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Busy mornings don't always leave time to cook breakfast from scratch, but Costco has a new freezer find that keeps convenience and wholesome ingredients in mind. 

Chef Hak's Hearty Veggie Hash with Chicken Sausage is beginning to arrive in warehouses, combining roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken sausage, bell peppers, onions, and avocado oil into a hearty meal that's ready in minutes.

The 46-ounce bag includes about seven servings and is priced at $11.99 (item #1954385).

You can see it in this July 23 TikTok from @discovering_costco:

@discovering_costco

Costco just dropped a new veggie and chicken sausage breakfast hash! #costcodiscoveries #breakfast #breakfastpotatoes #costcofood

♬ original sound - Audios🥰 Costco's New Breakfast Hash Keeps the Ingredient List Simple

Unlike many frozen breakfast options, Chef Hak's Hearty Veggie Hash features an ingredient list filled with foods most of us already know. Along with roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken sausage, bell peppers, and onions, the recipe is seasoned with garlic, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and chili pepper.

The package also notes that the hash is made with avocado oil, contains no artificial ingredients, is gluten-free, and uses chicken raised without antibiotics.

Each one-cup serving contains 100 calories and 8 grams of protein, making it an easy option to keep on hand for busy weekday breakfasts or relaxed weekend mornings.

One of its biggest selling points is how quickly it helps a meal come together. Chef Hak offers several preparation options depending on how much time you have.

Cooking options include:

• Microwave: Ready in about 4 to 6 minutes
• Air fryer: Crisps up in about 8 minutes
• Skillet: Cook over medium-high heat for about 9 minutes or until heated through

Eggs over a potato veggie hash and toast.

Photo by Karl Janisse on Unsplash

Chef Hak recommends topping the hash with eggs, and it also works well as the base for breakfast burritos or breakfast bowls. Pair it with fresh fruit and toast for an easy weekend brunch, or serve it as a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner option on busy weeknights.

Whether you're stocking the freezer for hectic weekday mornings or looking for something simple before a Saturday adventure, this new Costco breakfast find offers a quick meal built around real ingredients.

If you looked at my travel schedule, you might think I spend half my life unpacking and repacking a suitcase. The truth is, I cruise at least once a month, sometimes more (sometimes a little less), and after hundreds of nights at sea, I've learned something that surprises a lot of people. I'm not wealthy, but I've got a secret.

I rarely pay the price that's advertised.

That doesn't mean I'm sneaking around looking for loopholes or trying to game the system. It just means that over the years I've learned how cruise lines actually work. Their pricing changes constantly, cabins open up at the last minute, promotions come and go, and loyalty is often rewarded in ways that first-time cruisers never realize.

I've gone from a standard veranda to Concierge Class with no charge, I've upgraded to spa cabins (with full spa access) for $30 more each, and yes, I've stayed in the most luxurious of staterooms, complete with my own butler for a little more than that. I've received unexpected stateroom upgrades, complimentary specialty dinners, free casino offers, and enough onboard credits to make a noticeable dent in my vacation budget.

None of this happened by accident!!

It may take a little more work than just clicking that "book" button on the site, but these are the strategies I rely on every single year to stretch my cruise dollars further while making every sailing feel a little more luxurious.

Related: I Take Over 10 Cruises a Year—Here Are My Secrets to Getting Free Drinks on Board

1. Set Price Alerts. Then Act Fast.

One of the biggest mistakes I see cruisers make is assuming that once they've booked, their work is done. In reality, booking is just the beginning. Cruise fares fluctuate all the time. Sometimes demand softens. Sometimes a higher-category cabin isn't selling as expected, or they have a higher demand for a lower category and need the availability for a larger group. Sometimes a flash sale appears for only a few days (FYI, flash sales seem to happen often).

I keep an eye on my reservation from the day I book until I sail. If I see a better cabin selling for close to what I've already paid, I call immediately.

I've upgraded from a standard veranda to Concierge Class, SpaClass, and even a suite simply because I noticed a price drop before everyone else did. The key is speed; that cabin probably won't stay available for very long.

Zippy Sandler

2. Stay Loyal to One or Two Cruise Lines

People often ask whether they should spread their cruises across every cruise line. My answer is usually no. Loyalty has real value in the cruise world. And, almost every major cruise line rewards repeat guests with benefits that grow every year.

Depending on your status, you might receive:

• Complimentary laundry
• Priority boarding
• Free drinks
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Specialty dining discounts
• Exclusive events
• Better customer service
• Cabin upgrade opportunities

Some cruise lines even offer surprise upgrades when inventory allows, particularly for higher-tier loyalty members.

Personally, I've stayed loyal to one cruise line because I happen to like the line, it's convenient for me to get to their ports, and honestly, it's allowed me to accrue more loyalty points that have saved me far more money over time than constantly chasing whichever company happens to have the lowest advertised fare.

Related: Everyone Told Me To Stay Away From This Affordable Cruise—I Didn't Listen and LOVED It

Zippy Sandler

3. Gamble a Little? Start with Casino Offers, Then Upgrade

I have an admission. I loved to play pinball when I was a teen and that's turned into a love of sitting at a slot machine. And while the days of putting one quarter in and playing all day I was pretty good) are long gone, I do set a limit on my play (and it's a LOT lower than you think. It's a lot lower than what I'd spend on a night out at a nice restaurant for two! So, it goes to say that one of my favorite strategies starts before I even look at cabins.

If you receive casino offers, don't immediately dismiss the complimentary cabin you're offered. You may only be offered an inside cabin, but upgrading that is easy.

I often book the free or deeply discounted stateroom first. Most of my offers have run from Inside to Veranda. I don't play enough to warrant being offered a suite, but that never stopped me. That's when the fun begins as I start watching the pricing on higher cabin categories.

Most (if not all) of the cruise lines allow you to pay only the difference between your complimentary cabin and the upgraded category. If prices soften, that difference can become surprisingly affordable (see tip #1).

Instead of paying full price for a premium cabin, I'm often paying only a fraction of the normal upgrade cost. It's one of the easiest ways to enjoy a better stateroom without spending thousands of dollars.

Related: Best Senior Travel Discounts

4. Never Be Afraid to Ask the Casino Host

While we're talking about the casino, there's one (or two) people who work there who can really help you...the casino hosts. It is their job to make sure that all of the players in their casino are kept happy (and playing).

So, if you're already spending time in the casino, introduce yourself to the casino host. This is always the FIRST thing that I do. Now they know your name (especially important in a larger casino) and they'll come check on you. They're there to help.

Many people assume casino perks only include free cruises. But, that's just the beginning. Depending on your play, you may qualify for:

• Complimentary specialty restaurant dinners
• Spa treatments
• Extra free play
• Beverage packages
• Additional onboard credit
• Future cruise certificates
• Better cabin offers

What's the worst that can happen? I once had a casino host chase me down to let me know that I was only about $20 away from a NICE upgraded cabin certificate, and she didn't want to see me walk out with just an inside cabin. She didn't have to do that, but for me, it was the difference that $20 was the difference between being inside and sitting on my veranda enjoying coffee each morning in my fancy robe looking out at the ocean. All because I had introduced myself, and she looked at my account because she "knew me" now.

More often than not, you'll discover there may be benefits available that nobody mentioned at check-in.

5. Watch Every Sale, Before and After You've Booked

Cruise lines love promotions. One week, it's 75% off the third and fourth guests. The next week, it's free Wi-Fi. Then come the included drinks. Next, it's kids sail free. Once in a while, you'll see that bonus onboard credit. It varies from cruise line to cruise line.

Sometimes rebooking under a new promotion can save hundreds of dollars or include valuable extras (just be sure to check your cancel-by date before doing this). I regularly compare current promotions against my existing reservation.

If something better appears before final payment, I will call. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes it's worth several hundred dollars. But it never hurts to ask.

6. Book Your Next Cruise While You're Still Onboard

I'm not saying you should always book another cruise before disembarking. But I always stop by the Future Cruise desk just to see what's available because there may be promotions that only they can offer.

