This odd wooden item was given to my buddy as a wedding present many years ago. It came from a distant relative who smiled enigmatically and gave no explanation.
It had wooden prongs and was small; it resembled a cross between a comb and a container for an unidentified object. It appeared to be merely a decorative piece at first glance.
In order to avoid coming across as impolite, my friend thanked the giver and carefully put the gift away in the closet. Years passed, and the enigmatic item was always causing uncertainty as it was moved from apartment to apartment and from shelf to shelf.
He even attempted to speculate as to its function: an earring holder? A little dryer for brushes? A work of art?
However, one night as we were rummaging through his belongings and came across it once more, we took a seat and made the decision to finally identify it. We went to forums, posted a picture, and opened the internet. and at last discovered the solution.
As it happened, it was a cheese holder. It is a unique yet really useful kitchen tool that allows you to chop and serve cheese without coming into contact with it. sanitary, convenient, and even a little unique.
However, there is still an issue that even the internet is unable to address: why would someone offer something like this at a wedding without describing it?
In recent days, Los Angeles has become a hotbed of tension and unrest as protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reach a boiling point. What began as peaceful demonstrations against the agency’s controversial policies and practices has now escalated into a series of intense confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. The core of these protests centers around the demand for the abolition of ICE and an end to the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants, which many see as inhumane and discriminatory.
The streets of downtown Los Angeles have transformed into scenes reminiscent of a battleground. Demonstrators, fueled by anger and a sense of injustice, have clashed with police, leading to chaotic skirmishes and the destruction of property. The air is thick with smoke from burning vehicles, and the sounds of sirens and shouting fill the night. These protests have attracted a diverse group of individuals, from immigrant families directly affected by ICE policies to social justice activists and concerned citizens.
In response to the escalating violence, President Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles to “address the lawlessness,” as stated by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The decision has only added fuel to the fire, with critics arguing that the deployment is an overreach of federal power and an attempt to suppress legitimate dissent. The presence of the National Guard has created a tense standoff, with heavily armed troops now a fixture on the city streets.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vehemently opposed this move, urging the administration to rescind the deployment. In his statement, Newsom accused President Trump of trying “to manufacture a crisis,” suggesting that the federal response is more about political posturing than addressing the root causes of the unrest. The governor has called for calm and restraint, advocating for dialogue and understanding rather than militarization.
The clash between state and federal authorities underscores a broader national debate about immigration policy and the role of law enforcement in managing civil unrest. For many protesters, the presence of the National Guard serves as a stark reminder of the militarization of American policing and the prioritization of order over justice. They argue that such measures only exacerbate tensions and divert attention from the legitimate grievances being voiced by the community.
Amidst the chaos, local leaders and community organizations are working tirelessly to de-escalate the situation and find pathways to peace. Churches, synagogues, and community centers have opened their doors as safe havens for those seeking refuge from the turmoil. Legal aid groups are on the ground, offering support and guidance to those detained during protests. There is a concerted effort to shift the focus back to the underlying issues of immigration reform and the need for compassionate and comprehensive solutions.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches Los Angeles with bated breath. The city’s struggle is a microcosm of a larger national conversation about identity, freedom, and the American promise. In the coming days and weeks, the actions and decisions of leaders at both the state and federal levels will play a critical role in determining whether this crisis will lead to meaningful change or further division. For now, the hope is that peace will prevail and that dialogue will pave the way toward a more just and equitable future for all.
The culinary world is grieving the sudden loss of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, beloved for shows like Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. On June 17, 2025, she was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home and was pronounced dead despite emergency efforts. Authorities suspect cardiac arrest as the cause, though the final determination awaits an official autopsy. Her passing has left fans and colleagues in shock.
At 55, Burrell was a prominent figure on the Food Network, admired for her culinary expertise and fearless personality. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she also shared her knowledge as an instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. Anne was passionate about mentoring young chefs and inspiring home cooks to embrace gourmet cooking. Her influence extended far beyond the screen.
