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Cheez-It Teams Up With Coors Light to Drop Unexpected Collab That Has Fans Divided: 'Ain't No Way'
At this point, we've completely tossed our bingo cards out the window and are pretty much just leaving each day up to chance because who even knows what's going on anymore? Across the board, everything is starting to feel increasingly like we've somehow slipped down the same rabbit hole Alice did, and we can't tell if that's a good thing or not. On the one hand, every day is a mystery—and you'd be hard-pressed to say that any particular day is boring—but on the other, we're not entirely sure what's real and what's fake anymore.
Did Smoothie King actually just drop a collab with Grillos featuring actual pickles? Can you really grill, smoke, roast, griddle and make perfect pizzas with Ninja's FlexFlame 5-in-1 Cooking System at Costco? Are these outdoor-ready margarita glasses at Target truly as sleek and stylish as they appear to be? The answer to all of those questions is a resounding yes, but the jury's still out on whether those wildly viral Bearista glasses at Starbucks ever existed in the first place.
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But if all that wasn't enough to make you question reality, then maybe the latest from Cheez-It will. In what can only be described as something out of our dad's brat-induced Father's Day fever dream, Cheez-It just teased a brand new Beer Cheese flavor made in collaboration with Coors Light. Not a string of words we'd ever thought we'd put together, but alas, here we are. According to @snackolator, the limited-edition flavor is "100% real and coming soon," with a listing recently appearing on Target's website.
Related: Crumbl Promises ‘We’re Just Getting Started’ After Major Company Shakeup
Cheez-It Drops Limited-Time Beer Cheese Flavor With Coors Light View this post on InstagramNaturally, fans had a lot to say in the comments, with reactions ranging from genuine intrigue to all-out rebuke. "Wait. I need it," said one person, while another commented, "Ain't no way." A few people even cracked jokes, with one person asking, "Will this be available in AutoZone?" Probably not, but that would be genius-level product placement imo. Although there hasn't been any word on an official launch date yet, we can only imagine that the goal is to drop the new flavor sometime before Father's Day.
Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), the new flavor doesn't actually contain any alcohol, so there's no need to worry about eating one too many Cheez-Its. That said, we totally get it if you still decide to pair the new flavor with an ice-cold Coors Light. Either way, regardless of how you feel about it, a beercheese Cheez-It flavor actually makes a ton of sense, and we wouldn't be surprised if this opens up the door for more unexpected collabs in the near future. We vote for a pickle flavor like someone in the comments said. Cheez-It x Grillios, maybe? Sounds like a match made in heaven.
Related: This Uno x Vrbo Collab Is the Getaway Game Night Dreams Are Made Of
3 Underrated Stops Along the Oregon Coast Between Portland and San Francisco
Most people barrel down Highway 101 between Portland and San Francisco like they're racing to get somewhere. They miss the point entirely. While everyone else is fighting traffic on the famous coastal stretches, three small towns sit quietly off the radar—and honestly, they're where the real magic happens.
Bandon: Nature's Sculpture GardenBandon's coastline feels less like a beach and more like a natural art installation. Towering sea stacks jut from the sand in unlikely shapes—Face Rock, Elephant Rock, Wizard Hat—each one looking like someone spent millions of years carving it just right. These formations are ancient, and they create a visual drama that few coastlines can match.
Beyond the iconic rock formations, Bandon delivers real variety. Drive the five-mile scenic loop for panoramic overlooks, or explore Bullards Beach State Park north of town, where a historic lighthouse sits at the river mouth. But here's what makes Bandon different: in spring and summer, local artists create massive labyrinths directly on the sand—intricate patterns designed for walking meditation that get erased by the tide.
Wandering the riverfront means discovering galleries, quirky shops, and restaurants tucked into historic buildings. The town's fishing heritage remains active, with working boats still operating from the harbor. Stop by the washed-ashore gallery, where an artist transforms ocean trash into stunning sculptures that serve as reminders of human impact on marine environments.
Related: The World’s Official Most Underrated Natural Wonder Is Actually in The U.S.
Port Orford: Authenticity Still ExistsPort Orford might be the oldest town on this coast, but it doesn't feel like a relic. It feels like a place where people actually choose to stay, not just somewhere tourists pass through.
The harbor is genuinely fascinating—massive cranes haul boats out of the water every single night. It's one of only two places in America that operates this way, and watching it happen is legitimately captivating. From Battle Rock Park, short trails lead to dramatic overlooks where the ocean crashes against towering sea stacks.
For hikers, Humbug Mountain is no joke—1,756 feet straight up from the shore. The loop is challenging, but the views from the top make every muscle ache worth it. Floras Lake, just inland, offers windsurfing opportunities and gorgeous waters.
Gold Beach: Where You Actually DisconnectRemote Gold Beach sits at the mouth of the Rogue River—one of Oregon's designated wild rivers, which means the landscape still looks much like it did centuries ago. For many, it's the definition of slow travel.
Jet boat tours venture deep into river canyons, stopping at homesteads that receive mail delivery the old-fashioned way. The river is world-class for salmon fishing, while the ocean boasts excellent bottom fishing. The beaches here stretch for miles in solitude—you could walk for hours without seeing another person.
South of town, the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor showcases the coast at its most photogenic. Otter Point offers sweeping ocean vistas, while hidden coves and natural sea arches create endless photo opportunities.
Getting ThereAll three towns sit along Highway 101 between Portland (roughly 5.5 hours) and the California border (under an hour). Summer brings warm weather and full services, but fall means fewer crowds and moody weather. Come for the geology, the fishing, the solitude—and marvel in the breathtaking beauty of the Oregon coast.
Humphrey Bogart Classic Just Ranked No. 1 ‘Most Impactful Movie Ending’
More than 80 years after its release, Casablanca is still widely considered one of the greatest films ever made—and now its legendary final moments have earned another major honor.
MsMojo recently ranked the 1942 Humphrey Bogart classic No. 1 on its list of the “Most Impactful Movie Endings,” praising the film’s unforgettable closing scene between Bogart’s Rick Blaine, Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa Lund and Claude Rains’ Captain Louis Renault.
“Do movies get any more romantic than this?” the video asked while discussing the film’s emotional final sequence.
Directed by Michael Curtiz, Casablanca follows American nightclub owner Rick Blaine, who finds himself torn between rekindling his romance with Ilsa and helping her husband, resistance leader Victor Laszlo, escape Nazi-controlled territory during World War II.
The film builds toward one of Hollywood’s most iconic endings as Rick ultimately sacrifices his own happiness to help Ilsa and Laszlo flee Casablanca safely. After shooting Nazi Major Strasser and sending Ilsa away on the plane, Rick walks off into the fog alongside Renault and delivers the immortal line: “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
The ending has remained one of the most celebrated moments in movie history for decades thanks to its mix of romance, heartbreak, sacrifice and hope.
Roger Ebert once famously wrote on his list of the Ten Greatest Films of All Time, “If there is ever a time when they decide that some movies should be spelled with an upper-case M, Casablanca should be voted first on the list of Movies.”
Released in 1942 during World War II, Casablanca was initially expected to be just another studio film among dozens produced each year by Hollywood. Instead, it became a cultural phenomenon that won the Academy Award for Best Picture and gradually developed a reputation as one of the defining films of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
The movie’s influence has only grown with time. The American Film Institute ranked Casablanca No. 2 on its list of the greatest American films ever made and named several of its lines among the most famous movie quotes in history, including “Here’s looking at you, kid” and “We’ll always have Paris.”
Much of the film’s enduring power comes from its emotionally layered ending, which balances love and loss without offering a traditional Hollywood happy ending. Instead of choosing romance, Rick chooses sacrifice—a decision that helped transform the film into an enduring classic.
More than eight decades later, audiences are clearly still captivated by that final foggy walk into the night.
1970 Forgotten Haunting Hit About a Lonely Soldier Climbed the Charts 56 Years Ago
Long before podcasts and audio storytelling became mainstream, Bill Cosby released one of the most unusual hits of his career. In 1970, his spoken-word single "Grover Henson Feels Forgotten” told the haunting story of a lonely soldier struggling with isolation and heartbreak. Released as a 7-inch 45 RPM record on UNI Records, the track unexpectedly resonated with listeners and climbed to No. 70 on the Billboard chart, reaching its peak 56 years ago today.
In 1970, spoken-word records rarely broke through on mainstream radio, which made “Grover Henson Feels Forgotten” quite rare. Rather than following the typical structure of a pop single, for example, Cosby's track is more like a short, cinematic monologue—with the Vietnam War as its backdrop.
The lyrics tell the story of Grover Henson, a soldier who hasn't received any mail—other than his income tax bill. He decides to write himself a letter, and, in the process, reveals that he's never known the love of a mother and a father. He goes on to ask God to send him one letter before his time on earth is up.
Cosby, who was best known for his comedy in the 1970s, released a number of spoken-word and music tracks over the course of his career. For example, he released "Funky North Philly" in 1968 and "I Luv Myself Better Than I Luv Myself" in 1976.
READ NEXT: The First-Ever McDonald’s Opened 86 Years Ago—and the Prices Are Hard to Believe
Adidas’ $23 Crossbody Bag Is 'Cute,' 'Comfortable,' and Available in 4 Colors on Amazon
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A compact crossbody makes a great everyday bag for spring and summer. It's easy to throw on while running errands, taking a long walk, or exploring a new city, and it keeps you hands-free so you can easily juggle coffee, grocery bags, or a phone. If you're looking for a stylish new option to wear for all your daily activities, Adidas has the top-rated Luxe Crossbody Bag on sale for up to 46% off at Amazon right now.
The stunning shoulder bag is currently at a 90-day low price, at just $23 in the gorgeous spring-ready sage green hue. You can also shop it in a pretty blush pink at $34 and in black and off-white shades at $35. All four styles are accented with silver metal hardware and come with a removable crossbody strap that adjusts up to 55 inches long.
Adidas Luxe Crossbody Bag, From $23 (was $42) at Amazon Shop at AmazonMeasuring 8.5 inches long, 2.8 inches wide, and 5.5 inches high, the Adidas Luxe Crossbody bag has a compact construction that's just the right size to fit all your everyday must-haves. It has multiple zippered compartments that provide ample storage to organize your items, including an exterior pocket to keep lip balm, credit cards, and other small essentials within reach.
The crossbody is constructed of 100% polyester material that's flexible, lightweight, and easy to clean, while a sturdy zipper closure helps keep all your belongings safe and secure. It has a small metal tag featuring the iconic Adidas logo on the front, adding a subtle yet sophisticated touch.
The Luxe Crossbody bag has earned plenty of praise for its blend of style and functionality. Multiple shoppers called it "cute" and "comfortable," while several noted that its lightweight, hands-free design makes it "perfect for travel and super easy to carry around." One reviewer noted that it ticks all the right boxes for everyday use, including "great fabric, size, and storage."
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Between its durable construction, multitude of pockets, and four versatile colors to choose from, this cute crossbody purse is a must-have addition to any spring and summer wardrobe. Snag it for as low as $23 before this deal ends at Amazon.
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Your Celebrity Alter Ego, Based on Your Birth Month
Have you ever felt like you and a celebrity are just alike, even if you’re not famous like them? This feeling of connectedness might have blossomed after watching a touching interview with this celebrity or resonating deeply with one of their performances. The celebrity’s personality, successes, and disposition stick out for a reason. Despite not knowing them, you feel close to this famous individual because they’re your celebrity alter ego.
