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Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
39 Products From Amazon's 'Trending' List That Are Perfect For Summer
Fun fact: Amazon has a "Trending" section that is an absolute treasure trove of gems! Basically, all the viral products that people IRL are buying Right. Freaking. Now. A summery, comfy romper with a super stretchy waistband you'll love so much, you'll toss it on for pretty much any and every random outing you take. But don't worry, this ensemble is cute enough that if you do happen to bump into the love of your life while wearing this at your local Chick-fil-A, they'll compliment you, even if you're covered in latte. A set of golden bracelets that just gives "I know what a 401K is." Those strangers at Starbucks are gonna expect you to buy drinks for the whole cafe because this stack will make it look like you swim in a pool of money (à la Scrooge McDuck) — the diamond one is giving "I totally have Breakfast at Tiffany's", the middle one is giving Cartier's $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving Cartier's $6,000 "Love Bracelet!" Nyx's Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum because anyone who's ever lived somewhere humid has wished that their cute, daily lip color could also moisturize and hydrate their chapped lips, which this baby does for up to 12 hours! Sol de Janeiro's Hair and Body Fragrance Mist with notes of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla so you can smell like a walking, talking tropical vacation everywhere you go, without the need to overspend on an expensive bottle of perfume from your local Macy's. If you're in love with the smell of the cult-favorite Bum Bum Cream, this will have you smelling like it all day long. 🍍🍹🌴☀️ An electric toothbrush that has a travel case (hello summer vacations!!), four cleaning modes, and a helpful two-minute timer so you can ensure you're brushing enough rather than stopping based on nothing but ~vibes~. Plus, it's sooooo much more affordable than pricey brands like Sonicare, and some reviewers even claim they like it better. 👀 *sips tea* If you've been putting off buying a swimsuit, a cute crisscross swimsuit so flirty, that special someone across the beach bar is just bound to order you another piña colada. The hard part will be choosing which of the vibrant colors to buy (or, you know, buying several because they're just THAT cute). Or a reversible vintage-inspired floral bathing suit with dainty, adjustable bow straps you'll love so much, you may as well forsake every other outfit you plan on wearing this summer and stick to the pool and this swimsuit instead. If Alice in Wonderland vibes were a bathing suit, this would def be it. Onsen's nail and cuticle serum to repair and bring some life back to your natural nails after they've suffered years of abuse from your gel or acrylic sets. This cream uses rice bran oil, Japanese seaweed, and shea butter to condition and add some shine to your nails — no messy oils to deal with. Your nails are gonna be ready for the ~summer~. Owala's "SmoothSip" travel tumbler with a sliding mechanism that fully closes the bottle, so you can just toss it into your bag and not have to worry about it spilling and getting your AirPods and pack of Kleenex completely soaked. It has a super comfy lid design with a built-in spout, and comes in such cute colors you'll be snatching up multiple. You def gonna hit your hydration goal this summer. A pair of Skechers Go Walk sneakers that many reviewers have basically sworn are the comfiest sneakers they've ever owned. They're flexible, breathable, and cushioned. You will find yourself wearing these to work, the gym, and just about anywhere else you can because they're too comfortable not to take advantage of! The Bug Bite Thing for those of you trying to enjoy a nice day out, because nothing ruins a good outing like a painful bug bite. This handy tool sucks up all of the saliva and venom that creepy crawlies leave behind in their wake — reducing any swelling, itchiness, or redness. No smelly creams or chemicals required! And a 10-pack of mosquito-repellent bracelets, you will be incredibly grateful you have on hand this summer. Powered by essential oils such as citronella, these bands can help repel the pests without the need to douse yourself in bug spray several times a day. No mosquito will dare approach you as you embark on your daily adventures; these bracelets can help keep any creepy-crawlies far, far away! OPI RapiDry Quick Dry Nail Polish if you're the type that is bounddd to ruin your perfect manicure the absolute second you deign to move — since this baby dries in 60 seconds flat! If gel nails are your absolute besties, but you just don't have the time to strap yourself to a nail salon chair every other week, these summer-ready ~vibrant~ colors were basically made for you. A pair of crossover flared leggings with such a buttery soft feel, you'll be thinking you dropped double the price at Aerie. These will be your new go-to pair of leggings when traveling since they're comfy enough for you to lounge in peace, but cute enough to confidently be displayed on your IG story. An easy-to-use tie-dye kit to make your own unique shirt, and finally find a fun activity to do that doesn't include screens. This kit comes with 18 easy-squeeze bottles of paint so you can experiment with funky colors and patterns to create the perfect article of summer clothing! Honestly, this sounds like a great activity to whip out at your next party or book club meeting. A long-lasting Wet n Wild lipstick with such pigmented colors, you won't believe that there used to be a time when you'd pay $25+ for brand names in Sephora. This baby is less than $2, so you can pretty much buy one in every color with the price of a single entree at Olive Garden. Seriously, you'll have a shade for every occasion. A pair of sandals if you want that Birkenstock feel, but without that higher ticket price. They're incredibly flexible, so they're comfortable to wear for long walks across the beach or through the outlet mall. Plus, they have over 75,000 ratings on Amazon, and reviewers swear by them! A wire-free bra, oh-so-freakin' comfortable and lightweight, you might even forget you're wearing one in the first place 😱 — at least according to the whopping 32,000+ rave ratings from reviewers. I mean, who wants a wire digging into them when they're hot and sweaty? Plus, the straps don't flip, so you won't feel a contorted strap digging into your shoulder while you're out and about either. And a comfy sports bra so you can say buh-bye to fantasizing about taking off