Latest news with #DeathWish
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
3 disappointing endings in GTA 5 that GTA 6 should do better
(Image via Rockstar Games) GTA 5 is iconic, but its endings? Not so much. For a game that gave us epic heists, chaos, and unforgettable characters, the finale felt... weirdly underwhelming. With GTA 6 around the corner, Rockstar has a real chance to level up. Here are 3 endings from GTA 5 that didn't quite hit, and how GTA 6 can crush it. 1. Option A: Kill Trevor – Why Even Give Us This? You spend hours causing mayhem with this unhinged wildcard, and suddenly the game expects you to kill him? Like, seriously? Sure, Trevor's chaotic. But that's the point. He's the heart of GTA 5's insanity. Choosing to burn him alive felt like Rockstar forcing an 'edgy' moment that didn't fit. Players didn't buy it emotionally, and it didn't really change the story in a meaningful way either. How to Fix it in GTA 6 : Don't give us character-kill choices unless the consequences actually matter . And if you're gonna break our hearts, at least earn it with story buildup. GTA 5 - Ending B / Final Mission #2 - The Time's Come (Michael) 2. Option B: Kill Michael – Cold, Rushed, and Pointless Michael might be flawed (okay, very flawed), but he's a father, a mentor, and one of GTA's most complex characters. So when Option B casually tosses out, 'Hey, want to murder your bestie?' it just doesn't land. There's no payoff. No deep fallout. Franklin kills Michael, and life weirdly goes on. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later! [Video] getfittoday Undo It feels more like flipping a switch than making a choice. How to fix it in GTA 6 : If you're writing tragic endings, go all in . Make the emotional stakes real. Don't make character deaths feel like they belong in a side quest. Why Death Wish Ending Sucks | GTA V 3. Option C: Deathwish – The 'Everyone Lives' Cop-Out Let's face it, Option C was what 99% of players picked. Why? Because it's the only one that actually feels right . But even then, it's too clean. Everyone magically survives. We wipe out the enemies in one final shootout and ride off into the sunset. It's satisfying... but also too safe . No twists. No sacrifice. Just fan service. How to fix it in GTA 6 : Give us endings that are earned , not just easy. A good finale doesn't have to kill everyone, but it should leave players thinking . Add moral tension. Make choices stick. And for the love of chaos, make it messy in the best way. Rockstar nailed the journey in GTA 5 but fumbled the finish . In GTA 6, fans want emotional impact, not last-minute decisions with zero weight. Whether it's Jason, Lucia, or whoever joins the ride, we want endings that slap, not ones that feel like an afterthought. Let's hope GTA 6 doesn't just end , but explodes. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Buzz Feed
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
36 Products Poised To Become Your New Favorites
A cheerful, ridiculously roomy corduroy tote bag that you'll want in every pattern. This lightweight number is strong enough to handle your groceries but also adorable enough to demand that you stick a little Trader Joe's bouquet in them to peek out the side. Also ... it has an inner POCKET. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~! A buildable Lego cherry blossom reviewers love for a small but thoughtful way to add a touch of whimsy to their floral displays, or to gift to a fellow Lego enthusiast as a cheerful lil' pick-me-up. L'Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara in a new brown shade so you can have all the *vavoom* of thick, full lashes with that romantic ~softness~ of the more muted shade. Similar to the iconic black shade that made it famous, this mascara doesn't smudge, clump, or flake for alllll day wear, and washes easily to be extra gentle on lashes. Death Wish Instant Coffee Packets so downright (dare I say, DANGEROUSLY) delicious that even the biggest coffee snobs you know might trade in their precious pour-overs. That is, if they can handle the 300mg of caffeine per cup 👀. Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in Black Honey you're definitely going to want to stock up on *now*, before TikTokers go feral again (guilty as charged). This cult-classic, lightweight, slightly glossy shade is beyond "holy grail" status — it matches skin tones so beautifully that I'm personally starting to suspect witchcraft, after seeing so many TikToks of it subtly transforming entire beauty looks with just a few swipes. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball that honestly has no right smelling so delectable and layering so well considering it's only five cash dollars. Reviewers are obsessed with the scent's warm sweetness with a hint of citrusy zest, comparing it to waffle cones, lemon pound cake, and warm vanilla scones ... and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀. A shaker of Thin Mint seasoning you need to buy as a favor to all your taste buds immediately. Allow me to paint a picture for you: Thin Mint coffee, Thin Mint pudding, Thin Mint popcorn, Thin Mint anything your dessert gremlin heart desires. