Parade

Married at First Sight star Jessica Castro is speaking out following the death of her ex-husband, Ryan de Nino.

“I have not had contact with Ryan in years so I have/had no idea what his life entailed,” Castro told Page Six after news of his death broke on Friday, Aug. 14.

“However, I do send my sincerest condolences to his family during this very difficult time,” she continued. “I can not imagine what they are going through. May he rest peacefully.”

TMZ was first to report the news of de Nino’s death at age 40. A family member told the outlet that the former reality star died suddenly earlier this week in New Jersey.

The family is not releasing details about the circumstances surrounding his death at this time.

De Nino and Castro appeared on season 2 of Married at First Sight in 2015. The reality series features couples who are paired by relationship experts and agree to marry when they first meet.

At the time, de Nino was a 29-year-old businessman, while Castro was a 30-year-old receptionist. The pair agreed to marry after meeting for the very first time at the altar.

The couple decided to stay together on the show’s Decision Day, but their relationship ultimately ended in divorce.

In June 2015, de Nino took to social media with a cropped photo of a restraining order filed by Castro, noting that it “disgusted” him.

At the time, The New York Post reported that Castro had filed court papers in 2015 claiming that de Nino had allegedly made death threats against her and her family.

In the wake of de Nino’s death, his sister, Melissa, shared a heartbreaking tribute to him on social media.

“Ryan was so damn funny and witty. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved. He had a huge heart, always. I can’t explain what it’s like to lose a sibling,” she wrote. “Someone who’s been there from the beginning and shares the same memories. No matter what we were going through, I loved him immensely. Life as I know it will never be the same.”

While Don McLean‘s 1971 hit “American Pie” may have been inspired by a tragedy, it’s usually viewed as a celebratory or patriotic song, played during the Fourth of July, weddings, and funerals.

In a 2022 interview with The Project, McLean, now 80, acknowledged that penning “American Pie” was a way of expressing his emotions about the 1959 plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Jiles Perry Richardson Jr., better known as The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. McLean explained that he was a massive fan of Holly, who died when he was 22, and his passing impacted him as a young teenager.

“My guy was Buddy Holly. I really related to his music, but all of a sudden one day, I opened the papers. And there I see that this plane crash had happened. And I mean, it really rocked me,” said McLean during the 2022 interview.

He also said that “American Pie” is a commentary on historical events throughout the ’60s, specifically the Vietnam War and John F. Kennedy‘s 1963 assassination.

“I now was moving into the realm of really growing as a songwriter and thinking I want to do something that captures everything that I had been experiencing in these 10 years. And these good things and bad things that were happening, the fractured insane nature of America, also the greatness of America,” said the musician.

He also clarified that he couldn’t provide a “clear-cut” explanation of all of the song’s lyrics. McLean explained that he wants younger listeners to start researching the tune’s many references.

“I think the good part about it is that it gets a young person thinking about ‘What was that Vietnam thing? About, ‘Well that Kennedy thing was terrible.’ ‘Oh yeah, who was Buddy Holly? Who was Ritchie Valens? I think I’ll go listen to some of that music.’ Ah, I’ve got you,” said McLean while speaking to The Project.

During the Project interview, McLean referenced that “American Pie” became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in early 1972 and said he didn’t expect the song to be so successful. In addition, he said he was glad “American Pie” was his biggest hit, as he couldn’t handle being in the limelight.

“It was a very unsettling experience for me. I am very, very happy that I didn’t have to live at that level of success because I wasn’t cut out for it. When you’re famous, you don’t earn friendship, everybody wants to be your friend,” said McLean.

A beloved Disney classic from 1951 is celebrating a major milestone, and fans are getting some very nostalgic new merchandise to mark the occasion.

Alice in Wonderland is turning 75 this year, and Disney is celebrating the animated favorite with a new anniversary collection debuting as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The merchandise will also be available to shop online through Disney Store beginning Monday, Aug. 17, at 8 a.m. PT, while supplies last.

The collection takes inspiration from one of the movie’s most memorable scenes: Alice’s very unusual game of croquet with the Queen of Hearts. Several of the new pieces feature the characters’ flamingo mallets and hedgehog balls, giving the anniversary merchandise a playful Wonderland twist.

Among the new items is an Alice in Wonderland 75th Anniversary Fashion Top, along with a coordinating zip jacket, ear headband, bow hair clip, crossbody bag and wristlet. There’s also a 75th anniversary mug featuring a pink flamingo handle inspired by the movie’s famously chaotic croquet match.

Collectors have plenty of options, too. The collection includes an Alice in Wonderland 75th Anniversary Artisan Plush Doll, while Disney Wishables are getting a shimmer-themed mystery plush series featuring five possible characters.

Fans looking for something a little more understated can also find several anniversary pieces from Cakeworthy, including a vintage-inspired T-shirt, denim jacket and sweatshirt featuring characters and imagery from Wonderland.

The Alice in Wonderland collection is part of Disney’s larger Fanniversary Frenzy celebration at D23, which spotlights 10 beloved Disney stories reaching milestone anniversaries in 2026.

Fans who aren’t attending D23 won’t have to miss out on the new merchandise. Select products featured at the event will be available on DisneyStore.com beginning Aug. 17 at 8 a.m. PT, while supplies last.

