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Second Woman In Brazil Fatally Plunges 100 Feet In Dumbfounding Hiking Accident After Rope Jumping Tragedy

Analice Couto — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:00:16 +0000

Just a day after 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas lost her life in a botched rope-jumping stunt at Skeleton Bridge in São Paulo, a 59-year-old woman met a similar fate elsewhere in Brazil.

Rosemary Stuart Garcia plunged approximately 100 feet to her demise after losing her balance while applying insect repellent during a June 14 hiking trip at the Grutas do Spar caverns in Maricá.

An eyewitness and fellow hiker in her group of 15 recalled the horrifying moments, saying Rosemary fell “very fast.”

A hiking excursion turned fatal for a Brazilian woman who fell nearly 100 feet at a former mining site in Maricá

Image credits: Facebook/Rosemary Suzart Garcia

The Spar Caves originated from a mining site where minerals like feldspar and mica were extracted before the operation was shut down around 50 years ago.

Rosemary ventured onto an overlooked path at the location to stop and apply bug spray.

According to reports, when she lifted one leg, her supporting foot slipped, causing her to plunge over the edge.

Image credits: Facebook/Rosemary Suzart Garcia

Giovani Maximino, a hiker in Rosemary’s group, told authorities that their guide lunged to grab her arm but was unable to save her.

In the process, he nearly became a second victim himself.

“The guide tried to hold her and almost fell too,” Giovani said.

In his own account to police, the guide said he managed to break his fall by grabbing a vegetation root in the area.

Image credits: Maricá Info

Rosemary’s body was retrieved by the fire department, which said it received a call to the site at 10:44 a.m.

The victim was wearing safety gear, including gloves, a helmet, and other personal protective equipment.

Giovani later revealed that Rosemary was a resident of Cordovil, a neighborhood in northern Rio de Janeiro.

He said he managed to locate her children and deliver the tragic news at around 2 a.m. on Monday.

Civil police said Rosemary’s case remains under investigation and that a forensic examination of the scene has been conducted.

A statement from Maricá City Hall noted that Rosemary’s demise did not involve any government liability, unlike Maria’s case

Image credits: rapeladventurerj

The Maricá Municipality explained that the area where Rosemary’s demise occurred is privately owned and, therefore, “the city hall is not responsible for authorizing, inspecting, or prohibiting rappelling activities carried out on the site.”

Limeira City Hall, where Maria’s Skeleton Bridge accident unfolded, on the other hand, has asserted that the federal government is responsible for regulating the site and said it intends to pursue legal action.

Image credits: Thabzo_Siba

Image credits: Instinto Aventureiro

“It is necessary to establish who is responsible for the lack of access control to a federal area, which, for years, has posed known risks and is still without the necessary safety measures,” Limeira Mayor Murilo Félix said.

“We have been calling for action for months to ensure that the federal government assumes its responsibility. Unfortunately, its failure to act has just resulted in yet another tragedy in Limeira,” he added.

Image credits: Instinto Aventureiro

Maria fell approximately 130 feet after two bungee-jumping instructors failed to secure her to a safety harness before launching her.

Brazil’s Military Police told local media that the men fled the scene shortly after realizing their mistake.

They were later located in a nearby wooded area by helicopter and taken to the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat for questioning.

Image credits: Facebook/Rosemary Suzart Garcia

Four additional individuals were detained.

Authorities ultimately charged three of the six suspects with homicide with implied malice, which is applied when a person does not intend to cause fatal harm but acts with such recklessness that an unfortunate outcome becomes foreseeable.

The trio has been identified as Maicon Fernandes Cintra, 42; Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff, 32; and Vitor de Freitas Gonçalves, 27.

They reportedly claimed there was a “blackout” during the activity’s setup, adding that they “can’t remember” where or when the rope failed to be attached, or who was responsible for securing Maria.

A nurse who was present at Skeleton Bridge confirmed that Maria did not lose her life immediately after her fall

Image credits: dudz.rodrigueess

Rayza Dias rushed to assist Maria as soon as she and other onlookers realized she had been launched without being secured.

After reaching her following a difficult descent that left her palms scraped, Dias said she found Maria with signs of life, which included labored breathing and incoherent speech.

Dias said she attempted to keep Maria conscious by engaging her in conversation.

Image credits: EPTV

“I have a habit of joking and saying, ‘Nobody d*es on my shift,'” Dias said.

According to her, she told Maria the same thing, even though she was not officially on duty at the time.

The nurse did not specify whether Maria passed away in her presence or later.

Before Maria’s demise, 39-year-old Kelly Stefani de Oliveira Alves also lost her balance and suffered a fatal fall from Skeleton Bridge.

“No way I would do anything like this,” a netizen said

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60 Mesmerizing Photos From History That Deserve A Closer Look

Asli Akalin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:29:01 +0000

Sometimes, the spectacular moments of history aren’t found in grand events, but in the weird, eerie, or poetic interactions of everyday people at a bus stop or a storefront.

Such a moment can be found in a father and his child pedaling down a French country road in the 1950s with two fresh baguettes strapped to the bike rack, or in two mail carriers trudging through a blinding blizzard just to deliver the morning post.

All of these incredible visual stories are woven together in this collection, which we’ve curated directly from the r/GreatestPhotos community.

Each photo is memorable, helping us understand both the importance and the beautiful weirdness of the past.

Get ready to scroll through a version of history that most of our school textbooks didn’t have enough space for.

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1 Stephen Gill - Sweden ( 2024 )

From the Great Ongoing Series " The Pillar "

#2 Henri Cartier-Bresson - Trastevere, Rome ( 1959 )

" Only a fraction of the camera's possibilities interests me - the marvellous mixture of emotion and geometry, together in a single instant "
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

#3 [private part] Ronis - Venice, Italy ( 1959 )

" A fine image is geometry, modulated by the heart " ~ [private part] Ronis

Every image in this list is iconic in its own right, having been taken by photojournalists and by passionate amateurs who had a rare gift for freezing time.

One such photographer was American street photographer Vivian Maier, a professional nanny, who left hundreds of thousands of negatives behind, only to be discovered after she passed away.

She is known for her portraits of people in cities, including the homeless, the eccentrically dressed, the children that she was looking after, and the Black people who were still under much discrimination at the time.

By looking at the photographs, the viewers can get an authentic glimpse of what mundane life was like in 1930s-1940s New York.

#4 Bill Brandt ( 1904 - 1983 )

East End girl dancing the Lambeth Walk ( 1939 )

#5 Vivian Maier - Florida, USA ( 1960 )

“Well, I suppose nothing is meant to last forever. We have to make room for other people. It’s a wheel. You get on, you have to go to the end. And then somebody has the same opportunity to go to the end and so on.”
~ Vivian Maier

#6 Saul Leiter ( 1923 – 2013 )

" I have been told that some of my photographs maybe indicate that I am a painter " ~ Saul Leiter

This focus on the everyday is exactly why these images remain deeply relatable today.

Street photography often documents the simple realities of daily life. It preserves the quiet and unscripted moments of the past. Examples include commuters waiting for a morning tram or street vendors setting up their stalls.

There are no deep metaphors to unlock or abstract concepts to decipher.

You do not need historical expertise to understand a stranger’s exhaustion on an evening commute or the shared warmth of friends hanging out together.

Yet, research proves that these photographs unintentionally became valuable historical evidence and documentation, shedding light on the economic development of that time.

These images also reflect cultural absorption, societal norms, and lifestyle changes over the years, as seen through the continuous documentation by photographers.

#7 Elliott Erwitt - Provence, France ( 1955 )

" You have to devote yourself totally to be successful at it " ~ Elliott Erwitt

#8 Walter Rosenblum - Pitt Street, New York ( 1938 )

[intimacy] a Swing

#9 Robert Doisneau - Paris, France ( 1950 )

" Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile ! "
~ Robert Doisneau

Even when photography was gaining prominence across the globe, early technology made it practically impossible to capture life on the move.

During the mid-19th century, chemical exposures took several minutes. Because cameras were so slow, anything in motion, like horses or busy pedestrians, simply vanished from the frame. The only elements that remained were the heavy buildings and empty roads.

These early long exposures turned vibrant, bustling cities into silent ghost towns. It accidentally created a false narrative of rigid Victorian stillness, painting a picture of a past that was far quieter than it actually was.

#10 Robert Doisneau - Paris, France ( 1969 )

La Meute

#11 Robert Capa ( 1913 - 1954 )

American paratroopers landing during the Allied invasion near Wesel, Germany 1945

#12 Elliott Erwitt ( 1928 - 2023 )

" I like dogs.... They’re sympathetic. They’re nice. They don’t ask for prints " ~ Elliott Erwitt

In the early 1800s, photography was a specialized luxury. It was reserved for the wealthy elite who could afford expensive chemicals, bulky equipment, and heavy glass plates.

In the 1890s, the Kodak camera revolutionized the photographic market. Its simplicity of use made photography a tool and hobby for everyone.

With more advancements, the historical narrative shifted away from formal and staged studio portraits of high society. The new, fast, portable devices allowed everyday life to be documented in real time.

The genre of street photography truly exploded during the Industrial Revolution. As cities like Paris and London ballooned in size, observing and capturing the crowd became a trend.

#13 Vivian Maier - San Francisco, California ( 1955 )

From the Book " Vivian Maier, Street Photographer "

#14 Wayne Miller - Norman, Oklahoma ( 1943 )

W.A.V.E.S. ( Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service ) stand in formation during an inspection. More than 86,000 women served in the WAVES at its peak strength during World War II.
It was established on July 21, 1942, by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 30. This authorized the U.S. Navy to accept women into the Naval Reserve as commissioned officers and at the enlisted level, effective for the duration of the war plus six months.
The purpose of the law was to release officers and men for sea duty and replace them with women in shore establishments.
Mildred H. McAfee, on leave as president of Wellesley College, became the first director of the WAVES. She was commissioned a lieutenant commander on August 3, 1942, and later promoted to commander and then to captain

#15 Ansel Easton Adams - Tiburon, California ( 1957 )

From the book " The Bikeriders "

Pictures of daily life in the 19th and 20th century were also used to expose the harsh living conditions of marginalized communities.

As the medium evolved, photographers began to experiment with different styles. They also merged artistry with activism to create impactful visual stories.

Many photographers used their work to advocate for human rights, social justice and environmental conservation.

#16 [private part] Ronis - Paris, France ( 1959 )

" A good picture knows how to communicate the emotion that created it "
~ [private part] Ronis

#17 Matt Stuart - Trafalgar Square, London ( 2004 )

From the Book " All That Life Can Afford "

The historical importance of recording these quiet interactions is echoed by modern photographers.

Legendary street photographer Joel Meyerowitz explained that the entire magic of the genre rests on remaining deeply attuned to everyday life rather than searching for historical monuments. “One of the great joys of being on the street is staying alert to the unexpected,” he told The Guardian.

“It could be as simple as the way a truck comes past, or someone wearing a crazy outfit; anything that says, ‘Hello, I’m talking to you.’ When you receive a signal, pay attention. Paying attention is the basic act of photography,” he added.

