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Finding a cute, breezy summer dress for just $10 is already a win, but it’s even better when it’s a Walmart bestseller and has built-in pockets. The Time and Tru Tie Waist Mini Dress is currently 50% off, down from $20, and comes in three pretty colors: black soot, crisp clover, and rustic red, with sizes ranging from extra small to XXXL.

The dress is made from a 52% cotton and 48% viscose blend with a simple pullover design. It features a sweetheart neckline, short flutter sleeves, and an elasticized waist with a drawstring tie, so you can cinch it for a more custom fit. It also has two side-seam pockets that are perfect for small essentials, and it’s machine washable for easy care.

Time and Tru Tie-Waist Mini Dress With Flutter Sleeves, $10 (was $20) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

At half off, this is a very easy way to add another warm-weather outfit to your rotation without spending much. The cotton-blend fabric and flutter sleeves make it a great choice for hot days, while the adjustable waist adds a little more shape to the silhouette. The sweetheart neckline also gives the casual mini a slightly dressier touch, so it can work for more than just errands.

Shoppers have called the dress “so cute” and “lightweight,” with many praising its “soft” and “very comfortable” fabric. Several people also shared that the size they chose “fits perfectly,” and one reviewer even said it’s “perfect for postpartum and nursing.”

Related: Skechers’ Strappy Sandals Are ‘Extremely Comfortable and Supportive’ for Wide Feet, and They’re 56% Off

Not only is this dress easy to throw on, but it’s also a breeze to pair with a variety of shoes and accessories. You could wear it with flat sandals, a woven bag, and dainty jewelry for the rest of the summer, or throw on white sneakers for a more casual look. And as the weather starts cooling down, you could even add a denim jacket or cardigan and swap sandals for boots. 

Shop More Deals

• Time and Tru Empire Waist Mini Dress, From $8 (was $20) at Walmart
• Time and Tru Cinched Waist Mini Dress, $9 (was $18) at Walmart
• Time and Tru Smocked Sleeveless Mini Dress, From $8 (was $23) at Walmart

The Time and Tru Tie Waist Mini Dress offers a lot for its $10 sale price, especially if you want something you can wear now into early fall. With its adjustable fit, easy-care fabric, and versatile style, this is definitely the kind of inexpensive piece that’ll get plenty of use. Be sure to snag your favorite color while it’s still 50% off at Walmart.

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

These days, sweatpants are a far more acceptable thing to wear beyond lounging at home or going to the gym. A staple for both the classroom and your next flight, a good pair of sweats is just as much a fashion statement today as it is a reliable, soft and comfortable fit. 

If there’s one brand taking sweatpants to new heights, however, it’s Uniqlo, whose beloved Wide Sweatpants are considered by some to be the “ultimate bottoms for any occasion.” Currently on sale for just $40, they’re perfectly priced for back-to-school and worth snatching up in every color.

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Wide Sweatpants, $39.90 at Uniqlo

Uniqlo

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Featuring a crisp, supple cotton-blend fabric with a designer look, Uniqlo’s Wide Sweatpants are a step above the typical department-store sweats. Their roomy, flowy fit provides an oversized look without the hassle of baggy hems dragging on the ground, with integrated ankle drawstrings to keep excess fabric in place. Whether you’re going for a loose, casual fit or a straight-leg silhouette, these pants make it all possible. 

Complete with an elastic waistband, adjustable drawstring and four pockets, these pants are truly designed to keep you comfortable and looking sharp without sacrificing practicality. Their polyester-cotton blend also feels soft enough for hours of wear, whether you’re bed-rotting at home, running errands or going to class. Just beware: Once you try them out for the first time, you’ll find every excuse to live in them from then on out.

Related: Old Navy’s $22 Men’s Staple Is a ‘Comfortable, Durable and Affordable’ Upgrade

Shoppers Can’t Get Enough

Uniqlo

In the reviews, shoppers spared no words in praising Uniqlo’s Wide Sweatpants. One fan wrote, “Words cannot describe how exceptional this clothing item is.” They went on to explain that “Not only do these sweatpants feel super comfortable, they also give me the perfect amount of room,” calling them “the ultimate bottoms for any occasion.”

Another shopper called them the “best sweatpants ever” and pointed out their perfect fit, “especially for a shorter guy.”

A third fan described them as “Lowkey nice and comfy,” also giving them their back-to-school stamp of approval because they are “cool, calm and collected.”

While the sale lasts, you can expect to find sizes XS through XXXL in dark gray, gray, black, beige, dark green and navy. If your preferred color or size isn’t available online, don’t write them off just yet. Try the store locator to see if your local store has them in stock, especially since these sweats are a year-round Uniqlo favorite and are likely to be restocked.

Like what you see? Don’t miss out on Uniqlo’s Cashmere Sweater and Flannel Shirt, two cozy fall layers that pair perfectly with your new Wide Sweatpants.

Related: Old Navy’s ‘Very Stylish’ $40 Men’s Staple Is a ‘Perfect’ Layer for Fall

Christy Knowings — best known for her role in Nickelodeon’s All That in the 1990s — has died at the age of 46.

The former child star suffered an asthma attack that left her with brain damage, TMZ reported on Thursday, August 13. According to the outlet, Knowings was hospitalized on Friday, August 7, and placed on life support. She died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital.

Knowings joined the hit sketch comedy series during its fourth season. She performed alongside stars like Danny Tamberelli, Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, and Amanda Bynes for three seasons before exiting in 2000. she’s perhaps best remembered for her role as Winter Wonders — a spoof of Summer Sanders — from the What Do You Do? parody of Figure It Out.

Following her time on Nickelodeon, Knowings had a recurring role on Sesame Street alongside her twin brother, Chris Knowings, from 2008 to 2011.

Your next burger run could be getting a whole lot closer.

Shake Shack is opening 11 new restaurants throughout August, with locations spanning the country from California all the way to Florida. The expansion is already well underway, with two new Shacks already open in Elk Grove, California, (August 5) and Albany, New York, (August 6).

Four more locations opened on August 12. Those restaurants are located in Highland Village, Texas, La Quinta, California, Parker, Colorado, and Sterling, Virginia. The Sterling restaurant is also the state’s first location to feature a drive-thru.

More Shake Shack locations are opening this month

Five more cities are still on the August schedule, per USA Today. Before the month is over, Shake Shack plans to open restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Doral and Orlando, Florida, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Tucson, Arizona.

READ MORE: Buc-ee’s Announces 15 New Store Locations: Is One Opening Near You?

The rapid expansion is part of a much bigger growth plan for the chain. Shake Shack aims to operate at least 1,500 restaurants, meaning plenty more burgers could be headed your way in the years ahead.

Shake Shack also has a brand-new menu

The chain recently rolled out its West Coast Menu nationwide, bringing California-inspired flavors to customers across the country and competing with another fan-favorite chain burger chain, In-N-Out.

The main feature is a West Coast Burger, made with a quarter-pound Angus beef patty, American cheese, caramelized onions, honey mustard pickles and secret sauce (sound familiar?).

There’s also a West Coast Chicken sandwich featuring white-meat chicken breast, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream and onion sauce on a potato bun. Rounding out the lineup are West Coast Loaded Fries, which pile melted cheddar and American cheeses, caramelized onions, and secret sauce onto the chain’s signature crinkle-cut fries.

So even if one of the 11 new restaurants isn’t opening near you this month, at least there’s something new to order at your local Shack.

Related: This State Is Getting Its First Buc-ee’s Next Week and It’s Bringing Major Changes to the Area

Get ready to swap your morning breakfast tacos for warm, buttery croissants—without ever having to deal with a layover.

If you are based in Central Texas and have been dreaming of a European getaway, your travel plans just got incredibly easy. Beginning March 27, 2027, Delta Air Lines is officially launching Austin’s first-ever nonstop flight to Paris-Charles de Gaulle. This massive milestone makes Delta the only U.S. airline to offer direct, transatlantic service from Austin to Europe, bringing the City of Light right to your doorstep.

