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15 1980s Toys That Would Be Considered Way Too Dangerous Today
Toys are arguably one of the most important parts of childhood. Think about it: Playing with your favorite ones as a kid teaches you motor and cognitive skills, all while reinforcing social skills when you're playing with friends. As part of our Parade Rewind series, we've been exploring the role toys have played in children's lives throughout the 20th century. Last month, we shared some of the popular 1970s toys that you wouldn't find on store shelves nowadays. This month, we're breaking down the 1980s toys that would be considered way too dangerous today.
It's important to note that no toy company sets out to create a dangerous toy. However, recalls are bound to happen over time, especially if a brand doesn't perform extensive testing before a product is sold in stores. For instance, some manufacturers only start to realize that a toy is unsafe after it's already hit the market.
Many toy recalls are issued out of an abundance of caution and simply require consumers to use their best judgment. But sometimes, playthings are deemed to pose a serious danger after kids properly put them through their paces.
Similar to the 1970s, the 1980s featured several toys that would be questionable by today's standards. Some of them even carried over from the previous decade. Read on to find out if you owned any.
Related: 85 Best ’80s Trivia Questions and Answers for Your Next Game Night
What Toys Were the Most Popular in the 1980s?Bob Friedland, a toy expert who has experience running public relations for both Toys"R"Us and FAO Schwarz, describes the 1980s as a "fun time for toys."
"The Federal Trade Commission's relaxed rules on toy advertising allowed for the rise of cartoons and comics that were, ostensibly, long-form toy commercials," he tells Parade. "That meant that beyond traditional toys, brands with evolving storylines that engaged kids became a huge part of toy stores."
The boy's action figure aisle, in particular, "saw a shift" in the '80s, he says.
"After the success of Star Wars' 3 3/4-inch scale figures in the late '70s, other toy companies moved to create lines in that scale to capitalize on the play pattern," he states.
Oceanna Colgan, a nostalgia-focused content creator and video producer, says action figures tied to cartoons (He-Man, Transformers, G.I. Joe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) were huge in the '80s, as were Cabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears and My Little Pony.
"Teddy Ruxpin, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Game Boy showed a rise in technology in toys," she adds.
Friedland notes that "classic toys" like Lincoln Logs, Little People and Barbie were also "thriving" in the '80s.
15 1980s Toys That Would Be Considered Way Too Dangerous Today1. Pot Belly stuffed animalseBay
Kayleigh Davies, an antiques and collectibles specialist at Auctionet, has specialized in toys for 15 years. She says Pot Belly toys looked like "ordinary stuffed animals" but notes that over five million of them were recalled in 1980.
"A large number of the toys were found to have sharp wires inside, and some others contained crushed walnut shells that were a choking hazard," she states.
2. Rocket-firing Boba Fett action figure prototypeIan Forsyth/Getty Images
"This is a toy that was never actually released, but I meet many people who claim to remember playing with it," Davies shares. "Rocket-firing Boba Fett was advertised heavily on Star Wars toy packaging before his release, but the missiles were a choking hazard and the final version had them fixed in place so they could not be fired. It was disappointing for the children who were eagerly anticipating the figure, but much safer."
A prototype of this Boba Fett action figure recently sold at Goldin Auctions for $1,342,000 and set a record for the highest price ever paid for a toy, action figure and non-prop Star Wars item.
Related: 50 Things Only People Who Lived in the 1970s Will Remember
3. ClackersKeystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Also popular in the 1970s, this toy is best described as "two acrylic balls on a string that could occasionally explode near your face," Colgan shares.
"Clackers, also known as Ka-bangers, were two acrylic balls that were attached by a string with a ring in the middle," Friedland also explains. "There wasn’t really a game involved. You were just supposed to move your hand really fast and get the balls to smack together for as long as possible."
Unfortunately, the balls could shatter and "send shards at kids," or the string could break, "causing a hard plastic ball to fly into someone," he states.
4. Lawn darts (Jarts)H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images
Colgan describes this next toy as being similar to horseshoes, but only if "the horseshoes were giant metal spikes."
"Lawn Darts were giant pointy metal darts that were designed to [be thrown] through the air at a target on the ground. The problem is that it could accidentally impale anything in its path," Friedland explains. "A lot of people played with them and never had an injury, which is why people are still looking for them today. But, after a few deaths, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission permanently banned them in 1988."
5. Soft Shot Star LauncherDavies describes the Soft Shot Star Launcher as a "budget blow gun toy made of a long plastic tube and a mouthpiece."
"The mouthpiece could become detached, leading it to become lodged in the throat. The manufacturers voluntarily recalled the toys after three children choked on them," she says.
6. Battlestar Galactica Colonial VipereBay
Davies says the Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper helped inspire the updated design of the aforementioned Boba Fett toy.
"Released in 1978, the Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper featured a missile that was a choking hazard," she says. "The toy was recalled in 1979 after a four-year-old child sadly died."
She shares that a "free Hot Wheels car" was "offered in exchange for the missiles being sent back." But you can imagine that many didn't want to turn these back in.
"People were reluctant to take up the offer, so many of these items remained in toy boxes well into the 1980s and beyond," she states.
7. Voltron Lion die-cast figurineseBay
If you watched Voltron: Defender of the Universe on TV in the '80s, you likely coveted the mini figurines that were inspired by the show.
"However, some of the toys, like the Deluxe Voltron Lion, were found to have dangerous amounts of lead paint, which meant they were recalled," Davies shares.
Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1950s
8. Creative Playthings Indoor Gym HousesThese toddler playsets date back to the 1960s, per Davies, but were recalled in the 1980s when it became clear that the "design was potentially lethal."
"Sets included a ladder up to a platform, and the gap between the two was the right size for a curious child's head to get stuck between, creating a dangerous strangulation hazard," she says.
9. Sling 'Em-Fling 'Em Wrestling RingeBay
This wrestling ring toy was a square ring with four plastic posts at the corners.
"Produced between 1985 and 1989, the Wrestling Rings were eventually recalled in 1991 due to the corner posts impaling some children," Colgan says.
Per Davies, four children fell on the plastic posts and suffered "severe internal injuries."
10. Cap gunsVictor Colin Sumner/Fairfax Media via Getty Images
Friedland says these small metal guns resembled "movie cowboy six shooters or other small firearms."
"They were designed to allow kids to insert a roll of caps, which were rolls that had a small explosive in them," he shares. "When you pulled the trigger, the hammer would hit the cap and make a small explosive sound."
The toy had many issues, including the potential of burning yourself if you "hit the caps with a rock," Friedland explains.
"But the bigger issue was that police could mistake them for actual weapons," he adds.
Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1960s
11. Creepy Crawlers ThingmakereBay
Friedland says this toy set allowed children to make "rubber bugs, snakes and other creepy crawlies by pouring a goop into metal molds and cooking them." It's also not the first time it's on one of our "dangerous toys from yesteryear" lists.
"The issue was that the hot plate you cooked the tray on reached 300 degrees, meaning it was easy to get burned by accidentally touching the hot plate or when removing the Creepy Crawlers from the tray. I had one and was lucky that I never got burned," he shares.
12. Little PeopleRobMattingley/Getty Images
Fisher-Price's Little People toy line gradually rose in popularity after its debut in the 1950s. In 1991, the toy brand redesigned the line because of a dangerous element still around in the 1980s version of the toy, Friedland tells Parade.
