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National French Fry Day is Coming: Here's How to Get Them Free From McDonald's
National French Fry Day is serving up the ultimate perk—free fries from McDonald’s are almost here.
According to PEOPLE Magazine, McDonald's is giving customers a free order of medium fries to celebrate the food holiday on July 10. A press release states that the deal can only be used when a $1 minimum purchase is made in the eatery's app.
However, there is a catch. The offer can only be redeemed once per person on that day and is limited to McDonald’s Rewards members.
The press release shared with PEOPLE states, "Every year, McDonald's serves 3.6 billion servings of its World Famous Fries. We're making it even easier for fans to get their hands on them.”
McDonald's French fries as part of a meal/Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe statement continued, “We're unapologetic potato perfectionists. Everything from cook time to amount of salt is carefully calculated to deliver that crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside bite fans crave."
According to Food Republic, McDonald’s signature fries got their iconic texture after a financial decision led to an unexpected workaround.
The website wrote, "Unable to afford the expensive equipment needed for hydrogenated vegetable oil, Interstate Foods stretched its product with beef tallow. The resulting blend boasted 93% beef fat and 7% cottonseed oil, a cheap fix that yielded an unparalleled masterpiece: a fry with a shatteringly crisp exterior and a buttery interior that captivated the world."
The company stopped using Beef Tallow for its fries in 1990. The potatoes are now fried in a canola blend oil.
After purchasing the franchise rights to McDonald’s in 1954, Ray Kroc continued refining the process to create the chain’s now-famous French fries. Working alongside J.R. Simplot and Edwin Traisman, Kroc helped develop a process for freezing the potatoes that preserved their consistency.
Kroc also partnered with Louis Martino to create a device that precisely calculated cooking time and temperature, ensuring evenly fried products at every McDonald’s restaurant.
According to McDonald's website, the fries’ lasting appeal comes from the potatoes used, careful quality control, and the taste customers crave.
"Our suppliers peel, cut, blanch and par-fry quality potatoes before freezing them and shipping them to our restaurants, where they’re prepared into the hot, crispy fries you know and love," the site explained.
The website added, "The process we use to cook our fries in-restaurant is very well defined – everything from the cook time to the amount of salt is carefully measured, so they always taste hot and delicious."
What started as a focus on consistency ultimately made McDonald’s fries a global staple. And honestly, there’s no better excuse to enjoy them than National French Fry Day.
Dollar Tree Shoppers Say These Cheerful $1.25 Sip-and-Snack Water Bottles Are 'Amazing for the Money'
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When my kids were little, they were enamored by a bright, vibrant commercial for a product called Snackeez that literally dominated Nickelodeon at the time. It was basically Stanley 1913, but for the kiddie set—a colorful tumbler-and-straw setup that just so happened to have a twist-off compartment at the bottom of the cup for snacks. While I can't fully remember how much they cost, I think it was around $25, and when I finally relented and bought Snackeez for my children, I was a full-on hero. (For, like, a day.)
At some point they moved on from the Snackeez, but my memory of paying a ridiculous amount of money for those trendy cups continues to live rent-free in my head. So imagine the walk down memory lane (of regret) I felt when I spotted a strikingly similar concept at Dollar Tree recently, but for only $1.25 a pop.
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Clear Water Bottles with Removable Snack Compartments, $1.25 at Dollar TreeDollar Tree
Shop It!Dare I say these Dollar Tree Clear Water Bottles with Removable Snack Compartments are actually even better than the OG Snackeez version? And, no, that's not just because of the price. I like that these have a pop-up spout instead of a straw, making spills less likely.
The bottles come in five different colorways — blue, green, orange, pink and red — so everyone in your family should be able to choose their favorite hue (or at least one close to it).
Keep in mind these are smaller than the tumbler-style version of yesteryear, but parents and teachers are loving them as gifts for kiddos. They even make a great party favor for a birthday party if you fill the snack compartment with a sweet treat.
"These are amazing for the money," says a Dollar Tree shopper in their review. "Nice thick plastic and they sit nicely with or without the snack compartment attached—not wobbly at all. These were the biggest hit in my daughter's goody bags. All of her classmates love them and use them all the time. I've been freezing a little water at the bottom at night, filling them in the morning and sending them into school with a snack. Love them."
Crafty customers also mention that they've been using their Cricut machines to make personalized labels to adhere to the bottles, which make them feel extra special.
Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $2 Mediterranean-Inspired Serving Tray Is a 'Classy' Way to Serve Summer Snacks
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Sunshine-filled days call for outdoor gatherings. No backyard book club, cocktail party, or casual hangout is complete without some small bites to nibble on. If you plan on hosting friends and family all summer long, do so in style with Walmart’s Better Homes and Gardens Bamboo-Melamine Serving Tray that’ll transform your backyard into a coastal bistro.
There’s no better time than right now to snag this serving tray because it’s currently on sale for a whopping 72% off at Walmart. Normally retailing for $9, it’s now marked down to just $2 in a tomato and an olive style. If you’re planning a dinner party or just want to bring Mediterranean charm to your everyday meals, be sure to check out the matching dinnerware set!
Better Homes and Gardens Bamboo-Melamine Serving Tray, $2 (was $9) at Walmart Shop at WalmartAvailable in two Mediterranean-inspired designs, this serving tray is a staple for summer hosting. The tomato tray features vibrant red and green hues, while the olive version boasts various green tones with multicolored leaves. Both styles have an earthy green decorative border that ties everything together. Oozing with Italian vibes, this tray will make every gathering and meal feel like a seaside dining experience.
Measuring 15.6 inches long and 10.1 inches wide, this tray offers plenty of room for all your hosting needs. The edges are slightly curved up with about an inch lift, designed to keep your food contained and prevent bits and pieces from spilling over. You can use it to serve finger foods like charcuterie and fresh fruits, desserts like brownies and lemon bars, and anything in between.
