Latest news with #Tiffany's
Yahoo
3 days ago
- 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."
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-Chicago principal found dead on day of sentencing in fraud case, lawyer says
CHICAGO — Former Brennemann Elementary School Principal Sarah Jackson Abedelal was found dead after she failed to show up for her sentencing in an overtime kickback scheme, her lawyer told a judge Wednesday. Abedelal, 61, had been scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday morning before U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, who issued an arrest warrant after she failed to show up an rescheduled the hearing for Wednesday afternoon. At those proceedings, Abedelal's attorney, Jonathan Bedi, told the judge he was informed last night that his client had passed away. No further details of the circumstances of her death were discussed in court. Ellis told Bedi to extend the court's condolences to Abedelal's family. Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri said that once the death certificate is verified the case will be dropped. Afterward, Bedi and his law partner, Dena Singer, released a statement saying 'it is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Sarah Abedelal.' 'Despite the charges in her case, Sarah positively impacted the educational journeys of hundreds of students,' the statement read. 'While charges resulted in Sarah's plea of guilty, this single chapter did not define her. She was a wonderful friend and family member. Sarah will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.' Her family asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time. Abedelal was charged in July 2021 in a 10-count wire fraud indictment alleging a seven-year scheme to have employees file for overtime they didn't work and kick back at least $200,000 to her, which she allegedly used for her own purposes including for her car and her student loans. Abedelal was one of six defendants — including two of her underlings — ensnared in the case, which also involved an alleged scheme to falsify orders for school supplies to provide iPhones, iPads and prepaid gift cards to school officials for personal use. Abedelal pleaded guilty to a single wire fraud count nearly three years ago. Prosecutors had been seeking a 38-month prison sentence, arguing she 'diverted critical funds meant to further children's education away from a school and school district that were already having financial difficulties in order to line her pockets.' Among the personal items she bought with the stolen funds were a Tiffany's bracelet, gold hoop earrings, clothes, a Chanel bag, Jimmy Choo shoes, and perfume, prosecutors said. Abedelal's attorneys, meanwhile, had asked for six months behind bars. In a recent court filing, Abedelal's lawyers said she has a history of mental issues including bipolar disorder and depression, and they asked she be placed in a treatment program if she was incarcerated. ____
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Ex-CPS principal found dead on day of sentencing in fraud case, lawyer says
Former Brennemann Elementary School principal Sarah Jackson Abedelal was found dead after she failed to show up for her sentencing in an overtime kickback scheme, her lawyer told a judge Wednesday. Abedelal, 61, had been scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday morning before U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, who issued an arrest warrant after she failed to show up an rescheduled the hearing for Wednesday afternoon. At those proceedings, Abedelal's attorney, Jonathan Bedi, told the judge he was informed last night that his client had passed away. No further details of the circumstances of her death were discussed in court. Ellis told Bedi to extend the court's condolences to Abedelal's family. Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri said that once the death certificate is verified the case will be dropped. Abedelal was charged in July 2021 in a 10-count wire fraud indictment alleging a seven-year scheme to have employees file for overtime they didn't work and kick back at least $200,000 to her, which she allegedly used for her own purposes including for her car and her student loans. Abedelal was one of six defendants — including two of her underlings — ensnared in the case, which also involved an alleged scheme to falsify orders for school supplies to provide iPhones, iPads and prepaid gift cards to school officials for personal use. Abedelal pleaded guilty to a single wire fraud count nearly three years ago. Prosecutors had been seeking a 38-month prison sentence, arguing she 'diverted critical funds meant to further children's education away from a school and school district that were already having financial difficulties in order to line her pockets.' Among the personal items she bought with the stolen funds were a Tiffany's bracelet, gold hoop earrings, clothes, a Chanel bag, Jimmy Choo shoes, and perfume, prosecutors said. Abedelal's attorneys, meanwhile, had asked for six months behind bars. In a recent court filing, Abedelal's lawyers said she has a history of mental issues including bipolar disorder and depression, and they asked she be placed in a treatment program if she was incarcerated. ' ]