"They changed them from plastic cylinders with heads to a more chunky, exaggerated human form that exists now," he explains. "The original design was the size of a child’s throat and was too easy to choke on."
13. Power WheelseBay
What kid doesn't love a battery-powered, ride-on vehicle? Colgan says many children owned a Power Wheels car during the decade. The only problem? Many of them were eventually discovered to be dangerous.
"There was a massive recall in the '90s that included models made in the 1980s. The recall addressed electrical components and connectors that could cause fires," she says.
14. Slap braceletYvonne Hemsey/Getty Images
"Slap bracelets were invented in 1983 by a teacher, and they would become the bane of teachers everywhere," Davies says.
At the time, the bracelets were made with "flexible steel ribbons" inside, similar to the ones you find in a measuring tape.
"It could become exposed and present a laceration risk," she explains. "They were also just generally annoying in the classroom."
15. Skip-IteBay
Davies says this electronic skipping toy got an upgrade in the form of a digital counter in the '80s.
"It added a whole new competitive element to skipping. It was responsible for more than a few bruises, sprains and falls, which meant some parents felt inclined to hide it away," she says.
Up Next:
Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1970s
Sources:- Oceanna Colgan is a nostalgia-focused content creator and video producer.
- Kayleigh Davies is an antiques and collectibles specialist at Auctionet and has specialized in toys for 15 years.
- Bob Friedland is a toy expert who has experience running public relations for both Toys"R"Us and FAO Schwarz.
Chobani’s Fall-Favorite Creamer Is Officially Coming Back—and Soon
As Chobani's list of coffee creamer flavors continues to grow, there's one seasonal offer fans enjoy so much that the company has not only brought it back year after year but also appears to have shortened the wait between each return:pumpkin spice.
And this year, it looks to be bringing the beloved fall favorite back earlier than ever before (even if only by a few days).
On Tuesday, a rep for the brand revealed that its pumpkin spice-inspired lineup (including the popular coffee creamer flavor) would return to stores nationwide this July in time for "Summerween."
Chobani's Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer Is Hitting Shelves Very SoonChobani's Pumpkin Spice creamer is made with real cream, milk, cane sugar, and natural flavors for what the company describes as a "warm, pumpkin-spiced note."
Related: Chobani’s New Zero Sugar Creamer Flavor Combines 2 Nostalgic Favorites—and It’s Here to Stay
Last year, fans spotted the limited-edition flavor on shelves after July Fourth and found the timing a little divisive, as we initially reported that social media users didn't know whether to be ecstatic or lament the premature push of next season's exclusives.
While there are no viral fan reactions to its return as of writing, it appears that it may be just as controversial this year. Many Instagram users have debated the timing of the release of similar pumpkin spice-flavored products in the comments on recent posts, and again, there's a huge divide between elation and calls for companies to wait until late summer or early fall.
Chobani Pumpkin Spice creamer returns this July.Chobani
That said, there's a simple solution: those who want to wait until it feels more like fall to enjoy its seasonal delights will, and those who don't will have plenty of time to stock up.
Should you fit into the latter group, you'll likely be happy to hear that Chobani's Pumpkin Harvest Crisp will also be on shelves for the season beginning this July. It features oatmeal pastry pieces, creamy frosting chunks, and cinnamon frosted cookies in Chobani Pumpkin Greek Yogurt.
Chobani Flip Pumpkin Harvest Crisp also makes a seasonal comeback for 2026. Where Will the Fall-Exclusive Flavors Be Available?Chobani's Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer will be available in 24 and larger "value size" 52-ounce cartons at retailers nationwide (prices may vary) that typically stock its permanent lineup of creamers, according to an email shared with Parade.
Its Flip yogurt cups can be purchased individually or in a four-pack at grocery stores and other major retailers nationwide.
Next: Coffee Mate Fans Are Celebrating the Return of This ‘Slam Dunk’ Creamer Flavor
2002 Hit Film Was Just Ranked the 'Greatest Medieval Fantasy Movie of the Last 25 Years'
Some of the most beloved fantasy films borrow elements of medieval lore. For instance, Collider recently spotlighted a few popular fantasy movies molded from medieval folk tales by releasing a list of "the 10 greatest medieval fantasy movies of the last 25 years."
The ranking included hit fantasy films like A Knight's Tale, released in 2001, The Northman from 2022, and 2021's The Green Knight. The publication put the 2002 film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, based on J. R. R. Tolkien's 1954 novel The Two Towers, at the top of the list.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, which is the second film in theLord of the Rings franchise, has a score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Viggo Mortensen Noted That the 'Lord of the Rings' Books Have Aspects of Different MythologiesIn a 2002 interview with Charlie Rose, alongside the film's director, Peter Jackson, and his co-star Elijah Wood,Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn in the trilogy, noted that the Lord of the Rings books and films are inspired by different mythologies. He explained that while he hadn't read Tolkien's books before being cast as Aragorn, he already understood aspects of the text.
"It wasn't such a foreign thing to me after all, that a lot of there were elements that were familiar to me. I mean, the sources for Tolkien's writing were not all unfamiliar, you know, a lot of it is based on Nordic mythology, Celtic mythology sagas, fairy tales. I mean, there's such a gold mine of information in there," said the actor, now 67.
He also said that he "could relate" the characters and storylines in Lord of the Rings "to Western movie archetypes," as well as "Samurai movies."
Peter Jackson Explained that 'The Two Towers' Isn't a Traditional Sequel FilmDuring the 2002 Charlie Rose interview, Jackson explained he didn't consider The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers a sequel film in a traditional sense.
"We're not in a situation where The Fellowship of the Ring came out last year, and it made a lot of money, and everyone said, 'Oh good, let's make a second one of these.' And we kind of figured out what the magic formula was. And we kind of rushed off and made another one," said Jackson during the 2002 interview.
The filmmaker explained that the three films, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, "was shot as a trilogy."
"There was 9 hours of movie, all shot at the same time, basically," continued Jackson.
‘I’m a Cardiologist, and This Is the One Supplement I Actually Take for Heart Health’
You may still hear your parents or grandparents in your head telling you to "take your vitamins." It turns out, it was good advice then—and it is now. Vitamins play a vital role in heart health, and you may need to supplement if you don't get enough of something.
"Vitamins can be water-soluble—hydrophilic—and fat-soluble—lipophilic, and they affect several pathways that affect our normal cell function," Dr. Christina S. Reuss, MD, HonorHealth cardiologist and physician director for the HonorHealth Heart Care’s Women’s Heart Health Program, tells Parade. "Importantly, when there is a lack of vitamins, the problems in the cardiovascular system are subtle at first and then become a problem over time."
For instance, lipophilic vitamins (A, D and E) and hydrophilic vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6, B12 and C) play a role in hardening the arteries (a risk for high cholesterol), blood pressure, heart rhythm and heart strength. When we don't get enough of certain vitamins, we're at risk for high cholesterol, hypertension, irregular heart rhythm and heart failure.
"Additionally, vitamins help control some of the stress that happens on a day-to-day basis caused by aging cells or cell damage from oxidation, a complicated process where inflammation results in free radical formation," Dr. Reuss says.
Doctors often recommend a food-first approach to diet, and Dr. Reuss does, too. But the American diet is also...complicated. She points out that many of us don't get enough fruits and vegetables daily, for instance.