The new route will operate daily during the summer season, giving travelers a seamless way to stroll along the Seine, explore world-renowned museums, and soak up the vibrant café culture that makes Paris so iconic.

Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Trip to the South of France With a Single Carry-On

A Major Milestone for Texas Travelers

Delta

For Delta, this new route is all about matching the explosive growth and global energy of Austin itself.

“Austin’s growth continues to create new opportunities for customers, and Delta is proud to grow alongside it,” said Joe Esposito, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Delta. “Launching Austin’s first nonstop service to Paris is a defining milestone, but it’s just one part of our broader investment in the region. From expanded domestic flying to strong international connectivity through our partnership with Air France-KLM, we’re making it easier than ever for customers to connect from Central Texas to destinations around the world.”

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson echoed the excitement, highlighting how this direct link unites two incredibly vibrant cities.

“Delta has been a catalyst in Austin’s emergence as a global destination, and its new nonstop service to Paris is the latest example of its commitment to connecting our city with the world,” Watson shared. “Austin and Paris are united by a spirit of culture, creativity, and discovery, and this new route will bring our communities closer together while creating new opportunities for people to experience all that makes our city special. We’re grateful for Delta’s continued investment in Austin and its role in helping our city shine on the global stage.”

Related: Rick Steves’ Top Rule for Avoiding Crowds at Europe’s Tourist Attractions

Your Ticket to the Rest of the World

Delta

While a direct flight to Paris is a dream come true, the real magic of this new route is what happens after you land. Paris serves as a massive international hub, and through Delta’s joint venture partnership with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic, Central Texas travelers will unlock one-stop access to nearly 70 destinations across the globe.

Instead of dealing with multiple messy domestic layovers, you can fly direct to Paris and easily hop on a connecting flight to European hotspots like Rome, Barcelona, Copenhagen, and Florence. The network even opens up breezy connections to Mumbai and Delhi in India, as well as bucket-list African destinations like Casablanca and Marrakech.

Once you actually hop on board, the inflight experience feels like a treat in itself. Delta is using its flagship Airbus A330-900neo for the route, meaning you have plenty of ways to ride in comfort. If you’re in a treat-yourself mood, you can splurge on Delta One for a fully lie-flat seat with your own privacy door. Prefer a little extra legroom? Premium Select gives you wider seats to stretch out. And even if you’re hanging out in Main Cabin or Comfort+, you’ll get cozy memory-foam seats and over 1,000 hours of movies and shows to binge-watch across the pond.

Related: How I Pack for a 2-Week Europe Trip With a Single Carry-On

More Nonstop Flights Are Coming to Austin

The new Paris route isn’t the only exciting travel upgrade coming out of Central Texas. Delta is rolling out a major expansion at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, giving locals way more options for their next getaway.

If you’re planning a trip closer to home, daily direct flights to San Diego kick off April 12, 2027—making quick West Coast beach trips so much easier. That same day, Delta is adding a second daily flight to San Jose for quick Silicon Valley trips. Plus, if you’re dreaming of a tropical vacation, the airline’s popular nonstop route to Cancún is expanding from a winter-only perk to a year-round option.

Throw in a brand-new, larger Delta Sky Club on the horizon, and getting out of town from Austin is about to get a whole lot smoother.

Related: Delta and Starbucks Are Bringing Back a Fan-Favorite SkyMiles Perk—Plus a Secret Menu Drink

For the entirety of the 21st century, I’ve been a loyal and passionate fan of what I refer to as the “big three” of CBS reality TV: Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race. And, while the trio of shows has remained largely on an island from one another (one quite literally), their paths on the air have occasionally converged. Over 26 years, I’ve seen entire Amazing Race casts filled with all-stars from the other two series. I’ve watched an Amazing Race standout play Survivor twice and make it to the Final Three in both of her seasons. I’ve even seen a Survivor legend make history inside the walls of the Big Brother house, showcasing how she can still wheel and deal while enjoying the comfort of a soft grey robe.

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Despite all those previous instances, however, this summer feels different. Granted, Big Brother has dipped their toes in the waters of reality crossover casting in the past, between Amazing Race alumni Jackie Ibarra and Jeff Weldon in Season 17 and the above-referenced Cirie Fields in Season 25. But the streams crossed in a major way on Night 1 of Big Brother 28. Time-travel exploits gave three reality “icons” the opening to enter the game: Big Brother 26 star Angela Murray, Survivor 45 winner Dee Valladares, and Survivor: Edge of Extinction fan-favorite Rick Devens. Not to mention that the “newbie” cast had its own unscripted veteran in the form of Jason De Puy, AKA two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor Salina EsTitties.

To say the five weeks of Big Brother 28 so far have been run through the icons would be an understatement. While Jason would get his game blown up almost immediately, leading to a Week 3 eviction, he was undoubtedly a star of his 24 days in the house. And many argue that Dee and Devens are playing the best games of the entire season, finding themselves surprisingly out of the line of fire, two of only four people who haven’t touched the block so far. Understandably, Big Brother purists have been up in arms about the presence of standouts from other shows in the house. But I’m here to tell you not only why I think they’ve been an essential part of the season, but how it may be a sign of where things could go moving forward.

Related: Meet the ‘Big Brother’ Season 28 Cast — Including the Surprising Reality TV All-Stars!

Crossover casting is bringing brand-new types of gameplay… Dee and Devens pulled off the first blindside of the season, leaving their own allies — as seen here with Haley Thogmartin — stunned

Courtesy of CBS

In his intro package for the season, Devens told his son that he heard Big Brother was “Survivor in a house.” But, despite the two shows coming on the air within a couple of months of one another, that couldn’t be further from the truth. True, both games involve winning and acquiring power, as well as brokering alliances to vote out your competition in pursuit of a life-changing amount of money. But that’s about where the similarities end.

You can certainly succeed on Survivor by slowplaying and being conservative, but nowadays “big moves” and blindsides have become the meta of the game. Big Brother, on the other hand, to quote a Survivor winner, is won in the margins. With a whole week between eliminations, countless alliances are created and destroyed, plans made and broken amidst the heavy, heavy amounts of downtime. If you make an endgame run in the house, you’re typically playing three times as long as you would be on the island. To use a phrase that’s been uttered many times over the years, Survivor is a sprint, and Big Brother is a marathon.

That said, all three of these reality TV veterans have hit the ground running. Jason came in hot, looking to rile up the newbies and turn them on to the icons. And while his scheming was immediately outed to said icons, in the first step towards his eventual walk out the door, it was an important presence needed, one to remind the other players that if they give these vets an inch, they could take a mile-long walk all the way to the end.

And that certainly has been the case so far. Dee and Devens have largely stood above the swirl of chaos and conflict on Big Brother 28 so far, keeping their hands relatively clean. The irony, however, is that they were behind the most chaotic moment of the season so far. Last week was a bevy of ever-shifting targets, and, by Thursday morning, it had landed squarely on Melody Morris. However, the twosome came to an eleventh-hour realization that she could be kept in the game in lieu of Lyric Medeiros, who was working more closely with the other members of their “Red Corner” alliance. And so a sudden change of heart turned into an anxious scramble. Four hours before the eviction, Dee and Devens gathered together enough votes to flip the house, blindsiding half their alliance in the process. It was shocking. It completely demolished the status quo. It had me glued to the feeds just before they went down.

Of course, this is he pre-Tribal Council round-robins of one-on-ones, harried whisperings, and last-minute cobblings together of various “voting blocs” have become as much a part of the environment as the coconuts and palm fronds surrounding them. Most prominently, we’ve seen this manifest in the form of a “live Tribal Council,” where plans will change literal minutes before castaways get up to cast their votes, devolving the usual decorum of the evening into absolute pandemonium.