Anne’s personal life was filled with meaningful connections. She was previously engaged to chef Koren Grieveson before marrying Stuart Claxton in 2020, a union that began through a dating app. Embracing her role as a stepmother to Stuart’s son, Javier, she valued family above all else. The couple preferred a quiet honeymoon, cherishing their intimate time together.
Friends, fans, and fellow chefs fondly remember Anne’s vibrant energy, infectious laughter, and unwavering passion for food. She left an indelible mark on the culinary world and touched countless lives with her warmth and talent. Her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
The town of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was hit with devastating news after 10-year-old Bryson Funk died just one day after helping his baseball team win a championship game. Bryson had pitched the final three innings for the Linglestown Colts, securing a thrilling victory on June 11. But the celebration quickly turned to heartbreak the next morning when he collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest. His family later revealed he had myocarditis an undiagnosed inflammation of the heart.
Bryson’s passing shocked the entire community, especially his best friend and teammate, 9-year-old Elias Vilfort. The two shared a deep bond that went beyond the ballfield—they collected trading cards, spent time at Hersheypark, and often had meals together. Elias honored Bryson by drawing his jersey number on the field and pledged to win future games in his memory. They were set to play on the same All-Star team for the first time that weekend, a dream that tragically never came true.
As news of the tragedy spread, the community rallied in support. A GoFundMe page launched by a relative quickly raised over $45,000 to help Bryson’s family with funeral expenses. Friends, coaches, and local organizations shared heartfelt tributes online, remembering Bryson as vibrant, kind-hearted, and full of life. Even strangers joined in the outpouring, sending prayers, cards, and donations to support the grieving family.
Bryson’s death also drew attention to the dangers of undetected heart conditions in children. The Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation highlighted that one in 300 kids is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Though Bryson’s life was tragically short, his spirit and joy touched everyone around him. The boy who pitched a championship game with heart will now be remembered for the love and light he brought into the world.
In Bufkin v. Collins, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that courts must defer to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unless there is a clear error in its decisions.
This weakens the long-standing “benefit-of-the-doubt” rule, which previously helped veterans win cases when evidence was closely balanced.
The ruling makes it harder for veterans to challenge VA denials, even when the evidence supporting their claims is nearly equal.
The case involved veterans Joshua Bufkin and Norman Thornton, who were denied PTSD benefits despite presenting substantial evidence.
Under the old standard, such closely contested cases often favored veterans, but the Court’s decision now requires overwhelming proof of a VA mistake before a denial can be overturned. This shift places a heavier burden on veterans seeking disability benefits.
Survey Shows Divided Public Opinion on Trump’s Deployment of National Guard in Los Angeles
June 2025 — Following the recent deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests and civil unrest, a new survey reveals mixed reactions among Americans regarding the federal government’s actions.
According to a recent poll conducted by a reputable research firm, approximately 40% of Americans expressed support for President Donald Trump’s decision to send National Guard troops to assist local authorities in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, around 45% of respondents disapproved of the deployment, and 15% remained undecided.
The deployment came after weeks of protests sparked by contentious immigration enforcement operations and increased tensions in several neighborhoods. Governor Gavin Newsom of California publicly opposed the federal intervention, calling it unnecessary and accusing the Trump administration of overreach. This led to legal challenges and ongoing political debate over the appropriate use of federal forces in state matters.
Public opinion remains split along partisan lines, with a majority of Republicans supporting the deployment as a necessary measure to restore order, while Democrats largely criticize it as excessive and potentially harmful to community relations.
Experts say that the situation highlights the complex balance between state and federal authority, especially during times of civil unrest.
The National Guard troops continue to operate in Los Angeles alongside local law enforcement as authorities seek to de-escalate tensions and ensure public safety.