This bestselling tray has earned tons of compliments from shoppers who described it as “classy,” “pretty,” and “beautiful.” Whether you’re hosting an al fresco dinner, throwing a pool party, or just having a few friends over, this tray is great for all your summer entertaining needs.
Better Homes and Gardens Bamboo-Melamine Serving Tray, $2 (was $9) at Walmart Shop at WalmartMade of 55% bamboo and 45% melamine, this tray is lightweight and mimics the appearance of ceramic with its glossy texture. Weighing less than a pound, it’s easy to transport and carry around. This bamboo and melamine blend is also sturdier and more durable than ceramic platters. It’s scratch-resistant and shatterproof, which is a safer choice, especially if you have children running around. This serving tray is top-rack dishwasher-safe, making the clean -up process quick and easy.
While a shopper stated that this tray is “perfect for outdoor dining and entertainment,” you may find yourself using it every day. It’s a chic decor piece that you can use to accent your dining table, coffee table, or console to bring a bit of Italian charm to your home.
Shop More Deals- Better Homes and Gardens Faux-Marble Tray, $13 (was $15) at Walmart
- Better Homes and Gardens Serving Bowl, From $2 (was $10) at Walmart
- Better Homes and Gardens Acacia Serving Bowl, $20 (was $28) at Walmart
Elevate all your summer gatherings for just $2 with the Better Homes and Gardens Bamboo-Melamine Serving Tray. Head to Walmart and snag it right now while it’s still in stock, and be sure to hurry because it's flying off the shelves!
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Fans Get a Good Look at Jennifer Aniston's Boyfriend After She Shares Sweet Summer Photos Featuring Some Famous Friends
Summer is like a balm to practically everyone. While there are surely hot-weather haters out there, a lot of us find so much solace in the sunshine and joy in the lightheartedness summer carries with it. Summer's magical impact doesn't just affect children, either; not even celebrities are immune to it.
Recently, Jennifer Aniston blessed fans with a view into her summer via Instagram, and it looks a lot like ours... except for some famous friends, a thriving romance, and one extremely cute pup.
A Rare Glimpse at Jennifer Aniston and Boyfriend Jim Curtis View this post on InstagramAniston's summer so far looks like a dream. In addition to blurry photos of sunsets and moons, she showed off some pretty cute selfies with her hypnotherapist boyfriend of a year, Jim Curtis. The two were linked in summertime last year, around July 2025, and have made a few public appearances together.
"[They are] casually dating and having fun," an anonymous source told People at the time.
The pair were also seen walking around the city, playing with Aniston's dog, Clyde, post-workout, and having lots of dinners with famous friends.
Related: Jennifer Aniston's 'Must-Have' Hair Product at Ulta Is a Game Changer for Tangly Strands
Famous Friends Gather for Aniston's Star-Studded Summer OutingsAniston is seen spending time outdoors with Molly McNearney—a writer, producer, and the wife of Jimmy Kimmel—in what appears to be an accidentally matching outfit. Aniston and Curtis also snapped a photo with filmmaker Will Speck, actress Naomi Watts, and her husband, Billy Crudup, as well asJason Bateman and his actress/producer wife, Amanda Anka.
Aniston appeared to squeeze in some girl time with podcaster Andrea Bendewald, acting teacher and artist Leigh Kilton-Smith, and The Morning Show writer and producer Kristin Hahn. She also posed with celebrity makeup artist Angela Levin and paranormal fiction writer Nancy Banks. Aniston snapped a dinner photo while out with actor Sean Hayes and his husband, composer and music producer Scott Icenogle.
When Aniston is not off gallivanting and soaking up every moment of summer, she is working on the fifth season of her Apple TV+ show, The Morning Show, and is currently developing a remake of the iconic film 9 to 5, written by none other than Diablo Cody herself.
Everyone could probably take a page out of Aniston's summer playbook: Go outside, savor the scenery, pet some cute dogs, hang out with as many friends as possible and make memories with your loved ones.
What Happens to Your Body When You Do Glute Bridges Every Day, Personal Trainers Reveal
Strength training is crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass, but it can be hard to know where to start. Personal trainers generally suggest focusing on the glutes and core to support overall strength and mobility if you're just getting started. One exercise that targets both is the glute bridge.
“A glute bridge is not just a 'butt exercise,' it is hip extension in its simplest form,” explains Dani Singer, CPT, founder of Fit2Go Personal Training. Your glutes’ main job is to drive your hips forward, he says, explaining, “That matters because most people spend a huge part of the day sitting in hip flexion. Then, they stand up and ask their lower back and hamstrings to do work the glutes should be doing.” That can lead to lower back pain, among other things.
Related: What Happens to Your Body When You Do a Plank Every Day, Personal Trainers Reveal
Glute bridges help to teach your body to create force from your glutes while your core keeps your pelvis and spine stable, according to Singer. “Done well, it trains the glutes, hamstrings, deep core and pelvic stabilizers,” he says.
If glute bridges aren’t a regular part of your routine, they should be, according to trainers. But what can happen if you do glute bridges every day? Here’s what experts want you to know, plus how to ensure that your form is helping—not hurting—your fitness goals.
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There are a few things that can happen to your body when you do glute bridges daily. Glute bridges work your glutes, of course, along with hamstrings and stabilizing muscles like your core, explains Albert Matheny, RD, CSCS,co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab. “You’re opening that hip joining angle to 180 degrees with a glute bridge,” he says. “Over time, that leads to mobility improvements.”
Doing daily glute bridges may even help to relieve lower back tension by strengthening your core and glutes (i.e. butt muscles), which help to support your spine, Matheny says, adding, “If you’re doing them every day, you should get stronger."
Related: 5 Oblique-Firing Pilates Moves Instructors Never Skip
Daily glute bridges can also help to give you more body awareness, according toTaylor Beebe, CPT, a personal trainer in California. “That can be extremely helpful in exercises where you want to load your hips and not your knees or lower back,” she says. “You can start to build confidence in the pattern, so that you can start to load it with moderate weight to build strength.”