Nowhere is the sprint/marathon comparison more apparent than with this move. Not only in changing plans at the last second, but especially in blindsiding your own allies in the process. Ordinarily, even if a vote flip takes place, houseguests will try to alert the people they’re working with the direction the house is going. Instead, Dee and Devens chose to leave the rest of the “Red Corner” in the corner on this one, hoping they could simply move forward and wipe the slate clean the next day. Survivor scrambling is often dictated by the need to outpace the sunset, with game talk shut down before the trek to Tribal Council. And this duo has certainly taken advantage of the daylight, creating a move that has completely dismantled the house and showcasing unorthodox gameplay 28 seasons into Big Brother.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’ Cast Name Their Favorite Players — and One Has a Shocking Connection Outside of the House

…and great TV to boot! After becoming the house target, Jason made sure he went out kicking, screaming, and banging a teaport

Courtesy of CBS

Now, don’t get me wrong. Was that flip against Lyric necessary? Not whatsoever. From a strategic perspective, the most egregious part by far was the icons choosing to keep their alliance in the dark. While it led to some absolutely incredible “face cracks” on eviction night (to use a term from Jason’s original show), there was a lot of cleanup to do after the mess they had created. The rest of the Red Corner was incredibly loyal to the icons, and they put that loyalty in jeopardy not only by keeping them out of the loop but, in Dee’s case, by keeping up the lie that she voted alongside them.

The shortened timeframe of Survivor and the fast-paced nature of the game allows you to more easily keep up appearances. But the rigors of playing for months in the house make it much harder to do on Big Brother by comparison. While it’s a bit of a surprise that Angela revealed her lie only a couple of days after making it, with Dee following suit, it’s not shocking that it happened in general.

But, if we’re talking from a pure entertainment perspective, it was 100% the right move to make. And, perhaps even more than enterprising strategy, that is what these reality TV veterans bring to the table compared to the newbies around them. To be frank, they know what makes for exciting content, the flashy moves that get their hearts racing — and hopefully the fans’ by proxy. And, over the course of a month and a half, we’ve seen that content creation in action.

We’ve watched Devens use his nomination ceremony to completely out Rome Seymour’s game, naming which allies he didn’t vouch for, even though he hadn’t even put the pickleball coach on the block at the time. We’ve seen Dee continually lie about where her vote was, putting the “Toolshed” in a tizzy and making some of the closest allies distrustful of one another. We’ve even watched the two gas up their closest confidantes, like Angela and Kamu Kirk, to create some of the biggest spectacles of the season, starting drama while unnecessarily drawing heat on themselves.

On the other side of the spectrum, Jason got to show the pure entertainment that comes with going out of the game kicking, screaming, and banging cookware. After getting spotlighted once more during an impromptu house meeting, he knew he was a dead queen walking. And so he decided to co-opt the tea party name that had sunk his game, spending the morning before his nomination walking around the house with a teapot and spoon in hand, a makeshift Paul Revere looking to call out the hypocrisy in Kamu’s logic. If he was going to go, he was not going to do so quietly. And his efforts kept both the house and the fans wildly entertained, with host Julie Chen Moonves even greeting him with her own teapot as soon as he walked out the front door.

Look, I love me some next-level strategy as much as the next person. I’ll always devour a Dan’s Funeral, or a formation of an alliance like The Leftovers. But I am more than anything a proud card-carrying member of the Chaos Club. With Big Brother being such a long game, made up of so many small moves, I often find myself starving for people to make a splash, to cause a scene, to open Pandora’s Box (not literally) and unleash pandemonium in the house. And who better to trust that with than the people who have been put on our screens multiple times for that exact reason?

Related: ‘Big Brother’ Will Celebrate 1,000 Episodes With Special Fan Votes and a Game-Changing Twist

CBS is joining reality TV’s hottest trend After Cirie Fields became the first ‘Survivor’ player to play ‘Big Brother,’ Dee and Devens are showing the appeal of bringing in multiple reality TV crossovers a season

Courtesy of CBS

Again, as mentioned before, this is far from the first time reality shows have crossed over on CBS. Heck, this time last year, we were eagerly awaiting a season of The Amazing Race that consisted entirely of former Big Brother houseguests and their loved ones. But it also bears repeating that the network, across a combined 116 seasons, has only attempted crossovers a handful of times.

And, to be honest, that’s not what the state of reality TV is in the 2020s.

The defining show of the decade so far for reality — and perhaps TV in general — has been The Traitors. When the new series premiered on Peacock in 2022, it split its casting between reality TV newbies and unscripted stars. Its next season, however, it went all-in on the celebrity casting. And, not soon after, it became the hottest thing on TV, winning multiple Emmys and actually making bona fide stars out of some of its standouts.

And I don’t think that’s a coincidence. I’ve always referred to The Traitors as a reality TV version of the video game Super Smash Brothers. Every year, we get to choose our proverbial fighter, whether it be a Real Housewives standout, a strategic legend from Survivor or Big Brother, or a celebrity eager to show how cutthroat they can be. Then they get thrown into this proverbial arena, and we get to see them interact in ways that have only previously existed in our minds (and some fanfiction for the truly creatives). For devotees of reality TV like myself, it’s a dream come true to watch Dan Gheesling and Parvati Shallow co-conspire, to see Boston Rob Mariano and Bob the Drag Queen go after each other, to have Rachel Reilly and Kate Chastain exchange barbs over breakfast.

As is usually the case with pop culture, the success of The Traitors has produced a fair number of shows looking to replicate its results with reality-TV all-star casting. Of course, the longest-tenured reality show, The Challenge, had this concept long before anyone ever stepped foot in a Scottish castle. But in the past few years, we’ve seen everything from Netflix’s Perfect Match to Hulu’s Got to Get Out, as well as The Mob, an upcoming show that seems to be the streamer’s attempt to produce its own Traitors. It’s become clear what the new trend is: bring standouts from various shows under one roof and see the TV gold unfold.

Big Brother 28 seems to be a notable step towards that trend as well, and we are reaping the rewards. When the cast was first announced, Survivor fans were excited to see whether Dee could carry her charm and dominance off the island, if whether Devens could continue to scrap and fight with his back against the wall in a brand-new environment. And, after flaming out of All Stars so spectacularly at the hands of his own ally, Drag Race viewers were eager to see if Jason’s clear penchant for hyper-strategizing could work outside of the runway. This season has allowed devotees of both shows to answer reality TV “what if”s, something at the heart of some of the most popular shows on the air today.

Related: ‘Big Brother: Unlocked’ Host Jerry O’Connell Says the Reality TV Vets are ‘Drunk With Power’ (Exclusive)

This could be a sign of what to come — but one big change has to be made Devens got voted into the ‘BB Time Capsule’ by the fans in Week 2, receiving the ultra-powerful ‘Diamond Power of Veto’

Courtesy of CBS

I’ve gone on and on about what I’ve loved about having Jason, Dee, and Devens in the house this season. The question is: Will Big Brother production see this as a one-time thing, or make it part of the show’s DNA moving forward?

Well, it should be noted that the presence of these three and Angela in the house may actually have its origin in the previous summer. Big Brother 27 had former winner Rachel Reilly show up as a surprise 17th houseguest at the end of the premiere (sound familiar?) and play against a bunch of reality TV newbies. She was one of the biggest straws to stir the drink over the course of that summer, making big moves while also creating the conflict we’re meant to lovingly expect from the fiery redhead. And while she was taken out in arguably the most polarizing twist in the show’s history, it’s undeniable the impact she had on Season 27. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that, after going four years without any returning houseguests, we’ve now brought alumni in for two seasons in a row.