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit for anyone on their "happy accidents" beat — this itty bitty set comes with everything you need to create three tiny masterpieces of your very own. A set of hair tie bracelets designed to look like *actual* jewelry, so you won't be kicking yourself when you realize you left a hair tie on your wrist for every photo. Murdle, Volume 1, a true essential for anyone who relaxes to true crime podcasts or Only Murders in the Building. The book is full of 100 mystery-themed logic puzzles with four different levels of difficulty that they can do solo or with pals, and in order or out of order (although if they do it in order, they get the full scoop on Deductive Logico and Inspector Irratino, whose hilarious misadventures guide you through the book). A cheeky pair of double-buckle slides that look like what happens when a Birkenstock from the 2000s falls in love with a jelly sandal from the '90s in a forbidden time-crossed romance. A set of limited edition wildflower Band-Aids so the next time you get a little ouch, you can be like, "wound care, but make it fashion." A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," a beloved member of the *elite* Needoh sensory fidget toy line for anyone who wants to add more calm and focus to their day. This goo-filled, delightfully colorful fidget has a satisfying squish with a "slow rise" before going back to its original shape. Reviewers also love that it doesn't have the kind of stickiness that picks up debris and makes it hard to clean. Spring Moments, another beloved stress relief coloring book from Coco Wyo, a brand that's made itself famous on TikTok for its cozy, relaxing, easy-to-draw themes. This one is full of happy little animals frolicking in springtime shenanigans. 🌸 An oh-so-snuggly Kindle, iPad, and phone lap pillow holder so you can stream content or read the latest fairy, dragon, and/or "dead girl found in the woods" book in the *ultimate* comfort. This can rotate and easily adjust the angle of the screen, and even comes with a little spot to hold a snack! A pair of pretty pastel wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price. The TikTok-viral Nooni appleberry lip oil that more than earned its spot on the MVP List — this K-beauty staple not only tints your lips for all-day wear, but helps moisturize and plump lips, so it's your one-stop shop for lip color *and* care. A set of cowboy straw toppers to add some much-needed "yeehaw!" into your hydration regimen, and keep your straws safe from germs out here in the wild, bacterial west. A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing! Built's "Puff Protein Bars" that are basically chocolate-covered marshmallows that also, by some witchcraft, have 17 entire grams of protein in them?? And NO weird aftertaste. If you are also someone who is in a perpetual state of "I need protein or I will bite someone's brain off," I am telling you, nothing in this WORLD will feel better than pulling one of these out of your bag. A "float-tea unicorn" to make steeping your tea downright magical every morning, no matter *how* much caffeine you need to get yourself across today's rainbow. A light up solar frog figurine for your garden or porch so when you come home from that "just one drink" dinner past midnight, this croaky lil' fella can lovingly judge you for it. A goth popcorn maker and bowl for anyone who wants an extra side of spook with their saltiness. This silicone skull is so easy to use that you can pour in the kernels, pop it in the microwave for two to three minutes, and get eight cups of freshly popped popcorn without even having to use oil! Yellowbird's Small Batch Garlic Shiitake Hot Sauce, the beloved brand's *hottest* sauce yet. Those brave enough to ride the burn will love the combo of umami mushroom and spicy garlic and the fresh, slightly floral top note of habaneros. Bonus — this hot sauce is vegan and gluten-free! An affordable, elegant gold-plated paperclip-style necklace to instantly give any outfit a touch of sophistication without also making it a little, well, *boring*. Elegance, but with a bit of a modern edge. A dimmable flexible clip-on mushroom light so versatile that it'll become your Emotional Support Shroom — this gizmo clips to desks, cribs, bedside tables, and computer monitors to give an ambient, soft glow that's easy on the eyeballs when you're trying to focus. (Also, it's just so darn precious??) A compact, beginner-friendly watercolor palette that comes with everything you need to start creating your own masterpieces you can use to decorate your walls in the coziest, most colorful way imaginable — especially with 100 (!!) colors to choose from. A