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Motorsports seem to be everywhere these days, thanks in part to Formula 1's rise in popularity. In fact, I can’t open social media without seeing drivers and circuits from various motorsports popping up on my For You Page (not that I’m complaining). If you’re like me and hooked on all things F1 but want to explore other high-speed racing in motorsports, keep reading. 

I’ve rounded up eight of the best motorsports events for racing fans, from unique races, destinations built around racing, and even a few options where you can get behind the wheel of a supercar.  And even better, all of these options are in the United States, so they are a short flight or drive away from most major cities. 

Related: 9 Bucket-List Sporting Events to Plan Your Summer Vacation Around

Unique Races Worth AttendingFAT Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana

Dates: February 25-27, 2027

Be sure to pack your jacket for this race.

Lone Mountain Land Company

One of the most thrilling races in the United States is one you might not have heard of: the FAT Ice Race. The event features modern and historic cars racing on a frozen track at Big Sky’s Moonlight Basin. Even better, you can enter your own car, as long as it’s a certified head-turner, to take to the track for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Outside the actual races, the vibe of the event is mostly casual and fun, with drinks flowing, the resident DJ playing feel-good tunes, and folks chatting with one another between rounds of cars taking to the icy field. 

Related: I Went To My First Formula 1 Race—Here's What Surprised Me Most

MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States

Dates: TBA for 2027

MotoGP combines high-speed racing with death-defying tactics for one thrilling race.

MotoGP

If you think Formula 1 is daring, then you’re in for a real treat with MotoGP.  Bikes can reach top speeds of over 223 miles per hour, but riders are skimming just inches above the pavement around corners, making for a truly thrilling race. Next year, the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States will take place at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas (official dates are not available as of publication). While activations for next year’s race haven’t been announced, in the past, fans have been able to do everything from test-riding bikes and watching stunt shows to participating in driver Q&A sessions. 

Similarly to F1, there are plenty of ticket options, including general admission and guaranteed seats in the Grandstand. There are also hospitality options that include everything from lounge access and pit lane walks to paddock tours and team garage access. 

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida

Dates: Spring 2027

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a must-do for race fans in Florida.

VisitStPeteClearwater.com

Every spring, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburgtakes over the downtown area of the Florida beach town for the first race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 1.8-mile circuit allows drivers to reach speeds of 180 miles per hour through downtown streets. Cars will race past iconic St. Petersburg landmarks like The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, The Dalí Museum, and even onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport. 

What makes this race so fun is that it feels more like a waterfront festival than a traditional race. While details of the 2027 race haven’t been announced as of publishing, some of the exciting offerings of the 2026 race included a 5k on the track and the free INDYCAR Party in the Park, where race cars are displayed, driver appearances, live music and more.

I particularly love how affordable tickets are for entry. In 2026, tickets started at just $30 for Friday general admission, and reserved seats started at $110 for single-day seats. Hopefully, the 2027 prices are similar. You can keep track of next year's ticket info by signing up for email alerts from the race. 

Related: Formula One–Inspired Theme Park Set to Open next to Circuit of the Americas

Motorsports Destinations To Plan a Trip AroundBowling Green, Kentucky Drivers can get behind the wheel of an American sports car in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Visit BGKY

Did you know that every single Corvette in the world is made in Bowling Green, Kentucky? Because of this, the city is a top motorsports destination to plan a trip around, especially for sports car enthusiasts. Start with a tour of the National Corvette Museum, where you can learn about the evolution of the iconic car. And if you time your visit right for summer or early fall, you may even have the chance to step inside the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant to watch a car come to life.

After your tour, head over to NCM Motorsports Park, where you can sit behind the wheel of a curated selection of Corvettes and Camaros and take to the track. While participating in touring laps, you’ll get to drive four laps around the track with a pro driver to give you pointers along the way. 

Related: Danica Patrick: 'I Want to Be the Best Driver, Not the Best Female Driver'

Naples, Florida Cars on 5th brings in thousands of visitors over one weekend.

Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades CVB

Car enthusiasts looking for a weekend filled with incredible cars will want to block out February 4 through February 7, 2027, for one of Florida’s most prestigious automotive events: Cars on 5th. The car show transforms Naples ’ Fifth Avenue South into a showcase of more than 750 cars, from luxury and classic vehicles to one-of-a-kind custom builds. Throughout the weekend, there are plenty of exclusive events, too, including receptions with rare cars in a private jet hangar, a charity rally, and more. 

Besides the once-a-year car show, Naples is also home to the Revs Institute, a beautiful car museum where you can view more than 120 historically significant vehicles. What makes this museum unique is that many of the cars are displayed without barriers, so you can get up close to see the craftsmanship and design. Some of the cars in the collection include a 1988 Arrows A10B Formula 1 car, a 1995 McLaren F1, and a 1909 Ford Model T Touring. 

Charlotte, North Carolina At the NASCAR Hall of Fame, you can take on a Pit Crew challenge.

Visit North Carolina

NASCAR fans will want to hit the open road to Charlotte, North Carolina. Here, motorsports fans can get in on the action at Charlotte Motor Speedway, home to the longest NASCAR race and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If you really want a full look at the track, you can book one of the Speedway Tours, where you’ll hop in a van to ride around the track and visit the garage, zMAX Dragway, The Dirt Track and Winner’s Circle all while learning the history of the iconic racing venue. Inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame & Museum, you can learn about NASCAR's history and even test your own car skills with racing simulators and a Pit Crew Challenge. 

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Adrenaline junkies can participate in a variety of on-track driving experiences, from a NASCAR ride-along with a pro racing instructor at the wheel to a full 40-minute driving session where you drive five back-to-back eight-minute sessions with pit stops. 

When it’s time for something calmer, take a tour of the team shops to see where cars are built and worked on throughout the year. Garage Pass Shop Tours offers packages so you can visit multiple teams in the same day. Some team shop options include Joe Gibbs Racing, JR Motorsports, and Team Penske.

Related: Disney is Throwing Massive Support Behind Women's F1

Feel The Thrill Behind The WheelWide Open Wednesdays at Brainerd International Raceway

Dates: May 6 to September 23, 2026

You can enter your own car in a drag race during Wide Open Wednesday at the Brainerd International Raceway.

Brainerd International Raceway

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the thrill of drag racing yourself, Brainerd International Raceway gives everyone that chance each summer with its Wide Open Wednesdays. During the summer from May 6 through September 23, 2026, anyone can enter their street-legal vehicles into drag races, drifting sessions, and autocross courses. Even better, entry is only $35 per racer. If you simply want to watch others participate, spectator tickets are just $10. 

Daytona International Speedway NASCAR Racing Experience

One of the most iconic racing venues in the world is the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. While it’s always fun to attend a race here, motorsports fans can also get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car with a NASCAR Racing Experience. What makes this so thrilling is that you’re in complete control since there's no lead car or instructor riding with you, and you can pass the slower cars as you race around the track. 

The driving experience ranges from five to 48 minutes of track time, the latter of which may be better for those who want the true experience of their favorite driver. This is only offered on select days throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar before booking. 

Related: 10 Over-The-Top Snacks Worth Going To A Baseball Game For

There are plenty of reasons why we might choose the self-checkout lane at the store. But licensed psychologist Dr. Brandy Smith, PhD, reveals that this little quirk could reveal a lot more about your personality than you think.

OK, it isn't always that deep—sometimes you only have a couple of items and want to get in and out of there quick. But if you always find yourself forgoing the regular cashier lanes, it does paint a better picture of your overall character. Maybe you exude confidence effortlessly, taking errand-running into your own hands. Or maybe you're someone who prefers a quieter shopping experience. Either way, a psychologist says that if you always prefer self-checkout, you most likely have nine personality traits.

For starters, do you hate awkward small talk with the cashier? Are you somewhat impatient and always opt for a faster checkout experience? If yes, you're most likely a self-checkout person.

Dr. Smith sheds a bit of light on why self-checkout lovers are the way that they are. For that and everything else she has to share, keep scrolling. The psychologist breaks down exactly why certain people make a beeline for this experience and why some people, on the other hand, won't go near it.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Instantly Apologize ‘For the Mess’ When Guests Arrive, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

What Does It Say About Someone if They Prefer Self-Checkout?

Again, choosing self-checkout doesn't always have to have a deeper meaning. Sometimes, you just want a faster checkout experience, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, Dr. Smith explains that there are a few other interesting reasons why someone might want to choose this method instead of cruising up to the regular counter.

"Things it could possibly say are that the person thought it would be faster and/or easier to do self-checkout, or that they prefer to 'do it' themselves," she tells Parade. "[Rather] than have someone else do it, [they] may prefer to limit interactions with others."

Basically, you might be a bit antisocial if you always prefer self-checkout (we're all guilty of this at times) or you're just someone who's independent and prefers to do things on their own. Further, it could also signify that you like to have more control over your experience, choosing to keep things like your PIN and card number safely tucked away from prying eyes.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Go Quiet When You’re Upset, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

9 Traits of People Who Prefer Self-Checkout, According to a Psychologist1. They like to be speedy

Most of the time, people who prefer self-checkout don't like to waste time, and Dr. Smith points out why.

