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Looking to Retire Abroad? This Quiet European City Was Just Ranked the World's Most Welcoming Expat Hub

9 hours 39 min ago

The daydream of packing it all up and spending your retirement years abroad is easily one of the most popular second-act fantasies in America.

Whether you're actively eyeing a lower cost of living, looking for better healthcare or just want to spend your days drinking espresso in a sunny European square, the idea of becoming an expat sounds like the ultimate reward after decades of the daily grind.

But as any seasoned traveler will tell you, there is a massive difference between spending a blissful week on vacation and actually trying to build a life in a foreign country. In fact, according to a brand-new global report from international health insurance specialists William Russell, the single biggest mistake people make when planning an overseas relocation is assuming that a popular tourist destination automatically guarantees an easy transition.

Instead, the study argues that your long-term happiness hinges on one major factor: how welcomed you actually feel by the locals.

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To find the world’s most welcoming cities for expats, researchers crunched the numbers on everything from local happiness and comprehensive safety data to social friction—specifically measuring how worried newcomers are about facing public insults or social tension. And the number-one city on the list might come as a major surprise, especially since it routinely gets a reputation for being a bit reserved.

Zürich, Switzerland officially locked down the top crown as the most welcoming city on the globe for expats, scoring a massive 9.06 out of 10.

While Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking alpine views and chocolate, it isn't usually the first place people think of when they imagine warm, outgoing local culture. However, the data proves that Zürich delivers where it actually matters for retirees and newcomers: absolute peace of mind. The city paired a world-class safety score with remarkably low levels of social friction, meaning expats can navigate daily life, use public transit, and build community without the low-grade anxiety or baseline hassles that plague other major global hubs.

Following closely behind the Swiss capital is a tie for the number-two spot, split between Singapore and Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo’s high ranking is particularly fascinating because Japan actually ranked dead last overall in the report's national integration index due to its complex visa paths and smaller migrant population. Yet, much like Zürich, Tokyo acts as a highly accessible urban sanctuary that completely redefines personal safety and community respect for outsiders.

Rounding out the top five are Copenhagen, Denmark—which claimed the highest overall happiness score in the entire index—and Munich, Germany.

If you're currently sitting at your kitchen table looking at a map and weighing your options, the index offers a fantastic checklist of cities where the infrastructure is practically built to help you settle in without the standard bureaucratic headaches.

Prague in the Czech Republic took the number-six spot as a culturally rich European gem, followed by the zero-income-tax haven of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates at number seven. Warsaw, Poland landed at number eight, offering a highly secure gateway to the EU at a fraction of Western Europe's price tag, while Seoul, South Korea and Hong Kong rounded out the top ten.

"The first few months are when most challenges arise, such as navigating healthcare systems and securing a stable income," notes William Cooper, Director at William Russell. "Preparing for those early stages is often more important than the choice of destination."

Ultimately, whether you are seriously mapping out a retirement move to a quiet European pocket or just love the idea of keeping your options open, the data is a great reminder that the best places to grow old aren't just about the weather—they're about finding a community that keeps the welcome mat rolled out.

49 Years Ago Today, a Legendary Rock Band Pulled Off a Wild Stunt to Release Their Most Iconic Album

9 hours 46 min ago

In the mid-1970s, one legendary band realized their greatest weapon wasn't on the radio—it was right there on the calendar.

Exactly 49 years ago today, Styx gambled on an album release by making it into a legendary, triple-number event that would permanently carve itself into rock history. Their sixth album The Grand Illusion, was released on July 7, 1977, or 7-7-77. ,

The LP was produced by the band and engineered by Barry Mraz and Rob Kingsland, as reported in a blog post on the website Styxworld. According to the post, The Grand Illusion reached No. 6 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart and spawned two hit songs, “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself.”

The release date was reportedly chosen for good luck. Its members benefited from that roll of the dice, catapulting Dennis DeYoung (vocals, keyboards), Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitar), James "J.Y." Young (vocals, guitar), Chuck Panozzo (bass), and John Panozzo (drums) into rock icons.

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Shaw shared his thoughts on The Grand Illusion in 2013. He told The Daily Herald it was a "wonderful moment" in the band's life.

"Dennis [DeYoung] had the verses and choruses to the song early on and played it for us. It spoke to all of us and what we were experiencing as members of the same band, as our popularity grew and we started to make some money," he began.