set of book-shaped sponges, aka what happens when Cinderella and Belle collaborate on your birthday gift. A set of itty bitty ceramic rice ball vases that all onigiri lovers deserve to have on their desk as a delicious aesthetic. LOOK AT THESE HAPPY BUBS. A set of retro-style novelty socks perfect for anyone whose plans this summer are, "Be cute, sleep, repeat." Reviewers note that these are delightfully soft and hold up well in the wash! A set of dainty but surprisingly strong bow-shaped hair clips to pair with all your frilliest dresses or to add a soft touch your more structured work outfits. A little mushroom cap plate for all your appetizer, dessert, and Girl Dinner needs. A bunch of teensy macaron boxes for a delightful upgrade to many things in your life, whether it's storing pills or trinkets or just staring at them looking all fancy and delicious on your bedside table. A set of itty bitty vintage-inspired spoons that are just BEGGING to be used for all your coffee, tea, dessert, and yogurt needs. (Is it just me, or do we all have an Emotional Support Tiny Spoon?) A set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious (far more AFFORDABLE!!) cocktail in one minute.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Death Wish coffee is a threat to your taste buds (complimentary)
Death Wish coffee is a threat to your taste buds (complimentary) Welcome back to FTW's Beverage of the Week series. Here, we mostly chronicle and review beers, but happily expand that scope to any beverage that pairs well with sports. Yes, even cookie dough whiskey. I have a friend who swears by Death Wish coffee. But he's also a vaguely intense dude who wakes up before his kids rise to sneak in hour-long workouts. As such, something about the "world's strongest coffee" felt a bit excessive to me, a guy who wakes up minutes before he has to get his daughter on the bus and then spends the next few hours quietly figuring out which NFL quarterbacks are actually bad. Despite that lack of early morning... anything, really, caffeine plays a major role in my life. My day starts with 40 to 50 ounces of water, then about 20 ounces of coffee. Usually that's mixed with milk and some protein powder to carry me through to a late lunch. But I'm open to new experiences and, inconveniently, out of milk. What I do have is a new brand of coffee to try (Death Wish) and a new creamer I've never had before. Enter Oatly's Sweet and Creamy and Barista edition oat milks. I don't mess with oat milk often. I think the only time I've ever had it was in premixed canned cold brews. While it doesn't scratch the itch cow milk does, it's a reasonable swap with a longer shelf life, so I can get behind it. Let's try the pairing, along with some of my traditional coffee blends, and see how they turn out. Blue and Buried Death Wish with Oatly Sweet & Creamy Oatmilk Creamer: A This coffee is pungent in a great way. It's clean, sweet blueberry with a little vanilla ice cream underneath, sitting on a mild current of coffee beans. It reminds me of bringing a fresh pint of SweetWater Blue up to my lips on trivia night back in grad school, which is a weird place to go with coffee but is a nice olfactory callback. The creamer looks the part, turning black coffee into a swirling brown nebula. A few white flecks serve as stars in that spiral, concentrated oak milk dislodged from the outer reaches of the bottle by shoddy shaking. I'm sipping this out of my Created Paris not-quite-Olympics mug, which not only looks great but also holds juuuuuust enough coffee to get me through a cup before it gets cold. The oat milk creamer adds to the whole "melted ice cream" vibe wafting off the top of this warm mug. Oh, wow. Between the sweetness of the berries, the cream of the Oatly and the underlying plant base you really do feel the cereal vibes from the first sip. It's not overpowering in terms of sugar, but it's enough that I'll try the next cup without a packet of Splenda in it. Still, it's a charming blend of flavors I like with just enough coffee taste to remind you you're about to get blasted with caffeine. It continues to hold up without the added sugar substitute, though it's a little more coffee this time around and less "milk left over after crushing a bowl of Boo Berry." If you're looking for pure coffee flavor, this isn't for you. But if you're like me and happy to add fruit and dairy(ish) and whatever else in an effort to make your coffee more interesting (and less like coffee), it's an easy win. Light Roast Death Wish with Oatly Sweet & Creamy Oatmilk Creamer: B Unlike the blueberry, this smells like pure coffee bean goodness. The caffeine content is... well, let's say confusing. Death Wish maintains its claim of "strongest coffee in the world" applies to the taste. But estimates on the caffeine content vary wildly. Some come out as high as 400 milligrams per eight ounces which is... whoa. The instant version of this light roast