Learning to activate your glutes can improve how well you squat, lunge, climb stairs, run and hinge, Singer says. “It can also reduce how much your lower back tries to take over during daily movement,” he adds. As a result, you can end up reducing strain on your back over time.
How To Do a Glute BridgeTo do a glute bridge, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, about hip-width apart. “Your heels should be close enough that you could almost touch them with your fingertips,” Singer says.
Brace your abs and slightly tuck your pelvis so your ribs stay down. Then, drive through your heels and midfoot, squeeze your glutes and lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, he explains.
You don’t need to aim to get your hips as high as possible, per Singer. Instead, focus on lifting your hips as high as they can go while your ribs stay down, your core is tight and your glutes can stay activated.
To make sure you’re activating your glutes and quads, keep your knee stacked above your ankle, Beebe says. Also, be mindful of where your lower back is in a glute bridge. It should be neutral (i.e. relatively straight). “If the last few inches come from arching your low back, you went too far,” Singer says.
How Often—and How Long—To Do a Glute BridgeWhen you reach the top of your bridge, try to hold it for two to three seconds before gently lowering yourself back down, Matheny tells Parade. Singer suggests doing two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps of this.
You can also hold the bridge for 20 to 30 seconds, if you can maintain the proper form, Matheny says. Just try to be aware of your body. “A 30-second ugly hold is less useful than 10 clean reps where you actually feel the glutes working,” Singer shares.
Over time, your body will get used to this exercise. “There is a ceiling,” Singer explains. “Bodyweight glute bridges every day will not keep building your glutes forever.” Once you don’t feel challenged anymore, he suggests adding in a resistance band, dumbbell or barbell for extra weight, or taking a longer pause at the top of your bridge.
Up Next:
Sources:- Albert Matheny, RD, CSCS, co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab
- Dani Singer, CPT, founder of Fit2Go Personal Training
- Taylor Beebe, CPT, a personal trainer in California
Fans Outraged After Lil Wayne No-Shows Latest Concert - And That's Not the Worst Part
Lil Wayne's tour was supposed to open last night in Bangor, ME, but in what is quickly becoming a massive scandal, the iconic artist failed to show up. Fans were treated to an extended opening act from 2 Chainz and DJ TLew before the show was abruptly cancelled by Lil Wayne's team, where they blamed the closure on the city of Bangor.
@akinittinikaFUCK @Lil Wayne but all the love to @djtlew and @2 Chainz #bangormaine #mainesavingsampitheater #lilwayne #noshow
♬ original sound - Tinika 🍓"251 shows and this has never happened," Wayne's team said night of, appearing to offset the issue of Lil Wayne not being on time to the failure to receive a curfew extension from the city. Fans were absolutely livid, taking to the comments to express support for those who lost out on the performance.
"Stop buying tickets for artists that don’t respect your time and money. 251 times he’s been late is what he basically said."
"You don't need a curfew extension if the artist shows up on time."
"And he wanted the Super Bowl. Respectfully, unworthy."
Wayne eventually apologized after a tidal wave of backlash, stating: “my Maine fans I’m so sorry… The show is being rescheduled to July 28. Please hold on to your tickets, they will be honored for the rescheduled date.”
The original poster updated everyone in the comments about her situation after the apology was issued:
"UPDATE: Apology issued. Show moved to 7/28. We took the refund. After the Airbnb, gas, and 6 hours of driving for a no-show, we weren’t risking round two. 🤷♀️"
It appears that refunds were only issued AFTER this statement from Lil Wayne. Another fan who attended the concert took to TikTok to share that Ticketmaster was blocking her refund for the concert until an official statement was made by Wayne's team.
@ijustliveheremydudesUPDATE: Got my email to either join the reschedule or get a refund. I’ll take my refund please 🫡 #lilwayne #bangormaine #weezy #ticketmaster
♬ Eine Kleine Nachtmusik 1st movement(996517) - East Valley MusicMore angry fans followed under this post, sharing in a collective frustration the fanbase has for this incident.
"Obviously, Lil Wayne has no respect for the fans. So why should you have respect for him? 🤔"
"So they knew he wasn’t coming during 2 Chainz and refused to tell you. That’s messed up."
"'They moved the date and will honor your ticket' should’ve the first time around, why would people trust the second?!😭"
It's certainly an interesting way to kick off a tour. Hopefully everyone either gets their money back, or gets to attend the re-scheduled show.
Michelle Obama Reveals 2003's 'Elf' is One of Her 'Favorite Movies on the Planet': 'I’m Not Joking!'
For some reason or another, it's always the people you least expect that fall in love with a zany, light-hearted comedy.
Case in point with Michelle Obama's self-professed love of 2003's Elf, the cult favorite holiday film starring Will Ferrell.
On a recent episode of her IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson podcast, the former First Lady confessed her unwavering love for the film when welcoming Ferrell as a guest on the podcast.
"When I tell people Elf is my favorite movie of all time, I’m not joking!" the 62-year-old Obama wrote on Instagram to coincide with the podcast episode's new release (via People). "So for this week’s @imopodcasts, I was especially excited to sit down with Buddy the Elf himself, the one and only Will Ferrell."
On the podcast itself, Obama went on to say that Elf is "my favorite movie on the planet of all time, the only movie that I watch again and again and again."
As most audience members might remember, Elf served as Ferrell's first breakout hit upon exiting Saturday Night Live in the early 2000s, securing his successful transition from NBC's sketch comedy series to the world of mainstream entertainment.
"I left, I'd been there seven years and you know, you always, you know you have to leave at some point," Ferrell explained to Obama. "And it just felt like I'd had enough momentum, but it's not like I had a stack of scripts waiting for me."
"But we were developing this one movie about a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole, and it was an amazing concept, but it needed a lot of work," the Anchorman actor continued. "And so we kind of rewrote the whole thing."
"But it's such an interesting thing to have become what it's become... I had no idea that we had like lightning in a bottle, but we did," Ferrell finished by saying.