"It should be no surprise that obesity, diabetes and heart disease seem to be unavoidable," she explains. "In fact, most complications and deaths from heart disease and type 2 diabetes can be traced to not taking in enough proper 'micronutrients.'"
Dr. Reuss knows that good nutrition is a building block for heart health, which is why she's revealing the one supplement she takes.
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'I'm a Cardiologist, and This Is the One Supplement I Actually Take for Heart Health'"For heart health, I am a believer in the addition of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)," Dr. Reuss says.
She has long been a follower of the Mediterranean diet. This eating pattern prioritizes fruits, vegetables, plant-based and lean protein (like chicken and beans) and healthy fats (like walnuts and salmon). Research consistently shows the Mediterranean diet can lower your risk for heart disease, so it's no wonder Dr. Reuss still follows it. However, she initially ate fish as part of that diet but began eating a more vegetarian diet in 2024.
"Sadly, I found it harder to find sustainably sourced fish that was nutrient-dense and turned to plant sources of protein," she shares. "Omega-3s are still important, and that is why I supplement."
Indeed, people who consumed omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to experience cardiovascular complications (including death) in a 2021 study.
"There are three types of omega-3s: ALA, EPA and DHA—they only differ by the number of carbon atoms," she explains. "These are a key component to a heart-healthy diet."
Fatty fish is a great source of omega-3s, which is why the American Heart Association suggests that most people eat at least two servings of seafood, such as salmon, weekly. If that's not possible, it's reasonable to supplement, Dr. Reuss says. Over-the-counter supplements usually contain all three types of omega-3s in a single pill or gummy. Still, she doesn't turn to supplements ASAP and daily, either.
"Just because we think we need a vitamin or a nutrient doesn’t mean we should necessarily take it," she notes. "However, I use the approach to add a supplement for the food items I did not get enough of in 24 hours. My philosophy has always been to use vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes, such as beans, lentils and soybeans, to find the most nutrition."
Related: Dietitians Are Begging People to Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Magnesium
The Importance of a Food-First ApproachA food-first approach is still preferable, Dr. Reuss emphasizes. "Because it is still better to eat Omega-3s in food, the primary food source would be fish," she says.
Salmon has the highest EPA content per serving. Other great sources of omega-3s are:
- Chia seeds
- Nuts
- Flax seeds
Some people should avoid omega-3s, such as those with shellfish or iodine allergies. Dr. Reuss says they may benefit from supplements made from algae or vegan Omega-3, but it's best to speak with your doctor first. She adds that people who are pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant or on a blood thinner should also talk to their healthcare team.
A holistic approach to diet is still best for heart health. No single nutrient or supplement will protect you from cardiovascular disease. She says that the largest portion of your plate should consist of vegetables. Then, you'll want to add a healthy protein, such as:
- Skinless poultry
- Plant-based protein (like chickpeas)
- Fish/seafood
- Low-fat dairy
Dr. Reuss suggests opting for whole-grain carbohydrates and a small portion of fiber-rich fruit, like kiwis or apples.
Lastly, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and canola oil should replace butter, palm oil and other high-fat and trans-fat oils, she advises.
Related: The Medication Millions of People Take Every Day Could Deplete a Key Nutrient, Doctors Warn
How To Choose a Supplement for Heart HealthIt's easy to purchase a supplement, but Dr. Reuss says it's important to have a better idea of what you're taking and how to take it. Here's how she shops for supplements.
1. She always looks at third-party testingDr. Reuss calls this one a "must" because of the gap in FDA oversight on supplements. "You want to know what you are buying is safe and is what is supposed to be in the bottle," she says. "Manufacturers are not legally required to prove a health claim, but third-party testing organizations test the purity and quality as an independent verification of the safety of nutritional supplements. Look for a product that has been tested and paid for the label."
Common third-party testing programs include:
- National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF)
- U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
- Certified for Sport (NSFSPORT) for athletics supplements
It's natural to want to buy a supplement in bulk to prevent gaps in use. But Dr. Reuss doesn't recommend it.
"You might find there is a side effect, such as loose stools or belching [with] a fishy taste, and you need to change the way you are taking this," she notes. "Maybe you take it with food, early in the day."
3. She looks for a formulation that's sustainable over timeDon't like to swallow large pills?
"Find small ones and take them throughout the day," Dr. Reuss says. "If you prefer chewable gummies, these exist or even emulsions with lemon or orange flavor that make your supplement a joy to take. Either way, this should not be a chore. It is to add something of value to your life."
Up Next:
Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Cholesterol When You Eat Walnuts
Sources:- Dr. Christina S. Reuss, MD, HonorHealth cardiologist and physician director for the HonorHealth Heart Care’s Women’s Heart Health Program
- Antioxidant Supplementation in Cardiovascular Prevention∗ : New Challenges in the Face of New Evidence. JACC.
- Long-term impact of mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cardiology.
- Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine.
- Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. American Heart Association.
- Nutrition & Health Info Sheets for Consumers - Omega-3 Fatty Acids. UC Davis Department of Nutrition.
- Third-Party Testing Nutritional Supplement Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use Among an NCAA I Collegiate Student-Athlete Population. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.
Uber's New Tokyo Experience Lets You Ride Shotgun in Iconic Japanese Drift Cars
Uber is taking ride-sharing in an entirely new direction: sideways.
The company has just launched Uber Drift, a limited-time experience in Tokyo that lets travelers book a professional drifting adventure directly through the Uber app. Instead of requesting a ride across town, guests are picked up in an Uber Black vehicle and taken to a legendary racetrack where professional drivers slide iconic Japanese sports cars through high-speed corners.
It's the latest installment in Uber's "Go Anywhere" series of travel experiences, which has previously included everything from hot-air balloon rides in Turkey to safari adventures in South Africa. Rather than simply getting travelers from Point A to Point B, the company has increasingly rolled out destination-specific experiences designed around local culture. And this may be the company's most adrenaline-fueled offering yet.
"Passport. Packed. Uber Drift!" the company wrote on Instagram, showing a video of the experience. "Get ready for the most adrenaline-fueled day of your life! Introducing Uber Drift, your ultimate Tokyo itinerary upgrade just a tap away. Discover Japan's globally celebrated automotive subculture with a high-speed drift experience on a professional circuit, all in partnership with professional Drift drivers. Time to live the movie!"
View this post on Instagram How much does Uber Drift cost?Uber Drift costs ¥30,000 (about $200 USD) per booking for groups of one to four people, making it surprisingly affordable if the cost is split among friends. Reservations opened on May 27, while the experience itself runs from June 3 through July 1, 2026. Availability is extremely limited, with just four group bookings offered each day.
The half-day package includes round-trip transportation from your Tokyo hotel in an Uber Black vehicle, approximately 90 minutes at the famous Mobara Twin Circuit in Chiba Prefecture, safety equipment, and the chance to ride shotgun while Formula Drift-licensed professionals perform tandem drifts in legendary Japanese sports cars, including the Nissan Silvia S15 and Nissan 180SX. Drivers can reach speeds of around 100 km/h while demonstrating precision-drifting techniques on the technical circuit.
Why did Uber choose Japan?Few countries are as synonymous with drifting as Japan. The motorsport traces its roots to Japanese mountain roads and racing circuits before exploding into global popularity through motorsports, video games, and films like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Cars such as the Silvia S15 and 180SX have become icons among enthusiasts, making Japan the obvious choice for Uber's drifting experience in the Asia-Pacific region.