And those two summers have also seen a marked rise in the ratings. Big Brother 27 was the most-watched season in three years, with both broadcast and streaming numbers seeing notable increases from previous summers. Not to be outdone, Season 28’s premiere hit big, becoming the most-watched opener since 2021. Whether the increased viewership comes from these reality TV alumni having fandoms who are eager to watch them, or just excitement around the entertainment they’re helping create, the numbers don’t lie. And given that enthusiasm, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if BB’s M.O. moving forward would be to bring back some form of returning houseguests, reality TV veterans, or both for the foreseeable future.

If they do, though, based on what I’ve been seeing on Big Brother 28 so far, there would have to be one major change made.

Perhaps the biggest critique of having Dee and Devens on this season has been the way things were structured in the first few weeks. Only the icons competed in the first HoH, giving them a 33% chance at immediately getting power. And, while recent seasons have not been the best example of this, the Week 1 HoH offers an immense advantage, allowing an opportunity for you to both get brought into and create your own strategic structure that should hopefully carry you late into the game.

This summer has also seen the “BB Time Capsule” twist, where fans can vote for one player each week to compete individually for a chance at a power or punishment from years past. As we saw when Rachel’s sister, Elissa Slater, competed on Season 15, if you come into an early fan vote with notoriety, there’s a near-guarantee that name recognition can win out. It’s no coincidence that the first three people to enter the time capsule were the icons themselves. And, had Jason stayed, there was a very good chance he would have been next in line for that spinning seat.

Granted, there’s a possibility the icons could have left the Time Capsule with a punishment, as Angela did during her visit. But this did mean they had at least a 50% chance of getting a power before any of the competition. As a result, Dee has the “BB Bribe,” allowing her to bribe someone to do anything, from throwing a competition to nominating or evicting a certain houseguest. And Devens has the “Diamond Power of Veto,” which lets him not only remove someone from the block but also name their replacement. As good as the position they’ve worked themselves into, having these advantages in their pocket betters it even more. Compare that to Rachel, who came in last summer with only one week of safety, instead having to contend with powers that other houseguests had received. And despite that, she was still able to scratch and claw her way to the jury, something that kept her fans on the edge of their seats every week.

As a reality TV fan, I’ve loved what Dee, Devens, and Jason have brought to Big Brother 28 so far, showcasing their true mastery of the craft. But if we’ll be seeing more crossovers for years to come, the sooner they get on an equal playing field with the newbies around them, the better.

Related: Everyone Hates Angela — But as a ‘Big Brother’ Superfan, Here’s Why I Love Her

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After a long day on your feet at work, an intense workout, or miles of walking on vacation, your feet will probably need a break. But propping your legs up and staying put isn’t always possible when you’ve still got housework to do or errands to run. That’s where a good pair of recovery slides comes in. They can give your feet a soft, supportive landing so you can actually feel relief instead of hobbling around the house. If it’s time to upgrade your current pair or finally invest in some slides that’ll give your feet the support they need, JCPenney has a fantastic pair on sale for under $10 right now.

You can snag the Mixit Slide Sandals for over 60% off with stacked deals. When you enter the coupon code STUDENTS at checkout, these already-discounted sandals drop from $18 to just $7. Four colors are available, including brown, gray, black, and tan. Hundreds of shoppers have claimed a pair in the past 24 hours, so you’ll need to act fast if you want to get in on this deal. 

Mixit Slide Sandals, From $7 (was $18) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

These slip-on slides feature a platform sole for even weight distribution and textured ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam construction meant to cushion every step. EVA is a lightweight, flexible foam known for absorbing impact and reducing pressure on the feet, which is why it’s commonly used in recovery footwear. The material is also highly water-resistant and buoyant, making these slides a great option for wearing poolside or at the beach. 

The open-toe design of these sandals allows for breathability, while a wide strap helps keep your foot from sliding through, keeping you stable as you walk. Available in women’s whole sizes 6 through 10, several shoppers mentioned that these slides run large, so you may want to consider sizing down when you order. 

Mixit Slide Sandals, From $7 (was $18) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

JCPenney shoppers called these slides “comfortable, supportive, and stylish,” noting that they felt “soft” underfoot. One customer who “purchased several pairs” said these slides are “great for reducing pain” from plantar fasciitis, “especially first thing in the morning.” A reviewer who purchased these slides for their mother with hammer toe said she confirmed that they were “easy to wear.” 

Shop More Deals

• Nike Offcourt Slide Sandals, $25 (was $42) at JCPenney
• Clarks Cloudsteppers Drift Twist Wedge Sandals, $28 (was $60) at JCPenney
• Mixit Adjustable Strap Footbed Sandals, $7 (was $18) at JCPenney

Related: Skechers’ Cushiony Mules Are So ‘Lightweight,’ They Feel Like ‘Walking on Air’

Treat your feet to supportive comfort without overspending while Mixit Slide Sandals are on sale at JCPenney for just $7. To secure this price, don’t forget to add the code STUDENTS when you check out!

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There are some home decor pieces that instantly make a space feel more collected. They do not have to be large or expensive, but they bring texture, shine and a little bit of personality to a tabletop, shelf or mantel. The best decor finds are often the ones you can style in several ways, rather than putting them away after one season.

That is why a glass cloche is such an easy item to add to your home. It can turn even the simplest objects into a thoughtful display, whether you are styling small pumpkins for fall, ornaments for the holidays, seashells in the summer, or a candle and greenery for an everyday centerpiece. It adds a finished touch without requiring much effort.

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Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Brass and Glass Faceted Cloche, $29.99 at Target

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Target’s 11-Inch Brass and Glass Faceted Cloche from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is a beautiful option for doing exactly that. Priced at $29.99, the decorative piece combines a clear, faceted glass dome with a round brass-finish base for a look that feels equal parts vintage-inspired and polished.

The cloche measures 11.38 inches tall and is made from glass and aluminum. Its faceted glass design adds subtle texture, while the clear dome makes it easy to see whatever you choose to display inside. The brass base gives the piece a warm, elevated finish that works well with traditional, modern, rustic or eclectic decor.

Related: I Tried Princess Diana’s Favorite Stuffed Bell Peppers—and They Weren’t What I Expected

You can place it on a dining table with small decorative gourds, style it on a mantel with a flameless candle and dried flowers or use it in an entryway to display a small seasonal object. It would also look beautiful on a coffee table layered with books and a decorative tray.

The piece has a 3.7-star average, with many shoppers praising its size, weight, versatility and sturdy feel. However, several reviews noted that the glass arrived broken when shipped, so in-store pickup or a careful inspection upon delivery may be the safer route.

At $29.99, this is a decor piece you can bring out again and again, rather than treating it as a one-season purchase. If you enjoy creating small seasonal moments around your home, this faceted cloche is a stylish foundation piece that can change right along with your decor.

Related: This Practical IKEA Find Will Save You So Much Space in Your Bathroom

Perhaps the most exciting nostalgic comeback of the year is hot off the press.

Erykah Badu is set to release her first studio album in 16 years, teaming up with acclaimed producer The Alchemist.

In fact, for years, the iconic artist may have been better known to today’s generation through Lil Wayne‘s “where is Erykah Badu at?” line in his 2008 hit “A Milli.”

Related: Grammy-Winning Rock Band, Touted as the Next Led Zeppelin, Releasing New Single

After making a recent appearance at Lauryn Hill’s Diaspora Calling! festival in England, the “neo-soul goddess” is stepping back into the spotlight as ’90s soul enjoys a resurgence, joining the likes of Hill and other era-defining artists making headlines again.

Being back in the limelight may have also inspired a return to the studio, with The Alchemist— known for his work with Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and Freddie Gibbs, among many others — joining her for the project.

Titled Abi & Alan, this collaborative album is a reference to their first names: Abi (from Erykah’s birth name, Erica Abi Wright) and Alan (The Alchemist’s first name, Alan).

Sure to delight diehard fans, the album is set for release Aug. 28, with its first single, “Witch Doctor,” out now and sounding like a hazy ’90s Badu cut that slowly melts into avant-garde jazz.