"Many people view self-checkout as faster, so they go that route," she states. "When a person is working to maximize time efficiency, going the route they view as fastest makes sense."

2. They prefer their own way of doing things

Dr. Smith says that people who always choose self-checkout are usually pretty particular—a bit more type A, if you will. As she mentioned previously, instead of letting other people handle their items, they're inclined to go it alone.

"This could mean [they like] the way they check out, bag or just the overall experience of doing it themselves," she adds. "A preference for their way of doing it could be specific to groceries or broader to a general preference for control."

Related: People Who Trust Themselves Do These 7 Things Differently, Psychologist Says

3. They're often shy or uncomfortable with social interaction

While this isn't always the case, people who actively avoid the regular checkout line probably prefer less social interaction while running errands.

"While it is not a guarantee that using the self-checkout option will allow for no interaction with an employee, it does increase the odds of not having to interact with someone," Dr. Smith says. "Someone who is shy, anxious or uncomfortable about interacting with others may be drawn to self-checkout."

4. They tend to purchase only a few items at a time

Let's be honest, self-checkout isn't usually conducive to a massive grocery haul. According to Dr. Smith, people who always prefer self-checkout are not people who are buying a ton of stuff. And that could be because it goes against their practical nature.

"Most self-checkout options do not have much space, so someone who always uses self-checkout is someone who likely buys only a few items at a time rather than a lot at once," she adds.

5. They're interested in the increased possibility of privacy 

Dr. Smith says if you're buying something "embarrassing," you'll probably naturally gravitate toward self-checkout.

"Using the self-checkout can reduce what is being purchased from being seen by others," she explains. "This may relate to concern about judgment or embarrassment about what is purchased and a desire to have fewer people to possibly see it."

On the other side of this coin, though, it could also mean that you just prefer privacy when it comes to your debit or credit cards, or your payment methods in general. It's easy to look over someone's shoulder in the regular checkout line. Choosing self-checkout increases security a bit since they're more spaced out.

6. They have a desire for autonomy

People who always prefer self-checkout are highly independent people, Dr. Smith stresses. They always like to have more control over their experience, and self-checkout allows them to self-guide their entire trip. This provides more freedom in a sense and speaks to independent people on a deep level.

7. They dislike waiting and lines

No one likes to wait in long lines, but Dr. Smith says that the type of people who choose self-checkout consider the concept of lines and of waiting in them in general a big "no" for them. If they can maximize their time, best believe that they're going to. While there are definitely times self-checkout isn't as fast as it could be, they still choose it due to the nature of it.

"Self-checkout is not always faster, but oftentimes it is because people using it tend to have fewer items to purchase," she states. "Even if there is a little bit of a line when a customer reaches the self-checkout area, the customer may overall wait in line for less time."

8. They're sometimes impatient

It's probably no surprise based on Dr. Smith's earlier statement, but she also says that self-checkout-users are often impatient.

"While many people may use the self-checkout to move faster, others may take it to the point of being impatient," she shares. "[They most likely] feel like the self-checkout reduces their impatience meter, going as high as in a cashier-checkout option."

9. They're more aware of their surroundings

When you're in the regular checkout line, it's easier for people to be close to you, increasing the risk of being pickpocketed. Self-checkout areas are often a bit more spaced out, and Dr. Smith says that people who choose this are often more aware of their surroundings. They know who and what is around them, so they're less susceptible to pickpockets or general theft.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Use Humor in Serious Situations, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Why Do Some People Avoid Self-Checkout?

On the other hand, there are certainly people who avoid self-checkout like the plague, and that's OK too! There are plenty of reasons people might shy away from using self-checkout, and Dr. Smith breaks down a few.

"Some people avoid self-checkout because of the amount of items they have and their view that self-checkout is best and/or easiest when one has fewer items," she explains.

Some may even skip it for deeper reasons, choosing to support store employees, she adds.

"Other people avoid self-checkout because they view it as robbing an opportunity from a paid employee—the sense that if too many people use self-checkout, it will lead the establishment to reduce employment opportunities," she tells Parade.

On a similar note, Dr. Smith mentions people have said to her that they don't use self-checkout because they don't want to do a service that someone is paid to do.

"[They stress the] idea that shopping is supposed to be 'full service' when it comes to being rung up and having their items bagged," she shares.

Some even avoid self-checkout simply because the machines are often finicky and it doesn't end up being a faster experience. Then another group of people might be afraid to try something new if they've never used it before.

"[They] may feel unsure and/or intimidated by the self-checkout process," she adds.

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says if You Hate Silence in Conversations, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Source:

• Dr. Brandy Smith, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks.

A country music icon waited until the wee hours of the morning to reveal a jaw-dropping announcement 30 years in the making.

Garth Brooks took to Instagram to share a video that gave fans a close-up look at a familiar sight from his career. For longtime followers, it was an unexpected trip down memory lane.

He laughed before asking, "How long has it been, old girl?" Brooks added, "30 years, a little dusty. Maybe it's time we could put you back to work."

The video faded to black before the words "The retro arena tour is coming. 1996 to 2026" appeared. It was later revealed that the tour is called "Blame it on My Roots."

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The old friend was Brooks' spinning gyroscopic drum cage used for his drummer, Mike Palmer, during the entertainer's 1996–1998 World Tour. The entire drum kit was enclosed in a massive, circular steel ring bearing the initial "G".

This legendary, over-the-top stage prop made its debut 30 years ago during the tour's launch. Clips of the country superstar dancing atop the structure accompanied the announcement.

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The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported "A country star is teasing 'something big.' Could it have something to do with Vegas?"

Neon Columnist John Katsilometes reported, "Garth Brooks has posted a message on his official website where he says the future is about to become history." However, the columnist didn't believe the announcement had anything to do with specific residency dates in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rather, it was the official announcement of his retro arena tour.

Brooks recently headlined a show at BST Hyde Park on June 27, 2026. He played to more than 70-thousand people, making the concert the venue's biggest show ever.

He shared a quote about that historic day on his official website, which read, “Those souls in Hyde Park were there all day out in the unusually high temperatures, and yet they all seemed so happy and ready to go when we took the stage. I know that didn't happen by itself.”

Garth Brooks's last major arena tour was The Garth Brooks World Tour, which ran from 2014 through 2017. Twelve years ago, he made the official announcement on Good Morning America, saying, "It sure feels good to get to throw your hat back in the ring. All my babies are fine with it. Ms. [Trisha] Yearwood is fine with it. So now I get to do what I love to do, which is play music."

The massive tour played dates across North America, concluding in December 2017.

Tickets for Brooks' new "Blame it on my Roots" Tour go on sale July 17.

Related: 1992 Social Anthem, Which Faced Pushback by Country Radio, Became a Top 20 Hit for a Megastar

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Summer usually sends people shopping for fans, AC units, and breathable pajamas, but one of the biggest contributors to sleeping comfortably is often overlooked: your comforter. While many assume warm weather means ditching blankets altogether, lightweight down-alternative bedding is actually designed to help regulate temperature. Unlike heavier fills that trap heat, down alternative allows for better airflow while still giving you that cozy, tucked-in feeling many people prefer — even during the hottest months.

If your bedroom could use both a seasonal refresh and a more comfortable night's sleep, JCPenney has a deal worth jumping on. The Casual Comfort Full/Queen Foliage Stripe Midweight Down Alternative Comforter Set has previously been marked down from $101 to $70, but using code BARBECUE at checkout drops the price even further to just $52. That's nearly 50% off for a complete bedding makeover that looks as fresh as it feels. It's also on sale in twin/twin XL and king sizes.

Casual Comfort Full/Queen Foliage Stripe Midweight Down Alternative Comforter Set, From $52 (was $101) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

Available in twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king sizes, the set includes one comforter and two matching standard shams, giving you an all-in-one refresh for both primary and guest bedrooms. Delicate leafy sprigs in soft taupe and muted beige are scattered across an ivory base, creating an allover pattern that adds visual texture without overpowering the bed or competing with other decor. On the reverse, the design shifts to a clean beige ground finished with subtle white horizontal pinstripes, offering a more streamlined, tailored look when you want something simpler. The coordinating shams feature both motifs, helping the entire set feel cohesive from top to bottom.

The reversible construction is where the set really earns its versatility, making it easy to refresh the look of your bedroom without swapping out your entire bedding rotation. Keep the botanical side facing up for a softer, nature-inspired feel, or flip to the striped reverse for a crisp, hotel-like aesthetic. The matching shams allow you to shift the emphasis depending on how you arrange the bed, giving you multiple styling options in one set.

Inside, a lightweight down-alternative fill provides breathable warmth that feels cozy without overheating, making it especially well-suited for year-round use. The sewn-through box-stitch construction helps keep the fill evenly distributed so it maintains its shape over time, while the 100% microfiber shell offers a soft, smooth handfeel that’s designed to stand up to regular machine washing and drying. 