#18 Helen Levitt - New York City, USA ( 1988 )

Levitt photographed in New York’s poorer neighborhoods before and during World War II. These images, which won early admirers, including Walker Evans, were in black and white. In 1959, after Levitt won a Guggenheim Fellowship, she turned to color film. She took this photograph in 1988, the year she turned 75. It shows two children squeezing their bodies into a phone booth dominated by a heavyset woman. You assume she’s their mother. It’s a wonderful, pomposity-puncturing picture that looks caught on the fly, but it’s also beautifully composed. The image is alive to unexpected color rhymes (yellow and dull green) and has an intriguing sense of space (compare the deep perspective to the left of the booth with the flat space that becomes obstructed on the right). In photograph after photograph, Levitt showed that children’s physical gaucheness can be authentically expressive. In fact, the shapes their bodies make are to the decorous postures of adults as children’s halting speech is to adult fluency. They remind you, in any case, that there’s more to self-expression than having a smooth tongue. Levitt’s photograph is a gorgeous, playful image of a family’s easy intimacy. But it’s also a claustrophobic image. Her career overlapped with a period of heightened interest in child psychology. The pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott wrote about children’s play as a pathway to fullness of being. Problems can arise, he suggested, when their natural desires meet too much resistance, when they have no room to play, when their movements are constrained. Here, the mother figure is conducting adult business. Her posture expresses her mature self-possession. She’s earned the space allotted her; she’s going to occupy it. The kids, comparatively, have no sovereignty. They must draw on all their inventiveness, squirming and twisting themselves into ungainly yet marvelously expressive postures as they squeeze into the spaces left over. It won’t be long before they won’t fit at all

#19 Elliott Erwitt - Wyoming, USA ( 1954 )

" You don’t study photography, you just do it " ~ Elliott Erwitt

Similarly, contemporary street photographer Alan Schaller reflects on how we constantly search for meaning in high art, yet miss the daily theater right in front of us.

“There’s a humor in how we flock to galleries and museums to see humanity reflected back at us in interesting ways, when often such opportunities are all around us,” he said.

“Street photography requires intuition, technique, foresight and luck. A good environment also helps. There is something to be said for returning to a scene and working it repeatedly, trying to see new things, locating something special amid the seemingly mundane.”

#20 André Kertész - Buenos Aires, Argentina ( 1962 )

" Technique isn't important. Technique is in the blood. Events and mood are more important than good light and the happening is what is important " ~ André Kertész

#21 Anthony Suau - Kuro, South Korea ( 1987 )

World Press Photo of the Year ( 1988 ) : Election in South Korea A desperate mother in Kuro, South Korea leans against a riot policeman's shield and begs for mercy for her son, arrested during a demonstration. After the November election there were protests against the government, accused of electoral fraud

#22 Todd Gross - New York City, USA ( 2019 )

Today, we filter, pose, and curate every second of our lives through our smartphones. Looking at raw images from our history proves that there’s a different kind of magic in the messy and unscripted chaos of the daily grind.

So the next time you step outside, look around. You might capture history in the making.

#23 Ruth Orkin ( 1921 - 1985 )

Tired Little Boy Crying Outside Circus Madison Square Garden

#24 Fritz Henle - Manhattan, NYC ( 1947 )

Father at the Brooklyn Bridge, Sunday Morning, Lower East Side.

#25 Bruno Barbey - Palermo, Sicily ( 1963 )

From the Book " The Italians "

#26 James Nachtwey - Kabul, Afghanistan ( 1996 )

During the Afghan Civil War one-third of Kabul was totally destroyed by artillery and rocket fire. This picture of the central business district was made as the capital was being besieged by the Taliban.

#27 René Burri - West Germany ( 1957 )

" One of these days, I'm going to publish a book of all the pictures I did not take. It is going to be a huge hit " ~ René Burri

#28 Matt Black - Maine, USA ( 2019 )

In 2013, Matt Black began photographing isolated communities in California’s Central Valley, the rural, agricultural area where he lives.
In 2015, Black expanded the project to encompass the United States and completed his first cross-country trip, a three-and-a-half-month journey visiting dozens of communities across 28 states. Since then, he has completed four additional trips, traveling over 100,000 miles and making work across 46 states.⁠
Black combines his photographs, personal journal entries, and images of objects collected from his travels over the past seven years into one magazine: American Geography

#29 Erich Hartmann - New York, USA ( 1955 )

Man in street under the Brooklyn Bridge

#30 Garry Winogrand - New York, USA ( 1961 )

" Photography is always out there; it’s a way to get out of yourself "
~ Garry Winogrand

#31 Wayne Miller - Chicago, Illinois ( 1948 )

Strike captain during protest by the packing house workers from the Miller's series 'Chicago's South Side ' ( 1946 - 1948 )

#32 Nick Waplington - Nottingham, England ( 1987 )

From the Great Book " Living Room "

#33 Robert Capa - Normandy, France ( 1944 )

The Magnificent Eleven :
Group of photos of D-Day (6 June 1944) taken by war photographer Robert Capa. Capa was with one of the earliest waves of troops landing on the American invasion beach, Omaha Beach.
Capa stated that while under fire, with two Contax II cameras and 50 mm lenses he took 106 pictures, all but eleven of which were destroyed in a processing accident in the Life magazine photo lab in London, although the accidental loss of the remaining negatives has been disputed. The surviving photos have since been called The Magnificent Eleven.

#34 Franco Fontana - Prague, Czech Republic ( 1967 )

"To quote a phrase from the Prince of Salina in 'The Leopard': everything changes to remain what it is'"
Franco Fontana

#35 Weegee - Brooklyn, New York ( 1943 )

Simply Add Boiling Water

#36 Henri Cartier-Bresson - Marseille, France ( 1932 )

“ Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst ” ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

#37 Slim Aarons - Antibes, France ( 1976 )

Guests by the pool at the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc

#38 Leslie Ronald Jones - Milton, Massachusetts ( 1934 )

A truck is hanging by one wheel after driving off the Adams Street Bridge, which crosses the Neponset River in Lower Mills, between Dorchester and Milton.

#39 Bill Brandt - Halifax, England ( 1937 )

In 1951 Brandt started to print his photographs using a paper that could render very dark and light areas in the same image. In the earlier prints of this photograph, the details of the facade of the building on the left are perfectly visible. In contrast, in the second iteration he completely blackened the house and created a strong contrast with the glint on the ramp’s cobblestones while adding a plume of black smoke in the sky.

#40 Fred Herzog ( 1930 - 2019 )

" I was aware I was taking art. That’s the conceit of young people. I knew that what I am doing is not only unique, but that someday I’m going to unpack that and shock people with it "
~ Fred Herzog

#41 [private part] Ronis - Paris, France ( 1957 )

" I have never separated form and content. The photo should have a meaning. But my photos are also more or less well constructed. If they had false notes, they stayed on the contact sheet. " ~ [private part] Ronis

#42 Josef Koudelka - England ( 1976 )

From the Great Book " Exiles "

#43 Louis Stettner - Aubervilliers, France ( 1947 )

"The photographs that remain strong and alive seem to be when your vision and reality are so inexorably wedded together it is impossible to separate them." ~ Louis Stettner

#44 Martine Franck - Newcastle Upon Tyne, England ( 1977 )

Born in Belgium in 1938, Martine Franck grew up in the United States and in England. She studied art history at the University of Madrid and at the École du Louvre in Paris. After a trip to the Far East with Ariane Mnouchkine in 1963–64, Franck worked at Time-Life in Paris as an assistant to the photographers Eliot Elisofon and Gjon Mili. Her friendship with Mnouchkine also led her to follow the Théâtre du Soleil from its beginnings in 1964 until the end of her life.

After joining the Vu Photo Agency, Franck contributed to the founding of the Viva agency in 1972. She took many portraits of artists and writers, including a noteworthy series of women for Vogue. She undertook more far-reaching work for the French Ministry of Women’s Rights in 1983. That same year, she became a full member of Magnum Photos. From 1985, Franck collaborated with the International Federation of Little Brothers of the Poor, a non-governmental organization which cares for the elderly and outcasts of society. It was in 1993 that Franck first visited the island of Tory, off the northwest coast of Ireland. There, she studied the daily life of a traditional Gaelic-speaking community separated from the mainland.

She next traveled to Asia to meet Buddhist Tibetan children in India and Nepal. With the help of Marilyn Silverstone, a former member of Magnum Photos who became a Buddhist nun, she encountered the Tulkus, the young lamas who are thought to be the reincarnations of ancient great spiritual masters.

In 2002, she created, with Henri Cartier-Bresson and their daughter Mélanie, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation in Paris, where she became President in 2004.

Martine Franck passed away in Paris on August 16, 2012.

#45 Bruce Davidson - Wales, Great Britain ( 1965 )

Girl in Red Sweater

#46 Elliott Erwitt - New York, USA ( 1978 )

" It's about time we started to take photography seriously and treat it as a hobby "
~ Elliott Erwitt

#47 Danny Lyon - Kentucky, USA ( 1966 )

From the book " The Bikeriders "

#48 Dorothea Lange - Sacramento, California ( 1942 )

Mexican field laborer arriving at station in Sacramento, after 5 day trip from Mexico City, imported by arrangements bet Mexican and US governments to work in sugar beets.

#49 Dorothea Lange - San Francisco, USA ( 1934 )

" I assigned myself the task of photographing the May Day demonstrations at Civic Center. . . . I will go there, I will photograph this thing, I will come back, and develop it. I will print it, and I will mount it and I will put it on the wall, all in twenty-four hours. I will do this, to see if I can just grab a hunk of lightning." ~ Dorothea Lange

#50 Albert Nyfeler - Lötschental, Switzerland ( 1936 )

This photograph by Albert Nyfeler captures the vital process of transporting timber for the construction of Hans Lehner’s chalet in Lauchernalp, nestled in the Swiss Alps. Building in such a mountainous region required ingenuity and careful planning, as materials had to be moved across challenging terrain before modern machinery was widely available. Timber, sourced locally or brought from nearby forests, was essential not only for structural strength but also for blending the chalet harmoniously with its alpine surroundings. This method of construction reflects the traditional Swiss approach to mountain architecture—durable, practical, and beautifully integrated with nature. During the 1930s, alpine chalets symbolized comfort and a retreat from urban life, combining rustic charm with functionality. Transporting timber in the Alps often involved sleds, pack animals, and manual labor, highlighting the skill and teamwork of local workers. Nyfeler’s photograph preserves a moment in this timeless process, emphasizing the relationship between people, craftsmanship, and environment. It offers a window into how communities in the Swiss Alps maintained their cultural heritage through architecture while adapting to the demands of their spectacular but demanding landscape

#51 Franco Fontana - Los Angeles, USA ( 2001 )

Italian photographer Franco Fontana is a pioneer of color photography, known for his abstract cityscapes, seascapes, and landscapes. Fontana embraced color film as early as the 1960s at a time when few fine art photographers ventured outside the conventions of black-and-white photography. His break with established styles and practices represents a significant shift in Italian postwar photography. In his images, Fontana often pares landscapes down to their essential elements, producing flat, geometric compositions —reminiscent of the color field paintings of Mark Rothko or Barnett Newman —by underexposing his transparencies. Contrasting blue skies with green or yellow grass and the rigid lines of buildings with the softness of puffy clouds, he makes color and texture his primary subjects.

