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Walmart's 'Very Cold' $184 Portable Air Conditioner Is a 'Lifesaver' During Hot Summer Days
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If your home feels unbearable the second a heat wave hits, the DuraComfort Ashrae Portable Air Conditioner is a flash deal worth checking out before the next stretch of hot days. The bestselling unit is now on sale at Walmart for just $184, down from $310. It sits on the floor and vents through a window, so it’s perfect if you rent, move often, or only need extra cooling during the hottest months of the year.
The portable air conditioner offers cooling, fan, and dehumidifier functions, so it can help with both sticky summer air and humidity. It has two fan speeds, a remote control, sleep mode, a 24-hour timer, and a washable filter. It comes with an adjustable exhaust hose, window kit, foam seal, hose inlet, hose outlet, and a battery-powered remote control. It also boasts a 50-decibel rating, so it ticks the boxes of being both powerful and quiet.
DuraComfort Ashrae Portable Air Conditioner, $184 (was $310) at Walmart Shop at WalmartA portable AC is one of the easiest ways to make summer feel more manageable, especially when fans are just moving warm air around. This one is especially useful for bedrooms because hot, humid rooms can make it harder to sleep. It can also come in handy in a home office, guest room, or any space that gets warmer than the rest of the house. The dehumidifier function is another perk, since muggy air can make a room feel much hotter than the thermostat reading.
Shoppers have called it "one of the best AC units," noting that "it cools everything so quickly" and pushes out "very cold" air. "This is truly a lifesaver," one reviewer wrote. Another said it "works very well, is easy to install, not noisy, and the air humidifier is spectacular."
Many similar units cost closer to $300 or more, depending on the brand and cooling capacity. At $184, this one offers more than just a basic fan, with cooling and dehumidifying functions in a single unit. When the air feels heavy and damp, having a machine that can also help reduce humidity can make the room feel much more comfortable.
Shop More Deals- Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Fan, $80 (was $150) at Walmart
- Frigidaire Portable Air Conditioner, $288 (was $339) at Walmart
- Beeprincess 10-Piece Cooling Towel Set, $15 (was $26) at Walmart
If you’ve been trying to get through hot days with a fan alone, now is a good time to grab the DuraComfort Ashrae Portable Air Conditioner while it’s still marked down. Be sure to shop it while the flash deal is still live, because this is definitely the type of summer buy you’ll want before the next heat wave arrives.
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Country Superstar Tim McGraw Calls This Patriotic Standard the 'Hallmark of Truly Great Art'
Few patriotic songs have endured as long or meant as much to Americans as "My Country 'Tis of Thee." For Tim McGraw, its staying power isn't just about tradition. It's about the ideals the song continues to represent, nearly two centuries after it was written.
In the book "Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation, which McGraw co-authored with historian Jon Meacham, McGraw calls the hymn the "hallmark of truly great art" because of how it has evolved alongside the country itself.
Related: One of Country Music’s Biggest Crossover Hits Is Climbing the Charts Again 46 Years Later
"This song spoke to the evolution of our country in that moment, the Age of Jackson, and it's evolved with our country through the years, and that durability and resonance is one hallmark of truly great art," he writes.
McGraw also points to the song's remarkable versatility. Heard simply on a piano, he says, it "feels like a hymn, something I might've sung in church as a boy." Performed with a full orchestra, however, it becomes "regal and majestic, a song worthy of presidential inaugurations."
That adaptability, he argues, helps explain why the song has remained meaningful for generations.
Related: Iconic ’70s Country-Rock Band Is Climbing the Charts Again 67 Years After Forming
Originally written by Samuel Francis Smith in 1831 while he was a student at Andover Theological Seminary in Massachusetts, "My Country 'Tis of Thee" borrowed the melody of the British anthem "God Save the King." Rather than celebrating a monarch, Smith transformed the familiar tune into a distinctly American hymn centered on liberty and national identity.
Related: Country Star Breaks 49-Year-Old Billboard Record With No. 1 Hit Song
As McGraw explains, Americans have long repurposed familiar music to reflect their own time and circumstances.
"We do it because it works," he writes. "Listeners, almost unknowingly, recognize an emotion from the past while clinging to the modern message."
The song quickly became woven into American life. It was sung at Fourth of July celebrations, presidential inaugurations and public ceremonies across the country. Over time, its lyrics also took on new meanings during pivotal moments in U.S. history.
Abolitionists even created alternate versions condemning slavery before the Civil War, while the original hymn was reportedly sung by newly emancipated people after the Emancipation Proclamation. More than a century later, Martin Luther King Jr. famously concluded his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech by invoking its enduring refrain: "Let freedom ring."
Related: One of Country Music’s Most Emotional Voices Turns 67 Today
For McGraw, those moments demonstrate why the song has remained relevant for nearly 200 years.
"Samuel Francis Smith took things to an even higher level by appropriating 'God Save the King' for American hearts and voices," he writes. "'My Country 'Tis of Thee' was really about putting not a monarch but the nation itself, and the ideas on which it's founded and with which it endures, at the center of our imaginative lives."
He concludes that the song's greatest strength isn't simply patriotism. It's its ability to remind Americans of the ideals they continue striving toward.
"What we say as a people, and what we sing as a people, matters, for even if we fall short of the ideal, we've got to keep that ideal in front of us, like a beacon through the darkness," McGraw writes. "'My Country 'Tis of Thee' is one of those beacons."
McGraw's reflections arrive as patriotic music once again takes center stage during this year's 250th Independence Day celebrations. The country star is among the performers scheduled to appear during Disney's live Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash on July 4, joining artists including Reba McEntire, Boyz II Men, Nick Jonas, Little Big Town and Brothers Osborne. The three-hour special airs from 8 to 11 p.m. ET across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, Freeform, FX, National Geographic and the ESPN App.
