchment paper, they're Exactly like fan-favorite Silpat mats, but without the fancy price tag — just ask the reviewer who took this photo and made a batch of macarons using both Silpat and Amazon Basics mats and couldn't tell a difference! A Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa '68, which reviewers say has a similar smell to the very luxurious and oh-so popular Baccarat Rouge 540 — but in a lighter, body spray version with notes of jasmine, hibiscus, and sun musk. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers reviewers say are comparable to the Lululemon Align joggers — for a fraction of the price. But that's not all; they're beloved by reviewers for being comfortable and flexible (for working out or lounging!) and never going see-through. Or a pair of Colorfulkoala leggings in their ~Dreamlux~ fabric, which is designed to be buttery soft, sweat-wicking, and completely squat-proof, so your skin or undies never peek through the fabric. Reviewers back all of that up, tout them as a great alternative to Lululemon Align leggings, *and* say that they're super comfy (even enough to lounge in), with a waistband that never rolls down, like with some other brands. A 100-piece set of Picasso Tiles, because reviewers say they're not only comparable to Magnatiles (which are $80 more for the same size set) but also work with the Magnatiles you may already have, so you can expand a world of creative and educational play for much less. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip, a lip gloss that also has the hydration of a lip oil, thanks to vegan squalane, as well as raspberry and cloudberry oils. It's fairly new but already seriously beloved by reviewers who appreciate the sheer wash of color, high-impact shine, and non-sticky finish. And if you love Dior's Lip Oil (same), some reviewers say this is better! L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion, a fan-favorite, glycerin-infused illuminator you can mix in with moisturizer or foundation, wear as a base under makeup, *or* apply as a highlight or bronzer for a natural-looking (and not glittery) glow — especially if you're not looking to drop a fortune on Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops. The Revlon One-Step Hot Air Brush (now with an upgraded motor) with a unique oval-shaped barrel so you can get super close to your scalp for smooth hair and majorly boosted volume at the roots, without having to juggle a brush and blow-dryer. One reviewer says it takes less time to dry than their Dry Bar Brush! A belt bag so you can keep all your must-haves close and easy to access but completely hands-free. Whether you're going for a long walk, traveling, or running errands, you'll want to throw this on all the time. The strap is adjustable, so you can wear it crossbody *or* around your waist, and you'll be surprised how much it holds, too! quite similar to Lululemon's belt bag and less than half the price! E.l.f. "Squeeze Me" lip balm declared by reviewers to be a more affordable (it's under $5!) alternative to the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. It's formulated with shea butter and hyaluronic acid to pack a moisturizing punch, is easier to squeeze on and apply compared to other jarred lip balms, and provides a sheer flush of color you'll love. Or for overnight treatment, Carenel Lip Sleeping Masks, which come in a set of three minis (for under $10!) so if you've been looking at the Laneige ones to keep your lips hydrated and supple, you might want to try these. Plus they're sized perfectly for travel. A pair of chunky droplet earrings so you can try out that oh-so-trendy Bottega look but don't want to commit to fine jewelry. Reviewers note they're lightweight but not flimsy, so they're comfortable for all-day wear — plus they go with everything! A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets made of a super-soft and moisture-wicking microfiber fabric over 250,000 5-star reviewers (wow!) love for being cozy and sleeping surprisingly cool — at an unbeatable price! You just might want to ditch your expensive, name-brand sheets (cough, Cozy Earth, cough) for these babies after the first night — lots of reviewers have. E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer with squalene to hydrate, smooth over skin for a seamless finish, and hold onto makeup for all-day staying power. You mayyyy have seen this all over TikTok, and the reviews back up the hype! And if you love or have been eyeing the Tatcha Silk Canvas primer (for $54!), reviewers say this is very comparable! Or if you prefer gripping-style primers like Milk Hydro Grip (which reviewers say this is similar to!), E.l.f.'s Power Grip, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid to plump the appearance of skin and designed to *hug* to your makeup for all-day wear. And it's fragrance-free! A satin pillowcase to help maintain hair and skin health even as you sleep, reducing pesky frizz and breakage when compared with regular cotton or other fiber pillowcases — that means longer-lasting blowouts and less damage in the long run. Why spend the money on