For many visitors, experiencing authentic Japanese drift culture has traditionally been difficult. Events are often held outside central Tokyo, and language barriers can make booking challenging. Uber says the goal is to make one of Japan's most famous automotive subcultures more accessible to international travelers through a seamless, app-based booking experience.
Whether you're a lifelong car enthusiast or simply looking for a good story to tell, Uber Drift offers something few tourists ever experience: the chance to sit inches from another speeding drift car while professional drivers execute perfectly synchronized slides on one of Japan's most respected circuits.
Fans Say Logan's Roadhouse's Unexpected New Menu Item 'Low Key Sounds Yum'—and You Won't Believe What It Is
Does anybody else feel like restaurants these days are coming out with new menu items made specifically for the LOLz? Not to discredit the massive amount of recipe testing and development that goes into choosing which dishes get the green light to eventually grace customers' tables, but we seem to have taken a very sharp turn somewhere between Dubai Chocolate pancakes and Rocket Pop-flavored baked beans.
To some, this decidedly wacky moment in food can best be described as the "LOLfood" era, where instead of doomscrolling on our phones, we nosh on supremely absurd (and surprisingly delicious) renditions of the classics.
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The goal seems to be to deliver dishes that don't require much thought and instead hit us with a massive dose of nostalgia, no matter how ridiculous. And if you haven't gotten enough yet, the latest addition to the growing catalog of laugh-out-loud cuisine comes to us in the form of the humble burger done in truly preposterous, over-the-top fashion. Introducing Logan's Roadhouse's new Uncrustables Burger.
No, you're not imagining that string of words—Logan's Roadhouse is actually adding a burger with Uncrustables as the bun to its menu for a limited time. Billed as the burger nobody saw coming, the zany new menu addition features a seven-ounce burger patty, melted cheddar cheese, garlic pickle aioli and two beer-battered, fried grape Uncrustables serving as the buns for just $14.99.
Completely unhinged? Absolutely. Just bizarre enough to be delicious? Definitely.
Related: Checkers and Rally's Fourth of July Deal Has a Very Patriotic Price Tag
Logan's Roadhouse and Uncrustables Team Up to Launch Limited-Edition Burger View this post on InstagramAnd although it might seem like a totally random menu addition, when you set it against the backdrop of America's 250th birthday, it actually makes a lot of sense. It's almost one of the most American expressions of a burger we've ever seen. The only thing missing is half a pack of bacon.
Despite how outrageous it sounds, fans seem to actually be into it. "Woah lol low key sounds yum," said one intrigued fan. "Need to try this asap," someone else agreed. It looks like this burger might not be one to laugh about after all.
As if an Uncrustables Burger wasn't kooky enough, the two powerhouse brands also teamed up to create a new Fried Uncrustables Dessert, featuring a beer-battered and fried Uncrustables sandwich with melted marshmallows, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and caramel. Now that's a sweet treat we'd be down to sink our teeth into.
Whether you're all in on this nostalgia-inducing mashup or you're just in it for the LOLz, it's worth it to add a stop by Logan's Roadhouse to your summer road trip itinerary. Just make sure you grab a batch of hot-and-ready rolls for the road.
Related: 8 Overrated Fast-Food Burgers (and What to Order Instead)
Target's 3-Piece Stackable Patio Set Is a Colorful Mood Booster for Your Backyard
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Whether your outdoor space is overflowing with colorful flowers and leafy plants or it's still a bit of a blank canvas, I firmly believe there's no such thing as too much color. A few bright accents can completely change the mood of a patio, porch or balcony, making it feel more welcoming, more cheerful and, quite frankly, a lot more fun to spend time in. Even if your garden is doing all the heavy lifting, colorful furniture and accessories add another layer of personality, making the whole space feel happy.
Swapping out a few neutral pieces for something in a fresh, vibrant hue can wake up an outdoor space without requiring a single landscaping project. It's an easy update that feels surprisingly transformative, whether you're sipping your morning coffee, reading in the afternoon or hosting friends on a warm evening. And if you're someone who loves having options, finding outdoor furniture that comes in several beautiful colorways makes it even easier to match your style.
Best Choice Products 3-Piece Stackable Patio Bistro Set, $114.99–$134.99 (originally $242.99) at TargetTarget
Shop It!Summer may be in full swing, but there's still plenty of time to give your outdoor space a little refresh. This Best Choice three-piece patio set at Target is the kind of update that brings a little extra cheer without overwhelming the rest of your decor.
The set pairs two art deco-inspired metal chairs with a coordinating side table, creating a sweet gathering spot. Its all-steel construction is built to withstand the elements, and it has a compact footprint that's perfect for small patios and balconies. Plus, since the chairs stack and the table tucks neatly underneath, it's easy to reclaim a little floor space when you need to.
Related: Aldi's 2-Pack of Gorgeous Woven Baskets Corral Clutter In Such a Chic Way
But perhaps best of all, it's available in an array of pretty colorways that let you lean into whatever mood you're trying to create. There's peach (shown above), mint green, terracotta, peacock blue, sky blue and yellow. Just note that, for whatever reason, the sky blue hue is marked down to $134.99, whereas the others are priced at $114.99 right now.
"This was super easy to assemble, and the peacock color is gorgeous," says a Target shopper in their review. "My husband and I put it together in less than 45 minutes, but I could have done it myself. Easy and cute for a cozy spot on the patio."
Love an easy assembly moment? Now all you have to do is decide which color to buy.
Related: T.J. Maxx Is Selling a Cordless Lamp With the Most Elegant Scalloped Capiz Shade
1974 Rock Classic, Famously Resurged 44 Years Later, Became a Breakthrough Radio Anthem
Fifty-two years ago, legendary '70s rock band Queen released "Killer Queen"—a breakthrough hit that experienced a massive second wave of popularity following the release of their blockbuster biopic.
Released on October 11, 1974 as the lead single from their third studio album, Sheer Heart Attack, "Killer Queen" became an instant hit. Upon its arrival, radio disc jockeys took a liking to the song and spun it religiously, building a massive listener demand. By November, the track had peaked at No. 2 on the U.K. Singles Chart, and by early 1975, it reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's first true international breakthrough.
Not only did "Killer Queen" experience major chart success, but it achieved significant commercial triumph as well. The track has been certified 4x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone. In total, the song is estimated to have sold over 6 million units worldwide.
Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor and Freddie Mercury of British rock group Queen at Les Ambassadeurs on September 8, 1976 in London, England.Anwar Hussein/Getty Images
Written by frontman Freddie Mercury and produced by renowned record producer Roy Thomas Baker, "Killer Queen" was notable for pioneering Queen's signature theatrical sound. The track utilizes layered vocal harmonies, intricate guitar solos and ragtime-style piano to create a unique sonic appeal that made it stand out within the progressive rock genre. Paired with the track's campy lyrical imagery about a high-class call girl, its sound and themes defined the future of Queen's identity.
The 2018 ResurgenceForty-four years after its initial release, "Killer Queen" experienced a major mainstream resurgence. Following the premiere of Queen's 2018 blockbuster biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, the band saw a massive uptick in discography sales and streams.