Reading the reviews section, it's clear that shoppers were thrilled with this “super soft” and “comfortable” set, calling it the “perfect weight” for “all-season” usage, but especially “spring and summer.” One shopper called the trio “absolutely beautiful,” sharing that “the quality and detailed workmanship of the comforter are wonderful.”

Shop More Deals

• Casual Comfort Full-Queen Mayan Midweight Down Alternative Comforter Set, from $52 (was $100) at JCPenney
• Casual Comfort Chintz Full-Queen Floral Midweight Down Alternative Comforter Set, from $52 (was $101) at JCPenney
• Casual Comfort Full-Queen Bamboo Leaves Midweight Down Alternative Comforter Set, from $52 (was $99) at JCPenney

Related: JCPenney Has a 'Super Cute' Floral Ruffle Comforter Set on Sale That Looks Like It Belongs in a Boutique

With lightweight comfort and a $52 price tag, the Casual Comfort Full/Queen Foliage Stripe Midweight Down Alternative Comforter Set at JCPenney is a simple summer bedroom upgrade worth grabbing before it’s gone. Don’t forget to apply the code BARBECUE at checkout to score the extra discount! 

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Not every iconic song tops the charts, but sometimes, those are exactly the ones that leave the biggest mark.

That was the case for The Smashing Pumpkins’ 1996 release “Tonight, Tonight,” which has become one of the most beloved and visually striking songs of the decade, leaving a lasting impression on fans and casual listeners alike. 

“Tonight, Tonight” was released as the fourth single in the band’s ambitious double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. And it immediately stood out for its orchestral sound and string arrangements, particularly at a time when alternative rock was defined by heavy guitars and grunge influence. 

Lead singer Billy Corgan revealed he began to hear the grand sound after a month in the studio, telling American Songwriter, via Louder, “We were working on the song and over time, it felt like, ‘There’s this other song here but we don’t know what it is'. We started saying, ‘We should put an orchestra over the top of it’.”

Corgan revealed he spent “four days arguing” with English cellist and string arranger Audrey Riley, who conducted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, before they landed on the final arrangement, recalling the “beautiful” moment “where it does come together and you’re like, ‘OK, there it is.’”

Despite not being a chart-topping hit, as it peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying for 20 weeks, its influence was felt beyond the chart performance, largely due to the unforgettable music video. 

The video, inspired by early silent films, specifically the work of Georges Méliès' “A Trip To The Moon,” brought viewers into a dreamlike, fantasy journey, as the band performed the track floating in space, helping cement its cinematic legacy.

"You just knew it was something special, because the moment it was on TV, everybody — and I mean everybody — on the street that you would meet wanted to talk about it,” Corgan said, per Rolling Stones. It became one of the most awarded videos at the MTV Video Music Awards that year.

Its sweeping emotional sound has even made it a fitting soundtrack for many pivotal and reflective moments across TV shows and movies, including its most recent inclusion in Netflix’s Western drama Ransom Canyon and The Bear. 

Corgan believes it gets better with age, with Louder reporting that, in the liner notes of the 2012 reissue, he wrote, “Every time we play it live it’s one of the highlights of the night.”

The Smashing Pumpkins may even treat Chicago’s Lollapalooza crowd to a live performance when they hit the stage in Grant Park this summer for the first time in over 30 years. 

It’s also been 30 years since The Smashing Pumpkins released the RIAA-diamond certified rock album, and the band finally found the best way to celebrate it, announcing The Rats In A Cage Tour will kick off this fall on Sept. 30

“With set one of The Rats In A Cage Tour exclusively featuring Mellon Collie songs in a highly theatrical setting, and set two drawing from the rest of our canon so that there’s a decent amount of variance as to what songs we’ll play from night to night: from our first in Gish to our last in Aghori Mhori Mei,” Corgan announced at the time.

More than two decades later, “Tonight, Tonight” remains a reminder that artistic ambition often means more than chart success when it comes to defining a classic.

In July 1975, the rock band Orleans released what would become their first Top 40 hit, “Dance With Me”— a song that still resonates with fans more than 50 years later.

Written by Orleans singer/guitarist John Hall and his then-wife Johanna Hall for the album Orleans II, “Dance With Me” features a delicate acoustic guitar hook, a melodica solo, and timeless romantic lyrics about love and connection that have stood the test of time.

The soft rock ballad became one of Orleans’ biggest hits, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1975.

While the music was written from an acoustic guitar jam, the lyrics took a bit more time. In fact, the Halls didn’t initially agree on the title for “Dance With Me,” and it took a couple of months for the Orleans singer to see his wife’s vision.

Hall once shared the backstory on “Dance With Me” in an interview with Songfacts, revealing that he started writing the song at home in Saugerties, NY.

"I started playing it on acoustic guitar and developed it, just jamming by myself in the living room. The whole song - the verses, the bridge, the ending - was all complete coming out of my acoustic guitar,” he shared. “Johanna yelled from the other room, 'That sounds like 'Dance With Me.' And I went, 'Can't we come up with something a little bit more unusual than that?' And she said, ‘I don't know, it really sounds like 'Dance With Me.’''

“She couldn't get past that, and I couldn't get past that any further,” he added.

RELATED:1978’s Biggest No. 1 Hit Song Was Written in Ten Minutes

Hall told Spotlight Central that he realized his wife was on to something when she came up with a first verse to the song in under 20 minutes.

“And then we were stuck and we couldn’t finish the song,” he said. "When I played it for [Orleans bandmate] Larry [Hoppen] on the road somewhere, Larry said, ‘Boy, that’s really good. You’d better finish that song.’”

The song was finished about two months later during a ride home from an Orleans show in Ithaca, NY.

“Johanna, as we were bumping down the road, said, ‘Pick the beat up and kick your feet up,’ and then she started scribbling on the back of an envelope,” Hall recalled. “At that point, we just talked back and forth about the second verse, and the lyrics were finished before we got home.”

Five decades after that road trip songwriting session, “Dance With Me” remains a beloved fan favorite and one of the most enduring soft rock classics of the 1970s.

Related: 1976 No. 5 Soft Rock Classic Was So Good It Became a TV Network’s Theme Song Months Later

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When I first met my husband, we bonded over the fact that neither of us drink coffee. He typically starts work between 5 a.m. - 6 a.m. in the morning, though, so he's always needed some form of caffeine to give him a jolt of energy. For years, he'd been drinking soda to get a quick caffeine boost first thing, but when I came into the picture, I challenged him to find a healthier option.

While searching for alternatives, we discovered Pure Leaf, a brand that sells brewed iced tea without artificial flavors. After my husband tried a few flavors, he was hooked and he's been drinking it daily for years.

Pure Leaf recently debuted an innovative addition to its popular lineup of drinks: Pure Leaf Mental Focus. The sparkling iced teas feature caffeine from black tea and L-theanine, an amino acid that can be found in tea leaves. Per a press release, the drinks can "help support attention and focus."

Since we were already fans of the brand, my husband and I were curious to know how the new flavors lived up to all the hype, so we did a taste test and compared them to several other popular Pure Leaf flavors. For added measure, I also reached out to a registered dietitian to get her thoughts on the nutritional value of the brand's beverages.

Here are the best Pure Leaf iced tea flavors ranked from worst to best!

Related: I Tried 11 Popular Chocolate Ice Cream Brands, and the Winner Was Rich, Creamy and Pretty Much Perfect

Is Pure Leaf Tea Actually Healthy?

Suzanne Fisher, a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist, is the owner of Family Nutrition of Florida. She notes that the primary ingredient in Pure Leaf iced tea—black tea—has plenty of nutritional benefits.

"Black tea contains a variety of plant compounds called flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and help protect our cells from damage," she tells Parade. "Black tea also contains a unique group of polyphenols called theaflavins, formed during fermentation and largely responsible for many of its health benefits."

Fisher says black tea can be a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.

"Research suggests that regularly drinking black tea may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly oral cancers and squamous cell carcinoma," she explains.

Black tea can also potentially benefit heart health.

"Studies have found that individuals who regularly drink tea have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease," she adds.

Per Fisher, an eight-ounce cup of black tea usually contains 50 - 90 milligrams of caffeine.

"However, many people find that the energy from black tea feels different from that of coffee," she continues. "That's because black tea naturally contains an amino acid called L-theanine. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine can promote alertness and focus while providing steadier, more balanced energy with less of the jittery feeling some people experience from coffee."

The raspberry and peach flavors of the Pure Leaf Mental Focus Sparkling Teas contain added L-theanine.

Fisher says black tea is generally a "healthy choice" but recommends reading the entire nutritional label while choosing a beverage.

"Some Pure Leaf flavors, such as lemon and sweet iced tea, contain between 38 and 42 grams of added sugar per bottle, which is equivalent to about 10 teaspoons. If you're looking to maximize the health benefits, opt for the unsweetened or zero sugar varieties instead," she says.

