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After watching The Five-Star Weekendon Peacock, I have to admit, I really want to visit Nantucket now. The Jennifer Garner-led series is based on the bestselling novel by Elin Hildenbrand, who has featured the Massachusetts island in several of her books. Even though Garner's character, Hollis, is a cook and best-selling author, she and her girlfriends find plenty of time to eat, drink, and be merry outside her Nantucket beach house.

The series filmed partially on-location, featuring several local businesses that are hits not only among the locals but also with the tourists that frequent the island off Cape Cod, but which locations on the show were real and which were not? We take a look at some of the local businesses featured in the Peacock series below.

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Was The Five-Star Weekend Actually Filmed on Nantucket?

Yes. The exterior shots of the well-known Nantucket business were filmed on location on the island. For practical purposes, the interiors, including Hollis' beach house and CRU dinner location were filmed on soundstages in Los Angeles.

Real Nantucket Locations Mentioned in The Five-Star WeekendCRU CRU

CRU

1 Straight Wharf
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-9278
Open 7 Days, 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
www.crunantucket.com

Get your seafood on at this oceanfront oyster bar. Hollis and her girlfriends dine at Cru in the series. Menu items include wild striped bass, butter roasted lobster, and blue crag tagliatelle. Sounds delish!

CRU is mentioned in dialogue in the first episode of the series with the characters dining at the restaurant in Episode 5.

Related: Queen of the Beach Read Elin Hilderbrand Calls This Book a ‘Summer Must-Read’

Wicked Island Bakery Wicked Island Bakery

Wicked Island Bakery

7B Bayberry Ct
Nantucket, MA
(508) 901-5797
wickedislandbakery@gmail.com
Open Mon-Fri 6 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sat-Sun 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Wicked Island Bakery is known for their morning buns (pictured above) which is bun made from flaky, buttery pastry made with Vermont butter, Tahitian vanilla beans andd topped with a caramelized sugar and spice blend. The bakery was so good, cast and crew were seen at the location even when they weren't filming!

While the characters aren't actually seen at Wicked Island Bakery, we do see Hollis bring her guest their famous morning buns for breakfast. The buns and bakery box also make an appearance in Episode 8 of the series.

Stubby's Stubby's

Stubby's

8 Broad Street
Nantucket, MA 02554.
(508) 228-0028
info@stubbysnantucket.com
Open 7 Days, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Stubby's is a diner serving standard American fare like burgers, wraps, and salads. Of course, you can always get a cup of New England clam chowder, fish and chips, or buffalo wings, if that's to your liking.

While the characters don't actually dine at Stubby's in the series, Jack (Timothy Olyphant) makes mention of it in Episode 8 of the series.

Related: The Perfect Couple Author Elin Hilderbrand Says She Might Not Be Retiring After All

The Chicken Box The Chicken Box

The Chicken Box

16 Dave St
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-9717
Open 7 Days, 12 noon - 1 a.m.

This legendary dive bar is Nantucket's go-to hotspot featuring live music and concerts. Hollis and her friends head for the roadhouse as part of their Saturday itinerary in Episode 4 of the series.

Bartlett's Farm Bartlett's Farm

Bartlett Farms

33 Bartlett Farm Rd
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-9403
Open 7 Days, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Bartlett's Farm is the largest family owned and operated farm on the island and is their on-site eatery is the very definition of "farm-to-table". They have "grab and go" items as well as sandwiches and salads made to order for breakfast and lunch with daily specials served during lunch and dinner.

Hollis can be seen shopping there in Episode 3 as well as in Episode 5 when she and her girlfriends dine there.

Hatch's Package Store View this post on Instagram

133 Orange Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-0131
info@ackhatchs.com
Open Mon-Sat 8 am. - 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Hatch's is Nantucket's go-to liquor store and gas station. While they filmed on location at Hatch's, an episode where the store is seen has not been specified.

Chatham Beach and Tennis Club Gemma Chan, D'Arcy Carden, Regina Hall

14 Main St
Chatham, MA 02633
(508) 945-0464
Open 7 days, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
www.chathambeachandtennisclub.com

While this private club isn't located on Nantucket, it is located across the sound on Cape Cod. The tennis court scenes can been seen in Episode 6 of the series.

Siasconset Village Jennifer Garner as Hollis, Judy Greer as Electra

The girls do a little retail therapy and have a spa day in Siasconset Village in Episode 3. While exteriors were filmed on the island, the interiors of the spa and stores were filmed on a soundstage.

The spa and shopping day happens in Episode 4 of the series.

Related: Most of Jennifer Garner’s Net Worth Doesn’t Really Come From Movies

The Restaurants and Breweries Jennifer Garner and the Cast Visited

Aside from the locations they used for filming, Jennifer Garner and the rest of the cast and crew were seen frequenting places like Something Natural, Handlebar Cafe, and The Juice Bar during their off days.

Can You Stay at Hollis Shaw’s Nantucket Beach House?

No. While the exteriors of the house was filmed on location in Nantucket, the home is a private residence and is not available as a short or long-term rental. The interior of th home seen in the series was filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles, California. The waterfront estates seen as Hollis' beach house were located on Eel Point Road and Wauwiner Road in Nantucket.

Next,All Your Elin Hilderbrand Questions Answered—Why She’s Retiring, How Many More Books She’ll Write, and Her Books In Order!

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If you thrive on finding cute little pieces of decor for your home, Kohl’s has an adorable outdoor gem on sale that’s worth seeing. The Sonoma Goods For Life Snail Solar Lantern is on sale for just $12 with the code GET20 at checkout. The snail-shaped lantern is designed for indoor or outdoor use, so it can sit by a flower bed, on a porch, near a walkway, or even somewhere inside if you just love the look.

The lantern measures 5.25 inches high, 7.25 inches wide, and 4.625 inches deep, so it’s small enough to tuck into a planter or a patio corner. It weighs a little over a pound and is made from ceramic with a plastic solar panel. It comes with one rechargeable battery and one LED light bulb included, and there’s no assembly required. 

Sonoma Goods For Life Snail Solar Lantern, $12 (was $25) at Kohl’s

Courtesy of Kohl's

Shop at Kohl's

This little critter is such a cute way to make an outdoor space feel more decorated without spending much. It looks like a little garden accent during the day, but the real magic happens at night when its twinkling lights cast a soft glow. It’s also a fun alternative to plain solar lights if you want something with a little more personality. The size makes it especially easy to use in smaller spaces, like apartment balconies, front steps, side yards, or a tiny patio table.

One shopper said, “This little snail is so cute,” rating it five out of five stars. “It has a nice little light,” they added, and mentioned they’ve received lots of compliments on it. So while it’s definitely a cute conversation piece, it still has a practical side once the sun goes down.

Related: Kohl’s Has a ‘Cute’ $15 Solar Bird Lantern That ‘Glows Beautifully at Night’

You can leave it out through summer nights, place it near fall planters, or bring it inside once the weather changes so you can enjoy a bit of garden charm even when your outdoor space is between seasons. And since the lantern charges via a solar panel and already comes with a battery and bulb, it’s super low-effort once you find a spot for it.