RELATED: Disney’s New Mickey Family Halloween Collection Is Made for Summerween

Chocolatarians such as myself recently had reason to rejoice when Costco brought back their beloved Kirkland Signature chocolate chips. But Costco said, “hold my beer (cheese),” because their new Chicken Sandwiches on Pretzel Buns have arrived.

The latest addition to Costco’s prepared foods section is basically everything you want from a grab-and-go sandwich, tucked inside a soft, golden pretzel bun. The Kirkland Signature Chicken Sandwiches on Pretzel Buns come with sliced deli-style chicken, Swiss cheese, Cheddar and lettuce, along with a packet of Dijon mayonnaise for dipping or spreading.

Each tray comes with six sandwiches and typically costs around $12 to $15, depending on the location. That makes them an especially tempting option when you need to feed a few people without assembling an entire sandwich bar yourself.

Costco fans are already buzzing about the new addition online. Instagram account @Costcohotfinds shared a video review, calling the sandwich “absolutely stacked” with sliced chicken and adding that Costco “nailed it with this one.” The comments section quickly filled with excitement, too. “Looks like these will be for lunch at work next week!” one commenter wrote, while another praised the sandwich’s breakfast potential, and a third simply gushed, “OMG I love the pretzel bread!”

The timing also seems perfect. With summer winding down and busy schedules picking back up, having a tray of sandwiches waiting in the refrigerator could be the difference between an easy meal and scrambling to figure out dinner. And while Costco has plenty of prepared meals that require heating, these sandwiches have another advantage: they’re ready to eat whenever hunger strikes.

So whether you’re packing lunch, feeding the family after a busy day or simply don’t feel like cooking, Costco may have just given its prepared-foods section another reason to make a stop at the warehouse. Pretzel buns, two kinds of cheese and plenty of chicken? Costco, you had me at pretzel.

Hayden Christensen is being defended by fans after cruel comments about how he’s aging.

The actor, 45, who is best known for his role as Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, hit the red carpet at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at “D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event” this week in Anaheim, Calif. The star is returning as Anakin Skywalker, the iconic role he played in the Star Wars prequels and the TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi, in Star Wars: Ahsoka. While Christensen looked extremely handsome on the red carpet during the appearance, a new video making the rounds on social media proved to be like catnip for Internet trolls who wanted to throw out mean comments about aging.

Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

In a sweet interview with MTV UK, Christensen opened up about the TV shows he loves to watch with his young daughter, Briar Rose, whom he shares with ex Rachel Bilson. But the touching point of the video was overlooked by critics, who came with cruel comments about how Christensen looks.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

In the comments, fans were quick to point out that aging is just a natural part of life.

“All the comments of aging… He is just getting older. Spoiler alert: People do age and die, but you can have the best life over 40. and 50. and 60,” one person said.

“Everyone saying he’s aged a lot… yeah… like a fine wine,” another person chimed in.

“I hate judgemental people. He seems like a nice, down to earth guy. It’s a privilege to age!” another person said.

“Aging and death is coming for us all, just a reminder to everyone confused or upset by someone’s looks changing over decades,” someone else noted.

“not y’all bullying him AGAIN! Leave him alone!!” a fan said.

The first trailer for the new season of Star Wars: Ahsoka premiered Friday at D23 in Anaheim. Season 2 continues the story of Ahsoka Tano, played by Rosario Dawson, and her extraordinary journey beyond the known galaxy.

“As Ahsoka and her Jedi apprentice Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) travel across a mysterious and perilous world to find their way home, their friends must face the powerful Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and his sinister allies, who seek to plunge the New Republic into war,” a description reads, according to Deadline.

Check out the trailer below:

Related: Rachel Bilson Shares Rare Photo of Briar Rose, Her Daughter with Ex Hayden Christensen

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

With 10 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and spots in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame under her belt, it sure doesn’t seem like Dolly Parton rests. But what she does know needs to rest is food. Not every dish needs to be stirred every five seconds, and some of the best things in the kitchen take a little time to simmer, bake, or reduce. 

While you wait, though, your tools need somewhere to rest — and that’s where the charming Dolly Parton 2-Piece Acacia Wood Spatula and Spoon Rest Set comes in. At just $15, it gives you a useful place to park your cooking utensils without leaving sauce, batter, or other messes directly on the counter. 

Courtesy of Walmart

This “adorable” set makes a “beautiful addition” to any kitchen, sharing the same whimsical floral-and-butterfly artwork. The silicone spatula with an acacia wood handle measures approximately 9.3 inches long by 3.7 inches wide, making it a practical size for everything from mixing and folding to scraping down the sides of a bowl. The stoneware spoon rest measures 3.5 by 9.3 inches to keep messy spoons, tongs, and turners from landing directly on your countertop, stovetop, or table. 

The artwork is what makes these pieces especially fun. The white base of the rest is covered with a mosaic-style arrangement of oversized flowers and butterflies, featuring a prominent pink-and-red rose alongside layered blue blooms and leafy green accents. The flowers have a tiled, almost jewel-like appearance, with individual sections of the petals and leaves broken into small geometric shapes, giving the illustration plenty of dimension. On the handle, a printing of Dolly Parton’s signature completes the piece.

• Dolly Parton Plastic 4-Piece Cutting Mat Set, $9 at Walmart
• Dolly Parton 9-Piece Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Set, $10 at Walmart
• Dolly Parton Stainless Steel Whisk, $9 at Walmart

Even the spatula gets in on the theme, with a blue flower near the base of the head and the cheerful message “Leave something good in every day” printed above it. It’s made of heat-resistant silicone that can handle everyday cooking and baking tasks, whether you’re stirring batter, scraping the last bit of sauce from a jar, folding ingredients, or flipping pancakes.