Many cruise lines offer incentives that disappear once you leave the ship, and I've found that you have plenty of time to decide on which cruise you'd like to take once you get home. I never make the actual booking on board; I just leave the deposit.

Why? Because I always get

• Reduced deposits
• Extra onboard credit
• Flexible booking certificates
• Future discounts

Even if I'm not sure exactly where I want to go next, I'll purchase an open booking certificate to lock in.

7. Check for Resident, Military, Senior, or First Responder Rates

Cruise lines frequently offer discounts that don't get nearly enough attention. Depending on the sailing, you may qualify for reduced fares based on:

• Your state of residence
• Military service
• Veteran status
• First responder status
• Teacher or healthcare worker programs
• Senior discounts on select sailings

As a matter of fact, I just got off of a Margaritaville at Sea cruise that offers free sailings to military, educators, first responders, and more (just pay taxes, port charges, and tips). These savings can sometimes be combined with other promotions, making them well worth checking before you finalize a booking. If you live in a state that's listed on the booking site, make sure to check that box that you live there. I've gotten discounts for just living in Florida in the past.

Celebrity Cruises

8. Watch for Included Amenities Before You Buy Them

I've seen too many do this (and yes, I've almost done it myself). One of the biggest mistakes new cruisers make is purchasing everything immediately after booking. Be patient after you book your cruise and wait a bit.

Cruise lines frequently bundle popular amenities into later promotions. I've gotten offers of 40% off of drink packages for a "holiday" promotion, or bundle Wi-Fi and your drink package for less than just doing ONE of those offered, I've even seen 3-specialty restaurants for the price of one, and a HUGE discount on excursions.

Related: 10 Best Free Caribbean Beaches Worth Skipping Cruise Excursions For

If you've already purchased everything separately, you may miss out on a better package later.

Tatiana Meteleva / Getty Images

9. Let a Good Travel Advisor Watch the Cruise for You

Using a travel agent/advisor can't be the smartest move even when you know exactly what sailing you want. This can save you a lot of work, since a good travel advisor keeps an eye on promotions after you've booked.

They'll often notice:

• Better pricing
• New onboard credit offers
• Cabin upgrades
• Group amenities
• Exclusive agency promotions
• Flash sales

Many agencies also receive perks that aren't available when booking directly through the cruise line. That might mean a little extra onboard credit, prepaid gratuities (a favorite perk of using an advisor), complimentary specialty dining, or welcome gifts waiting in your cabin like some chocolate dipped strawberries or a bottle of champagne.

Best of all, they are the ones who spend the time sitting on hold with the cruise line so you don't have to and it doesn't cost you any more than if you were to book the cruise yourself.

My Favorite Cruise Strategy of All

If there's one lesson I've learned after cruising at least once a month, it's that cruise fares are rarely fixed. The price you see today may not be the best you'll see tomorrow. The cabin you think you can't afford today might become affordable next week. The promotion you missed may return in a slightly different form a month later.

The travelers who seem to get the biggest suites, the nicest perks, and the best values aren't necessarily spending more money than everyone else. They're just being a bit more strategic with their planning.

Whether you're calling the 1-800 number after a price drop, checking with a casino host about unexpected perks, letting a trusted travel advisor monitor your reservation, or simply building loyalty with the cruise lines you love most, the little things often add up to a vacation that feels far more luxurious without the added price tag.

That's the biggest secret I've discovered. The best cruise isn't always the most expensive one. For me, it's the one where I have enough money left to do it over again the next month.

Related: I’m a 72-Year-Old Cruise Expert—Here's the 'Toddler Method' I Use to Pack a Carry-On

Earlier this week marked what would have been Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's 40th wedding anniversary—if they hadn't divorced in 1996, of course.

To mark the occasion we did a deep dive into Fergie's iconic 80s wedding dress, which was embroidered with special symbols in intricate silver beading. You can read here about out why the dress's designer ultimately vetoed two of these symbols, and why they had a peculiar connection to Andrew.

Today we're thinking about the outfit of the one particular wedding guest at the lavish celebrations in 1986. Who else other than Princess Diana?

As the royal bride Fergie was of course the centre of attention in her $45,000 gown and silk flower headdress that was discarded after she and Andrew exchanged their vows to reveal a surprise diamond tiara.

But the Princess of Wales was the superstar of the royal family at the time and the dress she wore on that July day in 1986 turned out to predict one of the hottest trends this summer!

Related: Sarah Ferguson’s Royal Wedding Dress Included Hidden Symbols—and One Surprise Reveal Nobody Saw Coming

We're talking of course about polka dots. If you've been paying attention you'll have noticed them everywhere in 2026—they're especially popular for wedding guest outfits at the moment.

Diana was always ahead of her time, and the occasion of Andrew and Fergie's wedding was no exception. When Diana made her entrance to Westminster Abbey ahead of the ceremony, she stood out in the crowd of 2000 guests in a turquoise dress patterned with massive black spots.

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As it was the '80s, the dress by Victor Edelstein naturally featured padded shoulders. The hat was also big and bold: it was blue to match the princess's dress and featured a huge black brim that would have been in danger of overpowering Diana's features were it not for her signature dramatic eyeliner.

Diana's obsession with polka dots didn't end there. During her lifetime she stepped out many times in the fun pattern, from ladylike micro dots to enormous Bob Dylan-esque circles.

Who can forget the pale pink skirt with red polka dots and matching socks she wore to the polo in Windsor the same year that Andrew and Fergie got married, or the white outfit with navy polka dots (feat. matching polka dot hat) that she wore to Royal Ascot in 1988?

She even chose polka dots for one of the most significant events in her time as a royal: the moment that she stepped out of the Lindo Wing to give the world its first glimpse of her newborn son and heir to the throne Prince William.

Related: King Charles Agreed To Meet Harry, Meghan and Their Children On This One Condition

The teal polka dot dress she wore for that occasion was so iconic that 31 years later her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton would wear a similar polka dot dress in powder blue when she posed with her own newborn son and heir to the throne Prince George on the steps of the same hospital.

Diana also rocked the pattern during her tours of various countries including Turkey, Japan, and Canada. She even paired the sparkling Spencer tiara (her family's heirloom tiara that Diana wore to her wedding) with a floaty polka dot dress to a lavish state banquet in New Zealand.

These days Kate Middleton continues to rock the trend, the most recent example being the red dress with white polka dots and capped sleeves that she wore to a charity event in St James's palace last month.

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But we think our favorite ever polka dot outfit worn by Kate was back in 2020 during her and William's tour of Ireland when she wore a fuschia silk dress by Oscar de la Renta to the Museum of Literature, which was dotted all over with tiny black polka dots. This was dress was special because it was one of the rare occasions that the Princess of Wales wore a vintage piece!

Next, Kate Middleton Debuted Summer’s Most Surprising New Nail Trend At Wimbledon

On July 25, 1965, Bob Dylan walked onstage at the Newport Folk Festival wearing a leather jacket, carrying a Fender Stratocaster, and accompanied by an amplified backing band.

Within seconds, the acoustic folk movement was changed forever.

Dylan was a favorite performer at the Newport Folk Festival before his 1965 electric set. He was embraced as the visionary voice of the folk revival, especially after his triumphant performances at the 1963 and 1964 festivals.

However, his choice to play an electric guitar forever changed how he was perceived by the community that originally embraced him. Almost overnight, the folk world's golden boy became its biggest villain.

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According to the Smithsonian website, six months before the annual concert, Dylan released Bringing It All Back Home. The LP had more rock ‘n’ roll leanings than his prior four releases.

However, the crowd's reaction was attributed to several different factors, reported Smithsonian. Dylan believed that the "poor sound quality of the performance" was a key reason for the audience's unhappiness.

For folk purists, Dylan’s initial refusal to play even one acoustic song felt like an insult. Yet, lingering reports suggest the crowd's hostile reaction was far less dramatic than the legends claim.