clocks in at a more manageable 300. That is a full day's worth on a long, NFL Sunday. The higher bound would be more than four times the typical amount in a cup of coffee (95 mg). Per Death Wish's sales pitch, the Blue and Buried only clocks in at around double the caffeine of a typical mug. In my personal experience, while I do feel a bit more jittery than my usual cup I don't feel like I'm ingesting a threatening amount of caffeine. I still get to sleep at night and my afternoon crash, while still a problem, isn't any worse than it usually is. Well, OK. Back to the taste. It still smells great. The first sip is a pretty basic light coffee flavor, quickly washed out by the sweet cereal jazz of the Oatly. The creaminess is a bit overpowering, which is great for me as a guy who generally only drinks regular coffee at conventions or hungover at breakfast places that don't offer Bloody Marys. As a result, the brew itself is more of a conduit for cream and caffeine than anything you'd get on your own. Hold on, lemme give it a swig with a fresh, black cup. Light Roast Death Wish, black: B It's a flavorful coffee, not overly harsh or acidic. It's light enough to be a fairly easy sip without sugar or cream. There's overt roasted dark chocolate vibes in each sip before a dry finish. There's a liiiiiitttttle bit of fruit sweetness as well, but it's very minor. Ultimately, black coffee isn't my jam. But Death Wish's light roast is something I could sip without regret in a pinch. Espresso Roast with Thread Performance vanilla protein mix: B Let's get back to my normal coffee routine, which is probably slightly offensive to coffee snobs. I drink mine with a protein shake as creamer, a combination that gets me in a decent spot for an afternoon workout while serving as breakfast and getting me to my usual 2 p.m. late lunch without hunger pains. As such, I'm not getting the full flavor of Death Wish's espresso roast. Still, you get the darker, roasted flavors that shine through that binding layer of whey. It's rich with a little bit of burnt chocolate to it -- not in a bad way, but more like a sweeter version of burnt ends. It blends well with the sweeter vanilla, creating a pleasant push-and-pull. As a coffee wimp, I need that tempered experience. I get the impression this espresso would stand up well on its own, but dosed with creamy vanilla protein it works out even better. Dark Roast Death Wish with Thread Performance vanilla protein powder: B+ The dark roast tones down the caffeine but offers a bolder, smoother coffee flavor. You do taste that extra heat, not quite a char but a little reminder these beans have spent some time in the fire. That rises above the taste of my daily protein -- I'll be talking about my five-week Thread Performance plan later, but it was solid enough for a basic-tasting powder -- and brings a little less acidity than the lighter coffees I'm used to. There's a little chocolate in there and very little bitterness. The big flavors coat your tongue with that roasted coffee taste. It's strong, and it's a lot to handle for a nerd like me who's happy to take a good cup of coffee and mash it into something less with milk and Splenda. But hey, I ruined it and I still liked it, so that's something... right? Peppermint Mocha: A First off, this smells incredible. Rich and minty with a little bit of chocolate that has wafted across my kitchen to make my morning a little more tolerable. This is the diffuser I needed. I'm sipping this with a Splenda and some oat milk creamer (Oatly Sweet & Creamy) since I figure vanilla protein and mocha mint probably aren't a good combo -- or, at the very least, not representative of the coffee itself. The first sip is creamy mint goodness. The sugary vanilla of the oak milk works well with a strong mint undercurrent that slides under the strong roasted notes of Death Wish. As you'd expect, it's got a bit of a Christmas vibe that makes me regret not brewing this at 6 a.m. December 25 after my daughter wakes up and loses her mind. It's sweet with just enough of a minty kick at the end to snap off each sip satisfyingly. It's not overbearingly rich, with the chocolate and mint balanced just enough against your traditional coffee flavors for everything to work without driving you into taste bud fatigue. It may be the best flavored coffee I've ever had. Would I drink it instead of a Hamm's? This a pass/fail mechanism where I compare whatever I'm drinking to my baseline cheap beer. That's the standby from the land of sky-blue waters, Hamm's. So the question to answer is: on a typical day, would I drink Death Wish coffee over a cold can of Hamm's? These two probably will never meet, barring a 6 a.m. wakeup before the Indy 500. But the heights of Death Wish and its mastery of bold flavored coffees are a godsend for someone like me, who likes coffee but doesn't appreciate it on its own. The blueberry and peppermint? Oh, friends, they are wonderful.