Donald Trump faced heavy criticism after leaving the G7 summit in Canada a day early, giving what critics called a “psychopathic” explanation. The G7 leaders had gathered to discuss global issues, including escalating tensions in the Middle East.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump left after dinner due to the Middle East situation. Trump claimed he informed Canadian PM Mark Carney and said the other leaders understood his early departure, which meant he missed the G7’s joint statement calling for de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Instead, Trump posted alarming messages on Truth Social, urging people in Tehran to evacuate amid Israel’s strikes on Iran. He also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for wrongly claiming Trump left to work on a ceasefire, calling Macron “publicity-seeking” and saying it was “much bigger than that.”
Trump warned Iran should have accepted a deal he proposed, repeating that “IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.” Critics say his tone is “unhinged” and that his posts escalate tensions rather than ease them, raising questions about the US role in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Hillary Clinton recently took a sharp jab at Donald Trump’s well-known obsession with crowd sizes by posting side-by-side photos comparing his military parade and nationwide protests. Trump’s parade, held to celebrate the U.S. military’s 250th anniversary, reportedly cost $45 million but drew an estimated 250,000 people. In contrast, the “No Kings” protests that happened the same day attracted over 4 million people across the country.
Clinton’s Instagram post simply said: “Compare and contrast scenes from yesterday in America,” pointing out the stark difference between the low-energy parade and the massive peaceful protests. The phrase “No Kings” quickly became a rallying cry, with many praising Clinton for her perfectly timed shade. Supporters applauded her for capturing the moment and highlighting the political divide.
However, the post also sparked heavy criticism from conservatives who accused Clinton of disrespecting the military and showing contempt for the parade celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday. Some critics pointed out she was attending a wedding in the Hamptons during the parade, criticizing her priorities. Conservative commentators responded strongly, defending Trump and condemning Clinton’s remarks.
Though Clinton’s post amused her base and went viral, it also stirred controversy and intensified the ongoing political battle between these two figures. The brief caption effectively spotlighted Trump’s struggles with public perception and underscored the deep divisions in American politics.
One tiny garment. That’s all it took to spark outrage, bans, and even arrests across the globe.
In the decades-long tug-of-war between modesty and freedom, the bikini emerged as both villain and victor. Popes called it sinful. Governments outlawed it.
But women kept wearing it — and with every bold appearance, they rewrote the rules.
Tailors on the beaches
At the dawn of the 20th century, swimsuits were far from the sleek, stylish designs we know today. Back then, they were bulky, full-body garments made from wool, designed to keep swimmers covered and protected from the sun. This wasn’t about fashion — it was about modesty.
Strict dress codes were common at beaches across the U.S. According to Kathleen Morgan Drowne and Patrick Huber in their book on 1920s pop culture, places like Chicago’s Clarendon Beach even hired tailors to make on-the-spot adjustments to swimsuits deemed too revealing.
Similar rules popped up nationwide — Coney Island, for example, banned bathing socks in 1915 if they exposed “dimpled knees.” In Washington, DC, beach police were known to enforce these codes with tape measures in hand.
Arrested for a one-piece?
The early 1900s were all about covering up. Men and women alike were expected to wear suits that went from neck to knee — no exceptions. If any skin was exposed? Well, that was considered scandalous.
But change was on the horizon. In 1907, Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman became one of the first to challenge these norms when she wore a one-piece suit that revealed her arms, legs, and neck, instead of the then-accepted pantaloons.
Nicknamed “the Australian Mermaid” for her remarkable swimming skills, Kellerman spent much of her life challenging societal norms and redefining ideals.
Bain News Service / Wikipedia Commons
According to Kellerman herself, she was arrested by the police for wearing her ”indecent” outfit, although there are no official reports to confirm this. Nevertheless, it caused a scandal at the time for a woman to swim in such a manner. The incident made headlines and sparked a movement.
Kellerman’s daring swimwear choice captured the public’s attention, and soon, her one-piece suits became a popular trend.
The demand grew so much that she eventually launched her own swimwear line, and the ”Annette Kellermans,” as they came to be known, marked the first step toward the evolution of modern women’s swimwear.