Astrology says the attributes and traits of each birth month are attuned with a specific celebrity. No two birth months are alike. Knowing the energy of your birth month and understanding celebrity culture can help pinpoint who your alter ego is. Read on to discover which famous celebrity is your alter ego, according to your birth month.
Your Celebrity Alter Ego, Based on Your Birth MonthCheck for the month you were born for pro insights.
January: Tom HanksOutlandish or loud celebrities would never fly with this cool birth month. January’s reserved Capricorn attitude and authentic Aquarius spirit feels closely aligned with Tom Hanks. People born during January feel attuned with Hanks, because he maintains a rather stoic presence off-screen. But on-screen, Tom Hanks brings a whirlwind of legendary performances that resonate with January’s humanitarian spirit and connection with the greater community. Whether Hanks is acting or interviewing, January will see themselves in this star.
February: Steven SpielbergFebruary might initially gravitate toward exceptionally talented actors and singers. However, their technical Aquarius mind and dreamy Pisces outlook will resonate best with director and producer, Steven Spielberg. This famous filmmaker has completely revolutionized how stories are told and created. Spielberg's creative energy and ability to envision a story resonates with the imaginative spirit found in all February birthdays. If February could trade places for a day, trust they would be Spielberg on the set of a new movie.
March: Anne HathawayMarch’s kind Piscean nature and ambitious Aries spirit feels connected with hardworking celebrities who maintain an otherwise squeaky reputation. People born during this month look for a star who’s talented and driven, which is why they feel a bond with Anne Hathaway. Not only is Hathaway an exceptional actress, but she’s also undeniably charming and likeable. March would give anything to trade places with Hathaway, especially if it means working with Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and producing Yesteryear.
April: Lucy LiuPeople born in April feel a special connection with a celebrity who embodies their Aries-like fierceness and their Taurus-like determination. April looks for a star with a strong personality, so this birth month will find a kindred spirit in Lucy Liu. No matter what she’s acted in, April is completely captivated by Liu’s alluring yet intimidating energy that lives on in all her characters. She’s also considered a trailblazer in Hollywood, which appeals to the pioneering spirit bestowed upon April-born.
May-borns are matched with Martha Stewart.Photo by Dia Dipasupil on Getty Images
May: Martha StewartThe rush and high stakes of Hollywood might not appeal to May. People born during this month seek to achieve Taurus’ comfortable lifestyle while indulging in Gemini’s Mercurialness. It might have taken awhile for May to find their celebrity alter ego, but they’ll surely be pleased with Martha Stewart. Stewart’s a famous entrepreneur and businesswoman known for her talent as a chef and writer. May will feel instantly at home with Stewart, because she embodies the luxurious yet stimulating life May desires.
June: Jim CarreyHilarious individuals are born in June. They can thank witty Gemini and intuitive Cancer for their fabulous sense of humor. June’s deep understanding of humor is mirrored in their celebrity alter ego, Jim Carrey. Sure, there are other fantastic comedians, but Carrey captures the confidence and willingness that June puts into their sense of humor. Carrey’s on-screen performances capture June’s desire to make people laugh. After all, nobody commits to the bit quite like June-born and Carrey do.
July: Mariah CareyDivas are born in July, since this month is co-ruled by luminous Cancer and attention-grabbing Leo. July feels right at home on red carpets surrounded by flashing lights and adoring fans. Their big personality and ease with fame is reflected in Mariah Carey. July revels in Carey’s musical talent. Her live performances and impressive voice is something July dreams of achieving. This famed “Songbird Supreme” is exactly who July wants to be when they grow up.
August: Will FerrellExceptionally talented goofballs share August birthdays. People born during this month are beloved for their Leo-inspired confidence and Virgoan wit. It takes immense self-assurance to be playful and silly, which is why August fangirls over Will Ferrell. It doesn’t matter if August has been following Ferrell since his Saturday Night Live days or found him through one of his movies. August knew Ferrell was a kindred spirit the first time they watched Ferrell. No other comedian shares August’s boldness or quick wit as Ferrell does.
People born in September have similar energy as Taylor Swift. September: Taylor SwiftTrue romantics are born in September, since this birth month is home to attentive Virgo and loving Libra. Individuals with this birth don’t shy away from sharing their personal experiences in love. While September may feel called to many celebs, they’ll ultimately find a soul sister in Taylor Swift. August sees themselves in Swift, because Swift captures August’s attention to detail and desire for perfection. Swift also represents the hardships August goes through in their shared quest to find love.
October: Kurt CobainHaving an Octoberbirthday means going through immensely tough battles. October is home to peace-seeking Libra and transformative Scorpio, so people born during this month undergo intense transformations. October will feel a kindred spirit in Nirvana’s late lead singer, Kurt Cobain. People born during this month will see themselves in Cobain’s powerful musical performances, intense love life, and personal battles. Cobain’s struggles with stardom represents something more personal and deeper to October, which is why he’s October’s celebrity alter ego.
November: BeyoncéNovember might not resonate with most celebrities, but Beyoncé stands out for a reason. Unlike other celebs, Beyoncé captures November’s secret Scorpio energy while still adopting this month’s worldly Sagittarius energy. November sees their tenacity, grit, and expansiveness in Queen B. She has an undeniably powerful influence on culture and art while still maintaining a level of privacy November dreams of. Even if November never admits it, people born during this month will always wonder what it would be like to be Beyoncé.
December: Tom SelleckDecember longs to achieve their celebrity alter ego’s professional legacy and global impact. After all, people born during this month want to appear cultured like Sagittarius and authoritative like Capricorn, so their chosen star should reflect these aspirations. Tom Selleck represents the notoriety and status December would kill to have. No other celebrity has had quite a lasting impact quite like Selleck has. It’s no secret that those born in December would give anything to have Selleck’s success in a heartbeat.
1991 Rock Anthem Became the Longest-Running Near-Hit in Music History
Eddie Vedder calls it a curse. Fans call it sacrilege.
Pearl Jam’s “Alive,” one of the greatest ’90s rock songs of all time, and certainly one of the defining grudge anthems, never spent a single day on the Billboard Hot 100. Instead, it lingered for a whopping 61 weeks on the outlet’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, a 25-position extension tracking songs just outside the main chart. At its peak, “Alive” reached only No. 107.
View this post on InstagramThere might be a logical reason for this, though. According to Songfacts, Pearl Jam didn’t initially issue “Alive” as a single until June 1995. The group also resisted the idea of being a traditional “singles band,” often issuing older album tracks as singles to benefit newer fans. That strategy may have kept “Alive” bubbling around the margins of the chart until 1999.
Released July 7, 1991, “Alive” is the third track off Ten, the landmark debut from Pearl Jam that includes “Even Flow,” “Black,” and “Jeremy.” Despite the fate of "Alive," the record itself was a massive success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and helping define the sound of early-’90s alternative rock.
Originally written by Stone Gossard and titled “Dollar Short,” the song tells the semiautobiographical story of a teenager who learns later in life that his father is actually his stepfather. The emotional weight of that revelation mirrors Vedder’s own experience, something he has spoken candidly about over the years.
On VH1's Storytellers series, via RadioX, Vedder shared why he considered the song "a curse," explaining that sometimes knowing the truth is heavier than living in ignorance -- like, "Fine the dad's dead but I'm still alive and I've gotta deal with this. So it was a curse," he said. But he also shared how Pearl Jam fans ultimately lifted the "curse" and reshaped its meaning.
“Every night when I look out at this sea of people reacting on their own positive interpretation, it was really incredible,” he said. “The audience changed the meaning of these words and when they sing 'I'm still alive' it's like they're celebrating. And here's the thing. When they changed the meaning of those words, they lifted the curse.”
Ready for the kicker? The second-longest chart runner — with 52 weeks, peaking at No. 108 in 1997 — is Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow.”
Related: 1999 Cult Classic Packed With Classic Rock Anthems Ranked Among the Best Rock Movies
Want to Party Like It’s the '90s? Head to One of Disney’s Water Parks This Summer
Growing up in Florida in the ‘80s and ‘90s, there was nothing cooler than spending a day at a Disney water park.
I remember zipping down slides at Disney’s original water park, Disney’s River Country (where the new nature-themed Disney Vacation Club resort Disney Lakeshore Lodge is currently being built), and spending sunny summer afternoons at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. My affinity for Disney water parks continued through college, when I worked as a lifeguard at Disney's Blizzard Beach while attending school in Orlando.
Now as a parent, Disney’s water parks remain one of my favorite escapes with my family. And with summertime deals like complimentary admission on arrival day for Disney Resort hotel guests and the return of fun-filled evening events like Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, there’s never been a better time to visit.
From neon-lit dance parties to relaxing hours spent drifting along a lazy river, here’s why a trip to a Disney water park still feels like the ultimate throwback summer vacation.
Related: Disney Drops a Massive 2026 Parks Update—Here's What to Know
Free Water Park Admission Turns Arrival Day into Its Own Vacation From May 26 through September 8, Disney Resort guests receive free admission on arrival day to either Disney water park, including Disney's Typhoon Lagoon (pictured).This summer, guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel receive free admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach on their check-in day. A popular offer that debuted in 2025, this year’s deal is valid from May 26 to September 8, 2026, and includes admission for every guest listed on the hotel reservation. Disney Resort hotel guests also receive complimentary towel rentals.
Especially for families and multigenerational groups, this perk is a great value. Disney water park admission is currently $74 for adults and $68 for children ages 3 to 9 (kids under 3 are free), plus tax, making the offer an especially valuable addition to a summer vacation.
But beyond the savings, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about starting a Disney trip at a water park. In the ’90s, water park admission was often bundled into multi-day Walt Disney World vacation packages, and spending your first day splashing around before heading into the theme parks felt like a rite of passage.
Water park visits also make for unforgettable arrival days. When the promotion launched last year, we checked in early to The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and hopped on a Disney bus to Blizzard Beach. We had so much fun that we spent the whole day there, then headed to dinner at Disney Springs. It was one of the most memorable days of our trip.
Related: Bluey Is Finally Coming to Disney World—Here Are the Details
Disney H2O Glow After Hours Feels Like a Summer Party from Another Era Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon features DJ dance parties, free snacks and shorter attraction wait times.Photo by Bennett Stoops, courtesy of Disney
Glow parties were all the rage in the ‘90s and early 2000s, and when the sun goes down at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, the party heats up.
Held on select nights from June 2 through September 5, Disney H2O Glow After Hours is the ultimate chance to dance under the stars at a Disney water park. This separately ticketed event transforms the water park into a neon-themed nighttime beach party complete with DJs, complimentary snacks (including Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars) and shorter attraction wait times, since capacity is limited.
This year’s event features dazzling lights and illuminated displays, as well as an expanded lineup of rare and iconic Disney characters interacting with guests throughout the night, including Powerline Max from the ‘90s Disney classic A Goofy Movie, Donald and Daisy Duck, Chip ‘n’ Dale dressed as the Rescue Rangers, Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack.
It’s the ultimate night of nostalgia and water park fun; just make sure to buy tickets early, as dates often sell out. The event runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., though guests can enter as early as 6 p.m. Tickets start at $85 for adults, plus tax; children ages 3-9 save $20 (under three are free). Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members save 20 percent.