Related: Dolly Parton’s ‘Super Cute’ $10 Kitchen Find Brings the Singer’s Iconic Big Hair Right to Your Countertop

Bring a little Dolly-approved country charm to your kitchen and shop the Dolly Parton 2-Piece Acacia Wood Spatula and Spoon Rest Set for $15 at Walmart today!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

When it comes to outfitting your kitchen with cookware essentials, it’s a good idea to start with the pieces you’ll use most. And while it might be tempting to go all in on a shiny new multipiece set, there’s a lot more charm and satisfaction to be had from building your collection one purposeful piece at a time. 

Take the Tramontina 7-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven, for example. Currently finding its way into Sam’s Club warehouses as we speak, this newest iteration of the classic cookware staple features a gorgeous fluted exterior that puts it a step above your average Dutch oven. And with a price tag of just $39.98, you’re effectively unlocking an elegant mealtime workhorse that can handle the same recipes any skillet, saucepan or casserole dish ever could.

😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔

Spotted this week by @samsclublovers, who promptly shared the news with shoppers online, the Tramontina 7-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven is only just starting to make its way into stores, with no online listing to be found just yet. Truly a gem worth heading to your local for this weekend, it comes with a $10 discount off its original price, making it an absolute steal at just $40.

Depending on availability, you can expect to find three colors in stock, including cranberry, pink and green, all featuring dark pastel hues with either stainless steel or gold knobs attached to their self-basting lids. Each one is made of heavy-grade cast iron, offers superior heat retention and can do everything from slow-cooking savory soups, stews and sauces to baking breads and casseroles, searing ingredients or slow braising meats.

Related: Aldi’s Retro-Chic 2-Tier Fruit Bowl Doubles as an Elegant Centerpiece

“These Tramontina Dutch ovens are GORGEOUS,” @samsclublovers captioned their post. “Such beautiful colors for fall and the holidays.”

With a new season ahead full of cozy, autumnal vibes, this elegant fluted Dutch oven certainly makes a worthy investment for any first-time home cook’s collection or an upgrade for a seasoned pro’s kitchen. Best of all, it’s compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and oven-safe up to 450°F, leaving you with plenty of opportunity to experiment with one-pot recipes, savory sauces, hearty casseroles and fresh-baked breads alike.

Head to your local as soon as you can and try to snag your favorite color before they’re all gone. And while you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for Member’s Mark Assorted Halloween-Shaped Chocolates and ready-made Beef Pot Roast for a couple of seasonal bites to enjoy.

Related: Hobby Lobby’s Quaint 3-Tier Wood Shelf Brings Farmhouse Charm to Small Spaces

The Bangles got a career-changing song from one of the biggest names in music, but they had no idea just how far it would take them. Prince’s “Manic Monday” became their first major hit in 1986.

The band got their start in Los Angeles in 1981, right in the middle of the city’s Paisley Underground scene. The music took a lot of inspiration from ’60s psychedelic and folk-rock, particularly the ringing guitars and layered harmonies that defined those sounds. 

After releasing All Over the Place in 1984, The Bangles started getting noticed by some bigger names, including Cyndi Lauper, who invited them to open for her on the Fun Tour. Prince was also familiar with The Bangles by this point. He had occasionally shown up at their shows and was a fan of their music. 

Around the same time, he had been working with Apollonia 6, the girl group he assembled in the early 1980s. He wrote “Manic Monday” under the pseudonym Christopher and recorded a demo for the group, but it was never released by them.

Prince eventually offered the song to The Bangles. In a 1989 interview with MTV, drummer Debbi Peterson recalled how the opportunity came about.

“[Prince] really liked our first album,” she recalled to MTV UK in 1989. “He liked the song ‘Hero Takes a Fall,’ which is a great compliment because we liked his music. He contacted us, and said, ‘I’ve got a couple of songs for you. I’d like to know if you’re interested,’ and of course, we were.”

Prince’s appearances at the band’s shows had already made an impression on the group. Guitarist Vicki Peterson later remembered the surprise of hearing that he wanted to join them onstage.

“We’d get a note from the tour manager — ‘Prince is here and would love to play with you.’ It was like, ‘What? Here, take my guitar, please!’”

When Prince sent over his demo of “Manic Monday,” The Bangles decided not to copy his version. Instead, they reworked the arrangement to fit their own sound. “Normally, people were happy to take his tracks, because he’s Prince. But we wanted to do the song our own way,” Vicki told Guitar World.

Their version became the first single from their 1986 album Different Light and quickly became their breakthrough hit. “Manic Monday” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, with Prince’s own “Kiss” sitting at No. 1 and keeping The Bangles from the top spot.

The success of “Manic Monday” helped propel Different Light into the upper reaches of the charts and gave The Bangles their first taste of major pop success.

Later that year, they followed it with “Walk Like an Egyptian,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and cemented the group’s place among the biggest pop acts of the 1980s.

Related: 1958 Country Song, Written by the Louvin Brothers, Turned an Aspiring Singer’s Career Around

If there’s one song that captures the excitement of reunion, it’s “The Boys Are Back in Town.”

Released by Thin Lizzy in 1976, the swaggering anthem featured frontman Phil Lynott, who was 26 years old when the single arrived. Although it was almost left off the band’s breakthrough album, the song went on to become Thin Lizzy’s signature hit and one of the defining rock recordings of the decade.