Related: Country Superstar Announces Massive 2026 Tour With Very Special Guests
1963 Rock Song With Zero Chart History Remains a Classic 63 Years Later
Sixty-three years ago, iconic rock and roll band The Rolling Stones released "Come On"—their debut single that remains memorable today despite having zero history on the Billboard charts.
Initially released in the U.K. on June 7, 1963, "Come On" marked the Stones' first standalone release. The track, which was a cover of Chuck Berry's 1961 song, was never featured on an official studio album. Backing the track was a cover of Muddy Waters's "I Want to Be Loved" on the B-side—two legendary covers that helped establish the first semblances of the band's signature sound.
Because "Come On" was never issued as a single in the U.S., it never saw the light of day on the Billboard charts. However, the song did reach No. 21 on the U.K. Singles Chart, which was an impressive feat for a debut release. While the track wasn't a massive success right off the bat, after the Stones experienced massive commercial growth in the early '70s with the arrival of their landmark album Sticky Fingers, their earlier catalog began receiving renewed attention.
Today, the song has persevered into the digital landscape, racking up 5.3 million streams on Spotify. "Come On" remains a beloved Stones deep cut, continuing to be featured on rock-oriented radio stations globally.
Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham through Decca Records, "Come On" is recognizable for its up-tempo rock sound—a stark contrast to Berry's original, which took on a much steadier tempo. The Stones utilized Keith Richards' off-beat guitar and wailing harmonica work by Brian Jones to create an earworm instrumentation. Paired with Mick Jagger's vocals and driving backing harmonies, the song defined their early era, though the lead singer has since opened up about hating the track.
In a 1974 interview with Rolling Stone, Jagger reflected on the debut, not understanding how it charted in the U.K. to begin with.
"It was our decision to record it. Nobody else knew it and to the best of our knowledge nobody had done it. I don't think it was very good, in fact it was shit... It really was shit," he said. God knows how it ever got in the charts, it was such a hype. In fact we disliked it so much we didn't do it on any of our gigs... Eventually we did it in the ballrooms and the people seemed to dig it."
Despite his distain for the song, it still remains a beloved deep cut among the Rolling Stones fanbase.
Related: 1976 Rock Classic, Named No. 1 Hit Song, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem
Martha Stewart Shares Sultry 1970's Throwback Photo: 'Your Ultimate Summer Inspiration'
Martha Stewart has "always been that girl," as she shares a throwback photo of herself from 1976 that's just as in style today as it was back then.
Right before the 4th of July festivities over the weekend, Stewart's official Instagram page posted a photo of the 84-year-old lifestyle icon when she was roughly in her early 30s. Clad in round sunglasses, a denim halter-neck romper, and a striped 3/4 sleeve length shirt, Stewart exudes summer chic. Not to mention that her actually holding a small basket full of fresh eggs is the ultimate accessory.
The photo has the right amount of countryside charm and fashion of the era that's considered timeless. They captioned the Instagram post by saying, "Let this 1976 snapshot of Martha in Westport, Connecticut serve as your ultimate summer inspiration."
"Captured on the grounds of Turkey Hill, this farmstead property served as an incubator to many of our founder’s ideas and ventures, like starting her expansive all-season gardens to serving as the setting of her first book, Entertaining. And as for Martha’s well-known love for picking farm fresh eggs? Well, it’s *always* been a good thing."
View this post on InstagramThe post has sparked multiple comments from fans inspired by her ensemble and the overall legacy that pushed her beyond a business woman and influencer.
"I saw Martha Stewart wearing a denim romper over a striped scooped neck top, so I bought a denim romper and a striped scooped neck top," said one fan.
"Martha invented hot girl summer," said another.
One fan added, "You were way ahead of your time. The OG influencer," while others simply called Stewart "iconic." The post was more than a simple throwback, with the caption putting the spotlight on the Turkey Hill farmstead property that would become the backbone of her 1982 cookbook Entertaining.
In the late 60's, Stewart had a second career as a stockbroker like her father-in-law, while she and her ex-husband, Andrew Stewart, moved to Westport, Connecticut. There, they bought and restored the 1805 farmhouse that became the model for the TV studio of Martha Stewart Living.
By 1976, Stewart started her catering business in her basement with a friend from her modeling days. Their business quickly became successful, but due to tensions, Stewart bought out her portion of the business. The rest was history as Stewart's career expanded into a media franchise spanning television, magazines, and home products.
Related: The White House’s Latest Post Leaves Americans Feeling ‘Embarrassed’: ‘Is This Rage Bait?’
1973 Classic, Ranked the 'Top American Rock Song' of All Time, Was Never Meant to Be a Patriotic Anthem
It's one of the biggest songs in the history of classic rock, but the significance of "Free Bird" has evolved far beyond its original meaning.
The iconic Lynyrd Skynyrd track released in 1973 as part of the band's debut album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd). With lyrics mostly written by lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and music by guitarist Allen Collins, "Free Bird" started out as a simple song about a man leaving a woman, wanting to stay untethered and "free as a bird."
"It was a simple love song about leaving a girl and being a free bird — like, you gotta wander," Gary Rossington explained in 2012, according to Music Radar. But over the years, the song has taken on a life of its own.
"Free Bird" is now heavily associated with American pride and patriotism, and it often shows up on music roundups of patriotic rock anthems and popular Fourth of July playlists. It has even become something of a de facto anthem for American sports in recent years.
Since its 1973 release, “Free Bird” has taken on deeper meaning following the 1977 plane crash that killed original band members Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. In the decades since, it has come to be seen by many fans as an emotional tribute during live performances, often drawing a powerful reaction from audiences.