In total, Bohemian Rhapsody grossed $911 million worldwide at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing musical biopic until it was overtaken by the recent Michael Jackson movie, Michael.
Following the film's release, sales of Queen's catalog increased by 483% while streaming numbers spiked by 41%. The worldwide attention the band's story received reignited public fascination with their discography, pushing several major songs back onto the Billboard charts. "Killer Queen," which was featured near the beginning of the film, notably re-entered the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart, peaking within the top 25.
Today, "Killer Queen" remains a definitive fan favorite among Queen supporters. The track continues to thrive on both rock radio stations and modern streaming platforms, racking up 1.1 billion streams on Spotify alone—attesting to its lasting ability to appeal to wide-ranging audiences.
Related: 1977 Rock Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Remains a Radio Classic 49 Years Later
The White House’s Latest Post Leaves Americans Feeling ‘Embarrassed’: ‘Is This Rage Bait?’
The White House appears not to be short of TikTok ideas, with its latest post sparking backlash and comments over what the video deems to be American culture.
The latest TikTok video from the White House comes amid an influx of international tourists visiting the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup. Social media has been flooded with viral clips of visitors trying American cuisine and popular chain stores, while the TikTok video highlights examples of "culture" that many users are disputing.
The video is captioned with "And they say America has no culture," alongside a black-and-white photo of President Donald Trump, before showcasing a series of photos. The carousel of photos includes Buc-ee's, Walmart, Texas Roadhouse, BBQ, NASCAR, pancakes, a comical photo of a large Big Gulp, Bass Pro Shops, national monuments, NYC, and even a photo of air conditioning.
@whitehouseWelcome to the U.S.A 😤
♬ original sound - The White HouseIn comments, many have spoken out against the examples being used and call it "embarrassing." One user even commented, "Did y'all deadass put air conditioning," while another added, "Corporations aren’t culture."
The inclusion of the air conditioner might be in relation to the current extreme heat wave taking over parts of Europe, which has led to several deaths in France. It has resulted in an influx of air conditioner sales or the item being fully out of stock, and a majority of Europe's infrastructure is not built for extreme heat.
Another user chimed in, saying that stores like Walmart aren't considered culture, and neither is fast food. The White House's TikTok video has only led to confusion and stunned responses.
"As a european I'm confused, is this video supposed to be serious or is it a joke?" said one user.
Other users added, "I can't tell if this is sarcasm or not," and "This is a joke right?" One user even commented on whether the video is meant as "ragebait."
Users are commenting on the point that American corporations are not the same as a country's culture, with one saying, "Culture and consumerism are two different things." Multiple users even pointed out that the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island was a gift from the French, and the things depicted in the video are "nothing to be proud of here."
Dean Cain Doubles Down After Fans Roast His Trump State Fair Photo: 'People Decided to Hate'
Dean Cain is defending his controversial post about President Donald Trump’s “Great American State Fair” after the actor faced backlash online over a photo critics claimed showed a lack of crowds.
The former Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman star shared a photo from atop the Ferris wheel overlooking the National Mall, saying it showed the “view” from the event and insisting there were “thousands of people” despite criticism over sparse-looking images from the fair.
The post quickly became a battleground, with social media users mocking Cain’s defense and arguing the image told a different story. Cain pushed back, accusing critics of focusing on negativity rather than the meaning behind the photo.
"I think that making a deal out of it is stupid in its own right," Cain recently told TMZ in a video shared on X. "I mean, it's going to get more and more crowded as time goes on. We're day five now. I took it because it's one of the most incredible photos I've ever seen. A scene of our nation's National Mall, of the Washington Monument, of the Capitol. I think it's just incredible."
Raining, but still beautiful!! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/u2rqrIxK9d
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) June 28, 2026He continued, "So I took that picture and said, look at how gorgeous this is and then everyone was like, oh, there's nobody there. There's tons of people around here and it's going to get more and more crowded, but that's divisive. I was trying to be, you know, unifying towards people and look how great this is in our nation's capital. And then people decided to hate."
When asked if people wanted the fair to fail, Cain added, "I think there's a lot of people who do want nobody here so they can own Trump, but I think that's ridiculous. They should be celebrating America and coming together for it."
The actor’s back-and-forth with critics began after former GOP Congressman Adam Daniel Kinzinger commented on Cain’s Ferris wheel photo, writing, "Hahahaha dude this is not the picture to show," adding, "All 6 people."
Cain quickly shot back, "There were thousands of people there and all around DC today, Adam. Why do you wish it was empty? That seems odd..."
When Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury shared an image she said showed an empty section of the event, Cain responded that "it was raining."
Cain said he would miss the fireworks display because he had to leave to film a movie, but added, "I'll be able to watch [fireworks] from my rooftop deck, and looking at it over in Vegas won't be the same, but I'll watch it on TV."
NFL Legend Deion Sanders Reveals He's 'Cancer-Free' One Year After Diagnosis: 'I Was Fighting'
Approximately one year after being diagnosed with cancer, Deion Sanders has revealed that he is now "cancer-free," according to a new interview with the Associated Press.
Speaking with the outlet, the 58-year-old University of Colorado football coach said that, "“I consider myself cancer-free," bringing a close to a terrifying one-year battle to surgically remove a cancerous bladder.
“I was fighting,” Sanders said. “I was walking out on the property with a bag of blood and also urine and trying to get back. But this expedited the process. Last year at this time I was in a whole different place, and I’m just thankful.”
"If I pull my shirt up, I’m not scarred, it’s not flawed," the 58-year-old continued. "I’m not embarrassed by anything that transpired. I’m elated by everything that transpired.”
Nowadays, Sanders told the AP that he's focusing more on the future than he is on the past, allowing him to create a more detailed plan for the University of Colorado's upcoming football season.
"I have the best coaching staff I've ever featured," Sanders said. "Everybody's unified."
Additionally, Sanders chimed in on the future of his son and former quarterback Shedeur Sanders' career in the NFL, with the younger Sanders currently in the running to become the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.
"I just want him to be happy," Deion said of his son's career in the league.
Playing with the NFL for a total of 14 seasons, Sanders enjoyed immense success during his lengthy football career, including influential stints with the Atlanta Falcons, the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens.
In addition to his accomplished career in football, Sanders also played professional baseball in the MLB for nine seasons. During his time in the league, he played for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.
'90s Rock Band Plays Fan-Favorite Hit For First Time in 18 Years
Concert setlists often change, so it's always a surprise when an artist plays a track that no one was expecting. This was the case as iconic '90s rock band Queens of the Stone Age opted to add in some deep cuts for their latest run of European shows.
Touring alongside heavy metal band System of a Down, the Seattle rockers kicked off the tour in Sweden before heading to France, Italy and Germany, and then onto the U.K. for two epic stadium shows at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London.
The band opened the show with their fan-favorite hit "Run Pig Run," marking a triumphant return to the stage. Taken from the 2007 record Era Vulgaris, the track hasn't been played live since 2008.
After almost two decades since the last time it was performed in concert, "Run Pig Run" undoubtedly excited fans. Music lovers took to Reddit to share their shock over the 12-track set list, which included other rarities such as "The Fun Machine Took A S--t And Died." Also from Era Vulgaris, it was the first live performance of the song in 12 years.
"Holy.. I thought we would never hear this one ever again." one person said. A separate comment read: "Not sure anyone there realizes how lucky they are. I wish they’d do another headline tour."