Sure, traditional folk fans hated him for plugging in that day at Newport. But ditching the acoustic-only rulebook in 1965 was the exact gamble that pushed Dylan out of the folk niche and straight into rock history.

"There was a lot of talk," festival production manager Joe Boyd explains in the documentary Newport & The Great Folk Dream, per PEOPLE Magazine.

Boyd explained, "People [were saying], 'What’s Dylan gonna do?' Dylan had a record in the charts that had drums and electric guitar on the record. And yet, he never performed that way."

Backed by three members of the Butterfield Blues Band (Mike Bloomfield, Jerome Arnold, and Sam Lay), Dylan launched into a 15-minute set that included "Maggie's Farm," "Like a Rolling Stone," and "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry." Following, he returned to the Newport stage with an acoustic guitar to perform "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue."

The titular moment was captured in the feature film A Complete Unknown, where Timothée Chalamet stepped into Dylan’s boots to recreate the thunderous 1965 Newport set. His performance brought the explosive tension back to life, showing a new generation exactly why those 15 minutes shocked the world.

It took 37 years for Bob Dylan to step foot back on the Newport stage. When he finally did in 2002, he showed up disguised in a wig and false beard.

Related: 1962 Bob Dylan Love Song Was Inspired by an Unexpected Wake-Up Call at Dawn

Rock music has taken so many quick and interesting turns throughout its illustrious history. From The Beatles all the way to the likes of Twisted Sister, there are so many interesting and experimental ways the genre has been played. In order for that evolution to happen, there always has to be the risk of innovation—something the 1960s rock band Cream was never afraid to embrace. They pioneered the blending of blues rock and psychedelic rock while inspiring a generation of "jam bands" to go with the flow. Composed of Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton, this "power trio" was among the first to popularize that dynamic.

In 1966, the world's first "supergroup" released their debut album, Fresh Cream, introducing listeners to hits like "I Feel Free." By 1968, the band released one of their most famous tunes with "White Room," a track shrouded in mystery and a bevy of interpretations. One undeniable fact about the legendary, career-defining hit is that it was directly inspired by another beloved icon: Jimi Hendrix.

In a series of interviews featured on Forbes, Bruce detailed how the master guitarist inspired him and opened up to interviewer Jack Clash about how important the song was to him.

Related: The Turbulent 1963 British Pop Group That Accidentally Launched Three of the Greatest Guitarists in History

"The inspiration for the music came from meeting Jimi Hendrix and his approach to playing. In fact, he came to the recording session of that in New York and said to me, 'I wish I could write something like that;'" Bruce recalled. "I said, 'But it comes from you!' It’s a synthesis of things and not a completely original chord sequence. It’s the way we placed certain things in time that makes it original. I had problems with the record company because of the introduction being 5/4 and those suspended second inversion chords. They didn’t think it would make it."

Bruce went on to explain that he believed the record label's lack of faith stemmed from fears that it wasn't commercial enough.

"They think ‘well, if the audience gets too intelligent and likes really good musical things, we’re going to have to keep finding those things.’ So if you can reduce it to a fairly low common denominator as far as the music goes, there’s always a bunch of other guys or girls coming along who can do that. But I don’t want to overstate the importance – it’s only rock and roll, you know [laughs]."

Clapton also took inspiration from Hendrix's use of the wah-wah pedal, applying it liberally to create one of his most iconic guitar tracks.

Related: 1968 Rock Song, Written by 'Best Supergroup' of All Time, Became a Timeless Anthem

What Inspired the Lyrics for the Song

As tantalizing as the music is for the iconic hit, the lyrics have confounded and delighted listeners for decades. Written by poet Pete Brown—who was not an official member of the band—the song was a reflection of a personal relationship, according to an interview he gave to Songfacts.

"It was a meandering thing about a relationship that I was in and how I was at the time. It was a kind of watershed period really," he confessed. "It was a time before I stopped being a relative barman and became a songwriter, because I was a professional poet, you know. I was doing poetry readings and making a living from that. It wasn't a very good living, and then I got asked to work by Ginger and Jack with them and then started to make a kind of living.

"And there was this kind of transitional period where I lived in this actual white room and was trying to come to terms with various things that were going on. It's a place where I stopped, I gave up all drugs and alcohol at that time in 1967 as a result of being in the white room, so it was a kind of watershed period. That song's like a kind of weird little movie: it changes perspectives all the time. That's why it's probably lasted - it's got a kind of mystery to it."

The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, overshadowed only by their other 1968 hit, "Sunshine of Your Love." It has earned several accolades over time, landing at No. 396 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and being named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.

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Morgan Wallen has reached another major career milestone as “Don’t We” rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart dated Aug. 1, giving the country star his 21st chart-topper on the format and his 22nd overall No. 1 at country radio.

The song moved up one spot to the top of the Country Airplay chart after earning 33.6 million audience impressions, a 5% increase, during the July 17-23 tracking period, according to Billboard.

The latest achievement also adds another record to Wallen’s already strong run with his 2025 album, I’m the Problem. “Don’t We” is now the seventh song from the album to reach No. 1 on Country Airplay. It is the first album to produce seven Country Airplay leaders using only its original edition.

Morgan Wallen attends the 2023 CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage

That puts I’m the Problem ahead of Wallen’s previous album, One Thing at a Time, which produced six Country Airplay No. 1 hits. Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You Get also produced seven leaders, but those chart-toppers came from its original and deluxe editions combined.

Morgan Wallen’s 22nd No. 1 at Country Radio

“Don’t We” joins six other I’m the Problem songs that previously reached the top of Country Airplay: “20 Cigarettes,” “I Got Better,” “Just in Case,” “I’m the Problem,” “Love Somebody” and “Lies Lies Lies.”

The run began in November 2024 with “Lies Lies Lies.” The success of the album has helped extend Wallen’s strong presence on country radio while I’m the Problem has also spent 45 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart since its debut in May 2025.

Wallen is now one of only 10 artists to collect at least 21 No. 1s since Billboard’s Country Airplay chart began in January 1990, per Billboard. Kenny Chesney leads that group with 33, followed by Blake Shelton with 30, Tim McGraw with 29 and Jason Aldean with 27.

Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson and George Strait each have 26 No. 1s. Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban and Wallen follow with 21 each.

Wallen’s latest milestone comes about a decade after he first made his mark in the music business. He gained wider attention as a contestant on the sixth season of The Voice in 2014 before releasing his debut single, “The Way I Talk,” in 2016.

Since then, his rise on country radio has accelerated.

Wallen has now charted 37 songs on Country Airplay since “The Way I Talk” marked his debut in 2016. Of those songs, 21 have reached No. 1, giving him a 57% conversion rate from total chart entries to chart-toppers.

He has also been part of two collaborations that reached No. 1 within the same time frame: Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Wallen, and “Cowgirls,” featuring Ernest.

Since 2022, 32 Country Airplay No. 1 songs have reached the top in 21 weeks or fewer. Wallen has been credited on 13 of those songs, including 11 solo recordings and two collaborations. That means he has been involved in more than 40% of those fast-climbing chart-toppers during that period.

Among his previous 12 No. 1 songs that reached the top in 21 weeks or fewer, six made the climb in 15 weeks or less. “I Had Some Help” was the fastest, reaching No. 1 in just seven weeks.

His fastest solo climbs include “Last Night” and “I’m the Problem,” which each took 11 weeks to reach the top. “Love Somebody” reached No. 1 in 14 weeks, while “Cowgirls” and “Just in Case” each took 15 weeks.

The latest chart achievement comes as Wallen continues his 2026 run as a major stadium performer. On Friday, he performed the first of two sold-out shows at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, where the concert was expected to draw about 75,000 people.

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The 33-year-old singer performed for about two hours and 15 minutes during Friday night's show. The production included flames, lasers, fireworks, large-scale pyrotechnics and light-up wristbands worn by fans.