your bra at the end of the day. This has a breathable four-way stretch design, removable padding, and easily adjustable straps — everything you need for great support while feeling like you're not wearing a bra at all. A super convenient D'alba Piedmont spray-on serum with Italian white truffle extract so you can get that whole ~glassy skin~ glow in only a few spritzes — no complicated skincare regimen required. Plus, you can use this in so many ways. You can spray it on at the beginning of your makeup routine to prep your skin, or spray it on after to help it set and prevent cakiness. A popular LCD writing tablet for the aspiring lil' artist in your life. This portable tablet is perfect for any kiddo who loves to draw — they'll now have something to do when in the car, at a restaurant, or being pushed around in a stroller while their parent tries to shop in peace. Boredom, be gone! A popular Amazon Basics sheet set made of 100% microfiber that will make you never ever wanna leave the comfort of your bed again. They're lightweight and moisture-resistant, so they're basically perfect no matter the weather. You're gonna find yourself snagging a set in every color. A heat-activated ColorWow anti-frizz treatment to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to help stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving it feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow-dry it for the finishing touch. Thanks to this spray, your blowout will stay put all day long. An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil that will be your go-to first step in a double cleanse because it dissolves makeup and grime and helps to clear out your pores. Plus, it works wonderfully on sensitive skin, and reviewers swear it's better than any other brands they've tried. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo because sometimes that alarm just does not go off (or ya hit snooze like 50 times... same thing), and you really don't have time for an actual shower, but you still need to revive those greasy locks. This will bring some volume to your hair without leaving behind any residue or powder (like some other dry shampoos might). Plus, it has a gorgeous gardenia scent that is sure to turn some heads as you walk through your office halls. A pair of Nippies that will actually stay in place even as you shimmy the night away at your buddies wedding this summer. These pasties literally don't budge, unlike every other brand that you can possibly try, plus they come in different skin tones, so you can find the best one for you. And they boast ample coverage, so you can wear these with anything. A John Deere Bubble Lawn Mower so your little one can "help" you with yard work this summer. They'll totally be occupied with all the little bubbles as you peacefully get some gardening done. A chic little clear crossbody stadium bag you'll be using at every festival and concert you've got lined up this summer since it's affordable, efficient, and actually cute enough to look good with the specially curated event 'fits you've got planned. An attachable Stanley Cup snack bowl perfect for your "girl dinner" nights lounging with the latest edition of the Fourth Wing series. Trying to balance both a large plate of snacks and your oversized Stanley is too much of a hassle for your relaxing night at home — this'll keep everything you need all in one place. A ChomChom pet hair remover to save you from painstakingly (and ineffectively) lint-rolling your furniture from the unspeakable amount of shedding your furry bestie leaves behind in their wake, which has only gotten worse since the temperatures have gotten hotter. All you have to do is empty the roller when it's full, and it's good to go — no wasteful and annoying sticky sheets required! Some redness-reducing Lumify Eye Drops because you don't want your friends to know how many tears you'll shed at all those summer weddings you've got lined up. This baby got super famous all over TikTok for how fast it works to improve redness, so much so that it's now the number-one-selling brand on Amazon! Say hello to sweet, sweet eye relief! Some solar-powered lights that sway in the wind so you can feel like your garden has been overtaken by a tribe of fairies. 🧚🏻 A roomy, durable Simple Modern tote bag perfect for any outdoor excursion you've got lined up this summer since any mess (i.e. sand, dirt, random mystery crumbs) can simply be hosed off in mere seconds. Warning: your jaw may unhinge when you realize just how much this baby can hold. A portable air compressor you can whip out anytime that dreaded little "low tire pressure" message pops up on your dashboard — without needing to stop at a random gas station while on your summer road trip. It has a real-time pressure monitor to inflate flat car and bike tires on the go *and* a built-in LED light so you can use it at night. Plus, it boasts an impressive one-minute inflation, so you won't be stuck waiting on the side of the road for hours upon hours. A hidden fly trap that can zap all the creepy crawlies lurking in your home without ruining your perfectly curated home aesthetics. You can plug this into an outlet, and the tiny light will lure in those pesky pests by the dozen. A Nex Playground — you don't have to actually exit the home to make sure your kids are burning all the energy they need to. This console (which is fully controlled by motion play rather than a remote) is toddler-friendly and comes with five super fun starter games, with more than 20+ games in the library available if you get their Play Pass. The Nex is great at tracking, no matter how tiny the player is, and has so many fun AND educational games! A set of breathable, seamless thongs if you're the type of person who "never wears thongs" or "hates thongs." These are incredibly comfortable to wear all day, and they've even been compared to $$$ brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. Finally, a thong you won't feel the need to dig out or readjust every five seconds or so. A mason jar cold brew maker that will save you some money in the long haul when you start cutting down on those early morning Dunkin runs. Say goodbye to the days of being late to work while stuck in a ridiculously long drive-thru line; your perfect cup can be made right at home — no heavy machinery or electricity required. A stackable oval gem ring beautiful enough to use as a pseudo wedding ring when you go traveling — because if you lose this, you won't be crying into your piña colada, as this gorgeous piece costs less than your fancy lil' cocktail. Plussss, it's also stackable with other high-quality Pavoi rings. Win-win!