"Never expected to see ‘Run Pig Run’ and ‘Fun Machine’ in this show since it was gonna be shorter." another wrote.
"Cool mix of the hits and some weird stuff!" said a fourth person. "I’m excited to see if ‘Pig’ and ‘Fun Machine’ are staples, or if they’ll be rotated with other weird songs."
Fans also pointed out that 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of Era Vulgaris, voicing their hopes of an album tour.
Formed in 1996, Queens of the Stone Age rose to fame following the release of their second studio album, Rated R, released in 2000. The record peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers album chart. Its lead single, "The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret," reached No. 21 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
Related: '90s Alt-Rock Band Debuts First New Song in 8 Years
Paul McCartney Reveals His Thoughts About First Meeting the ‘Very Vivacious’ Dolly Parton
Paul McCartney is one of the most iconic figures in music history, but even the singer himself gets starstruck.
McCartney admitted that he was a little star-struck when he met Dolly Parton in 1974. He was in Nashville performing with Wings, and the 'Jolene' singer was there performing alongside Porter Wagoner.
“While we were there, the band of Porter Wagoner played, and the girl vocalist he had with him was this girl called Dolly Parton,” McCartney recalled, per Far Out Magazine. “She was very young and very sort of innocent, very sweet. She was very vivacious and full of bubbly joy, like she still is.”
Unsurprisingly, the pair hit it off and built a friendship based on their shared love of music. Parton especially loved 1970s 'Let It Be.' “I was so impressed and uplifted by it — a great arrangement, great production, and, of course, Paul’s voice,” she told MOJO.
Five years after this Nashville encounter, Parton released a cover of 'Help!' Parton and McCartney met up again in 2009 to work on Cat Stevens’ 'Boots & Sand', together adding backing vocals to his protest track.
Despite their artistic respect, the duo would not work together in 2023. At Parton’s request, the duo laid down a duet of his anthemic ‘Let It Be’. The track also features fellow The Beatles star Ringo Starr on drums. She got in touch with the iconic musical duo the old-fashioned way.
"I just sent them a love note through their managers, and I just said what I was doing," she explained to NPR. Despite being a living legend in her own right, the 'Here You Come Again' singer revealed she was "very humbled" when both musicians responded with a yes.
“She’s one of the greats,” McCartney told MOJO at the time, “She has a great voice, and that was a plus, but she’s a really great writer. If Dolly’s asking me to do it, how can I say no?” he added.
10 Years Before Route 66, This Highway Crossed the U.S. and You Can Still Drive It Today
Route 66 is celebrating 100 years of Oakies, rock ‘n’ roll, road trips, neon signs, and even delicious cheeses. But there’s another “mother road” that predates Route 66 by over ten years, winning the title of the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States. The Lincoln Highway ushered in a brand-new era of American car culture and road-tripping, making Route 66 possible and changing the way we travel forever.
Picture this: it’s 1912, the same year the Titanic sank into the North Atlantic. The frontier had been officially declared closed by the U.S. census just two decades ago. The American West was already being mythologized in silent films by directors like Thomas H. Ince. A driven young auto fanatic named Charles G. Fisher, who owned one of the country’s first car dealerships and had founded the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, envisioned a new era in which cars replaced covered wagons on the nation’s byways. His campaign could have felt like straight-up lobbying to create public infrastructure for silver-spoon hobbyists. Instead, Fisher tapped into post-Civil War, post-Reconstruction political sentiments and turned his road into a symbol of national unity.
As soon as it was completed, the Lincoln Highway became synonymous with freedom and adventure. The slogan “See America First” invited travelers to explore the country on their own terms, free of railroad schedules or the dangers their pioneer ancestors faced on the Oregon Trail, which roughly outlined the route. Women motorists and motorcyclists traversed the country, writing about their escapades in magazine articles and travelogues that demonstrated "the new woman" need not stay home.
New kinds of businesses sprang up to meet consumer demands that had never existed before the advent of interstate auto travel. Filling stations, motor court-style hotels (or motels for short), campgrounds, and RV parks were all fresh concepts for American travelers, who were used to going by train and staying in urban hotels built by the railroads themselves. Camping, once a necessity for settlers following their “manifest destiny” west, was now a thrilling way for middle-class urbanites to reconnect with nature. Just two years before the Lincoln Highway project began, Auto Kamp began manufacturing pop-up campers that could be towed by sturdy vehicles like the Model T, International Harvester Auto Wagons, and Stutz Bearcat.
Many of these pieces of Lincoln Highway history have been preserved and can still be seen by travelers roadtripping Route 30 today. Here are just a few worth a stop today, whether you’re on the East Coast, West Coast, or somewhere in between:
Photo by Walter Bibikow on Getty Images
The Big Coffee Pot in Bedford, PennsylvaniaA Lincoln Highway classic, the Big Coffee Pot was built by David Berton Koontz in 1927 to advertise exactly what you could find inside—a hot cuppa and a bite to eat. This Allegheny icon is a great example of the novelty architecture that functioned as an offline meme throughout the mid-century and served as a precursor to the kitschy styles that made Route 66 famous.
Six miles down the road near Shawnee State Park is the Lincoln Motor Court, which was voted USA Today’s #2 Roadside Motel in 2020. Unlike many stops on the Lincoln Highway that have been preserved as historical sites but are no longer active businesses, you can still stay in the cabins that have been welcoming tourists since the 1940s. The Motor Court is still run by a member of the Mitchell family, whose great-great-grandfather originally started the business.
Just about an hour west of The Big Coffee Pot and Lincoln Motor Court is a museum dedicated to the history of the Pennsylvania portion of the Lincoln Highway, which is especially well documented and preserved thanks to the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor. Snap a photo at Koontz’ Big Coffee Pot and follow Highway 30 to The Lincoln Highway Experience to have pie and coffee at another restored diner from 1938, see an original tourist cabin from the Lincoln Highway, a 1937 Packard, a vintage filling station, and more.
The Lincoln Highway Interpretive Murals in the Chicago SouthlandsFor almost 200 miles across Illinois, the Lincoln Highway is celebrated through a series of murals and “interpretive gazebos” presented by individual towns along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway. The mural depicts bridges, antique cars, original stops like the first Ford dealership in the region, and early Lincoln Highway travelers like Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, who rode motorcycles across the country on “Main Street USA” in 1916.
In Rochelle, Illinois, you can visit a 1918 Standard Oil Filling Station, as well as the Flagg Township Museum, which features one of the only surviving examples of a Partin-Palmer automobile. Partin-Palmer was founded in Chicago the same year the Lincoln Highway was dedicated, before moving production to Rochelle in 1915. The move coincided with the company's reorganization as Commonwealth Motors—better known as the manufacturer behind the iconic Checker taxi cab. Some of the optional features available for Partin-Palmer’s American Traveler roadster included a tent, with a nod to the emerging novelty of road trips.
Rochelle hosts an annual Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, which takes place this year from August 14-16. The festivities include a car, truck, and motorcycle show, a Hot Rods & Headlocks live wrestling throwdown, live music, fireworks, carnival rides, and the Miss Lincoln Highway Sweetheart pageant.