Ironically, the band didn’t initially believe the track would become a standout.

The members of Thin Lizzy were surprised when their management insisted that “The Boys Are Back in Town” be included on Jailbreak and released as a single.

“‘It doesn’t sound finished, but there’s something I really like about this,'” guitarist Scott Gorham later recalled of manager Chris O’Donnell’s initial reaction to the song. “‘I like the groove and where it’s going. How about you put that song in and take one of the songs on your original list out?’ We thought, ‘Well, let’s do that, because there’s at least one vote for the song.'”

The decision proved inspired, as Lynott’s vivid storytelling, paired with the band’s twin-guitar attack, created a song that immediately connected with listeners.

The single became Thin Lizzy’s long-awaited commercial breakthrough.

“The Boys Are Back in Town” climbed to No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, giving the Irish rockers their biggest international hit. Its success also helped propel Jailbreak to become one of the band’s most celebrated albums and introduced Thin Lizzy to a worldwide audience.

“I mean, okay, the band’s breaking,” Lynott, who died in 1986, told NME in 1976. “It’s not that important that we break as fast as we’re breaking. It’s never been that important to me. It’s the quality of the breaking. If we break with quality we’ll last like all them bands that are me heroes. Like The Who. That band’s great. It’s got integrity and that’s why it works.”

Over the years, the song has become inseparable from the band’s legacy.

Its instantly recognizable guitar harmonies, unforgettable chorus, and Lynott’s charismatic vocal have made it a fixture of classic rock radio for decades. The track has also appeared in countless films, television series, commercials, and sporting events, ensuring that new generations continue to discover it.

For Lynott, it remains one of the defining performances of his career.

Already respected as one of rock’s finest songwriters and frontmen, the Dublin-born musician combined sharp lyrical observations with an effortless sense of cool that helped elevate “The Boys Are Back in Town” into something far greater than a simple party anthem. It has since become one of the most celebrated songs in the history of Irish rock.

“Phil just had a gift for music and melodies, and he had the gift of writing songs that sounded wise – that sounded as if they were being sung by a man,” Gorham told Classic Rock. “No matter what kind of song he was singing, it sounded like the truth.”

Fifty years after its release, “The Boys Are Back in Town” continues to unite audiences with its infectious energy and unforgettable hooks. Featuring a 26 year-old Phil Lynott at the microphone, the 1976 classic remains the song that defined Thin Lizzy and secured its place in rock history.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Became a Generational No. 1 Hit

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Stocking up on wardrobe basics is always a smart move, especially when those pieces are deeply discounted. T-Shirts are staples that work well year-round, whether you’re sporting them solo on a hot day or layering them beneath a cardigan or jacket when it cools down. The trick is finding something that’s both affordable and built to last.

Thousands of shoppers have found a stylish option in the EyMuse T-Shirt Set. Available in an assortment of color combinations ranging from sizes small to XXL, the set is currently marked down from its usual $20 to just $13 at Amazon. There’s plenty of variety, including neutral hues, bright shades, and stripes.

Courtesy of Amazon

Reviewers said they swear by these shirts when they want something that looks a bit more elevated than the average tee. They have a soft, fluid drape with a straight hem and a slightly loose fit. The distinctive V-neckline’s overlapping trim lends the top a blouse-like vibe and puts a more polished spin on the overall look.

While these shirts are anything but ordinary, they’re just as versatile as any standard T-shirt. The difference is that they’ll dress up more casual looks, so you can feel a bit more pulled together whether you’re stepping out in jeans and sandals or layering the top beneath a structured blazer. 

Related: Shoppers ‘Walked 15+ Miles’ in Skechers’ Pain-Free Sneakers With Podiatrist-Certified Insoles

The shirts are made from a blend of polyester and rayon, with a hint of spandex added for stretch. Shoppers noted the material is substantial instead of thin, and one person commented that it’s “so comfortable it allows you to breathe” even on the hottest days. Another customer added that the shirts are “very soft” and look “expensive.”

• Ododos Buttery Lounge Leggings, $20 (was $25) at Amazon
• Hanes Full-Zip Hoodie, $17 (was $26) at Amazon
• Nike Run Swift 3 Road Running Shoes, $56 (was $85) at Amazon

If your usual tops are feeling a bit tired, adding the EyMuse T-Shirt Set to your wardrobe could be exactly the refresh you need. With so many varieties and a flattering fit, they’re a laid-back yet classy choice that can upgrade any outfit. Pick up your favorite pair on sale for just $13!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Shannon Elizabeth is opening up about the financial struggles that followed her early Hollywood success, and how an unexpected new chapter changed everything.

The American Pie actress revealed that she spent much of the last decade relying on her savings before launching an OnlyFans account earlier this year, a move she says has completely transformed her financial outlook. 

“For the last ten years I’ve been living off of my savings for the most part because I haven’t been as focused on work,” Elizabeth, 52, told Variety in an August 13 interview. “To be able to get myself back to the point where I’m not struggling and am able to choose projects because I like them and not because I need the money — it’s definitely giving me more freedom to do that.” 

According to People, Elizabeth earned more than seven figures during her first week on the platform, despite not posting full nudity. 