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Race Tracks vs Real Estate: How Developers Are Buying Out American Motorsports
Read the full story on Backfire News If you've noticed more shopping centers where burnout boxes used to be, you're not hallucinating. Across the U.S., drag strips, dirt ovals, and road courses are quietly vanishing—not because fans stopped showing up, but because developers showed up with fatter wallets. American motorsports is being squeezed out by a monster far more ruthless than any top-fueler: real estate. Let's cut the nostalgia for a second and talk hard numbers. Many tracks sit on massive plots of flat, conveniently zoned land near suburban growth corridors. To a developer, that's not a venue—it's a blank check. In cities where housing is in 'crisis,' any large plot of land not being used to cram in condos or strip malls is a missed opportunity. Take Atlanta Dragway. NHRA sold the 318-acre facility in 2021 after more than 60 years of operation. The buyer? A development firm reportedly planning an industrial complex. 'It's just business,' said NHRA brass, likely while swimming through a pool of cash like Scrooge McDuck. Every time a racetrack closes, you'll hear the same refrain: 'residential complaints.' And sure, there's some truth there. Nobody likes sleeping next to a nitro-methane symphony. But let's be honest—those complaints don't usually surface until after the developer builds a neighborhood right next to the track. In some cases, this is strategic. Develop the land, build the homes, let the homeowners complain, and pressure the local government to revoke permits or restrict operations. Then the track gets strangled by noise ordinances, and guess who's waiting with a 'fair market value' offer? You'd think local officials might protect venues that bring tourism, revenue, and culture to a community. Think again. Politicians love ribbon cuttings. It's a lot more glamorous to announce a new distribution center or suburban tech campus than to stand next to a tire wall and talk about heritage. Motorsports rarely gets tax breaks or incentives. Developers do. So when it comes time to 'revitalize' an area, the track is the first thing on the chopping block. The big winners? Developers, obviously. National chains. Corporate landlords. Maybe the town gets some new property tax revenue, maybe not. The racers? They get nothing but a longer drive to the next legal track—if there even is one. And the fans? We're just supposed to get over it. Trade the scent of burnt rubber for faux artisan coffee and yet another Planet Fitness. This isn't just about nostalgia. It's about infrastructure. Take away legal venues, and people will find alternatives. Uncontrolled ones. Street takeovers are skyrocketing, and media outlets love to lump every car enthusiast into the same crowd. But they're not the same—and part of the reason chaos is winning is because structure is losing. Kind of. Maybe. But it requires effort. Tracks need to own their land, rally their communities, and make themselves politically valuable. Fans need to show up, not just comment angrily when a closure is announced. And local governments? They need to stop chasing every shiny development deal like it's the last golden ticket. Until then, the real race isn't on the quarter mile. It's between bulldozers and burnout boxes—and we're losing.