"We were a very tight group musically at that time, and it was all for one and one for all -- this wonderful moment in the life of any band. So we all began to pour our hearts into it like one big 'AMEN!'"

He concluded, "Although there are credits for who wrote what, it was more the credit for who wrote the essence of the songs because everyone contributed unabashedly to each other's songs. The same can be said for the Pieces of Eight album. That's what sets those two apart from albums that came later. Again, the prime season of innocence in the life of a band."

"I think we all knew that this was our best work to that point," Young told Ultimate Classic Rock. "There was a very cohesive thing from the title of the record. There was a resonance there of a concept album or whatever, so I think we felt like we really had captured something."

Following the success of The Grand Illusion in 1977, the band released Pieces of Eight in 1978, Cornerstone in 1979, and Paradise Theatre in 1981. All four of these LPs went multiplatinum.

Styx is currently co-headlining "The Windy Cities Tour" with the rock band Chicago.

Stoneware Dishes Are So on Trend in 2026, and Amazon Has an ‘Elegant’ 12-Piece Set for Over 40% Off

9 hours 49 min ago

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Whether you're hosting backyard barbecues, planning outdoor dinner parties, or simply enjoying family meals this summer, a quality stoneware dinnerware set can instantly elevate the experience. The best sets combine everyday durability with a sleek, guest-ready look, making them just as practical as they are stylish.

If you're looking for an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality, the Pokini 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set is worth considering. Right now, it's on sale for 44% off at Amazon, dropping the price from $100 to just $56. That’s a great deal for stoneware pieces, which have been exploding in popularity and availability as buyers embrace their artisanal style and impressive quality.

Pokini 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, From $56 (was $100) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The collection is available in configurations ranging from service for four to service for eight, making it easy to choose a set that fits your household or entertaining needs. The 12-piece set includes four 10-inch dinner plates, four 8-inch dessert plates, and four 5.5-inch cereal bowls.

Made from lead-free, cadmium-free ceramic, each piece is crafted from natural clay and fired twice at temperatures up to 2,228 degrees Fahrenheit. This process creates a durable, chip-resistant finish that's built to handle daily use while maintaining its vibrant color.

While the set isn't oven-safe, it can be used in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. The hard glaze resists scratches from forks and knives, keeping your set looking as good as new. Plus, the stackable design saves valuable cabinet space and keeps kitchens looking neat and organized.

The dinnerware set comes in eight colors, each with its own distinct style. The brown-green colorway currently offers the deepest discount and has an artisanal feel thanks to its reactive glaze finish. Because the glazing process creates natural variations in color and pattern, every set has a slightly unique appearance.

Whether you're upgrading your everyday dishes, preparing for a season of entertaining, or shopping for a thoughtful housewarming gift, this set offers plenty of versatility. Its durable construction and timeless design make it a practical addition to almost any home.

This popular set earned over 400 five-star reviews. One shopper said they “look way more expensive than they are,” writing, “It’s understated but not boring, and it looks great on the table — very photogenic without trying too hard. The glaze is smooth and even, with a refined, high-quality feel.”

Another said the set offers a “great balance of beauty and practicality,” sharing, “These feel solid and well-made, not thin or fragile like some sets we’ve had before. If you want dinnerware that’s both elegant and tough enough for daily meals, this set is a winner!”

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Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, the Pokini 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set delivers style, durability, and value. With Amazon's current 44% discount, you can save over $40 while the deal lasts.

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Disney Is Bringing Beloved Characters Somewhere Fans Never Expected

9 hours 49 min ago

Disney fans may soon have a new reason to smile during the morning rush.

Skylight, the company behind the popular digital family calendar used to organize schedules, chores and meal plans, has announced its first-ever collaboration with Disney. Now, the brand is bringing some of the company's most beloved characters into everyday family routines.

The new optional feature, called Disney Mode, lets families add a little Disney magic to the Skylight Calendar with appearances from characters across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.

That means familiar faces like Stitch, Moana and Elsa can pop up to celebrate when kids complete chores, redeem rewards or check off their daily tasks. Instead of a simple notification, children are greeted with themed animations and celebratory moments featuring their favorite characters.

Families can also personalize the experience by choosing from 16 Disney-inspired profile icons, while a rotating collection of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars artwork can transform the calendar into a nostalgic screensaver throughout the day.

For Disney fans who grew up watching animated classics or parents now introducing those same characters to their own children, the update adds a fun layer of familiarity to an otherwise ordinary household tool.