Buzz Feed
20-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
27 Practical Amazon Things Worth Buying May 2025
A Ninja air fryer for anyone who's looking for a versatile piece of cookware that's easy to use and super convenient. I'm guessing that's 99% of you? Promising reviews: "This is my first air fryer and I have been using it almost every day for seven months now. By far the most used small kitchen appliance in my household! It's the best reheating tool and makes fried food nice and crispy in less than 20 minutes. Store-bought apple pies turn into great pies, and frozen chicken nuggets or french fries get much tastier than if heated in the conventional oven. I use this not only for reheating but also to bake or roast many kinds of small-sized uncooked food. It makes the best drumsticks. It is easy to use and easy to clean. Flipping over is not necessary; just shake the basket once or twice while it's cooking. I always use the crisper that came with this fryer. With it, excessive oil drops down to the bottom so the food never turns too greasy." —Rain Traveler"Love this. I bought it as a gift for someone because I have had one for three years and it's still great. Before this l ran through cheaper brands that started peeling after six months. The people l gifted it to loves it. Worth every penny." —Regular CustomerPrice: $89.99+ (available in three sizes and styles) A bottle of Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser so you can easily scrub away rust, scratches, burnt-on grease, and even Sharpie marks from all of your surfaces. Consider any "impossible" task complete. Promising review: "Sink was nearly uncleanable. Ajax, bleach, etc., would not take out the stains you see in the photo. We considered replacing the sink, but wanted to google how to repair sinks, and stumbled on a YouTube review for this product. The change is unbelievable. The left is AFTER an hour of scrubbing with Ajax. The right is 30 minutes with Bar Keepers." —EzePrice: $12.98 for a two-packFor more about this, check out "You Can Use This All-Purpose Cleanser To Basically Clean Your Entire House". A bag of Death Wish coffee that will shockingly wean you from a whole pot of coffee to one or two cups with its high caffeine content (and fun-but-sinister branding). Folks who normally rely on constant refills of normal roasts find themselves only having a cup or two of this, with the same results. You've been warned. Death Wish coffee is fair-trade and to the Mayo Clinic, 'up to 400 milligrams of caffeine appears to be safe for most healthy adults,' but you should talk to your doctor about what's right for review: "Unbelievable! This is the first time in a very long time that coffee has ACTUALLY given me a 'pick-me-up.' Recommend to all seeking something to wake you up." —Tara $16.48Learn more about Death Wish coffee in "This Super Caffeinated Coffee Is About To Make Your Sluggish Mornings So Much Better." A four-piece sock and underwear organizer to help you organize your drawers, if you know what I mean. These are perfect for separating bras, underwear, the things that are usually in one terrifying ball. A Vanicream clinical strength anti-perspirant if your armpits magically turn into waterfalls every summer. Sweat is natural and normal, but if it bugs ya, give this a try. An Escali Primo kitchen scale, so at long last you can bake with the *exact* measurements those cookbooks are so keen for you to use, making for a better end result. Promising reviews: "I use this scale 2–3 times/week for baking bread. It makes it so easy to weigh one ingredient in a bowl, hit the Tare button, add the next ingredient, hit Tare, etc., without ever moving the bowl. Saves so much time over measuring in a separate container. Very accurate. I can shake in 10 grams of salt and watch it tick upward as the grains go in. We also use this as a mail scale in lb/oz mode. Very easy to use." —Texas Birder"I love this scale. I thought my trusted little Escali scale died this morning. Turns out I had a bad battery replacement, and this little soldier is just fine. But when briefly looking for a replacement, I looked at my original order and realized that I purchased this scale back in May 2008. I use it a lot, and it does exactly what it's supposed to do. It's easy to use and easy to store. Highly recommended." —C. DohertyPrice: $26.95+ (available in nine colors or in sets) A pack of 42 flexible curling rods delivering picture-perfect heatless curls overnight. Waking up with your hair already done? Amazing. Promising review: "These are the best curling rods I have found. The quality is unbelievable, and they are super easy to use. They stay put and don't slip out, even in thin, fine hair like mine. I can achieve so many different looks with this set — tight curls or loose beach waves (my favorite). All of the different sizes of curlers make my hairstyles look more natural. They come exactly as shown, and the storage case is a nice quality." —KateGrayPrice: $16.99 A shea sugar scrub to get your skin squeaky clean and exfoliated, thanks to sugar and AHA, which brightens and tones. And with a whopping 32 scents available, you're sure to