New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Iron Man to Thunderbolts*: How Marvel went from genius to 'generic' and how they can fix it
In the chaos of superhero cinema, where mediocrity wears a fluttery cape and calls itself entertainment, Marvel proclaimed its latest release, Thunderbolts*, was a game changer. But you know the Hindi saying: andhe mein kana raja; in the land of the blind, the one-eyed is king. That's what I felt watching it. This latest Marvel offering feels less a crown jewel and more a child's scribble of it. Marketed as the 'new Avengers', Thunderbolts* is the cinematic equivalent of a reheated pizza: familiar, slightly stale, and missing that original zing. But hey, even cold pizza tastes good when you're hungry. Are you hungry, though? What I liked best about the film was its first line: 'There is something wrong with me. An emptiness.' Cue the world's slowest clap. Is this honest self-assessment from Marvel, a writer's cocky sneak-in, or simply a Freudian slip for a franchise haemorrhaging creativity while swimming in cash like Scrooge McDuck in DuckTales? Marvel ruled the zeitgeist in the 2010s. But come the 2020s, and they're just a notch better than the fare DC turned out in the 2010s. Sure, Thunderbolts* isn't the worst offender in the superhero genre, but let us also not pretend it is Iron Man reborn. Ah, Iron Man. Remember 2008? When Tony Stark crash-landed into our hearts with his outrageous ego, AI tools before AI was cool, and a geopolitical conscience? That film wasn't just explosions and snark; it pointed a finger at American hubris, wrapped in a full metal jacket (pun intended). Fast-forward to Thunderbolts*, where the stakes are… uh… something something world-ending macguffin? Yawn!!! The magic of early Marvel was its microscopic focus: Tony saving himself, Cap punching Nazis (and nationalism), and Civil War turning heroes into squabbling siblings over a Sokovia-sized guilt trip. Those films had texture; they were political thrillers with a coating of spandex. But post-Endgame, most Marvel's scripts seem penned by aliens who've only heard of Earth via garbled intergalactic podcasts. Eternals? A snooze-fest of celestial taxidermy. Multiverse of Madness? More like Multiverse of Meh-ness. And Quantumania? Let's just say it made the quantum realm feel as exciting as a spreadsheet. These films float in a narrative tesseract, untethered from reality, emotions, or basic logic. Remember when Marvel villains had motives deeper than 'muahaha, destruction'? Thunderbolts* tries. It really really does. There's a Tulsi Gabbard-esque politician, and a half-baked metaphor about talking to evil to quell it and a desperate attempt to reheat the old trope of washed-out, has-been, or could-have-been superheroes redeeming themselves. Yet, somehow the results don't match the desperation, and we get a film that's all sizzle, no steak; a fireworks display where the fireworks are CGI and the fuse is a damp matchstick. Writing action movies is tough. I know, cause I've failed a few times. You've got to have six or seven set action pieces. They take up 30 to 40 per cent of your time. So, in a 100-minute feature, you're left with just an hour to tell your actual story and even parts of that are build-ups to the action. To somehow make the audience feel for a protagonist in such a short time, that's a tough ask. Yet, to use all the 100 minutes for nothing but build-up, action, and slapstick gags like Deadpool & Wolverine ( read my previous rant here ) make it seem less a movie, more TikTok montage (shoutout to the fugly dog, though; true MVP). And Thor: Love and Thunder? It turned Marvel's god into a punchline with repeated gags, inconsistent tone and forced humour. So, what's the issue? All these films made money, didn't they? Yeah! But so did Pablo Escobar and Adolf Hitler. Do we sing paeans for them? In cinema, when you prioritise spectacle over soul, when a green screen outshines your hero's journey, sorry, but you've lost the plot. Now, here's the thing. It's fun to simply critique, but can I offer Marvel any solutions? As a screenwriter and film geek, I think I can. In 2008, Marvel was the scrappy underdog, not the behemoth ordering audiences to 'assemble' like a corporate retreat. Iron Man wasn't just a film; it was a dare. A dare to care about a narcissistic weapons dealer with a heart condition. The genius? It didn't ask us to love Tony Stark; it asked us to root for his redemption. His villain wasn't some alien warlord; it was his own weapons, his greed, his America. The film's climax wasn't a city-levelling laser fight (okay, fine, there was a big fight and a few buildings were indeed damaged), but Tony Stark admitting, 'I am Iron Man,' mind-blown because it was a confession that felt like a middle finger to secret identities and a handshake with accountability. Compare that to Thunderbolts*, where the team's 'redemption' arc is about as deep as a puddle after a drizzle. These characters aren't flawed: they're conveniently damaged. Their backstories are tossed out like food packets in a refugee camp: here's a tragic childhood, there's a dead sidekick. Oops, did we forget to make you care? And let's not forget Captain America, the boy scout. His first film's heart didn't come from a super-soldier serum; it came from a scrawny kid who kept getting punched but stood up anyway. The First Avenger was a love letter to integrity in the face of fascism; a theme that has aged finer than the best wine. But Thunderbolts*? Its political commentary is about as sharp as a spoon. That Tulsi Gabbard knockoff and congressional hearing? Seems as forced as the back stories. So, what's the fix? First of all, give writers time to write. Make 20 films a year, fine. But give writers the time to dig into the want versus the need, the internal conflicts, the personal rebellions, the hubris! The idea is to shape the soul so the outside VFX acts like a nice little jacket. And remember to go micro, not macro. Iron Man worked because Tony's biggest enemy was his own ego. He wasn't trying to save the world, he was just trying to save himself. Civil War ripped the Avengers apart over ideology, not aliens. Even Infinity War made us care about a purple guy with a gardening fetish. Thunderbolts*? The catastrophe is smaller, yes, a city-ending event that could gobble the world. And yes, it does give intimacy an intimate shot! Yet, it just doesn't come together. And the golden rule? Inside out. Start with a character's heart, then build the explosions around it. Iron Man did this. So did Black Panther. Even Guardians of the Galaxy – a film about a talking raccoon – made us cry over a tree saying, 'I am Groot.' But Thunderbolts*? It's outside in. Its action set-pieces seem to have come first; the rest of the story feels like it was reverse-engineered to get there. The result? A film that feels like a trailer for itself – all highlight reel, little soul. Marvel, darling, we're rooting for you. Truly. But recycling the same 'save the universe' schtick is like serving ketchup as soup. Just make movies because you love to make them, not because you feel beholden to shareholders. Stop chasing the spectre of Endgame. Stop trying to be the 'new Avengers.' Just be the old Marvel; the one that took risks, loved its characters, and remembered that even superheroes need to breathe. Yeah, that's it. Be the old Marvel and you'll find your new Avengers.