Rather than creating a standalone Disney app or game, the collaboration weaves iconic characters into something many families already use every day, turning routine responsibilities into moments that feel a little more rewarding.

The feature is available as an optional upgrade for Skylight Plus subscribers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, and can be turned on or off whenever families choose.

'The Invite' Review: Seth Rogen & Olivia Wilde's Comedy Is Surprisingly Heartfelt

9 hours 53 min ago

Apartment couples spend a revealing evening together in The Invite, a saucy grownup comedy that quickly turns into a relationship minefield.

Joe and Angela (Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde) are a San Francisco married pair whose relationship is already rocky, more than just a bit stale and stagnated. Their upstairs neighbors Hawk and his girlfriend, Pina (Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz), don’t have that problem. They make love, frequently and loudly, which irritates Joe considerably.

When Angela invites Hawk and Pina over for a get-to-know-you couples dinner, it sparks an evening of zippy, zappy conversation with more than food on the menu.

Hawk and Pina are swingers into group sex. Joe and Angela are not. At least, not yet.

Wilde, as the director, threads a tricky needle with this ribald “sex comedy” that doesn’t depict any full-on sex and eventually turns into a touching tale about relationships, resets of the heart and what it takes for a couple to make beautiful music together.

She got her start acting; this is her third movie as a director, following the acclaimed Booksmart (2019) and Don’t Worry Darling (2022). She knows what she's doing, and gives The Invite a confident, surefooted jolt of sassy comedic bite, from both sides of the camera.

Is The Invite based on another movie?

It’s based on a Spanish film called The People Upstairs, which was itself based on a play, and Wilde’s movie feels like somewhat of a return to the story's roots. It’s set almost entirely inside Joe and Angela’s apartment, like a stage set, where the four characters move through hallways, in and out of rooms as they progress through various emotions and temptations, play the blame game and spill forth their deep secrets. It’s a brisk, snappy spin on the facades—the walls—we often put up to hide behind, and as the old ‘60s song says, the games people play.

Is The Invite funny?

Yes, very funny. Often hilariously funny. Rogen—who plays a music teacher deeply resentful how his life has turned out—has never met a movie he couldn’t spice up with a heh-heh-heh (or a spliff), and he certainly does both here. The conversations in The Invite have real farcical sting and zing. Wilde’s facial expressions silently convey a spectrum of responses, from a character who feels like something has died inside her, who longs for more but is unsure what it is or how to get it—and who may, in fact, have stumbled upon it.

Cruz, an Oscar winner for Vicky Christina Barcelona, is totally on the money as a tantalizing, Spanish-hottie “sex therapist.” Norton—whose wide-ranging resume includes Fight Club, American History X and Moonrise Kingdom—gets to deliver a revealing soliloquy that sets up a tonal shift that reshapes things in the movie's final act.

And you won’t see many other films that turn flan, Rolfing, a Sade song, back pain, a collapsible bike and a burnt soufflé into laugh lines.

The movie puts an inventive, contemporary twist on “groundbreaking” couple comedies of years gone by, like Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, and turns its satirical slices and dices into life-mate therapy and waves of personal re-evaluation.

Also worth noting: We find out that Joe met his wife-to-be almost two decades ago, when he played in a band that—to his lingering disappointment—never got its ticket to the big time. But it did have one hit song, which happened to be about Angela. Joe’s resentment becomes a subplot itself and gives a framework of enhanced relevance to the movie’s closing music, a demo of a duet between Graham Nash and Joni Mitchell that became the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young classic “Our House.”

Why is The Invite dedicated to Diane Keaton?

And the film’s onscreen dedication, “To Diane,” is Wilde's tribute to another emblem of sparkling, generation-defining movie comedies, the late, great Diane Keaton—who I think would have felt right at home in this one, in this movie “house.”

“We only get a few chances for meaningful relationships in our lives,” Pina says. “What do we all want? To be desired.”

The relationships—and the desires—in The Invite don’t necessarily turn out to go where you think they’re going. The movie zigs when you think it’s going to zag and pumps the brakes when you’re prepared for it to give it more gas.

