Alright, folks, it looks like we might be able to retire our jokes about McDonald's and their perpetually broken McFlurry machines. You see, the infamous issue of those McFlurry machines being out of order might finally have come to a close.

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We all know the drill: you pull up to the drive-thru, excited for a sweet treat, only to hear that dreaded line about the machine being "down." It’s become such a running joke that there's even a website—McBroken.com—that tracks the status of these machines. As of now, the Verge says about 10% of them are reportedly out of commission (though last I checked, it was closer to 15%).

So, what’s the deal with these machines? Turns out, it’s not just bad luck. For years, they’ve been made by a company called Taylor, which held exclusive rights to repair them. Yep, if you wanted a McFlurry fix, you had to wait for an official Taylor repairman to come save the day.

But here’s the good news: the U.S. Copyright Office just dropped a bombshell. They granted a "right to repair" exemption, meaning McDonald’s can now fix those pesky machines themselves or bring in third-party repair folks. That’s right! Starting this week, anyone who knows their way around a toolbox can help get those McFlurry machines back up and running.

All that said, they're not all fixed yet.

Connecticut's 12 Broken McFlurry Machines: Everything You Need to Know - 2024

McDonald's McFlurry machines are notorious for being out of order, but the fast-food giant thinks they have a long-term fix in hand. Historically, these machines have been plagued by breakdowns according to CNN, with about 10-15% currently reported as non-working, thanks to exclusive repair rights held by the manufacturer, Taylor.

But good news is here: the U.S. Copyright Office has granted a "right to repair" exemption, allowing McDonald's to fix these machines themselves or hire third-party repair services. Thanks to advocacy from groups like Public Knowledge and iFixIt.com, there’s hope for McFlurry lovers everywhere.

However, there are still some machines that are currently out-of-order in the State of Connecticut. Here is the complete list of those busted units from McBroken.com.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Shoutout to Public Knowledge and iFixIt.com for pushing this change. They even took a McFlurry machine apart and discovered that they’re not all that complicated to fix!

Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Podcast on Apple and Spotify

7 of Connecticut's Cheapest Fast Food Options For Frugal Foodies

I looked in a multiple sources, sites like Cheapism, Yahoo Finance and Insider Monkey to find some of the cheapest fast food restaurants in America and then eliminated any restaurants that are not in Connecticut to find the Sensible 7: Connecticut's Cheapest Fast Food Options

These are in no particular order

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Nip Sales in Connecticut: The Top 10 Cities You Need to Know

Let’s dive into the top 10 cities in Connecticut for nip sales, where the bottles are small, and the consequences are large. Get ready for a gallery that showcases each town’s nip count and the environmental fees—money each community gets back to deal with the litter from these little liquor bombs. It appears Connecticut is a thriving nip economy built on the remnants of a late-night debauchery!

These numbers come from the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of CT and are for the 6-month period from April-September 2024.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Luxury Redefined: Take a Tour of this $12 Million Home in North Salem

So, you’ve got a cool $12 million lying around and are in the market for a mansion that makes Buckingham Palace look like a starter home? Well, have we got a place for you! Located at 123 Dream Lane, North Salem, NY, this breathtaking estate spans a massive 83 acres and is a stunning replica of the English Georgian masterpiece “Salutation.” With 10,700 square feet of pure luxury, this home is designed to impress at every turn. As you explore, you’ll find expansive grounds perfect for outdoor activities, a serene English garden, top-notch equestrian facilities, and luxurious indoor amenities like a spa-like indoor pool and a state-of-the-art gym. Each room is crafted for comfort and sophistication, from the grand entrance with its dramatic staircase to the cozy library and elegant dining spaces. Get ready to step into a world where luxury meets tranquility—let’s take a closer look inside this $12 million mega-estate!


Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

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