The roaring ‘20s: A new wave of fashion
As the 1920s roared on, the flapper style started making waves, not just in evening wear, but at the beach too.
It all started when a group of rebels from California rose up against tradition. Known as the ”skirts be hanged girls,” their revolutionary goal was simple: swimsuits that women could actually swim in.
So, swimwear began to shift, becoming more practical and form-fitting. The ”skirts be hanged girls” symbolized a nationwide shift that was about more than just fashion — it was about functionality and freedom of movement.
While it was still modest by today’s standards, women were slowly showing more skin, with swimsuits that were designed for freedom of movement. But the true revolution was yet to come.
The bikini: A scandalous step forward
Then came 1946, and with it, the birth of the bikini. Invented by French engineer Louis Réard, this two-piece swimsuit exposed the navel and flaunted more skin than anyone thought was appropriate for public spaces.
Just days before the bikini was introduced in 1946, the U.S. conducted its first peacetime nuclear test at Bikini Atoll, drawing global attention.
Although designer Louis Réard never explained why he named the swimsuit “bikini,” many believe it was a nod to the explosive impact he hoped it would have — both commercially and culturally — much like the bomb itself. Others suggest the name evoked the exotic appeal of the Pacific or compared the shock of a revealing swimsuit to the power of an atomic blast.
The reaction in the U.S. was swift: many beaches banned the bikini, and it was seen as downright rebellious. And things weren’t much easier in Europe. In 1949, France prohibited bikinis on its beaches, and in Germany, they were banned from public pools until the 1970s. At the same time, certain communist groups slammed the bikini as a sign of capitalist decadence and moral corruption.
Pope Pius XII declared the bikini sinful, and several countries — among them Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Spain – enforced nationwide bans on the swimsuit.
In a well-known 1952 incident, Australian model Ann Ferguson was asked to leave the beach at Surfers Paradise because her Paula Stafford bikini was considered too revealing.
Truth about the famous photo
One photo has come to symbolize the entire debate over whether bikinis belonged on public beaches — or not. And it comes from Italy.
The black-and-white image, which has gone viral in recent years, shows a man in a white uniform standing beside a young woman in a bikini on a beach. Social media users often claim the moment was captured in Rimini, Italy, in 1957. The most shared version of the story says the man is a police officer writing the woman a ticket for nothing more than wearing a bikini.
A 2023 Reddit post featuring the image racked up over 31,000 upvotes and 1,400 comments. Its caption read: “A police officer issues a ticket to a woman for wearing a bikini, 1957.”
But was it real?
The photo itself is authentic — there’s no sign of digital tampering — but the backstory remains a mystery. There’s no solid proof the woman was ticketed for her swimwear. Some suspect it may have been a staged scene with models or actors, while others believe the officer could’ve been citing her for a completely different reason.
Still, the photo hit a nerve.
In an email, Gianluca Braschi, director of the State Archives of Rimini, confirmed to Snopes that Italy did have swimwear laws in place at the time, even if the story behind the photo remains unclear.
As Braschi explained, a 1932 law forbade “bathing in public view in a state of complete nudity and with indecent swimwear.” That law technically remained on the books until 2000, though enforcement was inconsistent.
So, while we may never know the full story behind that viral moment, it reflects a very real tension from the era, one where bikinis didn’t just turn heads… they could also get you in trouble.
The Hollywood influence
It wasn’t until the 1960s that the bikini really became popular. Cultural shifts opened the door for more daring swimwear styles.
But even then, public opinion was split. More conservative areas pushed back against the tiny two-piece.
One example is the United States Motion Picture Production Code — better known as the Hays Code — which was enforced starting in 1934. While it allowed two-piece outfits in films, it strictly banned any showing of the navel. Adding to the pressure, the National Legion of Decency, a Roman Catholic watchdog group, urged Hollywood and international filmmakers to keep bikinis off the big screen entirely.