Wallen performed 26 songs and brought out University of Michigan and Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson during the show. Thomas Rhett and Hudson Westbrook also joined him onstage for “Cowgirls” and “Up Down,” respectively.

“I Had Some Help,” his 2024 collaboration with Post Malone, closed his main set. He also performed “Been By Now,” a new track released Friday, during the encore.

The concert ended with “Last Night” and “Whiskey Problems” as fireworks filled the sky.

Wallen is scheduled to perform a second show at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.

Related: Country Star, With No. 1 Hit Song, Makes Billboard Chart History

One of the greatest guitar solos in rock history wasn’t planned.

In 1978, Van Halen’s first album featured a blistering guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. Titled “Eruption,” the one-minute and 42-second song was the second track on the band’s self-titled debut.

“Eruption” showcased Van Halen’s legendary guitar wizardry with two-handed finger tapping and dramatic whammy bar effects, delivering a jaw-dropping solo unlike any other.

Nearly 50 years after its release, “Eruption” was ranked among the greatest guitar solos of all time by Rolling Stone. Of Van Halen’s iconic instrumental, the outlet noted that the song changed the course of guitar history while establishing “the lexicon for a new generation of guitarists.”

While “Eruption” revolutionized the sound of rock guitar, its inclusion on the 1978 Van Halen album almost didn’t happen.

Speaking with Guitar Player, producer Ted Templeman recalled that he heard Van Halen playing the guitar solo in the recording studio, and it stopped him in his tracks.

“I went, 'What’s that?' And he said, 'It’s just something I warm up with before each show.' And I said, 'Donn, roll tape!'" Templeman recalled telling engineer Donn Landee. “So it just went – boom – and we got it, just like that. I’d never heard anything like that. I’d never heard that kind of tapping. I’d never heard anything that brilliant, and Ed said, 'No, it’s nothing.'"

“He didn’t even know. …He wasn’t even gonna show it to me,” Templeman added of Van Halen, who died in 2020.

RELATED: 1979 Rock Classic, Reimagined from 1975 No. 1 Hit, Remains an Iconic Breakup Anthem

In an interview with Guitar World, Van Halen shared his side of the "unusual” back story of his musical masterpiece.

“It wasn't even supposed to be on the album,” Van Halen revealed. “I showed up at the recording studio early one day and started to warm up because I had a gig on the weekend and I wanted to practice my solo guitar spot. Our producer, Ted Templeman, happened to walk by and he asked, 'What's that? Let's put it on tape!' So I took one pass at it, and they put it on the record.”

“I didn't even play it right,” Van Halen added. “There's a mistake at the top end of it. To this day, whenever I hear it I always think, 'Man, I could've played it better.'”

Van Halen once revealed that he accidentally invented the fret-tapping technique that he made famous while playing around on his guitar at home.

“I remembered seeing people stretching one note and hitting the note once,” he told Classic Rock in 1978. “They popped the finger on there to hit one note. I said: well, f--, nobody is really capitalizing on that. Nobody was really doing more than just one stretch and one note real quick.”

Van Halen realized he’d come up with a unique guitar technique that produced “a totally different sound” that left people guessing.

“A lot of people listen to that, and they don’t even think it’s a guitar,” he shared. “‘Is that a synthesizer? A piano? What is that?’”

As for the unusual placement of “Eruption”—smack between hit singles “Runnin’ With the Devil” and “You  Really Got Me” on Van Halen’s debut—the rocker told Guitar World he wasn’t sure how the song got such a prominent spot on the album.

“I think they put it there because it was different, but I'm not really sure,” he told Guitar World. “At that point in my career, I really didn't have any control over anything. I was just like, 'Yes, sir. Whatever.' We barely had any input in the early days of the band.”

Decades after its release, "Eruption" remains a defining part of Van Halen's history and a landmark moment in rock guitar.

Related: How an 'A Christmas Story' Bully Ended Up in Van Halen’s 1984 'Hot for Teacher' Video

Costco shoppers have been patiently waiting for this moment. 

One bakery favorite is finally making its way back, as KirklandCinnamon Raisin Bagels were spotted at the warehouse giant after years of fan requests.

The sweet breakfast staple has developed a loyal following among members who are thrilled to see it back in the Costco bakery section.

Instagram account Discovering_Costco clocked the return, in addition to sourdough bread bowls, which make for an easy dinner win.

“Costco has NEW sourdough bread bowls and the cinnamon raisin bagels are finally back! If you’ve been waiting for these, don’t wait too long—they tend to disappear fast,” the post noted. 

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For many shoppers, it’s a long-awaited reunion, as Costco is known for rotating fan-favorites, with some products disappearing for longer than members would like. 

Costco recently transitioned its bagel lineup from 12-count multipacks to individual 8-count packs, with the returning Cinnamon Raisin Bagels priced at around $4.99, making them an affordable breakfast option.

They boast a soft and chewy profile with warm notes of cinnamon spice, along with bursts of sweetness from the raisins, throughout each bite. 

Related: Costco’s Returning Pie Combines Three Classic Desserts in One

Delicious when toasted with butter, topped with cream cheese, paired with peanut butter or jam, or finished with a drizzle of honey, if you’re looking for a bolder flavor, it’s easy to see why they’re a popular choice among shoppers. 

Costco Aisles Instagram also celebrated the return of the bagel flavor a few weeks ago, with many followers delighted upon its return, as one wrote, “about time,” and another chimed in, “cinnamon raisin is the best kind of bagel, will die on this hill.”

Currently, WarehouseRunner shows that 605 stores have them in stock, and only 43 locations list them as out of stock, which gives you a great chance at securing the bag during your next Costco run. 

While it’s unclear why or when the bagels were officially discontinued before their triumphant return, shoppers began to notice they were disappearing from shelves around mid-2023, with Reddit user noting that they were “no longer produced.”

A month ago, however, one Redditor bluntly expressed their joy upon seeing them back in stores, writing, “Thank f—- there’s finally cinnamon raisin bagels at my Costco,” adding, “I’ve been waiting YEARS for either cinnamon raisin or blueberry bagels. Normal sweet flavors. For years there’s only been French toast, pumpkin spice, orange cranberry, all weird flavors I’ve tried and didn’t like. Finally my Costco has cinnamon raisin bagels. And the switch to 1 big bag instead is having to buy 2…!!! We are blessed.”

And if you’re looking to add more flavors to your bagel spread, we’ve heard great things about the recent pretzel bagel addition.

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If standing on hardwood or tile for long periods leaves your feet sore, a more supportive house shoe can make everyday tasks feel much more manageable. The Litfun Orthopedic Arch Support Slippers are currently on sale for $19 at Amazon in beige, down from $33. They come in 10 colors, including black, grey, cyan blue, pink, purple, brown, and cream white, although prices vary by shade. Sizes range from 6 to 10.5, with a few half sizes grouped together.

These cozy slippers offer the comfortable feel you’d want from a good pair of house shoes, along with a contoured footbed and memory foam design. They also feature stylish wide corduroy straps that cross over the foot to help keep them in place, an open toe style that makes them more breathable, and sturdy rubber soles for added traction.

Litfun Orthopedic Arch Support Slippers, From $19 (was $33) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

These may be a better choice for anyone who wants more support than a basic flat slipper without wearing a full shoe around the house. The contoured footbed is designed to follow the shape of your foot, while the memory foam adds softness under your heel, making these extra comfortable to wear for longer stretches at home — especially if you’re looking to replace an older pair that has started to flatten or slip around as you walk.

Multiple shoppers with plantar fasciitis, high arches, wide feet, bunions, and previous foot injuries shared positive experiences with the fit and cushioning. One person said, “It feels like I am walking on clouds. They are soft and comfortable,” while another called them “great for plantar fasciitis.” A third reviewer said, “This slipper has wonderful arch support,” and another described them as “super soft.” 