find one (or a few) that match your summer vibe. An ink remover that'll rescue hard surfaces and fabrics alike from the enemy to end all enemies: permanent marker. Promising review: "My son wrote all over his brand-new Lego table with blue Sharpie marker. I tried everything to remove the stain. This product is EASY. Its consistency is like glue. I added one coat, let it soak in for an hour or two, scrubbed with a scrub pad, rinsed, added a second coat, scrubbed, and rinsed. It's all gone. It's magic. I am showing everyone the photos because it's unbelievable how this product worked." —VickiPrice: $12 An Innisfree daily SPF 36 sunscreen to keep your skin safe from the sun's evil rays. Reviewers with all skin tones report that it leaves no white cast, so it's a great buy for any and everyone. It's become my daily sunscreen, and I know I'll be rebuying it from now until forever. I looooove the way this sunscreen feels. So light and not... sunscreen-y. I don't feel like it makes me shiny or clogs my pores or causes any of my usual sunscreen annoyances. That, and the price is right, especially compared to other trendy SPF brands. Promising reviews: "I gave up on trying sunscreen because I'd always hear than sunscreen was for everyone but I'd put it on and I'd look so damn ghostly! Not this time, sweetheart. I saw people talking about it on TikTok, and I decided to just go ahead and give it a try. Absolutely! No white cast. It smells pretty nice, so that's a bonus to me. I've had it for three weeks now and have been using it consistently. My face hasn't broken out, so I love that too." —TaePrice: $18 A pack of washing machine tablets, because how is your machine supposed to get your clothes clean if it's grimy? Your washer should internalize the lesson that it needs to take care of itself before it can take care of others. THAT came out of a washing machine?! Like, how? Please explain. Promising review: "Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner tabs — I had never cleaned my washer before after six years of ownership. OMG!! The funk that came out was unbelievable! I didn't realize that I'd have to wipe away the gunk from the basin, so at first I thought I had ruined my washer. I wiped it out and ran on the cleaning cycle again, and more gunk came out! Had to do it three times and then do another rinse cycle. Unbelievable!" —StaceyPrice: $11.99 for a pack of six A bottle of Paula's Choice 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Exfoliant, which gently exfoliates while tackling breakouts, fine lines, and pores. I can't get enough of this multitasking product — it's such a huge help with all my skincare chores and is one of the only things that's actually helped with my hormonal breakouts. A can opener, because even if you're a person who thinks they won't use one that much... when you need one, you REALLY need one. Best make sure you have this baby in your drawer. The can opener also has a bottle opener, because why not!Promising review: "The Oxo can opener is a workhorse. It is strong, well-made, and plows through whatever you give it with ease. I've had this one before, and after years, it finally gave out and was hard to turn. But when buying an alternative from another company, I quickly realized the mistake and went right back to OXO to buy another. This one is so sturdy that it will last for a very long time, and I'm really glad I bought it again." —A.M. MillerPrice: $13.94 A set of two reusable mop pads that'll fit on your Swiffer so you get all the benefits of the easily maneuverable wet and dry mop with a more eco-friendly twist. Promising review: "We've been using the disposable pads and had just mopped the floor the day before these arrived. So we mopped again. Unbelievable how much dirt these new pads picked up that was left behind. And you can launder them!" —Wayne WardPrice: $13.95 A nice, large set of sheet pans you will basically use every day. If you refuse to spend all day baking only to find your cookie bottoms burned to a crisp, it's time for a new pan. Promising review: "Best baking sheet I've ever purchased. I spent hours researching online and this was the one! I was tired of wasting time (I own a business and work all the time) and money baking, just to find the bottoms burned. This sheet hasn't failed me and I've owned it for two years now. Purchased for friends and family members because everyone should own it. On Amazon today to purchase another for myself!" —Common SensePrice: $27.99 for a set of two half-sheets (available in three other packs) A bottle of Leather Honey cleaner that, when paired with a simple scrubbing brush, helps you maintain your — *Donna Meagle voice* — fine leather goods. From purses to couches to car interiors, this spray will help you avoid having to replace a historically difficult-to-clean surface. Promising review: "This product is fantastic. I used the cleaner on my approximately 20-year-old purse, which has sustained tremendous abuse while being used on and off over the years. One cleaning with Leather Honey brought back the beautiful original color and supple leather feel. The outcome was unbelievable. It is amazing what