pricey brands like Slip and Blissy? A Briotech spray with the same magical ingredient as the very beloved Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid (something our body produces naturally as part of our immune system!). Just spritz it on whenever your skin needs a little de-stressing, and it'll help soothe inflammation, tone down redness, and strengthen your skin's barrier. A sunrise alarm clock reviewers say is a great alternative to the Hatch (which is over $150). This gradually brightens from red or orange to bright white, starting 30 minutes before your alarm goes off for a more natural wake-up, *and* it has an evening routine that glows softly and has an auto-shut off so you can drift off peacefully too. A pair of loafer mules so you can complete all of your outfits with ease without struggling with what to wear — just slip these on and head out the door! People might even think they're $$$ 👀 — we'll never tell. A pack of reusable grocery bags if you're tired of forgetting yours and paying a fee for paper bags every time you need to stop for milk. These babies fold down compactly, are washable, and super sturdy (they can hold up to 50 pounds), so you can carry your groceries with confidence. Just like Baggu, but for less! A Renpho percussion massager with five different head attachments for targeting different areas and reviewers love it for soothing sore muscles, easing neck and shoulder pain, and working through tough knots. And who doesn't love a massage?! Reviewers agree that this version is comparable to, or even better, than the Theragun (which is almost $300)! Essence's Lash Princess mascara, which over *260,000* 5-star reviewers for dramatic length and volume *without* clumps, thanks to the flake- and gob-free formula and cone-shaped brush. Tons of reviewers say it's a better version of cult-faves like Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. (And even Diorshow!) Skin-lifting, pore-tightening Skin1004 face masks with results that reviewers swear by — not to mention the fact that using them is weirdly fun? The mask tightens as it dries on your face, giving you the titular "zombie" effect (just better more expensive Hanacure). Just wait 15 minutes and rinse to reveal your glowiest glow yet, thanks to the albumin (aka egg white) and aloe formula. A set of breathable seamless thongs that over 10,000 5-star reviewers (including those who "never wear" thongs and "hate" thongs) swear by for looking seamless under clothes and staying actually comfy all day. And thong lovers say they are just as good or better than brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. An oversized plush satin eye mask (one reviewer says it's comparable to the $50 Lunya one!) designed to be extra gentle on your skin and hair so whether you're sleeping in at home or trying to snooze on a red-eye flight, you'll look and feel first class all the way. A suuuuper soft oversized hoodie, but not just *any* soft hoodie. This one has a thick, expensive-looking fabric and construction that reviewers swear is similar to brands like Skims, Aritzia, Abercrombie, and Cmfrt. The price-per-wear on this thing is going to be excellent. A super plush blanket that is just begging to be cuddled up with on a cozy day at home — "I bought a new blanket" is a valid reason to cancel plans, right? But seriously, reviewers love this one for looking stylish on their couch and being super soft, but not too heavy for year-round use! It's often compared favorably to Barefoot Dreams (maybe not quite as plush or stretchy), but a real bargain for the price! Physicians Formula Diamond Dust for a gorgeous shimmer onto your eyelids, cheeks, or anywhere else for a truly ~glowing~ finish — and reviewers say if you're looking for a bit less pigmented version of Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb (which is $42), this is perfect! Oversized square sunnies that'll make you feel like a celeb, thanks to their Bottega–inspired shape. But that's not all: they also have polarized lenses and UV protection to keep you peepers safer. (Not even luxury brands always have that!) A long-sleeve bodysuit in a second skin–like fabric (called Smoke Cloud) reviewers compare to Skims and love for being buttery soft and *not* see through. And once you fall in love with this crewneck style, don't worry, it comes in tons of sleeve lengths and necklines! NYX Brow Glue, an extreme hold eyebrow gel (up to 16 hours!) to keep your brow hairs in place alllll day long, especially if you like that "laminated" look. Reviewers agree the hold is great, the formula doesn't flake off, and that it also washes off easily — and is a great alternative to ABH Brow Freeze, too! A three-piece loungewear set for when you want to have a stay-on-the-couch day but don't want to stay in your PJs — you'll be just as comfy, but feel a little more put together. And you can mix-and-match the pieces separately, too! A cropped padded workout tank reviewers swear is comfortable for lounging, layering, and working out (and psst being very comparable to Lululemon yoga camis). I mean over 200 reviewers have it or want