Related: Disney Just Revealed Its Fall 2026 Lineup
It’s A Chance to Go Phone-Free and Live in the Moment Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (pictured) and Disney’s Blizzard Beach both deliver the ideal throwback summer vacation.Photo by Bennett Stoops, courtesy of Disney
As both a journalist and a mom, I’m usually documenting every moment of our family vacations. But one of the things I love most about water parks is that to fully experience things like water slides, wave pools and lazy rivers, you need to be phone-free—just like we all were in the ‘90s.
Both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach offer spacious lockers for rent, and I’ve grown to enjoy the ritual of locking my phone away and setting off with my kids. And the irony is that while I have fewer photos of our Disney water parks adventures, I remember every moment clearly; perhaps because I’m really living each experience, instead of focusing on capturing it.
At a time when many families are seeking screen-free ways to connect, Disney’s water parks offer a wonderful kind of summer nostalgia: long sun-kissed days, swaying palm trees and nothing on the agenda except the next water slide.
Related: Universal Is Bringing Major 80s and 90s Nostalgia to CityWalk This Summer
Burger King Is Bringing Back Nostalgic Menu Item as Fans Rejoice: 'Finally'
Burger King is officially bringing back a nostalgic menu item for a limited time—Crown Nuggets—and fans are declaring "finally."
On Wednesday, May 13, food blogger Markie_devo teased the return on Instagram, alongside a few other new menu items.
The crown-shaped chicken nuggets will return to Burger King menus nationwide, reportedly on June 2. Additionally, a Firecracker Cookie Pie, a Loaded Jalapeno Whopper, and an Orange Dreamsicle Freezee King will be released.
Although fans were excited about the June 2026 menu for a variety of reasons, folks were particularly elated about the Crown Nuggets. One Instagram user exclaimed, "FINALLY!! THE CROWN NUGGETS."
A second follower wrote, "I legit just said I miss their crown nuggets omg YESSS @burgerking is DOMINATING lately 🔥."
Someone else commented, "CROWN NUGGETS? 😭😭😭," as another wondered, "IS IT GONNA BE THE SAME CROWN NUGGS FROM THE EARLY 2000's?!?!?
A different Instagram user confessed, "You have no idea how much I'm holding back on screaming in excitement. The crown nuggets are my childhood."
Meanwhile, yet another fan echoed, "Hoping the crown nuggets taste as good as I remember them."
View this post on InstagramRelated: Fritos’ New Limited-Time Flavor Twists Are Bringing Serious Heat This Summer
Over on Facebook, where Markie_devo also shared the news, one follower replied, "CROWN NUGGETS ARE BACK?!?! Let’s goooo."
A second shared, "I really hope the crown nuggets taste like they did back in the day."
Someone else declared, in disbelief, "OMG THEY F--KING LISTENED THE CROWN NUGGETS ✊😭."
A different Facebook user pointed out, "I only want crown nuggets if they go back to the recipe they had when I was a kid lol."
Yet another person pointed out, "If you know you know, that the original crown nuggets were some of the best nuggies there were. Just like the chicken selects from McDonald's, I hope this isn't a letdown!"
What are you looking forward to the most in Burger King's June menu drop?
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18 Weird Songs That Shouldn't Have Hit No. 1 (But Did)
From "Smells Like Teen Spirit" to "Since U Been Gone" and every radio smash in between, some songs seem destined to be hits. On the flip side, there's an opposite category of tunes that have dominated the charts over the decades: Those novelty hits, those unexpected bangers, those outta-left-field, who-the-heck-wrote-this musical sensations that climbed their way to No. 1 and into our collective consciousness.
Some are downright classics, while others remain one-hit-wonders, but all are unquestionably memorable—and yes, undeniably strange. From quirky rock masterpieces like Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" to dance-fueled Latin fads like Los del Río's "Macarena," here are 18 truly weird songs that managed to hit the No. 1 spot on global music charts.
18 Weird Songs That Went To No. 11. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by QueenIt's arguably the greatest stadium anthem of all time, but that doesn't change the fact that "Bohemian Rhapsody"—the Freddie Mercury-penned lead single from Queen's 1975 studio album A Night at the Opera—is an odd little ditty. Well actually, not that little! Clocking in at six minutes long—with the number crescendoing from an introspective ballad to a bombastic headbanger—is littered with references of everyone from Galileo to Beelzebub.
Despite its unlikeliness, the song was a huge radio hit, reaching No. 1 on the UK single chart for nine consecutive weeks upon its release in 1975. "It had a very big risk factor," Mercury said in a 1985 interview. "The radios didn't really like it initially because it was too long and the record companies said you can't market it that way, and after me having virtually put the three songs together, they wanted me to sort of slice it up again, so I said no way."
He continued: "I just said it either goes out in its entirety or not at all. So it was a big risk, it was either going to be a big flop because nobody would play it or something would happen—and luckily, it became a major hit."
2. 'My Ding-a-Ling' by Chuck BerryDespite having such classic hits as "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Sweet Little Sixteen" in his repertoire, guitar legend Chuck Berry actually had one Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping single over his career and for a seriously surprising tune: "My Ding-a-Ling."
The tongue-in-cheek novelty song ("Mamma took me to grammar school / But I stopped off in the vestibule / Every time that bell would ring / Catch me playing with my ding-a-ling-a-ling") was written by Dave Bartholomew but covered by Berry in 1972; it reached the top spot on the Billboard charts for two weeks in October of that year. Even more surprisingly, that success wasn't hindered by buttoned-up censorship by several radio stations and morality campaigns, who weren't too pleased with the track's risqué double entendre.
3. 'Miami Vice Theme' by Jan HammerSome radio hits weren't even made for radio to begin with and that's the case when it comes to Jan Hammer's opening-credits tune for the popular 1980s TV series Miami Vice. The NBC crime drama starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as a fashionable pair of Florida detectives.
Hammer's synth-pop instrumental—which went on to win Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Composition and Best Pop Instrumental Performance—was released as a single in 1985, when it shortly after peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 list. It was the last instrumental single to top the Hot 100 for nearly three decades, until Baauer's 2013 song "Harlem Shake" claimed that title.
Related: 1971 Timeless Classic, Named One of the ‘Best TV Theme Songs,’ Never Made It To No. 1
4. 'Dominique' by The Singing NunThe 1960s didn't just have The Flying Nun, but also The Singing Nun, or Sœur Sourire, a.k.a. Belgian singer and real-life nun Jeannine Deckers, who was responsible for the 1963 one-hit wonder "Dominique." The first and only Belgian No. 1 single on the American Billboard charts, the French-language tune is about Saint Dominic. He was a Castilian Catholic priest and the founder of the Dominican Order, which Deckers belonged to.
In addition to French and English, Deckers recorded versions in Dutch, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese—making the song both a commercial success (it was a top-selling record in 11 countries)—and a critical triumph (the song won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel or Other Religious Recording in 1964).
5. 'I'm Too Sexy' by Right Said FredIn an era musically defined by gangsta rap and gritty grunge, the campy, oh-so-catchy debut single of English pop duo Right Said Fred unexpectedly strutted to the top of the charts. Written by brothers and band mates Fred and Richard Fairbrass—alongside songwriter Rob Manzoli—the 1991 mega-hit "I'm Too Sexy" was reportedly a hard sell at most record labels until the teenage receptionist at Red Bus Studios convinced BBC Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates into playing it. “The phones went mental,” said Fred Fairbrass, per The Financial Times. “And from that moment, the record just went insane.”
The goofy dance track ("I'm too sexy for my shirt / Too sexy for my shirt / So sexy it hurts") reached No. 1 for two consecutive weeks in the U.S. and topped the charts in 32 countries. Decades later, the brazen bop was sampled by pop queen Taylor Swiftin one of her own No. 1 songs—2017's “Look What You Made Me Do.”
Related: The ‘Worst Song of the ’90s’ Is One of the Best-Selling Singles of All Time
6. 'Gangnam Style' by PSYIn the summer of 2012, you simply couldn't Gangnam-gallop away from "Gangnam Style," the K-pop behemoth from South Korean singer PSY off the performer's sixth studio album, Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1.
The viral number—which poked fun at the nouveau riche ways of those living in Seoul's Gangnam region—was a smash in its mother country and around the world. It spent five consecutive weeks at the top position of South Korea's Gaon Singles Chart and abroad. The inescapable, high-energy party favorite galloped its way to the No. 1 spot on music charts in more than 30 countries worldwide—including the U.K., Canada and Australia.
7. 'Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)' by Baz LuhrmannMovie fans know Baz Luhrmann as the maximalist, music-loving filmmaker behind such big-screen spectacles as William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby and Elvis. But back in the late '90s, the Aussie multi-hyphenate was also a chart-topping music star, thanks to his 1998 hit "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)."
Also known as "The Sunscreen Song," the tune is a spoken-word number with lyrics based on an article written by Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune journalist Mary Schmich, a hypothetical commencement speech offering pieces of advice on how to live a happier life. ("Do one thing every day that scares you / Sing / Don't be reckless with other people's hearts; don't put up with people who are reckless with yours / Floss.") The single reached No. 1 in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Related: Elvis Presley Stage Show in Development, Baz Luhrmann Confirms
8. 'Batdance' by PrincePrince is responsible for some of pop music's most enduring hits, including "Purple Rain," "Kiss," "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy," "1999," "Little Red Corvette" and countless others. But one of the guitar god's oddest creations is his 1989 song "Batdance," a funky ditty written for the movie soundtrack of Tim Burton'sBatman.
"There are what presumably are cut-ups of dialogue from the film, mad laughter and some demented screaming," Mike Soutar wrote for Smash Hits of the chaotic, sample-laden song. Despite its unusual nature, it managed to reach No. 1 in the United States and was Prince's first number-one hit since "Kiss" three years prior.
9. 'Dur dur d'être bébé!' by JordyReaching No. 1 on the charts is a feat for any musical artist, but especially for one who hasn't even finished kindergarten yet! French singer Jordy Lemoine (credited as Jordy) did just that at only five years old with 1992's "Dur dur d'être bébé!", becoming the youngest singer ever to reach the top spot on a singles chart, according to Guinness World Records.
Translating to "It's Hard to Be a Baby," the dance-pop song humorously recounts the hardships of being a toddler ("Keep seated, I disagree! / Don’t touch that, I disagree! / Don’t go there, I disagree! ...It’s so hard to be a baby"). The first single from the pint-sized performer's debut album Pochette Surprise achieved global success, reaching No. 1 in Belgium, Italy, Hong Kong, Spain, Greece, Mexico and its native France, where it spent a then-record-breaking 15 weeks at the top of the charts.
10. 'Axel F' by Crazy FrogA techno cover of the Beverly Hills Cop theme tune sung by a Swedish CGI-animated frog? Weirder things have happened, sure, but not much weirder. The 2005 single "Axel F" by Crazy Frog—an amphibian Eurodance musician created by actor-playwright Erik Wernquist—was a worldwide hit, reaching the No. 1 spot on international charts in Turkey, New Zealand, Australia and across much of Europe.
The original track—a synth-heavy electro instrumental by German musician Harold Faltermeyer—doesn't feature lyrics, but the Crazy Frog version does. So do your best to sing along to "Ring ding ding daa baa / Baa aramba baa bom baa barooumba."