1998 Country Classic, Now at Center of Viral Controversy, Has Jo Dee Messina Translating Gen X Slang
Someone on TikTok thought "my accelerator" in a 1998 country classic was a person named Mike Cellerator.
Jo Dee Messina thought that was all caps 'awesome'.
Jo Dee Messina's "Bye Bye" has been one of the most beloved country songs of the last three decades. It went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1998, spent two weeks there, went gold, and has been the soundtrack to countless dramatic exits ever since. If you've ever peeled out of a parking lot after a breakup, this is probably the song playing in your head.
@jodeemessinaReplying to @Gwendy Vanucci Hope this clears things up for everyone😉 @thecryingjoker @Tee #jodeemessina #byebye
♬ original sound - Jo Dee MessinaThis week it's trending on TikTok for a completely different reason. Videos have been blowing up debating one specific lyric. Is it "lead foot," "left foot" or "land my foot" on the accelerator? The debate split listeners almost immediately and almost entirely along generational lines.
Gen X had thoughts.
"We Gen X'ers know exactly what having a lead foot means!!" one commenter wrote. "I'm old enough to have read the lyrics in my CD when it came out," said another. "A true fan knows!" came a third, with the energy of someone defending something genuinely sacred to them.
A lead foot, for the record, is an old-school expression for someone who drives too fast. It's been around since cars were brand spanking new. Gen X learned it from their Boomer parents. Apparently, not everyone got the memo.
The younger fans were working with what they could hear. And what one of them heard was not "my accelerator." What they heard was an entire human name.
Mike Cellerator.
What Is a Lead Foot and Who Is Mike Cellerator?Messina posted a TikTok to address the chaos. "Apparently one of my songs is at the center of a controversy right now," she said. She sang the lyrics to confirm it. Lead foot. She even voted "lead foot" in her own poll. Just to be thorough.
The comments were immediate, passionate and occasionally magnificent.
"Why in the hell would you use your left foot for the accelerator anyway?"
"Lead foot, meaning heavy foot, meaning you're putting your pedal to the metal, meaning you are going FAST!"
"Excuse me Ma'am, but you did nothing to answer the question. People have been listening to you sing that song for 30 years, simply singing it to us again does not solve the issue."
And then someone asked about Mike.
Having heard "my accelerator" as a proper noun and committed fully to the bit, one commenter asked the only logical follow-up: who exactly is Mike Cellerator?
Messina saw it, absolutely lost it, and played along perfectly. "Oh my goodness!!! That's AWESOME!!!! Yeah, Mike was a friend of mine," she replied, with the energy of someone who has been in country music long enough to know that sometimes the fans' lyrics are funnier than the song’s.
Mike Cellerator is not a real person. "My accelerator" is a car part. But the person who misheard it so completely that they invented a full human being with a first name and a surprisingly on-brand last name, which accidentally made the whole debate significantly more entertaining than it would have been otherwise.
The music video, for what it's worth, shows Messina driving a 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible at full speed, leaving someone in a circle of dust. A lead foot, you might say. Maybe Mike was the guy left in the dust?
"Bye Bye" came out in 1998 on Messina's breakthrough album I'm Alright, an era when you learned song lyrics from the booklet inside the CD case. If you had the booklet, you knew. If you're discovering the song on TikTok in 2026 without that booklet, you'll just have to do your best with Google and what you hear. And sometimes what you can hear is a man named Mike Cellerator driving very fast.
Messina has nine No. 1 hits, a new album called Bridges just out, and an influence that stretches from Lainey Wilson to Sierra Ferrell. Right now, though, she's on TikTok translating Gen X slang.
Gen X, as always, already knew.
Cold Stone Creamery's New Cookies 'n' Peanut Butter Ice Cream Taco with Oreo and Reese's
On their own, Reese's and Oreo cookies remain the go-to treat for millions of shoppers across the globe.
Delivering the perfect between chocolate cookie and creme filling (Oreo) and smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter (Reese's), it should hardly come as a surprise that each treat stands as one of the most popular desserts among consumers over the past several decades.
With that in mind, there's no question that, when mixed together, each snack manages to bring out the best in one another, the smooth peanut butter of Reese's pairing remarkably well with the dense chocolate cookies featured in an Oreo.
Taking advantage of that sinfully sweet flavor combination, Cold Stone Creamery has recently revealed that they're bringing out a brand-new Oreo-Reese's ice cream product just in time to celebrate National Ice Cream Month.
According to a new press release from the company, Cold Stone Creamery has officially introduced its new Cookies 'n' Peanut Butter Ice Cream Taco made with Oreo and Reese's to nationwide locations.
A chocolate and peanut butter-centric spin on the classic ice cream taco, the new Cold Stone Creamery dessert Cookies 'n' Peanut Butter Ice Cream wrapped in a waffle taco, coated with chocolate, Oreo cookies and a rich Reese's Peanut Butter Sauce.
"National Ice Cream Month is a meaningful celebration for Cold Stone because it shines a spotlight on what we have the joy of doing every day – creating moments of happiness, connection and celebration for our guests through the ice cream that they love," said Courtney Maxedon, VP of Marketing and Digital Strategy at Kahala Brands, parent company of Cold Stone Creamery.
"From our new Cookies 'n' Peanut Butter Ice Cream Taco made with Oreo and Reese's to exclusive rewards and giveaways, we're making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy sweet moments all month long," Maxedon continued.
As delicious as the new dessert sounds, it's worth noting that the Cookies 'n' Peanut Butter Ice Cream Taco will only be available for a limited time. With that being said, anyone interested in the chocolatey new treat should think about getting their taco serving sooner rather than later!
JCPenney’s 'Lightweight' $7 Cotton-Blend Tank Top Is a 'Cool' Basic for Hot Days That Comes in 11 Colors
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Sweltering summer days call for simple, breathable basics that make getting dressed feel easy-breezy when the temps are at their highest. If you’re looking for a no-fuss top that works for solo wear and layering, JCPenney has a warm-weather staple worth looking at. The A.n.a High Neck Sleeveless Tank Top is designed with airy cotton-blend fabric that helps you stay cool when temperatures climb, and it’s now marked down 65% from $25.