Buzz Feed
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
40 Trending Amazon Summer Must-Haves
Fun fact: Amazon has a "Trending" section that is an absolute treasure trove of gems! Basically, all the viral products that people IRL are buying Right. Freaking. Now. A summery, comfy romper with a super stretchy waistband you'll love so much, you'll toss it on for pretty much any and every random outing you take. But don't worry, this ensemble is cute enough that if you do happen to bump into the love of your life while wearing this at your local Chick-fil-A, they'll compliment you, even if you're covered in latte. A set of golden bracelets that just gives "I know what a 401K is." Those strangers at Starbucks are gonna expect you to buy drinks for the whole cafe because this stack will make it look like you swim in a pool of money (à la Scrooge McDuck) — the diamond one is giving "I totally have Breakfast at Tiffany's", the middle one is giving Cartier's $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving Cartier's $6,000 "Love Bracelet!" Nyx's Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum because anyone who's ever lived somewhere humid has wished that their cute, daily lip color could also moisturize and hydrate their chapped lips, which this baby does for up to 12 hours! Sol de Janeiro's Hair and Body Fragrance Mist with notes of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla so you can smell like a walking, talking tropical vacation everywhere you go, without the need to overspend on an expensive bottle of perfume from your local Macy's. If you're in love with the smell of the cult-favorite Bum Bum Cream, this will have you smelling like it all day long. 🍍🍹🌴☀️ An electric toothbrush that has a travel case (hello summer vacations!!), four cleaning modes, and a helpful two-minute timer so you can ensure you're brushing enough rather than stopping based on nothing but ~vibes~. Plus, it's sooooo much more affordable than pricey brands like Sonicare, and some reviewers even claim they like it better. 👀 *sips tea* If you've been putting off buying a swimsuit, a cute crisscross swimsuit so flirty, that special someone across the beach bar is just bound to order you another piña colada. The hard part will be choosing which of the vibrant colors to buy (or, you know, buying several because they're just THAT cute). Or a reversible vintage-inspired floral bathing suit with dainty, adjustable bow straps you'll love so much, you may as well forsake every other outfit you plan on wearing this summer and stick to the pool and this swimsuit instead. If Alice in Wonderland vibes were a bathing suit, this would def be it. Onsen's nail and cuticle serum to repair and bring some life back to your natural nails after they've suffered years of abuse from your gel or acrylic sets. This cream uses rice bran oil, Japanese seaweed, and shea butter to condition and add some shine to your nails — no messy oils to deal with. Your nails are gonna be ready for the ~summer~. Owala's "SmoothSip" travel tumbler with a sliding mechanism that fully closes the bottle, so you can just toss it into your bag and not have to worry about it spilling and getting your AirPods and pack of Kleenex completely soaked. It has a super comfy lid design with a built-in spout, and comes in such cute colors you'll be snatching up multiple. You def gonna hit your hydration goal this summer. A pair of Skechers Go Walk sneakers that many reviewers have basically sworn are the comfiest sneakers they've ever owned. They're flexible, breathable, and cushioned. You will find yourself wearing these to work, the gym, and just about anywhere else you can because they're too comfortable not to take advantage of! The Bug Bite Thing for those of you trying to enjoy a nice day out, because nothing ruins a good outing like a painful bug bite. This handy tool sucks up all of the saliva and venom that creepy crawlies leave behind in their wake — reducing any swelling, itchiness, or redness. No smelly creams or chemicals required! And a 10-pack of mosquito-repellent bracelets, you will be incredibly grateful you have on hand when those bugs start coming out this summer. Powered by essential oils such as citronella, these bands can help repel the pests without the need to douse yourself in bug spray several times a day. No mosquito will dare approach you as you embark on your daily adventures; these bracelets can help keep any creepy-crawlies far, far away! OPI RapiDry Quick Dry Nail Polish if you're the type that is bounddd to ruin your perfect manicure the absolute second you deign to move — since this baby dries in 60 seconds flat! If gel nails are your absolute besties, but you just don't have the time to strap yourself to a nail salon chair every other week, these summer-ready ~vibrant~ colors were basically made for you. A pair of crossover flared leggings with such a buttery soft feel, you'll be thinking you dropped double the price at Aerie. These will be your new go-to pair of leggings when traveling since they're comfy enough for you to lounge in peace, but cute enough to confidently be displayed on your IG story. An easy-to-use tie-dye kit to make your own unique shirt, and finally find a fun activity to do that doesn't include screens. This kit comes with 18 easy-squeeze bottles of paint so you can experiment with funky colors and patterns to create the perfect article of summer clothing! Honestly, this sounds like a great activity