It keeps you guessing in an exhilarating way, driven by anticipation, discovery, confessionals and surprises, all within the walls of Joe and Angela’s home. Ultimately, it arrives at a place where fantasy and reality meet on life’s metaphysical road with parallel lanes of wild and weary—and where two people find what they truly need.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A saucy comedy that subverts your sex-pectations

Rating: R

When: In wide release Friday, July 10

Streaming: Expected to arrive on streaming services in 30 to 45 days

Next, The New Minions Movie Is Packed With Movie References Adults Will Love

Costco's New Bakery Muffin Is Bursting With Summer Flavor

9 hours 54 min ago

Summer has a way of putting Costco runs into overdrive, whether you're stocking up before a beach trip, feeding a houseful of guests, or grabbing breakfast for the whole family before a long day outdoors. And the bakery department just gave us one more reason to stop by.

A Cranberry Orange Muffin has been added to the lineup. The flavor pairs sweet-tart cranberries with bright citrus notes, creating a bakery treat that feels especially fitting for summer.

At $6.99 for an eight-count pack, it's hard to beat. That works out to less than $1 per muffin, a fraction of what you'd pay at a coffee shop or bakery counter, where a single muffin can easily run $2 or more. Even a quick Dunkin' run adds up fast by comparison.

You can find them in the bakery department under item #1991810. Like all Costco bakery items, they're baked fresh in-store, making them a great grab for summer mornings, weekend brunches, and everything in between.

See them up close in this July 6 TikTok from @discovering_costco:

@discovering_costco

Some old favorites 😍 have made their way back around to the Costco bakery! I def need to try the cranberry orange muffins! #costcohaul #costcoshopping #bakery #muffins #favorites

♬ original sound - discovering_costco Costco's Cranberry Orange Muffins Are Made for Summer Mornings — and So Much More Cranberry Orange Muffins

Photo by Thalia Ruiz on Unsplash

The bright combination of tart cranberry and citrusy orange makes these muffins a natural fit for warm-weather entertaining.

While they're perfect alongside a morning cup of coffee, they're versatile enough to double as an easy summer dessert.

For a simple treat, slice the muffins in half, butter the cut sides, and grill them face down until golden. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm, caramelized dessert that's cool, bright, and refreshing all at once.

Prefer something a little more creative? Slice the muffins into cubes, toss them in melted butter, and toast them until golden for a sweet crouton-style topping that takes a bowl of ice cream to a whole new level.

At $6.99 for eight fresh-baked muffins, Costco's latest bakery addition is an easy way to bring a little extra flavor to summer breakfasts, brunches, and dessert.

2000's Alt-Rock Icon Labeled "Diva" For Forcing Another Band to End Set

10 hours 7 min ago

Gorillaz' Damon Albarn is facing backlash after a Danish psych rock band accused him of forcing organizers to cut their set short during his own headlining show.

Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats were performing on Roskilde Festival's Lagune stage on July 2, at the same time Gorillaz headlined the festival's Orange stage. According to the band, their set was pulled after only 25 minutes because Albarn complained he could hear their music from across the grounds.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Uncle Acid wrote that "pop diva" Albarn "threw a hissy fit" and threatened to walk off stage before their performance was shut down for being "too loud." The band said their front of house engineer was operating below the festival's decibel limit and had offered to lower the volume to keep playing, but organizers "wanted us off" anyway.

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Albarn appeared to reference the sound clash during Gorillaz's set, reportedly asking the crowd whether it was normal for him to hear the neighboring stage so clearly.

Roskilde organizers gave a different account. Strong winds were expected to continue through the festival, and the team said they had adjusted the day's schedule as a precaution following what they described as an unfortunate end to Uncle Acid's show. The festival attributed the cutoff to a mix of wind and technical factors affecting sound production.

That explanation didn't sit well with Uncle Acid drummer Jon Rice, who posted his own message calling Gorillaz "soft as baby sh-t" and disputing the festival's reasoning. Rice pointed out that a band called Monolord had played the same stage during a set by The Cure earlier in the festival without incident, despite similar sound bleed between stages. He added that Uncle Acid's engineer measured two decibels under the festival's limit for the entire set.

Gorillaz and Uncle Acid had overlapping start times, with Gorillaz beginning at 10 p.m. on the Orange stage and Uncle Acid following 15 minutes later on the Lagune stage roughly half a mile away.

This isn't the first time an Albarn appearance at Roskilde has ended in chaos. In 2015, the Blur and Gorillaz frontman was removed from the stage after refusing to end an Africa Express set on schedule, and a 2018 Gorillaz performance was interrupted when a guest performer fell off the stage.

