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Amazon's 'Very Cute' $8 Thong Sandals Are 'Comfy,' and 'Perfect' for Traveling
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There's no such thing as summer without sandals. It's officially time to break out the footwear, which means you also have an excuse to treat yourself to some new wardrobe options. Thanks to Amazon, you can add so many classic and fun pieces to your shoe collection, spanning from Skechers slip-in sneakers to beautiful Michael Kors sandals. We're currently shopping for the Amazon Essentials Thong Sandal, which is up to 30% off right now.
The sandal originally cost $14 (note that the original price varies by hue), but has been reduced to as low as $8 in the bright pink colorway. You can shop for the sandal in 11 total colors and prints, including bright yellow, snake print, and a classic black. The available sizes range from 5 to 15, including half and wide sizing. There aren't many color and size variations out of stock yet, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
Amazon Essentials Thong Sandal, From $8 (was $14) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThe product description notes that the sandals have a smaller fit, so it's recommended to size up if you're in between sizes. If you're unsure, there's an available size chart to aid you in the buying process. The sandal design further features an 8-millimeter heel with a non-slip sole so that you can walk in them easily. The flip flop style also has a thin thong strap with a padded and flexible insole for additional comfort.
Amazon Essentials Thong Sandal, From $8 (was $14) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThe sandal is made of faux calfskin, so you can simply sport them throughout the day on vacation or throughout the summer. We particularly love that they're a simple design, so they're very versatile from day to nighttime wear. The shoe has over 1,800 five-star customer reviews, with shoppers describing them as "so soft," "very cute," "comfy," and "perfect" for traveling and everyday.
Related: Amazon's Magical Cottagecore Lamps Start at Just $20, and They Add Instant Cozy Charm
After wearing them consistently for weeks, another reviewer wrote that they're so "easy to dress up or down," as you can pair them with "everything from athletic wear to casual dresses, making them a great staple piece." Plus, they're super lightweight and take up no room, so they're the ideal shoe for packing purposes.
Shop More Deals- Clarks Drift Buckle, $30 (was $70) at Amazon
- Ermonn Crochet Cardigan $19 (was $44) at Amazon
- Cushionaire Carmen Platform Sandals, $50 (was $65) at Amazon
These are the sleek sandals that will become your seasonal go-to. Shop for them at Amazon for as low as $8!
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'70s Rock Band Announces 2026 Tour Dates 38 Years After No. 1 Hit Song
Nearly 50 years after their debut, The Psychedelic Furs are proving they still have plenty left to say.
The influential new wave band just announced a new run of 2026 tour dates via Instagram, revealing a co-headlining summer trek with Living Colour. The tour kicks off July 31 in Park City, Utah, before making stops in fifteen states across the country, wrapping Sept. 6 in Miami Beach, Florida.
"I think I’m more comfortable onstage now, that’s a big part of it," the band's frontman, Richard Butler, told Magnet Magazine. "I'm able to enjoy it more instead being so stressed and introverted about the whole business. I feel confident when I walk out onstage with this band."
View this post on InstagramFor longtime fans, the announcement marks another major chapter for a band whose career has stretched across generations. Formed in 1977 in the U.K. by brothers Richard Butler and Tim Butler, The Psychedelic Furs emerged during the post-punk explosion, but quickly carved out a sound of their own, blending alternative rock, art rock and new wave influences.
While they first gained attention in the U.K., the band's popularity exploded in America in the early 1980s thanks to songs like "Love My Way" and "Pretty in Pink." Their biggest commercial breakthrough came later with "All That Money Wants," which became a No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart in 1988.
Over the years, the group has maintained a devoted following, continuing to tour consistently while influencing countless alternative and indie artists. In recent years, they've shared stages with bands like James and Squeeze and returned to the studio with their 2020 album Made of Rain, their first new album in nearly three decades.
Butler said at the time that the creative spark never disappeared. "From time to time, we'd write a new song, rehearse it and play it," he explained, adding that downtime between tours eventually inspired the band to fully commit to recording again.
Now, nearly four decades after their biggest chart success, The Psychedelic Furs are once again heading back on the road, showing that their blend of atmospheric rock and emotional intensity still resonates today.