Related: ’80s Icon Rick Moranis, Who Left Hollywood, Thrills with Rare Public Appearance 39 Years After Hit Film

The new album marks the multi-time Grammy winner’s first official release in 11 years and first studio album in 16, proving last summer’s tease was no tease at all — her new music is finally coming to fruition roughly one year later.

See Badu on tour across the U.S. come September, and internationally in October 2026.

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Retinol has been the reigning hero of anti-aging skincare for so long that questioning it feels almost rebellious. And to be clear—retinol works. Decades of research back it up. But if you’ve ever started a retinol routine with the best intentions and ended up with red, peeling, sandpaper-textured skin that made you look worse before it made you look better, you know the experience isn’t for everyone. For a lot of people with mature or sensitive skin, the irritation isn’t a phase you push through; it’s a reason to stop.

Enter bakuchiol—a plant-derived ingredient from the babchi plant that’s been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and has recently generated serious scientific interest for its retinol-like effects on anti-aging skincare for sensitive skin.

It’s not a vitamin A derivative like retinoids, and it doesn’t work through the same receptor pathway as retinol. But it influences enough of the same downstream processes—collagen support, skin renewal, oxidative stress reduction—that a 2019 clinical trial comparing the two found similar improvements in wrinkles and pigmentation, with much less irritation on the bakuchiol side.

That’s not nothing. Especially if retinol has been sitting in your medicine cabinet for three years because you keep giving up on it after week two.

To understand what bakuchiol actually does, how it compares to retinol and who should make the switch, we talked to Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care; Dr. Anetta Reszko of Reszko Dermatology; and Maro Mehdi, RN, aesthetic nurse injector and skincare professional at Alchemy 43 in Los Angeles.

Related: Forget ‘Baby Botox’: This Peptide Hack Is the Secret to Naturally Plumper Skin

What Is Bakuchiol and How Does It Work on Wrinkles?

Bakuchiol is sometimes called a “plant-based retinol,” but Dr. Kobets prefers a more precise description: a plant-derived compound with retinol-like biological effects.

The distinction matters because bakuchiol doesn’t chemically resemble retinol at all. What it does is influence some of the same pathways involved in collagen production, skin barrier function and epidermal differentiation. In cell culture studies, it has increased types I, III, IV and VII collagen as well as fibronectin, and it activates the Nrf2 cellular defense pathway for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Bakuchiol “supports collagen production, improves skin firmness, and softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging healthy skin cell turnover and reducing oxidative stress,” Mehdi tells Parade. Over time, skin looks more even, smoother and more resilient.

The important caveat from Dr. Kobets is that most of those collagen findings come from cell cultures and engineered skin models, not from human skin biopsies. The science is promising and the clinical results are real, but they exist at a different level of evidence than what retinoids have accumulated over decades.

Related: 11 Best Skin-Tightening Moisturizers, According to Celebrity Derms

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol: What’s the Difference?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that must be converted in the skin into retinoic acid, which then binds retinoic acid receptors and changes gene expression. Bakuchiol doesn’t bind those receptors. It creates some overlapping downstream effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial pathways—similar destination, completely different route.

The practical difference, the one that actually matters for most people, is tolerability. “Retinol commonly causes dryness, peeling, redness, and irritation, especially when someone first starts using it,” Mehdi tells Parade. “Bakuchiol isn’t a vitamin A derivative, but it offers many of the same visible anti-aging benefits with a much lower risk of irritation.”

Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol for mature skin and fine lines?

Close, but not quite equal. For example, Tretinoin—prescription-strength retinoid—has biopsy-proven evidence of actual dermal remodeling. “Bakuchiol does not yet have comparable human biopsy evidence,” Dr. Kobets says.

For mature skin specifically, Mehdi explains that retinol is still the first choice if someone can tolerate it. But “if retinol consistently causes irritation or isn’t an option, bakuchiol is an excellent alternative that can still deliver noticeable improvements with consistent use.” 

Who should switch from retinol to bakuchiol?

Anyone who has tried retinol (correctly!)—low concentration, gradual introduction, every other night to start—and still ends up with persistent burning, peeling or barrier disruption is a strong candidate. Dr. Kobets includes patients with rosacea-prone, eczema-prone or reactive skin whose barrier can’t handle frequent retinol use in that category.

What nobody on this list recommends is switching away from retinol that’s actually working just because bakuchiol is having a cultural moment. The “plant-based” angle is appealing, but if your retinol routine is producing results without irritation, there’s no compelling reason to abandon it.

A middle-ground approach that Mehdi and Dr. Kobets both mention is to use retinol once or twice weekly and bakuchiol on alternate nights. It’s primarily a tolerability strategy rather than a clinically proven synergy, but it lets you keep the evidence-backed ingredient in rotation while giving your barrier recovery time.

One more thing worth knowing from Dr. Kobets: bakuchiol also has limited pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data. “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe during pregnancy—discuss it with an OB and dermatologist rather than assuming.

Getty

What Are the Benefits of Bakuchiol for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

A study in 60 women with sensitive skin—including patients with eczema, rosacea and cosmetic intolerance syndrome—found improvements in smoothness, clarity, radiance and hydration after four weeks of a bakuchiol-containing moisturizer.

Mature skin, Dr. Reszko explains, is “often drier, thinner, and more prone to irritation, so bakuchiol can be useful for patients who want to address fine lines, dullness and uneven texture without significant peeling or inflammation.”

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties Mehdi points to are particularly relevant here—calming the skin while supporting collagen production rather than triggering a barrier-disruption response and then hoping the collagen benefits are worth it.

One thing all three experts flag: “natural” or “plant-derived” doesn’t automatically mean hypoallergenic. Sensitive skin can still react to botanicals, fragrance or other ingredients in the formula. Always patch test with new products. 

Related: The One Thing Women Over 50 Don’t Realize About SPF, According to a Pro Makeup Artist

How Do You Add Bakuchiol to Your Daily Skincare Routine?

The flexibility here is one of bakuchiol’s advantages over retinol. Because it doesn’t cause the photosensitivity that retinoids do, it can be used morning, evening or both. 

It layers well with ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides and vitamin C—essentially the full cast of supportive skincare ingredients. Dr. Kobets recommends introducing it separately from other new actives, since even a relatively gentle ingredient can become irritating when immediately layered with retinoids, exfoliating acids or highly acidic vitamin C.

For product specifics: Dr. Kobets likes ISDIN Melatonik Night Serum, an overnight serum-in-oil containing bakuchiol, melatonin and vitamin C (“it also smells amazing if fragrance is not a concern for you,” she adds). Dr. Reszko recommends Valmont V-Lift Cream, which combines bakuchiol with Valmont’s C-Drone technology in a richer format designed for fine lines and visible firmness.

Morning use still requires broad-spectrum sunscreen. Bakuchiol cannot prevent the collagen breakdown that UV exposure causes—and protecting collagen, as Mehdi tells her patients, is just as important as stimulating it.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take for Bakuchiol To Work?

Four to six weeks for improved hydration and texture. Eight to twelve weeks for more visible changes in fine lines, pigmentation and overall skin quality. That timeline holds across all three experts and matches the clinical data from the comparative trial.

“Like any collagen-supporting ingredient, results don’t happen overnight,” Mehdi says, “but consistency is what makes the biggest difference.” Dr. Kobets adds that a supportive moisturizer and daily sunscreen will typically matter more than stacking multiple active ingredients on top of each other.

Up Next:

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Sources:

• Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology, Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
• Dr. Anetta Reszko, board-certified dermatologist, Reszko Dermatology
• Maro Mehdi, RN, aesthetic nurse injector and skincare professional, Alchemy 43 Los Angeles

By the time 1964 rolled around, Johnny Cash was in an interesting part of his career. His substance abuse issues were growing more prevalent, his marriage was in a dark spot, and creatively he was starting to drift from the classic country tunes he was known for. This period would spawn what was at the time his most controversial release, “Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian,” an album dedicated to and all about the injustices and evils done to Native Americans.