Related: 2001 Dance Anthem With ‘Invincible Beat’ Ranked No. 1 ‘Best Party Song of All Time’
11. 'Rock Me Amadeus' by FalcoThere are plenty of songs by famed Austrian composer and musical virtuoso Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart but far fewer about him. Consider Falco's 1985 hit "Rock Me Amadeus" as a notable exception. The synth-pop novelty track chronicles Mozart's life and career, from his birth in Salzburg to his first piano concerto to his marriage to Constanze Weber.
It's surprising enough subject matter for a pop hit, but even more so when you consider that the entire song is in German. Yes, the single remains, to date, the only German-language song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which it did for three consecutive weeks beginning on March 29, 1986.
12. 'Disco Duck' by Rick Dees and His Cast of IdiotsThe disco era of the 1970s and early 1980s produced many bizarre songs—and "Disco Duck" by Memphis-based disc jockey Rick Dees was certainly one of them.
The 1976 dance song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week in October '76 and remained in the chart's top 10 rankings for a total of 10 weeks. It was inspired by another novelty track, 1960's "The Duck." And the satirical lyrics—centered on a man who does a duck-like dance at a disco—were equally absurd: "All of a sudden, I begin to change / I was on the dance floor, actin' strange (Quack-quack, quack-quack) / Flappin' my arms, I began to cluck (Quack-quack) / Look at me, I'm the disco duck."
Related: 1977 Hit Ranked ‘Best Disco Song of All Time’ Was the Artist’s Debut Song
13. 'Joy to the World' by Three Dog Night"Jeremiah was a bullfrog / Was a good friend of mine / I never understood a single word he said / But I helped him a-drink his wine / And he always had some mighty fine wine." So memorably begins Three Dog Night's nonsensical 1971 single "Joy to the World," which climbed the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release, peaking at No. 1 for six consecutive weeks—making it the biggest hit of the year and the band’s second chart-topping single.
The band's gonzo hit was originally intended for an animated series that was never produced. However, lead singer Chuck Negron still believed it would be a memorable single for the group. “I knew that [‘Jeremiah was a bullfrog’] was going to be in everyone’s head,” he said during an interview on the Professor of Rock podcast. “It was just too bizarre.”
14. 'Star Wars (Main Title)' by MecoIt's one of cinema's most iconic openings: The famous blue text ("A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….") followed by a slow crawl of yellow text as composer John Williams' "Main Title Theme" booms in the background. It's a fittingly epic start to a legendary franchise—the Star Warsfilms, of course—but that galactic grandeur wasn't relegated solely to the silver screen. It made its way to the radio, too, in the form of Meco's 1977 space-disco version of Williams' famous score.
Meco's groovy cover "Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 list for two weeks, beginning on October 1, 1977, and was later certified Platinum. Williams' original musical theme also popped up concurrently alongside the cover in the chart's top 10 rankings.
Related: 50 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time, From Blockbusters and Franchises to Indies and Rom-Coms
15. 'Mr. Custer' by Larry VerneThe "Mr. Custer" in question is General George Armstrong Custer, a cavalry commander in the American Civil War. In this satirical 1960 march song from novelty act Larry Verne, the lyrics center on a cowardly Confederate soldier pleading with Custer ahead of the Battle of the Little Bighorn to let him stay behind and not join in the fight against the Sioux. ("Hey, Mr. Custer, please don't make me go / I had a dream last night about the comin' fight / Somebody yelled 'Attack!' / And there I stood with an arrow in my back.")
They're certainly dark lyrics for a pop hit, but that didn't stop the massacre-focused song from taking off on the radio. It was a No. 1 song in the United States, topping the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on October 10, 1960 and remaining there for one week.
16. 'A Whole New World' by Peabo Bryson and Regina BelleIt's not all that strange for a Disney movie ballad to make it to the Billboard charts. We're talking animated film classics like Elton John's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (The Lion King), Phil Collins' "You'll Be in My Heart" (Tarzan), Vanessa Williams' "Colors of the Wind" (Pocahontas) and the like. But it is rare for one to top the list: "A Whole New World"—the Aladdinpop duet crooned by R&B icons Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle—did just that when it peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a week in March 1993.
It was the only Disney song to achieve this feat until "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Encanto took over the record in 2022. Even more unlikely is the song that the Aladdin track managed to knock from the No. 1 spot: none other than Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," which had spent a then-record 14 weeks at the top of the chart.
Related: Disney Is Releasing 3 Iconic Songs in American Sign Language—Including ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’
17. 'Can We Fix It?' by Bob the BuilderIf you have young children, then you're likely familiar with the dreaded experience of getting a novelty kids' song stuck in your head for days on end.
That sensation clearly manifested on a major scale in December 2000 with "Can We Fix It?" The cheerful theme song from the British children's animated series Bob the Builder topped the radio charts for three weeks and became the United Kingdom's No. 1 single of the Christmas season. (In a truly odd-couple pairing, it beat out the Eminemrap classic "Stan" for the title of the UK's biggest-selling single of the year.)
The animated contractor would repeat that No. 1 success just a year later with his second single "Mambo No. 5," a family-friendly cover of the 1999 Lou Bega hit.
18. 'Macarena' by Los del RíoCoupled with an equally ridiculous and repetitive dance craze, Los del Río's "Macarena" was one of the most inescapable one-hit wonders of the 1990s. The Bayside Boys' remix of the Spanish pop song went on to become one of the longest-running No. 1 Billboard hits of all time. It spent 14 weeks at the top spot and a whopping 60 weeks in the top 100 in the U.S. and was a smash hit all over the world.
However, despite its enduring status as an upbeat party favorite, "Macarena" actually has surprisingly dark lyrics, telling a racy tale of a woman (the titular Macarena) who cheats on her boyfriend Vitorino with two of his friends after he joins the military and leaves town.
Photos of 8 Discontinued Childhood Cereals That Will Instantly Unlock a Core Memory
If you told us as kids in the 90s that one day we’d grow up and no longer spend our lazy Saturday mornings eating bowls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch parked in front of the TV watching reruns of Dexter's Laboratory, we’d probably tell you to talk to the hand cause the face ain’t listening. Translation: we don’t want to hear it. Back then, the highlight of most days involved filling up the largest bowl we could find with our favorite sugary cereal and mindlessly following along as Dexter tried helplessly to keep his sister Dee Dee out of his beloved laboratory. Ah, the good old days.
It was a golden age of carefree bliss—and lots and lots of Lucky Charms. Whether your preferred cereal was Froot Loops, Trix (the fruit-shaped kind) or Frosted Flakes, we were pretty much spoilt for choice. But beyond the enduring breakfast table mainstays, there were even more 90s cereal options available than you probably remember.
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Pop-Tarts Crunch ring a bell? How about Major League Grand Slams? Mr. T Cereal? If those jogged your memory and have you feeling nostalgic for the days when life was as simple as pouring a bowl and hoping to find the mystery toy buried inside the box, then here are eight more discontinued breakfast cereals you completely forgot about until now.
Discontinued Cereals You Completely Forgot AboutTo be fair, “discontinued” is a pretty loose term these days as more and more brands look back to the past to find throwback products and breathe new life into them. Think: the growing "newstalgia" trend that helped bring back Slice Soda and Dunkaroos. If hacky sack and house phones can make a comeback, why can’t Betty Crocker Cinnamon Streusel Cereal? Unfortunately, some things are just ahead of their time.
Pour yourself a bowl of your favorite cereal and take a trip down memory lane with us to rediscover these eight discontinued breakfast cereals.
Related: Remember Cereal Box Prizes? Kellogg’s Is Bringing Them Back for the First Time in Years
1. Sprinkle SpanglesSpeaking of Dunakroos, if you ever wondered what they’d taste like in cereal form, Sprinkle Spangles is pretty much it. Star-shaped pieces covered in rainbow sprinkles made to taste like a sugar cookie? Talk about every kid's dream breakfast.
The sugary-sweet cereal was first launched in 1993, but it was pulled from shelves after less than a year due to lackluster sales. Primarily, the intense sugar cookie-inspired flavor wasn’t a hit with everyone (mostly parents), and the added rainbow sprinkles were almost guaranteed to tear up the roof of your mouth. Not the most ideal way to start the morning, but unsurprisingly, Sprinkle Spangles still has a dedicated fan base that continues to hope for its dazzling return.
2. Oreo O’sNothing quite goes together like Oreos and milk, which was the premise for Oreo O’s, one of the greatest inventions of the 90s hands down. You might remember the commercials of super cool-looking marshmallow bits line-dancing their way into a bowl of chocolatey, Oreo cookie-flavored rings as an announcer introduces them as “The Cream Team.” It was peak 90s marketing, but for all the gimmicks, Oreo O’s were actually good.
Luckily, they’ve never been formally discontinued, just constantly rebranded, with the most recent revamp being Oreo Puffs. Instead of crunchy Oreo-flavored rings, the new iteration features puffed rounds.
3. Urkel-OsIt’s impossible to talk about the 90s without mentioning the hit sitcomFamily Matters or its painfully nerdy main character, Steve Urkel. The show was such a success that Ralston Cereals tapped Urkel to be the face of Urkel-Os, an artificially flavored strawberry banana cereal.
Although the buzzy cereal was a hot item when it debuted in 1991, as the show's popularity waned, sales declined, leading to its unfortunate discontinuation sometime in 1993. In the endlessly endearing words of Steve himself, “Did I do that?”
4. French Toast CrunchAlthough we can’t say we crave actual French toast for breakfast every single day, French Toast Crunch is an entirely different story. This near-perfect cereal was a personal favorite of yours truly growing up in the 90s, and honestly, we might have to try and hunt down a box. Unlike its flavor-blasted cousin Cinnamon Toast Crunch, French Toast Crunch was shaped into little pieces of toast and almost glazed with buttery maple goodness. It also miraculously stayed crunchy longer than most cereals, making it almost impossible to eat only one bowl.
Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the U.S. in 2006, but due to immense fan demand, General Mills decided to bring it back to shelves in 2014.
Related: Sam’s Club’s Colorful New Sweet and Salty Snack Mix Is Packed With Childhood Nostalgia
5. Cinnamon Mini BunsGiven the choice, we’d start every day with a cinnamon bun, but we’ll also settle for a giant bowl of Cinnamon Mini Buns cereal. Made to mimic the iconic taste of everyone’s favorite pastry, this beloved breakfast cereal featured pieces that also looked just like mini cinnamon rolls, complete with the signature swirl.
After launching in 1991 and receiving rave reviews from fans, Kellogg’s discontinued the cereal in 2000 but then rebranded it as Mini Swirlz in 2005. The cereal was discontinued again in 2009, only to make yet another comeback as Cinnabon cereal.
6. Hidden TreasuresDespite its name sounding more like a secondhand store than a cereal, Hidden Treasures had quite a following in its heyday. It was the equivalent of doing a treasure hunt, except instead of looking for gold doubloons, you were trying to find the elusive pieces of sweetened corn cereal that actually contained fruit filling. You could luck up and bite into a burst of grape, cherry or orange, or chomp down on nothing but a hollow shell.
It was unfortunately discontinued in 1995 after only being on shelves for less than two years.