#52 Vivian Maier ( 1926 - 2009 )

Self-Portrait of Pioneer Street Photographer Vivian Maier

#53 Lee Friedlander - Nebraska, USA ( 1999 )

From the Great Book " America by Car " ( 1995-2009 )

#54 Bruce Davidson - New York City, USA ( 1980 )

From the Great Book " Subway "

#55 Max Pinckers - Mumbai, India ( 2014 )

From the Book " Will They Sing Like Raindrops or Leave Me Thirsty "

#56 Walker Evans - Vicksburg, Mississippi ( 1936 )

Walker Evans was born in 1903 in St. Louis, Missouri, to an upper-middle-class family, affording him access to a formal education. He initially aspired to become a writer, an interest he never fully abandoned. He attended Williams College in Massachusetts for a year and briefly studied at the Sorbonne in Paris before moving to New York City in 1926 to focus on photography. From 1935 to 1937 Evans worked as a photographer for the “Resettlement” , a US government initiative instituted to document the severe conditions of rural America during the Great Depression in order to gain support for relief programs. A significant moment for his artistic growth, the position allowed Evans to refine his photographic eye as he traveled across the country, focusing his camera on churches, advertisements, sharecroppers, and steel mills. Despite the advantages of steady employment, Evans had some personal reservations about working for a government program. Before accepting the position, he declared that under no circumstances would he “ make photographic statements for the government…. No matter how powerful—this is pure record not propaganda…. No politics whatsoever. ” Throughout his career, Evans continued to resist the characterization of his work as political, remarking, “ I didn’t like the label that I unconsciously earned of being a social protest artist. I never took it upon myself to change the world. ” Even if Evans’s intentions were driven by aesthetic pursuits rather than a political agenda, viewers of his work are not afforded the same neutrality, especially with challenging photographs such as Minstrel Showbill or Houses and Billboards in Atlanta. Despite being taken nearly 90 years ago, these alarmingly casual depictions of violence in the American vernacular are not records of a distant past; instead, they are sobering reminders of struggles that persist in the US today. In addition to these challenging scenes, Evans on occasion injected humor and absurdity into his work, as seen in images such as Truck and Sign, in which the word “ Damaged ” appears boldly across the photograph. In the summer of 1936 Evans took a leave of absence from the Resettlement Administration to work with his friend, the writer James Agee, on the publication " Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. " Through words and photographs, the book provided an account of life among a group of tenant farmers in Hale County, Alabama. Evans continued to photograph until his death in 1975, holding positions at Time as well as Fortune magazine, where he worked as an editor and photographer from 1945 to 1965. A 1938 exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art, Walker Evans: American Photographs, surveyed his first decade of photography, and was the first one-person presentation by MoMA’s Department of Photography. ( An exhibition of Evans’s photographs of Victorian houses four years earlier was considered an architecture exhibition ) The exhibition’s accompanying publication, which serves as an exploration of US society through its workers and institutions, is considered one of the most influential photobooks in the history of the medium because of its rhythmic, uninterrupted sequencing. While Evans’s enduring vision was embraced by museums worldwide, the lifelong contrarian pushed back against the acclaim, noting one should “ be careful about being established…. Part of me doesn’t want this to be established...because it tames it. ” Today, Evans’s impact and “ lyric documentary ” style can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists, including William Christenberry and RaMell Ross, both of whom have also worked in Hale County. Their works probe everyday life to depict an “ epic moment in something incredibly simple. ” Viewing their photographs, one can sense that behind the veneer of banality, potentially mistaken as commonplace, social commentary and radical thought might be revealed

#57 Martin Parr - Pisa, Italy ( 1990 )

“ We then take photos of ourselves in front of the visited sight. This proves we have been there and are part of the world as we know it. Visiting sites is a modern form of pilgrimage and the resulting photos the ultimate prize ” ~ Martin Parr

#58 Henri Cartier-Bresson - Paris, France ( 1932 )

" To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye and the heart. It's a way of life " ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

#59 Harry Gruyaert - Manhattan, New York City ( 1985 )

From the Book " Harry Gruyaert - New York "

#60 Henri Cartier-Bresson ( 1908 - 2004 )

" In photography, the smallest thing can become a big subject, an insignificant human detail can become a leitmotiv. We see and we make seen as a witness to the world around us; the event, in its natural activity, generates an organic rhythm of forms " ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

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Two Friends Lose Their Lives After Being Swept Out To Sea While Taking A Nap On California Beach

Analice Couto — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:27:52 +0000

On June 10, 2026, a fun seaside outing turned fatal for two friends as they were caught unaware on a Santa Cruz beach by the raging waters of the North Pacific Ocean.

The lives of Harshita Nair and Mahial Sran, both of Fremont, were cut short after they got swept into the ocean as they were vacationing at Bonny Doon Beach.

Despite the best efforts of the local authorities, both women passed away shortly after they were rescued.

“My heart goes out to the families. So tragic and such young lives lost,” one user said.

Nair and Sran were both alive when first responders rescued them

Image credits: Linkedin/Harshita Nair

Nair, 21, was a legal studies major at UC Berkeley, and Sran, 20, was studying public health at San José State University. Both graduated from Washington High School in 2023 and were set to earn their respective degrees in 2027.

According to local reports, multiple law enforcement agencies, including Cal Fire CZU, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, and California State Lifeguard, responded to a 911 call placed at around 5 p.m.

Image credits: CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County Fire Capt. Kyle Breton told local press that eight rescue swimmers were looking for the women, and several people were on the banks, observing and pointing out where the two were.

Both women were reportedly still breathing when they were brought to the shore.

One of them was airlifted in a helicopter from Yellow Bank Beach to a local hospital and given CPR on the way. The other was brought to Panther Beach, where she was carried in a Stokes basket to a waiting ambulance and taken to a local hospital.

Image credits: CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz

Nair passed away soon after the rescue. Sran remained in critical condition but breathed her last on Saturday.

The coroner’s office has yet to declare the cause and manner of their passing.

According to reports, Nair was an intern at the UC Berkeley student union and reportedly worked at a UPS Store in Fremont, and Sran was a part-time cashier at a Michael Kors outlet at the Great Mall in Milpitas.

Conflicting accounts have emerged on Nair and Sran’s demise

Image credits: Instagram/mahial_22s

Capt. Kyle Breton told the media that Nair and Sran might have been napping at the “keyhole” on the beach when a rising tide flooded the area and pulled them into the water.

On a beach, a keyhole typically refers to a small, narrow passage through a rocky cliff or sea arch that connects one isolated stretch of sand to another. These passages are highly hazardous because rising tides can quickly block off access, trapping people.

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“Panther and Yellow Bank Beach are separated by what we call the keyhole, and as soon as the tide comes in or gets high, the keyhole is inaccessible,” Breton explained.

“And so, what happens is people go through the keyhole, thinking they’re gonna have a great day at the beach, and then all of a sudden, they get cut off, and options run out very, very quickly. And so that’s sort of what happened that day.”

Image credits: CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz

Sran’s father, on the other hand, told ABC7News on June 15 that the early reports of the two women being asleep when they were pulled in were false.

He said that his daughter’s bag and phone never got wet, suggesting that they may have left their belongings farther inland on purpose and got struck by a rogue wave before they had a chance to recover them.

Image credits: Santa Cruz Harbor

He does not believe they fell asleep, in which case Sran would likely have her bag and phone with her. An eyewitness also told the outlet that Nair and Sran were not asleep at the time.

“I have no idea what happened,” Nair’s father told The New York Post. “I’m still in shock.”

Capt. Breton did not dismiss the possibility of a sneaker wave in his statement.

Tragedy struck Nair and Sran amid ongoing hazardous conditions along the Pacific shoreline

Image credits: Go Fund Me

Breton also said that this was the fifth water rescue in the area in just the past month. The department typically performs about 6 to 8 rescues per year.

Nair and Sran’s incident happened a day after 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown, of San Bernardino, was swept into the ocean near California’s Laguna Beach, around 405 miles south of Bonny Doon. She was set to start kindergarten in August.

Officials in Santa Cruz County have been warning people via social media alerts all week to be careful when visiting beaches, which are expected to be crowded as temperatures continue to rise.

Image credits: Safe Beach Day

A Beach Hazards Statement was issued on June 16, warning anyone visiting beaches along the entire Pacific coastline to remain cautious through Thursday morning.

“Long-period S-SW swell will generate hazardous conditions, including sneaker waves and strong rip currents,” the post read.

“Up to 1.7 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways,” the full alert warned.

“High tide flooding of lots, parks, and roads, with only isolated road closures expected. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions, along with localized beach erosion, can be expected. Sneaker waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches.”

“Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf, and NEVER turn your back on the ocean,” it said.

“Never turn your back to the ocean,” a reader wrote

Mastering Sarcasm: 45 Genius Comebacks That Left A Lasting Impression

Asli Akalin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:30:04 +0000

A good insult can hurt more than a punch to your nose or your stomach. Physical pain fades, but you never forget a verbal hit — words can stay with you even on your deathbed. Some people have such a way with words that it might be surprising they haven’t won a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry yet, but we’re here to make that right.

Bored Panda found some posts with the most creative, brutal, and chaotic insults that one can conceive of. They come to you from one chain on Threads and another post from r/AskReddit, where both posters asked fellow netizens to share the best insults they’ve ever heard.

Scroll down and enjoy the magnificent poetry of meanness, where people are likened to brain-eating amoebae, accused of being crayon-eaters, and called plain dumb in the most picture-esque and eloquent ways imaginable.

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1

I got called into a meeting with HR today cause apparently telling my coworker that I knew he was a C-section baby by the way he avoids labour is not acceptable in the workplace.

#2

I was a cashier at a grocery store and the cashier next to me chatted with the baggers non-stop and would hold up her line all [darn] day cuz she wasn't paying them attention. One customer blurted out in frustration, "MY GOD, DO YOU GET PAID BY THE WORD OR THE HOUR?"

#3

Couldn't pour water out of a boot if the instructions were written on the heel.

#4

I did buy an unpleasant coworker 2 pairs of sunglasses for a secret Santa, once, with a card that said "one pair for each face".

#5

“Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries”.

#6

In 2017 I was drunk and trying to send a picture of the ol’ family jewels and rod to a lady (at her request, I’m too lazy when drunk to deal with a zipper without prompting). I posted it to Facebook.

Not even 20 minutes later, I’m sitting on the couch getting supremely irritated at her lack of appreciation of my equipment (perceived, as she had not responded. Probably because I never sent it to her) that had gone to sleep in the meantime. The notification was a Facebook comment from my mother that read: “It wasn’t impressive when you were a baby, it’s not impressive now. You should take this down before you embarrass yourself.”

She told that story at my 35th birthday last year.

#7

David Letterman interviewing Tina Fey: after some blah blah conversation DL "hey I'm not as dumb as I look". TF "How could you be?".

#8

I told a friend I was prom king in conversation and his response was " Oh thats right you were home schooled." So good I had to hug him.

#9

"I'd challenge you to a duel of wits but I refuse to fight an unarmed man."

#10

I heard someone say "she would make a train take a dirt road" I couldn't stop laughing

#11

“I see you got placed in the Witless protection program”

#12

We've got a guy at work we call "Dory", because we have to retrain him after every break.
When he tries to remember something, we tell him to "just keep swimming"

#13

my go to recently has been “Your teachers usually sighed when you raised your hand in class, didn’t they?”

#14

Your head really is just a place to store your teeth, huh

#15

One of my favourites: you seem like the person that can tell how different colour crayons taste

#16

Life is full of disappointments, just ask your parents.

Context: I had replied with the above to a man I had declined to go out with, after he’d reacted by saying “You are a disappointment.” Based on his threats of severe bodily harm, I’d guess it was one of my better insults.

#17

You're the kind of person who'd answer the door if someone tells a knock knock joke.

#18

“The acoustics in your head must be amazing”

#19

As an outsider, what are your views on intelligence?

#20

I put up a sign because one person wouldn't do his own dishes "clean up after yourself, your mother doesn't work here" I was told to take it down. I argued that I didn't specifically signal anyone in particular, but everyone knew who I was talking about.

#21

I pity the plant that worked tirelessly to produce the air you're wasting.

#22

"Please, don't think. It does not suit you."

#23

When I was a student psychiatric nurse, a patient yelled at me ...
"You dastardly dodo's dung heap!"
Definitely the best insult I've ever had.

#24

I don’t have the crayons or time to explain this to you.

#25

"If you were a spice, you'd be flour."

#26

'Sensor Light' - only works when someone else is around ...
This is one of a whole bunch of classic Aussie workplace insults

#27

This is kind of specific, but, my ex wife wanted to get in an argument about something and I told her to call my wife about it (she’s a 6th grade teacher). When my ex asked why, I said because my wife is better at dealing with children.