Uncle Acid closed their statement by thanking Roskilde's crew and stage manager, saying the call to end the set was "out of their hands" and came from "orders from above." The band added a note to their Danish fans promising to return for a show in Copenhagen next year.

As of this week, neither Albarn nor Gorillaz has publicly responded to the accusations.

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Country Star Reacts to No. 1 Hit Song Lasting 12 Weeks

10 hours 9 min ago

Country music star Ella Langley is celebrating another major career milestone after her hit single "Choosin' Texas" remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a 12th consecutive week.

Langley acknowledged the achievement by sharing Billboard's latest chart on social media. She kept her reaction simple, captioning the post, "12 weeks?!" followed by a mind-blown emoji.

The latest chart update places "Choosin' Texas" among one of the most successful songs in Billboard Hot 100 history. First reaching No. 1 in February, the single has now spent 12 weeks atop the all-genre chart, joining only 25 songs that have ruled for at least a dozen weeks since the chart began in August 1958.

Ella Langley performs onstage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2026 day one on June 04, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage

The accomplishment also puts Langley in rare company. According to Billboard, "Choosin' Texas" is one of only five No. 1 songs by women without male-billed collaborators to spend at least 12 weeks atop the Hot 100. It is also the only song by an artist primarily known for recording country music to reach that milestone.

Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" continues defining one of country music's biggest success stories. pic.twitter.com/XkYk27CqsF

— mydzn (@MadelaineDizon) July 7, 2026

Billboard reported that "Choosin' Texas" collected 25.8 million official U.S. streams, 49.7 million radio audience impressions, and 9,000 sales during the June 26-July 2 tracking week.

Beyond leading the Hot 100, the single continues its dominance across multiple Billboard charts.

The song earned a 13th week at No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart while remaining No. 1 on Digital Song Sales for an 11th week. It also stayed inside the top tier of the Radio Songs chart at No. 6 after previously peaking at No. 4.

Its success extends even further on the Hot Country Songs chart, where "Choosin' Texas" has now spent 30 weeks at No. 1, becoming only the fourth song to lead that chart for at least 30 weeks.

The continued chart success adds to a remarkable year for Langley.

Langley has also expanded her presence on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. Her newest single, "Be Her," recently debuted at No. 24, giving her two songs on the ranking at the same time while "Choosin' Texas" remains on the chart after spending 19 weeks there.

Last month, Langley swept all seven categories in which she was nominated at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Her victories included Female Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year for "Choosin' Texas."

Langley's success has also fueled demand for her live performances. She recently announced a 21-date extension of The Dandelion Tour, which includes several arena shows across the United States after multiple dates on the original run sold out.

As "Choosin' Texas" continues its historic run atop the Billboard Hot 100, Langley's brief but excited reaction reflects another unforgettable milestone in what has become the biggest year of her career so far.

From Netflix's 'Little House' Reboot to 'Big Brother': What to Watch This Week

10 hours 27 min ago

There's something about a rainy summer week that I can totally get behind. Especially after a busy holiday weekend, I appreciate an excuse to stay inside, tackle the giant laundry pile, chill with the kids after camp, and catch up on all the buzzy new shows so I can actually contribute to the group chat.

Now that the Taylor and Travis wedding watch has finally calmed down (the scrolling truly never ended), here is exactly what I'll be streaming this week across Netflix, Peacock, and cable. I even threw in a new Hallmark movie—you're welcome, Mom! Here are all the TV premieres to watch this week.

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The Biggest TV Premieres to Watch This Week (July 6-11)ER: Off the Charts (TLC), Wednesday, July 8

My middle school life consisted of watching every episode of Baby Story on TLC immediately after school while eating a Pop-Tart. This summer, I'm excited to get that same bit of nostalgia on TLC by tuning into the network's brand new series ER: Off the Charts.

Fifteen episodes of firsthand interviews and raw video from patients and ER doctor breakdowns? This might be the best thing since MTV's Teen Mom.

The series premieres on Wednesday, July 8, at 10 p.m. ET and will air weekly.