Shop More Deals

• Sonoma Goods For Life Dog Solar Lantern, $12 (was $25) at Kohl’s
• Pure Garden Owl Landscape Lights, $32 (was $40) at Kohl’s
• Sonoma Goods For Life Aqua Shell Solar Lantern, $12 (was $25) at Kohl’s

An under-$15 find like this can make any space feel more charming, and since the code brings the price down even more, it’s worth grabbing now before the deal changes. Be sure to add the Sonoma Goods For Life Snail Solar Lantern to your Kohl’s cart while it’s still marked down.

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

This August marks the historic 25th anniversary of the Fast & Furious franchise. The first film did far more than become the catalyst for a billion-dollar juggernaut of sequels, video games, theme park attractions, and merchandise. It completely catapulted Paul Walker, a blue-eyed, dirty-blond California surfer kid, from supporting actor (She’s All That, Varsity Blues) to one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men.

Needless to say, as the Entertainment Editor of CosmoGIRL! Magazine during that era, it was glaringly evident that Walker had become our readers’ most in-demand heartthrob. That was no small feat in an era of fierce competition from the likes of Orlando Bloom, Shane West, and Justin Timberlake. It was an absolute no-brainer that Walker would grace the cover of our June/July 2003 summer entertainment issue, timed perfectly to the release of 2 Fast 2 Furious.

I had the honor of conducting that interview, and I still look back on it as one of the most meaningful of my career. Over two lengthy, deeply personal phone conversations, Walker was so refreshingly unguarded that midway through, he gave me his personal cell phone number, telling me to just call him directly if I felt I “needed more.” My editor at the time even asked to hear the audio recordings because she couldn't believe how easily he dropped his Hollywood facade.

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Paul Walker from the June/July 2003 issue of CosmoGIRL! magazine

While the printed 2003 article captured his beautiful devotion to his daughter Meadow (then just 4 years old), his deep love of the outdoors, and his intense connection to his friends, the cutting-room floor pieces of our transcript reveal the fascinating inner conflict of a young superstar. He was caught in a constant push-and-pull against the Hollywood machine, fiercely trying to protect his simple life.

Walker tragically passed away in a car crash nearly 13 years ago, but his legacy burns as bright as ever. His Fast & Furious family has never stopped keeping his memory alive. Vin Diesel, godfather to Paul’s daughter, Meadow, famously walked her down the aisle at her 2021 wedding. And this past May, during a midnight screening celebrating 25 years of The Fast and the Furious at the Cannes Film Festival, cast members Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster stood alongside Diesel and Meadow to pay Walker an emotional tribute.

In honor of the franchise’s milestone anniversary, here are the moving words of wisdom, unfiltered insights, and raw moments left on the cutting room floor from that unforgettable summer in 2003.

Editor's note: The following excerpts are from Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal's original 2003 interview with Paul Walker for CosmoGIRL! magazine and have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Related: Paul Walker’s Stunning Daughter, 27, Appears With ‘Fast and the Furious’ Cast for Film’s 25th Anniversary

Walking Away From 'Unconscious Money'

In 2003, massive rumors were swirling that Paul was next in line to wear the cape for a high-profile Superman reboot. CosmoGIRL! ran a brief mention of him turning it down in the intro, but our uncut conversation reveals the staggering scale of the deal he walked away from just to preserve his personal freedom.

Paul Walker: I just told them that I don't really want to do it. I just didn't like the idea of being obligated to a studio for seven years. Right now I'm a free man and I can dip in and dip out when I want... They offered me such a ridiculous deal. It just got to the point where it was unconscious money, and my representative called and said, "Man, you can do anything you want with it. You can buy your island. You can buy your jet."

Lauren: Were you at all intrigued that it's such an iconic pop culture role?

PW: To me, I don't want to be Superman. You can call it whatever you want, but I just want to be Paul Walker. I just want to be a cool guy. I don't want to run around and have that badge on my chest until the day I die I just don't... You've got to put the curly-cue in your hair and the whole bit. It just sounds like such a goofball.

The Curse of Being 'Too Handsome'

Lauren: I read that there are roles producers didn't give you because you were deemed “too good-looking” for the part.

PW: Was that a quote from me?

Lauren: Yes, from a long time ago.

PW: I'm surprised I told anybody that, but someone did say it to me. People ask me all the time, “Do you feel you're missing out on roles because of the way you look?” And the bottom line is, I am where I am because some people out there find me attractive. It's one of those things. You're f***ed or you're f***ed.   

Lauren: Would you ever consider completely altering your appearance for a role?

PW: No question. I don't think they'll give me the opportunity right now. I think I need a little more juice.

Related: The Original ‘Fast and the Furious’ Cast 25 Years Later: Where Are They Now in 2026?

Deflecting Compliments and Defeating Egos

Lauren: Are you able to take a compliment?

PW: I don't dish them out that much, which I think is kind of s***ty of me. You see others blush, but you don't want to come across cheesy. It's hard to give someone a compliment. If I'm going to, I just want it to sound sincere. I don't want to put too much on it, but at the same time, you can't put too little.

Lauren: What are some other things that make you blush?

PW: Oh s***, I don’t know—anything. If somebody compliments me on anything, even a smile. If someone's like, "Oh, you have a nice smile,” something as simple as that... What are you supposed to say? They may be sincere, but it creates an awkward moment.

Why the Hollywood Heartthrob Preferred Being a Hermit

Lauren: You’ve said you enjoy a lot of alone time. Is it still important to you, even with such a frantic schedule, to get back to yourself?

PW: Yes, but I'm afraid sometimes I've spooked myself because I think I'd be an excellent hermit. There's something cool about that. Lately, I've realized I don't have the best social skills. I never have; my social skills are horrible. Being out and about around people I'm not familiar with or don't know too well? I have two left feet and I'm always putting my foot in my mouth. So it's something I'm forcing myself to work on by being more sociable. The situation I'm in makes it kind of easy when you are on movie sets.

Lauren: Is it hard for you to meet new actors?

PW: No. It depends on if they come off pretentious. I don't get along well with egos. I've dealt with a few of them, but for the most part, the people l've worked with have been pretty cool. I think everyone comes in with their guard up to prepare for the biggest egotistical maniac in the world. So when I come in, I try to make it a point to just squelch it all right away. I come in and make the biggest ass of myself, and then everyone just drops it all at the door, and everyone's just cool.

Rolling Deep on a Harley Bicycle

When asked for a specific example of how he intentionally broke the ice on a high-stakes Hollywood set, Paul painted a picture that perfectly crystallized his legendary, low-key charm.

PW: I remember being in Miami when we were supposed to be doing rehearsals for The Fast and the Furious. I bought this obnoxious bike—it looks like a Harley, but it's a bicycle—and it's black with orange flames on it. I had my baseball cap twisted backward, my Dickies shorts, a white t-shirt, and I walked in with my shorts half-hanging off my ass, just being goofy and stupid. It was nothing like what I think people expected. It just sets the tone. I could have pulled up in a Town Car, rolled in, sat down at the table, and been like, "Hey, these are my notes." But when you walk in yelling, “Hey, motherf***ers, what's going on!”... I don't think you find enough of that because everyone is so threatened by everything in this town. It's so competitive. It's just hard. You'll meet some of the most real, core people, but it takes a while to break the facade and really get through all the BS to find that. You walk around and you think you have a bunch of fake ***holes everywhere, but then you get in there, you crack it open, and you find some of the coolest people.

Soft Spots and Cinema Tears

Lauren: Do you consider yourself an emotional guy? Are there things that make you cry?