#28

In a serious, slightly concerned tone: "You struggle with things that come easily to others, don't you?".

#29

You’re like the end piece of bread, everyone touches you but no one wants you.

#30

I heard one ages ago that went- "I thought you'd at least be nice since you're not so pretty"

#31

No brains no headaches
😂

#32

You have delusions of adequacy.

#33

I applaud your confidence in the absence of knowledge or expertise.

#34

I like " she's like a monet, beautiful from a distance but up close she's just a big old mess".

#35

I take great solace in your flammability.

#36

"I see your brain-eating amoebae used up their last supplies."

#37

Stop acting like your shoe size is your IQ

#38

“You look like I need a drink.”.

#39

It seems that your life is less about goal achievement and more about regret management.

#40

"Go home, your village is missing its idiot."

#41

“There’s not enough brain cells between the lot of them to have a seizure.”.

#42

i like to describe people as “god’s first draft of x”, or just call them by an article of clothing they’re wearing. “okay turtleneck” “okay khakis”

#43

"If brains were dynomite you wouldn't have enough to blow your nose.

#44

You’re wasting oxygen that’s needed by single cell organisms

#45

You are so repulsive that the Jehovah Witnesses wouldn't knock on your door.

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Public Courtesy: 59 Tiny Acts Of Politeness From Everyday Life

Asli Akalin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:28:02 +0000

Society is full of rules. Obviously, you’ve got to abide by the law. But you’ve also got to learn all of the unspoken rules. Don’t yap with your phone on speaker in a public place. If you see a stranger drop something, alert them immediately. And if people are waiting in line, you'd better respect that. No cutting allowed! But not all of the social rules we have to follow feel like burdens or inconveniences. Some are actually incredibly wholesome. Threads users have recently been sharing their favorite social contracts that strangers abide by in public, so we’ve compiled a list of them below. Enjoy reading about these sweet interactions, and be sure to upvote the ones that you love too!

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1

We don't just vaccinate our families to protect them, we also do it to protect the community.

#2

I'm an amputee and every huge snow storm, state of emergency called or not, someone doesn't just shovel my sidewalks and my handicap ramp, they use a plow to clear the curbs by my door and to where my car is parked so I don't have to.

They do it in the middle of the night so I can't catch them.

I have no idea who it is.

#3

When someone stops to let me cross the road, I always rush a little to prove I’m a top notch pedestrian

#4

Caring. Period. One time I was headed to pick up supplies to end my life. I had to stop at the gas station on the way to the store. I was walking back to my car and someone ran all the way over to me because I had dropped my debit card in the store. That person saved my life. It made me feel humanity in a way that made life worth living. I felt cared about. Got in my car and sobbed for hours. Then went back home. That was roughly five years ago. They didn’t even know they saved my life that day.

#5

I’m a big, tall man. When I notice a woman looks back and considers me a threat, I suddenly have a loose shoelace that I must kneel down to tie while she walks away and feels more safe.

tabi.blakemore:
Love you for this. Your mom did great work.

0ne_tru:
I'm tall and walk fast.
If I notice that I'm too close to a woman, I'll slow down and give her space because I know I'D BE SPOOKED by seeing some tall MF'er walking up on me

#6

I was on the train home one night (I live in NYC) and a man’s grocery bag broke. His groceries were rolling around the train car and everyone wordlessly picked them up and returned them to him, and those of us with plastic bags we were able to part with offered up our bags to repack his groceries. There was no discussion. We all just handled it and went back to minding our own business. It was beautiful.

#7

The drunk girl in the bar bathroom is my best friend until she finds her friends again.

phredator:
I would fight a lion for drunk girl in a bar bathroom. Her shoes are cute as h**l, her hair is perfect, of course she can have a tampon, her ex can pass in a fire, & she can cry for as long as she needs to.

#8

Putting the divider down after you unload your groceries on the conveyor belt at the store. We all do that, right? Right?!

#9

Waving at any random little kid that waves at you for no reason at all.

plannersassy86:
You have to!! Just like you take the call when they hand you a pretend/toy phone.

cactiii_music:
I could be having the worst day at work, be in the worst mood possible. The minute a little squirt smiles and waves at me I lock tf in and give him the biggest and brightest smile & wave back. Bad mood is immediately gone🥹

#10

If I compliment your dress, I expect to learn whether it has pockets

duval500:
And that you got it on sale!

thereelrandom:
Some guy on insta took his wife’s favorite dresses and had pockets added as a surprise. No idea who, it was some time ago. But, I’ve witnessed my wife going through this routine more than once.

lotte.clarke:
This happened to me at the weekend. The lady was like “AND, it has pockets”! I thanked her for the critical information.

#11

The way we warn another woman going into a bathroom stall if there’s no toilet tissue in there

#12

The thank you wave in traffic.

pippylongstalker:
Throw the 🤙! Hawaiian style! Drive with aloha.

theverythoughtofyou:
When I was little, my dad waved in traffic and I said, "Who was that?" My dad thought that was so funny and explained that, no, the guy just let him into traffic. He didn't know him.

Cut to me learning to drive. The first time I waved at someone in traffic with my dad, he said, "Who was that? Did you know them?" That man proceeded to laugh harder than I've ever seen him laugh. Like he'd been waiting a decade for it.

#13

I was teaching my son how to cross the street safely and we were practicing after leaving the grocery store into the bigger parking lot. A lady stayed next to us with her cart and I told her she could go on ahead, that we were working on it!
She said she’d go when my little boy said it was safe to go. And when he did we all crossed together to the parking area. She thanked him for helping her stay safe and I think about it all the time

#14

When any animal does the big stretch so you say “biiiggg stretch”

#15

my favorite is when strangers just help someone with a baby carriage go up or down stairs and just keeps walking as if nothing. this happens a lot in nyc

#16

If the baby speaks to me, I speak to the baby.

#17

ABSOLUTELY no one is getting between me and a stranger who asked me to watch their stuff at a coffee shop.

mimi__k_t:
I don't even watch my own stuff as good as their stuff 😂

sara.no.the.other.sara:
A flight attendant asked me to watch his bags at the airport while he went to the bathroom, and I would've done everything to protect that luggage.

#18

If you're in front of me in a long line, and you step out of it to run to the trash can or the restroom, please know I will protect your spot in line like I am Jon Snow in the Night's Watch.

_thatswhat_she_read_:
When I was visibly enormously pregnant, I was waiting in a horrible line in a hot building and decided I couldn’t take it anymore and went to leave. When I realized I would have to come back eventually to get the thing done, I turned around. The woman who had been behind me told me to sit down and she’d save my place. It was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me

#19

When I observe something funny and I exchange glances with another person who has just observed the same thing, and we share a laugh.

#20

Ooh I was eating peanut m&ms out the yellow bag at the airport and this young man was also eating peanut m&ms so I raised my yellow bag to him and cheers and he smiled so big and cheered me.

#21

I am an introvert until the moment I see someone is looking uncertain, uncomfortable or like they need assistance, then it is like a switch flips and I am mama bear making sure they are OK!

#22

I’m super tall (6 feet). Whenever I see people in the grocery store reaching for an item high on a shelf, i step in and grab it for them. It’s my duty as a tall person to help out the shorties :)

erinlovesbees:
I'm short. If there's no tall folk around I'm scaling that shelf, so thanks for preventing me from dropping a box on my head (which I have also done.)

bone.storm:
Yeah, I’m 6’4” and do the same all the time

#23

Clapping for musicians performing in a restaurant, bar, or café... especially if no one else is clapping!

#24

If you see a turtle crossing a road, how you must absolutely stop and usher/carry them across while saying "stop it Mr bitey" as said turtle tries to take a chunk of your hand and everyone else stops and watches in solidarity. 🐢

keelyn.prince:
15 years ago when my husband and I started dating he saw a turtle in the road as we were driving by and HAD to go back and help it. It was a sweatshirt.. Still love he had to try.

kellybellejeanie:
During the early days of the Covid shut down, driving down my neighborhood street, I saw a turtle right where my tire would run over him. I stopped, jumped out & grabbed him. Then a pile up of cars was behind me honking. I lifted the turtle above my head & everyone cheered. I placed her over the fence near the bayou. It was a sweet human connection.

#25

Saying thank you to the bus driver when I exit. This is standard social etiquette in Vancouver, B.C.

#26

When someone ahead of me opens the door and waits for me, I shuffle a little faster to show I care about their time!

genyferbelle:
Please don't shuffle!! Now we feel guilty that you felt rushed 😭

sauce1974:
I do this. I smile and enthusiastically say thank you while groaning inside because I didn't want to walk faster. But that was so nice that the door was held so I hurried up a bit

#27

The cart/quarter swap in the middle of the Aldi parking lot to save one of us a trip!

#28

The arm pull to get a trucker to honk their horn - and then they honk!

#29

The gentle smile you give a parent who is desperately trying to soothe a child who is melting down signaling "no judgement here" and then NOT judging.

#30

A lost little kid in a store is every mom’s responsibility until the kid is reunited with their family. It takes a village.

#31

When getting passed by an 18-wheeler in heavy traffic, quickly flicking your headlights on/off when it’s safe for them to move over in front of you- and then the trucker gives you a little ‘taillight salute’ as thanks

#32

If I see a family on vacation and the mom is taking a picture of everybody, I understand that she will not have any pictures of herself when she gets home. I will offer to take a picture EVERY SINGLE TIME!

amy_caskie:
… and take 12 portrait then 8 landscape, then “let’s do a silly one!” lol

seejacksnap:
I am a hobby photographer and I went to the Grand Canyon for the first time, by myself, on the way home from a cross country trip last year. I wish my family had been there, but them not being with me freed me up to take photos for *every single* family I saw posing for mom. It was the second best part of being there. The first best was the massively unimpressed little girl who kept saying things like, "YOU MEAN WE'RE JUST GOING TO LOOK AT THIS? FOR *THREE DAYS*???"

#33

When we both try to move out of each other's way and then do the awkward dance back and forth and then when we are done and stop and one of us let's the other go we both laugh awkwardly and apologize

#34

Telling bar staff you are not next to be served it’s actually the person next to you

#35

Waving to acknowledge that someone will let you pull out in traffic, and waving again when you pull out.

#36

The nod or slight bow when a courtesy is extended or accepted.

#37

The unspoken bond between girls and the "can you check me" which we all understand

#38

After eating at restaurants, my grandma always taught me to clean up the table by wiping up any pieces of food or spilt drink left on the table, stacking all plates, silverware, and trash in a way that makes it easier for the waiter to clean the table.

#39

Saying loudly to your dog “what a lovely dog that was” as you walk away from saying hello to another dog, so their owner knows you like their dog…!

#40

When you sneeze in public and get thoroughly blessed from all sides

#41

Mine is honking to support protesters! We’re all in it together in that moment.

#42

When Im waiting in line at the grocery store, as Im looking at the candy/bars, I will ask the cashier their opinion or what their favorite is. I will go along with their suggestion and once they ring in that item I will give it to them. Makes their day.

prettygalnini:
Someone did this to me!! He bought me a Coca Cola. Such a kind gesture

skyes_mama_yyc:
I had someone that had 2 bouquets of flowers when she came thru my till. As she was bagging, she handed me one. I cried.

#43

Lately, I’ve been putting together little goodie bags for the gate agents, flight attendants, and pilots on my flights. I travel with my dog and always want them to know we’ll be easy passengers. Honestly, she’s quieter than the babies on board 😅
Inside are some sweets, snacks, gum, face masks, hand wipes, stickers of my dog, and a few dollars. Flying can be stressful, so hopefully these little bags bring a smile to someone’s day ✈️

#44

We all face forward in the elevator. Person closest to the buttons says “what floor?”

justrundolph:
Except on a cruise. I turn and face everyone and visit. Or if others are getting on behind me, i sometimes say ‘last one on sings’. I had 2 rosing sing- alongs started that way.

onemoretriparound:
Years ago I saw a list of awkward things to do it elevators. It was hilarious but the only two I remember were face the back and talk to yourself out loud.