Throughout his life, indigenous rights were an issue that Cash was particularly passionate about. This brought him to perform a collection of songs all about the struggle of Native Americans. This was during Cash’s prime, and I think it was a very noble decision to make despite having everything to lose from the predominantly bigoted establishment of the era. I can’t help but think he was inspired by Bob Dylan to use his platform.

This record would spawn one of Cash’s biggest hits of the era, “The Ballad of Ira Hayes,” which faced some significant pushback at the time as it was banned by many radio stations due to the social issues it discusses.

Cash went on to call these DJs and stations out with an ad from Billboard, calling them “gutless.” This was followed by a massive campaign Cash made for the song to try and push the message out, which managed to get the song all the way to No.3 on the charts.

I have an intense amount of respect for this album. I think anyone who is willing to leverage their platform and influence to try and speak out for a good cause is very admirable, especially when it comes at a commercial risk. Cash was a good man, and I think that album is an indication of what that good man was capable of.

Related: 1974 Willie Nelson Record, Ranked Among the Greatest Ever, Was Country’s First Successful Concept Album

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Look what you made her do! Just days after already having a White House TikTok video silenced, Taylor Swift has done it again.

The latest incident happened on Aug. 12, 2026, when the White House used Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me” from 2021 over footage of President Donald Trump speaking to supporters. There was even the caption, “We know you think about us,” included. It didn’t take long for Swift’s team to act on the infringement.

Within hours, the TikTok video had been silenced. The video was simply muted with the onscreen caption saying “this sound isn’t available.” This usually happens when the copyright holder has issued a takedown notice, and it matches energy from the weekend. The video now has the song “I Love You, I’m Sorry” by Gracie Abrams playing over the it.

@teamtrump

@President Donald J Trump ran the best campaign in history! #maga #trump #gracieabrams

♬ original sound – Saturday Night Live

The decision to use Swift at first was certainly targeted. The White House has admitted to purposely antagonizing artists and their fans for views. Some of the decisions have started to become personal, as days after Swift’s wedding to Travis Kelce, Trump hosted a press conference where he name-dropped her.

Also, just a week ago, the Team Trump TikTok site posted a “Red” album cover with Trump in the center, even saying that Swift wrote a whole album about the party. There was originally a recorded version of one of Swift’s live performances playing, but that has since been removed.

As Parade previously reported, Swift’s team acted, well, swiftly, to get her music taken down from another White House video. The TikTok account used her track “August” with the caption “I’m sure Taylor Swift is going to be super excited we used her song,” but it took just hours for the video to have the music replaced.

The use of songs over White House videos remains a sticking point for many artists. The White House uses tracks without consulting artists, with the White House making it clear that it knows more people will engage when they’re angry.

So, Swift is playing the White House at its own game. Rather than sparking outrage or having fans share the video with their comments, her team is getting to work behind the scenes to remove the song as soon as they’re included on the social media accounts.

The only time Swift has spoken about politics was in the run-up to the 2024 Presidential Election, when she announced her support for Kamala Harris. This only came after an AI video of her supporting Trump came out, making it clear that people need to watch out for AI deepfakes.

There is no denying that Jimmy Page is one of the world’s top guitarists. But music legends don’t exist in a vacuum. They are constantly evolving, killing their ego just enough to take a new technique and make it their own. Page has always been one to give credit where credit is due, and he has repeatedly praised Steely Dan‘s 1972 hit “Reelin’ in the Years.”

“Oh, I know this, yeah, that’s cool,” Page said to interviewer Oliver Patrick Loughnan, according to Far Out Magazine, as he played the song for Page. “I really like that. Steely Dan. Yeah I really like that. That’s gotta be a 12 hasn’t it? The thing is, I really love all guitar playing. Hearing guitarists when I was a kid, and just really appreciating even then. It’s six strings and it’s an electric guitar but everyone’s whole take on it and their character is totally different. And that’s what’s so cool about it.”

Related: 1968 Folk-Pop Hit, Loved by Bob Dylan and Billy Joel, Was Penned in Hours as a Studio Follow-Up

How “Reelin’ in the Years” Got Its Famous Solo

Steely Dan‘s debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, in 1972, thrust them into immediate success, with their single “Reelin’ in the Years” hitting the top 20, peaking at No. 11 on May 12, 1973. Writers and band members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker knew the tune itself was great, but felt it needed a strong guitar solo to really sell it and intrigue people. They called up session artist Elliot Randall, who had previously worked with them, and asked him to work out a few kinks in the song.

“They were having trouble finding the right ‘flavor’ solo for ‘Reelin,’ and asked me to give it a go,” Randall told Guitar World. “Most of the song was already complete, so I had the good fortune of having a very clear picture of what the solo was laying on top of. They played it for me without much dialog about what I should play.”

“It just wasn’t necessary because we did it in one take and nothing was written. Jeff Baxter played the harmony parts, but my entire lead – intro/answers/solo/end solo – was one continuous take played through a very simple setup: my old Strat, the same one I’ve been using since 1965, plugged directly into an Ampeg SVT amp and miked with a single AKG 414. The whole solo just came to me, and I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play it.”

Unfortunately, the song’s success has meant very little to Fagen and Becker. “It’s dumb but effective,” Fagen told Rolling Stone in 2009. “It’s no fun,” Walter Becker added.

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While it’s always sad to see summer wind down, there’s plenty of things to look forward to when it comes to the imminent arrival of fall.

From carving jack-o-lanterns to watching scary movies late at night, the fall season is a great time to kick back and relax with all the seasonal activities one associates with Halloween.

Of course, the Halloween season wouldn’t feel the same without Hershey’s classic lineup of candies for the holiday. Fortunately, the iconic snack company just released new details about their offerings for 2026, and they send even more delicious than shoppers might expect.

According to a new press release shared with us over email, Hershey’s is giving fans plenty of goods to stock up on for trick or treating with their newly announced Hersheyween lineup. This includes:

• Kit Kat Count & Witch: “The return of the classic wafer and chocolate combination, this year offered in new instant consumable (IC) pack types, reimagined in two breakaway spooky shapes.”
• Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme Fangs Snack Size: “A fang-shaped version of the classic iconic Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme flavor, making its Halloween comeback for the first time since 2024.”
• Hershey Halloween All-Stars: “An assortment of 18 full-size, limited-edition Halloween shapes and flavors, including Reese’s Pumpkins, Kit Kat Count & Witch shapes, Kit Kat Ghost Toast and Jolly Rancher Gummies Trickies. “
• Reese’s Pumpkins: “An iconic Halloween treat, Reese’s classic chocolate and peanut butter combination comes in a pumpkin-shaped format.”