PW: Yeah, totally. As a kid, it was all the movies where the dogs die. Like Turner & Hooch? I cried my eyes out. Old Yeller? Forget about it. Still to this day. I'm always the guy that comes out of the movie trying to wipe the tears down. I try to conceal it as best as I can. I'm a sucker for that stuff.

Lauren: Well, I would imagine letting your emotions show during a movie date would be a big turn-on for a girl?

PW: I don't know. That's one thing I think can go either way. So the best thing to do would probably be to hide it. She might just think you're a wuss.

Want to hear about Lauren’s Y2K adventures in teen magazines? Head over to The Teen Mag Time Machine, and check Parade.com next week for another excerpt!

Next: From a Slow Build to ‘Fast & Furious’ Blockbusters, Vin Diesel’s Net Worth in 2026 Is Massive

“In the Midnight Hour” was released by Wilson Pickett in 1965. It was named one of the songs that shaped rock and roll by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was dubbed one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone. The song was also selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. However, the song never reached No. 1 on the charts. It peaked at No. 21.

Steve Cropper, an iconic guitarist, told NPR, “The song is about, I'm going to wait until midnight, that's when everybody is gone to bed. You and I are going to do our thing. We're going to learn each other, learn about each other; we're going to have some fun that nobody is around to witness.”

Tony Fletcher, who wrote a book about Pickett, told Commercial Appeal, “He was someone who couldn’t read music, but in the studio and on stage had a total understanding of what something needed to sound like, and how it should be arranged. People told me he if he heard a wrong note, that he instinctively knew who played it — if it was a trumpet and which trumpet player it was.”

A year after "In the Midnight Hour" was released, Pickett went on to create another classic called “Mustang Sally.” However, it didn’t reach the top of the charts, either. It peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1991, the icon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Related: 1989 Classic Song From a Rock Legend, Cowritten With a Beatle, Never Reached No. 1 on the Charts

Pickett died in 2006 at the age of 64 after suffering from a heart attack in Virginia. As Fletcher stated, “He didn’t die young like Sam Cooke or Otis Redding in tragic circumstances. He didn’t live to such a ripe old age, like Ray Charles or a James Brown. When he died, even the media didn’t really regard his passing in the way it probably should have, and treated him like one of the all-time greats. This person doesn’t have the place [culturally] that he deserves. But when you look at his life and music, and that legacy he left behind, he should be in that conversation.”

If you're trying to plan a weekend road trip or looking for a way to maximize your family’s summer vacation days without spending a fortune on pricey add-on experiences, Six Flags Over Georgia just dropped a major calendar update that is a massive win for your wallet.

Typically, when a major theme park rolls out a high-production, late-night event featuring elaborate stunts, live musical scores, and interactive storytelling, it comes with a steep, separately ticketed price tag. But beginning this weekend, the park is flipping the script for the season.

Six Flags is launching the DC Heroes and Villains Fest, a large-scale, interactive theatrical festival that completely transforms the park’s signature Gotham City area after dark. The best part for everyday consumers? Unlike most premium evening events in the theme park space, this entire experience is 100% included with your general park admission, Season Pass, or membership.

Related: This Lakeside New England Hidden Gem Was Just Named the Most Affordable Theme Park in America

Six Flags

Running on select dates from July 11 through August 2, 2026, the festival turns the entire land into an immersive, living comic book where the audience is part of the cast.

The evening kicks off with a heroic celebration as Justice League icons Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Robin arrive in style. But in true comic fashion, the party is quickly hijacked by a massive, full-scale villain breakout orchestrated by Lex Luthor, The Joker, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman.

From that moment on, guests essentially become citizens of Gotham City, caught right in the middle of a park-wide battle between good and evil. The storyline unfolds across the entire evening using a massive cast of stunt professionals, actors, and special effects teams. You’ll find yourself stepping into mischievous live-action pop-up moments, crowd-powered comedy sets, and themed dance parties scattered throughout the midways.

Related: Universal Unveils New Late-Night Hours at Epic Universe—And It's Pretty Epic

Six Flags

Because the festival is built to be entirely interactive, it’s a fantastic option if you're traveling with kids or teens who usually get bored just sitting in an audience. The performances are designed to get the crowd cheering, dancing, and actively choosing a side to help advance the plot.

Beyond the live-action stunts, the Gotham City loop is getting a complete festival makeover, featuring limited-edition themed food and drinks, exclusive DC character meet-and-greets you can't get during normal daytime hours, and a heavy dose of atmospheric music running beneath the park's top-tier coasters like Batman: The Ride.

Whether you have a house full of die-hard superhero fanatics or you are simply looking for a brilliant way to stretch your summer entertainment budget into a full night of high-value family memories, heading down to the park over the next few weeks is an easy win. It proves that you don't always have to shell out extra cash for a premium, after-dark experience—sometimes, the ultimate summer festival is already waiting on your standard day pass.

Related: Six Flags Just Opened a New Retro Boardwalk Destination

Comedian Kathy Griffin just went Instagram official…with a 22-year-old. The 65-year-old actress is never one to shy away from controversy. And based on her recent post, she’s begging for the comments!

Griffin, who does not look anywhere near 65, posted a stunning pic of herself in a sleek black dress holding hands with a handsome young man. FYI, he’s also a total gentleman—check out the photo to see him opening the car door for Kathy. 

The scroll-stopping snapshot wasn’t even the best part of her recent social media share. She teased her fans with a juicy bite of info, writing, “He’s 22. Have at it, internet.” 

View this post on Instagram

Of course, the “internet” had plenty to say. Fans and a few famous friends praised the pairing, commenting, “You only get one go around…have fun while you’re doing it!”, “Get it girl!” and, “Since they all eventually act like five-year-olds anyway, might as well for or shiny and new. Less maintenance and upkeep.” 

But the comments didn’t end there. Fans who are clearly here for Griffin’s recent relationship also added, “I’ve been considering bringing my inner Mrs. Robinson out of retirement…He’s cute girl”, “He’s 22? Perfect. Old enough to vote, young enough to think Olive Garden is fancy. Go have fun,” and, “If he’s opening the car door for you, keep him. More class at 22 than most men!” 

One commenter could relate to Kathy’s recent relationship: “My close…special male friend is 43 and I’m in my 60’s! Rock on, Kathy!”

Then there was this Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce comparison, “Off to MSG to check out the wedding venue? Sending love to the two of you.” 

This isn’t exactly Griffin’s first younger man. In 2001, she married Matt Moline, who was almost 10 years younger than her. The pair parted ways after Griffin reportedly caught him stealing tens of thousands of dollars from her private bank accounts. 

The actress remarried in 2020 at age 59. Her second husband, Randy Bick, was 42. Griffin and Bick divorced five years later, in 2025. The same year, Griffin revealed another relationship with a younger man in an essay for The Cut, “I accidentally fell in love with a 23-year-old…Because of his age, he didn’t have the usual sexism, misogyny, and biases guys my age tend to have.” 

She continued, “I thought he was smart. I thought he could roll in different worlds. It sounds cliché, and maybe he was an old soul, but I don’t know, we just clicked.”

So, who is Griffin’s latest beau? As of now, the only info she’s sharing is his age! 