#45

A story: years ago I was suffering from depression and was wondering why we are here, what's the purpose etc. I was at the bank with a long line. An elderly gentleman was filling out deposit slip or something and tripped and fell. Everyone in line started trying to help, find out who he was with, make sure he was OK. When that was over, every single person let everyone get back in line where they originally were. Something about that event shifted something in me and helped me with my recovery.

encanto_creativo_ec:
Once I tripped and fell in the stairs of a bank, it was apparently mostly empty, just two or three people tops, but when I fell and looked up, a whole bunch of people were there to see if I was ok. I thanked them and walked out with my very hurt pride and a pretty injured foot. They even called me next day (follow-up paperwork) and asked me how I was doing.

#46

When someone is running through the airport, you get tf out of the way.

#47

If you ask me to take photos of you, be prepared for multiple angles and several shots so there’s at least one that you love.

#48

Telling every pit bull owner I see on a walk that their dog is beautiful.

#49

When someone is walking into a store at the same time as me, I always hold the door open & let them walk in first.

#50

When some drama is going down an I make eye contact with the person who is also witnessing this an we are on the same wave length

#51

That teacher look I give a kid acting up in the store

#52

When someone at a boat waves at you, or you wave at someone on a boat. Ugh. Humans are so cute when we do that 😌

#53

During a public speaking engagement if the speaker is kind, nervous and messes up or freezes, you applaud or say something encouraging to push them forward. Public speaking is NOT easy

#54

If I notice your headlights are off, I’ll slowdown next to you, turn mine on and off, and point to your lights

#55

I always say (or shout) bless you when I hear someone sneeze. I say it to my neighbors, construction people, random citizens when walking down the street, colleagues in the other side of the office…

#56

The no-lip smile you give an office co-worker when you pass in the hall.

#57

The moving around that happens after someone exits an elevator to give everyone more space! Shuffle, shuffle.

#58

If someone’s metro card isn’t working, the train is there - you swipe them in and keep stepping and you show non New Yorkers how to use the stupid new machines.

#59

If you pass a cop car tucked into the side of the road waiting for speeders, it is your moral obligation to warn on-coming cars by flashing your high-beams.

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42 Unbelievable Bumper Stickers Seen Out On The Open Road

Asli Akalin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:27:03 +0000

Some people treat their cars like their most prized possessions. They wash them nearly every day, protect them from even the most minor scratches, and would never dare to bring food or beverages inside. And some people, on the other hand, are all about customizing their wheels. They’ll add steering wheel covers, decorations hanging from the rearview mirror, and plenty of stickers.

If you’re in the former group, you might be appalled by this list. But if you’re part of the latter community, you might fit right in here! We took a trip to the Bumper Stickers subreddit and gathered some of their most amusing posts. Enjoy scrolling through these silly pics, and be sure to upvote the ones that make you smile!

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1 I Like This One

#2 History Class

#3 Embarrassed Does Not Even Begin To Describe It. Going On The Jeep Tomorrow!

Bumper stickers can be found all over the world today. They’re the perfect souvenirs to bring home from a vacation, as they definitely won’t weigh down your suitcase. And if you use your car every day, they’ll be constant reminders of your exciting adventures. But do you know the history of bumper stickers?

According to Car Stickers, they first came onto the scene in 1940. Forrest P. Gill, a Kansas City, Missouri, native, used adhesive paper and fluorescent paint to create the very first bumper stickers, which he called “bumper strips.” Unsurprisingly, the tourism industry was the first to really embrace these cute little stickers. Apparently, resorts and attractions would even stick them on visitors' cars without asking!

#4 This Explains How The US Made TEMUsssolini Prez

#5 What Do You Think Of This Bumper Sticker Design?

#6 D'oh!

Another huge step for bumper stickers was the 1952 American presidential election. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s famous “I Like Ike” slogan revolutionized political campaigns, as it turned bumper stickers into a staple item for politicians. As you can see from this list, people are still extremely keen on placing political stickers on their vehicles.

As printing technology evolved in the 1950s, screen printing allowed companies to easily mass-produce their stickers. And by the time computers could be used to upload and print stickers in the 1990s, they really took off. Today, it seems like these stickers are everywhere. And as you can see from this list, you can put literally any message you want on your car!

#7 New Bumper Sticker

#8 Spotted In Texas

#9 Not Wrong

CarMax reports that a whopping 60% of car owners have put at least one sticker on their vehicle at one point or another. These might be simple messages like “Baby on board!” or funny, sarcastic lines like “No baby on board; okay to hit!” Many people will put stickers featuring places they’ve visited, where they went to university, where their kids go to school, what religion they follow, lyrics from their favorite band, the logo of their favorite sports team, and more. The possibilities are endless!

#10 Is It A Bumper Sticker At The Time Of Conception Or Not Until It’s Placed On A Bumper?

#11 From Baltimore

#12 Truer Words

Some people even argue that personal bumper stickers might turn a boring highway commute into an uplifting social interaction. Walter Goettlich, a doctoral student in sociology who has researched how social communication can emerge from bumper stickers, told KU News that these stickers are one of the only ways we can learn about the people around us when we’re isolated in our own vehicles.

"Bumper stickers open up the possibility to try to imagine who it is that would have such a message on their car," he noted. "They can make you feel a certain way. Or you can see something and say, 'Oh, that's one of those people,' and other times just be flummoxed.”

#13 On A Minivan

#14 Are You A Felon And Can’t Find A Job?

#15 I Love It When I See Stickers Such As These

Drivers also tend to make assumptions about other people on the road based on the bumper stickers they display. One person Goettlich interviewed said they would assume a person was arrogant if they had a New York Yankees sticker. Meanwhile, a Harley-Davidson sticker might make other drivers assume that a person is patriotic. Some bumper stickers can be polarizing too, especially if they display a polemical message.

#16 Spotted Today

#17 Found At My Local Er

#18 Got This Just After The Election

As far as why people are so obsessed with branding their vehicles with stickers, Paul Harrison, Director of the MBA program at Deakin University, wrote a piece for The Conversation exploring this. He noted that some people use them to “clarify identity in a hostile political environment,” as they are considered “low-cost identity displays.” They’re cheaper than tattoos or fancy clothing, and they’re less risky than a dramatic haircut. Bumper stickers are an easy way to tell those around you something about yourself without needing to have a face-to-face interaction.

#19 The First Bumper Sticker I'm Buying Fo My Car

#20 Saw This In Dc

#21 I Made This One The Other Day

Harrison notes that displaying a variety of bumper stickers can also be a form of peacocking. Sometimes, their intention is to inform or persuade others, but realistically, most of them are simply there to express identity.

“Bumper stickers rarely change behavior,” Harrison writes. “But they do something more subtle. They allow people to express, perform, and affirm identity. They act as signals to others, markers of tribe, values, humor, or defiance. They help us say this is who I am, or maybe, this is what I am not.”

#22 No They Aren’t

#23 This Caught My Eye Yesterday

#24 The Top Voted Comment Is Now A Real Bumper Sticker

Are you enjoying this amusing list of bumper stickers, pandas? We hope that they’re inspiring you to put some personality onto your own car! And please remember to keep upvoting the ones that make you smile. Then, if you’d like to check out another article from Bored Panda featuring funny bumper stickers, look no further than right here!

#25 It Says It All...!

#26 So True

#27 North Carolina!

#28 New Bumper Sticker

#29 I Needed This Laugh

#30 Austin, TX Keeping It Real

#31 Elon, The First Lady

#32 I Didn’t Vote For The Felon

#33 I Like It

#34 New Bumper Sticker—too Risky Or Just Right?

#35 Never Thought I’d Put An American Flag On My Car, But Here We Are

#36 Goodbye Elmo…

#37 Salad On Board

#38 Not The Wittiest Sticker Ever, But The Sentiment Is Certainly Accurate

#39 A New One

#40 I Saw This On Instagram

#41 Bumpa Sticka

#42 Can’t Wait To Put These On My Car

You might also like: 38 seriously confusing photos that require a second look

50 Surreal Pictures Caught On Camera Without A Single Filter

Asli Akalin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:25:03 +0000

In the age of AI and reality-manipulating technology, computer and internet literacy is a must. Critical thinking and a healthy dash of skepticism also helps.

But not everything online is necessarily fake news or AI’s attempt at breaking free from its technological shackles to try to take over the world. Nope, sometimes it is much simpler than that. Think confusing perspective, perfect timing, and other lucky kinds of photo shots.

You see, on rare occasions, when the photo lens meets that one split second coupled up with that one particular angle, you have photo-ops like the ones featured below—pictures that bend the mind and require a double-take (or twelve) to actually make sense of things. And if you don’t know just how lit that is, read on!

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1 The Sky Over Minnesota Reminds Me Of That Scene Of Interstellar When They're On The Water Planet

#2 I Hung Up This Picture That Depicts The Four Seasons Based On The Angle You View It From. Hung It Up Next To A Mirror For Added Coolness

#3 A Still Image From The Phenomenon That I Was Lucky To Capture At Yosemite Falls

If you’ve been on the internet for long enough, you’ll very likely be aware of what confusing perspective is. As a phenomenon, it’s quite literally what it sounds like—pictures of things that are placed in ways that make it look like it’s other things. We know this description leaves much to be desired, but it’s what it’s.

#4 This Shadow From Two Different Trees In My Parking Lot

#5 My Cat Looks Pixelated Because Of The Window

#6 Insanely Well-Timed Picture

A popular hub for sharing all things confusing and perspective is a subreddit of the same name. Created back in June of 2014, r/Confusing_Perspective is today home to 1.9 million members and is ranked in the top 1% by size on Reddit. So, there is definitely a following of sorts online.

#7 Thought The Sky Looked Interesting In This Photo From My Trip To Belgium

#8 This Photo I Took In Versailles That's Not Two Photos Spliced Together

#9 A Rare Optic Sight, The "Brocken Spectre" Occurs When A Person Stands At A Higher Altitude In The Mountains And Sees His Shadow Cast On A Cloud At A Lower Altitude

Confusing perspective photos are more or less illusions of sorts, except the methods of the matter differ. And illusions are a whole bucket of chum that requires an understanding how the human brain works.

The tl;dr version is that the brain is a blind blob of neurons and has to rely on the eyes for guidance, but the brain has to use its own imagination anyway.

#10 A Kitten Is Napping In A Toy Truck

#11 The Light Coming From The Bathroom Window Makes My Cat Look Like She Just Had A Great Idea

#12 Apparently My Dogs Have Merged This Morning

But if we were to look into it in more detail, the brain is all about interpretation and nothing about perception. Since it doesn’t have eyes, ears or any of the other senses in and of itself, it relies on the appropriate sensory organs to tell it what’s what.

And this is where the fun begins because the brain doesn’t necessarily understand everything that these organs tell it. And so it has to resort to filling in the gaps.

#13 Dog Illuminated By A Glare Of Sunlight

#14 Sioux Falls, SD Turned Green (No Filter) During A Huge Storm Tonight

#15 Sometimes You'd Swear It Was The Mast Of A Ship Passing By

The filling in of the gaps is in part due to the fact that the sensory faculties use simple language to describe things to the brain. We shouldn’t expect an eye to know Shakespearean, right? So, the brain makes due with what it gets, but pulls its weight around by adding more details to things to the best of its knowledge.

#16 Once In A Lifetime Shot. Sunny Reflection In A Stormy Sky

#17 Poor Cat. Someone Closed A Portal

#18 My Dog In The Clouds

A perfect example of this is peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is essentially side vision—everything that is to the extreme side, off the center of our visual focus. The way our eyes work don’t really allow as much peripheral vision as we can actually sense when we look at things. But the brain expands upon the field of view by assuming the things and projecting an image for us.