"This kid was telling me that they used it for their graduation song and not too long ago somebody told me that they used it at a funeral," the band's current lead vocalist Johnny Van Zant said in 2010, according to American Songwriter. "And really it's a love song. It's one of the few that Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ever had,” he said.
In July 2025, Ultimate Classic Rock named "Free Bird" as the "Top American Rock Song" of all time. The site also ranked the iconic track at No. 7 on its 2026 list of the Top 250 Songs That Define American Culture.
View this post on InstagramColumbia's Fan-Favorite Shorts Are 40% Off and 'Perfect for Looking Cute and Staying Cool' All Summer
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Summertime often means your clothing takes a beating: you get sweaty out in the heat, splash around in the waves at the beach, get muddy on hiking trails or while playing with your dog at the dog park. For quality you can count on to last, Columbia has built a reputation on comfortable, durable pieces meant to hold up season after season. It's my go-to retailer for reliable clothes that can handle everything I put them through without falling apart after a single summer of wear.
The most affordable way to snag Columbia gear is to catch a sale, and right now, the brand's 4th of July event has a ton of summer-ready pieces marked down. One fan-favorite, the Sandy River Shorts II, is currently discounted up to 40% off the usual $45 price tag. Available in sizes XS through XXL as well as plus sizes 1X through 3X, you can shop them in gray, navy, khaki, purple, teal, red, and pink for $27, while green and black are just a few dollars more, priced at $33.
Sandy River Shorts II, From $27 (was $45) at Columbia Shop at ColumbiaI wear a lot of Columbia clothing in the summer. Because I sunburn easily, I rely on many of the brand's pieces with built-in sun protection to keep covered while at the beach, out on the water, and on camping trips. My favorite pair of Columbia shorts is about five years old now, and while that exact style is no longer available, these river shorts are incredibly similar, made with the same water-repellent, UPF 30 fabric and elastic-waist design (with pockets!) that I love to slip on for summer activities.
Over 800 shoppers have added these shorts to their carts in the last week, and it's easy to see why. The 5-inch inseam offers enough coverage that you won't feel too exposed but can still keep cool. Inside the elastic waistband, there's a hidden adjustable drawcord for a comfortable, secure fit. In addition to the roomy side pockets, there's also a convenient zipper pocket on the back of these shorts.
By far the most commented-upon feature of these shorts is the "quick-drying and lightweight" fabric. "From mowing grass in hot weather to spending the day at theme parks, these shorts are great for everything outdoors," one reviewer raved. Many shoppers said they have purchased these "super comfortable" shorts in multiple colors.
Shop More Deals- Chill River Midi Dress, $45 (was $90) at Columbia
- Konos Esla Sandal, $49 (was $65) at Columbia
- Echo Mountain Hip Pack, $34 (was $45) at Columbia
Related: REI’s Retro Cooling Neck Wrap Offers 'Relief in Extreme Heat' for Under $10
Perfect for every summer adventure, it's hard to go wrong with a pair of Columbia shorts. Hurry and add the Sandy River Shorts II to your cart at Columbia to secure this 40%-off deal while you still can!
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Dwayne Johnson Confirms Third Film Is in the Works for Fan-Favorite Movie Franchise
During a press conference in Rio de Janeiro to promote Disney’s upcoming Moanalive-action remake, Dwayne Johnson confirmed that Moana 3 is in the works.
“Yes, we have talked about Moana 3, yes,” Johnson said. “But first, live-action Moana, we'll let that come out first. We have [the] amazing Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who have been our writers ... they will pen Moana 3.”
Bush has served as the writer for blockbuster Disney movies like Zootopia and Encanto. He was the sole writer on the first Moana film, while Ledoux Miller joined him on Moana 2 and the upcoming live-action remake.
When People posted the announcement on Instagram, disappointed fans quickly flocked to their comment section.
“So much for [Johnson] saying he wanted to only do original stories from now on,” one user commented.
“But.... the second one was bad? Like really bad?” Another said.
One user commented with just two words: “Dwayne, stop.”
However, some have expressed excitement for the third movie, with one user saying she’s happy to see Disney continue their Pacific Islander representation.
“I hope Disney continues to do this with all ethnic backgrounds, and we can get more inclusivity,” she said.
The live-action remake of Moana is set to release in theaters on July 10. Directed by Thomas Kail and written by Bush and Miller, the film stars Johnson as Maui alongside Catherine Laga’aia as Moana. A new song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda will be in the film, featuring the voices of both Laga'aia and Auli’i Cravalho — Moana's original voice actor. Johnson said he was pushing for the song to be in the new movie.
“There’s a part in the film that I thought, ‘Oh, it could go in there,’” Johnson said in an interview with Billboard. “But we can hear a little bit of almost like the instrumental inside the film, which will lead us to the end. I love the song, and I love this idea that … O.G. Moana and Maui, we’re gonna meet you along the way, but this is your journey, and we got you.”
Watch the trailer for the live-action remake below.
41 Years Ago Today, This Defining Film of the '80s Hit Theaters After a Nightmare Road to Get There
Back to the Future is considered by many to be one of the defining films of the 1980s. The blockbuster film kick-started the career of Family Ties star Michael J. Fox and spawned two successful sequels. However, while stars Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas F. Wilson, and Fox have all talked fondly about the experience of making the film, they've also been blunt about its troubles.
Co-creator Bob Gale and director Robert Zemeckis have often spoken about the 40 times that Back to the Future was infamously rejected before Universal Studios greenlit it. Ironically, it was Steven Spielberg who had been the only one who wanted to make it, and in the end, it was his company, Amblin Entertainment, that produced it.