Little House on the Prairie has always been "woke," according to the original Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Melissa Gilbert, who played the original NBC series' heroine, defended both her rendition of the show and Netflix's new reboot after conservative personality Megyn Kelly threatened last year to "absolutely ruin" the modern adaptation if the streamer were to "wokeify" the story.

"Did you watch the original?" Gilbert responded in an interview with Entertainment Weekly published on Friday, July 10. "Have you seen the episode ‘The Wisdom of Solomon?’ I don’t think we get more woke than that.’"

"The Wisdom of Solomon," which aired in 1977, is widely considered to be a milestone moment in TV history and starred a young Todd Bridges as a young boy named Solomon, the son of poor sharecroppers, who is run off after stealing a book in a desperate attempt to learn how to read.

While Solomon was banned from his local school because he's Black, the Ingalls family takes him in and enrolls him in school with Laura (Gilbert) and Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson), as the show sends a strong message about tolerance and racism.

Gilbert previously responded to Kelly's January 2025 X post about Netflix's take on Little House on the Prairie, encouraging the former Fox News host to "watch any episode on any streaming platform anywhere in the world" to see just how progressive the original show was.

“Apparently Megyn tweeted (I’m not on that platform) asking that Netflix not ‘woke-Ify’ their Little House remake,” Gilbert continued in a series of messages on Threads shortly after Kelly's original post was written. “Ummm…watch the original again. TV doesn’t get too much more ‘woke’ than we did. We tackled: racism, addiction, nativism, antisemitism, misogyny, rape, spousal abuse and every other ‘woke ‘ topic you can think of. Thank you very much."

Liquid Tension Experiment is once again in the spotlight after earning another remarkable milestone by being named one of the greatest supergroups of all time.

In a list released by BBC Music Magazine, the quartet joined all-star heavyweights Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and Asia, which occupied the top three spots among the greatest rock supergroups. The instrumental progressive metal band formed by iconic drummer Mike Portnoy ranked No. 11.

In the late 1990s, the Dream Theater drummer brought together well-known progressive rock musicians, recruiting his bandmate John Petrucci on guitar, legendary King Crimson bassist Tony Levin and keyboard virtuoso Jordan Rudess, who later joined Dream Theater as a full-time member.

With this powerhouse lineup, Liquid Tension Experiment was born as an instrumental progressive rock and metal supergroup that quickly earned acclaim among hardcore prog fans.

Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater and supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment.

Anne-Marie Forker/Redferns

It was in 1998 that the four-piece band released its self-titled debut album via Magna Carta Records.

The nine-track album features entirely instrumental compositions, including the standout track "Three Minute Warning," a 28-minute instrumental jam that has become one of the band's signature songs.

Moreover, the album also showcased the band's playful side with the song "Chris and Kevin's Excellent Adventure," an inside joke inspired by a photographer who forgot Levin and Portnoy's real names and called the drummer "Chris" and the bassist "Kevin."

After releasing its debut, Liquid Tension Experiment released two more studio albums.

Liquid Tension Experiment 2 was the band's sophomore album, released in 1999, while Liquid Tension Experiment 3 was a comeback project released in 2021 after a 22-year disbandment.

The band confirmed the news in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

"What happens when you put four of the most talented musicians on the planet in one room? LTE,” InsideOutMusic label manager Thomas Waber mentioned, as cited by Louder Sound. “We all have been waiting for this album to happen for a very long time and it makes us very proud to be releasing this album. This one is for the fans!"

Lo and behold, the album lived up to the hype, earning positive reviews from critics and fans alike, further solidifying Liquid Tension Experiment's status as one of progressive rock's most influential supergroups.

Related: '90s Metal Band, Rejected by Rock Legend, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time

Years after finishing as the runner-up on Dancing With the Stars, Nev Schulman is sharing his thoughts on one aspect of the competition he believes may give female celebrity contestants a slight edge.

During a recent appearance on Bobby Bones' podcast, the Season 29 finalist, 41, reflected on his experience competing alongside pro partner Jenna Johnson and explained why he thinks being the celebrity who follows rather than leads may be easier for someone with no ballroom experience.

"I don't want to say that it's…" Schulman began before continuing, "I just think, like, being the girl… I think there's a slight advantage as a non-professional because the male does so much guiding in dancing."

Nev Schulman BobbyCast (0:53)

He elaborated that his perspective has nothing to do with the talent of the women who have won the competition.

"So obviously Jenna was guiding me essentially too," he said. "But I think as an untrained ballroom dancer, I think being the one that's led is inherently a little bit easier."

Schulman was quick to praise Season 29 championKaitlyn Bristowe, who edged him out for the Mirrorball Trophy.

"But I'm not trying to not give Kaitlyn her flowers," he said. "She's fantastic."

Looking back, Schulman said he doesn't dwell on finishing in second place because he doesn't think winning would have dramatically changed his life or career.

"The reason that I'm happy she won is because it makes no difference in terms of my future," he explained. "There was nothing to gain from winning other than, I guess, being invited on the tour."

At the time, Schulman said he was too busy with his family to participate in the live tour anyway.

Instead, he says he enjoys the reaction he still gets from longtime viewers of the ABC competition.

"What I love is that people come up to me now all the time and say, 'You should have won,'" Schulman shared. "It's so much more fun to have people be like, 'You got robbed.'"

His comments are likely to spark fresh debate among Dancing With the Stars fans, many of whom still have strong opinions about one of the show's closest and most memorable finales.

RELATED: The ‘DWTS’ Mirrorball Started as a Lamp

In 1975, Melissa Manchester had her first major hit with “Midnight Blue.”

The song, penned by Manchester and legendary songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, appeared on Manchester’s self-titled third studio album. It featured a piano-driven melody, strings, a bassoon solo, and lyrics about the tribulations of a long-term relationship

Released in April 1975, “Midnight Blue” climbed the charts during the spring and summer of 1975. The song went to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and soared to No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart, making Manchester a radio star and changing her career forever.

Manchester once told the Huffington Post that the song took months to write.

“That song, like all of our songs, came out of conversations,” she shared. “We would start off talking about what was going on with each other and the world... the conversations would really linger. Out of the tone of those conversations, I would start to hear music and turn to the piano and play. Carole would show up with lyrics and then we would talk about it and work on lyrics and musical progressions.”

“That's what we did for many months,” she continued. “I don't know that that process is unique, but it's unique to me. That was a lovey, loving, and productive relationship for about five years.”

Manchester and Bayer Sager were both struggling in their marriages when they wrote 'Midnight Blue'

As they collaborated on “Midnight Blue,” Manchester was married to her manager, Larry Brezner, while Bayer Sager was married to Andrew Sager. Both women were having marital troubles, which they talked about during their songwriting sessions.

“At the time we were young married women trying to navigate some stormy waters in our young marriages, trying to find language to help clarify our communication with our young husbands, and the way we would find clarity is through our songs," Manchester told Songfacts in an interview. "There's a certain suggestion of world weariness in the song," she added of "Midnight Blue."

Both women ended up divorcing and remarrying, but their song continued to resonate.

"We wrote it as such young women, and to be singing the song decades later and to have grown into that real-world weariness is interesting and touching. It's like those young women who wrote that such a long time ago knew about what was to come,” Manchester noted in the interview.