7. Dino PebblesAs much as we love Fruity Pebbles, they’re no comparison to Dino Pebbles. First introduced in 1990, this tasty addition to the cereal aisle featured vanilla-flavored rice cereal with colorful dinosaur-shaped marshmallows. It was equal parts fun and delicious, making it a favorite among cereal fans even today.
Unfortunately, after just a few years, Dino Pebbles were pulled from shelves and haven’t been seen since. On the bright side, Malt-O-Meal carries its own version of Dino Pebbles called Dyno-Bites that you can find at most major grocery stores.
8. Cracker Jack CerealTechnically, Cracker Jack Cereal was first introduced in 1983, but it stuck around for almost a decade before it was inevitably discontinued in 1991.
Much like the snack it was named after, Cracker Jack Cereal was a caramel-coated corn puff, complete with a prize in every box. With so much going for it, you’d think we’d still see it on shelves today, but perhaps it was just ahead of its time. Here’s hoping this one's on the list of cereals to bring back from the dead.
Related: We Asked 4 Chefs What They Never Leave Aldi Without—and We're Taking Notes
From 'Star Wars' to Spielberg: The 17 Movies That Will Define Summer 2026
When it comes to summer movies, the 2026 lineup is absolutely stacked. For family flicks, Woody and Buzz are back in Toy Story 5 and there's a live-action Moana on the way. For superhero fare, newlyweds Tom Holland and Zendayaare back as Peter and MJ in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, while Milly Alcock suits up as Supergirl.
Summer blockbuster specialist Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has an A-list cast that includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway,Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o and Zendaya. Meanwhile, sci-fi fans can look forward to Steven Spielberg's UFO thriller Disclosure Day and Ridley Scott's post-apocalyptic The Dog Stars. And that's just the start!
Get ready to mark your calendars while you read Parade’s comprehensive guide to 17 must-see movies of summer 2026—including full cast lists, plot details and release dates. Plus, grab some popcorn so you can watch every official trailer!
17 Must-See Movies Coming This Summer1. 'Toy Story 5' (June 19)It seems like Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks) couldn't stay apart for too long. Though the iconic duo parted ways at the end of 2019's Toy Story 4, the Pixar franchise's fifth installment reunites the beloved toys—alongside fellow returning favorites like cowgirl ragdoll Jessie (Joan Cusack), piggybank Hamm (John Ratzenberger), toy dinosaur Rex (Wallace Shawn) and Slinky Dog (Blake Clark)—to save their human Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) from the threat of techy screen tablets like Lilypad (Greta Lee).
Related: Taylor Swift Countdown: Fans in a Frenzy Over Since-Deleted Timer & Possible ‘Toy Story’ Connection
2. 'Scary Movie 6' (June 5)Thirteen years since the funny franchise's last installment, Scary Movie is returning for its sixth silly spook this June and so are original stars Anna Farisand Regina Hall—back as the delightfully dumb duo of Cindy Campbell and Brenda Meeks—and Shawn andMarlon Wayans, who not only appear onscreen but also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Keenan Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans and Rick Alvarez. Expect plenty of fresh horror references from recent hits like Sinners, Weapons, Longlegs and more.
3. 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' (July 31)Continuing a busy summer for Tom Holland and Zendaya, the co-stars-turned-couple reprise their respective roles as Peter Parker and Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson in the latest Spider-Man movie. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the superhero sequel takes place in a world that has forgotten all about Peter Parker (after Dr. Strange's spell at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, remember?); the now-college age webslinger continues to anonymously protect New York City, that is, until a powerful new threat pulls him out of the shadows. Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, Mark Ruffalo and Marvin Jones III also star.
4. 'Moana' live action (July 10)A decade after the animated original hula-danced its way into our hearts, Moana is getting the live-action treatment this summer, with newcomer Catherine Laga’aia starring as the young wannabe wayfinder. The 2026 remake will follow a similar storyline as the O.G Disney movie: Answering the call of the ocean, Moana sets off from her home island of Motunui and travels far past the barrier reef, where she meets demigod Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and works to break a curse affecting the islands of Oceania.
Related: Dwayne Johnson Shows Off Dramatic Transformation For New ‘Moana’ Trailer
5. 'The Odyssey' (July 17)Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan continues his so-far-successful tradition of releasing films in July—see Oppenheimer (July 21, 2023), Dunkirk(July 21, 2017), Inception (July 16, 2010), The Dark Knight (July 18, 2008) and so on—with The Odyssey, a fittingly sweeping adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic of the same name. (The film was shot entirely on IMAX, so prepare for some larger-than-life visuals.) Matt Damon stars as King Odysseus, with Tom Holland as his son Telemachus and Anne Hathaway his wife Penelope; Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Samantha Morton and Travis Scottfill out the astonishing ensemble cast.
6. 'Disclosure Day' (June 12)Steven Spielberg knows his way around a summer movie—this is the dude behind Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Parkand the Indiana Jones franchise, after all. The legendary director adds to that illustrious list with his sci-fi newcomer Disclosure Day, which follows a young cybersecurity expert-turned-whistleblower (Josh O'Connor) who has evidence of a global cover-up of not only alien life, but also an extraterrestrial touchdown on Earth. The stacked cast also includes Emily Blunt, Colin Firth,Colman Domingo, Eve Hewson and Wyatt Russell.
7. 'Supergirl' (June 26)Almost one year after David Corenswet's Superman came flying into theaters, that DC Universe crimefighter is getting some extra-powerful company via his cousin Supergirl, played by House of the Dragon breakout Milly Alcock. The Craig Gillespie-directed superhero flick sees the young Kryptonian scouring the galaxy on a quest to avenge her father (David Krumholtz) after he was killed by space-pirate head honcho Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts). Along with supporting work by Corenswet, another DC regular will also be making a much-anticipated appearance: Aquaman himself Jason Momoa, here portraying alien mercenary Lobo.
8. 'Masters of the Universe' (June 5)Following in Barbie's well-heeled footsteps comes yet another Mattel-to-movie adaptation in the form of Masters of the Universe. The swords-and-sorcery epic stars Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue, The Idea of You) as Prince Adam-slash-He-Man, who returns to his home planet of Eternia to save it from the evil forces of Skeletor (Jared Leto). He-Man enthusiasts will recognize several other familiar characters including Man-at-Arms (played by Idris Elba), Adam's lieutenant Teela (Camila Mendes), super-villainess Evil Lyn (Alison Brie), and Kristen Wiig as the voice of Roboto.
9. 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' (May 22)The majority of Star Wars movies have landed earthside in the month of May and the latest addition to the galactic franchise will continue that tradition: Soaring into theaters on May 22, The Mandalorian and Grogu will find Pedro Pascal reprising his role as the veteran bounty hunter Din Djarin, who, along with his apprentice Grogu, will embark on a dangerous new mission for the New Republic. TheJon Favreau-directed space saga will welcome franchise newcomers including Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward—a New Republic leader and former rebel pilot—andJeremy Allen Whiteas Rotta the Hutt, Jabba’s son.
10. 'Minions & Monsters' (July 1)Taking place four decades before the events of 2015's Minions, this 1920s-set animated prequel follows the Despicable Me sidekicks as they search for frightening creatures so they can make a monster movie of their own in Old Hollywood. As is Minion tradition, writer-director Pierre Coffin will serve as the primary voice for the nubby little yellow guys, leading a star-studded vocal cast that includes Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, Zoey Deutch, Bobby Moynihan, Phil LaMarr and Trey Parker.
11. 'Coyote vs. Acme' (August 28)After years—heck, decades—of watching Wile E. Coyote try and fail to chase down the Road Runner using a wide variety of Acme Corporation products, the Looney Tunes canine is finally taking his grievances to court, enlisting down-and-out human attorney Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to represent him in a product liability lawsuit against Acme. The hybrid live-action/animated film will feature plenty of classic characters including Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn and Tweety Bird. On the human end of things, you'll find John Cena, Lana Condor and Tone Bell.
12. 'The Death of Robin Hood' (June 19)Hugh Jackman capes up as the titular steal-from-the-riches bandit in this dark A24 adaptation of the British legend. After suffering a potentially fatal injury, an aged Robin Hood is tended to by a mysterious woman (Jodie Comer), all while contending with his violent past as a thief and murderer. The Michael Sarnoski-directed thriller also features Nosferatu's Bill Skarsgård, Hamnet's Noah Jupe and Nine Perfect Strangers' Murray Bartlett.
13. 'The Dog Stars' (August 28)Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner) is closing in on his ninth decade, but age seemingly isn't getting the visionary director to slow down one bit—the 88-year-old filmmaker will next release the sci-fi survival tale The Dog Stars, based on the Peter Heller novel of the same name. Set in a post-apocalyptic, pandemic-riddled world, civilian pilot Hig (Jacob Elordi) and gruff ex-Marine Bangley (Josh Brolin) are surviving on an isolated homestead when a mysterious radio transmission spurs the men to venture into the dangerous unknown in the hope for human connection.
14. 'The End of Oak Street' (August 14)Director David Robert Mitchell certainly knows how to freak us out—he's behind the 2014 horror drama It Follows, which is easily one of the scariest movies in recent memory. And the filmmaker will continue that thrills-and-chills M.O. with The End of Oak Street, a sci-fi survival film starring Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella and Christian Convery as a suburban family who has to navigate bizarre new surroundings after a mysterious cosmic event transports their neighborhood to destinations unknown.
15. 'Pressure' (May 29)Even the phrase "D-Day" has become synonymous with a high-pressure situation, so it's safe to say this wartime drama will be quite a tense watch. Directed, edited and co-written by Anthony Maras (Hotel Mumbai), Pressure recounts the 72 hours leading up to June 6th, 1944, during which meteorologist James Stagg (Andrew Scott) and General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Oscar winner Brendan Fraser) have to begrudgingly work together to stage one of the most dangerous seaborne invasions in history. Kerry Condon, Chris Messina and Damian Lewis pad out the period piece in supporting roles.
16. 'Backrooms' (May 29)Already being called one of 2026's best scary movies, A24's Backrooms stars Oscar nominee Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value) as a therapist who searches for her patient, furniture-store owner Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), after he disappears into a strange dimension beyond reality. Marking the directorial debut of YouTuber Kane Parsons—who at 20 years old is the youngest person to lead an A24 production ever—the upcoming horror film also stars Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett and Lukita Maxwell.
17. 'I Love Boosters' (May 22)Rapper-filmmaker Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You, I'm a Virgo) is back with yet another buzzy satirical farce: Led by Keke Palmer, I Love Boosters is an Oakland set crime comedy centered on a group of professional shoplifters—a.k.a. "boosters"—who exact revenge against a cutthroat fast-fashion mogul (Demi Moore) after she steals their designs. The anti-capitalist flick, which premiered at SXSW 2026 this past March, also stars Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Eiza González and Poppy Liu.
Costco Is Selling a Viral Wellness Essential That Athletes Swear By
If you shop at Costco long enough, it starts to feel like there's nothing the bulk retail giant doesn't carry. And if there's one thing you can count on across multiple visits, it's stumbling across something you never expected to see.
With summer on the horizon, Costco has been leaning heavily into water-related summer gear. And while shoppers have been obsessing over a massive inflatable pool, a viral wellness tool athletes swear by just quietly landed in warehouses only: the LifeTrend Classic Cold Plunge Tub with Chiller.