#19 Sky Color Matches Up With The Local Supermarket

#20 The Way The Sunlight Reflects Off My Vase Makes It Look Like Smoke

#21 These Birds In Hyde Park

So, circling back at the issue of how illusions work—images with ambiguous representations confuse the brain, abusing its superpower of filling in the gaps, but the brain fails to do so correctly. Remember, it tries to guesstimate visuals and make sense of them, and it can be wrong about it. This is why some illusions get trippy in our eyes.

#22 Flying Cruise Ships Illusion Spotted On The South East Shores Of Cyprus

#23 “Gap”, Photographed By Kenichi Ohno. Yes, This Is Not Photoshopped

#24 The Way The Snow Stuck To My Car, Making It Look Like It Was Shaded

Due to these deficiencies in how our brain works, we can also only see one side of a picture. My Wife and My Mother-in-Law is a great example of this. It’s the famous picture in which some folks only see a young woman facing away or an elderly woman facing to the side. Some folks can see both, some only see one of them. But it’s fun stuff, right?

#25 It Was So Orange This Morning

#26 Bubbly Cat

#27 I Took This Photo Of My Wife And Baby, And It's Just An Odd Wrist Angle

Why does any of it matter? Besides proving to be quite a fun distraction in life, it has opened up a vast sea of opportunity for research. You see, some illusions are based on brightness and apparent motion.

This alone has led to a better understanding of how our brain works by putting together several separate processing streams across multiple processing stages to make sense of things. This alone is proof of what kind of a powerhouse the human brain is. And if that doesn’t sound absolutely amazing, we don’t know what is then.

#28 I Genuinely Thought My Car Was Hovering

#29 This Angle Of My Cat Looks Like She's Only A Head On A Platter

#30 When My Blind Is Open Just The Right Amount, My Bedroom Becomes A Giant Pinhole Camera

If you’ve enjoyed this listicle, keep in mind that this is one of several in the series. You are more than welcome to enjoy more unphotoshopped goodness or you can scroll on.

In any case, do leave this listicle an upvote and comment on the submissions you enjoyed the most!

#31 I Really Thought This Was Photoshopped At First

#32 This Brick Wall Making A Zig-Zagged Shadow

#33 This Picture I Took The Other Day

#34 I Managed Perfect Timing While Soap Bubbles Flown Between Camera And Kiddo

#35 Cat With Only Head But No Body

#36 This Confirmed. Birds Are Drones

#37 My Dog Just Chilling

#38 My Little Guy Is Growing Up Too Fast

#39 The Reflection Of This Building Makes It Look As If It's In The Sky

#40 This Cat Emerging From A TV

#41 I Thought My Brain Wasn't Loading Or Something

#42 This Rock Is Just Reflecting In Water That You Can't See Because Of The Fog

#43 It Looks Like A Mockup Or A Giant, But It's Just Me On The Second Floor Of The College

#44 Estonian Javelin Thrower Magnus Kirt Impaling Himself

#45 The Car Rollercoaster. It Looks So Not Real

#46 Square Cloud

#47 Giant Dove

#48 Here's My Photo From Cerocahui, Mexico. It Looks Like I Photoshopped It

#49 Rome

#50 A Picture I Took Partially Through A Firework's Flash. It Looks Like It's Day And Night At The Same Time

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48 Examples Of Ordinary Objects Looking Like Something Else Entirely

Asli Akalin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:23:02 +0000

Humans tend to anthropomorphize things: we give names to our pets, plushies, and even cars and boats. For me, a pack of colored pens once served as all the X-Men during childhood playtime. Other times, we see things that aren't really there, like faces in rocks or shapes of dogs in the clouds.

We call the phenomenon 'pareidolia,' and it's an interesting way our brains trick us into anthropomorphizing inanimate objects. Have you ever thought that the front of your car looks like a face? That's pareidolia. Want to see some crazy things people spotted and thought they looked like something else? Scroll away!

Bored Panda wanted to understand pareidolia better, so, we reached out to researcher Mark T. Hamilton. He's a Ph.D. student at the MIT Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and has studied why we see faces in things. He kindly agreed to share his research insights with us, so, be sure to check them out below!

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1 I Am Froot

#2 I Had To Move A Lilac Bush In My Yard A Few Years Ago, And I Spotted This Root That Looked Like A Little Dancer. I Liked Her So Much I Kept Her :)

#3 I Found A Mushroom That Looks Like A Little Owl

If you have ever started seeing faces in clouds or were thinking that your teapot might be smiling at you, don't worry, you're not crazy. Pareidolia is common for a lot of us. Still, it's interesting why our brains are seemingly wired to see faces everywhere: is it because we like to give anthropomorphic qualities to everything?

Researcher Mark Hamilton and his team completed their research on pareidolia in 2024 and have some theories about why we tend to see eyes, noses, and mouths everywhere. The researchers think that pareidolia is just our way of protecting ourselves.

#4 Hand-Shaped Icicle

#5 My Dog Has A Silhouette Of A Fat Cat In His Fur Pattern

#6 After I Poured Milk Into My Coffee, I Found Snoopy On The Doghouse Under The Moon

In a way, pareidolia is the result of our survival instinct. "Our research points to the fact that it might be because of the need to quickly parse and identify animal faces," Hamilton told Bored Panda. "Possibly for things like avoiding predators and catching prey."

Interestingly, humans aren't alone in seeing faces in places where there are none. "Other research that we reference in our paper shows even rhesus monkeys experience pareidolia," Hamilton added. "Pareidolia happens very quickly in the brain, a sign that it's a deep-rooted evolutionary artifact."

#7 Zombie Foot Tree Trunk

#8 My Mum Sent Me These Photos Of A Plant Growing Outside Of Her Work. How Does It Have The Perfect Mouth , Nose But Also Eyes !

#9 These Two Rocks Look Like A Mother Breastfeeding Her New Born Child

In their research, Hamilton and his team first fed a state-of-the-art face detector images of human faces. They asked it to recognize faces in pareidolic images. The algorithm didn't do so well, with only a 9% average precision. When the algorithm was trained on pareidolic images, on the other hand, it was way more precise and had a 36% AP.

#10 I Spilled Some Milk And The Puddle Looks Like A Derpy Ghost!

#11 I Found A Leaf Shaped Like A Manta Ray

#12 This Onion Looks Like An Angry Bird

"Our research specifically showed that algorithms trained on human faces alone didn't see nearly as much pareidolia as algorithms trained on human and animal faces," Hamilton says. Training the algorithm on animal faces made it recognize pareidolic images even better. Hamilton believes it's because the algorithm generalized beyond just human facial features.

#13 Reflection Of A Dog

#14 A Piece Of Ice Cream Dropped From My Spoon As I Was Scooping And It Looks Like A Tiny Shark

#15 Just A Friendly Little BBQ Bear

When the algorithm is trained on animal faces it starts thinking about faces more abstractly. "If you think about it, animal faces have a ton of different variants and colors, which might explain why we can see pareidolic faces that look nothing like human faces," Hamilton explains.

#16 The Fuzz On My Sock Looks Like A Flamingo

#17 This Moth Has Spots Like Skulls On Its Wings

#18 This Tree Branch That Looks Like A Dragon

If the AI recognizes pareidolia better when it's trained on a more diverse set of faces, does that mean that we, humans, start seeing more faces in things as we age and have seen more living faces of all kinds? Not really. According to Hamilton, other research shows that pareidolia in humans emerges very young. One study even found that fetuses respond to face-like patterns by shining lights into the womb!

#19 I Ate Fried Onion Rings With A Roasted Chicken Which According To My Friends Looks Like A Dog?!

#20 Shark Cloud With Moon Eye

#21 Was Going For A Walk Last Night And I Stopped Dead In My Tracks - It Looks Like A Person In The Tree... Creepy [very]

Another interesting fact is that there are also gender differences in who sees more pareidolia. "Women see more pareidolia than men, and pareidolic faces tend to be perceived more often as male, both in our dataset and in the broader literature," Mark T. Hamilton tells Bored Panda.

#22 Lil’ Ducky In The Soup

#23 My Dog Had A Paw Print On His Paw

#24 My Mosquito Bite Turned Into A Frog Outline

The thing that surprised Hamilton and his team most during their research was that pareidolia and detecting animals are linked in modern algorithms. "That's not often connected," he told us. "This helps make sense of a lot of the different pareidolia observations out there. Like its observation in monkeys, its fast response time, even perhaps its skew towards male faces (which one could argue are more correlated with predator traits like strong jaws, harder noses, etc)."

#25 Today's Sun Eclipse As Seen At Sunset Resembled A Giant Cat's Head

#26 A Rock That Looks Like An Old Man

#27 This Chair In The Hospital Waiting Room Is Not Very Happy About Being Sat On

Hamilton's team also had some fun during their research. Apparently, the algorithms are quite good at finding pareidolic doppelgängers for animals. It turns out that lions can look like pancakes, some seals look eerily similar to pears, and mice resemble melons! You can see the hilarious examples right here!

#28 Wood You Look At That

#29 Seedpods That Look Like Tiny Skulls

#30 A Duck

The team also wrote down some equations that roughly predict when and where people might see pareidolia. Then, they verified them with human psychophysics studies. "The equation and studies show that there's a "goldilocks" zone of "complexity" in a scene where faces are more likely to pop out," Hamilton explains. You can see a graphic or what's too much pareidolia and what's too little here."

#31 Cave In Thailand Looks Like A Giant Petrified Snake

#32 I Feel Like The Universe Is Telling Me To Get A Dog

#33 These Water Stains On My Car Look Like Gorillas

#34 Wood You Look At That!

#35 My Mom Sent Me A Picture Of Her Water Bottle With The Caption "I'll Get You Next Time Optimus!"

#36 Somebody In The House

#37 I Can Mark “Dragon” Off My Animal Sightings Checklist!

#38 The Shadow Of That Bike Looks Like A Xenomorph

#39 Dinosaur Or Reptile Head Shaped Rock

#40 This Almond In My Salad Looks Very Unimpressed

#41 This Tomato From My Garden Is Shaped Like A Bunny Head

#42 Hotel Room Light Is Skeptical Of Me

#43 This Face On My Dog's Paw Pad

#44 Natural Cameo Formed On This Stone

#45 This Rare Bird I Spotted - Leafus Flukus

#46 Emo Eggplant

#47 👁️

#48 Afraid Of The Spring

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58 Stars Who Learned The Hard Way That Actions Have Consequences

Asli Akalin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:24:02 +0000

Celebrities are just like us, regular people—they can’t always see the consequences of their actions. Even the most sociable stars, with the best teams to advise them, end up doing or saying things that are so tone-deaf and narrow-minded that they instantly regret them.

Entertainment fans rounded up some of the most epic celebrity fails when their behavior backfired in the worst way possible. These are public disasters that would make any PR rep facepalm. Scroll down to read what to never do if you ever end up becoming famous.

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1

Sinead O'Connor ripping up a picture of the Pope at the time.

The sad thing is she was right about the Catholic Church and their cover ups and it basically cost her a career.

#2

Gwyneth Paltrow. Nobody asked for that candle or any of her other stuff.

#3

Jussie Smollett and the hate crime hoax.

_buffy_summers:

Every single part of his story was incredibly stupid. He claimed he was outside and going for a walk at two o'clock in the morning, during the polar vortex. Most businesses were closed because of the late hour, never mind the weather conditions.

Theincendiarydvice:

I literally only know of him because he did that.

The legendary Streisand Effect basically refers to the fact that hiding information makes it more popular, instead, because it attracts more attention and curiosity. The antidote to it is openness and honesty, if there’s a genuine problem you’re trying to tackle.