RELATED: This Haunting Country Song Is Even More Tragic Than You Remember

Manchester’s career continued to take off in the late ‘70s and ‘80s. She recorded the megahit "Don’t Cry Out Loud” in 1978 and the Grammy-winning “You Should Hear How He Talks About You” in 1982.

In 2034, Manchester recorded a duet version of “Midnight Blue” with Dolly Parton. The collaboration came at the request of the legendary country music star, who wanted to take part as Manchester revisited some of her best-known songs for the album Re:View.

“It was lovely to rethink ‘Midnight Blue’ as a duet. It had never been recorded as a duet,” Manchester told OUT SFL. “But she wanted to be part of the album and that was very sweet. I needed to think of which song would suit her. That worked out really well, and she sang so beautifully.”

Related: Stevie Nicks Recorded One of Her Most Beautiful Songs Three Times—But It Was Never Released as a Single

A 1972 Bill Withers classic has been sung at graduations, funerals, presidential inaugurations, and Olympic ceremonies.

It's also the song that ended Leonardo DiCaprio's musical career before it ever started.

The story begins with Baz Luhrmann, who’d already worked with DiCaprio on Romeo + Julietin 1996. When it came time to cast Moulin Rouge!, Luhrmann wanted his former Romeo for the role of Christian, a starving romantic poet at the center of a Parisian love story. The role required someone who could sing lush romantic numbers including Elton John's "Your Song" and the film's original ballad "Come What May" in front of a full orchestra. Luhrmann needed a standout voice. To his dismay, he was about to find out DiCaprio didn't have one.

The two sat down for a private session. Just them and a single piano player. They picked a song to try together: Bill Withers' "Lean on Me." 

It did not go well at all.

"To be honest, I'm not really prepared to do a musical, simply because I think I have a pretty atrocious voice," DiCaprio said later. "We had a friendly thing where it was me and him and a piano player, and we tried to sing a song together. It didn't go too well. I think it was 'Lean on Me,' and when I hit the high note, he just turned to me."

What Luhrmann said next was polite, brief, and final.

"Yes, D, I don't know if this conversation should continue."

That was the end of Leonardo DiCaprio's Moulin Rouge! audition.

Related: Linda Ronstadt Hired Two Unknowns for 1971 Disneyland Concert — Accidentally Assembling One of Rock's Greatest Bands

There was also a personal angle to what came next. Ewan McGregor had already lost a major role to DiCaprio once before, missing out on Danny Boyle's The Beach. Taking the Christian role from the actor who had beaten him to that earlier part was, by most accounts, a satisfying turnaround.

There's a particular irony in the song that did it. Bill Withers was in his early 30s when he wrote "Lean on Me" in 1971. He’d spent nine years in the U.S. Navy before moving to Los Angeles, where he worked at a factory making aircraft parts for Boeing 747s to get by. He spent his nights recording demos. At the time, he was already considered old for a first-time artist when his first album came out.

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

He wrote that song, drawing on his memories of growing up in Slab Fork, West Virginia, a small coal mining community where neighbors genuinely depended on one another to survive. He stumbled on the phrase "Lean on Me" while running his hands up and down the keys of a new Wurlitzer electric piano and built the entire song around it. It’s been recorded by hundreds of artists since.

The song doesn't require a trained voice or a wide range. It has one moment where the melody climbs and holds, a sustained high note in the bridge that separates the singers from everyone else.

DiCaprio missed it. Luhrmann heard it. The audition was over.

A song that was designed to be sung by everyone, regardless of how they sounded, turned out to be the one that proved Leonardo DiCaprio couldn't sing.

The Role That Went to Everyone Else First

Once DiCaprio was definitely out, the audition queue filled up fast.

Ethan Hawke has claimed that he gave the best screen test of his life for Moulin Rouge! and still didn't get the part. Heath Ledger auditioned. Jake Gyllenhaal even auditioned. Still, each of them walked out without the role.

Ewan McGregor won the role.

His ability to actually sing, combined with the chemistry he built with Nicole Kidman, carried the film to eight Oscar nominations including Best Picture. Moulin Rouge! won two Academy Awards and turned McGregor into a household name on a scale he hadn't previously experienced.

This year marks the film's 25th anniversary. The film's soundtrack is being rediscovered by a whole new generation who weren't alive when it came out — including my own daughters.

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Meanwhile, DiCaprio’s never attempted a musical since. He’s acknowledged his voice is the reason. No footage exists of the "Lean on Me" audition, and DiCaprio isn’t complaining.

Ironically, DiCaprio is currently attached to play Frank Sinatra in a biopic being developed with director Martin Scorsese. As of February 2026, DiCaprio confirmed the project is "still in the works." The film, if it happens, would require him to embody one of the greatest vocal artists in all of American history.

The man who couldn't hit the high note in "Lean on Me" and told Baz Luhrmann he had "a pretty atrocious voice" is now officially attached to play a man with one of the most recognizable voices in music.

Baz Luhrmann has made no comment.

Since Withers’ death in 2020, his music’s only grown in popularity, with "Lean on Me" turning up at disaster relief fundraisers, sporting celebrations, and graduation ceremonies around the world every single year.

Bill Withers wrote it as a gift for strangers.

It turned out to be a career-defining gift for Ewan McGregor.

And the man it humbled is still, somehow, circling the world of music from a very safe distance. But, maybe not for much longer.

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One of music's most loved synth-pop stars turned 72 today.

Neil Tennant, co-founder of Pet Shop Boys, was born on July 10, 1954 in North Shields, England. Known for major smash hits such as "West End Girls" and "It's a Sin," Tennant founded the band in 1981 alongside Chris Lowe after they, very fittingly, crossed paths at a record store in London. According to reports, Tennant was purchasing a Korg MS-10 synthesizer at the time, which piqued Lowe's interest in striking up a conversation, and a friendship soon blossomed.

At the time, Tennant was working as a music journalist for British magazine, and after he flew to New York City to interview Sting. During the trip, the aspiring musician tracked down famed producer Bobby Orlando, handing him a Pet Shop Boys demo that included "West End Girls."

The track was originally released in early 1984, but a re-recorded re-release in October 1985 is what really took off. Soaring to the top of the charts all over the world, became an instant success. In Nov. 1985, it hit No. 1 on the Official Singles Chart before topping the Billboard Hot 100 a few months later in May 1986.

In 2020, The Guardian named "West End Girls" the greatest U.K. no 1. — but it's not something that Tennant would necessarily agree on.

"Well, I would have chosen ‘Good Vibrations,’" he told the outlet. “It’s obviously intensely subjective. I can see that 'West End Girls' is quite a lot of records in one record."

Touching on the themes of the song, the Grammy-nominated singer explained that it was originally supposed to be a rap track.

"It’s a dance record. It was actually written to be a rap record, back in the day. It’s a moody soundscape," he recalled. "It’s about the city at night. It’s about boys and girls meeting to have fun and presumably to bond. It’s about sex."

Tennant's influence also spans far beyond music, as he was the inspiration behind one of Britain's most beloved actor's stage names.

"I did my first job at 16 — at 16 years old I didn't know actors, I didn't know how you chose a name," Dr. Who actor David Tennant said during a 2016 interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden. "I flicked through a music magazine. So I'm sort of named after Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys."

Related: Last Surviving Original Member of Iconic ’80s Band Turns 69

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When summer temperatures start climbing, staying comfortable doesn't have to mean investing in an expensive cooling system. Portable air conditioners offer an easy way to bring refreshing cold air into your home without the cost and commitment of central air. 