Related: 1977 Classic Ballad Claimed No. 1 Rank for Six Weeks—Five Years After Release
'Felt This Book in My Bones': Oprah Winfrey Reveals Her 123rd Book Club Pick
Oprah Winfrey is known for recognizing some of the modern book world’s most important authors with a selection for Oprah’s Book Club. Oprah announced her 123rd book pick on Tuesday, cementing the status of Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart, whose John of John has been named her latest selection.
In a post shared to social media Tuesday morning, Oprah revealed John of John by Scottish-American author Douglas Stuart as her newest pick.
Calling the novel "a satisfying, rich, full read," Oprah praised Stuart as "supremely talented." In addition to sharing her selection, she also invited readers to watch her sit-down conversation with the acclaimed author.
Douglas Stuart’s Rise From Shuggie Bain to John of John View this post on InstagramDouglas Stuart isn’t new to the literary spotlight. Best known for his Booker Prize-winning debut Shuggie Bain and his acclaimed follow-up Young Mungo, Stuart often writes about working-class life, identity, and emotional survival, drawing on deeply personal and regional influences.
Related: 'Full of Heart and Wonder': GMA Book Club Names a Genre-Blending Must-Read for May 2026
What John of John Is AboutJohn of John is set in a remote Scottish island community and follows Cal MacLeod, a young man who returns home after studying art in Edinburgh. Upon his return, Cal is forced to confront his strict father, deeply rooted religious expectations, and long-buried family tensions.
As Cal reconnects with his past, the novel explores secrecy and identity within a small rural community where personal truths are difficult to hide. At its core, John of John examines how love, faith, and fear shape family relationships across generations.
Why Oprah’s Book Club Pick Matters View this post on InstagramOprah’s Book Club selections are known for amplifying emotionally powerful, character-driven literary fiction. Winfrey has a long history of bringing ambitious novels to a global mainstream audience, including favorites The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates and She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb.
Oprah does not shy away from rich text or challenging storylines and often spotlights authors who explore marginalized or complex lived experiences. With John of John, she continues that tradition by highlighting literary fiction rooted in social and emotional realism and shaped by the author’s perspective.
Simply put, Oprah is not looking to give her book club followers a light read. She aims to offer a book that challenges us to feel and think differently, and with John of John, she does just that.
Early Reactions to John of JohnStuart responded to being selected as Oprah’s 123rd book club pick by sharing on social media, "So, so proud to be an Oprah’s Book Club pick. Thank you @oprah."
Early readers were quick to offer their reactions as well, writing, "Great choice!!! I just read this and loved it so much. 5 stars!" Another added, "I felt this book in my bones. The writing is so lyrical and I could have lived inside it for hundreds of more pages."
What Readers Can Expect From John of JohnReaders of John of John can expect a deeply emotional novel that explores what it means to return home and what it means to confront one’s past in order to understand who we are becoming.
Related: Jenna Bush Hager’s Fans Are 'Screaming' Over Her May Book Club Pick
1984 No. 1 Soft Rock Hit Ranked Among 'Best Songs of the '80s' Became a 'Devastating' Heartbreak Anthem
Back in the days before streaming and Spotify and satellite, if you wanted to listen to music in the car, you had no choice but to settle for whatever was on the radio. Sometimes, though, you'd get lucky and the DJ would pick the perfect song for your mood...like when you were feeling sad about a recent breakup and John Waite's "Missing You" suddenly started playing.
Released in June 1984 as the lead single from Waite's second solo album, No Brakes, the track skyrocketed to #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks charts, going on to be nominated for the 1985 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
While the lyrics tell the typical tale of someone mournfully missing their ex, it's Waite's emotional delivery that really makes an impact, particularly on lines like:
"Well, there's a message in the wire / And I'm sending you this signal tonight / You don't know / How desperate I've become / And it looks like I'm losing this fight"
It's no surprise that Rolling Stone included the hit on a list of "200 Best Songs of the 1980s," with writer Rob Sheffield praising Waite as "the most soulful of arena rockers, with one of the saddest AOR break-up songs."
"As John Waite once said, his style is 'Heathcliff with a Marshall stack,'" Sheffield wrote. "In the post-'Billie Jean' era, songs all had to have long, long, long fadeouts — there was no concept that you could repeat the title too many times al coda. But 'Missing You' is one where you hang on the end, hoping you might get a late-breaking glimmer of hope. (Any DJ who fades it out before that last 'oh nooo' is a failure at life.) The most devastating moment: when he rips into the words 'heartbreak overload.'"