The Youngville Cafe in Watkins, IowaWatkins, Iowa, has preserved its Youngville Cafe, which originally included the cafe and gas station still on site, as well as three guest cabins that burned down decades ago. The Cafe once served as a Greyhound station as well as a stop for motorists, and was one of the few gas stations that offered late-night refueling. Today, the Youngville Highway History Association opens the Cafe on Tuesdays in the summer months from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., serving locally baked pies filled with local fruit and rhubarb.
An hour west, on the other side of Cedar Rapids, stop in Belle Plaine to see Preston’s Station, a 1920s filling station, motel, and mechanics garage that is now the centerpiece of the town’s historic district. George Preston Sr. bought the Station business in 1923 and moved it to the corner of 4th Avenue and 13th Street in 1927. The Preston family ran the Station until 1989, and the following year George Preston Jr. appeared on the Johnny Carson Show to share the history of both the family business, the town, and the Lincoln Highway itself–-Burma Shave ads and all.
Photo by marekuliasz on Getty Images
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument in Kearney, NebraskaYou can’t miss The Archway, a museum that literally arches over I-80 and spans the history of the Great Platte River Road, which has brought pioneers and travelers through Kearney since the 1800s. The exhibits cover a variety of transportation history in the area, including the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails that brought European settlers west, as well as the Pony Express, Transcontinental Railroad, and, of course, the Lincoln Highway. A collection of 2,000 original bricks from the Lincoln Highway in Canton, Ohio originated as a teenager’s Eagle Scout project. Other exhibits include a Model T and examples of early camping equipment used on road trips and at motor courts.
The Lincoln Highway Tavern and Prairie Inn in Evanston, WyomingLike many businesses still active along the old "Mother Road," the Lincoln Highway Tavern is frequented by locals whose family played a role in the Highway’s history. Sit down for a plate of outrageously good hot wings at this former gas station turned restaurant, and you might find yourself sitting next to the great-great-grandson of a service station attendant in nearby Echo Canyon, Utah.
Echo is just a ghost town now after a heyday as a Pony Express and stagecoach stop, Transcontinental Railroad junction, and later a place to refuel on the Lincoln Highway. Frank’s Echo Service, the Echo Cafe, and Kozy Motel date back to the 1950s, and the vintage charm against the red rock landscape makes this a perfect photo-op. Turn down Temple Road to see the town’s pretty little church, which was built in 1876 and first remodeled in the mid-1920s.
Backtrack to Evanston and stay the night at the Prairie Inn, which has been locally owned and operated since 1966 and feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the Atomic era. With plush red carpets, vaulted ceilings and gorgeous midcentury modern woodwork, this hotel feels far more luxe than the affordable nightly rate would suggest.
The Kokomo Club in Ogden, UtahRoute 66 may have been popularized in the works of John Steinbeck, but the Lincoln Highway had Jack Kerouac. On the Road includes passages set in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Denver, Colorado. The latter was bypassed by the original route of the Lincoln Highway, but connected via an auxiliary loop not long after the Highway’s dedication. It’s worth a dip down into Longmont, Colorado, to see Johnson’s Corner Gas, a 1937 filling station that was, according to local lore, featured in Kerouac’s novel and has recently been reenvisioned as a bar, restaurant and event space.
There are plenty of places in this corner of the Mountain West that are haunted by Kerouac, including many of the older dives on Colfax Avenue in Denver. But stick closer to the Lincoln Highway proper and head to the Kokomo Club in Ogden, Utah. This classic dive in the city’s former skid row district has lots of history, including performances by jazz great Joe McQueen, a brief mention in Kerouac’s Visions of Cody and On the Road, and an appearance in the 1997 Keanu Reeves flick The Last Time I Committed Suicide, based on the lives of Kerouac and Neal Cassady. Today, it's best known as a local's pool haunt.
The Lincoln Highway is still woven into the everyday lives of millions of Americans who travel along Highway 30 and I-80 each year, and who live in communities along the original coast-to-coast connector. We take interstate highways for granted in the 21st century, but in 1912, Fisher's ambitions were daring and the logistical challenges considerable. The result, of course, is one that changed the country, and the way we still road trip today.
This Powerful $15 Portable Fan Is My Top Must-Have for Surviving Summer Heat Waves
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As someone with absolutely zero heat tolerance, I can confidently say I’ve tested my fair share of portable fans. I’ve tried larger round ones meant for strollers, fans that claimed to be portable air conditioners, a slew of neck fans, and compact foldable ones that were cute in theory. But the one I keep coming back to is the Stsase Clip-On Portable Fan, which is on sale for just $15 at Amazon right now, down from $20. It comes in black, and while it’s technically designed as a waist fan, I usually clip it to my shirt so the breeze is closer to my face.
The fan measures 1.7 inches deep by 3 inches wide by 4.2 inches high, so it’s small enough to fit in your hand and easy to keep in a purse without taking up as much space as a round fan would. It has three speed settings, a rechargeable battery, USB-C charging, a clip-on and freestanding design, and a built-in turbine instead of exposed fan blades.
Stsase Clip-On Portable Fan, $15 (was $20) at Amazon Shop at AmazonI’ve had mine for three years and bought it for $23, and it has helped me get through sweaty NYC heat waves, summer baseball games, concerts in 90-plus-degree weather, and outdoor dinners. I like that I don’t have to hold it the whole time, and because it’s black, it blends in with a lot of my outfits instead of looking super obvious. I also appreciate that my hair doesn’t get caught in the blades, which has happened one too many times with other handheld fans.
With more than 2,800 five-star ratings, it seems like I’m not the only one impressed. “It has been an absolute game-changer for my outdoor adventures,” one person wrote, praising the fan’s “incredible battery life.” Another shopper called it a “lifesaver for theme parks,” noting that despite enduring triple-digit temps, they could still feel a breeze.
While it’s technically designed to clip around your waist, I personally think it works best clipped higher up near your shirt or neckline, especially if you want the airflow closer to your face. The clip also works almost like a little stand when I’m sitting outside. I’ll place it on a table with the clip facing down, and it angles the air upward enough to make outdoor dining a little more bearable. It’s not necessarily designed for that, but it’s a small perk.
I will say that if it’s extremely hot out, this fan is still working with the air around you, so it may blow warm air if you’re sitting in full heat. My trick is to place a very cold water bottle behind it when I want cooler airflow, especially if I’m sitting outside for a while. I’ve also used it on full blast for several two- to three-hour baseball games and usually only need to recharge it after a few days of use. That isn’t quite the 24-hour power that’s advertised, but since I almost always keep it on the highest speed, I still think the battery life is impressive.
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This portable fan is truly one of my all-time favorite Amazon finds. It’s compact, powerful, and sturdy enough to survive countless drops. If you’re like me and also have absolutely no heat tolerance, now is a great time to grab the Stsase Clip-On Portable Fan ahead of this summer’s heat waves while it’s marked down to just $15.
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Former 'As the World Turns' Legend, 73, Faces Serious Charges
Colleen Zenk was arrested back on May 15 in Naples, Florida, according to court documents obtained by Soap Opera Network. The former Daytime Emmy nominee was taken into custody and charged with DUI with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher and DUI resulting in damage to the property or person of another.
Zenk’s latest arrest marks her third DUI arrest since her first incident in 2010.
The actress is best known for her role as Barbara Ryan on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, where she portrayed the fan-favorite Barbara Ryan from 1978 until the series' cancellation in 2010.