The term itself was coined in 2005 by Techdirt founder Mike Masnick and was the result of singer and actress Barbra Streisand suing photographer Kenneth Adelman for a whopping $50 million back in 2003. Adelman had taken photos for the California Coastal Records Project, one of which accidentally featured Streisand’s mansion in Malibu.

At that point, the image had been downloaded a mere 6 times. Later, it got over a million views and was reprinted many times. Meanwhile, Streisand lost the lawsuit. Though Streisand had had bad experiences with being stalked, in this particular case, it would have been better for her if she hadn’t escalated things.

#4

The celebrity billionaires who went to space - calling themselves “astronauts” and telling the public that little girls all over the world thought they were heroes.

We’d all go to space and get lots of publicity if we had that kind of money.

I found the whole thing insulting because all it proved was that to go to space you either had to be an astronaut, Rich, a celebrity, or a billionaire.

It mostly affected Katy Perry and her public persona. And possibly ticket sales for her tour.

Dulcinea80:

Katie Perry and her tone deaf trip to space.

#5

Barbara Streisand, for creating The Streisand Effect. The act of trying to stop something but inadvertently giving it so much exposure.

SweetCosmicPope:

I can't believe this isn't the top choice! The whole topic is literally named after her. lol

For those who don't know, she got a bunch of bad press because she tried to bully a photographer into taking down photos of her house that happens to be on a public beach.

#6

Chris Brown and his violence towards women.

Oh wait, he still has a career.

Another example of the Streisand Effect has to do with Beyoncé. After she performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013, BuzzFeed shared some photos from the middle of her routine. The star’s publicist reached out to the outlet, demanding to take down some of the “unflattering photos.” This prompted BuzzFeed to publish a second article titled, ‘The Unflattering Photos Beyoncé’s Publicist Doesn’t Want You To See.’ The photos went viral on social media and led to the creation of memes.

The Streisand Effect can impact individuals as well as companies, damaging the reputations that they have carefully constructed over the years. Trying to suppress certain information can leave a lasting impression, painting the person or business as dishonest and untrustworthy. The result is a tarnished public image, media scrutiny, regulatory attention, decreased sales, and lower customer loyalty as your brand has been affected.

Transparency, politeness, professionalism, quick responses, emotional regulation, and avoiding lawsuits are your best strategies if you want to avoid the fallout from this effect.

#7

For me, it HAS to be Ellen making that joke to Dakota Johnson about not being invited to her party, which led to that very humbling call out and eventual cancellation of her entire career.

#8

Prince Andrew thinking that BBC interview would clear his name is the gold standard for backfires. He really tried to use a Pizza Express in Woking as a legal alibi.

#9

Gal Gagot and her celeb friends singing Imagine by John Lennon during Covid.

FranciscoGarcia69:

That was the most tone deaf, cringey thing I’ve ever seen.

What are the biggest PR nightmares and disasters that you’ve seen stars and public figures construct with their own hands and words?

Have you ever witnessed someone fall prey to the Streisand Effect, where the information they tried to hide ended up going viral?

Who are the biggest celebrities that you love to hate and hate to love?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

#10

Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial.

xv_boney:

Kendall Jenner resolves institutional racism and police brutality with second-place soda.

OkArmordillo:

Pepsi made an ad during the height of the 2020 BLM protests where Kendall Jenner walks into a protest, hands out pepsis to the protestors and cops, and they all drop what they’re doing to start partying together and have a good time.

#11

Tom Cruise discussing his Scientology beliefs. I his was during the couch-jumping era.

Cruise fired his excellent publicist who told him to keep that weird stuff quiet…. and put his sister in the role. He then went public….

#12

Remember when Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift at the VMAs? Yeah, that didn’t go as planned.

#13

Sam Smith - weeping openly about being in isolation in his million quid house during COVID while people were dying in droves.

#14

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis writing a letter of character support for their friend Danny Masterson who is serving 30 years.

#15

Bill Cosby told the Internet to make a meme of him, which ultimately led to the allegations becoming common knowledge.

#16

Elon buying Twitter to stop people from being mean about him.

#17

For Australia it would be Ben Roberts Smith. Newspapers and television programs raised points about the possibility of him committing war crimes. He sues them and loses. He appeals the decision and lost again.

He was then arrested and formally charged with committing war crimes.

#18

David Blaine spending a month in a glass box suspended above the River Thames, and discovering in the process that Brits really don't go in for the sort of celebrity worship that he was used to back in the US. Not only were most Londoners distinctly unimpressed by the stunt, they came out in force every evening to openly ridicule and torment him.

#19

The Rock & Oprah asking for the publics help after the Maui Fires.

#20

I wonder if anyone remembers Geraldo Rivera's live Al Capone vault or him drawing a map in the sand on live TV during the invasion of Iraq.

#21

Jennifer Grey changing her nose, never seen again after that….

#22

Neil Gaiman trying to explain that his exploitation of his nanny was totally consensual. Also trying to blame it on his autism.

Few-Gap-2350:

He blamed it on his AUTISM! I was such a huge fan of his work and when the news dropped, I packed my collection all away but to blame it on autism. I don’t know how that makes it worse, but it does.

#23

Jonah Hill texting his girlfriend a list of rules about what she could and couldn't post, who she could hang out with, what she could wear. He'd spent years building this wholesome 'therapy bro' image talking about boundaries and mental health. The screenshots went viral and basically ended his public career overnight.

#24

Lea Michele's tweet to support George Floyd. Then her black costar accused her of being a racist bully. And it broke the dam of other costars and extras claiming she's a POS. A different costar defended her by saying she's not racist because she bullies everyone regardless of race.

#25

Kevin Spacey coming out as gay to deflect on his SA allegations.

#26

Rita Ora dropping new song, but then claimed she was hacked.

Le-other-boleyn-girl:

Her tweet/re-tweet, a beautiful thing to behold

#27

R Kelly toure interview "how old we talkin".

#28

Blake Lively and her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.

bachelorandcats:

What she did to ruin his life with the lawsuit was diabolical and it ended up tanking her career. No director will work with her for fear of being accused of god knows what and sued by her and Ryan, she’s finished in Hollywood.

#29

Kelly Osborn on her anti-racism stance. Ended up sounding more racist.

#30

U2 releasing an album on iTunes.

TheRealtcSpears:

forcibly releasing an album on itunes.
You got whether you wanted it or not.
And if I recall correctly you couldn't delete/remove it at first, apple had to come out with an ipod/iphone/itunes update to allow you to delete it.

thingpaint:

If memory serves you could delete it but iTunes just put it back.
This was one of the final straws that made me switch to Android.

#31

Armie Hammer with the cannibal stuff.

#32

Ariana Grande divorcing her ex husband for Spongebob.

#33

Ja Rule dissed Eminem's daughter and drowned his entire career.

#34

Tara Reid's cosmetic surgery.

#35

P-diddy and his parties really was a mess.

#36

James Corden AMA.

#37

Drake making a diss track against Kendrick Lamar probably couldn't have gone any worse for him/better for Kendrick.

#38

Deep cut and very British;

In 2000 Anthea Turner and her husband Grant Bovery used their wedding to promote Cadbury Snow Flake chocolate bars. They claimed it was not a promo but just Google the pics.

Despite their claims that they had no idea it would be a promo and they were just eating chocolate, they also had sold the rights to their wedding to a magazine for a lot of money (Turner claims it was 120k. Other reports say it was up to 300k. Who knows). They claim the magazine made a side-deal with Cadbury without their knowledge. Oh also, said magazine gave people a free Snow Flake with the issue that covered the wedding.

I remember this being huge in the UK at the time and everyone found it really crass and disingenuous. It had a negative impact on her career as a TV presenter at the time, which relied on people finding her trustworthy.

Knowing the British public, I think most people were more bothered that they tried to claim it wasn't deliberate. By all means sell your wedding if you want to but don't insult our intelligence about your selling out.

#39

How th has no one Mentioned Here Logan Paul's Suicide Forest Stunt.

#40

I think the newly minted Ethan Slater “I’m leaving my marriage for a pop star and fame, never mind it’s just loss of my family and career” debacle is appropriate.

#41

Morgan Spurlock self-MeToo’d and immediately lost his career.

#42

Oscar Wilde suing the Marquis of Queensbury for libel, which uncovered evidence that put Wilde on jail.

#43

Ted Danson wore black face and said racial slurs while dating Whoopi Goldberg.

#44

When Colleen Ballinger was accused of grooming and harassment, she released an ill-advised, self-pitying and mocking video of her playing the ukulele and singing about her deniability.

#45

Garth Brooks releasing an album as alter ego Chris Gains.

#46

When Ned Fulmer tried to restart his career with a podcast that was just 2 hours of his ex-wife ripping into him for being an adulterous jerk.

#47

Metallica siding with the label companies in the whole Napster controversy. Back in the ancient days of the early 2000s, a website like Napster where you could listen to music and download it for free without any kind of subscription service was revolutionary. Up until then, you either had to buy the whole album, or wait for it to come on either the radio or for the music video to play on one of a handful of music TV channels that were quickly getting rid of music videos. And most artists were cool with it, because the record company are the ones who made money off of record sales, especially in the rap genre. Recording artists made their money off of tours and appearances. So Napster was free advertising for people to come to shows, because no one had to pay for royalties to play it on the radio or on TV.

The suits at record companies were against it because it cut into their profits. And James Hetfield was against it because he was a massive jerk at the time. They lost fans over it, because you don't side with the corporations. Napster ultimately died, but Metallica eventually walked everything back, and the next couple albums didn't do as well. Music piracy continued, and while it comes with a subscription fee today, the ability to download and listen to music whenever you want without needing to buy an album lives on. I haven't paid for a single album since 2009. Pyrrhic victories.

#48

Ashley Tisdale and the mom drama. She wrote that essay thinking everything would feel bad for her, and while she got a little of that, I don’t think it was the majority opinion.

#49

Katherine Heigel withdrew her Emmy nomination and badmouthed her show, ended her career.

#50

Michael Richards attempted standup in November 2006.

#51

Ja-Rule and the Fyre Festival.

On a level, I get it. He's got music connections, his business partner had the funding and the customer base - Putting together a festival should have been.. I won't say straightforward, but certainly do-able.

But watching the various documentaries, he didn't treat it like a business venture - More like an overly ambitious startup director who's never been told 'No' & saw the whole process as a party and then rolled into the very short timeframe.. of course it was going to fold.
Throwing into it, the insane marketing - Getting top models for the videos, giving infuencers free tickets.. I mean, they REALLY got the buzz going but didn't think of the bigger picture.
Woodstock 99 was 18 years before, and there were SO MANY lessons to take from that - like considering infrastructure for that many people. I can't imagine it would have been that hard to get in touch with a few of the companies/people involved in that to help avoid or mitigate any pitfalls really early on.

Obviously it didn't help that the business partner (Billy McFarlane) was then taken to court for all sorts of fraud related to his other ventures.

#52

Michael Jackson did the Bashir interview.

#53

Remember when John Travolta mispronounced Idina Menzel's name at the Oscars? The internet never let him live that down.

#54

Gina Carano. All she had to do was shut up on social media and she could have had a career as an actor.

#55

Lori Loughlin & Olivia Jade

“Olivia Jade Giannulli was at the center of the 2019 "Operation Varsity Blues" college admissions scandalbecause her parents—actress Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli—paid $500,000 to fraudulently designate her and her sister as recruited athletes for the University of Southern California (USC) crew team, despite neither having any rowing experience.”.

#56

An oldie: Australian singer/actor Jason Donovan sued Magazine *The Face* for claiming he was gay.

Donovan's action was perceived as homophobic.