John Waite knew 'Missing You' would be a hit right awayThere's a simple reason why Waite's anguished performance on "Missing You" packs such a punch: It was inspired by real-life heartache. As Waite explained to People, he wrote the song while he was “winging it on the mic” in the middle of a recording session.
“I was married at the time, and I’d been away from home maybe two months,” he said, adding, “And I must have made it up on the spot. I suppose it was about denial, trying to be tough. When I sang the song, I stopped. I stepped back from the mic. I couldn’t speak. I choked. It was so emotional. I knew what it was. I knew it was number one. It was that good, and it had come out of left field. It was a magical experience.”
Not only was "Missing You" a hit with fans, but even musical legends like Tina Turner and Rod Stewart went on to cover the song.
"It's so weird to have someone sing your melody and lyrics that you admire that much. She's white hot," Waite said of Turner.
"It's very hard to get that song right," he continued. "Rod did it like a disco song. And I love Rod, too, but I was like, 'Why would you do it like a disco song?'"
All these years later, Waite's original version of "Missing You" is still the most beloved.
Related: 1984 Hit Breakup Anthem Deemed the 'Perfect Pop Song'
Cary Elwes Shares the Touching Truth About What He Did With His Sword From ‘The Princess Bride'
Cary Elwes took our breath away with one statement in a new interview.
The actor, 63, who charmed the world as Westley in The Princess Bride opposite Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, and Wallace Shawn, knows just how much the romantic fantasy film has gone down in history with fans. Directed by Rob Reiner, the 1987 movie has become such an audience favorite that it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry because it's "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" in 2016, NPR reported.
In the present day, Elwes still honors his memories of the film, especially working with his late friend, Reiner. In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, Elwes was asked if he still has his iconic sword from the film. His touching answer served as an important reminder of the duo's friendship.
"No, I gave it to Rob Reiner on the last day of filming. My memories of the film are my greatest keepsake," he replied.
What Has Elwes Said About Losing His Dear Friend, Rob Reiner?Back in March, Elwes took to Instagram to honor Reiner on what would have been his 79th birthday. In a touching post that featured a photo of the duo, Elwes expressed how difficult it still is to believe that Reiner, who was killed on December 14, 2025, is gone.
“Today would have been your 79th birthday. Still hard to believe you’re gone. Missing you so much #robreiner ⚔️💔,” Elwes wrote.
View this post on Instagram What Has Elwes Said About His Family?While Elwes has lost Reiner, he makes sure to keep his own family close. No matter where he’s jetting for film or TV roles, Elwes clarifies that the most important things in his life are his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Dominique.
“I bring them with me if I can, or if I can’t bring them on location, I make sure I fly home the minute I have a break to be with them,” Elwes told PEOPLE. Dominique is set to follow in her dear old dad’s footsteps by heading off to college to study film.
“She saw me getting dressed in costume, and because I used to play dress up with her, she said, ‘Daddy, do they pay you to do dress up?’ I said, ‘As a matter of fact, they do,’ and she went, ‘They do?’ Like that, and that was it,” he told the publication.
“I said, ‘Now you’ve got the bug. There’s no cure.’ So she’s going to Santa Barbara, and she’s studying film, she’s studying directing, film theory, and film history. I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Elwes continued. “It’s an hour away, her mother’s really happy about that.”
Jessica Alba Stuns With Blonde Highlights and Black Bikini in New Boat Getaway Photos
Jessica Alba is soaking up the joy. The Honest Company entrepreneur just posted photos of her recent trip to Miami following her 45th birthday on her Instagram and now fans (us included) can’t stop zooming in to get a closer look.
In what looks like a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue pre-party, the Into the Blue actress and several of her pals lounge on a yacht, decked out with a party floatilla, Jetski, and inflatable boat slide. Over the course of several photos and video footage, Alba offers a peek into her “joymaxxing” off the coast of Miami.
View this post on InstagramThe showcase opens with Alba lying on the side of a square-shaped party float. She’s rocking a black string bikini with dark shades. Her hair is wet and down, and her gorgeous glow radiates — we can just smell the suntan lotion.
Next in the carousel is a video that captures Alba and her friends all chilling on the float. It’s followed by images of the girls dancing, posing for pics, and nuzzling their men. There’s even a shot of Alba and her new beau, actor Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick), with Alba sporting a sarong and sunglasses while draping her arm around him as he stares at her.