to whip out at your next party or book club meeting. A long-lasting Wet n Wild lipstick with such pigmented colors, you won't believe that there used to be a time when you'd pay $25+ for brand names in Sephora. This baby is less than $2, so you can pretty much buy one in every color with the price of a single entree at Olive Garden. Seriously, you'll have a shade for every occasion. A pair of sandals if you want that Birkenstock feel, but without that higher ticket price. They're incredibly flexible, so they're comfortable to wear for long walks across the beach or through the outlet mall. Plus, they have over 75,000 ratings on Amazon, and reviewers swear by them! A wire-free bra oh so freakin' comfortable and lightweight, you might even forget you're wearing one in the first place 😱 — at least according to the whopping 32,000+ rave ratings from reviewers. Plus, the straps don't flip, so you won't feel the contorted strap digging into your shoulder in the middle of your work day. And a comfy sports bra so you can say buh-bye to fantasizing about taking off your bra at the end of the day. This has a breathable four-way stretch design, removable padding, and easily adjustable straps — everything you need for great support while feeling like you're not wearing a bra at all. A super convenient D'alba Piedmont spray-on serum with Italian white truffle extract so you can get that whole ~glassy skin~ glow in only a few spritzes — no complicated skincare regimen required. Plus, you can use this in so many ways. You can spray it on at the beginning of your makeup routine to prep your skin, or spray it on after to help it set and prevent cakiness. A pair of retro-chic double-bar aviators that will make your friends think you shelled out the big bucks for Bottega Veneta, when really all it cost you was the price of two meals at Chick-fil-A. Plus, you won't be turning the hotel pool salty with your tears when you accidentally lose a pair or scratch them up at the beach — which, let's be honest, is more likely to happen than not. A popular LCD writing tablet for the aspiring lil' artist in your life. This portable tablet is perfect for any kiddo who loves to draw — they'll now have something to do when in the car, at a restaurant, or being pushed around in a stroller while their parent tries to shop in peace. Boredom, be gone! A popular Amazon Basics sheet set made of 100% microfiber that will make you never ever wanna leave the comfort of your bed again. They're lightweight and moisture-resistant, so they're basically perfect no matter the weather. You're gonna find yourself snagging a set in every color. A heat-activated ColorWow anti-frizz treatment to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to help stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving it feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow-dry it for the finishing touch. Thanks to this spray, your blowout will stay put all day long. An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil that will be your go-to first step in a double cleanse because it dissolves makeup and grime and helps to clear out your pores. Plus, it works wonderfully on sensitive skin, and reviewers swear it's better than any other brands they've tried. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo because sometimes that alarm just does not go off (or ya hit snooze like 50 times... same thing), and you really don't have time for an actual shower, but you still need to revive those greasy locks. This will bring some volume to your hair without leaving behind any residue or powder (like some other dry shampoos might). Plus, it has a gorgeous gardenia scent that is sure to turn some heads as you walk through your office halls. A pair of Nippies that will actually stay in place even as you shimmy the night away at your buddies wedding this summer. These pasties literally don't budge, unlike every other brand that you can possibly try, plus they come in different skin tones, so you can find the best one for you. And they boast ample coverage, so you can wear these with anything. A John Deere Bubble Lawn Mower so your little one can "help" you with yard work this summer. They'll totally be occupied with all the little bubbles as you peacefully get some gardening done. A chic little clear crossbody stadium bag you'll be using at every festival and concert you've got lined up this summer since it's affordable, efficient, and actually cute enough to look good with the specially curated event 'fits you've got planned. An attachable Stanley Cup snack bowl perfect for your "girl dinner" nights lounging with the latest edition of the Fourth Wing series. Trying to balance both a large plate of snacks and your oversized Stanley is too much of a hassle for your relaxing night at home — this'll keep everything you need all in one place. A ChomChom pet hair remover to save you from painstakingly (and ineffectively) lint-rolling your furniture from the unspeakable amount of shedding your furry bestie leaves behind in their wake, which has only gotten worse since the temperatures have gotten hotter. All you have to do is empty the roller when it's full, and it's good to go — no wasteful and annoying sticky sheets required! Some redness-reducing Lumify Eye Drops because you don't want your friends to know how many tears you'll shed at all those summer weddings you've got lined up. This baby got super famous all over TikTok for how fast it works to improve redness, so much so that it's now the number-one-selling brand on Amazon! Say hello to sweet, sweet eye relief! Some solar-powered lights that sway in the wind so you can feel like your garden has been overtaken by a tribe of fairies. 