Related: Walmart Has ‘Absolutely Adorable’ Fluffy Cow Slippers for Just $10, and They Come in 4 Colors

Their open-toe style also makes these a breeze to wear through the warmer months, especially if fully lined slippers tend to make your feet feel too hot. The crossover straps leave more room around the front of the foot than a closed style, too, which may feel better if shoes often rub against bunions, corns, or sensitive toes. 

Shop More Deals

• Eveshine Orthopedic Cloud Sandals, From $17 (was $27) at Amazon
• Litfun Orthopedic Slide Slippers, From $23 (was $33) at Amazon
• Litfun Fuzzy Arch Support Slippers, From $14 (was $30) at Amazon

For under $20, the Litfun Orthopedic Arch Support Slippers are a worthwhile upgrade if your current pair feels flattened, worn out, or uncomfortable. Give your house slipper collection a refresh by grabbing your favorite color while they’re still in stock and marked down at Amazon.

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Costco has a new kitchen find that will make your fridge look trendy and perfectly organized. Practical products don't always generate much excitement, but now and then one comes along that solves multiple problems at once. Whether you're packing lunches, saving leftovers or trying to streamline meal prep, the right storage containers can make a surprising difference.

Costco stocked a new reusable container set that checks all the boxes. It combines the clean, stackable look of the deli-style containers that have become popular for fridge organization with the durability needed for everyday use. Instead of tossing flimsy plastic containers after one use, these are designed to be washed, reused and stacked again and again.

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Bentgo Prep Twist-Top Container 30-Pack Set, $31.99 at Costco

Costco

Costco is selling the Bentgo Prep Twist-Top Container 30-Pack Set online for $31.99, giving shoppers 30 reusable containers and 30 matching twist-top lids in three sizes.

The Costco set includes:

• 10 eight-ounce containers
• 10 16-ounce containers
• 10 32-ounce containers

The containers feature leak-proof, airtight twist-top lids that help keep food fresh while preventing spills, making them a smart choice for soups, sauces, salads and leftovers. They're also safe for the microwave, freezer and dishwasher, so you can prep, store, reheat and clean up without switching containers.

The containers in this Bentgo food storage set nest inside one another when empty and stack neatly with their lids, helping keep cabinets, pantries and refrigerators tidy.

Related: This Beloved British Treat Is 'Finally' Available at US Costco Warehouses

Why Shoppers Love These Reusable Containers

While food storage containers might not sound exciting, shoppers say this set quickly becomes something they reach for every day.

Many reviewers praise the versatility, noting that the three sizes work well for everything from snacks and lunches to family-sized leftovers. Others appreciate how lightweight they are yet durable enough for everyday use.

Several shoppers also mention buying the set to replace mismatched plastic containers or disposable takeout tubs. Because they're reusable, they offer the same convenient deli-style look that's become increasingly popular for meal prep and organized refrigerators without creating extra waste.

One reviewer liked the set so much they said they were already considering buying another 30-pack.

If your current food storage collection is filled with missing lids and mismatched containers, Costco's newest kitchen find could be an easy upgrade. Grab this practical Costco find to make everyday cooking, packing lunches and storing leftovers just a little easier.

Related: Stanley 1913 Just Dropped Trendy New 'Summer Tile' Tumblers at Target

Released in November 1974, Yes' "The Gates of Delirium" remains one of progressive rock's most ambitious songs, even 52 years after it first appeared on the band's album Relayer. 

Running for nearly 22 minutes, the epic track turns a story about war into a long musical journey that ends with a quiet message of peace.

The song was written and recorded by the English progressive rock band during a major period of change. The lineup featured Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White and Patrick Moraz. It was the only Yes studio album to feature Moraz, who had joined the group after Rick Wakeman's departure.

Chris Squire, Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe and Alan White of the rock band "Yes" in an Atlantic Records publicity still in circa 1976.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

"The Gates of Delirium" takes loose inspiration from Leo Tolstoy's 1869 novel War and Peace. However, its story is also tied to the real-world fears and conflicts of the time. The song moves through a prelude, a battle, a moment of victory and, finally, a prayer for peace.

The nearly 22-minute track became the entire first side of Relayer, showing how far Yes was willing to push the limits of a traditional rock song. Instead of following a short verse-and-chorus format, the band built a long, multi-part work that moves between vocals, complex instrumental sections and a soft closing passage.

That final section, called "Soon," became the most familiar part of the song. A shortened version was released as a single in the United States and other markets in January 1975, although it did not chart.

The story behind "The Gates of Delirium" began with an idea from Anderson. He imagined music that could represent a battle, and the rest of Yes helped turn that idea into a complete composition.

The song's structure follows the movement of a conflict. The opening vocal section sets the scene before the music grows more intense. The instrumental battle section then becomes the centerpiece, with the band using its full range of progressive rock sounds.

Anderson explained to Songfacts the deeper meaning behind the song.

"It's about the tribalism between warring factions, and who is the dominant country, the dominant energy at that time," Anderson explained in a Songfacts interview. "It was at the end of the Vietnam War. We were learning about the unbelievable destruction that was done to the Vietnamese, and for what?"

The recording also contains one of the song's most unusual sounds. In the middle of the track, listeners can hear a loud crash. The sound came from a homemade percussion setup built from old automobile parts collected from a junkyard.

Alan White recalled that he and Anderson would stop at a junkyard while traveling to Chris Squire's home studio. They collected springs, pieces of metal, brake parts and clutch plates, then built a rack to hold them.

"The percussion on that song is pretty unusual," White said in the liner notes for the 2003 remaster of Relayer. "Jon and I used to travel together to Chris' home studio, where we recorded the album. We would stop at a junkyard along the way and pick up parts of cars."

Yes had already become known for lengthy compositions, elaborate arrangements and albums that challenged the normal limits of popular music. Earlier works such as "Close to the Edge" had also used extended song structures, but "The Gates of Delirium" pushed the idea even further.

"The Gates of Delirium" was not a regular part of Yes' live shows for much of the band's history. The group performed the full song during tours from 1974 to 1976, but it was not brought back regularly until the 2000 Masterworks tour.

The band continued to perform the piece during the 2001 Magnification tour. That era also produced Symphonic Live, a concert recording featuring Yes with an orchestra. The song was later restored to the band's live set again during the Royal Affair Tour.

A 22-minute, 40-second live performance recorded at Cobo Hall in Detroit on Aug. 17, 1976, was released on the live album Yesshows. Other live versions have appeared in Yes releases covering different periods of the band's career, according to records.

For a band that became famous for making long and complex music, "The Gates of Delirium" remains one of Yes' most ambitious works.

Related: '90s Rock Band Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 25 Years After No. 1 Hit

American athlete Carly Rae Patterson began her competitivegymnastics career at the age of 12 in 2000. Two years later, Patterson became the U.S. junior national all-around champion, beginning her senior career shortly after in 2003 as the youngest competitor. That same year, she won the American Cup at just 15.

After having to sit out of the Nationals competition due to a broken elbow, Patterson successfully petitioned into the World Gymnastics Championships, where she earned the all-around silver medal. She was the first American woman to medal in the World Championships since Shannon Miller in 1994. Her win also helped the United States win the team gold, a first-ever win for the American Women's team.

Patteron won the American Cup again in 2004, and made her way to the Olympic trials. At the trials, she placed third, but her performance at the national trials was strong enough that she made the 2004 team and headed to Athens, Greece to compete.

At the 2004 Olympic Games, Patterson finished first overall in the preliminary round, which qualified the gymnast for the all-around and balance beam finals. For individual all-around, Patterson narrowly beat out three-time world all-around champion from Russia, Svetlana Khorkina. This win made Patterson only the second woman from the United States to win an Olympic all-around gold medal, and the first to do so in a non-boycotted Olympic Games. Mary Lou Retton's win in 1984 occurred when the Soviet Union was boycotting the games, meaning she did not have to compete against athletes from Russia who were known for dominating the sport at the time.

Just two years after the Olympics in 2006, Patteron was diagnosed with bulging discs in her lower back. While she had been planning to take a break from the sport, this led to her decision to fully retire at just 18 years old.