Guy's Grocery Games: Global Games Premiere (Food Network), Wednesday, July 8

I'm hoping to find a new show to bond over with my 8-year-old and I'm kind of sick of Mr. Beast, so Guy Fieri it is. In this series hosted by Guy and Hunter Fieri (Guy's son), Guy's Grocery Games: Global Games is a show where eight chefs representing culinary styles from around the world compete for a $50,000 prize. Part 1 premieres on the Food Network on Wednesday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Big Brother Season 28 Premiere (CBS), Thursday, July 9

I'll be honest, I haven't watched Big Brother since Andy Herren won Big Brother 15, which aired in 2013. Don't hate me! But Parade's resident BB expert, TV Editor Mike Bloom, has convinced me this season is the time to tune in. The "Time Trip" theme sounds cool and the kitchen table reminds me of some pretty unforgettable POV ceremonies. And sure, I have missed that familiar voice announcing, "Tonight on BIIGGG BROOOOOTHER!", too.

Big Brother Season 28 is scheduled to premiere Thursday, July 9, at 8:00 PM EST with a special 90-minute episode on CBS.

Little House on the Prairie (Netflix), Thursday, July 9 Little House on the Prairie. (L to R) Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls, Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls, Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls, Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls in episode 101 of Little House on the Prairie. Cr. Eric Zachanowich/Netflix © 2026

The original Little House on Prairie aired 12 years before I was born, but I remember watching re-runs with my older sisters — and my mom did read us some books out loud at bedtime. Hearing "Ma" and "Pa" brings me right back that core memory. So I'm going to stream Netflix's revival when the first season of the show's revival (eight episodes total) drops on Netflix at 3 am EST on July 9.

The "reimagining" is described as "part family drama and part epic survival tale", based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books. It's rated TV-PG for frontier hardship and "intense peril" so I plan to screen it before inviting my 8-year-old to watch, but I'm hoping we can enjoy it together.

Who is in the new Little House on the Prairie cast?

The series stars Luke Bracey as Charles, Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline, and Alice Halsey as Laura. You may know Halsey from Days of Our Lives, where she played Rachel Black for 56 episodes.

The Five-Star Weekend (Peacock), Thursday, July 9 Pictured: Jennifer Garner as Hollis -- (Photo by: Adam Rose/PEACOCK)

Peacock

I have yet to hate a book by Elin Hilderbrand (the Winter Street trilogy is my all-time fave), and while I haven't read The Five-Star Weekend, which the Nantucket-resident author penned in 2023, I'm excited to watch the new mini-series on Peacock.

All eight episodes will drop on July 9 on Peacock, starring Jennifer Garner.

What is Elin Hilderbrand's The Five Star Weekend about?

The Five-Star Weekend follows Hollis Shaw, a food blogger on Nantucket whose life shatters when her husband dies in a sudden car crash. To process her grief, Hollis invites her four closest friends from different eras of her life for a weekend getaway.

The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 20 Premiere (Bravo), Thursday, July 9

What's summer without Bravo? To stop my TikTok doomscrolling, I'm hoping Andy Cohen and company can intervene. TheReal Housewives of Orange County Season 20 features returning cast members Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Tamra Judge, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, and Vicki Gunvalson, plus new HousewifeCarmella Garcia.

Season 20 premieres Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with new episodes airing weekly.

View this post on Instagram O Little Christmas Market (Hallmark movie), Saturday, July 11 An artist’s fights to saves her town’s beloved Christmas market from a developer but a budding romance with the architect tied to the deal may help bring about a Christmas miracle. Photo: Katherine Barrell, Stephen Huszar Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media

Only 24 Saturdays left to Christmas, so why not get in the spirit early with Hallmark's new Saturday movie, O Little Christmas, with Katherine Barrell (Wynonna Earp) and Stephen Huszar (My One and Only).

The movie is about "a gifted miniature artist and a talented yet unfulfilled architect clash on opposite sides of a deal threatening a beloved community holiday market tradition."

It premieres on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET.

What Else is Streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock This Week?

New Netflix movie Enola Holmes 3, starring Millie Bobby Brown, premiered July 1, but could be good to stream this week if you haven't had the chance. Catch it on Netflix.

New Netflix series Human Vapor premiered on July 2 and is already a favorite with my friends.

For my true crime-lovers, Netflix's four-part docuseries Worst Neighbor Ever released July 1 and it's on my list this week. The show "explores deadly conflicts in seemingly close-knit communities." Count me in.

Over on Hulu, Project Runway Season 22 premieres on July 9 on Freeform with next-day streaming available on Hulu and Disney+. Tyra Banks is set as a recurring judge alongside Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Law Roach, with Christian Siriano returning as mentor.