Alba, who is a huge fan of mantras and good vibes, also includes shots of positivity sayings, with one reading, “Stay close to people who feel like sunshine.” Such good advice. Now, if only we could find a yacht.
Related: Jessica Alba Debuts Phoenix Back Tattoo Symbolizing New Beginnings
Legendary '90s Actress Shares Best-Selling Book That Moved Her To Tears
Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals the novel that got her so emotional.
In Bustle's segment "One Nightstand," where celebrities and writers join the publication at the blond in New York City to discuss their favorite books. Louis-Dreyfus, best known for her work on Seinfeld, Veep and The New Adventures of Old Christine, is an avid reader and grew up with a mother who loved to read. Recently, she and her husband started a couple's book club in Santa Barbara, California.
The legendary actress spoke about three books in her interview: Olivia Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan and The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, the latter winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2020.
"It's a crushing story, but what I think he does so deftly is he allows the reader to have hope," she said about The Nickel Boys.
The Nickel Boys alternates between the 2010s and the 1960s, during the Jim Crow era. The plot follows Elwood Curtis, an African-American business owner based in New York City, who is an alumnus of Nickel Academy. In the present day, an investigation is taking place to expose the school's history of atrocities and abuse, and Elwood has to come to terms with the lasting effects of his experiences there. The story is based on the historic Dozier School, a reform school in Florida that operated for 111 years and was revealed as highly abusive.
The novel was a bestseller, andTIME named it "one of the best books of the decade." A film adaptation of The Nickel Boys starring Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson was released in select theaters in the United States in December 2024 and nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
"A good friend of mine, Hamish Linklater, played the bad guy in Nickel Boys,” she said. Linklater played Spencer, the corrupt superintendent of Nickel Academy. “I watched it and the only way I could get through it was knowing that Hamish is not a bad person in real life. And I had to sort of keep looking away and thinking, ‘Oh yeah, Hamish is a good guy. He's a good guy.’ It was rough."
The ensemble cast also included Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs, Jimmie Fails and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
The cast and crew attend the Los Angeles Premiere of "Nickel Boys" at DGA Theater Complex on December 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Dan Steinberg/Amazon MGM Studios via Getty Images
When it was time for Louis-Dreyfus and her husband, Brad Hall, to choose a book for their book club, they read The Nickel Boys together. The 65-year-old actress also told Bustle that she had met Whitehead before and started crying "uncontrollably."
"The first time I met him, I'd just finished reading this book and it knocked my socks off. And I went up to him to say, 'I have to tell you, I've read this book,' and then I started to cry uncontrollably," she revealed. "I could barely get the words out because that's how moved I was by his writing."
Julia Louis-Dreyfus attends "The Sheep Detectives" New York Premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 19, 2026 in New York City.Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
The 2024 movie Nickel Boys can be streamed on MGM+ and Amazon Prime Video. Meanwhile, Louis-Dreyfus is promoting her upcoming animated film, The Sheep Detectives, and has a new Apple TV+ series, Nanny Squatter, in development with Saturday Night Livealum, Cecily Strong. In addition, the fourth season of her podcast Wiser Than Me premieres on Wednesday.
Related: Iconic '90s Actor, Starring in 'Greatest Sitcom of All Time,' Turns 72
Walmart's $43 5-Tier Storage Rack Is a 'Great Space Saver' for Pantries, Bathrooms, and Garages
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Spring cleaning season is well underway. If you're in the process of clearing out your garage, pantry, bathroom, or office, you'll need the proper storage essentials. The Ktaxton 5-Tier Wire Rack at Walmart is compact enough to fit small spaces while still offering ample room to organize tools, craft supplies, snacks, kitchen appliances and more. And right now, it's on sale for 25% off.
The multi-tier shelf, originally $58, is marked down to as low as $43 in the silver and black styles. You can also shop it in pink, gold, and white at $45 and in a Barbie pink hue at $60. It also comes in a taller six-tier size ranging in price from $54 to $63, depending on the color.
Ktaxton 5-Tier Wire Rack, $43 (was $58) at Walmart Shop at WalmartWith five roomy shelves to arrange books, collectibles, office supplies, gardening tools, or kitchen essentials, the multifunctional cabinet offers plenty of storage to keep any room neat and organized. Each shelf is adjustable to accommodate items of varying sizes and heights. It can hold up to 1,100 pounds in total, comfortably holding heavy items without bending or breaking.