The Costway 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner is currently on clearance at Walmart starting at $180, marked down from $400. Available in three colors — black, gray, and white — it’s an easy way to add cooling power to your home. Discounts vary slightly by color, but the most you’ll pay for any unit is $225. Shoppers said it’s an effective solution for beating the heat and helping their spaces stay comfortable throughout the summer. 

Costway 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, From $180 (was $400) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

A comfortable home doesn’t have to mean cranking up the central air all summer. The Costway 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner offers a flexible cooling solution for bedrooms, offices, and other warm spaces with its 10,000 BTU cooling power and ability to cool areas up to 350 square feet. 

One reviewer said it quickly transformed their space, writing, “Within the first half hour of having it on, it cooled down my room so quickly.” Another Walmart shopper called it an “excellent little machine” that was “worth every penny.”

This 3-in-1 design works as an air conditioner, fan, and a dehumidifier that can remove up to 50 pints of moisture per day. It also features a smart touch panel, LED display, and remote control, making it easy to adjust the temperature and settings from wherever you are. 

This unit is on wheels and has built-in handles, which make it easy to move wherever you need extra cooling. It’s also compact, measuring just 27.5 inches tall, 12.5 inches long, and 12 inches wide. Shoppers described it as “small but efficient.”

For even more comfort, adjustable airflow shutters and two fan speeds let you direct cool air exactly where you need it. A sleep mode runs at around 65 decibels — about the sound of a normal conversation — so you can stay comfortable without unwanted noise at night. In addition, the programmable timer lets you set the unit to turn off automatically so you don’t waste energy.

Shop More Deals

• Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Fan, $110 (was $150) at Walmart
• Beeprincess 10-Piece Cooling Towel Set, $13 (was $26) at Walmart
• Bilispark Portable Neck Fan, $14 (was $18) at Walmart

Related: Walmart's 'Very Cold' $184 Portable Air Conditioner Is a 'Lifesaver' During Hot Summer Days

For a portable AC unit that cools fast, the Costway 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner is an enticing deal at $180. At over 50% off, it's worth grabbing before it sells out. 

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In the 1970s, the ABC television drama Family told the story of the tight-knit Lawrence clan, a family whose relatable ups and downs mirrored viewers' lives. At the heart of that magic was a cast of young actors who quickly became some of the decade's defining teen idols.

As the series celebrates its 50th anniversary, two of its actors are reuniting for an unforgettable event. Kristy McNichol and Leif Garrett will be two of several former Family cast members attending Nite of Dreams' Family 50th Anniversary Gala.

Former Family Cast members McNichol (Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence), Gary Frank (Willie Lawrence), John Rubenstein (Jeff Maitland), Elayne Heilveil (Nancy Lawrence Maitland), Louise Foley (Audrey Pfeiffer), and producer Caroll Newman are scheduled to attend the event. Garrett played the recurring character of Zack Russell, McNichols' television boyfriend on the series.

The event promises a meet and greet, cast Q&A, photo-op, and a meal. Raffle items are set to benefit Caterina's Club, a local Orange County, California, organization that provides meals to children in need.

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The reunion of Garrett and McNichol comes almost 50 years after he played the recurring role of Buddy's boyfriend. Their on-screen pairing helped cement their status as teen idols, forging a deep, nostalgic bond with a generation of viewers who grew up alongside them.

In the series, Garrett and McNichol perfectly captured the rush of teenage first love. Their most memorable storyline came in the iconic episode "All For Love," which found Buddy navigating intense pressure as she hesitated to take her relationship with Zack to the next level.

RELATED: ’70s Superstar Scored His Biggest Hit With 1978 Song He Never Wanted to Record

Watching Buddy navigate those relationship issues gave a voice to what millions of teenagers experienced in real life. The role of the fiercely independent young woman cemented McNichol's status as a definitive voice for her generation.

McNichol won two Emmy Awards for her work on Family. She took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in both 1977 and 1979.

Both McNichol and Garrett would go on to other projects after Family ended. Garrett dominated the pop charts with "I Was Made for Dancin'" and starred in The Outsiders. McNichol starred in blockbuster films like Little Darlings, Only When I Laugh, the cult classic The Pirate Movie, and the hit sitcomEmpty Nest. Unfortunately, never worked together again.

However, fans of '70s television and pop culture never really let go of their love for the series or the actors. For many viewers, watching Buddy and Zack navigate the messy realities of growing up was a weekly ritual.

RELATED: ’70s Teen Idol Robby Benson: Where He Is Now?

Sharing a stage again for this 50th anniversary is the kind of full-circle moment classic television fans wait for. This isn't just a reunion; it's a massive piece of childhood coming right back to life.

Family's 50th Anniversary Gala is set to take place on October 25 at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Monter.

Related: Rarely Seen ’80s Teen Icons Reunite for Beloved ‘The Pirate Movie’ Screening

Mötley Crüe has been on a wild ride, from the hair metal era that made them household names to an epic comeback following the usual "retirement" tour we all suspected wouldn't hold up.

While you'll still see Nikki Sixx "slappin' da bass", Vince Neil belting his signature high notes, and Tommy Lee stealing the show behind the kit, the legendary rock band had to regroup after Mick Mars' controversial exit in 2022.

Leaving Rob Zombie behind, virtuoso metal icon John 5 fit the bill to fill Mick Mars' shoes as Mötley Crüe's second full-time guitarist in their four-decade run.

Now, John 5 is back in solo mode, and you'll never guess who teamed up with him for the latest single and music video— especially since it sounds nothing like the fist-pumping anthems Mötley Crüe built its name on.

John 5 Drops New Blues-Infused Single

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Do the words folksy, bluesy, and soulful come to mind when you think of Mötley Crüe?

Fat chance, but those are just a few adjectives that sum up John 5's You, Me and the Devil Makes Three.

After dropping 2 singles already from his latest album Ghost — “Fiend” and “Deviant” — the third release features Mötley bandmate Tommy Lee on drums.

What may be even more surprising is that the entire album is an instrumental, letting John 5's unmistakable riffs do all the talking. Essentially a love letter to the guitar, the project takes a very different approach from Tommy Lee's own 2005 solo album, Tommyland: The Ride, which was re-released last spring with a new track featuring his vocals.

Catch John 5 On Tour This Fall

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As Mötley Crüe wraps up their 33-city tour in September, John 5 will venture "across the pond" on his own run this autumn with 8 shows across the U.K. this October:

• October 11, 2026 — Exeter, United Kingdom
• October 12, 2026 — Southampton, United Kingdom
• October 13, 2026 — Bristol, United Kingdom
• October 14, 2026 — Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
• October 15, 2026 — Chester, United Kingdom
• October 16, 2026 — Newcastle, United Kingdom
• October 17, 2026 — Glasgow, United Kingdom
• October 18, 2026 — Manchester, United Kingdom

According to John 5's official website, he will also circle back to North America for 4 shows in November:

• November 5, 2026 — Guadalajara, Mexico
• November 6, 2026 — Chihuahua, Mexico
• November 7, 2026 — Monterrey, Mexico
• November 8, 2026 — Mexico City, Mexico

Erin Napier couldn't help but get emotional as the HGTV star looked back on the "sacrifice" husband Ben Napier made to secure the start of their life together.