In 2009, Patterson was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame. In 2024, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Patterson married strategy consultant Mark Caldwell in 2012. The couple shares three children.

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Related: 1996 Olympic Gymnast Delivered One of Atlanta's Greatest Performances

It’s been 60  years since the Monkees recorded their first single—and began their run as No. 1 music stars.

Bandmates Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones recorded their debut song, "Last Train to Clarksville,” on July 25, 1966, per On This Day.com. The record was released as a single the following month, just ahead of the premiere of The Monkees TV show, and climbed the charts through the late summer and fall, hitting  No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of that year.

Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, "Last Train to Clarksville" featured a catchy, pop melody with unexpected lyrics.

“It was our debut single, and I was lucky enough to sing lead,” Dolenz, 81, wrote in an Instagram caption in 2025. “We didn’t know what to expect, but by November it had climbed all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Not a bad way to kick things off. Looking back, it’s amazing how that little song helped launch everything that followed.”

The last surviving Monkees star added that the song was “a subtle commentary on the Vietnam War,” disguised as a pop tune “as a way to get a protest song on the radio without it being banned.”

Dolenz once admitted that amid the chaos of filming The Monkeessitcom, he didn’t remember the recording session for “Last Train to Clarksville." But he did remember the first time hearing it on the radio.

“I don't recall recording it because there was just so much going on at that time," he told Rolling Stone in 2016. “I was recording two or three songs a night after filming the TV show all day."

"I have a very fond memory of hearing it on the radio for the first time on KHJ, a big station out here at the time," the singer added. 'Davy and I were renting a house up in the Hollywood Hills. We were pulling up to this big, beautiful rented house in Beverly Hills when they went, ‘Here they are, the Monkees' 'Last Train to Clarksville.' We pulled over and just had the biggest grins on our faces.”

RELATED: The Monkees 'Best Song of All Time' Became a No. 1 Hit  Twice

It wasn’t long before The Monkees were superstars. In a  February 2026 piece for Uncut, Dolenz recalled that the show, fueled by the smash single, was an immediate hit.

"The show debuted in September 1966 and became a hit pretty fast," he shared. "We knew that the show was a success when the first single, 'Last Train To Clarksville,' began climbing up the charts to No 1.”

By the time Christmas rolled around, the band members were getting chased by fans.

While two more No. 1 hits followed (“I’m a Believer” and “Daydream Believer”), 60 years after its release, “Last Train to Clarksville” is remembered fondly as the song that skyrocketed The Monkees to superstardom.

Related: 1966 Pop Music Classic Was Written for Teenagers—But It Was Secretly the Sneakiest Political Song of the Decade

Anyone who's ever spent a night in a hotel room knows the disappointment of reaching into the shower only to find thin, heavily perfumed, and skin-stripping amenities. For travelers accustomed to a thoughtful self-care routine at home, packing custom bath and body rituals is often non-negotiable—yet finding genuinely luxurious, small-batch formulas in TSA-compliant sizes is surprisingly rare.

That problem inspired Richard Christiansen, the Australian-born creative director and founder of Los Angeles-based Flamingo Estate, to turn his Los Angeles botanical sanctuary into a global movement. Launched out of his hilltop estate in 2020 to support local regenerative farmers during the pandemic, Christiansen built Flamingo Estate around a simple philosophy: bringing the raw, therapeutic pleasure of the garden into everyday life.

The brand quickly gained a cult following among design lovers and culinary tastemakers alike, earning the ultimate seal of approval from Martha Stewart herself. In fact, Stewart famously declared that Flamingo Estate's signature Heritage extra-virgin olive oil is "the only olive oil I use at home," praising the meticulous hand-picked harvest and vibrant flavor profile from ancient trees.

Related: Martha Stewart Reveals the 'Maximalist' Packing Hack She Uses to Keep Clothes Wrinkle-Free

Flamingo Estate

Now, Christiansen is bringing that same uncompromising garden-to-skin approach to the jet-set crowd with the launch of the brand's first-ever Summer Travel Set. Priced at $80, the limited-edition six-piece collection shrinks the estate's most beloved botanical creations down to travel-friendly sizes, giving travelers an instant way to upgrade generic hotel bathrooms and long-haul flights.

The curated kit tackles the specific sensory friction points of life on the road. To shake off post-flight exhaustion, the set includes a mini version of the brand's famous Exfoliating Peppermint Bar Soap, infused with organic peppermint oil and poppy seeds to revive tired skin and wake up the senses. For the shower, the Rosemary & Clary Sage Hair and Body Wash blends nourishing jojoba, meadowfoam, and eucalyptus oils to deliver a deeply aromatic spa experience.

Related: 10 Carry-On Essentials I Never Travel Without as a Frequent Flier

Because airplane cabin air is notoriously drying, the kit features the Super Hydrating Sage Rich Cream to restore parched hands with rich shea butter and olive oil. Travelers can also mist themselves with pure Lavender Water throughout long travel days or while lounging by the pool for an immediate cooling reset. Rounding out the ritual is a mini version of Flamingo Estate's iconic, vine-fresh Tomato Candle accompanied by a custom box of matches, allowing guests to replace lingering hotel room scents with the crisp aroma of a summer garden.

By translating Christiansen's farm-fresh ethos into a compact carry-on kit, the Summer Travel Set proves that leaving home doesn't have to mean leaving your favorite daily luxuries behind. The set is currently available online through Flamingo Estate's website while seasonal supplies last.

Related: The 5,000-Person Waitlist Travel Bag Martha Stewart Calls a 'Game Changer' Is Finally Back in Stock

Life has a way of giving each of us a gift that isn't always obvious at first. Sometimes it's a talent that opens doors. Other times it's the people we attract, the resilience we discover, or the ability to bring light into someone else's day. Those blessings don't always show up all at once. In many cases, they reveal themselves little by little as life unfolds. So what might be your greatest blessing? Here's what each birth month is often known for.

Each Birth Month's Greatest Life Blessing

Sometimes the best things in life aren't the ones we plan for. A loyal friend, the courage to keep going, a family that stands beside you, or simply the ability to make someone else's day a little brighter can end up meaning more than anything money can buy. No matter when you were born, your greatest blessing is often something you've had all along—you just may not have recognized it yet.

January — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Determination

Whether you're a disciplined Capricorn or an innovative Aquarius, you combine persistence with the confidence to carve your own path. January-born people are often blessed with determination. When life throws obstacles in their path, they have a remarkable ability to keep moving forward. That steady mindset helps them accomplish goals that once seemed out of reach.

February — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Originality

February's greatest blessing is originality. People born this month often see opportunities that others overlook. Their creativity and willingness to think differently can lead them in unexpected and rewarding directions. As an imaginative Aquarius or a compassionate Pisces, you bring ideas and a unique perspective wherever you go.

March — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Meaningful Relationships

March-born people are often surrounded by meaningful relationships. They have a warm, welcoming nature that makes others feel comfortable, and those connections tend to become one of life's greatest gifts. Born under gentle Pisces or a fearless Aries, you balance kindness with the courage to follow your heart.

April — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Confidence

April-born people are blessed with the confidence to take chances. With an energetic Aries or a dependable Taurus personality, you pair ambition with steady determination. While others may hesitate, they're usually willing to jump in and see where the opportunity leads. That boldness often opens doors that might have stayed closed.

May — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Stability

May-born people have a gift for creating stability. Friends and family know they can count on them through life's ups and downs. That dependable nature builds lasting relationships and deep trust. Resonating with either a grounded Taurus or a curious Gemini, you combine loyalty with an easygoing charm.

June — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Bringing People Together

Attuned as a quick-thinking Gemini or a nurturing Cancer, you have a natural talent for bringing people together. Some people naturally make others feel at home, and June-born people often harness that gift. Whether they're listening, encouraging, or simply showing up, they leave people feeling better than before.

July — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is a Generous Heart

July-born people are blessed with a generous heart. They care deeply about the people in their lives and rarely hesitate to lend a helping hand. Their kindness often comes back to them in unexpected ways. Whether you're a caring Cancer or a confident Leo, you combine compassion with quiet inner strength.

August — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Inspiring Others

Guided by either a bold Leo or a hardworking Virgo, you motivate others simply by leading through example. August-born people have a knack for inspiring others. Their enthusiasm, confidence, and willingness to dream big often encourage friends and family to believe in themselves too.

September — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Good Judgment

September's blessing is good judgment. People born this month usually take their time before making important decisions, and that thoughtful approach helps them avoid many unnecessary setbacks. As an analytical Virgo or a balanced Libra, you value wisdom, fairness, and careful thinking.

October — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Harmony

October-born people are blessed with the ability to bring harmony to any situation they may find themselves. Whether a graceful Libra or a passionate Scorpio, you balance compassion with quiet determination. They're good at smoothing over disagreements, helping people find common ground, and reminding others that kindness still matters.

November — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Resilience

November people often discover that resilience is one of their greatest gifts. Life may test them from time to time, but they have an incredible ability to rebuild, adapt, and come back stronger than before. With an intense Scorpio or an adventurous Sagittarius personality, you face challenges with courage and unwavering determination.

December — Your Greatest Blessing in Life Is Hope

Incarnated as an adventurous Sagittarius or a disciplined Capricorn, you combine optimism with the determination to turn possibilities into reality. December-born people are blessed with hope. Even when things don't go as planned, they somehow manage to keep believing that brighter days are ahead. That outlook doesn't just lift their own spirits—it encourages everyone around them.

UP NEXT:

Kyle Chandler rose to stardom as Coach Eric Taylor on Friday Night Lights, but the fan favorite is scoring praise for something else these days: his graying hair.

Chandler, 60, played the role of Taylor from 2006 to 2011 on the now-revered NBC series, which followed the ups and downs of Texas high school football in a small town. Along with Connie Britton, who played his wife, Chandler became a Hollywood staple who eventually moved on to other acclaimed roles. From The Wolf of Wall Street to Carol, his roles in important films have built a solid career.

In a new appearance at HBO Max's Lanterns Hall H panel during Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center, Chandler showed off his salt-and-pepper hair that's scored him a title of Silver Fox. Who doesn't love a touch of grey?

CHRIS DELMAS / Getty Images

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

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Chandler Appears Next in Lanterns

In his upcoming role as Hal Jordan in the superhero series Lanterns, Chandler found the same wonderful experience that he had with FNL.

“There are a lot of comparisons in my heart between that show and this one, as far as the absolute enjoyment of the two and the people,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “It was a spectacular six months of my life. And I think that joy, and everyone felt it, I think that joy is what’s gonna show up on camera.”

Check out the trailer for Lanterns below:

2026 is the 20th Anniversary of Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights premiered on NBC on Oct. 3, 2006, and launched the careers of a variety of stars including Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons, Taylor Kitsch, Minka Kelly, and Adrianne Palicki. Last month, the cast spent time with each other with smiles on their faces at the ATX Festival. While two decades have passed since it first hit the airwaves, the group got back together like no time had passed at all.

"We really couldn’t stop laughing," Britton captioned her photo series. "To reunite with this wonderful, once in a lifetime cast and crew after 20 years was precious and spectacularly fun. Thank you @atxfestival for bringing us together to celebrate this show that we loved, and most importantly, the people. Texas forever. #FridayNightLights."

View this post on Instagram Where Can I Stream Friday Night Lights?

Friday Night Lights is available for streaming on Paramount+.

Related: 'Friday Night Lights' Cast Reunites to Sing Beloved 1990 Classic by the 'Godfather of Bedroom Pop'

Earth, Wind & Fire has endured heartbreak over the past decade, but one of its founding family members is still carrying the band's legacy forward.

Verdine White turns 75 on July 25. As the younger brother of founder Maurice White, who died in 2016, and drummer Fred White, who died in 2023, Verdine is now the last surviving White brother. More than five decades after joining the group, he also remains the only member from the band's original lineup era still performing with Earth, Wind & Fire.

Verdine joined his older brother in Los Angeles in 1970, shortly before the group adopted the name Earth, Wind & Fire. His melodic, energetic bass playing quickly became one of the band's defining trademarks as the group fused soul, funk, jazz, R&B, pop and rock into a sound unlike anything else on the radio.

The results speak for themselves. Earth, Wind & Fire has sold more than 90 million records worldwide and collected six Grammy Awards, while earning induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and receiving the Kennedy Center Honors.

Rolling Stone has praised the band's "talent for writing joyously optimistic soul anthems" and how they "evolved from a visionary funk-rock band to a cosmopolitan ensemble that incorporated easy pop, jazz and disco," and VH1 called them "one of the greatest bands of the 20th century."

Few bands boast a catalog as beloved as Earth, Wind & Fire's. Classics including "Shining Star," "That's the Way of the World," "September," "Fantasy," "Let's Groove," "Boogie Wonderland" and "After the Love Has Gone" remain staples of radio, movies, television and celebrations around the world.

Even after the deaths of Maurice and Fred, Verdine has continued performing, helping keep the music and spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire alive for longtime fans while introducing it to new generations. In recent years, the band has continued touring, collaborating with contemporary artists and even made a memorable guest appearance during Sabrina Carpenter's 2025 Lollapalooza set, proving the music still resonates across generations.

As he celebrates his milestone 75th birthday, Verdine White stands not only as one of music's great bassists but as the enduring heartbeat of one of the most influential and successful bands in popular music history.

Related: 1975 Film, Overshadowed by Its Iconic Music, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Soundtracks of All Time’

If you're heading to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this week, prepare to come face-to-face with Africa's most iconic apex predators in a whole new way.

The park is officially opening Lion & Hyena Ridge, a nearly 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art habitat in the Edge of Africa section. Most notably, the sprawling new complex serves as the home base for America’s largest coalition of lions in an AZA-accredited facility—a bonded group of five young brothers named Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman.

The grand opening marks the newest milestone in Busch Gardens' ongoing $200 million, five-year parkwide investment, debuting just in time for weekend guests.

Related: Busch Gardens' 2026 Annual Pass Just Got a Dramatic Upgrade

Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (2:37) Up-Close Encounters and 270-Degree Views

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Replacing the park's former lion viewing areas, Lion & Hyena Ridge is more than double the size of the previous footprint. Designed to transport guests straight to the savanna, the environment features shaded pathways and floor-to-ceiling glass observation points delivering sweeping, 270-degree views.

The habitat itself mimics natural African terrain with rocky kopje formations, temperature-controlled resting rocks, and cascading water features. The layout is built around multifunctional, rotating spaces and multiple enrichment zones, allowing the animal care teams to vary the environment and encourage natural climbing, exploring, and social behaviors.

Related: Busch Gardens Announces Beloved Roller Coaster Will Permanently Close After 33 Years

Team Lion vs. Team Hyena

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

In addition to the five lion brothers, the habitat is home to a pair of resident spotted hyenas, Cazi and Dazi.

While the two species do not occupy the exact same physical space at the same time for safety and welfare, the side-by-side habitat layout lets visitors observe two of nature's fiercest natural rivals in one place. Interactive educational displays throughout the trail dive into how coalitions and packs work together in the wild to compete for survival, inviting guests to choose whether they are "Team Lion" or "Team Hyena".

Related: This Classic Theme Park Has the Top-Ranked Restaurant in the U.S.

How to Visit

Lion & Hyena Ridge officially opens to all general park guests on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Access to the new habitat is included with standard daily park admission or an Annual Pass.

Opening day also aligns with the launch of the park's annual 2026 Bier Fest Brews & BBQ event, making it an ideal weekend to explore the updated Edge of Africa section.

Related: Busch Gardens Is Building Its Largest Animal Habitat in a Decade—and It’s a Game Changer

Another week is almost here, and that means some more releases. July ends in style, with dystopian, romance, and everything in between.

