Home Haircut Attempts That People Immediately Regretted

Armed with a pair of kitchen scissors, an electric trimmer, and a false sense of confidence, thousands of brave souls attempt to save an expensive trip to the beauty salon or barber shop by cutting their own locks at home. What starts as a simple plan to trim dead ends or neaten up a neckline often spirals into pure chaos within minutes. Without professional training, proper lighting, or a clear view of the back of one’s head, an innocent home haircut can turn into a tragic grooming mistake faster than you can put down the shears. Here are some home haircut attempts that people immediately regretted the second the mirror came out.

 

 

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Vegans and Vegetarians Beware of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix is one of those versatile mixes that can be used for anything from corn pudding to tamale pie. You can even make killer pancakes with the mix. However, there’s one drawback that many people aren’t aware of. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix contains lard, so vegans and vegetarians should beware. Simply the word “lard” gives some people the creeps, though animal fats have been cast in a more forgiving light in recent years. If you’re a vegetarian or are cooking for one, there’s an easy fix. Jiffy makes a vegetarian version of their corn muffin mix that replaces the lard with vegetable shortening. The boxes look similar, but the vegetarian version has a green band across the top proclaiming “VEGETARIAN.” Vegans can even substitute plant-based milk and omit the egg and make vegan muffins with it.

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As Spain Swelters, a Centuries-Old Accessory is Having a Moment

As successive heat waves in Western Europe pushed temperatures this summer to punishing levels, there’s a centuries-old accessory that's become essential. The traditional Spanish folding hand fan has been embraced by the young and old, with a growing number of men unfurling them on public transportation, at concerts and at music festivals. With little more than a flick of the wrist, it creates a surprisingly strong breeze. “At first, I felt a little self-conscious because it’s something that’s mainly associated with women,” said 53-year-old David González. Then he admitted that it definitely serves a purpose for both men and women. Historians believe the folding fan reached Europe through Portuguese maritime trade with Asia in the 15th century. “Battery-run items eventually run out of power, and always at the worst possible moment,” said Javier Llerandi, who sells fans from his shop, Casa de Diego, in Madrid. Ranging from $35 to nearly $7,000, the fans are selling like hotcakes in the heat wave. For the less discerning customer, plastic fans with printed designs are sold for around $5 at souvenir kiosks. They’re not the best quality, but they’ll get you through the summer.

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The First Major Bank Heist in American History

The first American bank heist occurred on August 31, 1798 when Isaac Davis and Thomas Cunningham decided to rob The Bank of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Davis was a member of the Carpenters’ Company, the association that owned the building, and Cunningham was a porter at the bank. Patrick Lyon, a blacksmith who had forged the vault doors and fitted the locks just weeks before the robbery, was initially a suspect in the heist. However, he had left Philadelphia for Delaware five days before the robbery to escape a yellow fever epidemic. He returned to Philadelphia to plead his case but was imprisoned anyway because a police officer named John Haines wanted to collect the $2,000 reward. Davis and Cunningham were eventually caught. Davis admitted to the crime but was let go in a deal arranged by his uncle, who was a powerful judge. Cunningham died of yellow fever several days after the heist. Meanwhile, Lyons remained in jail for nearly a near before being cleared by a grand jury. He sued the president of the Bank of Pennsylvania, two other bank officials, Haines, and an alderman for damages over false imprisonment. He was awarded $12,000 ($258,000 today). Meanwhile, even though Davis returned the money, he got off scot-free. 

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