Too Raunchy for Hollywood, Too Risky for DisneyGale said that one reason the studios kept rejecting the film was that time-travel films were underperforming at the box office. But the other reason concerned the tone, which he explained to Comicbook.com.
"'This is really a very nice and sweet movie, and we’re looking for stuff more like Porky’s and Stripes and raunchier comedies,'" Gale claimed he heard repeatedly. However, when they took the film to Disney, they got a very different response.
" We had this meeting with this executive over there, and we walked to his office, and he looks at us, he says, 'Are you guys insane? Are you out of your minds? You think Disney would make a movie like this?'" Gale recalled. "We’re going, 'What, what, what? What’s wrong with it.' He said, 'This is a movie about incest. You’ve got the kid and his mother in the car. That’s incest. We’re Disney. We don’t go there.'”
The Six-Week Blunder and Late-Night HustleThe other well-known issue the film ran into was having to fire the lead. While Fox was their first choice for Marty McFly, his Family Ties schedule meant he wasn't available. They hired Eric Stoltz instead, but after six weeks of shooting, they realized it wasn't working out. Family Ties' producers finally agreed to Fox taking the role, but he could only film after the TV series finished for the day. This meant they only had him from 6 p.m. until around 2 p.m.
"Michael had to work through his fatigue," Dean Cundey, the director of photography, told The Guardian. "He'd be very "up" during a take but then I'd notice him in his chair afterwards, desperately trying not to fall asleep. He was so engaging, though – he really had a great effect on set."
Despite facing 40 rejections, being deemed both "too sweet" for mainstream studios and "too scandalous" for Disney, and enduring a grueling, sleep-deprived lead actor swap, the filmmakers' persistence paid off. The chaotic production didn't hinder the movie; instead, it forged a defining 1980s masterpiece that cemented its place in cinematic history.
1975 No. 1 Hit, Written for a Friend, Remains an Unexpected Patriotic Anthem 51 Years Later
In 1975, Elton John had a number-one hit with “Philadelphia Freedom.” Fifty years later, it's considered an anthem for the U.S.A. and its freedoms — even though it didn't start that way.
Written by the music legend and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, the piano-driven song featured pop, rock, and soul elements, and a catchy chorus about waving a freedom flag.
Released as a standalone single, “Philadelphia Freedom” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 12, 1975, amid a 21-week chart stay. The song received renewed interest the following year, most notably at the home of the Liberty Bell, as Americans celebrated the country’s Bicentennial birthday on July 4, 1976.
Decades later, Ultimate Classic Rock ranked “Philadelphia Freedom” among the Top 10 patriotic songs but also noted it didn’t start that way. The song was actually written as a tribute to Elton John’s friend, tennis pro Billie Jean King, who played on the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team.
“But the uplifting message of the track's chorus got simplified during the countdown to America's 200th birthday celebration in 1976, and that's exactly the takeaway that remains cemented in music lovers' minds to this day,” the outlet noted.
King once shared the song’s origin story in an interview posted on Elton John’s website. The tennis legend recalled her longtime friend telling her he wanted to write her a song.
“In the summer of 1974, we were driving to one of his concerts and he looked over at me in the back of the car… and he said, 'I want to write a song for you,’” King shared. “Of course, I didn’t think I heard him right … And he goes, “No, I want to write a song, what are we gonna call it?' ...Then he went, 'How about ‘Philadelphia Freedom'?' Because I played for the [World TeamTennis] Philadelphia Freedoms and he used to come to watch our matches.”
King admitted she was “thrilled” and considered the song to be for all Philadelphians.
“I said, 'That’s great. It will be a great gift to the people of Philadelphia,’” she added. “And the timing was perfect because of the Bicentennial being just the following year [from the song’s release]. And I love the word 'freedom.' I would say it is one of my all-time favorite words since I was a child.”
King also clarified that she never wanted the song to be anything about tennis.
“It’s a feeling,” she said. “It’s a great song for a team. It’s a great song if you’re not a team.”
RELATED: 1976 No. 1 One-Hit Wonder Was Written in Five Minutes
John also shared why he decided to record the song.
“Billie Jean King, a friend of mine, she had the team The Philadelphia Freedom at the start of World Team Tennis. I said, ‘I shall write a song for you,’” he once said. “At the time, we were making so many albums, but we liked to make separate singles, too.”
“It was at the same time of all those great O’Jays, Billy Paul, the MSFB records were coming out of Philadelphia,” he added. “Philadelphia Freedom was a tribute to that music, and from a one-off single point-of-view, I don’t think we’ve ever bettered it.”
Target's Highly Rated Backyard Essential Is Sturdy, Versatile and More Useful Than You Think
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There's something special about having a backyard that feels like an extension of your home. Whether you have a sprawling patio or a small outdoor space, creating a place where you can relax, entertain friends and family or simply unwind after a long day is something many homeowners strive for. I know that any time I spend an evening outside instead of indoors instantly makes my home feel more enjoyable.
During the warmer months especially, outdoor spaces become the heart of the home. Backyard barbecues, birthday celebrations, family gatherings and quiet nights under the stars all become even better with a comfortable setup that invites people to stay a little longer. Even something as simple as roasting marshmallows or enjoying a conversation around a fire can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable one.
Of course, upgrading your outdoor space doesn't have to mean spending thousands of dollars. One of the smartest ways to create your own backyard oasis is by watching for affordable, high-quality pieces that deliver both style and function. As someone who loves finding great deals, I always appreciate products that look more expensive than they actually are. When you can save money without sacrificing quality, it's a win for any homeowner.