Originally $25, this everyday essential is now just $7 when you use the coupon code STRSPNGL at checkout. It comes in a range of easy-to-wear neutral tones and brights, working across your entire summer wardrobe and beyond.
A.n.a High Neck Sleeveless Tank Top, $7 (was $20) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenneyMade from a soft blend of 58% cotton, 39% Tencel modal, and 3% spandex, this tank top is designed to feel smooth against the skin while offering breathable, flexible stretch that moves with you. The fitted silhouette skims the body for a close but comfortable fit, and the high crew neckline creates a clean, streamlined look that reads slightly more polished than a standard tank. Wide shoulder straps provide secure, comfortable coverage, while fine vertical ribbing adds subtle texture and helps the fabric retain its shape over time. At 24 inches long, it offers a full-length cut that can be worn tucked in or left loose.
The streamlined design makes this tank an easy foundation piece for warm-weather dressing, pairing seamlessly with everything from linen shorts and relaxed denim to tailored trousers and flowy midi skirts. Its simplicity also makes it a strong layering base, working under oversized button-downs, lightweight cardigans, or denim jackets when temperatures drop in the evening. The high neckline also makes it an ideal canvas for jewelry, sitting perfectly beneath layered necklaces, pendant chains, or bold statement pieces that stand out against the clean, minimal silhouette.
The tank top comes in 11 color options, ranging from bold brights to muted tones and classic neutrals, making it easy to find an option based on your style. At just $7, it’s also easy to justify picking up more than just one shade. Sizing is inclusive, with options in misses, petites, and plus categories. Misses and petites run from X-small through XX-large, while plus sizes range from 0X through 5X, offering an accessible fit range across body types.
Shoppers called this tank top their “go-to summer shirt,” highlighting its “cool,” “comfortable,” and “lightweight” feel in reviews. One shopper called the fabric “smooth” and “soft," sharing that “the stretch is comfortable and flattering, and it keeps its shape throughout the day.”
That same reviewer also shared that the tank “washes beautifully,” with “no shrinking" and "no twisting seams.” They said that “it still looks new after multiple wears.”
Shop More Deals- St. John's Bay Scoop Neck Sleeveless Tank Top, $5 (was $10) at JCPenney
- A.n.a U Neck Sleeveless Tank Top, $7 (was $16) at JCPenney
- A.n.a Henley Neck Sleeveless Tank Top, $7 (was $22) at JCPenney
With summer in full swing, the $7 A.n.a High Neck Sleeveless Tank Top is a wardrobe essential you'll want in your closet to beat the heat. Apply the code STRSPNGL at checkout and shop it for 65% off at JCPenney!
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Sandra Lee's USA 250th Apple Pie Has One Unexpected Ingredient
Apple pie may already be one of America's most iconic desserts, but Sandra Lee is giving the classic favorite an adults-only upgrade.
The TV personality and entertaining expert has teamed up with Wheatley American Vodka to celebrate America's upcoming 250th birthday with a collection of apple-inspired recipes, including a vodka-infused deep-dish apple pie, an easy apple dump cake and a pair of apple martinis.
The collaboration also coincides with the release of Wheatley American Vodka's limited-edition USA 250 commemorative bottle, available nationwide for a limited time throughout the summer.
Rather than reinventing familiar favorites, Lee leans into nostalgic flavors with a few spirited additions.
Her standout recipe is a deep-dish apple pie that incorporates pecan-infused vodka into the filling, adding warm, nutty notes to the traditional combination of tart and sweet apples. The pie is finished in a buttery double crust and designed to be served warm.
For anyone looking for something simpler, Lee also created a semi-homemade apple dump cake. The shortcut dessert starts with canned apple pie filling, yellow cake mix and butter, then gets an extra splash of vodka before baking until golden brown.
She also developed two cocktails inspired by classic apple pie flavors:
Apple Pie Martini: Pecan-infused Wheatley Vodka, apple cider, simple syrup and apple pie spice, shaken over ice and garnished with a cinnamon stick.
Fresh Apple Martini: A lighter apple-forward cocktail featuring Wheatley Vodka and fresh apple flavors for a crisp seasonal sip.
Those interested in recreating the pie will need to plan ahead for one key ingredient: Lee's pecan-infused vodka. The infusion combines toasted pecans with Wheatley Vodka and steeps for three to five days before being strained and added to desserts or cocktails.
The recipes will also make appearances during Lee's upcoming state fair events this summer, where she'll demonstrate the vodka-infused apple pie and share entertaining ideas centered around America's milestone anniversary.
Wheatley American Vodka's limited-edition USA 250 bottle is available now for a suggested retail price of $16.99, while supplies last.
Related: Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the U.S.A.' Once Named Billboard's No. 1 July 4 Song
Jodie Sweetin Reveals Why Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Didn't Return for 'Full House' Reboot
Jodie Sweetin says there were no hard feelings involved when her Full House co-stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen turned down the chance to reprise their role in Netflix's Fuller House.
Sweetin, 44, admitted in the Tuesday, June 30, episode of Taboo's Comics & Kicks podcast that while she was disappointed the twins decided not to return as Michelle Tanner after playing the youngest sitcomsister for eight seasons of the iconic '90s show, she understood their choice.
"You know, this isn't what they love," Sweetin said, adding, "I always say this to like people [who are] like, 'Oh my god, did they hate it?' Like, no, everyone's on good terms with them, but they were 8 years old when this show stopped. Then they did all of those movies and all that stuff that I don't know that they really loved doing all the time."
Sweetin continued that Mary-Kate and Ashley, who started acting when they were 9 months old, have a "different relationship" to being on the set of Full House.
"They might not remember being 2 years old and having us all carrying them around and doing this stuff, but I do, you know?" Sweetin said, adding, "And I think that's not their thing. They're into fashion. They don't want attention."