LifeTrend Classic Cold Plunge Tub With Chiller, $899.99 at Costco View this post on InstagramDesigned to support athletic recovery and boost energy, this cold plunge is not your average Costco find—it brings a science-backed wellness practice into your home with an easy-to-use design you'll want to hop into every day. With a sticker price of $899.99, it might give some shoppers pause, but the health benefits and sleek, durable design make it a justifiable investment for athletes, wellness professionals, personal trainers and more.
"I was not expecting to find a full cold plunge tub setup during my Costco run today," @costconewdeals captioned their post after discovering the cold plunge in-store. "Definitely one of the most unexpected NEW Costco wellness finds lately."
Built for single-person use, this cold plunge features an integrated chiller that maintains precise water temperatures in an optimal cold-therapy range, with no ice required. Perfect for on-demand recovery sessions, the tub is constructed with a durable acrylic shell and comes complete with a cover for insulation and added cleanliness between uses. It even has an adjustable temperature range of 77°F down to 37°F and a 105-gallon capacity, making it a cost-effective option for at-home cold exposure practice.
Related: Costco Just Dropped the Final Boss of Ninja Products: 'This Masterpiece Does Everything'
"Love this," one fan raved in response to @costconewdeals’s post, adding, "I'm scared to try but I know it will do me well."
Another chimed in to echo the sentiment: "Yesss I'm going to need this one."
A third simply added, "Ooh that's nice."
Between its high-performance chiller, dual-filtration system, insulated cover and sturdy design, this Costco wellness find is guaranteed to prove worth its expensive price tag. For those serious about prioritizing their health and well-being, its plug-and-play design makes it easier than ever to integrate into your daily routine. No electrical installation required, just an easy setup, a few deep breaths and some words of encouragement before you take the plunge.
As a reminder, this is an in-store only deal, so be sure to check your local warehouse if you're considering adding it to your home gym, back patio or garage. And while you're there, take a look at Costco's exclusive Ninja FlexFlame 5-in-1 Cooking System Bundle, another incredible way to elevate your backyard setup.
Related: Costco Is Selling a 'Stunning' Acacia Butcher Block Counter at a Price That Can't Be Beat
1989 Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Power Ballads of All Time' Was Nearly Rejected by Band
In 1989, the heavy metal band Skid Row released what would become one of their biggest hits with “I Remember You.” The song, which appeared on the New Jersey-based band’s self-titled debut album, peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Feb. 3, 1990, amid a 20-week chart ride. Penned by bandmates Rachel Bolan and Dave “Snake” Sabo, the ballad showed fans a softer side of Skid Row following their previous hard-rocking singles “Youth Gone Wild" and “18 and Life.”
Ultimate Classic Rock ranked “I Remember You” one of the greatest power ballads of all time, noting that it remains one of Skid Row’s most popular songs more than 35 years later–even though its songwriters initially snubbed the tune.
Bolan and Sabo didn’t want the song on the albumAmazingly, songwriters Bolan and Sabo didn’t want to include “I Remember You” on the first Skid Row album, but their manager insisted upon it.
Bolan told Ultimate Classic Rock, “Snake [Sabo] and I fought tooth and nail not to put 'I Remember You' on the record. But I’m glad they overrode our decision. Because the label wanted it on there, and our management was telling us, 'You guys are absolutely crazy if you don’t put this on there.' And we were like, 'Nope, we don’t want to be a ballad band.' Because back then, that’s what was breaking all of the bands at the time."
The Skid Row bassist and lead songwriter also recently addressed the song on the Chris DeMakes a Podcast. “It was a little weird because Snake and I didn't even want it on the record,” he said on the 2026 podcast. “We were just like, ‘No, every band is doing a power ballad.’ And we didn't write it for any reason. I don't even know if there was a term power ballad back then, but we just didn't want to kind of do the same thing. But we got outranked by the label. They're like, ‘That's going on the record. It's going on the record. You guys are kids. You don't know what the hell you're talking about.’”
“And it was crazy because we knew we wrote a really cool tune, but we were just so afraid of being lumped in with a bunch of stuff that we didn't really want to,” he added.
RELATED: ‘80s Rocker Calls Out Former Bandmates Amid Reunion Tours
Sebastian Bach wanted to include the songWhile the songwriters weren’t initially keen on including the song on the album, frontman Sebastian Bach was all for it. In an interview on the Professor of Rock podcast, the band’s former lead singer said he always wanted to include “I Remember You” on the first Skid Row album.
“I wanted to do this song because I said I love ballads, and it was one of the best ballads I ever heard," Bach revealed. “And Snake and Rachel weren't into it.”
Bach explained that he told manager Doc McGhee that he needed to hear the song during a rehearsal.
“And everybody's looking at me going, ‘No, no,’” he recalled. “I go, 'No, you got to hear this song.' … And we did it for Doc. And halfway through us doing the song in the garage, I look over, and Doc's laughing. He's laughing. And at the end of the song, I go, ‘You know, dude, I love this, but Snake and Rachel don't think it should be on the record.’ And Doc goes, ‘Oh, that's funny. It's on the record.‘"
"So, it wasn't the label. It was me. It was 100 percent me," Bach added. "I'm not making stuff up. I'm not bragging. It was me telling Doc, ‘You got to hear this. This is incredible.’ And he knows a good song when he hears it.“
Speaking with Yahoo Entertainment, Bach noted that his bandmates originally thought their song was too “wimpy" to be a single. “You know, we wanted to be tough guys, punks, metalheads!” he explained. “At the time, it bugged us that we were just known as a ballad band.”
The band ultimately went heavier on their follow-up album, Slave to the Grind.
“[We] knew what we had to do,” the Skid Row rocker added. “And then we had people in the industry years later say, ‘You guys were ahead of your time. You knew what you were doing back then.’ Because not a lot of bands would have gotten heavier on their second album.”
1986 Action Film, One of the Biggest Box Office Hits of the '80s, Turns 40 Today
It was on this day in 1986 that Top Gun first took flight.
Exactly 40 years ago, the world was introduced to the hotshot fighter pilot Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell for the first time when Top Gun released in theaters on May 16, 1986. Since then, the blockbuster smash has already sparked one sequel, plus another one in the works, and it remains a defining film of the '80s.
The Tony Scott-directed action movie follows a group of elite U.S. naval aviators training at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School in California. It famously stars Tom Cruise as the effortlessly cool and skilled pilot known by the call sign "Maverick," plus Val Kilmeras Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, and Anthony Edwards as Nick "Goose" Bradshaw. The cast also includes Meg Ryan, Kelly McGillis, Tim Robbins and more.
The film was a major box office success, and was the highest-grossing film of that year, according to Box Office Mojo. It was even one of the highest-earning films of the entire decade, grossing over $176.7 million domestically.
View this post on InstagramTop Gun is appreciated by both critics and fans, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 96 percent on the Tomatometer (critics score) and 99 percent on the Popcornmeter (audience score). It also has a 3.5 star rating on Letterboxd.
Aside from the storyline, cinematography and star-studded cast, Top Gun is also known and loved for its iconic soundtrack, particularly the theme "Danger Zone," by Kenny Loggins which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance.
Another song from the soundtrack, "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin (written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock) ended up winning an Oscar for Best Original Song. The soundtrack, which also features "Playing with the Boys" and "Mighty Wings," hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and is ranked No. 1 on Variety's 25 Most Quintessential 1980s Soundtracks.
Top Gun inspired the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, while a third film is officially in the works at Paramount.
The 4 Birth Months That Make the Best Puppy Parents
The idea of having puppies can be appealing, but not everyone is equipped to handle the chaos they bring. This includes midnight zoomies, chewed-up shoelaces, a constant need for attention, and the boundless energy packed into a tiny, furry body. While many people can become great dog owners with patience and love, certain birth months seem to be more naturally suited for the little puppy stage. These individuals do not feel totally overwhelmed by the madness; instead, they embrace it.
The best puppy parents aren't the most experienced people, but they're the ones willing to embrace the messy, energetic, exhausting parts of raising a young dog. And according to expert astrologers, people born in these four months seem especially ready for the challenge.
Which Birth Months Make The Best Puppy Parents?Check for your birth month below.
Born in March — Puppy's Perfect Adventure PartnerMarch babies tend to have the perfect mix of patience and playfulness. Whether they're an imaginative Pisces or energetic Aries, people born in March know how to match a puppy's excitement, without getting irritated by it. They're the type to turn a simple walk into an adventure and still find the energy for one more game of fetch at the end of the day. Puppies thrive around people who make life feel fun, and March-born owners naturally create that environment.
Born in June — The Trainer Every Puppy Feels at Home WithJune babies are social and adaptable. A puppy's personality changes quite a bit in those first months, so June-born people who can adjust as needed are very helpful. Whether they're curious Geminis or nurturing Cancers, they enjoy the unpredictable side of raising a little pup. They don't mind the learning curve. In fact, they often treat puppy training as a bonding experience rather than a chore. Because of their upbeat, social nature, they help nervous puppies feel comfortable faster.
Born in August — The Consistent Caretaker Every Puppy NeedsThen there are the people born in August. They are confident and consistent, which is what puppies need. Whether they're bold Leos or grounded Virgos, August-born dog owners bring structure without being strict. Puppies need routine: feeding schedules, training repetition, and daily exercise, and they are surprisingly good at staying committed to it all. They're also affectionate in a big way, and puppies respond immediately to that kind of warm attention.
Born in October — The Owner Every Puppy Instinctively TrustsOctober babies seem to have a natural emotional connection with animals. Whether they're balanced Libras or intense Scorpios, people born in October are often very tuned in to moods and energy shifts. That matters more than people realize when it comes to puppies. Young dogs can't explain what they need, but October-born owners are quick to pick up on signs of stress, excitement, or fear. They tend to build trust with their pets early, which makes training and bonding smoother overall.
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Kohl's Cutesy Quilt Looks Straight Out of an Idyllic Countryside Cottage
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Before summertime, you might be looking to swap out your down comforter for something a little lighter for the warmer months ahead. A quilt is a great option for this, and this beautiful option available at Kohl's is just perfect. It's so charming that it looks straight out of an idyllic countryside cottage.
Donna Sharp's Prairie Quilt Set is a cute addition to any bedroom. Featuring one lightweight quilt in a cutesy multicolored floral print and two coordinating pillow shams, this quilt set feels rustic and modern all at once. Oh, and the set is reversible, featuring a lovely blue-and-white gingham print on the reverse side of the quilt and the pillow shams. This lets you change the look of your bedding whenever the mood strikes.
Donna Sharp Prairie Quilt Set, $130.89 at Kohl'sKohl's
Shop It!Pre-washed to prevent shrinkage and enhance softness, this quilt set features a quilted design to ensure long-lasting durability and quality. It's also made of cotton, making it a breathable, lightweight option for your bedroom.
Related: This Pretty Kohl's 3-Piece Comforter Set Adds So Much Retro Charm to Any Space
Shoppers love this quilt set, giving it an average rating of 4.3 stars on Kohls.com, with 60 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it to others.
"This Donna Sharp quilt gives me cottage Little House on the Prairie vibes. It is super cute with a floral pattern on one side and it's reversible so the other sides has a blue and white gingham pattern. It's not super high quality like a homemade quilt but it's not super cheap either. For the price it is the quality I would expect. It is lighter weight so perfect in between seasons like spring and fall where you need more than a sheet on the bed but less than a full heavy comforter," said one fan in a five-star review on Kohls.com.