#57

Pewdiepie could've chosen not to release that video where he had a bunch of Indian guys hold up a banner with an offensive slogan he didn't think they would actually make.

#58

When Jennifer Love Hewitt publicly shared that she had a crush on Adam Levine when she was on the Ellen DeGeneres show.

Ellen vowed to set them up. But when Adam was on the show and Ellen tried to ask him about Jennifer, he basically told Ellen he wasn't interested in her.

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Flop Endings: 30 Highly Anticipated TV Shows That Let Viewers Down

Asli Akalin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:22:02 +0000

There are some shows that instantly hook audiences. Breaking Bad, Lost and Game of Thrones are a few of the most popular television shows of all time, and they each managed to reel viewers in from the very first episode. But unfortunately, not every series that starts off with a bang manages to keep that momentum up all the way to the finale.

Below, you’ll find a list that Bored Panda compiled, using data from Episode Hive, featuring shows that started on a high note but started to leave a bad taste in viewers’ mouths in their final seasons or episodes. We hope you enjoy scrolling through and finding out how audiences ranked each episode of these series, and keep reading to find a conversation with Thomas Barlow, creator of Episode Hive!

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#1 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Strong Start: "Game of Thrones" began with intricate storytelling, deep character development, and a richly detailed world, becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Weak Ending: The final season, especially the last few episodes, was criticized for rushed storylines, character arcs that felt unearned, and a conclusion that left many fans unsatisfied.

#2 How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Strong Start: This sitcom was beloved for its innovative storytelling, humor, and relatable characters, especially the chemistry between the main cast.

Weak Ending: The finale was widely panned for its abrupt character changes and for the way it seemingly undid years of character development in its final moments.

#3 The Witcher (2019-Present)

Strong Start: "The Witcher" captivated audiences with its high production values, complex characters, and Henry Cavill’s charismatic performance as Geralt of Rivia, quickly gaining a strong fanbase.

Weak Ending: The show has seen declining ratings and mixed reviews in its later seasons, with some fans feeling that it lost its narrative focus and failed to deliver on the promise of its early episodes.

To learn more about shows that started off on a high note and went downhill at the end, we got in touch with Thomas Barlow, creator of Episode Hive.

"Honestly, Game of Thrones is the big one that comes to mind, even though I never actually watched it myself," the CEO told Bored Panda. "The internet absolutely lost it over that finale - probably the biggest TV ending meltdown in my lifetime. It's actually the main reason I never got around to starting the show."

#4 True Blood (2008-2014)

Strong Start: The show was praised for its original take on vampire lore, blending horror with Southern gothic elements, and its exploration of social issues through supernatural allegories.

Weak Ending: The final season and especially the finale were criticized for abandoning many of the show’s earlier themes and for providing a rushed and unsatisfying conclusion.

#5 Scrubs (2001-2010)

Strong Start: "Scrubs" was beloved for its unique blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy, and it was praised for its emotional depth and character development.

Weak Ending: The show originally ended on a high note, but the ninth season reboot, featuring a mostly new cast, was poorly received and seen as unnecessary.

#6 House Of Cards (2013-2018)

Strong Start: "House of Cards" was lauded for its sharp political drama, intense performances (especially by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright), and dark, Machiavellian storytelling.

Weak Ending: The show’s final season, which had to be restructured following Kevin Spacey’s departure, was criticized for its disjointed plot and unsatisfying resolution, failing to match the intensity and intrigue of earlier seasons.

On the other hand, we asked Tom about any shows that managed to stay strong from the pilot episode all the way to the finale.

"On the flip side, Breaking Bad is the poster child for a show that just kept getting better. That finale perfectly closed off the story," the creator shared. "Vince Gilligan is a master of pacing and storytelling."

#7 Lost (2004-2010)

Strong Start: "Lost" captivated audiences with its mysterious island setting, compelling characters, and complex narrative structure that combined science fiction with human drama.

Weak Ending: The finale was polarizing, with many fans feeling that it failed to adequately resolve the show’s many mysteries, leading to a sense of frustration and disappointment.

#8 Two And A Half Men (2003-2015)

Strong Start: The show was a massive hit in its early years, largely due to Charlie Sheen’s comedic timing and the chemistry between the cast.

Weak Ending: After Sheen’s departure, the show struggled to find its footing, and the finale, which mocked Sheen’s character, was seen as a spiteful and disappointing conclusion.

#9 Supernatural (2005-2020)

Strong Start: "Supernatural" built a dedicated fanbase with its mix of horror, humor, and strong brotherly bond between the two leads.

Weak Ending: After 15 seasons, the finale was divisive, with some fans feeling it didn’t do justice to the show’s legacy or its beloved characters.

As far as why it's so difficult for writers to craft an excellent finale, Tom says, "I think it's just really tough to wrap up something people have loved for so long."

"Writing a strong finale for a TV show is challenging for several reasons: It's difficult to wrap up multiple storylines and character arcs in a way that satisfies all viewers," he explained.

#10 The Umbrella Academy (2019-Present)

Strong Start: "The Umbrella Academy" was praised for its quirky characters, inventive storyline, and unique take on the superhero genre, quickly becoming a fan favorite on Netflix.

Weak Ending: While still ongoing, recent seasons have received more mixed reviews, with some fans and critics noting a decline in narrative coherence and character development, raising concerns about how the series might conclude.

#11 Heroes (2006-2010)

Strong Start: The first season of "Heroes" was a massive hit, with its fresh take on superheroes in the real world and its serialized storytelling drawing in a large, dedicated fanbase.

Weak Ending: The series struggled after its first season, with declining quality and viewership, leading to a finale that felt like a whimper rather than the bang it started with.

#12 The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

Strong Start: "The Walking Dead" was praised for its intense drama, strong characters, and its ability to mix horror with human emotion.

Weak Ending: As the show progressed, viewership declined due to repetitive storylines and character decisions. The final episodes received mixed reviews, with some fans feeling the ending didn’t live up to the show’s earlier seasons.

Tom also noted that "there's immense pressure to live up to fans' expectations, which have built up over years of investment in the show."

"Sometimes shows run for too long and lose their initial spark or vision, making it hard to conclude. Changes in writing staff over a show's lifespan can lead to inconsistencies or a departure from the original tone and direction," he added.

#13 Glee (2009-2015)

Strong Start: "Glee" was celebrated for its energetic musical numbers, diverse cast, and its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters.

Weak Ending: The later seasons struggled with inconsistent writing and character development, and the finale was seen as a lackluster end to a once-popular show.

#14 Westworld (2016-Present)

Strong Start: The first season of "Westworld" was praised for its complex narrative, philosophical themes, and high production values, quickly becoming a critical and popular hit.

Weak Ending: Subsequent seasons were seen as overly complicated and lacking the emotional depth of the first, leading to a decline in viewership and critical reception.

#15 The X-Files (1993-2018)

Strong Start: The early seasons of "The X-Files" were groundbreaking, blending horror, sci-fi, and procedural drama in a way that captivated audiences.

Weak Ending: The original series finale, and later the revival’s finale, were criticized for leaving many questions unanswered and not providing a satisfying closure to the overarching mythology.

#16 The 100 (2014-2020)

Strong Start: "The 100" was initially praised for its dark and gritty take on post-apocalyptic survival, with morally complex characters and unpredictable plot twists.

Weak Ending: The final season was criticized for inconsistent character arcs and a confusing, unsatisfying finale that didn’t live up to the show’s earlier promise.

#17 Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017)

Strong Start: The show drew in a large, devoted fanbase with its intriguing mystery, relatable characters, and constant twists and turns.

Weak Ending: As the series progressed, the plot became increasingly convoluted, and the final reveal of the main antagonist was widely panned by fans, leaving many unsatisfied.

#18 Killing Eve (2018-2022)

Strong Start: "Killing Eve" was initially praised for its fresh take on the spy thriller genre, with strong performances by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, and a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic.

Weak Ending: The later seasons were criticized for declining quality and inconsistent writing, and the series finale was seen as a disappointing end to a show that had started with so much promise.

#19 Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)

Strong Start: "Once Upon a Time" was initially praised for its imaginative blending of classic fairy tales with modern-day storytelling, captivating audiences with its unique premise.

Weak Ending: The later seasons suffered from repetitive plotlines and declining viewership. The finale was criticized for being rushed and failing to provide a satisfying conclusion to the complex narrative.

#20 Riverdale (2017-Present)

Strong Start: "Riverdale" attracted a large audience with its dark, edgy reimagining of the Archie Comics characters, combining teen drama with [end] mystery.

Weak Ending: As the series progressed, it became known for increasingly bizarre and outlandish plot twists, with many fans feeling that the show lost its way, especially in its later seasons.

#21 Under The Dome (2013-2015)

Strong Start: Based on Stephen King’s novel, "Under the Dome" began with strong ratings and intrigue, with a mysterious premise about a small town suddenly cut off from the rest of the world by a giant, transparent dome.

Weak Ending: The show quickly lost its way, with increasingly absurd plot twists and inconsistent character development. The finale was widely criticized for being a chaotic and unsatisfying conclusion to a show that started with so much potential.

#22 Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

Strong Start: The show quickly became a hit for its glamorous portrayal of Manhattan’s elite, with a mix of drama, romance, and mystery.

Weak Ending: The series finale, especially the reveal of Gossip Girl’s identity, was criticized for being nonsensical and out of character, disappointing many longtime fans.

#23 Falling Skies (2011-2015)

Strong Start: This sci-fi series started strong with a unique premise involving a post-apocalyptic alien invasion and received praise for its action and character development.

Weak Ending: The final season and series finale were criticized for being rushed and failing to live up to the potential of the show’s earlier seasons, leaving many storylines unresolved.

#24 The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

Strong Start: "The Vampire Diaries" quickly became a hit with its compelling mix of supernatural drama, romance, and suspense, particularly in its early seasons.

Weak Ending: The final season was criticized for inconsistent writing and character development, and the finale, though emotional for fans, was seen as underwhelming and somewhat predictable.

#25 Suits (2011-2019)

Strong Start: "Suits" was well-received for its sharp writing, charismatic characters, and the engaging dynamic between the two leads, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Weak Ending: As the series progressed, the departure of key characters and repetitive storylines led to a decline in quality. The finale, while wrapping up the main arcs, was seen by some as lacking the excitement of earlier seasons.

#26 The O.C. (2003-2007)

Strong Start: "The O.C." became a cultural phenomenon with its mix of teen drama, humor, and memorable characters, quickly gaining a dedicated fanbase.

Weak Ending: The show’s later seasons saw a decline in quality, and the finale was considered by many to be underwhelming compared to its strong start.

#27 True Detective (2014-Present)

Strong Start: The first season of "True Detective" was hailed as a masterpiece, with strong performances by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, and a gripping, atmospheric narrative.

Weak Ending: While the first season itself had a polarizing finale, subsequent seasons failed to capture the magic of the first, leading to a decline in viewership and critical reception.

#28 The Man In The High Castle (2015-2019)

Strong Start: This alternate history drama was praised for its intriguing premise, high production values, and strong performances, particularly in its first two seasons.

Weak Ending: The final season was criticized for its rushed pacing and for not fully exploring the complex themes the series had set up, resulting in a finale that disappointed many fans.

#29 Big Little Lies (2017-2019)

Strong Start: The first season was highly acclaimed for its strong performances, particularly by Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Dern, and its gripping, suspenseful plot.

Weak Ending: The second season, while still well-acted, was seen as unnecessary, and the finale left some viewers feeling that it didn’t live up to the high standard set by the first season.

#30 Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

Strong Start: The reimagined "Battlestar Galactica" was praised for its mature, complex themes and its gritty, realistic take on science fiction.

Weak Ending: The finale was controversial due to its religious overtones and perceived lack of resolution for many of the show’s key mysteries, leaving fans divided.

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