The Home Town star, 40, shared the special story behind her engagement ring in an Instagram post on Wednesday, July 8, after coming across the original payment plan for the sparkler while drying out some of the sentimental items that got wet when the couple's basement flooded.

"It rained for two months, and so our basement flooded," she wrote in the caption. "Ben keeps a shoebox of things that were special to him as a boy down there. Inside it are photos from high school, school and sports awards, colorful notes from girls who were cheering for him at the game, and this."

Included in the post was the original payment contract for Erin's engagement ring, dated Sept. 15, 2007, which outlined how Ben would eventually pay off the $3,210 ring in installments.

“[Ben] had it all spread out on the stairs drying, and I felt a lump in my throat seeing the dollar amount for what he sacrificed and worked so hard to give me when he could barely afford gas for his truck senior year at Ole Miss,” Erin wrote, adding that she "didn't expect" the ring "at all," and "would’ve married him with a dandelion tied around [her] finger.”

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The Laurel Mercantile Co. couple got engaged on Sept. 21, 2007, three years after meeting one another, and they tied the knot on Nov. 22, 2008. The duo now shares daughters Helen, 8, and Mae, 5.

Last month, Erin took to Instagram to declare herself and her daughters "the luckiest" to have Ben in their lives. "If I went out of town for 2 weeks, he would know just what to do. He would know how much syrup Mae likes on her waffles in the morning, and how Helen falls asleep faster if you rub her feet at bedtime," she wrote in the June 21 post. "He knows when a girl is crying she probably needs a snack, a hug and a swim. He carries us. We are the luckiest."

Agnostic Front announced additional dates for their 2026 concert calendar.

The '80s hardcore punk and metal band fronted by Roger Miret treated fans to a series of multigenerational shows as they teamed up with fellow hardcore punk band Angel Du$t for a co-headlining tour.

Adding to the band's jam-packed 2026 run, the duo is set for an exciting East Coast tour that will kick off during the last week of September in Richmond, Virginia before concluding in Reading, Pennsylvania in October.

Throughout the two-month tour, Agnostic Front and Angel Du$t will also perform in major cities across North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and beyond, giving fans an intense night of hardcore and punk music.

Singer Roger Miret and guitarist Vinnie Stigma of Agnostic Front during the 2022 Hellfest Open Air .

Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Images

In addition to the 11-date trek, the duo has invited Florida hardcore band STEP 2 THIS to join as the supporting act.

The fun doesn't stop there as the East Coast tour was scheduled around Turnstile's upcoming NEVER ENOUGH tour, which means fans will get to see Agnostic Front and Angel Du$t open for the rock band's Sept. 29 concert in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“We are excited to hit the road with our friends Angel Du$t this fall for a short East Coast blitz,” Miret said in a statement as cited by Revolver Magazine. “A highlight moment for sure will be our date with Turnstile where we can all celebrate the phenomenal evolution of Hardcore then and now! It’s going to be a blast!”

View this post on Instagram Agnostic Front and Angel Du$t's Co-Headlining Tour 2026 Schedule:

Sep. 27 - Richmond, VA
Sep. 29 - Raleigh, NC (opening for Turnstile's "NEVER ENOUGH" tour)
Sep. 30 - Asheville, NC
Oct. 1 - Atlanta, GA
Oct. 2 - Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 3 - Miami, FL
Oct. 4 - Bradenton, FL
Oct. 5 - Orlando, FL
Oct. 7 - Lexington, SC
Oct. 8 - Norfolk, VA
Oct. 9 - Reading, PA

Prior to this, Agnostic Front, with its current lineup of Vinnie Stigma and Craig Silverman on guitar, Mike Gallo on bass, Danny Lamagna on drums and Miret on vocals, has been touring Europe, which continues through mid-August.

As for the 2010s hardcore band, the upcoming tour follows the release of Angel Du$t's sixth studio album, COLD 2 THE TOUCH.

Justice Tripp of Angel Du$t performs at Teragram Ballroom on September 30, 2021

Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Officially released in February under Run For Cover, the 26-minute album showcases the quintet's brand of “aggressive rock’n’roll.”

Agnostic Front’s European and North American Tour 2026

Jul. 10 – London, United Kingdom
Jul. 11 – Düsseldorf, Germany
Jul. 25 – Töging, Germany
Jul. 26 – Tolmin, Slovenia
Jul. 27 – Pula, Croatia
Jul. 28 – Azzano Decimo, Italy
Jul. 29 – Roma, Italy
Jul. 30 – Settimo Torinese, Italy
Jul. 31 – Albi, France
Aug. 1 – Gränichen, Switzerland
Aug. 2 – Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, France
Aug. 3 – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Aug. 4 – Weinheim, Germany
Aug. 5 – Aachen, Germany
Aug. 8 – Duffel, Belgium
Aug. 9 – Essen, Germany
Aug. 10 – Braunschweig, Germany
Aug. 11 – Augsburg, Germany
Aug. 12 – Jena, Germany
Aug. 13 – Kraków, Poland
Aug. 14 – Graz, Austria
Aug. 15 – Sulingen, Germany
Aug. 21 – Montréal, QC
Sep. 12–13 – México, Mexico
Sep. 19 – Louisville, KY
Sep. 26 – Brooklyn, NY

Related: '80s Rock Band, Disbanded After Four Years, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time

San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) has been a fan-favorite phenomenon since its inaugural year in 1970, and in the decades since, this massive event has only grown bigger, bolder and more exciting. This year's SDCC will take place from July 23 to July 26 and will feature some of the biggest names in movies and TV today, along with a host of exclusive merch and collectibles.

Among the latter are various new products from Mattel, but one line in particular, named "Fandom in the Fast Lane," is a must-have for fans of Top Gun, Stranger Things and KPop Demon Hunters—the first two of which have made more than $1 billion as franchises overall, and the third of which has earned millions.

These exclusives will also bring some 1960s (and beyond) nostalgia, as all three new products merge these hugely popular franchises with the tried-and-true brand Hot Wheels.

The SDCC exclusive Hot Wheels Top Gun 40th Anniversary set comprises an F-14 Tom Cat model and an MiG-28 model aligned one on top of the other, showcased on a collectible display box that includes Goose's line from the first Top Gun movie, "Watch the birdie."

The Hot Wheels Stranger Things 10th Anniversary Hawkins Van features the iconic Hawkins Power and Light van from the beloved Netflix show, along with figures of Mike Wheeler, Eleven, Lucas Sinclair and Dustin Henderson on their bikes from the first season.

Finally, the Hot Wheels KPop Demon Hunters Porsche 911 GT3 R features the design of the lovable "demon cat," Derpy Tiger, from the smash hit musical and the sleek body of a Porsche in a classic Hot Wheels car. Decals along the body of the car also depict various images and words from the movie, including a reference to the Grammy Award-winning song "Golden" and the logo for HUNTR/X.

All three products will debut at Mattel's SDCC booth on July 23, and they will be available for pre-order on Mattel's website.

Vicki Gunvalson is back with her RHOC orange, but she still hasn’t let Andy Cohen forget the day he took it away.

During a Watch What Happens Live appearance following the premiere of The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 20, Gunvalson and Cohen looked back on their two-decade Housewives journey — with Gunvalson making sure to remind him that she wasn’t exactly thrilled when he fired her.