Costway 32-Inch Round Fire Pit Set With Rain Cover, $129.99 at TargetTarget
Shop It!That's exactly why shoppers are paying attention to one outdoor find that's generating plenty of excitement at Target. The Costway 32-Inch Round Fire Pit Set has become a standout choice for homeowners looking to add warmth and charm to their patios without breaking the budget. It offers the kind of cozy centerpiece that can transform an ordinary backyard into a welcoming gathering spot.
Related: Costco's 15-Piece Steel Knife Set Is Sleek, Durable and Makes Cutting Food Effortless
The popular fire pit currently holds a 4.3-star rating on Target's website, with many reviewers praising its combination of value, appearance and overall performance. Several shoppers say it was easy to assemble, while others mention that it provides plenty of heat for family gatherings and evening get-togethers. Many also appreciate its attractive design, noting that it blends well with a variety of outdoor decor styles.
If you've been thinking about giving your backyard a simple refresh before your next cookout or relaxing evening outdoors, this highly rated Target find may be worth adding to your shopping list. Sometimes, all it takes is one well-chosen piece to make your outdoor space feel more inviting and become everyone's favorite place to gather.
Related: This Sturdy and Sleek Backpack Cooler Will Be the Best Money You'll Spend All Summer
2007 Pop Anthem by Sara Bareilles Written to as a Rebellion Against Record Labels
"Love Song" by Sara Bareilles is an angry love anthem, but it was written as an act of rebellion.
Speaking with Rolling Stone on Tuesday, June 30, the singer and actress spoke about writing the song and her concerns with fame. "Love Song" was released in June 2007 as the lead single from Little Voice. The song spent more than 40 weeks on the chart and earned Bareilles two Grammy nominations.
"It took me so long, and I don't regret the fear that I carried, because I think it made me cling to my own vulnerability," the 46-year-old songwriter explained. "Telling the truth makes me feel safe. This no interest in artifice and telling the truth was something I clung to as a young artist, so I'm just going to tell you the truth."
And she had these feelings in mind when she sat down to write "Long Song," although she admitted she thought she was going to get in "trouble" because the meaning behind the track was so "obvious."
"I was saying, 'I'm not going to write you a love song,' and they didn't know. They didn't know! And I was like, 'What is this life?' It's wild," she laughed.
In a 2021 Glamour interview, Bareilles went into more detail about the meaning behind the song and how it came about. "The song wasn't a specific response to my record company. Nobody sat me down and said, 'I need this kind of song from you.' There was more of a subtle, nuanced… withholding."
Bareilles was getting ready to make her first record when the record label withheld the "green light," despite the singer having a "boatload" of songs.
She continued: "I was encouraged to keep writing and to meet with co-writers. The co-writer thing was a total disaster, devastating on every level. I felt invisible and unimportant and manipulated and all the things," she continued. "But I knew — because I'm a smart person — that they didn't have a song they felt they could go to radio with. So I shifted to the idea of a love song."
Bareilles also references Maroon 5 in the lyrics because they were a band she had toured with and knew well. "Those boys were so wonderful to us,” she shared. “They felt like big brothers. They took me and my band on the road. They took us under their wing. They shared everything they had. It was really awesome.”
She concluded that the real message of the song is nothing to do with love, romance and relationships. "It was a response to feeling invisible and knowing that I wasn’t going to be manipulated. I was so stubborn, especially at that age. I was so protective of myself—I wasn’t going to do what they asked me to do. I wasn’t going to wear the sparkly dress, I wasn’t going to wear the high heels. In some ways, I probably wasn’t having as much fun as I could have had. I was so concerned with losing myself, somehow, in the process."
Nara Smith Shares First Photos of Daughter Whimsy's Hair Loss from Cancer Treatment
Model and influencer Nara Smith, 24, courageously shared news of her 2-year-old daughter Whimsy’s recent cancer diagnosis, surprising fans and followers while also revealing the family is thankfully “on the other end.” On Friday, the German-American beauty shared the first photos of Whimsy, who lost her hair during cancer treatment.
The photos, shared on Smith’s social media, do not reveal the 2-year-old’s face. Instead, they show the little girl’s newly shaved head, as well as touching moments of Smith resting with her daughter. In another photo, Smith’s husband, model Lucky Blue Smith, 28, sits beside Whimsy as she undergoes an intimidating scan.
Perhaps the most striking image shows Whimsy photographed from behind, wearing a beaded skullcap that beautifully adorns her bald head.
Nara Smith Shares Emotional Message With Fans View this post on InstagramSmith captioned the post with these words:
“sharing something this vulnerable wasn’t an easy decision but seeing every message, prayer, story of a similar experience and kindness has made it a little easier.
To every family or parent walking through something heavy right now, we’re thinking of you too🤍”
Fans, friends, supporters, and celebrity followers quickly offered messages of love and encouragement to the family.
Supermodel Heidi Klum shared, “Our hearts and prayers are with you.”
“Love u Whimsy you got this baby,” offered another follower.
Another supporter wrote, “Sending you and your family lots of love and healing energy.”
Who Is Nara Smith?Nara Smith is a model, influencer, and mother of four who regularly documents life with her husband, Lucky Blue Smith, and their children: Rumble Honey, born in October 2020; Slim Easy, born in January 2022; Whimsy Lou, born in April 2024; and Fawnie Golden, born in September 2025.
The statuesque South African-born model is best known for her elaborate cooking videos, in which she creates homemade versions of everyday foods—from Cheez-Its to Pop-Tarts—while wearing couture-worthy outfits and delivering her signature calm, hushed voiceover.
Why Nara Smith Resonates With Fans View this post on InstagramDespite inspiring plenty of parody, what resonates most with Smith’s followers is her authenticity. Beneath the glamorous presentation of everyday life is a creator sharing her perspective on marriage, motherhood, and family—along with homemade Cheez-Its and Pop-Tarts.