"I am currently using this quilt in my guest room. It's perfect for the summer. It's nice and light, has a beautiful design, and super comfortable," said another happy Kohl's shopper in a five-star review on Kohls.com.
You can snag this quilt set on Kohls.com or in select Kohl's stores. The queen size is currently on sale for $130.89. The king-size is on sale for $154.69.
Related: Kohl's Is Selling a 5-in-1 Indoor Grill That's a Game Changer for Small Spaces
6 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Luxury Cruise
Champagne toasts, elegant suites, and white-glove service: the world of high-end cruising is undeniably alluring. Lines like Oceania Cruises, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Explora Journeys, and Viking are famous for gourmet dining, inclusive amenities, and deeply immersive itineraries.
But on my first five-star sailing, I learned that luxury isn't one-size-fits-all. To truly maximize the value of a premium voyage, you need to look beyond the brochures. Whether you’re eyeing a Mediterranean hop or a bucket-list ocean crossing, these six lessons will help you select the right ship, pack with intention, and master the art of the "unhurried" vacation.
Related: These Are the 10 New Cruise Ships Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026
1. Research the "Vibe" as Much as the ItineraryLuxury ships may look similar in photos, but the onboard experience varies wildly. Before you book, compare more than just the ports of call.
- Ship Size and Ambience. Smaller ships can reach ports that big vessels can’t, and they tend to feel quieter and more intimate. Larger luxury ships, however, often provide more diverse venues, full-scale casinos and theater-style entertainment.
- Inclusions: Some lines bundle everything—gratuities, premium spirits, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi—while others are more a la carte. I have been on two lines: one that included an excursion in every port, and another top-tier line where excursions cost hundreds of dollars per passenger.
- Dining Philosophy: If cuisine is a priority, look at restaurant variety, open seating vs. fixed times, and whether reservations are required. Sometimes, a rigid schedule has its drawbacks. “Dining is an experience, not a race,” says Rob Clabbers, founder and president at Q Cruise + Travel, a Virtuoso agency in Chicago. “Meals are intentionally unhurried, allowing you to truly enjoy the dining experience in your preferred type of restaurant. On some ships, you can even participate in a live cooking class or go shopping on a local market with the chef!”
- Cabin Categories: On luxury ships, an entry-level suite can still be excellent, but location matters. If you or your travel companion are sensitive to motion, choose midship and lower decks; if you love quiet, avoid areas under pool decks or lounges.
An experienced advisor who specializes in luxury cruising can also explain subtle differences (service style, typical passenger mix, dress expectations) that aren’t clear in brochures or website. “Planning with an expert matters more at this level as luxury isn't one-size-fits-all and each line and even ship has its own personality,” says Clabbers. “A professional travel advisor will be able to match your personality and expectations to the right ship.”
2. Pack for "Resort Elegant," Not a State DinnerI initially assumed luxury meant packing for a week of stuffy, formal engagements. The reality? Most modern luxury lines are polished but far from rigid.
The Mix-and-Match Strategy: Most lines lean toward "resort elegant"—think linen trousers, sundresses and smart jackets. Pack interchangeable separates that you can dress up with accessories.
Read the Room (and the Code): While some still host "formal optional" nights, you don't necessarily need a tuxedo to fit in. "Daytime is casual and weather-driven, while evenings call for a step up," Clabbers explains. "Think elegant casual, rather than tuxes and gowns."
Prioritize the Practical: Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and a light rain layer are more important than a third pair of heels. Also, check your laundry options; many luxury ships offer complimentary self-service or laundry packages, allowing you to pack significantly lighter.
Related: How to Pack for a 7-Day Cruise With a Single Carry-On
3. Master the Onboard CalendarOn my first sailing, I didn't realize how quickly the most popular experiences could fill up, even with fewer guests on board. To ensure you don't miss out, a little pre-planning goes a long way.
- Reserve Early: Spa appointments, culinary workshops and specialty dining venues often require advance booking—sometimes months before you sail.
- Look Beyond the Main Stage: High-end lines often prioritize "enrichment" over "spectacle." Look for destination lectures, wine tastings with guest sommeliers or cultural demonstrations tied to your next port.
- Put Your Butler to Work: If your suite includes butler or concierge service, use it! From securing a hard-to-get reservation to arranging a private in-suite breakfast, this service is the hallmark of luxury cruising. It’s meant to be used.
- Enjoy the Down Time. It could be tempting to schedule everything, but the most luxurious moments are often unplanned. Lingering at breakfast and quiet afternoons on your veranda can often be some of the best parts of the trip.
Related: How to Book a Private Excursion Without Missing Your Cruise, According To An Ex-Crew Member
4. Decode the "All-Inclusive" LabelThe price tag of a luxury cruise can be a bit of a shock, but the value depends entirely on what’s covered in the fine print.
- Ask What's Really Included: "All-inclusive" can mean anything from house wine at lunch to unlimited premium spirits and multiple tours per port. Gratuities, transfers, Wi-Fi, alcohol, specialty dining and excursions may or may not be bundled in.
- Budget for the "Extras": Even on all-inclusive lines, "optional upgrades" exist. Think rare wine pairings, private shore side guides or premium spa treatments.
- Don't Forget the "Bookends": Flights, pre-cruise hotels and travel insurance can significantly shift your total investment. Defining what matters most to you and setting these expectations early allows you to focus on the experience once you’re on the gangway.
One of the biggest perks of luxury cruising is how destination-focused it is, but this benefit only pays off if you prepare. I used to think the ship would simply hand me the perfect day in each port. I’ve since learned that the best days happen when the ship’s offerings meet your own curiosity.
- Study the Port List Like a Menu: Identify which stops are must-sees, which are better for wandering and which deserve a private tour or small-group excursion.
- Maximize Your Time: Luxury itineraries often feature late-night departures or overnights. This is your chance to dine at a local Michelin-star restaurant or see a city after the day-trippers have left.
- Check the Pace: Not all excursions are created equal. Choose experiences that invigorate you rather than exhaust you, keeping in mind the local terrain and your own mobility.
- Use Your Butler as a Resource: If you’re celebrating a milestone or want something beyond the standard tour, they can help with that as well.
Related: Is River Cruising Only for Retirees? 5 Surprising Truths from a Cruise Pro
6. Schedule Your "Do-Nothing" TimeLuxury cruising makes it very easy to stay busy, but remember: you are also paying for the pampering. On my first trip, I tried to do everything and ended up feeling hurried.
- Protect Your Sea Days: Choose at least one afternoon to leave completely unscheduled. Linger over a second coffee, find a quiet nook in the library or enjoy an elegant afternoon tea.
- Enjoy Your Suite: You’ve paid for a beautiful stateroom—use it. Order a full breakfast to your veranda at sunrise or have your butler set up a quiet in-room meal when you need a break from the social scene.
- Try something new. Join a morning stretch class, try a new sunset cocktail, learn a new game like Bridge or chess.
The Bottom Line: A five-star voyage is most enjoyable when you find the right balance between planned adventure and spontaneous relaxation. By picking the right ship and packing with a "less is more" mindset, you can stop worrying about the logistics and start soaking in the view.
Related: My Daughter Shared This Travel Hack With Me, and Now I’ll Never Travel Any Other Way
Little Girl's 'Newborn Jitters' Were Actually Recurring Seizures, and It Happens More Often Than You Think
Being a new parent is like taking on five new jobs at once, each offering absolutely zero training, no pay, and arduous hours. While it is undoubtedly one of the most blissful eras of our lives, most parents struggle to adjust to the major change. As a result, self-doubt has a way of creeping in, and concern is often written off as paranoia. But that first-time mom instinct is strong, and when you feel in your bones that something is off with your little one, the best thing in the world you can do is get it checked out.
When Veronica Monclova, 42, and Daniel Monclova, 40, welcomed their sweet girl Avie into the world, they, like most parents, watched her every move. Barely a month into her journey, they noticed she had some curious movements.
"After she was born and we took her home, I noticed she would squeeze to her left side and was told it was most likely just newborn jitters," Veronica told Parade.
However, her parents couldn't shake the feeling that something was still really off. It boiled down to one fateful night that would change their parenthood journey forever.
Courtesy of the Monclova Family
"One night, her eyes moved repeatedly up and down. I videotaped it and took her to Valley Children’s Hospital. After watching the video, they admitted Avie, and that is when she was diagnosed with Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD). After hearing the diagnosis, I called my husband and family, and I immediately knew in that moment, no matter what, I would do whatever it takes to help her and stay strong for her."
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A Scary DiagnosisFCD is a condition that causes epileptic seizures—a rare condition that typically impacts young boys more so than girls, making Avie's case even more uncommon. However, because the movements can sometimes be so subtle, they go undetected and can often lead parents and children down a more difficult medical path.
"Focal cortical dysplasia may remain asymptomatic and therefore, undiagnosed," explains Dr. Cesar Santos, who serves as the Director of the Neuroscience Center at Valley Children’s Healthcare. "The initial presentation for those who are symptomatic can be quite broad and non-specific, including headache, developmental delay, speech delay, abnormal neurologic examination, developmental regression, and seizures."
Originally, Avie's doctors managed her condition with various medications, but ultimately, they didn't help Avie live a high-quality life.
Courtesy of the Monclova Family
"The biggest medical challenge was when medications that were controlling her seizures were no longer working for her, and she began to drag her right leg and lose strength in her right hand," Veronica recalls.
Santos explains that seizure medications are only effective in 65% of cases. When it came to Avie's seizures, hers were "medically refractory," so she underwent a number of evaluations, which included brain MRIs, EEGs (Electroencephalograms), and VEEGs (Video EEGs).
"When a patient like Avie has failed 2 or more seizure medications, the next step to take is to determine if epilepsy surgery is an option. In Avie's case, she has an extensive focal cortical dysplasia, which was causing her medically refractory epilepsy. Determining the part of the brain where a seizure starts is a huge undertaking. Then, if they are surgical candidates, the biggest concerns are the risks and complications related to surgery."
As it turned out, the next best move for Avie was to undergo brain surgery at the tender age of one, which is something every parent would naturally fear.
"After going to every appointment, following every instruction given by doctors, and seeing how she was dealing, a meeting was set up to discuss possible surgery," says Veronica. "I asked questions about the possible outcome and listened carefully to her doctors, I asked if this is it for her, if this is the last alternative for her. I was told yes, and I decided to move forward. I knew we had to try in order to help her stop the seizures that were happening all day and night."
A Big Surgery and a Big ChangeOn June 1, 2021, Avie underwent surgery to eliminate her escalating seizures. Luckily for the Monclova family, it went off without a hitch.
"After surgery, her recovery went pretty well," says Veronica. "She was no longer having seizures. She started regaining strength on her right side almost immediately. During her recovery, I would play Andrea Bocelli songs. It was very calming and comforting for her."
Now Avie is much like any other six-year-old, minus her incredible medical history.
Courtesy of the Monclova Family
"Today I can say for the moment, Avie keeps on amazing us with her resilience, strength, and her wonderful personality. She can speak for herself, loves learning, and is very tenacious," says Veronica.
However, that doesn't mean Avie and her family have been left on their own to manage her rare disease.