Gunvalson was let go from The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2020 after 14 seasons with the franchise, including a Season 14 demotion to “friend.” Bravo said the decision was made to bring in newer blood and fresh storylines. After her controversial exit, Gunvalson returned as a full-time cast member for RHOC’s 20th season.

“Since I gave Vicki the orange, it’s like I feel like every time I see you, we are more connected,” Cohen said, reflecting on their longtime relationship after Gunvalson praised him for respecting her.

Gunvalson quickly fired back: “Because I didn’t like it when you fired me!”

“I know,” Cohen replied with a laugh.

While Gunvalson has brought up her frustration with her exit before, Cohen shifted the conversation to celebrating RHOC’s unprecedented 20-season run.

“It’s unheard of for a series to be on the air for 20 years, 20 seasons,” Cohen said, adding that he has known Gunvalson since the beginning and that the show has changed both of their lives.

"So, I feel very connected to you in a really nice way," Cohen said. "And I feel like, this has been such an amazing ride and I'm so grateful for it and I'm grateful for you and I'm grateful for every housewife that has stepped in front of the cameras and opened up their lives to to fans of the show like me and Sarah [Sherman] and all of you and our queens and it's it's an amazing thing."

The Real Housewives of Orange County is on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

Ramen is practically a staple food in my house, where you can spot someone snacking on it any time of day. But while we tend to stick with the same one or two brands, it's hard to ignore the excitement surrounding Samyang's Buldak ramen.

This brand has popped up all over TikTok and YouTube, with people doing their best to see how much of the spicy noodles they can take. After all, Buldak translates to "spicy chicken," and this ramen is no joke.

I love spicy foods, but Buldak seriously tests the limits of heat. We have a family friend from Mexico who regularly talks about how she's been eating spicy foods since she was a toddler—and even she said she steers clear of some flavors of Buldak.

Of course, these instant noodles are more than spice. They get high marks for having complex flavors, and they come at you in waves, making for a really interesting eating experience.

Naturally, I had to try these out for myself. Could packaged ramen actually be that spicy? And, if the brand has caught your eye, which flavor should you try? I dove into the most popular Buldak flavors to learn more and rank them all from worst to best. (And, spoiler alert: Yep, these are really, really spicy. My tongue is still recovering.)

Related: Suddenly Craving Spicy Food? Here's What It Could Mean

Courtesy Korin Miller

How I Tested the Buldak Ramen Noodles

To test Buldak noodles, I spent solid time going through TikTok, YouTube and Reddit to see which flavors people talked about the most. From there, I picked up 11 of the most popular flavors and prepared them.

Courtesy Korin Miller

Each type of Buldak ramen was tested on its own, and then head-to-head with the other flavors. Because these are so spicy, I had bites of bread and sips of milk in between noodles.

My nine-year-old, who loves spicy foods, was excited to try these as well, so he recruited several neighborhood friends to try the noodles and do their own Fire Noodle Challenge. From there, word spread and other adults joined in the fun. Here's what we discovered.

Related: I Tried 21 Different Spicy Chips To Find the Very Best—and the Winner Won by a Landslide

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11 Popular Buldak Ramen Flavors, Ranked Worst To Best

If you don't like spicy foods, there's no flavor of Buldak that will do it for you. But if you're into some heavy spice or even just want to test the limits of your tongue, there are certain flavors that rise above the rest. Consider these.

11. Swicy

Courtesy Korin Miller

Swicy is Buldak's sweet and spicy option. In fact, the package shows sprinkles over ramen to showcase how sweet this is. That's no exaggeration. This ramen tastes like spicy noodles with sugar mixed in. It's not bad, but it tastes more like something Buddy the Elf would love. This flavor got the thumbs up from some kids, but was consistently ranked as least favorite by adults.

10. Cheese

Courtesy Korin Miller

Buldak's Cheese ramen is unique. There's a definite cheesy flavor, but it tastes artificial. (To be fair, the package even says that it's artificially flavored.) It's not quite as spicy as some of the others, but still has a very high level of heat. You're unlikely to get very far into this bowl before needing to cool off your tongue.

9. Original

Courtesy Korin Miller

It's not entirely clear what Buldak Original is supposed to taste like. It has a strong noodles and hot sauce flavor that's unique, but not bad. This ramen hits you with spice, and then gets spicier with time. It tastes like it could use a little more salt and flavoring, though. The spiciness from these noodles stays with you over time, too.

8. 2x Spicy

Courtesy Korin Miller

This is the ramen that keeps popping up in the viral Fire Noodle Challenges online. At first, it tastes like regular ramen, but slowly gets spicier in your mouth after that first bite before becoming an inferno in your mouth.

Unless you have a tongue of steel, I'd have something ready to cool off with. This ramen is so spicy, it will hurt your lips. I'm sure it has a flavor, but it's hard to tell what it is over all that heat.

7. Yakisoba

Courtesy Korin Miller

Yakisoba is a classic Japanese stir fry made with noodles, vegetables and pork in a sweet and savory sauce. Buldak's Yakisoba has a strong chicken flavor to start, followed by a slight savory-sweet taste. It has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a smoky aftertaste that's tasty. That's followed by a wave of heat.

Related: I Tried the Viral 2-Ingredient Japanese Cheesecake Hack and the Internet Is 100% Correct

6. Quattro Cheese

Courtesy Korin Miller

Buldak really shines with its creamier ramen, and the Quattro Cheese is a tasty place to start. This ramen forms a creamy, cheesy consistency that really draws you in. But you only get a little of the cheese flavor before you're hit with heat. Your lips will be left burning after this one.

5. Habanero Lime

Courtesy Korin Miller

Many of the Buldak ramen flavors taste similar to each other, but the Habanero Lime option has a distinct taste that makes it stand out. There is a clear lime flavor with your first bite to give this a tangy taste to start. A few seconds later, it gets very, very spicy. But the flavor is unique and fun, making it something you'll crave again in the future (once your tongue recovers, of course).

4. Carbonara

Courtesy Korin Miller

While Buldak has several cheesy ramen flavors, the Carbonara tastes the most like a spicy mac 'n cheese. It's creamy and slightly sweet, with an impressively cheesy flavor. It's not the spiciest option on this list, allowing you to taste more of the ramen itself before experiencing the heat.

3. Cream Carbonara 

Courtesy Korin Miller

While Buldak has a Carbonara flavor, the Cream Carbonara option is slightly different. This ramen is a littler creamier than the "regular" Carbonara, and it has a tasty flavor profile with a slight pork edge to balance out the cheesiness. It also looks creamy and pretty in a bowl. Don't be fooled by the creaminess, though. It's spicy and gets hotter every few seconds.

2. Taco

Courtesy Korin Miller

It can be hard to know what some Buldak flavors are supposed to be, but Taco has a very clear taco spice flavor. It tastes like taco seasoning blended into noodles for a different ramen experience than I've ever had. It's fun, it's unique and, of course, it's really spicy.

1. Rosé

Courtesy Korin Miller

There are several Buldak ramen flavors that were top contenders, but Rosé was a clear favorite. They're a blend of all of the best elements of Buldak ramen—there's creaminess, a tomato edge and heat. It's spicy, but not unbearable, and the creamy consistency is perfectly balanced with a nice kick. The rose color it delivers is also really pretty, making this the total package.

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