Smith’s latest post finds moments of beauty amid her daughter’s heartbreaking cancer journey, offering hope, comfort, and connection to other families facing similar challenges.
Drew Barrymore’s ‘Adorable’ $5 Glass Trinket Jar Has a ‘Vintage Vibe’ and ‘Looks Far More Expensive’ Than It Is
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The best decor pieces don't just look good, they serve a purpose too. Small glass jars are a perfect example, adding style while helping keep everyday items organized and easy to find. Whether you use them in the bathroom, kitchen, or living room, they instantly make a space feel neater and more put-together.
You also don't have to spend much to get that polished look. One particularly charming option is the Drew Barrymore Decorative Ribbed Glass Jar. At just $5 at Walmart, it's an affordable addition to almost any room in your home.
Drew Barrymore Decorative Ribbed Glass Jar, $5 at Walmart Shop at WalmartMeasuring 4.8 inches tall and 4 inches long and wide, the jar is compact enough to fit on vanities, bathroom counters, shelves, coffee tables, and countertops. Its smaller size (and affordable price point) also makes it easy to display several together for a coordinated look.
The jar includes a secure lid, making it ideal for storing small items while keeping them neatly tucked away. Use it for cotton balls, jewelry, candy, vanity essentials, trinkets, or other everyday odds and ends that tend to clutter surfaces.
A standout feature is its elegant ribbed design, which gives it a vintage-inspired feel. The textured glass adds visual interest while still looking timeless and sophisticated. Crafted from 100% glass, the jar comes in a soft sage green hue that works with a wide range of decor styles. It adds a subtle pop of color while maintaining a refined, versatile look.
With over 400 five-star reviews, shoppers gave this jar plenty of praise. One reviewer shared, “This glass jar is so adorable! It has a vintage vibe and is perfect for holding trinkets, jewelry, cotton balls or things loose on the counter.”
Another shopper highlighted the “impeccable” craftsmanship and design, writing, “The thyme color complements so many items in my decor. The ribbed glass sparkles in the light and looks far more expensive than the price tag suggests. The container would make a perfect gift, a fancy jewelry box, or a trinket catch-all.”
Shop More Deals- Drew Barrymore Thyme Green Mottled Glass Vase, $17 at Walmart
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For a decor piece that's stylish, functional, and surprisingly versatile, the Drew Barrymore Decorative Ribbed Glass Jar is an easy pick. At just $5, it's affordable enough to grab one for every room that could use a little extra organization and charm.
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3 New Netflix Shows You Need to Binge This Weekend (July 3-5, 2026)
Keeping up with everything on Netflix is almost like fighting the mythical Hydra. Every time you finish a show, three more seem to pop up in its place. But it's that seemingly unlimited well of content that has made it the most popular streamer today, even amidst the numerous amount of competition. And so, at the end of every week, we kick up our feet, grab the remote, and listen for that classic "tudum" sound as we dive into Netflix's voluminous library.
Luckily for you, Parade has flagged three new shows coming to Netflix this week that can become your new binge obsession! Here's what you need to check out this weekend (July 3-5, 2026).
Courtesy of Netflix
Through Worst Roommate Ever and Worst Ex Ever, Netflix has run the gamut of highlighting some of the wildest and worst behavior humanity has to offer. But the streamer is moving next door for its next spinoff series: Worst Neighbor Ever. The four-part docuseries highlights communities that are close-knit on the surface. But underneath the green lawns and white-picket fences, rot exists, manifesting in harassment, intimidation and sometimes even violence. The series utilizes eyewitness accounts from community members, interviews with law enforcement, and even shocking body-cam footage to either make you more grateful for the neighbors you have, or debate whether you really want to ask for that cup of sugar.
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Courtesy of Netflix
With the United States celebrating the Fourth of July this weekend, admittedly, there's not much new in the way of Netflix. But, if you're on a nostalgic kick and in a superheroic mood, might we save your weekend (and save the cheerleader in the process)! Heroes debuted on NBC 20 years ago, attempting to make superheroes mainstream once more in the time period between the peak popularity of the Batman and Spider-Man films and the beginning of the MCU. Unfortunately, following its hit first season, the show itself took a noticeable hit, failing to recapture its spotlight success. But now, all four seasons of Heroes' original run are available for streaming. You'll be so drawn in by Milo Ventimiglia, Hayden Panetierre, Zachary Quinto and this powerhouse ensemble that you'll wish you could stop time to enjoy it in full!
Related: Netflix’s ‘I Will Find You’ Ending Explained: Who Killed Matthew?
Jocelyn Prescod/Netflix
Everyone's favorite romantically-complicated New York stylist is back! Michelle Buteau returns as Mavis in the third and final season of Survival of the Thickest. Based on the comedian's book of essays, Season 3 picks up from where we left off, with Mavis throwing her career in jeopardy after publicly criticizing a designer on a podcast interview. But, showing her skill at making lemonade out of lemons, she later collaborated with them in an effort to highlight plus-sized fashion, a passionate subject for both Mavis and Buteau both. The final batch of episodes has Mavis moving up to the big leagues, attending what she calls "the Oscars of fashion." And she won't be alone as, in addition to the main cast of Survival of the Thickest, she's joined by such luminaries as Wanda Sykes, Ilana Glazer and Jonathan Van Ness to send the show off into the New York City sunset.
Related: We're Clearing Our Calendars for These 9 July TV Premieres
‘Last of the Mohicans’ Star Madeleine Stowe, 67, Is More Beautiful Than Ever in New Netflix Series
Madeleine Stowe rose to stardom alongside Daniel Day-Lewis in 1992's Last of the Mohicans, but the actress is more stunning than ever in her new Netflix series.