Along with its various chocolates and candies, Hershey’s will also be releasing brand-new sweet and savory snacks for the holiday, including:

• Pirate’s Booty Trick-or-Treat: “Pirate’s Booty’s signature aged white cheddar puffs deliver a light, airy crunch in individually portioned snack packs.”
• Pirate’s Booty Boos & Bites: “Halloween-themed Pirate’s Booty puffs feature ghost and monster shapes with the brand’s signature aged white cheddar flavor.”
• Reese’s Sweet & Salty: “Snack-size packs of Reese’s Dipped Animal Crackers, Reese’s Dipped Pretzels and Reese’s Filled Pretzels bring together Reese’s chocolate and peanut butter with salty, crunchy formats.”
• SkinnyPop Halloween Packs: “Individually packaged SkinnyPop popcorn in Halloween-themed packaging, designed for seasonal snacking and sharing.”
• LesserEvil Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: “A seasonal popcorn offering that brings warm cinnamon-and-spice fall flavor to everyday snacking.”
• LesserEvil Spooky Popcorn: “LesserEvil popcorn brings a lighter, better-for-you salty snack into Halloween-themed packs.”
• LesserEvil Spooky Spaceballs: “Light and airy cheese corn puffs in Halloween-themed packaging made for parties, trick-or-treating, and seasonal snacking.”
• Sweets Assortment Stand-Up Bag: “A variety-packed assortment featuring the introduction of Sour Strips to the Hershey seasonal portfolio, as well as Jolly Rancher Gummies Trickies Minis, Jolly Rancher Gummies Minis and Twizzlers Twists in Strawberry flavor.”
• Jolly Rancher Gummies Trickies Minis Snack Size: “Bursting with bold fruit flavors, these chewy bites keep trick-or-treaters guessing with colors that don’t match the flavor, creating a fun, interactive candy experience. Available in seasonal Halloween shapes and flavors including Green Apple, Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Grape and Watermelon, Jolly Rancher Gummies Trickies now come in convenient sachets, making them a standout addition to trick-or-treat bowls and Halloween celebrations.”
• Jolly Rancher Gummies Minis Snack Size: “Fruit-shaped gummies packed with bold, juicy fruit-flavors.”
• Jolly Rancher Gummies Assortment: “A mix of snack-size sour and sweet gummies, including Jolly Rancher Sour Gummies Minis, Jolly Rancher Gummies Trickies Minis, Jolly Rancher Gummies Minis and Jolly Rancher Sour Gummies Minis Awesome Reds.”

Hershey’s Hersheyween lineup is rolling out to nationwide stores right now.

Eddie Van Halen is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. But one fellow guitarist has a very different take on his legacy.

William Reid of The Jesus and Mary Chain recently aimed at Van Halen’s playing, arguing that the late guitarist’s influence sent rock guitar in a direction he didn’t appreciate.

During a recent interview with Stereogum, Reid and his brother and bandmate, Jim Reid, were discussing their approach to guitar playing when the conversation turned to Van Halen. William did not hold back.

“I can’t stand Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing,” he told the outlet.

“I think he ruined rock guitar all through the ’80s and ’90s ’cause so many people copied him.”

Reid’s criticism wasn’t necessarily that Van Halen lacked technical ability. Instead, he objected to the wave of guitarists who followed Van Halen’s lead and focused heavily on speed and technical showmanship.

William Reid Thinks Guitarists Shouldn’t Learn Scales

The comments came during a larger conversation about The Jesus and Mary Chain’s intentionally stripped-down approach to music.

Jim explained that he only plays guitar to the level he needs to, suggesting that having too much technical knowledge can sometimes get in the way of creativity. That prompted William to bring up Van Halen as an example.

William went even further, saying he believes “guitar players should never learn scales.”

He then criticized the emphasis on playing as fast as possible that became associated with rock guitar during the 1980s and ’90s.

His issue, in other words, appears to be less about one guitarist and more about Van Halen’s enormous influence on generations of players.

Eddie Van Halen Changed Rock Guitar

That’s what makes William’s comments particularly provocative.

Van Halen’s influence on rock guitar is difficult to overstate. His playing helped popularize techniques including tapping and inspired countless guitarists to push the boundaries of speed and technical ability.

The band’s 1978 self-titled debut introduced listeners to Van Halen’s virtuosic playing, including the instrumental “Eruption,” and the album ultimately became a landmark of hard rock.

Van Halen’s influence also extended far beyond guitar technique. His distinctive sound, songwriting and approach to the instrument helped shape the direction of hard rock for decades.

William, however, said he couldn’t connect with the approach taken by the musicians who copied Van Halen.

“I just couldn’t get any of that playing as fast as you f—in can and cramming as many notes in one second as you could,” he said.

He pointed to Peter Hook, the bassist for Joy Division and New Order, saying he considers Hook’s, 70, bass riffs far more compelling than Van Halen’s guitar work.

That’s consistent with The Jesus and Mary Chain‘s own musical philosophy. The Scottish alternative-rock band became known for its noisy, minimalist approach, with the William brothers often favoring atmosphere and attitude over technical virtuosity.

Van Halen died in 2020 at age 65, but his influence remains enormous. And whether listeners agree with William or not, his comments have sparked another conversation about what actually makes a great guitarist: technical skill, speed and precision or memorable ideas and musical feeling.

RELATED: Eric Burdon Performs The Animals’ ‘House of the Rising Sun’ More Than 60 Years Later

It’s a wonderful day to be a fan of the Monkees. If you haven’t had the chance to see Micky Dolenz on tour throughout 2026 — and won’t get a chance for the rest of the year — there’s some exciting news. He’s adding more dates in 2027.

The last surviving member of the Monkees took the songs he and his friends performed for decades across the country. As the 60 Years of the Monkees Tour continued to unfold throughout 2026, he kept adding more dates, simply because it’s what the fans wanted.

The tour started in February, with Dolenz taking the songs of his band on the road with him. It was a chance to head down memory lane, getting a chance to see exactly what the band — which was originally put together for a fictional TV series — meant to people around the world. Those songs, such as “I’m a Believer,” remain to be fan-favorites.

There are still plenty of dates throughout 2026 to see Dolenz on tour. He’s going to travel Arizona, California, Tennessee, and South Carolina in September, and then he’ll be off to Virginia, New Jersey, and many other states in the north throughout October and into November, as he then heads to the midwest.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 02: Micky Dolenz performs at City Winery Nashville on December 02, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

There are current three dates added to early 2027. Fans in Florida will get to see him perform on Jan. 22 and Jan. 24, and then he’ll head to Indiana at the end of February. In total, Dolenz added 20 extra dates to his tour, including the three in 2027, and eyes will be on if he adds more.

The success of the tour isn’t all that surprising when you consider how well-received the Monkees farewell tour was received before Michael Nesmith’s death in 2021, which Dolenz was also part of. Nesmith’s death followed those of Peter Tork in 2019 and Davy Jones in 2012, with Dolenz saying that Jones’ death was the biggest surprise of the lot.

The 60 Years of the Monkees Tour is a chance to play all the old favorites. Tickets are already available on Dolenz’s official website.

Nearly 50 years after its release, “Barracuda” has become the measuring stick for what a classic rock anthem can be.

The Heart staple has never stopped finding new audiences, and its reputation continues to grow. Although it never climbed to No. 1, the 1977 rocker was recently recognized by American Songwriter as one of the best 1970s rock songs that never made it to the top of the charts, serving as another reminder that lasting influence isn’t always reflected by a song’s peak position.

“It definitely grabs you by the whatevers,” Heart co-founder and guitarist Nancy Wilson, told Guitar Player. “From the first few moments, it says, ‘This is rock’ — spelled R-A-W-K. It’s a great riff, and the guitar tones are so muscular and aggressive. I think it’s one of those amazing moments in time, and we were lucky enough to catch it.”

The song itself was born from a moment of anger.

After Heart’s breakthrough success with Dreamboat Annie, Ann Wilson became furious when a record company promoter insinuated that she and sister Nancy Wilson were romantically involved to generate publicity. Channeling that frustration into music, Ann wrote the lyrics while Nancy created the razor-sharp guitar riff that would become one of rock’s most recognizable openings.

“We had no idea that we would be perceived, even by a sleazeball, as two porno chicks together in a band,” Ann Wilson wrote years later in an essay. “It made me really mad, not only at him but at the industry and at my decision to be so naive and consider myself some kind of spiritual pilgrim with these songs. I got so mad and confused, I wrote the words to ‘Barracuda.’ It was mostly just venom that I felt.”

The recording quickly became one of the band’s defining moments.

Released as the lead single from Little Queen, “Barracuda” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Heart’s biggest hits despite falling just outside the Top 10. The song’s explosive energy, unforgettable riff, and Ann Wilson’s commanding vocal performance helped establish Heart as one of the premier rock bands of the late 1970s.

Its impact has stretched far beyond its original chart run.