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Matcha Every Day

What Are the Different Flavors of Pure Leaf Tea?

Pure Leaf's website lists seven core flavors:

• Unsweetened Ice Tea
• Sweet Black Tea
• Extra Sweet Black Tea
• Zero Sugar Sweet Black Tea
• Raspberry Black Tea
• Lemon Black Tea
• Blackberry Black Tea

The brand also has several other varieties that can be found in different markets across the country, including these and more:

• Pure Leaf Real Green Brewed Tea
• Pure Leaf Tea & Lemonade
• Pure Leaf Honey Green Tea
• Pure Leaf Herbal Tea Mango Hibiscus

The newest additions to the Pure Leaf lineup include:

• Mental Focus Peach
• Mental Focus Raspberry

Related: I Ranked 14 Ice Creams From Aldi From Worst to Best—and the Winner Won by a Landslide

How I Tested the Flavors

Chrissy Callahan

Since certain Pure Leaf varieties are more commonly found across the entire country, I tested the following eight flavors that are readily available for most consumers:

• Sweet Black Tea
• Unsweetened Black Tea
• Zero Sugar Sweet Black Tea
• Blackberry Black Tea
• Raspberry Black Tea
• Lemon Black Tea
• Mental Focus Peach Sparkling Tea
• Mental Focus Raspberry Sparkling Tea

Both my husband and I tested a different flavor each day and took notes on how they compared to each other.

Related: The Simple Way To Make the Best-Ever Iced Tea, According to a Tea Sommelier

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8 Pure Leaf Iced Tea Flavors, Ranked Worst To Best

We ranked these eight popular Pure Leaf iced tea flavors, and discovered some surprises.

8. Pure Leaf Zero Sugar Sweet Tea

Chrissy Callahan

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My husband and I both agreed that the Zero Sugar Sweet Tea was our least favorite of the eight varieties we tested. The consistency of the drink was slightly less light than the other flavors, for starters.

It contains sucralose, a sweetener that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration describes as being "about 600 times sweeter than table sugar." The food additive certainly lives up to its name since this tea had an artificial sweetener taste. It wasn't bad, but it didn't have the same appeal as the other flavors we tested.

Related: The Southern Way to Make Iced Tea 10x Better

7. Pure Leaf Mental Focus Raspberry Sparkling Tea

Chrissy Callahan

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I'm not typically a big fan of sparkling beverages, but this one was just fizzy enough without feeling like bubble overkill. The taste of raspberry was refreshing and the drink was light and airy, making it perfect for summer.

The drink does have sucralose in it, so it definitely had an artificial sweetener aftertaste, but if you're used to drinking beverages with sucralose, you likely won't notice it.

Despite our skepticism, the drink did make us feel a bit more awake thanks to the added L-theanine. It reminded my husband of the effects he's gotten from drinking a Mountain Dew Voltage in the past.

6. Pure Leaf Mental Focus Peach Sparkling Tea

Chrissy Callahan

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When my husband and I tested the two Mental Focus beverages, they were neck and neck in the ranking.

Similar to the raspberry flavor, the peach variety has a similar consistency and amount of flavor. It was also light and carbonated, with a slight sucralose aftertaste, and offered the same boost to our focus and energy.

Related: The Genius Iced Tea That’s Always in Martha Stewart’s Refrigerator

5. Pure Leaf Sweet Iced Tea

Chrissy Callahan

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As its name suggests, this flavor is definitely sweet, but it goes down easily. My husband and I both thought it was a good option for anyone who's just starting to drink iced tea since it doesn't have a strong flavor. Plus, the sweetness masks any bitterness that's typically noticeable with plain black tea.

4. Pure Leaf Raspberry Iced Tea

Chrissy Callahan

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When we took a whiff of this flavor, my husband and I both smelled the iced tea scent first, then a faint raspberry scent. Similarly, you taste the iced tea flavor first, then get a pleasant and subtle raspberry flavor. The taste also doesn't linger, which is nice.

3. Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea

Chrissy Callahan

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If you're looking for the benefits of black tea without any extra flavor, this unsweetened iced tea is a solid option.

There's not much of a taste to it, to be honest, and it's slightly bitter, but not in a bad way. It was nice and refreshing.

2. Pure Leaf Blackberry Iced Tea

Chrissy Callahan

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Both my husband and I immediately agreed that this flavor reminded us of those plastic freeze pops everyone enjoys as a child.

Flavor-wise, it doesn't have the tartness of blackberries, which is appreciated in a drink format. Instead, it almost has a grape-like flavor and was equally light as the other varieties we enjoyed.

1. Pure Leaf Lemon Iced Tea

Chrissy Callahan

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This has been my husband's go-to Pure Leaf flavor for years, and it held its ranking, even after we tested seven other flavors.

It's sweet without being sickly sweet, and has a refreshing finish. Lest you think it tastes like lemonade, it doesn't. It certainly has hints of lemon, but the tea taste is more dominant. Overall, it's a great entryway into flavored iced tea—and we'll definitely continue buying it over and over again.

Related: The Best Way to Sweeten Iced Tea, According to Ina Garten

Final Takeaways

Before this taste test, my experience with Pure Leaf teas was limited to clipping coupons to buy my husband his favorite variety and taking a curious sip early on when he first started drinking the brand's beverages. Now that I've tested several of the brand's teas, I understand why my better half loves them.

Chocolate will still remain my preferred jolt of caffeine, but I can see myself drinking Pure Leaf iced tea in the future if I ever need more sustained boosts of energy. As for my husband? Well, he's found a few new go-to flavors, even if lemon remains his number one.

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Related: 10 Popular Low-Calorie Ice Creams, Tested and Ranked From Worst To Best

Source:

• Suzanne Fisher, registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist and the owner of Family Nutrition of Florida

A great food festival should make you want to plan the whole trip around just one bite. Sure, there are the West Coast and island headliners that boast celebrity chef after celebrity chef, and cost close to $500 just for tickets, the ones you read about in every travel magazine. And, even though we have one on this list that has worldwide notoriety, there's one distinct difference with the fests on this list: they're all in the Midwest.

And that bite? It could be peach-bourbon pork belly burnt ends, smoked pulled lamb with mint salsa, al pastor pork belly fried rice, or miso hot honey bacon burnt ends at Windy City Smokeout. Or, in Des Moines, it might be Burmese coconut rice with chicken curry, Bosnian sarma, Laotian naam khao, Gambian peanut butter stew, or a bite-size poke bowl. In other words, these are not places you go for just a corn dog and bucket-o-cheese curds.

Related: 19 Best Food & Wine Festivals

What Counts as a Food Festival? view angle looking down on a table full of tacos, bbq, lumpia, and other various eats from a taco food truck event

A food festival does not have to mean white tents, tasting glasses and tiny portions. It can be a chef-led weekend with wine pairings and reservation-only dinners, or it can be a smoky, sauce-slicked block party where the best thing you eat comes wrapped in foil. It can have bands, beer tents, cooking demos, family activities, and long lines for something fried, grilled, smoked or stuffed.

As Erik Wolf, founder of the World Food Travel Association, said, “Food and beverage are an attraction. Sell a memory, not just a meal.” At a true food festival, that's the draw, at least for me. The music may set the mood, and the crowd may bring the energy, but the food is what most people go for. People are not just eating while they are there—they are there to eat.

Related: This Is Disney's Best Food Festival—And It's Not In A Theme Park

Why the Midwest? The skyline of the city of Chicago shot via helicopter from about 1000 feet over Lake Michigan.

As a born and bred Midwestern, why not? The land of state fairs, church festivals, neighborhood block parties, rib cook-offs, fish fries, farmers markets and summer street parties are already part of the culture. So really, a food festival is just taking those vibes and amplifying them. Plus, the welcoming hospitality means everyone feels welcome, whether they're from the Midwest or not.

Maxwell Robbins, Culinary Director for Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group, says that history is exactly why Chicago and the larger Midwest work so well for a festival like Windy City Smokeout. “I think most people recognize Chicago as one of the world’s great food cities, but historically speaking, the midwest actually has a rich history of festivals as community gatherings dating back to the late 1800's, as the second state fair in the US history actually took place in Michigan in 1849," he said. "On any given weekend summer weekend you can find multiple noteworthy street fests featuring great food and music, so this culture is very much engrained in Chicago—becoming almost a right of passage for people both visiting and living in the city!”

Our Favorite Fests this Year1. Windy City Smokeout, Chicago, IL

If your idea of a perfect festival includes barbecue, country music, craft beer and close access to some of the world's best restaurants, this is the one for you. Windy City Smokeout returns July 8 to 12, 2026, outside the United Center, with a five-day lineup of music and barbecue in Chicago.