Stowe, 67, appeared in films like Stakeout and Unlawful Entry. However, it was her groundbreaking role as Cora opposite Lewis in Mohicans that catapulted her to superstardom. The film, an adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper's 1826 novel, is set during the French and Indian War and tells the epic love story of Hawkeye and Cora as they attempt to survive.
34 years later, Stowe is more stunning than ever in the new Netflix series, I Will Find You.
Check out the brunette beauty in the series below:
View this post on Instagram What is I Will Find You About?Stowe has an exciting new series that's scoring major ratings on Netflix. Based on Harlan Coben's novel of the same name, I Will Find You stars Sam Worthington, Britt Lower, Milo Ventimiglia, and Logan Browning.
"Wrongfully imprisoned for murdering his own son, a father sets out on a desperate rescue mission after learning the boy may still be alive," the official Netflix description reads.
Check out the trailer for the series now, which is already streaming:
Why Did Madeleine Stowe Step Back From Hollywood?After her tremendous '90s fame, Stowe chose to take a break from Hollywood for a few years to be a mom. Instead of hanging out in California, Stowe and her husband, Brian Benben, chose to move to a ranch in Texas and raise their daughter. However, Stowe eventually came back and had a career resurgence with the hit TV series Revenge, in which she played Victoria Grayson.
Upon the conclusion of the show in 2015, Stowe reflected on the hit show's ending.
"To be honest, I don’t know that I ever will really be able say goodbye to Victoria. For me, she is a really hard character to shake," Stowe told PEOPLE. "I’m also at peace with saying goodbye. Though I will always think of those what-could-have-beens and how Victoria may have found happiness."
Related: Legendary Academy Award-Winning Actor With a Career Spanning Across 6 Decades Turns 69
Target's Tiffany-Style Table Lamp Looks Straight Out of an Antique Store
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Tiffany lamps are definitely a popular vintage piece that antique lovers adore, but this style of lamp is definitely not on the cheap side. This is especially true if you are looking at an authentic Tiffany lamp, with prices ranging from$4,000 to $1 million! Yikes! Thankfully, you can still get the look for substantially less. Just take a look at this option available on Target.com.
Trademark Global's Tiffany Style Bankers Lamp looks straight out of an antique store but without the high cost. Donning a strikingly vibrant Tiffany-style shade handcrafted from 96 pieces of stained glass, this is a work of art. The stained-glass shade features a whimsical butterfly-and-blooming-flowers design, too, that is just so charming. It will add the prettiest ambient lighting to your home, too.
Trademark Global Tiffany Style Bankers Lamp, $63.99 at TargetTarget
Shop It!The base is also beautiful, constructed from sturdy metal in an ornate design that really elevates the lamp's overall look and feel.
When it comes to its overall dimensions, this table lamp measures 10.5 inches in length, five inches in width and 12.5 inches in height. For the shade, this measures nine inches in length, five inches in width and 4.5 inches in height. This would be beautifully styled anywhere from a bedroom nightstand to a home office desk or even a living room side table. It is totally up to you.
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Target shoppers love this Tiffany-style table lamp, giving it an average rating of 4.3 stars on Target.com, with 100 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it to others. Fans rate it highly for its design, value and quality.
"Lovely little lamp," said one fan in a five-star review on Target.com. "I love this. It's just what I wanted and lights up the space softly while having a beautiful design. Comes with the bulb you just have to screw in. Very happy with this purchase."
You can order this Tiffany-style banker's lamp on Target.com for $63.99. It's not sold in stores. Your purchase will include an energy-efficient four-watt, 400-lumen elongated LED bulb, which is the equivalent to a 40-watt standard bulb.
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This $1 Dolly Parton Meal Prep Tool at Dollar General Is Your Answer to Flavorful Summer Cooking
One of my favorite healthy eating hacks isn't exactly a secret. Meal prepping good-for-you ingredients ahead of time makes it so much easier to pack your day with nutrition instead of junk. But aside from chopping, dicing, mincing and storing those items, I also love to make my own salad dressing. Let's face it, while the dressing might not be the healthiest part of the meal, it sure adds a flavorful punch. And I've learned that having refillable squeeze bottles on hand lets me store a few homemade dressings at the start of the week, giving me easy access when I have a bowl of greens or even grains in front of me.
But as I've also learned, I like my kitchen tools to be as colorful as the rainbow of ingredients I'm using to cook or assemble what I'm about to eat. And no one does cheerful kitchen accessories quite like Dolly Parton and her line of housewares at Dollar General.
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Dolly Parton Summer Pink Floral Squeeze Bottle, $1 at Dollar GeneralDollar General
To make storing those salad dressings both easy and stylish, I'm loving the Dolly Parton Summer Pink Floral Squeeze Bottle at Dollar General. It's only $1 and perfect for dressings or any other squeezable condiments you can think of, making them look cute while they're in the fridge, just waiting to spring into action.
Related: The Under-$20 American-Made Sparkling Wines to Pop This Fourth of July
Made from durable plastic, the squeeze bottle features a happy pink design with white daisies and butterflies that is almost guaranteed to make you smile. The easy-to-squeeze bottle gives you precise control when drizzling oils, sauces or dressings, while the secure screw-on cap and pointed nozzle help keep messes to a minimum.
If you want to mix things up, the bottle also comes in blue and yellow colorways, each using the same print as this pink version. At $1 a pop, you better believe I bought one of each, and they're currently housing three different styles of vinaigrette in my fridge.
Dollar General has so many budget-friendly home finds that go far beyond your kitchen, like hanging solar lanterns with an industrial farmhouse feel, as well as versatile storage pieces that are perfect for organizing and decluttering your space.