Related: Jodie Sweetin Remembers the Unseen ‘Full House’ Pilot Without Bob Saget
"Their empire blew up and they don't want attention, and I get it," she said of the twins, 40, who retired from acting more than a decade ago to found luxury fashion house The Row. "They had so much and were so invaded and for public consumption. I totally understand why they don't want to do that. But we figured we'd, you know, toss it out there and be silly anyway."
In the Fuller House premiere, the reboot did briefly address Michelle's absence, giving a nod to the Olsens as the Tanners revealed she was away in New York running a fashion empire.
"And then we all just kind of looked to the camera like, 'Uh-huh,'" Sweetin recalled of the meta moment.
1993 Series Finale of Beloved Coming-of-Age Classic Ranked Among 'Best Fourth of July TV Episodes of All Time'
The Wonder Years was one of the most beloved TV shows of the 1980s. The coming-of-age classic aired from 1988 to 1993 on ABC, taking the world back to small town 1970s as it focused on the coming-of-age story of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) and his first love Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar).
After six seasons, the series ended with a look at Kevin and Winnie’s final holiday in their hometown after working summer jobs at a resort.
In the episode, the voice of future Kevin said, “It was the 4th of July in that little suburban town. Somehow, though, things were different. Our past was here, but our future was somewhere else. And we both knew, sooner or later, we had to go. It was the last July I ever spent in that town. The next year, after graduation, I was on my way.”
More than 30 years after The Wonder Years ended its network run, Rolling Stone ranked the series finale, “Independence Day,” as one of the "Best Fourth of July TV Episodes" of all time.
Noting that the Independence Day holiday wasn’t mentioned until the last scene of the two-part finale, Rolling Stone shared, “The finale’s most famous, and powerful moment, comes after, when the two of them return home just in time for the local Fourth of July parade, and the adult Kevin’s voiceover tells us what happens to everyone after."
RELATED: Why TV’s No. 1 Show Didn’t Have a Big Finale
Daniel Stern, the actor who narrated Kevin’s future voice, ended the series by revealing that Winnie soon went to art school in Paris and Kevin married someone else and had a child. A family death was also revealed.
Speaking on Gentry Thomas’ podcast, Stern said he didn’t need any special inspiration to deliver the tearjerker final lines of the series. “I drew inspiration from the script,” he shared. “I believed every word of it.”
The Wonder Years' finale was upsetting for fans who’d hoped Kevin and Winnie would end up together after their long on-and-off relationship.
In 1993, Wonder Years executive producer Bob Brush explained the ending to the beloved series after admitting fan mail suggested viewers were looking for a happily ever after for the childhood sweethearts.
“Some viewers will be surprised that nothing works out the way your fondest wish would be,” he told the Los Angeles Times at the time. “The message I wanted in there is that that’s part of the beauty of life. It’s fine to say, ‘I’d like everything to be just the way it was when I was 15, and I was happy,’ but it seemed more nurturing to me to say that we leave these things behind and we go on to forge new lives for ourselves.”
Legendary ‘70s Band Charts a Brand-New Hit After a Founding Member’s Death
The Village People are mostly known for their hit “Y.M.C.A.” from the ‘70s. However, they are back on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart with one of their newer songs, “Disco Star.” As reported by Forbes, “The cut opens at No. 28 on Billboard's list of the most successful tunes, ranked based on total number of audience impressions via radio stations in the United States that play the softer side of pop music.”
The news comes after the death of Victor Willis, the band’s frontman who co-wrote classic hits like “Y.M.C.A.” and “In the Navy.” Willis, who passed away on June 30, would have turned 75 yesterday, on July 1.
The music video for “Disco Star” was released only three weeks ago. Many viewers have been expressing their love for Willis in the comments, encouraging him to rest in peace.
Of course, others are simply celebrating the new music. As one fan said, “Fantastic to see Village People releasing new material and this song totally has that late 1970s disco sound to it, pretty much sounding as if it were an unreleased track off their very first album from 1977 featuring ‘San Francisco.’ I totally dig it!”
The upbeat song has lyrics like: “Anyone can be a disco star, all you need to know is who you are. You'll be shining bright all day and night, everywhere. Show them that you care.”
Related: 1981 Classic Dance Club Hit Was Written by a Band Member Who Quit After It Climbed the Charts
Although the biggest hit from the Village People was released in 1978, the band has had success throughout recent years. Their most recent hit, “Goddess of Love,” was released in 2024. It climbed to No. 20 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Their other songs on the chart were “If You Believe” in 2020, which peaked at No. 25, and “Magic Christmas” in 2022, which peaked at No. 13.
Only last month, the Village People released a compilation album that includes some of their biggest songs called Block Party: Village People. It includes “Citizens of the World,” “Village People,” “In the Navy,” “San Francisco (You’ve Got Me),” “I Wanna Shake Your Hand," and “Y.M.C.A.”
1969 Melancholy Folk Track Never Charted for Its Writer—Then a Different Music Icon Turned It Into a Phenomenon
One of the most iconic songs of the late 1960s was never a Billboard hit for the artist who wrote it. Instead, it became a smash after another set of musicians recorded it.
John Denver penned "Leaving on a Jet Plane" in 1966. At the time, he was a fledgling singer and songwriter who was traveling when an idea came to him for a song.
Songfacts reported that Denver sat in a Washington airport during a layover when the idea came to him for "Babe I've Got to Go." He was quoted as saying about the song, "It's not so much from feeling that way for someone, but from the longing of having someone to love."
Denver first promoted the song by sending copies of it to his friends as Christmas presents in 1966. It was his producer, Mel Okun, who convinced the songwriter to change the title to “Leaving on a Jet Plane” one year later.
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That same year, the Chad Mitchell Trio, with which Denver performed, recorded the song. It was also covered by Spanky & Our Gang and Peter, Paul, and Mary.
Despite being recorded three times, the Peter, Paul, and Mary version would become synonymous with the song. According to the Billboard Database, they reached No. 1 in 1969 with the song, their first and only chart-topper.