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The food lineup is what makes it more than just a country music weekend with a few good snacks. “I always answer this question by saying that I believe that the Windy City Smokeout is the best representation of BBQ in America today—if you come eat you can try food from the up and coming pitmasters who will be winning awards in the coming years—legends of BBQ who have been drawing long lines for decades—Competition circuit BBQ teams and Memphis in May Winners," Robbins said. "Plus, you have direct access to the restaurants who are currently featured on various award lists like Michelin, James Beard, and Texas Monthly Top 50. We try to have the best overall balance of national and local talent anywhere in the world,” Robbins says.

That means you can try the kind of barbecue people usually plan entire trips around without actually booking a flight to Texas, Tennessee, or Missouri. “Festival dishes give you a chance to eat that bite that you have been salivating over on social media for years without booking a whole trip to do it. We try to offer each Pitmaster’s signature dish, as well as something exciting, creative and unique made just for our festival," Robbins said.

Make it a full Chicago food weekend by staying at The Hoxton, Chicago, in Fulton Market, which puts you close to the festival grounds, the West Loop restaurant scene, and a rooftop pool for recovering between brisket rounds. For dinner that'll blow you out of the water, book Smyth, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant from chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, which was named the best restaurant in North America by North America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2026. For something more casual and less painful on the wallet, go to The Publican, chef Paul Kahan’s Fulton Market beer hall devoted to oysters, pork, beer and farmhouse-style cooking, which keeps the meat-and-smoke mood going without requiring a tasting-menu budget.

Related: Why Martha Stewart Won't Miss This Cozy Wisconsin Food & Wine Weekend

2. Traverse City Food & Wine, Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City Food & Wine is one of the Midwest’s biggest up-and-coming food festivals, and for good reason. Long known as the Cherry Capital of the U.S., Traverse City also sits near some of Michigan’s most exciting wine country, giving the festival a built-in mix of local flavor, regional wine, and lake-country charm. Returning August 19 to 23, 2026, the festival celebrates the Traverse City region’s agriculture, craft, and creativity, with over 100 tents featuring bites from chefs and restaurants, local wines, craft beverages and foods that distinctly celebrate the region's bounty. Tickets cost around $145 for the entire weekend, with VIP available for over $300.

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To turn it into a full weekend, stay at Delamar Traverse City, a waterfront hotel on Grand Traverse Bay with floor-to-ceiling windows, a heated outdoor pool, and Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern on-site for Great Lakes-inspired dining. If you're still hungry after the festival, stop into The Cooks’ House for dishes like butter-roasted walleye with wild mushrooms, cabbage, foie gras cream, and sunflower sprouts, or braised beef cheek with bone marrow mashed potatoes and shallots. For something more relaxed, head to Farm Club, where the menu is built around farm-grown vegetables, fresh pasta made with regionally grown grains, pozole made with nixtamalized farm corn, and drinks like Leelanau cherry lemonade and iced tea.

Traverse City Cherries

And because this is Traverse City, save room for cherry pie. Grand Traverse Pie Company’s Grand Traverse Cherry Crumb is made with tart Michigan Montmorency cherries and is the signature pie of the National Cherry Festival, which makes it an easy final stop before you leave town.

3. Des Moines World Food Festival

Des Moines’ World Food & Music Festival brings flavors of the entire world right smack into the Midwest. The free three-day festival returns to Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines from August 28 to 30, 2026, with international food vendors, live music, cultural experiences, interactive activities, and more than 90,000 attendees expected based on 2025 turnout. The 2026 vendor lineup has not been announced yet, but the festival says vendors will represent 25 countries and culinary regions, with bite-sized samples, full meals, and drinks available from each.

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In 2025, festival goers could try everything from half-size Venezuelan queso empanadas and mini quesabirria to Ecuadorian sancocho, Jamaican jerk rice and beans, Dutch stroopwafels, Ukrainian pelmeni and pierogi, and Burmese coconut rice with chicken curry, all in one day. Even though the festival is free to attend, each vendor has a separate cost.

A focal point of The Principal Riverwalk, this iconic bridge spans the Des Moines River.

Make it a full weekend by staying downtown at Surety Hotel, a 137-room hotel in the heart of Des Moines with Mulberry Street Tavern, a coffee bar, a lounge, and an outdoor courtyard. For a taste of Des Moines outside of the festival, head to Harbinger, where Des Moines native Joe Tripp, a seven-time James Beard Best Chef:Midwest nominee, serves vegetable-focused small plates inspired by Southeast Asia and Iowa growers. For something more splurgy, book Oak Park, where Executive Chef Ian Robertson and Executive Pastry Chef Jess Robertson build seasonal, modern dishes around local farmers, garden ingredients, and a serious wine program. Or keep the local-food thread going at HoQ, where chef-owner Suman Hoque’s farm-to-table restaurant in the East Village focuses on Iowa ingredients with global flavor.

Related: This Under-the-Radar Food & Wine Weekend Stars Big-Name Chefs, Cliffside Cabanas and Sunken S'mores Fire Pits

If I had to narrow down the qualities that make me click "add to cart" on a new kitchen gadget, two things rise to the top every time—it has to save space and make my kitchen look a little happier. I'm a sucker for anything that nests neatly inside itself, folds away or pulls double duty instead of hogging precious cabinet real estate. When it comes in bright, cheerful colors, it just makes opening a cabinet or walking into the kitchen feel a little more fun.

Of course, good looks only get a product so far. Anything that enters the kitchen also has to earn its keep. All flash and no function just isn't going to work. That's why I have heart eyes for Aldi's new 8-piece Mix & Prep Set.

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Crofton 8-Piece Mix & Prep Set, $9.99 at Aldi Crofton 8-Piece Mix & Prep Set

Aldi

The first thing you notice about this Aldi Find is how satisfyingly it all nests together. Instead of eight separate pieces rattling around your cabinets, the mixing bowls and measuring cups stack neatly into one compact bundle that takes up about as much room as a single large bowl. There's even a mesh strainer tucked in there too, because Aldi really thought of everything with this grouping.

Related: Costco's Hunter Crossbody Bag Is the Rainy-Day Essential You'll Reach for All Summer

With the multicolor colorway, you get a soft palette of dusty blue, sage green, lavender and creamy ivory, which gives it a modern, yet slightly retro feel that looks far more expensive than you'd expect considering its $9.99 price tag. Then there's also a blue gradient colorway that's chic and calming. It's the kind of kitchen set you won't mind leaving out on the counter because it doubles as a pretty pop of color.

You'll see a lot of affordable kitchen gear in the Aldi Finds aisle this week. There's a sweet little rice cooker for $14.99 and a five-piece cookware set that's also designed to be space-saving for only $29.99. And perhaps the biggest kitchen workhorse available now is a four-pack of flexible cutting mats that are perfect for chopping, dicing and any other knife skills you want to show off while prepping dinner.

If you know a college student about to move into their first apartment, all of these finds make an ideal kitchen starter kit—and a colorful one to boot.

Related: Target Is Selling the Sweetest Hooded Throw Blanket Perfect For Getting Cozy While Your AC Is Cranked

Written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich, the pop sensation "Be My Baby" was noted at the time for being a "bold" piece of music. Unlike other pieces at the time, "Be My Baby" focused on a woman wanting the attention from a sweet man, rather than the opposite.

Spector had originally auditioned a girl group comprised of sisters Veronica (Ronnie) and Estelle as well as their cousin, Nedra, in 1963. The group, known as the Ronettes, vocally impressed Spector, particularly Ronnie. However, he felt they needed more time to develop as artists and develop their act.

On July 29th, 1963, Spector recorded the track "Be My Baby" with a full orchestra, "determined to make his most towering production yet" according to sources. Ronnie—the only member of the girl group to actually appear on the recording—overdubbed her lead vocal just a day later onto the track. Ronnie said of recording the song that "the band went nuts. I was 18 years old, 3,000 miles from home, and had all these guys saying I was the next Billie Holiday."

"Be My Baby" was released the following month in August of 1963. By the end of the summer the song peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart. "Be My Baby" would become the biggest hit for the Ronettes during their tenure as a girl group.

The "Be My Baby" chorus is noted for the climatic build towards it and how much it hits once the song arrives there. Author and musician Virgil Moorefield said, "The words are sung against the backdrop of a sonic landscape suggestive of fantasy and desire as the song builds toward the climactic chorus." This has rung true over the years and on a recent list for Spotify, NME listed the song as number one on their list of tracks with the "Most Explosive Choruses" in music.

Many consider "Be My Baby" to be one of the best songs in all of musical history. Cited as a major influence on the likes of The Beatles and The Beach Boys, the track was included on a compilation of some of the greatest additions to pop music. Notably, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song as number 22 of its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

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Related: Breakup Ballad, With Over 300 Covers, Didn’t Become a Hit Until Elvis Presley’s 1972 Version

Finding a vacation that perfectly balances tropical exploration with a sophisticated, unhurried pace is the ultimate travel goal.

If you're starting to map out your upcoming winter travel calendars, Holland America Line just unveiled its highly anticipated 2027–2028 Caribbean season, and it reads like a wishlist custom-built for travelers who want to skip the frantic, high-octane theme park crowds and settle into true vacation bliss.