🧚🏻 A roomy, durable Simple Modern tote bag perfect for any outdoor excursion you've got lined up this summer since any mess (i.e. sand, dirt, random mystery crumbs) can simply be hosed off in mere seconds. Warning: your jaw may unhinge when you realize just how much this baby can hold. A portable air compressor you can whip out anytime that dreaded little "low tire pressure" message pops up on your dashboard — without needing to stop at a random gas station while on your summer road trip. It has a real-time pressure monitor to inflate flat car and bike tires on the go *and* a built-in LED light so you can use it at night. Plus, it boasts an impressive one-minute inflation, so you won't be stuck waiting on the side of the road for hours upon hours. A hidden fly trap that can zap all the creepy crawlies lurking in your home without ruining your perfectly curated home aesthetics. You can plug this into an outlet, and the tiny light will lure in those pesky pests by the dozen. A Nex Playground — you don't have to actually exit the home to make sure your kids are burning all the energy they need to. This console (which is fully controlled by motion play rather than a remote) is toddler-friendly and comes with five super fun starter games, with more than 20+ games in the library available if you get their Play Pass. The Nex is great at tracking, no matter how tiny the player is, and has so many fun AND educational games! A set of breathable, seamless thongs if you're the type of person who "never wears thongs" or "hates thongs." These are incredibly comfortable to wear all day, and they've even been compared to $$$ brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. Finally, a thong you won't feel the need to dig out or readjust every five seconds or so. A mason jar cold brew maker that will save you some money in the long haul when you start cutting down on those early morning Dunkin runs. Say goodbye to the days of being late to work while stuck in a ridiculously long drive-thru line; your perfect cup can be made right at home — no heavy machinery or electricity required. A stackable oval gem ring beautiful enough to use as a pseudo wedding ring when you go traveling — because if you lose this, you won't be crying into your piña colada, as this gorgeous piece costs less than your fancy lil' cocktail. Plussss, it's also stackable with other high-quality Pavoi rings. Win-win!
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
15 Richest Fictional Characters — How Much Would They Be Worth in Real Life?
You don't have to be real to be rich, and in today's tumultuous economy, living in fantasy is a lot less likely to lead to disappointment. For You: Try This: These 15 super-wealthy fictional characters from film, TV, books and games hold a wide variety of occupations ranging from superheroes to crime lords, but they all have one thing in common — a net worth in the billions. Occupation: King of Wakanda Estimated net worth: $90 trillion Character from: Marvel comics Marvel comic book character T'Challa reigns over the fictional African country of Wakanda, which is home to nearly all the world's reserves of Vibranium — a super-strong metal that, according to the comics, is the main component of Captain America's shield. This premium metal comes with a precious price tag, coming in at $10,000 per gram. No wonder everyone shares the sentiment 'Wakanda forever,' as it is home to 10,000 tons of Vibranium, putting the royal family's net worth in the trillions. Some estimates have Black Panther's personal wealth at just $500 billion, but either way, he's doing all right. Occupation: Mine and mill owner Estimated net worth: $65.4 billion Character from: 'Donald Duck' comics Penny-pinching Uncle Scrooge McDuck came from humble beginnings before amassing his fortune. McDuck's first job was shining shoes before he left his native Glasgow to dig for gold in the Klondike. After pulling himself up by his shiny bootstraps, he eventually started founding mines and mills that helped him build his billion-dollar fortune, which he was rare to share. McDuck famously stored his fortune in a giant money bin filled with gold coins, which not only helped out his tax situation, but also served as his daily cardio where he could swim laps. Consider This: Occupation: Plunderer Estimated net worth: $54.1 billion Character from: 'The Hobbit' Being a pillaging dragon has proved fruitful for Smaug, who appears in 'The Hobbit' book and movies. According to the novel, Smaug sleeps on a pile of gold and silver, has diamonds and other precious stones encrusted in his belly, and also owns the Arkenstone of Thrain, a giant diamond 'worth more than a river of gold in itself.' Basically, he's giving really, really rich vibes. Occupation: Business owner and inventor Net worth: $43.4 billion Character from: 'Iron Man' Marvel's Tony Stark inherited much of his wealth after his parents were killed in a car crash (which was actually an assassination), leaving him to run the successful firm Stark Industries. Though he wasn't a natural businessman, the company has been profitable thanks to the leadership of Virginia 'Pepper' Potts. However, much of Stark's net worth comes from his valuable inventions, investments