a beautiful job this conditioner has done. The purse looks almost new. That is truly amazing, considering its age. The leather is beautiful again." —CindyPrice: $18.95 A deep conditioning hair mask made with biotin for anyone who's struggling with heat damage, color damage, and breakage, or as I call them, the three horsemen of the hair-pocalypse. To use, just comb a generous amount into your hair after shampooing and let it sit for up to 15 minutes in the shower, one hour at room temperature, or even overnight. Sounds like a great excuse to watch an episode of your favorite show to me! A set of Pyrex glass mixing bowls that will make baking all the more delicious a task. Having *just* the right bowls to separately combine your dry and wet ingredients is a small pleasure worth seeking. The bowls are microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. Promising review: "Love some good Pyrex. The bowls are a good size. I've been using them for over five years, and have transported them long distances many times, moving back and forth between college and home, and they've never broken or been damaged. I mean, I wouldn't recommend throwing them on the floor, but they're definitely sturdy." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $17.99 for a set of three A set of moisturizing heel socks infused with jojoba seed oil, olive oil, and vitamin E oil if the word that could best describe the sound that you hear when you rub your heels on your sheets is "haunting." You can even slather some lotion or balm on your heels before putting them on to enhance the effect. A luxurious satin pillowcase that will feel oh-so-cool to the touch against your face when you lie down to rest this summer (and will help prevent hair breakage to boot). A pair of lounge chairs and ottomans with adjustable backs for maximum lounging *and* storage inside the ottomans and matching table. Looking to save room when not relaxing? The ottomans can be tucked under the chairs! Promising review: "Love, love this set! Fits perfectly on my condo balcony!! Easy to assemble, strong, looks perfect! Highly recommend them." —maggiePrice: $239.99+ (available in six colors) A drain-clog remover that has reviewers smiling AND gagging with newly unclogged drains and new goopy hair pets. This snake's hooks grab any blockages and take them out easily, saving you the hassle of calling the plumber. An acupressure mat and pillow set to relieve some of the pressure you hold in your back, neck, and shoulders just by lying down. A stress-free solution to a likely stress-caused problem just makes sense, imo. An exfoliating scrub mitt that is the pièce de résistance of ~everything~ showers, as it removes dead cells and gives your skin a clean, smooth finish. Ahhhh, that's gonna feel good. A pancake batter dispenser and mixer whose blender ball allows you to simply add the wet and dry ingredients to the bottle, shake it up, and get to pouring. And with the bottle's narrow tip, you can let your creative genius shine at the griddle — Mickey Mouse pancakes coming right up! A set of drawer organizers to transform your junk drawer into the most beautiful drawer in the land. Your bathroom, kitchen, and credenza drawers were wondering if you were ever gonna clean them up. Promising review: "Love this product. Tall enough to fit things and short enough not to block drawers when closing. Sturdy enough to put in all kinds of things. This round, I used for makeup, toiletries, etc. I am ordering more for the junk drawer and crafts. Extremely versatile and practical, and looks good, too. My husband loves the organization of our bathroom drawer, and I love the fact that if I need something, I can take that piece out to where I need it and then bring it back nice and neat." —JenPrice: $16.99+ for a set of nine organizers (available in two sizes) A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen whose soft-bristle brushes even work for folks with sensitive teeth. It's recommended that you treat twice a day for the first seven days of use, but it'll be good to have some on hand for any touch-ups. An electric pressure washer to clean up your outdoor furniture, fences, sidewalks, and more. The results you get with pressure washing will make you swell with pride and inspire you to pressure wash basically everything you own. You can use this pressure washer on outdoor cushions, wood decks, house siding, and so many other places. You can even fill it with detergent to wash your car!Promising review: "I love this washer. It competes with my 2200 PSI gas-powered pressure washer, which in fact I sold to keep this. But doesn't have the noisy gas engine or the heavy weight. Easy to move around, lightweight, and has great power. Very quiet. I love all the attachments and the different stream types. The soap dispenser works well. I'm cleaning everything, my deck, my house, the garage doors, the concrete slab. It takes off all the dirt and mold from the old concrete stairs and sidewalk." —TimPrice: $149.99
New York Post
17-05-2025
- New York Post
Why the time has come for New Yorkers to trust the subway again