“Barracuda” has become a fixture on classic rock radio and has appeared in countless films, television series, sporting events, and video games. It’s also remained one of Heart’s signature live performances, with audiences continuing to embrace its defiant spirit decades after it first arrived.

“We came out guns blazing,” Nancy Wilson said. “There was no doubt about how strong a song it was. For one thing, it’s always fun to play, so we enjoy it. But more important, we feel it’s our obligation to our fans to play it. It’s our way of showing respect to them for our whole career.”

That enduring popularity is exactly why the song continues to receive new accolades.

By naming “Barracuda” among the greatest 1970s rock songs that never reached No. 1, American Songwriter highlighted a truth long understood by rock fans: chart positions eventually fade, but truly great songs endure.

Forty-nine years after Heart unleashed “Barracuda,” the song remains every bit as electrifying as it was in 1977. It may have fallen short of the top of the charts, but its place among the defining rock songs of the decade has never been in doubt.

Related: 1977 Iconic Ballad, With 21-Year-Old Singer, Is Still a Motivational Hit 49 Years Later

Arkansas is about to get its first Buc-ee’s next week, and the surrounding area has spent years getting ready for the crowds that could come with it.

The new travel center in Benton will officially open Monday, August 17, marking the beloved chain’s debut in the Natural State. Ahead of opening day, new traffic lights and street signs are already in place, while local and state officials have developed plans to keep vehicles moving around the busy Interstate 30 corridor.

Benton is preparing for a major traffic increase

One of the biggest changes involves the interstate exit near Buc-ee’s. According to local outlet THV 11, Benton Mayor Tom Farmer said it has essentially been designed as a six-lane exit, with two lanes turning right, two continuing straight, and two turning left.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation also required traffic signals near the property and multiple entrances and exits to accommodate the expected influx of vehicles. Drivers coming from the freeway will have three ways to enter Buc-ee’s.

READ MORE: Buc-ee’s Announces 15 New Store Locations: Is One Opening Near You?

Opening day itself will bring even more precautions. Local police, state police, and the sheriff’s department have coordinated a traffic plan, and Farmer said shoppers can expect a heavy law enforcement presence. “All the authorities, state police, sheriff’s department, police department have all met to come up with a plan that will handle whatever situation arises during the grand opening,” Farmer said, per the outlet.

Buc-ee’s has more stores coming soon

Arkansas isn’t the only state getting more Buc-ee’s. The Benton opening follows the chain’s new San Marcos, Texas, location, which welcomed its first customers August 12.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is next, with an opening scheduled for November 16. The expansion will continue in 2027 with planned stores in Ruston, Louisiana; Kansas City, Kansas; Gallaway, Tennessee; Fort Pierce, Florida; Boerne, Texas; and Monroe County, Georgia.

Further out, Buc-ee’s is targeting Mebane, North Carolina, and Lafayette, Louisiana, for 2028, followed by new locations in Florida, Arkansas and Kentucky in 2029 and South Carolina in 2031.

Related: Buc-ee’s Fans Are Revealing Their Favorite Items at the Beloved Travel Stop

Halle Berry is ready to celebrate her 60th birthday, and she looks darn good doing it.

The Oscar-winning actress, 59, who rose to fame in films like Boomerang and Bulworth, and later earned an Academy Award for her role in Monster’s Ball, took to Instagram to note that her 60th birthday is tomorrow. Sporting a sheer black knit dress with a halter neck, the beauty shared a couple of photos of herself while enjoying a tropical vacation. With her short hair blowing in the wind, the ageless star made it clear that this birthday is going to be a good one.

“60 here I come….,” she captioned the photo set.

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Berry Says Women Deserve To Have Sex at Her Age

In a revealing interview with the UK’s The Times in January, Berry opened up about how she actually believed she would skip menopause. However, she found herself suffering from devastating effects.

“That’s how ignorant I was,” Berry shared, noting she had been suffering from perimenopausal symptoms for years. “I couldn’t remember the most basic things. When my daughter was little, I went to get a pizza and I put the pizza on top of the car and I drove all the way home. Luckily, it stayed on my car.”

As time went on, her symptoms worsened.

“I would be up all night with night sweats. I couldn’t sleep. I was raging. I was angry all the time,” she noted, adding that she suffered severe bouts of anger and sadness. 

Determined to find an answer, she went on HRT five years ago. However, it didn’t solve every issue. The sexual struggles were significant, and that’s why Berry wants women her age to have the opportunity to conquer them just like men can. Now behind the menopause care brand Respin, Berry wants to encourage women to embrace their sexuality.

“We deserve to be still alive at this time of our lives and have sex and be intimate,” she told the publication. “That’s what makes us who we are. Men got the blue pill real quick because men know that their longevity depends on their ability to stay sexually active. Well, the same is true for us.”

She’s Playing an Elite Escort Next

The next role Berry tackles will be in Fleur, in which she will play a woman who leaves her marriage for Paris and reinvents herself as an elite escort. She said she relates to the role, which she is also producing, in a strange way.

“I relate to a woman who made that choice, putting everybody before herself, and now what’s left for her?” she noted.

Looking back on her child-rearing years, everything wasn’t perfect.

“I kept my career while I had kids and it was a juggling act. I missed big moments with them. But I’ve also been the breadwinner of my family… So I’ve had to take care of all of us and sometimes I’ve been resentful of that,” she explained. “But at the same time I’m grateful I held on to my career because when they’re gone, I’m still gonna have me.”

Related: Halle Berry, 59, Says Women Deserve To Have Sex at Her Age: ‘Men Got the Blue Pill Real Quick’

Petula Clark has captured the hearts of thousands of fans since the 1950s, and in 1964, she released a hit track titled “Downtown” that developed a legacy after its release.

The British singer had already made a name for herself with “The Little Shoemaker” in 1954 after having started her career as a child entertainer on BBC Radio. A decade later, she sang the vocals for English composer Tony Hatch‘s “Downtown.” The two weren’t strangers, as Hatch had worked with Clark for her 1961 No. 1 hit “Sailor” and would become her new regular producer.

At the time, Clark was a huge success in France but was falling behind the 60s craze in London. Hatch visited her one day in Paris and told her she needed to release another hit in English, and soon heard him play the melody for “Downtown.”

“I was in the kitchen making some tea when I first heard him playing the melody to Downtown. I ran in and said: ‘What’s that?'” she said, according to The Guardian. “At that point, it was just a melody and a title, but I said: “If you can write a lyric as good as that melody, I’d love to sing it.” Two weeks later, I was walking into a studio in London with 40 musicians.”

The track would end up being a massive success that landed Clark at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and across multiple countries, and No. 2 on the UK Singles chart.

In reality, “Downtown” was inspired by the first time Hatch ever visited New York City and stood on 48th Street in Midtown looking at Times Square when inspiration hit.

“I’d heard about all the great songwriters working in the Brill Building in New York, so took I a trip over to find out how they did it. I stayed near Central Park and, late one night, walked from Broadway to Times Square. I was amazed that everything was still open. Although I was there on my own, I didn’t feel alone,” he explained.

“The Crystals had recorded a song called Uptown, but as I saw the neon lights and people, I thought: ‘Downtown would make a much better title.’ Geographically, I was wrong: the real downtown was much further down Manhattan. But the word refers to where the nightlife is, and it stuck in my head.”

The record label was hesitant at first until a man from Warner Brothers in Los Angeles showed interest. Hatch denies speculations that the track was offered to others and explains that if Clark had never seen the song’s potential, he would have never finished it.

“Downtown” became an international No. 1 hit and an American staple. It would appear in pop culture like Jaws 2, Seinfeld, Girl, Interrupted, and was covered by Dolly Parton in 1984 for her The Great Pretender album. Her version would land at No. 80 on the charts. It gained notoriety in 2020 when it played over the car that exploded during the 2020 Nashville bombing.

Related: 1967 Pop Rock Song, Written by The Beatles, Launched a 24-Year-Old Singer’s Career