The rise of Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe, Ursula Andress, and Brigitte Bardot helped redefine the standards of beauty and body confidence. These icons didn’t just wear swimsuits — they became synonymous with them.
The Girl in the Bikini
Perhaphs no one did more to launch the bikini into global stardom than French-born actress Brigitte Bardot.
It wasn’t just that she wore a bikini, it was how she owned it. In her breakout role in The Girl in the Bikini, Bardot didn’t just wear the swimsuit; she turned it into a cultural statement. Her figure, poured into a strapless, diamond-shaped bikini top that looked like it could give way at any moment, was the centerpiece of the film.
With long, tousled hair and a carefree presence, Bardot wasn’t just acting — she was rewriting the rules of how women could be seen on screen.
The movie made sure to show her in harmony with the ocean and the sun, but let’s be honest: it was her body the camera adored. The film framed her in classic pin-up style, yet Bardot wasn’t just eye candy, she became the first actress to center a bikini in a leading role and give it a narrative arc.
While she wasn’t the first woman to wear one, Bardot was the first to make the bikini iconic through storytelling, and that film’s impact in the U.S. launched her into instant international fame.
Ursula Andress’s white bikini from Dr. No (1962) became an instant icon because it combined sex appeal, strength, and cinematic impact in a way audiences hadn’t seen before.
When she emerged from the sea with a knife strapped to her hip, Andress wasn’t just eye candy — she was powerful, self-assured, and unforgettable. The moment defined her as the ultimate Bond girl and cemented the bikini as a symbol of bold femininity in pop culture.
By the 1970s, the bikini was everywhere. Swimsuits got even more revealing, with string bikinis and thong-style bottoms entering the scene. Men’s swim trunks also shrank, as the “modesty” of the early 20th century became a thing of the past.
Swimsuits today: Body positivity and diversity
Fast forward to the 21st century, and swimwear is no longer just about adhering to societal norms. The swimwear market has exploded into a world of choice.
From modest one-pieces to string bikinis and daring thongs, there’s something for everyone. What’s more, the conversation around body types has evolved significantly. Today, it’s about comfort, confidence, and body positivity, with people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds expressing themselves freely at the beach or pool.
Gone are the days of regulating ”decent” swimwear. Now, it’s all about personal choice and self-expression. Whether it’s a full-coverage swimsuit or the most revealing bikini, America’s changing views on modesty reflect a much more inclusive and accepting society.
What started as a battle for modesty has evolved into a celebration of diversity, individuality, and freedom. So next time you hit the beach, remember: it’s not just about the swimsuit — it’s about the journey to self-expression that it represents.
Have you ever wondered what could go wrong with hiring a babysitter? You might want to think twice after hearing this story! Meet Sarah, a teenager with a seemingly perfect record with kids but who secretly had a knack for trouble. This story will make you question everything you thought you knew about babysitters.
It all started on a seemingly normal Saturday night. Sarah was hired to watch over the Johnsons’ two adorable kids while the parents went out for their anniversary dinner. Little did they know, Sarah had her eyes set on throwing the most epic party of her high school career.
As soon as the parents left, Sarah called her friends and within minutes, their serene home turned into party central. Music blared, confetti flew, and the once tidy living room became a dance floor. Meanwhile, the kids were tucked away in their room, completely unaware of the chaos unfolding downstairs.
Just when things couldn’t get any worse, the Johnsons returned earlier than expected. The look on their faces as they walked through the door was priceless. Shocked and furious, they immediately ended the party and sent everyone home. The aftermath was a lesson learned for both Sarah and the Johnsons about trust and responsibility.
Breaking News
In recent days, Los Angeles has become a hotbed of tension and unrest as protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reach a boiling point. What began as peaceful demonstrations against the agency’s controversial policies and practices has now escalated into a series of intense confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. The core of these protests centers around the demand for the abolition of ICE and an end to the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants, which many see as inhumane and discriminatory.