There’s also a release coming on Aug. 1. A Saturday is an unusual day for a publication, but Amazon Publishing prefers to do everything on the first day of the month. It’s sure to kick off your month and your weekend in style!

Now you just need to figure out what to read first. After all, everything on this list is about to disrupt your sleep schedule.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Obsessed’ by Lizzie Buehler

We start with a coming-of-age tale, following Astrid, who is obsessed with a Russian American novelist, Sofiya Sova. Their lives seem to parallel each other, and Astrid feels like Sofiya is writing every thought he has ever had. At first, The Obsessed by Lizzie Buehler may sound like a thriller, but it’s contemporary fiction that explores the trials of modern dating.

You see, after moving to Japan, Astrid’s boyfriend, Charlie, breaks up with her. Suddenly, she finds herself on Hinge, and that’s where she gets to connect with another Sofiya Sova obsessive, Elijah. It seems like a match made in heaven, but Elijah suddenly pulls away, and Astrid is left wondering what’s next.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Beginning Middle End’ by Valeria Luiselli

Do you need another piece of contemporary fiction? Beginning Middle End by Valeria Luiselli is just that. This one follows a mother and daughter on a road trip. It’s perfect for a summer beach read, as that is the setting as they travel to Sicily, near the ancient ruins where the mother’s grandmother once worked.

This is a beautiful story of two women connecting and learning about each other and themselves. IT’s a story of a daughter on the threshold of adolescence, and a mother looking at how to reconstruct their lives. There are woven myths and history folded into the tale, with a question for us all to ask ourselves: how do stories shape our children’s imagination and memories?

Courtesy of HarperCollins ‘Furious Violet’ by Sarai Walker

If you loved Dietland by Sarai Walker, then you will need to check out her upcoming novel, Furious Violet. This is a subversive thriller that will make you think about what it takes to survive. How would you react if there was a stalker threatening you?

Violet “West” Shelley has always been the daughter of a legendary poet who diet tragically young. It’s a spotlight she can’t avoid, even though she’s tried. Now burned out, she returns to her hometown to finish a book about the “Crying Killer,” but it soon turns into something much darker when there is a stalker out there threatening everything she has ever known.

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster ‘Meet Me in Paris’ by Kristin Harmel

One of the novels that has been talked about a lot this month is Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel, and it is perfect for fans of The Notebook and Love Actually. This is packed with love, loss, and simply finding your way back home. It’s not just one love story, but seven, which are all intertwined through one life-changing week in Paris.

It follows nine different Americans, all at different points in their lives. Some get to fall in love, while others are grieving. There are stories of life and wonder, as well as those of regret and wishes. It’s an enchanting story, especially if you love multiple characters and perspectives.

Courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark ‘The Whisper’ by Chelsea Iverson

For those who adore speculative thrillers, The Whisper by Chelsea Iverson is packed with intrigue, eeriness, and magic. There is grief and mystery packed within the pages, set in a forest where there are only five rules, and the most important one is “tell no one.”

15 years ago, Quinn was found dead in the woods. Her friends grew apart after that night, but they’re pulled back to their hometown. As one of them hears Quinn’s voice in the trees, wounds are reopened, and the group of friends needs to deal with everything that happened that night. There was dangerous magic left behind, and it’s time to accept the wrongs and fix it.

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster ‘Daggermouth’ by H.M. Wolfe

If you need a new dystopian novel, Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe is a must-have. I will say that reading it is better than listening, but that’s more because there is only one male narrator and one female narrator for all the different characters, and they don’t change their voices in any way to make it easy to know who is speaking. The story itself is amazing!

The story is set in a dystopian society, where the Heart controls everything. Greyson is the son of the President, trained to be the next heir, but when an incident occurs as the execution he’s supposed to be carrying out, he ends up having to marry a mercenary. This novel is already out, as it received a limited self-published run in 2025, but July 28 marks the day for the traditional publisher release with deluxe packaging.

Courtesy of HarperCollins ‘The Mortal Enemy Murder Club’ by Gloria Chao

Did you love The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Gloria Chao? Now is the time to revisit the group with The Mortal Enemy Murder Club. It’s packed with the same humor and twists that the first in the series included, and we continue to see Kathryn Hu reluctantly solve a murder. All she wants is to get back to her murder-free existence!

Well, when Mandy Thorne gets in touch, Kat realizes that she’s stuck with more murder. However, she does have to wonder if she really wants to help the podcast host who tried to frame her and her friends the last time. Can they all even put their mutual hatred aside to solve the case?

Courtesy of Kensington Books ‘A Penance for Crows’ by Shannon Morgan

For those who adore modern gothic thrillers and the Irish landscape in stories, you’ll need to pick up A Penance for Crows by Shannon Morgan. Set on Beanna Dubh, where the locals believe the crows tell of disaster, a young priest is found dead with a mysterious symbol drawn on his chest. Grizela Urquhart becomes the prime suspect, but there are other vulnerable girls she also needs to protect.

A Penance for Crows is packed with mythology and superstitions. This is a story of a town full of individuals who are suspicious of everyone and deeply believe in folklore, and that makes it much harder for Grizela to prove her innocence and protect those who need it.

Courtesy of Mindy Kaling Imprint, Amazon Published ‘How to Ruin a Wedding’ by Elba Luz

Romance and humor? Oh yes! How to Ruin a Wedding by Elba Luz is an Amazon Publishing book under Mindy Kaling’s imprint. It’s packed with weddings, romance, sabotage, and so much more. As the title suggests, there is someone out there who wants to ruin a wedding, and it happens to be our main character!

Lucy Delgado knows that romance doesn’t work out. “Meant to be” means so little now, and who wants to really honor the “‘til death do us part” bit? So, she is now a professional wedding crasher, and she ends up hired by Anders Kennedy, who wants to ruin his sister’s wedding. How will she do that? By pretending to be his girlfriend to sabotage from within. What neither of them expected was to potentially fall in love with each other! Read it on Aug. 1, 2026.

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Solar lights are an easy and practical way to add some brightness to your garden, backyard, or patio for any summer gatherings. If you want to bring a cozy ambiance to your outdoor space this season, Walmart's top-rated Syenll Solar Watering Can Light is a stunning decor upgrade that's currently on sale for over 50% off.  

For a limited time, the popular piece is marked down to just $14, down from $30. The pretty hanging watering can is adorned with cascading warm white string lights, which create the illusion of falling water. The whimsical design adds a magical glow to any outdoor space, bringing a touch of fairytale-like charm to your home. 

Syenll Solar Watering Can, $14 (was $30) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Designed for easy setup, this solar watering can adds some gorgeous ambient lighting to your space, creating a storybook atmosphere wherever you place it. It can be placed in yards, stationed along pathways, or even hung among trees, vines, or other foliage, casting a soft, gentle light without the need for cords or outlets. Simply hang it on the shepherd hook, switch on the included solar panel, and allow it to power up fully in the sunlight. Once charged, it'll turn on automatically at night and off at sunrise, staying illuminated for up to eight hours at a time. 

Made from high-quality metal, this stunning piece is sturdy and built to last, ensuring durability in all types of weather conditions. Since it's compact in size, it's easy to move around and made to fit in a wide range of spaces, from small porches and patios to flowerbeds and gardens. You can just use one as an eye-catching accent or line up several in a row for a more dramatic effect. 

Shoppers praised the Synell solar watering can for its overall look and quality. Several called it  "bright and beautiful," while others added that it looks "very pretty at night." One reviewer noted that it creates a "magical" feel in any outdoor space, while another said it's "perfect for a summer garden." 

Related: Walmart's Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is an 'Elegant' Way to Declutter Kitchens and Entryways

If you've been looking for a way to illuminate your outdoor space this spring and summer, this solar watering can is a beautiful upgrade to any deck, garden, yard, or patio. Now's your chance to snag it at just $14 before this Walmart deal ends.

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