it in every color! Maybelline Tattoo Studio Pencils because if you're looking for a go-to eyeliner to stock up in neutrals and brights, these glide on with no tugging, with a creamy formula that rivals Urban Decay's eye pencils. A set of three remote-operated flameless candles with moving "flames" that flicker realistically for a relaxing atmosphere or the *look* of a fireplace — without worrying about whether or not you left a candle burning. They have a timer built in so they'll turn on at the same time every day too, so you'll be ready for cozy vibes when the sun early. Who needs Luminara candles at triple the price? A Baroque mirror no one will believe came from Amazon with Prime shipping. If you've been looking at the Anthro mirror, or other pricier options but have hesitated to spend, look no further. A Shea Moisture manuka honey mask packed with powerful ingredients like mafura oil, shea butter, baobab oil, African rock fig, and honey (duh!) to lock in moisture and definition — just as well or better than pricey conditioners like K18. One cosmetologist reviewer says it's comparable to salon deep conditioners! Or a bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment for an intense at-home mask that'll help your strands look and feel less damaged in just five minutes. It's basically a time machine for your hair is what I'm saying. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! A 20-pack of extra thick magic melamine cleaning pads that'll tackle your toughest messes — from your sneakers to your stove to your walls — just with a little water and elbow grease. Everything will be cleaner than ever and you'll save money compared to Mr. Clean Magic Erasers —I call that a win-win. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with a whopping 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades (cough like the James Charles x Morphe palette cough) to get you inspired to try out stunning eye makeup looks ranging from sultry neutral to bright and fun. And reviewers say it's great for beginners and makeup artists alike. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, a cult-fave reviewers use for *years* for a reason — it brightens your under eye without creasing while treating them with goji berry and haloxyl — plus, it'll last even LONGER than Tarte's Shape Tape and other expensive brands. And Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which is renowned for being very similar to the Becca Under-Eye Corrector ($33), for *less than 1/5 of the price!* The peachy-orange tones of both color-correcting shades cancel out dark circles instantly, whether you pair it with a concealer or wear it on its own. A handheld milk frother so you don't *have* to leave your home to enjoy a fabulous cafe-quality latte or cappuccino. It even works on iced bevvies — hello Starbucks–inspired cold foam! And that's not all: several reviewers prefer its compact size, thick foam, and easy clean-up to the (much more expensive) Nespresso Aeroccino.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Vintage McDonald's Cutlery That Was 'Banned' For An Unexpected Reason
In the 1970s and 1980s, McDonald's was known for more than just Big Macs and Happy Meals. It sounds too absurd to be true, but the fast food giant accidentally became part of the earliest stages of the "War on Drugs." It involved a tiny plastic coffee spoon, a drug epidemic, and an eventual government crackdown. Before we learned just how awful single-use plastic was, the innocent-looking utensil was first introduced as a convenient tool for stirring coffee. The offender was about five inches long and featured a small, flattened scoop at the end — just enough to stir a serving of sugar or cream into a cup of coffee. With the iconic golden arches as its handle, the spoon was another effort to add branding to the customer experience. But it wasn't long before the spoon found an unexpected second life outside of McDonald's dining rooms ... Cocaine use was truly booming in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and its fans were always looking for an easy way to measure clean, consistent bumps of the drug. The McDonald's spoon just happened to be the perfect size and shape for this purpose. This little tool became so widely associated with cocaine that it soon earned the nickname "the McSpoon." Its popularity in both the underground drug world and upper-class dinner parties didn't go unnoticed. One Connecticut newspaper in 1979 remarked, "One thing is certain: From the Tiffany's set to the McDonald's crowd, New York is snowed in coke." Read more: Taco Bell's Decades Menu Brings Back Old Faves, And We Ranked Them The U.S. government soon took issue with the spoon. At a hearing with senators and anti-drug activists, a lobbyist for the drug paraphernalia trade quipped that, "This is the best cocaine spoon in town and it's free with every cup of coffee at McDonald's." Unfortunately, the joke backfired. One of the activists attending, Joyce Nalepka, decided to personally call McDonald's then-president Edward Schmidt and ask him to replace and redesign the infamous McSpoon. Her