Getty

The pivot is especially notable because Elizabeth has long spoken about setting boundaries throughout her career. In a separate interview with The New York Times, she said she believed she was blackballed after refusing to film a scene in Thirteen Ghosts that would have required her to go topless. She also alleged that producer Harvey Weinstein threatened her career after the two had a falling out, allegations Weinstein has denied. 

Elizabeth said launching OnlyFans came during another major life change.

“I was going through a divorce here in South Africa and was chatting to my manager Joe about what’s next and how to restart things in my life,” she told Variety. “I had really neglected a lot of things… and I thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” 

People previously reported that Elizabeth officially launched her OnlyFans account on April 16 — the same day she quietly filed for divorce from Simon Borchert, whom she married in 2021. 

Elizabeth has also described the platform as a chance to reclaim control after years of feeling that Hollywood dictated her public image.

“I’ve spent my entire career working in Hollywood, where other people controlled the narrative and the outcome of my career,” she previously told People. “This new chapter is about changing that, showing off a more sexy side no one has seen, and being closer to my fans.” 

The actress became a household name as Nadia in 1999’s American Pie before appearing in Scary Movie, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Thirteen Ghosts and Love Actually.

In 1967, The Cyrkle had already scored two major hits, toured with The Beatles and found themselves under the management of Brian Epstein. But before the decade was over, the group recorded one more unusual project that would eventually become one of the more elusive entries in its catalog.

The Cyrkle’s long-sought 1967 soundtrack will be reissued Oct. 2 through Sundazed Music, newly sourced from the original master reels and expanded with bonus material. The release will be available on white vinyl and CD, with both editions accompanied by a DVD of the original The Minx feature film.

The expanded edition contains 20 tracks, including alternate and film versions of “Squeeze Play,” “Murray The Why” and “Nicole,” as well as “Baxter’s Dangerous Game,” “Terry’s Escape,” “Kites” and an alternate instrumental version of “Something Special.” It also features extensive liner notes examining the unusual story behind the project.

The Cyrkle’s rise had happened remarkably quickly.

Originally known as the Rhondells, the group was managed by Epstein, the legendary manager of The Beatles. John Lennon is credited with suggesting the distinctive spelling of the band’s new name, The Cyrkle.

Then came “Red Rubber Ball.”

Written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley of The Seekers, the song became The Cyrkle’s breakthrough in 1966, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band followed it with “Turn-Down Day,” which reached No. 16, and landed an enviable assignment that summer: opening for The Beatles during their final U.S. tour.

By 1967, however, The Cyrkle were beginning to push beyond the polished pop sound that had made them stars.

Recorded in mid-to-late 1967, The Minx was created as the soundtrack for an independent film of the same name. The project gave the group room to experiment with psychedelia, instrumental passages and more adventurous arrangements while retaining the three-part harmonies that had become one of its signatures.

“Squeeze Play” opens both the film and soundtrack, while “Murray The Why,” “Nicole,” “It’s A Lovely Game Louise” and the vocal version of “The Minx” show the group exploring considerably different territory from “Red Rubber Ball.”

Although recorded in 1967, the soundtrack wasn’t originally released until 1970, after the film’s arrival. It subsequently became a sought-after collector’s item, particularly among beat collectors and DJs.

Part of the album’s mystique came from the movie it accompanied.

Its suggestive title and marketing, including the provocative tagline “The Minx is exactly what you think she is,” helped create a reputation that outgrew the film itself. The movie was originally conceived as a comparatively conventional B-movie before nude material was added to court controversy.

Meanwhile, the soundtrack gradually found another audience. Its grooves contained breaks that attracted DJs and collectors, helping turn original copies into increasingly desirable finds.

The record has surfaced through reissues over the years, including a 2003 Sundazed CD and a later vinyl edition, but the new release brings The Minx back once again with its 20-track expanded program and the feature film presented alongside it.

It also captures a fascinating transitional moment for The Cyrkle.

Following the group, members Tom Dawes and Don Dannemann moved into advertising music, where both enjoyed successful careers writing commercial music and jingles. But The Minx preserves the pair, and The Cyrkle, at the tail end of the band’s original run, experimenting with what its sound could become.

The Minx will be released Oct. 2 on white vinyl and CD via Sundazed Music.

Related: ’70s Rocker Nicknamed ‘Captain Outrageous,’ Who Became a Renowned Surgeon, Turns 78

For more than a decade, Bumble stood out from the competition for one simple reason: Women had to make the first move.

Now, that’s changing.

On Tuesday, August 11 Bumble announced that it’s ending its signature “women message first” rule, allowing anyone to send the first message after a match. The dating app is also extending the response window from 24 hours to 72 hours, giving users more time to start a conversation.

The change marks one of the biggest shifts in Bumble’s history, but not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea.

Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd said the update reflects what users have been asking for.

“While women making the first move was a radical idea, being women-first was never about prescribing just one way to connect,” Wolfe Herd said in a statement. “Today, our community is asking for more flexibility, less pressure and more opportunities to create real, meaningful connections.”

The company says the decision was driven by user feedback. According to Bumble, 66% of more than 2,200 U.S. women the app surveyed in 2024 said they actually preferred receiving the first message from a man. A separate 2025 survey also found that nearly two-thirds of dating app users said they feel more confident when they have more choice over how conversations begin.

The move also comes as dating apps face slowing growth.

According to Bumble’s latest quarterly earnings report, the company reported a 15% decline in revenue year over year and a 16.4% drop in paying users. Rival Match Group, the parent company of Tinder, Hinge and Match.com, also reported softer overall revenue, though Hinge continued to grow, per a USA Today report.