Denver said of the song's success, per Songfacts, "This is a very personal and very special song for me. It doesn't conjure up Boeing 707s or 747s for me as much as it does the simple scenes of leaving."
"Bags packed and standing by the front door, taxi pulling up in the early morning hours, the sound of a door closing behind you, and the thought of leaving someone that you care for very much. I was fortunate to have Peter, Paul, and Mary record it and have it become a hit, but it still strikes a lonely and anguished chord in me, because the separation continues, although not so long and not so often nowadays."
While Peter, Paul, and Mary introduced the song to millions of listeners, Denver's connection to the classic has endured. Today, it stands as one of the earliest examples of the songwriting talent that would define his legendary career.
Why Weird Al Yankovic Turned Down a 'Nice Pile of Money' to Appear in an AI Ad
"Weird Al" Yankovic turned down a "nice pile of money" after learning that a commercial he had agreed to film was for an artificial intelligence company.
The Grammy-winning artist, 66, told Syracuse.com in an interview published on Monday, June 29, that he is "not a fan of AI."
"I was offered this commercial before the tour," said Yankovic, who is currently on his Bigger & Weirder tour. "I’m not going to mention any names, but they told me it was for a business. It was business software that would increase productivity. And they offered me a nice pile of money. I said, ‘Oh well, yeah, sure, I could do that.'"
He continued, "And then a week before we’re supposed to shoot it, I find out, oh, this is, it’s AI. And I thought, ‘Oh no, I can’t be the poster boy for AI, forget it.’ So I felt bad about kind of pulling out at the last minute. But yeah, I’m not, I’m not down with that."
Artificial intelligence continues to spark heated debate in Hollywood, with SAG-AFTRA members recently ratifying a four-year contract that would allow producers at major studios to use AI performers only if they bring "significant additional value" compared to a live actor or actor’s digital avatar.
The new contract builds on SAG-AFTRA's successful push in 2023 that prevents studios from using actors' AI replicas without their consent and without payment.
Yankovic has built his career on creative parodies of popular songs, with his Bigger & Weirder tour celebrating some of his biggest hits, including "My Bologna" and "Eat It."
During an April appearance onJimmy Kimmel Live!, Yankovic admitted that he still gets approached by celebrities asking him to parody their work.
“Every now and then I’ll be at a party, and somebody will come up to me [asking], 'When are you gonna get around to doing one of my songs?'" he told host Jimmy Kimmel. "[They're] really offended that I haven’t gotten around to it."
2002 Pop Rock Hit With an ‘Insanely Catchy Chorus’ Became the Artist’s 2nd Highest-Ranking Single
Like so many of the songs penned for her debut album, The Spirit Room, singer-songwriter Michelle Branch wrote the hit single "All You Wanted" about heartbreak. Of the track, she said, "I feel like everybody wants to find someone who you feel understood by and will be there to catch you when you fall, and that's what 'All You Wanted' is about."
Branch wrote "All You Wanted" alongside producer John Shanks. Shanks was known at the time for collaborating with singers like Kelly Clarkson and Sheryl Crow.
Released on January 7, 2002, "All You Wanted" became a Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking at No. 6 on the chart. This would be the highest Branch would chart, aside from the song with Santana "The Game of Love," in which she provided the lead vocals. "The Game of Love" reached No. 5 on the Hot 100.
Critical reception of "All You Wanted" was predominantly positive. IGN reviewed the song saying, "The lyrics, while not the deepest, are not simple or cheesy by any means. The song features some nice guitar work and again, an insanely catchy chorus." "All You Wanted" was also called "recognizable," "amazing," and "a teen fairytale worth believing in" by various critics upon its 2002 release.
The music video of the song depicted Branch entering a club and singing to her fictional boyfriend while everyone else around them stays frozen. Branch sings to her love interest, assuming he can't hear her. Later they end up on a bus and he doesn't sit next to her like she hopes he will, and when they exit the bus, everything freezes again. Branch begins singing to her boyfriend again but then notices his watch is still moving, meaning he isn't frozen and can still hear what she's singing.
The music video was nominated for two MTV video awards, though it won neither.
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Related: 2001 Pop Rock Hit Has One of the ‘Greatest Choruses of the 21st Century’
2000 'Masterpiece,' Told in Reverse, Named Best Psychological Thriller of All Time
A good psychological thriller keeps the audience on the edge of its seat, creating tension and conflict through its characters' mental and emotional states. The lines between reality and insanity are blurred, while paranoia, obsession, and distorted perceptions create an unsettling narrative that makes viewers feel as though it's happening to them.
A new ranking names the greatest psychological thriller of all time: a mind-bending film told partially in reverse, leaving audiences to piece together the story just as its main character does. It's a bold, groundbreaking movie that helped put The Odysseydirector Christopher Nolan on the map.
Why Memento Is Considered the Greatest Psychological Thriller EverReleased in 2000, Memento was written and directed by then-up-and-coming filmmaker Christopher Nolan. The low-budget thriller stars Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, a man suffering from short-term memory loss while searching for his wife's killer. The film was immediately recognized by audiences and critics alike for its innovative dual timeline structure. Now, Memento is being hailed as the greatest psychological thriller of all time. Here's why:
“Conversations about psychological revenge thrillers can never possibly be complete without talking about Memento. Well before he sat on the throne of Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking, Christopher Nolan was but an up-and-coming indie filmmaker, and Memento was the masterpiece that truly put him on the map. As one of those rare thriller movies without any flaws, it's no wonder why it's still referred to by many as Nolan's best movie to date.
What's not to praise about this absolute masterpiece? Nolan's reverse-chronological writing is some of the best of his career, his airtight direction is every bit as admirable, Guy Pearce's lead performance is criminally underrated, and the structure of the film is challenging without ever feeling confusing. Endlessly rewatchable and emotionally engrossing, Memento is the peak of what the psychological thriller genre has had to offer over the course of the last three decades.”