On Peacock, catch the movie Reminders of Him (based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel of the same name) on July 10.

Next: Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket Novels Are Becoming TV Obsessions—Here’s What’s Coming Next!

Walmart's 'Sturdy' $115 Coastal-Style Storage Cabinet 'Holds a Lot' and 'Looks Expensive'

10 hours 34 min ago

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If your home could use more closed storage but you don’t want to spend a fortune on custom cabinets, Walmart is running a deal worth checking out right now. The Concetta 4-Tier Freestanding Storage Cabinet is marked down to $115 from $220, making it nearly 50% off. It comes in beige and white, and the neutral finishes give it a hint of coastal cottage style without making it look too farmhouse or too beachy.

The cabinet measures 29.65 inches wide, 15.94 inches deep, and 71.1 inches tall, so it uses vertical space rather than spreading out across the room. It’s made from manufactured wood that wipes clean easily, with metal handles, four shelves, and two doors to keep everyday clutter out of sight. The soft-close doors are a nice bonus at this price, especially if you plan to use the cabinet in a high-traffic area like a kitchen, family room, or entryway.

Concetta 4-Tier Freestanding Storage Cabinet, $115 (was $220) at Walmart

Curtesy of Walmart

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Its versatile design means it could start in the kitchen to hold snacks, glassware, or small appliances, then move to a laundry room or garage later as your storage needs change over the years. The neutral finishes also give it more of a coastal cottage look than a standard utility cabinet, and since similar tall cabinets can easily cost much more, its $115 sale price feels especially worthwhile for a 71-inch piece with closed doors.

One reviewer said, “The shelves are sturdy and hold everything nicely,” adding, “It looks more expensive than it was, and it will last for decades.” Another called it a “perfect cabinet for garage organization,” noting that it's “tall and holds a lot.” They also mentioned that the white color brightened their space, while another shopper appreciated the easy assembly, slow-close doors, and amount of storage.

Both colors can work with the coastal cottage angle in different ways. The beige option has a light, natural look that pairs well with woven textures, while the white style can make any room feel brighter and cleaner. Either way, the cabinet gives you the look of a more finished storage piece while still hiding the less-pretty everyday items you don’t want sitting out, whether that’s cleaning bottles, pet supplies, or extra snacks.

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If your home has plenty to store but not enough places to hide it all, the Concetta 4-Tier Freestanding Storage Cabinet is worth grabbing while it’s marked down to $115. The tall shape helps you make better use of unused wall space, while the doors keep the room looking more organized once everything is put away. Be sure to shop it while the Walmart sale is still live.

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8 Motorsports Events for Racing Fans Hooked on F1, According To A Sports Tourism Expert

10 hours 39 min ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Psychologist Says if You Always Prefer Self-Checkout, You Likely Have These 9 Traits

10 hours 54 min ago

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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Source:

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

Legendary Music Icon Surprises Fans With a Jaw-Dropping Announcement 30 Years in the Making

11 hours 13 min ago

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.

JCPenney’s ‘Super Soft’ Reversible Botanical Comforter Set Is the ‘Perfect Weight’ for Hot Sleepers and Nearly 50% Off

11 hours 19 min ago

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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

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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.”

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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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1996 Alt-Rock Hit Wasn’t a No. 1, But Became a Defining ’90s Anthem

11 hours 27 min ago

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.

1975 Soft Rock Classic, Written Between Home and the Road, Remains a Timeless Love Anthem 51 Years Later

11 hours 31 min ago

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.

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.

I Tried 8 Pure Leaf Tea Iced Flavors—Here's the One I'd Buy Again

11 hours 38 min ago

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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!

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.

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:

The newest additions to the Pure Leaf lineup include:

Mental Focus Peach
Mental Focus Raspberry

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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Source:

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

The 3 Best Midwest Food Festivals You Can't Miss This Year

11 hours 39 min ago

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.

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.

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.

Aldi’s Colorful 8-Piece Mix and Prep Set Is a Cheerful Way to Streamline Weeknight Meals

11 hours 44 min ago

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.

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.

1963 No. 2 Girl Group Hit Ranked The Most ‘Explosive’ Chorus of All Time on Spotify

12 hours 34 min ago

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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I Tried 8 Pure Leaf Tea Iced Flavors—Here's the One I'd Buy Again

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1963 No. 2 Girl Group Hit Ranked The Most ‘Explosive’ Chorus of All Time on Spotify

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