The announcement quickly sparked debate online, with many longtime Bumble users questioning whether the app has lost the very feature that made it different.
But users on Reddit argued that requiring women to initiate conversations was Bumble’s defining characteristic.

“What differentiates Bumble from any other app now?” asked one commenter on Reddit.

Losing your differentiating factor that allowed you to service a niche as the best product in a massive industry will also hurt your app long term.

“But okay. Bumble will now become slop where men don’t message and women don’t message so nobody meets and uninstalls. Why use it over hinge or tinder which are both superior depending on what you want?” slammed another on Reddit.

Stephen King fans are getting an unusually comprehensive look at the legendary author’s career with a new book examining the stories that have made him one of the most influential names in horror.

The Art and Craft of Stephen King arrives Sept. 15, 2026, offering what is billed as the first complete examination of King’s generation-defining body of work.

The hardcover book, priced at $60, takes readers behind the scenes of King’s, 78, sprawling creative universe, exploring his novels and novellas alongside their film and television adaptations.

That means longtime fans can expect a deep dive into the stories they have been reading and watching for decades, from King’s most recognizable horror classics to the adaptations that brought his work to new audiences.

The book looks at more than just the finished stories. It examines the creative process behind King’s work and the ways his ideas have evolved from the page to the screen.

King has spent more than five decades building a career that has produced some of the most recognizable titles in modern popular culture. His books have inspired movies and television series ranging from Carrie and The Shining to It, Misery, The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile.

That enormous body of work makes The Art and Craft of Stephen King particularly appealing for fans who have wondered how some of his most famous stories came together, and how filmmakers have interpreted them over the years.

With its Sept. 15 release date, the book also arrives just as Halloween season gets underway, making it a timely addition to the shelves of anyone planning a spooky fall reading list.

RELATED: 1965 James Brown Rock Hit ‘I Got You’ Became a Timeless Classic

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is more common than you might think. Data shows it affects up to 8% of the U.S. population, and women and older people are more likely to develop it. Endocrinologists diagnose the condition when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones to allow the body to function properly.

“For some quick background, the thyroid produces two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4),” explains Dr. Diana Zhao, MD, an endocrinologist at Hoag. “T3 is the active hormone, and T4 is the hormone in inactive storage form.”

Balancing thyroid hormone levels is crucial. “Thyroid hormones support body functions, including metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, digestion and temperature, so when those hormones are out of balance, it can cause fatigue, weight gain and/or cold intolerance,” Dr. Zhao adds.

The good news is that patients often do well on thyroid medications. “The most common thyroid medication is levothyroxine, which is a synthetic form of the T4 hormone,” Dr. Zhao says. “Another common one is liothyronine, which is a synthetic version of T3. There are multiple brand names and generic versions of each medication type.”

However, the effectiveness of thyroid medications also depends on what else you put in your body—including supplements.

“Your thyroid medication needs to be absorbed in your gut to function properly,” says Dr. Victoria Finn, MD, a board-certified physician with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a labfinder.com contributor. “However, this process is very sensitive to the presence of other substances in your digestive system at the same time.”

One common—and sometimes necessary—supplement can interfere with thyroid medications. For this reason, endocrinologists are begging people to stop taking this supplement with thyroid medications.

🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊

Endocrinologists advise against taking calcium with thyroid medication because it can reduce effectiveness and absorption.

“Calcium interferes with your body’s ability to absorb thyroid medication,” Dr. Zhao warns. “This happens because calcium can bind to the thyroid medication in the stomach and intestines before it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, so it makes it harder for your body to use it.”

Consequently, Dr. Zhao says that less hormone will reach your thyroid. She reports that it can “lead to persistently low thyroid hormone levels, even if you’re taking your medication exactly as prescribed.”

Specifically, taking calcium within two hours (sometimes less) of levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid can disrupt the gastric pH the medication requires for optimal absorption, says Dr. Chhaya Makhija, MD, DipABLM, a triple board-certified endocrinologist and the CEO and founder of Unified Endocrine & Diabetes Care, California.

“In clinical practice, we commonly see patients whose thyroid levels had previously been well controlled suddenly develop an elevated TSH after starting calcium supplements or antacids,” Dr. Makhija says. “The issue is often not the thyroid medication itself or calcium by itself, but rather impaired absorption caused by taking calcium too close to levothyroxine.”

Dr. Finn says warning signs you aren’t absorbing your thyroid medication may include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Feeling cold
• Difficulty concentrating

Related: The Morning Habit That’s Actually Making You More Tired by Noon, According to Endocrinologists

Make no mistake: Calcium is vital to your well-being, especially bone health. “In general, adults require approximately 1,000 mg of calcium daily from food and supplements combined, while postmenopausal women require approximately 1,200 mg daily, ideally in divided doses,” Dr. Makhija says. “Individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery, gastric bypass or have other causes of hypocalcemia may have different calcium requirements.”

Dr. Makhija recommends a food-first approach to calcium intake and says good sources include:

• Dairy products (cow’s milk, yogurt and cheese)
• Fortified plant-based milk and yogurt
• Beans
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Leafy greens, like kale and broccoli

“If dietary intake remains inadequate, calcium supplementation may then be considered,” Dr. Makhija says.

Related: The ‘Healthy’ Milk That Might Sabotage Calcium Absorption

You can take calcium supplements and thyroid medications, but you’ll want to be mindful of timing. Dr. Finn recommends spacing calcium supplements and thyroid medication by at least four hours.