talk must have been pretty persuasive, because the spoons soon disappeared from American McD's, replaced by a flat plastic coffee stir stick. Over time, the McDonald's coke spoon has become something of a pop culture relic. It has appeared in online forums, drug history retrospectives, and even as one of the nostalgia buys on eBay, where vintage versions of the spoon occasionally sell as collector's items. Of course, McDonald's never created or distributed the spoon with any malicious intent. But in the eyes of law enforcement and drug culture observers, the spoon had become too closely linked to illegal activities. The story of the McDonald's coffee spoon is a cautionary tale of unintended consequences. Even the most mundane products can be swept up in larger cultural trends, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Today, the tiny plastic spoon lives on as a quirky footnote in the surprisingly intertwined histories of fast food and America's War on Drugs. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
Buzz Feed
01-06-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
34 Products With Jaw-Dropping Results
All-in-one decor paint that's basically a DIYer's dream in a can. It's a clay-based formula that glides on like butter, dries quickly, and doesn't require a primer or top coat for most projects — yes, even if you're painting wood, metal, laminate, or glass. Whether you're flipping a thrifted dresser or breathing new life into kitchen cabinets, this paint delivers a soft, velvety matte finish that makes every piece look like it belongs in a cozy farmhouse Pinterest board. A deep-conditioning hair mask, aka a reviving potion for fried, dyed, and damaged strands from too much heat styling or bleach. It'll help make your hair look smoother, shinier, and stronger — *and* less frizzy too 'cause muggy, humid days are right around the corner. A lawn dog spot repair treatment that regrows grass and repairs damage from your pet's urine, digging, and zoomie areas — aka the areas that aren't the prettiest to look at. Now you'll have fresher and more even-looking grass that everyone (including your fur baby) will love to run around in! A lightweight gel cream from Nivea packed with Q10 to help plump, firm, and moisturize skin around your thighs, butt, and stomach. It quickly absorbs into your skin and feels cooling, so applying it will feel luxurious and not cause you to stick to your bed sheets post-application. Bissell stain-removing pads designed to permanently remove stubborn pet stains that make your carpet look a little icky. Just stomp on it to release the formula on tough stains, and leave it for up to 24 hours. Once you peel off the pad, the stain will be gone! L'Oréal Paris BB Cream aka a solid alternative to Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream, because they're both designed to neutralize redness and even out your skin tone — but L'Oréal's is a lot more affordable. Bonus: It can double as a base for makeup, making it very versatile — we love! A jewelry-cleaning pen to breathe some serious life back into your bling. This pen is filled with a gel that'll help scrub away grime, oil, and other mystery gunk dulling your diamonds. Your bling is gonna have that "Just walked out of Tiffany's" energy even if your necklaces, earrings, or rings have seen a thing or two — and are most definitely not Tiffany's (can't blame you). A Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener that's like a little magic wand for tired eyes — the color correcting formula works across all skin tones to help neutralize dark circles and instantly brighten up your under eye area. Say goodbye to looking exhausted and hello to looking wide-awake in seconds. A pet brush to give your furry friend some five-star spa energy for very little dough. It'll seriously help deshed by helping remove up to 95% of loose fur in minutes, so that your couches, clothes, and literally anything else you own won't have nearly as much shed on them. It works on cats *and* dogs, and the comfy grip makes grooming way less of a chore for you. Reviewers say it rivals the Furminator (which is more expensive, btw!) so your wallet and lint roller are thanking you in advance. A Briotech spray with hypochlorous acid, an antibacterial ingredient that can help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation. Spritz this on your face as needed (like after a workout!) to help target acne-causing bacteria and soothe skin. Reviewers compare this to the Tower 28 SOS Spray, which is pricier (and has the same key ingredient)! A nail and cuticle oil for people with weak, peeling nails that are overstaying their welcome. You'll get softer and stronger cuticles thanks to the moisturizing jojoba oil and conditioning sweet almond oil ingredients. Just make sure to apply this daily for the best results! Ogx Argan Oil of Morocco Curl-Defining Cream, a frizz-fighting, curl-popping miracle your waves and coils have been waiting for. Packed with Moroccan argan oil, it defines your curls without making them crunchy, adds shine without making them greasy, and smells so good