Sailing from October 2027 through March 2028, the freshly announced season features 29 distinct itineraries designed to give you more time to explore each destination at a rewarding, stress-free pace.

In fact, Holland America is offering more Caribbean itineraries of nine days or longer than any other cruise line in the region. These extended voyages mean fewer rushed mornings, longer port stays to truly connect with local culture and more unhurried days spent watching the sunset from the deck.

Related: Holland America Just Announced Its First-Ever Year-Round Europe Season—Complete with Festive Christmas Market Cruises

Holland America Line

One of the biggest highlights of the upcoming season is the spectacular upgrade coming to the line's award-winning private island, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay. Featured on nearly every single Caribbean itinerary, the pristine island is debuting an exclusive, upgraded beach club complete with premium seating, priority tendering, and attentive beachside waiter service.

You can stroll along the soft white sand to find a refreshed Lobster Shack, island-exclusive dining menus, and whimsical new additions like Aperol spritz tricycles and Bacardi beach buggies. For travelers who love to stay active, the island has also added brand-new pickleball courts alongside its classic beachside horseback riding and kayaking excursions.

The onboard experience is getting an equally luxurious upgrade through the line's massive new "Evolution" fleet investment. Beginning in December 2027, guests can step aboard the completely reimagined Oosterdam—the very first ship to undergo this modern transformation.

The vessel is introducing purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms featuring private balconies and dedicated workspaces, making it an incredible layout option for solo travelers who love having their own sanctuary at sea. Groups and families can also book the brand-new panoramic Bridgeview Suites or premium Vista Suites.

Screenshot

Holland America Line

Related: Holland America Line Brings Back Beloved Cruise Tradition Fans Say They Missed

One of the highlights of the ship's transformation, however, is the debut of the Grand Dutch Café. Inspired by European café culture and the line's historic roots, this all-day social hub is the perfect spot to meet up for specialty coffees, traditional Dutch pastries and light bites. Paired with Holland America's signature adults-only aft pool area—where you can enjoy live music and cold-towel delivery away from the main Lido deck noise—this upcoming season promises a sophisticated, deeply relaxing Caribbean escape that lets you savor every single moment.

If you're ready to turn these vacation dreams into an actual booked itinerary, Holland America has lined up several specific voyages that perfectly capture this slow-travel, luxurious approach to the islands.

For those looking to completely redefine how they celebrate the winter season, the line is offering eight distinct holiday cruises that take the stress out of planning. You can spend the holidays aboard the Rotterdam on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean Holiday itinerary departing December 22, 2027, from Fort Lauderdale, which features stops at Grand Turk, St. Thomas, and a late-night stay in historic San Juan.

If a longer holiday escape on a freshly updated ship sounds perfect, the newly reimagined Oosterdam departs the same day on an 11-day Southern Caribbean Holiday voyage, taking you to Grand Cayman, Colombia, and the stunning ABC islands with late-night stops in Aruba and Curaçao. On board, the ships are beautifully decorated and feature festive dining, live music, and global holiday programming that lets you simply enjoy the traditions without any of the hosting cleanup.

The absolute crown jewel of the new season, however, is a historic bucket-list sailing that throws it back to the golden age of aviation and travel. The 28-day Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage aboard the Zuiderdam departs October 30, 2027, roundtrip from Miami. Developed in an official partnership with Pan Am, this incredible 4-week journey traces the airline’s historic Clipper flying boat routes across the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, visiting 19 ports in 13 countries. You will follow the footsteps of travel icons with stops in early aviation hubs like Nassau and San Juan, alongside consecutive port days in the Southern Caribbean that give you unprecedented time to slow down and immerse yourself in the local culture.

If you are looking for a slightly shorter sweet spot that still prioritizes that slow-paced luxury, the line's 9- to 12-day itineraries offer the perfect solution. You can opt for a 10- or 11-day Southern Caribbean exploration of the ABC Islands aboard the Oosterdam, which lets you island-hop through Half Moon Cay, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao with zero rush.

For a touch of bucket-list adventure, the 12-day Panama Canal Discovery itineraries combine tropical relaxation in Costa Rica and Grand Cayman with a partial transit of the iconic Panama Canal and Gatun Lake. No matter which route you choose, the focus remains exactly where it should be: on deep relaxation, spectacular service, and making memories at a pace that lets you savor every single port.

Related: This New Holland America Line Cruise Hits Every Bucket-List Port In One Trip

In numerology, repeating digits are associated with heightened energy, commonly referred to as angel numbers. The 7/7 portal is no exception. This numerological portal offers insights into our spiritual journeys, enhancing luck and intuitive wisdom. Read on to explore the meaning of the 7/7 portal in numerology and discover which birth dates are likely to experience the most abundant luck from this energetic activation.

What Does the 7/7 Portal Mean?

July 7, or 7/7, is a time of heightened spiritual activity. This date carries significant numerological meaning, serving as a gateway to activating our intuition and awakening our higher consciousness. Numerologists note that 7 is associated with intuition, introspection, and spiritual wisdom. While the energy of this numerological event will peak on this day, you can expect its lingering effects to last for weeks afterward.

TRENDING: 4 Birth Months Destined To Have the Best Summer Ever

@golden_alchemist

Tomorrow is 7/7, and here's why it matters ✨️ #numerology #manifestation #abundance #divinetiming #fyp

♬ HOLY FOREVER (Instrumental) - Glorify & CHILLØUT Which Birth Dates Are Attracting Abundance on 7/7?

The following birth dates are most affected by the 7/7 numerological energy: 7, 16, and 25.

Born on the 7th — Answers Finally Arrive

If you were born on the 7th, you will find auspicious energy on 7/7. The numerology supports your natural tendency toward introspection, helping you unlock solutions to problems that have obscured your vision for months. Expect increased trust in your own judgment as you move forward with greater precision, tact, and clarity. The answers you seek already lie within. Abundance will come your way through your self-trust. Take a leap of faith if a calculated risk outside your comfort zone presents itself.

MORE: We All Have a Comfort Show—Your Birth Date Reveals Your Perfect One

Born on the 16th — Hard Work Pays Off

Born on the 16th? You’re set for intentional healing under the 7/7 portal. July 7 and the weeks following offer you a rare opportunity to turn your higher ideals into reality. Expect your desires to take material form. So long as you remain level-headed and consistent, your hard work finally pays off. While you may need to let go of people-pleasing habits to achieve what you seek, know that it’s okay to choose yourself in this situation. You’re ready to welcome expansion into your world; don’t let others' negativity get in your way!

FUN: Your Ariana Grande Song, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Born on the 25th — New Doors Open

If you were born on the 25th, expect transformation. This period encourages you to unlock greater abundance as you pursue your deepest passions. The universe supports your dreams, so think big. It’s time to stop shrinking yourself to fit into a box; you’re ready to embrace your true potential and trust your natural evolution. While you may need to say goodbye to some things that once served you, trust that these farewells will lead to more fulfilling new beginnings.

UP NEXT:

You know the work of the "best drummer of all time" before his name is actually said.

For more than six decades, Ringo Starr has remained one of the most prolific percussionists in rock and roll history. First with The Beatles and later, a long and steady solo career.

Starr's talent once earned him a spot on a list of the best drummers of all time, as ranked by Rolling Stone's readers. The recognition reflected the lasting impact of his steady, understated style behind the drum kit.

While Starr was never the flashiest percussionist in rock and roll, he had an instinctive feel for what each song needed. That subtle approach helped shape some of the most recognizable songs in music history, including "Rain," "A Day in the Life," "Come Together, "Ticket to Ride," and "Tomorrow Never Knows."

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Starr first joined The Beatles in August 1962, replacing the band's original drummer, Pete Best. He played his first gig with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison at Hulme Hall, near Liverpool, England.

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One month later, he was recording with the band at EMI Studios at Abbey Road. However, producer George Martin wasn't satisfied with Starr's timing, and so, he was given a tambourine to play while session player Andy White played the drum parts on "Love Me Do."

That was one of the few recordings in The Beatles' history on which Starr did not appear. He became known for his ability to lock into the groove of McCartney, Lennon, and Harrison and his own compositions, providing a steady backbeat that elevated the songs without overshadowing them.

In fact, it wasn't until the latter part of The Beatles' tenure that he played his first drum solo. It was on the group's last song, "The End," on their last recordings together as a four-piece group, 1969's Abbey Road.

In the 2008 documentary Off the Record, Starr told Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart why his drum style was so unique. "I'm left-handed. And I'm playing a right-handed kit."

"Drummers usually go 'round the drums this way (left to right). I can't do that. Everyone thought 'he's a genius,' but all I'm doing is trying to play backwards."

According to his official website, Ringo Starr will celebrate his birthday at noon PST by continuing to promote Peace and Love. This movement has "grown to include events all over the planet and into the stars with support from NASA. Ringo will celebrate again this year from Los Angeles."