“This timing allows your body sufficient time to absorb the thyroid medication before calcium is introduced,” Dr. Finn says. “Additionally, taking your thyroid medication on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning with plain water, is also very important for proper absorption.”

Also, it’s worth noting calcium isn’t the only over-the-counter supplement that can interfere with thyroid medications—and some common medications may, too.

“Iron supplements and antacids can interfere with thyroid medication in the same way that calcium does,” Dr. Zhao reports. “To ensure you’re taking your thyroid medication as safely and efficiently as possible, make sure to discuss any and all supplements you’re taking with your physician.”

Up Next:

Related: The ‘Healthy’ Supplement That’s Secretly Destroying Your Energy

• Dr. Victoria Finn, MD, a board-certified physician with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a labfinder.com contributor
• Dr. Diana Zhao, MD, an endocrinologist at Hoag
• Dr. Chhaya Makhija, MD, DipABLM, a triple board certified endocrinologist and the CEO and founder of Unified Endocrine & Diabetes Care, California
• Epidemiology, Types, Causes, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Hypothyroidism. Cureus.
• Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements.

Kelly Ripa finally revealed the reason she had to undergo a painful gum graft surgery, and it’s a habit that tons of people are doing.

Ripa was absent from the July 27 episode of Live With Kelly and Mark, and her husband, Mark Consuelos, shared that she was undergoing a painful gum graft surgery.

“Kelly sends her love,” Consuelos, 55, shared, PEOPLE reported. “Kelly had a little bit — well, it’s not a little — she had a gum graft surgery.” 

But in a new episode of her Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast, which was recorded before the surgery, Ripa revealed the common reason that she had to undergo the surgery. She is “an over-brusher,” Ripa shared.

“I brush my teeth too much. It’s a good-bad habit,” she shared. “But I’ve caused gum recession down here specifically, and so they have gotta re-gum my gums.”

 The host went on to say that she wouldn’t be “allowed to talk for ten days” after the procedure.

When Consuelos shared that Ripa would be undergoing gum graft surgery, he noted that Ripa had been advised to undergo the surgery by her dentist several years ago. However, she finally decided to buckle down and have it done.

“Her dentist said five years ago, ‘You can do it in about five years,’ “ Consuelos continued. “And she joked, ‘I didn’t think I’d still be on the air in five years!’ ”

While Ripa is “doing well” and “doing great,” she’s not allowed to speak while she recovers.

“Wow. That’s got to be the hardest thing she’s ever done,” Jonas laughed.

Consuelos also noted that Ripa is experiencing significant pain as she navigates the recovery process.

“Yeah, it’s painful,” he said. “But she famously doesn’t feel pain. When she goes into the dentist, she doesn’t use the novocaine. But this one hurts, so I know it’s bad.”

Gilbert Flores / Getty Images

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

While Ripa stayed at home to recover for a week, a lineup of substitute hosts hit the studio alongside Consuelos. Kevin Jonas, Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon, and Scott Foley stepped in while she recovered.

Also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery, gum graft surgery is a treatment to cover exposed tooth root surfaces, according to the University of Texas at San Antonio. Receding gums are usually caused by periodontal disease resulting from heavy tartar buildup.

Related: Kelly Ripa Underwent a Painful Surgery Before Missing Monday’s ‘Live’

Brad Pitt is known for delivering award-winning performances on screen, but when it comes to watching other people act, he admits he’s surprisingly hard to impress.

During a wide-ranging interview with Esquire published on Monday, August 10, the Oscar winner made an unexpected confession while discussing professional soccer players who exaggerate fouls during games.

“I’m gonna start a class for flopping, because these guys are terrible,” Pitt joked, criticizing the over-the-top performances. “It’s some of the worst acting I’ve ever seen.”

Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Images

The conversation eventually turned to another type of performance entirely.

“Bad acting drives me crazy,” Pitt said. “It’s why I can’t watch porn.”

Offhand remark aside, Pitt certainly knows a thing or two about great performances. The Hollywood star won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2020 for his role in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, adding to a career that has included acclaimed performances in films like Fight Club, Moneyball, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Thelma & Louise.

And despite previously suggesting he was entering the “last leg” of his career, Pitt has hardly slowed down.

Per Esquire, the actor returns to theaters Sept. 25 in Heart of the Beast, an action thriller that follows a Special Forces officer and his loyal military dog as they fight to survive after a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness. He’ll also reprise his fan-favorite character Cliff Booth in The Adventures of Cliff Booth, arriving in theaters later this year.

When Blondie started recording Parallel Lines in 1978, they were still mostly known as a New York punk and New Wave band. During those sessions, they recorded “Heart of Glass,” a disco-inspired song that became their first No. 1 hit in the U.S. and helped turn them into pop stars. 

Debbie Harry and Chris Stein wrote “Heart of Glass” years before it became a sensation. Harry later recalled that it was one of Blondie’s earliest songs, dating back to the mid-1970s. 

“‘Heart Of Glass’ was one of the first songs Blondie wrote,” Harry told The Guardian. “But it was years before we recorded it properly. We’d tried it as a ballad, as reggae, but it never quite worked. At that point, it had no title. We just called it ‘The Disco Song’.”