you'll want to sniff your own hair (don't worry, we won't judge). Whether you're air-drying or diffusing, this lightweight cream brings the bounce and the drama... the good kind at least. A Pikk-it tool to easily remove the hair in your vacuum's roller brush — it's hurting your $$$ machine's ability to clean! You can use it for hairbrushes, too, 'cause ripping out stray hairs with your finger is just not as effective. Zesty Paws allergy supplement with probiotics and other nutrients that can help aid digestion, promote healthy skin, improve immune function, *and* add shine to your dog's coat. Reviewers say their dogs eat this "like candy" and are shocked by how well it works. A pack of carborundum sponges to help scrub away burnt messes like magic — no elbow grease (or harsh cleaners) required. These gritty little powerhouses use a compound of silicone to tackle rust, grease, and gunk on pots, pans, grills, and sinks. They're reusable, cuttable, and able to give the glow-up your cookware's been begging for. A box of Color Catcher sheets that'll soak up loose dyes before they can ruin your white clothing — 'cause dye can still leak when the washing machine is set to cold water! So now you don't have to carefully separate your laundry between darks, whites, and colors. Just toss everything in the machine, add this sheet (and detergent), and you're set! Laundry day just got a teensy bit easier. A crack weeder tool made to tackle those obnoxious little weeds that pop up between your patio pavers, driveway cracks, and sidewalks. You know... the ones that make your outdoor space look like it's trying to start a forest. With its sharp, L-shaped blade and comfy grip, this tool lets you slide into the tightest cracks and pull weeds at the root. It'll effectively help get rid of those eyesores so your home is one step closer to being featured on HGTV. Essence Lash Princess mascara that'll instantly lengthen and volumize your lashes with its cone-shaped fiber brush (without annoying clumps or globs), so you'll feel like a falsies expert without overworking yourself. It's also super affordable and sweat-proof — so this may be your new go-to! Or if you prefer tubing mascaras, a long-lasting E.l.f Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara reviewers say doesn't smudge or flake. It's formulated with jojoba seed oil to condition lashes, all while providing *dramatic* length. A Tibet Almond scratch remover stick, a quick fix for old furniture that looks a little beat up. Just rub it over a scratch and watch it basically disappear before your very eyes with no color matching, no mess, and (best of all) no stress. It's like the beauty filter of home maintenance, and your floors, tables, and cabinets are ready for their glow-up. A Roc retinol night cream with squalene that can visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time and lock in moisture. Apply this non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-recommended cream before bed so you can wake up to ✨glowy✨ skin. Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray that's gone totally viral 'cause it's a stain-fighting MIRACLE. Parents swear by it for cleaning everything from ketchup explosions to juice disasters, but don't let the "kid" branding fool you — it's a miracle worker for adults, too. Red wine? Gone. Spaghetti sauce? Don't know her. Just spray, blot, and prepare to be amazed like you're watching a live magic show in your laundry room. A Venus Visage teeth-whitening pen if coffee, wine, tea, smoking, or soda stains have taken a toll on your pearly whites. Just apply it twice daily for 30 minutes to see the best results. Its soft tip brush and formula are also good for people with sensitive teeth! A roll of scar tape that's medical grade and made out of silicone to help fade the appearance of scars from acne, injuries, burns, and more. It's soft, breathable, and stays in place throughout the day. Just cut it to size, stick it on, and let the magic happen. No greasy creams, no complicated routines, just smoother, less noticeable scars — and a whole lot of "Wait, where'd it go?" moments. Mielle's Rosemary Mint strengthening oil to help strengthen and promote hair growth at the root thanks to the mint, rosemary, and biotin formula. Reviewers with all hair types, from "very-straight" to "type 4c" love this product! Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm with a blend of vitamin E and pearl barley to remove makeup with EASE. Say goodbye to those wasteful makeup wipes when you can swipe this on — it leaves no residue or oily mess on your skin. So take this as your sign to ditch the pricier versions by Farmacy Green Clean, Dermalogica, and Elemis! A Howard Products Feed-N-Wax wood polish and conditioner if your wooden floors, cabinets, and furniture have seen better days and need a little TLC. The beeswax and orange oil will not only condition and protect your wooden surfaces, but also get the color back to normal quickly! Etude Dear Darling Water Tint because did you know you can get a lip stain *and* rosy blush from just one product? Some reviewers say it's similar