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Birthstone jewelry is one of those rare accessories that feels both personal and timeless. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself to a new everyday piece, choosing a truly unique design makes all the difference. It gives you the freedom to experiment with distinct style aesthetics while keeping that meaningful, sentimental touch close to your heart.

For an affordable option that still feels gift-worthy, the Cate & Chloe Luna Birthstone Necklace is a standout choice. Right now, it's on sale for 84% off at Walmart, dropping the price from $125 to just $20.

Cate & Chloe Luna Birthstone Necklace, $20 (was $125) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The necklace features an 18-inch chain and an 18-karat white gold-plated brass crescent moon pendant measuring 10.8 millimeters wide and 16.4 millimeters high. 13 Swarovski accent crystals adorn the crescent, adding subtle sparkle without feeling over-the-top.

At the center sits a 5.2-millimeter round-cut birthstone. With 12 birthstone options available, it's easy to choose a stone that marks a birthday, anniversary, or another meaningful occasion. The necklace arrives beautifully packaged in a luxury gift box, making it ready to give right out of the package. 

Designed for everyday wear, the necklace features a secure lobster-claw clasp and is made from hypoallergenic, lead-free, and nickel-free materials. That makes it a comfortable option for those with sensitive skin.

The celestial-inspired design feels both trendy and versatile. The colorful birthstone contrasts beautifully against the bright silver-tone finish and sparkling crystals, creating a piece that works just as well with casual outfits as it does for dressier occasions. It also pairs nicely with whimsigoth-inspired fashion trends (which centers on moody, celestial, and mystical motifs) while remaining classic enough for everyday wear.

One shopper described the necklace as “very pretty” and “good quality” in a five-star review, writing, “ I love the birthstone selection and the crescent moon design. The pendant does not look too large for a child, but not too small for an adult either.” Another reviewer shared, “This is stunning. It’s the first day of wearing it and I got so many compliments.”

Shop More Deals

• Cate & Chloe Serenity Birthstone Necklace, $20 (was $125) at Walmart
• JeenMata Birthstone Pendant Necklace, $19 (was $99) at Walmart
• Apsvo Gold-Plated Love Heart Necklace, $14 (was $110) at Walmart

Related: Nordstrom Rack Has a ‘Delicate’ and ‘Pretty’ $35 Pearl Necklace That’s ‘Great for Layering’

For a personalized piece that feels thoughtful, stylish, and surprisingly affordable, the Cate & Chloe Luna Birthstone Necklace is an easy pick. With Walmart's current 84% discount, you can save more than $100 on this beautiful necklace.

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There are few names more well-known than Maya Angelou’s. As the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) reported, Angelou was a poet, dancer, singer, activist, scholar and “a world-famous author.” She was most well-known for her autobiographical style, and she accomplished many firsts; she was the first Black woman to make the nonfiction bestseller lists with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and the first Black woman to direct a major motion picture with Georgia, Georgia. She was even the first Black, female streetcar conductor in San Francisco at the age of 16, per NBC Bay Area. As you can tell, despite hardships and setbacks, she achieved so much. And our quote of the day from Angelou reflects the mindset that likely drove her to persevere and succeed.

Per the NWHM, Angelou was born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, MO. Her parents had a “tumultuous” relationship, which led her to live with her paternal grandmother in Arkansas. After going back and forth between her mother’s and grandmother’s care, and experiencing a horrifying event at seven years old, she ended up with her mother in Oakland, CA for high school. She wrote poetry, essays and more all throughout her adolescence, graduated from high school in 1944 and had her first child soon after. She had odd jobs, got married and then divorced by 1952, but kept a version of her former husband’s last name, Angelos. 

According to the Poetry Foundation, Angelou worked for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X as a civil rights activist, and went on to teach as the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. She published I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in 1969, which was an autobiography of her early years. Many credit this book for helping abuse survivors share their stories, as she did. One of her poetry books, Just Give me a Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1972, and in 1993 she won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for her spoken poetry album, “On the Pulse of the Morning.”

She achieved so much more than we can write in her long life; she died on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86. At her memorial service, her son Guy Johnson said that Angelou "left this mortal plane with no loss of acuity and no loss in comprehension," per History’s Women. And as today’s quote highlights, she believed in determination and putting into life what you want out of it.

Related: Quote of the Day: Poet Edgar Allan Poe on the Power of Creativity, Imagination and Daydreaming

Quote of the Day by Maya Angelou

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“Life is going to give you just what you put in it. Put your whole heart in everything you do, and pray, then you can wait.”

This is a quote from the 1989 book Conversations with Maya Angelou. It’s a collection of conversations with Angelou, where she tells “of her impact upon a difficult world and ultimately her triumph.”

This line is in the chapter titled “Westways Women: Life Is for Living, Judith Rich.” As The Marginalian reported, it is a 1977 interview with Rich, who was a journalist. In it, Angelou shares that she’s very fortunate, even though she had a very hard upbringing. She reflects more on her life as, including how she'd be dead if she accepted the negative things people said about her looks early on and how she only tries to represent herself when out in the world.

Early in this chapter, when Rich writes the quote above, it’s after she notes that “it’s [Angelou's] capacity to transmit this warmth and humor, together with the inherent pain, through her work, that has made her a leading figure in writing and the performing arts.” She then lists off all of Angelou’s accomplishments.

Rich then writes that Angelou says her mother always told her this: “Life is going to give you just what you put in it. Put your whole heart in everything you do, and pray, then you can wait.”

She follows that up by talking about how busy Angelou is and how she isn’t “one to rest,” listing projects she was currently working on.

Related: Quote of the Day: Political Activist Angela Davis on Uplifting Others as We Succeed

Deeper Meaning of Maya Angelou’s Quote—You Get What You Put Into Your Life

As mentioned above, Angelou’s life was hard, and she grew up having to experience some traumatic events. But as her life and all that she’s accomplished have shown, she persevered and went out and achieved her dreams. And it really does go back to what her mother told her, which she remembered all those decades later in the interview with Judith Rich.

The sentiment that “you get what you put in” is a pretty common one that many of us have heard before. But, as she tends to do, Angelou finds a way to make it feel new and, given the fact that she embodies what the quote is saying, gives it even more meaning. 

She simply states that you’re going to get back from life as much as you put into it. So that means the effort you give your work, your ambitions, your schooling, your partner, your family, etc. will come back to you eventually. If you want to accomplish something in life, you need to persevere and do hard things, but what you can succeed because of your work and dedication is worth it. 

Angelou reminds us to put our “whole heart in everything” we do, which is a good lesson to remember for quite literally everything in life. No one likes a haphazard attempt, and it’s always noticeable. So put your all into things, pray or hope for the best, and wait for the good things to fall into your life.

Related: Quote of the Day: Writer George Orwell on Happiness—‘Men Can Only Be Happy’ When They Aren’t Searching for Happiness as Life’s Main Point

More Quotes from Maya Angelou

• "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
• "The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear."
• "Life loves to be taken by the lapel and be told, I am with you kid. Let's go!"
• "All knowledge is spendable currency, depending on the market."
• "You only are free when you realize you belong no place - you belong every place - no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great."
• "Human beings are more alike than unalike, and what is true anywhere is true everywhere, yet I encourage travel to as many destinations as possible for the sake of education as well as pleasure."
• "Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning."

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Related: Quote of the Day: Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau—‘What Wisdom Can You Find That Is Greater Than Kindness?’

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If the unofficial start of summer has led to an excess of pool toys, gardening tools, and lawn care equipment cluttering your deck or patio, now is the perfect time to invest in extra storage to tidy up outdoors. A storage shed can help protect your gear year-round, but it's especially handy in the summertime when spending more time outside creates an excess of extras that you can't fit anywhere else. Permanent structures can be costly and cumbersome to build, but Amazon has a deal on a super practical outdoor storage option right now.

Normally $270, the Aoxun Triple Door Outdoor Storage Shed is currently discounted to $190. If you've been waiting to enjoy your yard this summer without tripping over random toys or tools, now is your chance to save $80 and do just that. With its easy-to-build design and spacious interior, this shed can give all of your outdoor gear a designated home, keeping the rest of your outdoor space clutter-free. 

Aoxun Triple Door Outdoor Storage Shed, From $190 (was $270) at Amazon

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Measuring 7.5 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 6 feet tall, this storage shed is perfectly sized for storing everything from bicycles and all-terrain vehicles to snow blowers, rakes, and shovels. The triple-door design offers more convenient access to the shed than traditional single or double-door options. Shoppers were impressed by how easy it was to move larger items like riding lawn mowers and patio furniture stored in the winter in and out of this shed. 

Not only does this shed make a great spot to store tools, but the ability to open up the doors and let air flow through the structure makes it an excellent workspace for home improvement projects. During assembly, the door hinges can be flipped either direction, so you have some flexibility to make the design work best for your specific space. Reviewers said the shed is "easy to install" with "straightforward" assembly, taking on average two hours to build. 