and properties, including his Iron Man suits (worth $7 billion), Stark Tower, his J.A.R.V.I.S. computer program (worth $10 million), mansion (worth $25 million) and luxury cars. Occupation: Defense contractor Net worth: $36.2 billion Character from: 'Annie' Oliver 'Daddy' Warbucks is the owner of Warbucks Industries and a successful defense contractor, but you know, with a heart of gold. Even though Warbucks has donated much of his earnings to philanthropic causes at the urging of his adopted daughter Annie, the Iraq conflict caused a boom in his net worth, bringing it to $36.2 billion, so not such a hard-knock life after all. Occupation: Business owner Net worth: $31.3 billion Character from: 'Batman' The comic book hero better known as Batman, Bruce Wayne inherited his fortune when his parents were gunned down in front of him when he was only a kid. Wayne came to own Wayne Enterprises, which was worth $27.4 million at the time according to a Batman comic released in 1974, and grew its value significantly. The Dark Knight knows his way around a royal sum of money. Occupation: Shrimp sales/Investor Net worth: $27 billion Character from: 'Forrest Gump' Forrest Gump's business partner, Lieutenant Dan, had the foresight to invest profits from their shrimp boating sales into 'some kind of fruit company' — which turned out to be the very profitable Apple Inc. Gump is estimated to have put $100,000 (at the time 3% ownership) into the company when it went public in 1980, which at the $22 stock price would have given him about 4,545 shares. Occupation: Rich kid Net worth: $23.9 billion Character from: 'Richie Rich' Richie Rich is the only child of two incredibly wealthy parents who gave him everything he could ever want. Sadly, Rich's parents were killed in a plane crash orchestrated by the head of a rival company. Though this is usually the recipe to raise a nightmare human, he seems to spend his substantial fortune in stride. Occupation: Power plant owner Net worth: $10.4 billion Character from: 'The Simpsons' Mr. Burns owns and operates the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant on 'The Simpsons' and sometimes resorts to unsavory means to ensure profits, which is super rare for someone with his wealth or in his position of power (*sarcasm). While his business practices are (literally) shady, his financial outlook is 'excellent.' Occupation: Businessman Net worth: $10.1 billion Character from: DC Comics DC Comic villain and Superman archenemy Lex Luthor built his financial empire through business savvy, intelligence — and backstabbing and murder. What a relief, he's a fictional character. Luthor is the founder of LexCorp, a multinational conglomerate that has acquired many smaller businesses, including airlines, communications companies and banks. Occupation: Candy maker Net worth: $8.4 billion Character from: 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' Willy Wonka is the owner of the greatest chocolate factory in the world, and though the factory was temporarily shuttered, Wonka managed to profitably reopen it after a lengthy hiatus. It helps not to focus on Wonka's engaging in some unethical business practices, namely his use of Oompa Loompas — who some posit were slaves — to manufacture his products, as this is just a rich guy in a children's story. Occupation: Crime lord Net worth: $8.4 billion Character from: 'Star Wars' Jabba the Hutt of 'Star Wars' fame gained his fortune through a life of crime. As a gangster and crime lord, Jabba secured wealth for his planet Tatooine by controlling piracy, slavery and the trafficking of illegal goods. Described as 'the wealthiest gangster in a hundred worlds,' Jabba lives in a palace and keeps a flesh-eating monster for entertainment. Occupation: Media baron Net worth: $5.8 billion Character from: 'Citizen Kane' The star of Orson Welles' 'Citizen Kane' used the inheritance from his family's gold mine to purchase the newspaper The New York Inquirer. Although the paper wasn't making money initially, Kane relied on yellow journalism, sensationalism and poaching talent from other papers to grow his into a successful business. A modern Kane likely would have expanded his holdings to include radio, television and movie studios. Occupation: Archaeologist Net worth: $1.3 billion Character from: 'Tomb Raider' franchise Lady Lara Croft is the Countess of Abbington and owns the Croft Estates, which include three separate manor houses. Croft inherited a fortune from her parents after their separate untimely deaths. Although she has family money, Croft has followed in her father's footsteps and works in the archaeology field — though many detractors question her methods. She has even been accused of stealing treasure from the sites she discovers, which is how she got the nickname 'Tomb Raider.' Occupation: Real estate investor Net worth: $1.2 billion Character from: Monopoly Mr. Monopoly, formerly known as Rich Uncle Pennybags, has several profitable real estate holdings in the Atlantic City, New Jersey area. You can tell the board game mascot has money by his fancy suit and top hat, which he is never seen without. He should also be paid, or at least get residual checks, for being the first mascot of capitalism. Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money 8 Common Mistakes Retirees Make With Their Social Security Checks This article originally appeared on 15 Richest Fictional Characters — How Much Would They Be Worth in Real Life?