to Benefit's Lip Tint because the color, pigment, and anti-smudge formula are "very, very close" to the OG — and who doesn't want a cheap 2-in-1 product? A shoe stretch spray if your new kicks are too tight and possibly causing those dreaded blisters. Spray this potion over the tight parts of your shoes, put on thick socks, slip on your shoes, and walk until dry — your feet will feel *so* much more comfortable! A renter-friendly roll of 10M wood grain tape, aka an affordable peel-and-stick transformation for your mirrors. It looks like sleek, modern wood, but it's actually waterproof PVC that can even handle steamy showers. It'll instantly upgrade your room's aesthetic without breaking the bank — and we *love* that. A self-tanner to help you get a sun-kissed glow that looks so good, people will think your tan came STRAIGHT from Aruba — even though it came from this mousse. It has *no* horrible scent (aka you won't smell like a wet dog), and it takes just one hour to develop an even (!!) tan. A TikTok-famous lip plumper set for straight-up lip alchemy — the ginger gloss amps up the volume of your pout with a spicy tingle (that isn't overwhelming, btw) for a fuller look during the day, while the minty overnight mask keeps your lips hydrated by morning. Reviewers say the plumper "delivers on its promise." A fruit and veggie wash so good, it'll make you question why you ever thought rinsing with water alone was enough. It helps strip away *all* the gunk — we're talking wax, agricultural chemicals, soil, and invisible germs from everyone's grabby hands at the grocery store. Just spray, rinse, and boom: your produce is clean and ready for snacking (or TikTok-worthy meal prep). A hair-lightening spray that gradually brightens your hair up to two shades — all you have to do is spritz it on, add heat (your blow dryer or flat iron), and watch your strands get that sun-kissed glow like you just got back from a beach vacay. It's made with citrus and chamomile, doesn't have that harsh bleach smell, and works on both natural and color-treated blondes.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump awards first-ever Medals of Sacrifice to fallen law enforcement officers
May 19 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump awarded the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice, during a ceremony Monday at the White House, to three "heroic law officers" who were killed in the line of duty last year. "Today we remember three remarkable heroes who will become the medals' first-ever recipients. That's a big honor," Trump said, as he remembered Corporal Luiz Paez Jr., Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller Jr. and Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office in Florida. The three officers were struck and killed by a vehicle last November while on motorcycle patrol. Going forward, the Medal of Sacrifice will be awarded to any law enforcement or first responder who makes the "ultimate sacrifice." "Earlier today, Congressman Brian Mast introduced a bill to ensure this new medal will be awarded to any law enforcement officer or first responder who gives his or her life in the line of duty," Trump said. "The three officers we recognize today were close friends and colleagues. And together, they dedicated their lives to protecting the people of Palm Beach County and well beyond." "This was a terrible tragedy. It shook the entire Palm Beach community," Trump continued. "All of Florida mourned their loss and today our entire nation joins in honoring these three incredible patriots taken from us much too soon." Eric Trump spoke Monday about attending the officers' funeral with his father and the inspiration to honor their sacrifice. "My father and I attended the funeral that day and I can't tell you how moving that experience was," Eric Trump told the families. "And one simple question was asked: Why is there no medal of valor, medal of sacrifice that commemorates law enforcement officers, first responders who have fallen in the line of duty?" The medal was designed by Tiffany's, the jewelry-maker that created the Medal of Honor in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. "It's only natural that we follow with this heritage just as we work on other important American heirlooms," the company said. The medals were made in Providence, R.I., of silver and 24-carat gold and contain the coat of arms of the United States. "These medals can be given for hundreds and hundreds of years to come," the president's son added. "For the first time in our nation's history -- all of our first responders, all of our law enforcement, all of our firefighters -- we're going to recognize that sacrifice from the office of the presidency," said Mast. "And that has never taken place before." Each of the families of the three fallen officers were honored Monday with the new medals, including Denise Waller. "Thank you very much for honoring my husband," said Waller. "Making this so very special for him and for all those people to come. It is a club you never want to be in. But, you've honored them, and it just means the world."