Made of powder-coated galvanized steel, reviewers raved about how "sturdy" this shed is. Rust-resistant and weatherproof with a sloped roof, you can rest assured that anything you store inside will remain protected year-round.

"It was the perfect size for storing my garden tools, pool supplies, and a few random outdoor items that were taking up space in the garage," one shopper said. Reviewers also said this shed's "spacious" design is "incredibly convenient," calling it "a worthwhile purchase" and a "good little storage shed for the backyard." 

Related: Amazon's 'Flowy' $20 Cotton-Linen Pants Are 'Summer Perfection,' and They Come in 7 Colors

With free shipping for Amazon Prime members, a durable design, and easy setup, the Aoxun Triple Door Outdoor Storage Shed is definitely worth adding to your cart. You won't want to miss this upgrade to your outdoor experience.

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Right around the turn of the 20th century, Tiffany Studios forever changed the way people thought about lighting. The company transformed functional lamps into works of art, introducing richly colored stained glass shades that have since become some of the most recognizable home decor pieces in the world. With their intricate mosaic patterns, warm jewel tones, and unmistakable glow, Tiffany-style lamps have remained timeless for decades — but authentic vintage pieces often sell for thousands, and sometimes even tens of thousands, of dollars.

For anyone who loves the look, Walmart has a convincing alternative. The Sunmory Stained Glass Tiffany-Style Table Lamp captures much of the same vintage charm for a fraction of the cost, and it's currently marked down 40%, dropping the original price from $150 to just $90. Whether you're styling a cozy reading nook, adding character to an entryway, or giving your living room a classic finishing touch, it's an easy way to bring the iconic Tiffany-like aesthetic home.

Sunmory Stained Glass Tiffany-Style Table Lamp, $90 (was $150) at Walmart

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This lamp feels like something straight out of the Arts and Crafts era. Standing 18.5 inches tall, its generously domed shade is pieced together from dozens of hand-cut sections of painted stained glass, each bordered by dark metal leading that outlines every curve and geometric shape. Bold six-petal flowers in saturated cobalt blue anchor the design, while warm amber, creamy ivory, soft peach, and crisp white glass create contrast throughout. 

Pops of ruby red and emerald green resemble tiny gemstone inlays scattered between the floral motifs, giving the shade extra depth and dimension. Along the bottom edge, ornate metal scrollwork forms a decorative border that's finished with jewel-like red glass accents, while the sculpted resin base features turned details, fluted contours, and embossed botanical motifs that echo the organic patterns above for a cohesive look.

Equipped with an LED bulb, the stained glass shade filters light into a warm, colorful glow that highlights the texture and richness of every individual glass panel. The 6.56-foot cord gives you flexibility when placing it on a bedside table, living room end table, office desk, or entryway console, while the toggle switch makes it easy to turn on for reading or ambient lighting. Weighing 5.5 pounds, its substantial build keeps the lamp stable on tabletops, and the tool-free assembly takes just a few minutes — simply attach the shade to the base.

Shop More Deals

• Mehoom Tiffany-Style Table Lamp, $60 (was $86) at Walmart
• Enjoy Decor Tiffany Mini Table Lamp, $96 (was $120) at Walmart
• Dale Tiffany Poelking 2-Light Blue Lily Table Lamp, $168 (was $198) at Walmart

With a near-perfect star rating, this “stunning,” “gorgeous,” and “very sturdy” lamp earned plenty of praise in the reviews section for its "elegant" and “elaborate” design. One shopper wrote that it “looks very expensive” and “can be used anywhere in the house” with its timeless look.

Related: T.J. Maxx Is Selling a Cordless Lamp With the Most Elegant Scalloped Capiz Shade

If you've always admired the look of authentic Tiffany lamps but not the price tag, the $90 Sunmory Stained Glass Tiffany-Style Table Lamp is a fabulous alternative. Shop it now for 40% off before this Walmart flash deal ends!

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Def Leppard is giving fans a fresh update on its next studio album while continuing its 2026 European tour with special guest Extreme.

During a new interview with France's Oüi FM, lead singer Joe Elliott confirmed that the legendary British rock band is still working on the follow-up to its 2022 album, Diamond Star Halos. 

He also revealed that the band's latest single, "Rejoice," will open the upcoming record, expected in early 2027.

"The single is the lead-off track, if you like, from the new album. The song is called 'Rejoice'. We released it in time for the Vegas residency. We did a Vegas residency in February, and we wanted to play a new song, so it made sense to actually put it out," Elliott said.

Joe Elliott and Phil Collen of Def Leppard perform onstage during Radio 2 In The Park at Hylands Park on Sept.r 7, 2025.

Photo by Katja Ogrin/Getty Images

"The album won't be out until early '27, 'cause we're still recording it. We were actually recording parts of it in Vegas on days off. We would go down into the basement of the casino and set it up as a studio, and we would record. So we're still actively recording now and mixing."

The update comes as Def Leppard continues its European tour, its first major run of solo shows since its sold-out 2023 tour with Motley Crue. Extreme is joining the band as the special guest on most of the dates.

The tour has already included performances in Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom. During the band's July 2 concert at London's O2, Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt surprised fans by joining Def Leppard onstage for a performance of "Slang."

Upcoming tour stops include Birmingham and Manchester before the band heads to Germany for Wacken Open Air and later performs in Dubai.

Elliott said the band has recorded about 18 songs so far, giving the members plenty of material to choose from before deciding on the final track list.

"We've got about 18 songs. So we've kind of got nearly two albums. We're not gonna put all 18 on the album. We're gonna pick and choose which 10 or 11 we think are the right ones."

The singer also hinted that fans should expect plenty of surprises when the album arrives. He added that the band plans to continue working on the record between tour dates before finishing the project later this year for its planned early 2027 release.

Guitarist Phil Collen recently shared a similar message while discussing the band's progress. He explained that "Rejoice" represents only one side of the new album's sound and suggested listeners can expect a wide range of styles.

"There's some stuff on there that's, like, 'Whoa.' You'd go, 'This is really wacky.' And so, I like that," Collen said.

Beyond recording new material, Def Leppard has remained active with several releases in recent years. In 2025, the band recorded a cover of Ben E. King's classic "Stand By Me," with all proceeds benefiting FireAid, which supports people affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. The recording also appeared in the Netflix film Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger.

Before that, the group released the 2024 single "Just Like 73," featuring a guest guitar solo from Tom Morello.

The upcoming album will be Def Leppard's first full-length studio release since Diamond Star Halos in 2022. In 2023, the band also released Drastic Symphonies, which reimagined many of its best-known songs with London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. The album spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Current Classical chart.

Formed in Sheffield, England, in 1976, Def Leppard became one of rock music's biggest acts through albums including Pyromania, Hysteria and Adrenalize. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

As the 2026 European tour continues with Extreme, Def Leppard is balancing live performances with studio work. While fans still have several months to wait for the band's next album, Elliott's latest update makes it clear that recording is well underway, with the group aiming to complete the project later this year ahead of its planned early 2027 release.

Related: ’70s Rock Legend Dismisses Farewell Tour 64 Years After Beginning Career

The American disco group know for its costumes, plays on masculinity, and mainstream dance hits the Village People was formed in 1977. Originally formed around the demo tapes by Victor Willis, the first Village People album became an international hit and composer and producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo quickly worked to compile a group of dancers to support Willis.

The producers took out an ad in a theatre trade paper which read:"Macho Types Wanted: Must Dance And Have A Moustache." Three men responded: Glenn Hughes, Randy Jones, and David Hodo. Hodo took the role of the construction worker in the original Village People permanent grouping, and the rest is disco history.

And on July 7th, 2026, David Hodo turned 79 years old. He was born in California in 1947 and graduated from California Sate University, Sacramento in 1969 with a degree in speech while also acting in several plays. Hodo moved to New York City following his collegiate days before making his Broadway debut in 1975. Some of his musical credits include Funny Girl, Pal Joey, andThe Red BlueGrass Western Flyer Show.

The six members of the Village People were as follows:

• Victor Willis as the policeman/naval officer
• Felipe Rose as the Native American
• David Hodo as the construction worker
• Alex Briley as the soldier
• Glenn Hughes as the biker
• Randy Jones as the cowboy

The group catapulted to fame with the single "Y.M.C.A" from their 1978 album, Macho Man. Their rise continued throughout 1979 with a three-month North American tour, multiple TV appearances including those on The Merv Griffin Show, and even going so far as to perform with Bob Hope for the troops. The group also were on the cover of Rolling Stone in April of 1979.

Hodo kept his role of the construction worker all throughout the peak of the Village People's heyday. He continued his role within the group in the 1980 musical filmCan't Stop the Music and the television special Magic Night which featuring Cher and Hugh Hefner.

While he did leave the group in 1982, he returned in 1987 and stayed on until his retirement in 2013. Hodo was present when the group received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.

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Related: Legendary ‘70s Band Charts a Brand-New Hit After a Founding Member’s Death