Related: 1968 Western With an 11-Minute Intro Was Just Named the Greatest Movie Opening of All Time
The Reverse Timeline That Changed Modern FilmmakingKey to the film's critical acclaim is its dual timeline structure, with one storyline unfolding in reverse chronological order while the other progresses linearly. The reverse timeline places the audience in the same position as Leonard, who is trying to track down his wife's killer despite being unable to form new memories. The result is a cinematic puzzle that forces viewers to actively separate truth from deception.
How Memento Launched Christopher Nolan's Career @therealrebornpicturesPatience is a virtue in filmmaking. From rejection to Oscar nomination, this is the Memento story. #filmmaking #Memento #ChristopherNolan #IndieFilm #Persistence
♬ original sound - Reborn Pictures - Reborn PicturesMemento quickly became a cult classic and established Christopher Nolan as a rule-breaking filmmaker willing to challenge traditional storytelling while still crafting a gripping, coherent narrative. The film remains a rare psychological thriller that immerses the audience in its protagonist's fractured perspective, forcing viewers to question everything they've seen in real time.
Twenty-six years after its release, Memento continues to define the psychological thriller genre and inspire filmmakers around the world. If there were ever a movie made for repeat viewings, Memento is it.
Walmart’s $4 Cotton-Linen Top Is a 'Lightweight,' Budget-Friendly Basic for Scorching Summer Days
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Have an upcoming vacation? Then you're probably in the midst of curating the perfect wardrobe. Thanks to our favorite retailers like Walmart, Amazon and Target, you can find a slew of amazing summer clothing deals that you won’t want to miss. We currently have our eye on lightweight fabrics, like cotton and linen, with Walmart's Fatuov Linen Button-Up Shirt being sold for up to 60% off right now.
The top initially cost $10, but has been reduced to as low as four dollars in the hot pink hue during a limited-time clearance sale. You can purchase the shirt in 33 colors spanning from a bright blue to army green to a classic beige, with 31 of those colors currently on sale for a maximum price of $9. The available sizes range from small to 2XL, and customers said that it runs slightly large, so make sure to consult the available size guide and fit predictor for best results.
Fatuov Linen Button-Up Shirt, $4 (was $5) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe design features a standard button-up closure, turn down collar, long sleeves, and a rounded hem. The sleeves can easily be cuffed, depending on your style preference. The piece falls below the waist, serving a relaxed and oversized look that's effortlessly chic. The shirt is made from 60% cotton and 40% linen, and it's machine washable according to the care instruction label.
Fatuov Linen Button-Up Shirt, $4 (was $5) at Walmart Shop at WalmartWe love that this shirt is extremely versatile, so it can be worn in casual, elevated, and professional settings. You can use it as a cover up for your bathing suit on vacation, as a sleek top to a work meeting, or sport it at your friend’s outdoor barbecue. Shoppers described the shirt as "perfect," "beautiful," "lightweight," "great for traveling," "well-made," and "very comfortable."
"The texture of the material is fabulous," another reviewer wrote. Other shoppers said that the piece is ideal for summer because it's breathable and "super cute" to wear with shorts, linen pants, and skirts. If the top gets a bit wrinkly, just know that customers ironed it with no issues. Due to the incredibly affordable price, you can even add a few colors to your daily wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Shop More Deals- Sakugi Clothes Rack, $47 (was $80) at Walmart
- Cate & Chloe Corina Hoop Earrings, $17 (was $93) at Walmart
- Oneach Retro Floor Lamp, $54 (was $120) at Walmart
You don't have to spend a fortune to stock up on seasonal clothing. This bestselling linen button-up shirt is what your closet is missing. Add it to your online Walmart cart while it's as little as $4.
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1981 Classic Dance Club Hit Was Written by a Band Member Who Quit After It Climbed the Charts
“Just Can’t Get Enough” was a dance song by Depeche Mode that was recorded during sessions for their debut album, Speak & Spell. The album, which was released in 1981, made it into the book, All Time Top 1,000 Albums, from Guinness Publishing.
Vince Clarke, who wrote the song when he was only 20, was inspired by "To Cut a Long Story Short" by an English band called Spandau Ballet. "It was the first time I was actually impressed by a rhythm that went 'boom-thwack, boom-thwack,'" Clarke told Rolling Stone in 2000. "It was the first time I discovered dance music for myself, and to write a song around the rhythm was quite a revelation for me. 'Just Can't Get Enough' came out of that.”
Clarke left the band the same year that the album was released, even though it was a success. “Just Can’t Get Enough” made it onto the UK Singles Chart and the US Hot Dance Club Play chart, encouraging several other band members to quit their day jobs or drop out of college to pursue music full-time.
When speaking about how different the band sounds now, he toldSongfacts, “Martin Gore [who took over as the songwriter once Clarke left] writes in a different way than I do, so that's obviously the main difference. And they've developed this kind of a rock feel to their music. I'm more a fan of pop music, or I'm more of a fan of writing pop music, that's the most difference, I guess.”
Related: 1967 Soft Rock Song, Which Was a No. 1 Hit for Four Weeks, Was Written in 20 Minutes
Vocalist Dave Gahan also spoke about the creation of the song and the album as a whole in an interview with Q magazine. “That’s the only album where the songs had already been performed for a year and a half beforehand, and we went into the studio and recorded them as we would live,” he said. “I think Daniel [Miller, their record label boss] saw us as a cross between the Ramones and the Beach Boys, in an electronic way – fast and short with really simple riffs. We were courted by major labels and were very suspicious of signing a deal that meant five albums. We’d come from that punk ethic: we just wanted to make a single. Daniel came along, and that’s all he really had the money to do, so it kind of worked. We wanted to keep in control. We never thought much beyond the next single and playing some gigs. That time was brilliant.”
“Just Can’t Get Enough” was used in popular commercials for The Gap. It was also included on shows like Glee and Gossip Girl. The official music video, which is the only one to feature Clarke, has over 109 million views with comments like: “Everyone went crazy when this song played at dance clubs in the '80s! Great memories!”