Related: Costco's Comfy New Portable Reading Desk Is Even More Useful Than You Think
1975 Horror Classic Ranked Among 'Best Movies' to Watch on the Fourth of July
Besides the BBQs, hot dogs, endless lemonade, and fireworks, the 4th of July is also a time to kick back and watch quintessential American films like a Steven Spielberg cult classic horror.
The list of watchable films is endless, from hits like National Treasure, The Sandlot, Independence Day, Nashville, and even Apollo 13. There appears to be one common denominator among a majority of watchable films for the 4th of July celebrations: Jaws.
Esquire posted a list of the 26 best movies to watch, and the New York Times released its own list of what sports events, TV shows, and movies to keep tabs on over the weekend. Both lists rank Spielberg's Jaws as a must-watch, and for good reason.
"Are you still afraid to go in the water? Over 50 years later, Jaws still rips as the greatest summer thriller ever made," commented Esquire
What makes it a perfect film for the Independence Day festivities? Beyond the fact that its storyline takes place on the 4th of July in a small New England beach town, the New York Times explains, "John Williams is an American hero. And it evokes such a vast range of American narratives — Moby-Dick and The Old Man and the Sea, horror and campiness, camaraderie and humility."
The thriller film was released in 1975, based on the novel published by Peter Benchley the year prior. It was one of the first major motion picture films to be shot on the ocean and used locations in the picturesque Martha's Vineyard. Actor Roy Scheider stars as police chief Martin Brody, who gets the help of a marine biologist and professional shark hunter when a man-eating great white shark wreaks havoc among beachgoers.
Not only is a small coastal community banding together to survive and eliminate a disruptive force, but Jaws is also set during peak summer tourism amid the backdrop of crowded beaches, cookouts, and plain fun in the sun. Its storyline also ties in historical elements as Robert Shaw's character Quint has ties to World War II and the real Navy heavy cruiser, the USS Indianapolis.
Rotten Tomatoes even ranked the film at No. 2 on its list of films to watch on the 4th of July weekend, under Lin-Manuel Miranda's award-winning Broadway musical film Hamilton. Jaws has become more than a simple horror cult classic that spawned a franchise, but an unconventional way to celebrate America's Independence Day with jump scares and a killer shark.
Related: 1959 Rock Classic, Reimagined 19 Years Later, Became a Timeless Anthem About America
Beloved Country Music Couple Announces ‘Difficult Decision’ to Divorce After Nearly Six Years of Marriage
After nearly six years of marriage, country music superstar Jon Pardi and his wife, Summer Pardi (formerly Duncan), have announced plans to file for divorce. The now ex-spouses confirmed the news on social media on Friday, July 3, sharing a joint Instagram post that revealed the choice was made after a lot of “thought” and careful consideration.
“After much thought, we have made the difficult decision to end our marriage,” the couple, who share two daughters together, captioned the post over a plain, beige backdrop.
Pardi, 41, and Summer, 37, went on to add that while they work on moving forward, their role as co-parents remains the main focus.
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“Our daughters will always remain our highest priority, and we are committed to moving forward with love and respect as co-parents,” they wrote before closing out their message with the words: “Thank you for your understanding, support, and respect as we navigate these changes as a family.”
View this post on InstagramAt this point, it is unclear why the Pardis have chosen to end their marriage, and details remain private. However, as a result of the challenging changes to his personal life, the “Heartache Medication” singer also revealed plans to step back from social media for an undisclosed amount of time to “focus on myself and my family.”
“While I navigate this next chapter, I’m going to take some time away from social media to focus on myself and my family,” Pardi captioned in a separate Instagram story. “Thanks to you all for the love and support. My team will handle posting for the time being. I’ll see you at the shows.”
Pardi and Summer tied the knot in 2020 after forming a relationship in 2017. The pair exchanged vows in an intimate wedding ceremony at Saddle Woods Farm in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They share daughters, Presley Fawn, who was born in 2023, and Sienna Grace, born in 2024.
RELATED: Jelly Roll Files for Divorce From Bunnie XO
The couple's announcement comes just weeks after another country star couple revealed they were getting a divorce. Just last month,Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo announced their split after 10 years of marriage.
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Rock’s Darkest Date Claimed Two Legends Two Years Apart, 57 & 55 Years Ago Today
Although 4th of July celebrations may be well underway, the day before America's birthday, July 3, has a tragic history, especially for rock fans.
Just two years apart to the day, rock music legends Brian Jones and Jim Morrison both passed away—the former in 1969, and the latter in 1971. While it may go without saying, Jones was a guitarist and one of the founding band members of the Rolling Stones, and Morrison was the lead vocalist of the rock band The Doors.
Making their linked deaths even stranger, both musicians were just 27 years old when they died, which not only means they were tragically young at the time of their passing but also is yet another synchronicity that has long had many fans believing there is something deeper connecting the two. Odder still, both musicians sadly had deaths connected with the water.
Jones reportedly died by drowning in his swimming pool, while Morrison was found dead in his bathtub. Given this level of connection between the two deaths, it is understandable that even those who are not particularly superstitious feel that these similarities are too plentiful to be coincidences.
One of the most prominent ideas pertaining to these superstitions is the so-called "27 Club," which refers to the myth that famous people, particularly musicians, are more likely to die at 27 years old. Of course, there is no science to back this up, and it truly is a myth, yet various celebrity deaths have added to this belief.
In addition to Jones and Morrison, the list of celebrities who died at 27 includes Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse. It would be silly to act like these linked deaths aren't odd and even a bit disconcerting, but sadly, they really are just tragedies, reflecting a list of massively talented people who were gone far too soon.