On back-to-back nights last week, I bumped into two New Yorkers made famous by the subway: Lenore Skenazy and Daniel Penny. Skenazy rose to prominence in 2008 as 'America's Worst Mom' for letting her 9-year-old son ride the 6 train alone; Penny in 2023 for restraining Jordan Neely, a repeat offender menacing other passengers, in a headlock that would lead to Neely's death. Skenazy's and Penny's incidents took place 15 years apart, but are united by a perennial question: Is the subway safe enough for New York's most vulnerable? 5 Author and parenting activist Lenore Skenazy became famous a decade ago when she let her young kids ride the subway alone. Zandy Mangold Back in the oughts, Skenazy argued that the real threat to kids wasn't dangerous riders, but overprotective parents who never let them develop the skill of independence. The subway, in theory, is the ultimate liberator for kids and parents alike. I'm raising my kids in the suburbs, and the biggest pullback to city life isn't the arts or the restaurants — it's the chance for my kids to grow in confidence and be exposed to the world without my hand-holding. City life for kids, though, requires trust in public order. When Skenazy made a name for herself by sending little Izzy into the subway alone, the city's trust was peaking. Just months before, MTA had announced that ridership was at a 50-year high, and subway crime was at a record low. 5 Daniel Penny put Jordan Neely in a headlock that would lead to Neely's death. Steven Hirsch Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his successor, Michael Bloomberg, New Yorkers were safer than they had been in generations. The secret sauce those mayors used was 'broken windows' policing, targeting disorder and low-level crime to maintain public peace and confidence in public spaces. The way scholars George L. Kelling and James Q. Wilson saw it, if you tolerate broken windows, graffiti, fare evasion, and low-level lawlessness, you signal that no one is in charge and you invite bigger crimes to follow. But when you enforce the basics, you stop that spiral before it metastasizes. With a focus on the small stuff, NYPD was able to keep a lid on the big stuff, build trust in the system, and prevent recurrences of the mayhem of the 1970s and 1980s that spawned Charles Bronson's 'Death Wish' on the silver screen and, in real life, Bernie Goetz, the so-called Subway Vigilante. 5 The mayhem that greeted subway riders during the 1970s and 1980s was so extreme that it inspired the iconic film 'Death Wish.' FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images Disastrously, however, the city's voters turned away from that center-right consensus on crime and handed the keys to Gracie Mansion to Bill de Blasio. Following de Blasio's election in 2014, the city slashed proactive policing, ended stop-question-and-frisk, and sent the clear message that low-level crimes would go unenforced. The result: more fare evasion, more disorder, and more violence. According to research from Aaron Chalfin, associate professor of criminology at the University of Pennsylvania, felony assaults in the subway system tripled from 2009 to 2023, even while ridership fell by 20%. 5 A group of kids can be seen leaving the 34th Street Penn Station subway station in Manhattan in October 2022. Stephen Yang With Big Bill's 'compassionate' policing approach put into practice, it was only a matter of time before crime surged and a modern subway defender was forced to rise to the occasion. That man was Daniel Penny. On May 1, 2023, Jordan Neely — already arrested more than 40 times, including for punching a 67-year-old woman in the face and breaking her nose — boarded an F train in Manhattan. According to witnesses, Neely raged at passengers, yelling that someone was going to die and that he wasn't afraid of prison. Penny stepped in and ended the threat. Daniel Penny's act is one that no New Yorker should ever have to take. But these days, we need brave men like Daniel Penny on board because city leadership has failed to create the conditions that let parents feel as confident as Skenazy did in the Bloomberg era. 5 Mayor Adams can claim some improvement on subway violent crime numbers, which began to creep back up during the tenure of former Mayor Bill de Blasio, according to reports. Paul Martinka Thankfully, though, the tide is turning in favor of order. Following the horrific burning of a woman on the F train in December, the NYPD launched a new Quality-of-Life Division last month to crack down on low-level offenses, just like the broken windows playbook calls for. Summonses and arrests are up, and crime numbers are looking better. As the Manhattan Institute's Rafael Mangual told me, 'progress is being made — in part because more resources are being devoted to the subways.' Mangual added, however, 'disorder that doesn't make it into official stats is still what riders experience every day.' And parents like me can still feel that. If New York is going to be a place for kids to range free again, like Lenore Skenazy did 17 years ago, we need a full return to the public safety principles that made it possible. Jordan McGillis (@jordanmcgillis) is the economics editor at City Journal.