In 2007, the actress battled oral cancer. Through her work with the Oral Cancer Foundation, she partnered with the As the World Turns production, and her character, Barbara, went through a journey similar to her own to raise awareness.
The actress returned to daytime television in 2023 in a recurring role on The Young and the Restless as Jordan Howard. There, she played the mischievous, evil aunt of Claire Newman (Hayley Erin) and worked with Ian Ward (Ray Wise) to terrorize the Newman and Howard families.
Zenk last appeared on The Young and the Restless on January 24, 2025. At the time of her exit, the actress spoke with TV Insider’s Stephanie Sloan and shared that she was “sad Jordan went away so quickly.”
She continued to explain how excited she was to take on the challenge, sharing, “I can still do this. For my age, with no work, I look pretty good on camera, not too bad. For a 72-year-old woman to be given this kind of opportunity, I’d jump in again.”
In addition to her roles in daytime television, Zenk has a long list of Broadway and Film credits, including Annie, Christmas Evil, About Scout, and an appearance on the CBS drama Blue Bloods.
Zenk has not publicly commented on her recent arrest.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
Kathie Lee Gifford Reveals Whether She'll Ever Remarry After Her Late Husband's Death
TV personalityKathie Lee Gifford is opening up about where her journey for love is headed next since her husband Frank Gifford's death in August 2015. She reveals how widowhood and past infidelities have changed her.
In an exclusive with People, the 72-year-old admits that walking down the aisle and saying "I Do" may not be in the cards for her. Her late husband, the football star-turned-broadcaster, died a week before his 85th birthday from a reported heart attack, with the family later revealing he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), often caused by repeated trauma to the head.
Nearing 11 years since his death, Gifford admits that she has no plans to remarry and isn't looking ot date. She also admits having once had a relationship that ultimately didn't work, explaining Frank was the "love of her life."
"I am not dating anybody right now, and I don't want to date," said Gifford. "I'm not looking, and I don't think I'll ever get married again."
"I had an opportunity for that to maybe happen, and it didn't work out. Frank will always be the love of my life. If God wants to do something miraculous, like give me another great love [then I'm open to it]. And so I leave room for the miraculous to happen."
The two met when Frank was 23 years her senior, while Gifford was working for Good Morning America in 1982. A few years later, they tied the knot and welcomed their son in 1990 and their daughter in 1993. She reveals that Frank was well aware of their age difference and the possibility of him dying first.
"He was one week shy of his 85th birthday, but he was ready to go," she said. "He said, 'You know, hon, I'm not afraid. I'm starting to get really curious.'"
Amid the happy memories, Gifford admits that they hit a rough patch in 1997 when she publicly learned of his affair. A news crew had tailed the former football star to a hotel room and revealed it to the public. Frank would later admit to the affair in his memoir, I Am Surprised by Joy, which detailed the relationship having started in the mid-80s with a flight attendant. Despite the infidelity, Gifford chose to fix their marriage.
"I came home a week after that happened [to reconcile with Frank]. There's not a day that goes by that somebody doesn't come up to me and say, 'I just want you to know I had separated from my husband, and I went back. We went for counseling. We healed our marriage,'" she explained.
Since Frank's death, she reveals that her focus has been on her five grandchildren, and recently filmed a documentary about her life and wrote her latest book, Nero and Paul.
Food Network's Busiest Star Launches New Cooking Series Ahead of Another Highly Anticipated Show Premiere
Just weeks before the debut of her new Food Network series Kitchen Undercover, chefAntonia Lofaso is adding another project to her packed summer schedule.
Food Network and TikTok LIVE announced Tuesday, June 30 that they're launching a new interactive cooking series pairing popular TikTok creators with Food Network chefs for hour-long livestreams from the Food Network Kitchen.
The first installment, TikTok LIVE x Food Network Presents: Tomato Season, streams Wednesday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET across the @foodnetwork, @jose.elcook, @tiktok and @tiktoklive_us TikTok accounts.
Lofaso will be joined by creator Jose El Cook, whose energetic cooking videos and practical kitchen tips have helped him build a massive following on TikTok. During the livestream, the pair will prepare several tomato-focused recipes while sharing cooking techniques, answering viewer questions and interacting with fans through live polls and chat.
According to Food Network, the new collaboration builds on the success of the companies' Future of Flavor LIVE event earlier this year and is designed to bring viewers directly into the Food Network Kitchen through real-time conversations with chefs and creators.
The announcement comes during one of Food Network's busiest summers in recent years.
Earlier this month, Parade exclusively revealed the network's ambitious July lineup, which includes Guy's Grocery Games: Global Games and Kitchen Chaos premiering July 8, Pitmasters hosted by Andrew Zimmern on July 13, Restaurant Impossible: Last Call with Aarón Sánchez on July 23 and a new season of The Great Food Truck Race with Tyler Florence beginning July 26.
Lofaso is also front and center in that lineup. Her new hidden-camera restaurant rescue series, Kitchen Undercover, premieres Tuesday, July 28, and follows the chef and sous chef Nestor Milian as they secretly investigate struggling restaurants before attempting dramatic turnarounds.
Already one of Food Network's most recognizable personalities, Lofaso recently won season 6 of Tournament of Champions and regularly appears on Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Guy's Grocery Games and Wildcard Kitchen. Away from television, she owns several acclaimed Los Angeles restaurants and is the author of "The Busy Mom's Cookbook."
The new TikTok LIVE partnership gives fans another opportunity to cook alongside Lofaso before she returns to primetime later this month, while also expanding Food Network's growing slate of digital programming alongside its busy television schedule.
Related: Beloved Food Network Star Announces 'Powerful' New Partnership
‘Orange Is the New Black’ Star Hospitalized After Freak Pool Accident, and It Was All Caught on Video
Ruby Rose was rushed to the hospital after a freak accident in her backyard swimming pool.
The Orange Is the New Black star, 40, first gained notoriety as a model before hitting it big on the popular Netflix series alongside Natasha Lyonne and Taylor Schilling from 2015 to 2016. She went on to roles in films like Pitch Perfect 3 and The Meg. But all the fame and the world won't save you from the classic freak accident, and Rose shared her own version this week.
In a video captured at Rose's home, the star was attempting to work on her swimming pool at home with a hose in her hand. Wearing a bra and sweatpants, Rose misjudged the ledge of the pool and went plunging into the water, slamming into the ledge before falling in. She clutched her ribs in pain as she made her way out of the water.
“RIP to my ribs, and to the rest of my summer,” the star wrote on the video, which was captured by her outdoor camera and shared to her Instagram Stories on Monday. “They are broken, multiple.”
Check out a screenshot of the video below, which shows Rose shocked to be in the water after the fall.
"That's your girl!" she laughed at herself.
(Instagram/Ruby Rose)
Rose Found Herself in the HospitalOn her Threads page, Rose elaborated on the accident, which resulted in two broken ribs and a trip to the hospital.
"One second I'm here talking to you. The next I'm in the ho[s]pital with two broken ribs. What a bloody Monday," she noted, adding that she now has "to breathe into a machine lol" after landing "perfectly on the right side of my ribs. Breaking the bottom two."
"Not bloody worth it is it!," Rose noted in the comments after someone else shared they had been through a similarly painful pool incident, Entertainment Weekly pointed out. "Holy fire of hell!"
We're wishing her a speedy recovery!
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