"Part of Avie's brain with focal cortical dysplasia has been removed, and the rest was disconnected, meaning, no longer connected to the rest of the brain," clarifies Santos. "Cortical dysplasia develops in utero, and it is not going to recur. However, if seizures have affected areas of the brain outside of the focal dysplasia due to recurrent seizures, her seizures can recur. So far, Avie has been seizure-free since surgery."
Avie continues to visit the clinic for regular follow-ups and has since been weaned off her maintenance seizure medication. If she remains seizure-free, she will eventually be discharged from the clinic entirely.
Now, Avie's parents just want other new parents to know that they are their child's biggest advocate and to keep pushing forward.
Courtesy of the Monclova Family
"No matter how sad and worried we felt sometimes, Avie always kept a smile and showed us what she was made of by learning to walk by herself," Veronica proudly states. "She would practice, even when she had seizures. Avie showed us she was determined; she just needed us to pay attention. Avie just needed us by her side. I hope people who are going through this know they are never alone. Love your child and keep strong, no matter what."
I Tried 10 Different ‘Grandma Hobbies’ for 4 Weeks—Here’s the 1 That Actually Stuck
I can't recall how old I was the first time I tried out a grandma-esque hobby. It must have been around the same time I discovered staying out all night wasn't as fun as staying in, getting cozy and pulling out my favorite book. Nor was it as fun as playing Scrabble with my mom, doing a puzzle with my roommate or meeting my friends at farmer's markets. Nevertheless, the notion to continue with "grandma hobbies" stuck.
This term is a popular way people online describe these activities, and it's not meant to offend. These common pastimes always felt like grandma-type hobbies to me, personally, but that didn't mean they were boring or lacked character. After all, grandmas are some of the most full-of-life people I know. They've seen a lot, done a lot and still manage to find joy in the quieter rituals in life. It makes sense that they lean into some of these relaxing pursuits in their spare time.
You don't have to take it from me or the internet, though. There's research that backs this up, even if you're skeptical about trying out something that feels (and is) a bit of a quieter pace than you're used to.
One international study, for example, finds that the effects of crocheting—a common hobby that falls under this category—can actually be really helpful to your overall wellness. It's a way to reduce stress and, as the study points out, there are specific links between crocheting and overall wellness. Others, like a 2020 study from Princeton University, find pretty much the same results for gardening, another "old-school" hobby.
To that I say: Trust the science, trust your intentions and dive in head-first. You might surprise yourself—and become an aficionado at a pastime you never thought you'd have the aptitude for. And to get you started, if you have no idea where to begin, I tried out 10 grandma hobbies for 4 weeks, and one stood out as my favorite.
Related: The 16 Best ‘Analog Hobbies’ to Pick Up in 2026
What Are ‘Grandma Hobbies’?When people talk about "grandma hobbies," they're really just pointing to leisurely activities that are perhaps typically seen as done by older female family members or just elderly women in general. They might even be hobbies that you might find your own grandmother does—think baking, knitting, sewing, gardening and other activities that don't require a fast pace.
There are others that aren't as common, like bird-watching, flower-pressing or even canning fresh fruit. But they seem to fit right into the category: they allow us to unwind, and they pique our curiosity.
Grandma hobbies can really be categorized as anything that allows you to step away from the pressures of daily life and can contribute to your well-being. There's no need for speed or efficiency. It's about what you're doing, not the way you're doing it.
Other fun grandma hobbies that are popular include things like embroidery, needlepoint, watercoloring, bingo nights and coloring.
Related: This Is the Best ‘Slow Living’ Hobby for Women Over 50, Psychologists Say
Why I Love 'Old School' ActivitiesThis is a question I think about a lot. Grandma hobbies definitely allow me to take time for myself. In a world where anyone can be reachable at any second via text, email, phone call and a plethora of other methods, it feels empowering to create with my hands. Plus, it feels nostalgic to simply watch the process of my work come to life.
That allows me to feel safe, create a way of just "being" and appreciate doing something for just me.
They're also just, well, fun! At a young age, my mom encouraged me to feel a sense of comfort in the kitchen. I helped her bake, even if it was just pouring batter into a bowl. When I got older, I'd stir something over the stovetop when her back was turned, doing another task. As an adult, I live and breathe food—the act of making it is therapeutic, but also watching others eat it—something I made—is a merriment I've never felt from anything else.
Is this why, while other people I know dread the thought of baking anything from scratch, I find unwinding in a kitchen setting soothing? No matter how tired or strung-out I am, at the end of the day, all I want to do is watch a few ingredients I put together turn into something delicious.
Does that same comfort come with laboring over a few crochet patterns, or pickling fresh cabbage to find them delightfully pink the next morning?
The answer is yes, to all.
The 10 ‘Grandma Hobbies’ I Tried for 4 Weeks—Ranked from Least to Most FavoriteThese are the 10 old-school hobbies I tried for a month straight—ranked from my least to most favorite.
10. Doing puzzlesCourtesy Keena Alwahaidi
I don't want to say puzzling is my least favorite grandma hobby, because loving it might make me seem like a put-together person who enjoys challenging my mind. But it's definitely not my go-to activity.
Even so, I tried it out. In the evenings, I have a really typical routine like watching TV with dinner, hanging out with my dog, going on a walk and doing skincare. But between all of that, I wanted to change up my night without overcommitting to anything.
So I pulled out one of the many colorful puzzles that are slowly but surely collecting dust on my TV stand shelf, and I poured the pieces onto the kitchen counter. Seeing it come together at the end was exactly like finishing an artistic masterpiece (except I had a picture guiding me into putting it together, and I'm pretty sure Michelangelo didn't gorge on snacks just to make painting the Sistine Chapel interesting).
Related: 25 Logic Puzzles That Will Totally Blow Your Mind, But Also Prove You're Kind of a Genius
9. Doing brain gamesI really don't know if this feels like a grandma hobby to anyone else, but it sure does for me.
During the pandemic, I was a Wordle fiend. Although I think everyone else might have been too, because of the lack of social experiences otherwise. When I picked it up again, it was like catching up with an old friend. I surprised myself when I got a couple right on the second try, although most of them were just as difficult as I remembered. I could get used to staying at home and playing this again, though.
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8. Herb gardeningAs much as I am a very domestic person and "wannabe homesteader," gardening is a grandma hobby that I've never had the knack for. I'm the ultimate black(ish)-thumbed city slicker, with no dirt garden of my own but a windowsill to perhaps grow less high-maintenance stuff.
I decided to start "gardening" (I use this term very loosely) and placed my leftover green onion stubs and lettuce heads into mason jars of water. I left them on a sun-facing windowsill and boom: they grew before my very eyes, over the course of a week.
This is a hack for anyone who wants to be a gardener, or at least wants to put on the facade that they are a gardener. For now, I have to take pride in growing something from scratch that isn't as impressive as other plants or vegetables. And that's OK.
7. ColoringI know what you're thinking. Coloring seems more like a hobby for kindergarteners than it does for a grandma. But it has all the features a regular grandma hobby does, like being relaxing and low-effort.
It also boosts some of my creative juices, and it feels so good to color within the lines, neatly and brightly. My favorite tools to color with are the felt-tip, alcohol-based markers, or crayons if I can find them. I filled the pages of some niche coloring books, like a Paris-themed one and another filled with breakfast foods.
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6. PicklingIf there's one thing I love, it's a good pickle.
I found the largest, most purple-looking onion I could, and I sliced away. Once they were chopped into skinny slices, I stuffed them tightly into a jar full of vinegar, water, slices of garlic and a pinch of sugar. I'm sure other magical formulas also yield the most pickly of pickled onions, but this one works for me.
Over the next day or two, they softened and became tangy, boasting a vivid pink color. I did the same with purple cabbage, too. The next couple of weeks gave me enough pickled delights to add to any sandwich or salad I wanted. I really felt like someone's Polish grandma.
5. Going to farmers' marketsI've always loved farmers' markets. Getting produce straight from the farmer is the best form of eating for me. It also feels like something your grandma might do on the weekend, so I went to an indoor one that's really popular in my city. I grabbed steaks, potatoes and fresh scallions for the dinner of my dreams.
4. ReadingI just want to preface this one and say that it wasn't like I was trying out reading for the very first time these past few weeks. But I have been on a mission to read more. I've realized that I've become this person who's been reaching for a screen faster than a book. So this was a good time to focus on less screen time and more book time. I mean, as a child, my parents couldn't buy me books fast enough before I was done with the next one. So I wanted to get back to that state (except it's me buying the books now).
To get back into my reading craze, I started with something simple that I've read before, so it was low stakes: the precious, but always whimsical Pat of Silverbush. And just like that, I slipped back into a pattern of reading voraciously.
3. CrochetingThis is the grandma hobby of all grandma hobbies. Is it my favorite? It's definitely one of them. It's also special because it's a skill that my mom taught me really recently, a great talent that I know she wanted to pass down to me. So with every stitch, I think of her—and how much of a grandma I really feel like.
I've crocheted other knick-knacks in the past, like garlands and small pumpkins for fall, but I've been meaning to try my hand at a bigger project, like a throw. So I began crocheting a large eyelash-yarn throw. And I don't know what's cozier: making it or getting to snuggle in it when it's done. It was a lot of work, but wow, is it ever cool to literally make a decor item with your own two hands while sitting on the couch binge-watching The Real Housewives.
2. Cooking cozy mealsCourtesy Keena Alwahaidi
I'm convinced that one day I'll be the grandma who spends four hours simmering a red sauce for spaghetti on a Friday night. Why? Because I am currently a young adult who spends four hours simmering a red sauce for spaghetti on a Friday night.
As we're just exiting winter, I have to get all my cozy meals in before I want to eat chicken grilled by my dad under the blazing summer sun. That means lots of decadent pasta sauces, beautiful roasted chicken recipes and easy, cheesy, piping hot lasagna soups. Plus, "crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside" breads to soak up the delicious concoctions I've made.
A warm meal is like a hug you can give to yourself and, even better, to others. Maybe that's why grandmas love to cook for us so much.
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1. Baking breadCourtesy Keena Alwahaidi
The hobby that came out on top for me is less of a hobby than it is a way of life. That doesn't make it any less of a grandma activity, though. Baking your own bread is an art and a science, all rolled into one.
I really like clean, low-ingredient foods. Especially with staple items, like sliced bread, bagels, butter and dressings. This grandma hobby allows me to eat fresh food without having to rely on someone else to make it for me.
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Baking bread goes back to the simplest form of taking care of yourself. Nourishing yourself even to the highest standard. There's a rhythm to it all—a steadiness, maybe, that I can't find in anything else, even if I tried.
It could be the exquisite blooming of the yeast, or even the soft dusting of flour on the surfaces of my hands, that leads me back to my countertop over and over again, like a congregation to a holy altar.
Most of all, I'm feeding myself, and I'm feeding my love of pleasurable pursuits when I bake. Baking is a grandma hobby that'll follow me throughout life until I, myself, become one.
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Related: 8 Psychological Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting, According to a Psychologist
Sources:- Burns, P., & Van Der Meer, R. (2021). Happy Hookers: findings from an international study exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing. Perspectives in public health, 141(3), 149–157. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913920911961
- Princeton University. (2020, May 11). Emotional well-being while home gardening similar to other popular activities, study finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200511142141.htm