The band had already released several singles, including “In the Flesh,” “Denis” and “Hanging on the Telephone,” but none had really made them major stars in the U.S. That began to change with the release of Parallel Lines in September 1978, which became Blondie’s breakthrough album. 

The disco sound was a bit of a left turn for the band. Disco was huge at the time, but it wasn’t exactly what Blondie’s downtown New York crowd was into. 

“When we did ‘Heart of Glass’, it wasn’t cool in our social set to play disco,” Harry recalled in her book Making Tracks. “But we did it because we wanted to be uncool. A lot of people we’d hung out and been close friends with on the scene for years said we’d sold out by doing a disco song.” 

Several months later, in early 1979, “Heart of Glass” was released as a single and took the band to an even bigger audience. The song became Blondie’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also reaching No. 1 in the U.K. and Canada and topping charts in Australia, Germany and several other countries. 

Despite the track’s emotional lyrics, Harry said it wasn’t about a specific relationship. “The lyrics weren’t about anyone,” she said. “They were just a plaintive moan about lost love.” 

Blondie kept the momentum going with Eat to the Beat in 1979, another successful album that mixed pop, punk, New Wave and disco. The band continued scoring major hits into the early 1980s with songs including “Call Me,” “The Tide Is High” and “Rapture.”

However, by 1982, tensions within the group and health problems involving Stein contributed to Blondie breaking up. 

Harry had already begun pursuing a solo career, releasing her debut album, KooKoo, in 1981 while Blondie was still together. She went on to release several more solo albums and scored hits of her own, including “French Kissin’ in the USA.” 

Blondie reunited in the late 1990s and got back to making music and touring.

Related: 1958 Country Song, Written by the Louvin Brothers, Turned an Aspiring Singer’s Career Around

Tess Harper was 32 years old and had never appeared in a film when she landed the role that would define her career. It happened almost by chance: a casting director working on Tender Mercies caught Harper in a local TV commercial while passing through Dallas, and that single spot was enough to get her an audition with director Bruce Beresford. He didn’t need much convincing. She was cast as Rosa Lee, the young widow who falls for Robert Duvall’s washed-up country singer, in what became her feature film debut.

As they say, the rest is history. Duvall won the Oscar for Best Actor for the role, and Harper earned a Golden Globe nomination of her own for Best Supporting Actress. She didn’t take home the award, but the film launched her career practically overnight.

Today, Harper is marking her 76th birthday, more than four decades after that first big break opposite Duvall changed the course of her life.

Since then, she’s built one of the more enduring character-actress careers in Hollywood. She followed Tender Mercies with steady work throughout the 1980s, including Amityville 3-D, Silkwood and Flashpoint, and picked up a second major honor in 1986 with an Academy Award nomination for Crimes of the Heart.

Harper went on to play Fairlight Spencer on the CBS series Christy, then spent several seasons as a recurring cast member on Early Edition. In 2007, she joined the Screen Actors Guild Award-winning ensemble of No Country for Old Men, and the following year took on one of her most recognizable modern roles as Jesse Pinkman’s mother on Breaking Bad, later reprising the part in El Camino. Her television work alone spans decades, from Murder, She Wrote and L.A. Law in the ’80s to Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds in more recent years.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

As summer starts to wind down and temperatures slowly begin to dip, it’s time to dig out your favorite lightweight layering pieces from the back of your closet. If you’re looking for a cute but cozy staple that you can easily throw on during transitional weather, Walmart has a bestselling fashion find on sale for up to 65% off. The Avia Active Knit Hoodie is comfortable and lightweight, making it ideal for everything from cool late-summer nights to crisp fall mornings.  

Available in sizes extra small to 3XL, the stylish sweatshirt is currently available for as low as $7, down from $20, in the black soot color. It also comes in black lapis, fleur pink, and taupe fog styles, making it easy to find an option that best suits your personal style.  

Courtesy of Walmart

Crafted from a polyester-rayon-spandex knit blend, this performance hoodie is buttery soft, breathable, and made to effortlessly move with you throughout your day. It has an easy pullover design with a lined hood and a drawstring tie that you can tighten or loosen to your preferred fit. The banded hem hits at the waist and features two side slits that enhances ventilation and allows for more flexibility, whether you’re working out, running errands, or just lounging at home. 

The sleek hoodie has a clean, minimalist look and a midweight construction that’s perfect for layering, even in warm weather months. Throw it on over shorts and a T-shirt during cool late-summer nights, or tie it around your waist as an effortlessly chic finishing touch to any casual look. Once fall arrives, you can also pair it with jeans and boots or leggings and sneakers. 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Soft’ and ‘Comfortable’ Summer Lounge Set Is Perfect for Errands, Walks, and Travel  

The bestselling sweatshirt has earned plenty of high praise from Walmart shoppers. “Great on-the-go hoodie,” one reviewer wrote, also adding that it’s “light and cozy” and “the fabric doesn’t pill.” Another praised its “super soft” feel, while a third buyer said it’s “cute” and has a flattering length that’s “not too long.”

• Shine Up Fleece Hoodie, $24 (was $36) at Walmart
• Fantaslook Waffle Knit Hoodie, From $17 (was $31) at Walmart
• Neleus Hooded Athletic Jacket, $20 (was $36) at Walmart

With four versatile colors to choose from and a lightweight yet cozy feel, this stylish knit hoodie is an easy and affordable layering piece to help you navigate the changing weather. And for as low as $7, you can even pick up it in multiple shades for the price of one. Snag it while it’s still on sale at Walmart. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.