At 29 inches wide, 13.4 deep wide, and 59 inches high, the shelf maximizes vertical storage without taking up too much floor space. The tall, slim frame is designed to fit into tight areas, including empty corners, kitchen nooks, narrow hallways, and compact garages. Crafted from sturdy carbon steel, it's rust-resistant, durable, and built to last season after season.
Related: Walmart’s $50 Ottoman Bench Has 'Plenty of Storage' and Comes in 6 Classic Colors
With over 2,100 five-star ratings online, this convenient shelf is a shopper favorite. One reviewer called it a "great space saver," while another noted it offers "lots of storage space." Several also praised its heavy-duty construction, calling it "sturdy" and "well made."
Shop More Deals- Hommpa Fluted Accent Cabinet, $86 (was $140) at Walmart
- Vasagle 4-Tier Modern Bookshelf, From $49 (was $97) at Walmart
- Homfa 8-Tier Media Tower, $50 (was $90) at Walmart
With its impressive storage capacity, narrow build, and affordable price point, this five-tier wire rack is a worthy addition to any home. Grab one while most color options are still marked down at Walmart.
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1984 Sci-Fi Film Was Just Ranked the 'Worst Book-to-Movie Adaptation of All Time'
While some book adaptations make for movie masterpieces, that's not always the case for a variety of reasons. For instance, a film can stray too far away from the source material, or the lead actor wasn't the best fit to play a beloved literary character.
The publication Collider recently shared a list of "the 8 worst book-to-movie adaptations of all time." The ranking, published on May 5, included movies like 2022's Persuasion, The Lawnmower Man from 1992, 2006's Eragon, and The Dark Tower, released in 2017.
Collider named David Lynch's 1984 version of Dune, based on Frank Herbert's 1965 book, as the "worst book-to-movie adaptation" ever made.
The film, starring Lynch's long-time collaborator Kyle MacLachlan as Paul Atreides, has a score of 36 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
David Lynch Didn't Like His Version of 'Dune'Lynch, who died in 2025 at the age of 78, confirmed he was unhappy with how Dune turned out in a 2006 interview, wherein he discussed his life's work. He explained he "didn't have final cut" on the film, making it his only movie where he didn't have complete control. Lynch clarified that he "didn't technically have final cut on the Elephant Man" (1980). However, the film's executive producer, famed comedian Mel Brooks, allowed him to have final cut on that movie.
Lynch went on to say that he felt he was "selling out even in the script phase" of Dune because he knew he "didn't have the final cut."
"I sold out, so it was a slow dying death and a terrible, terrible experience," said the Inland Empire director, who also wrote the Dune (1984) script.
Lynch then said that while he regretted making Dune, he did learn to "never ever do a film without final cut" from the experience.
"I don't know how it happened. I trusted that it would work out, but was very naive, and the wrong move," said Lynch during the 2006 interview.
P.F. Chang's Just Dropped a New Celebration Menu for Moms, Dads and Grads—and It's a Full 5-Course Experience
If you've got a graduation, family get-together or just a reason to celebrate coming up, P.F. Chang's just rolled out something that makes planning dinner a whole lot easier. The chain's new limited-time "Sizzle. Share. Celebrate." experience is a five-course meal for two, so you're not stuck figuring out what to order while still getting plenty of variety.
Instead of piecing together a meal from the menu, this one walks you through the full experience—from soup and appetizers to entrées and dessert. It features some of P.F. Chang's most popular dishes, with a few new additions mixed in if you want to upgrade the night and make it feel a little more like an occasion. The celebration menu is available for a limited time through June 23 at participating locations.
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Everything You Get With P.F. Chang's New Five-Course Celebration MenuCourtesy P.F. Chang's
The prix fixe menu starts at $89.99 for two people and is a true multicourse dinner. It begins with a chef's selection, followed by your choice of soup (hot & sour or egg drop), then a round of shareable appetizers.
This is where you'll find favorites like Chang's lettuce wraps, dumplings (steamed or pan-fried), and pork ribs, all meant to be passed around the table. It gives you a little bit of everything, especially if you're dining with someone who prefers to try a few dishes rather than commit to one.
For the main course, you'll choose a shared entrée from a lineup that includes Chang's spicy chicken, Mongolian beef, miso-glazed salmon, long life noodles with prawns or ma po Ttofu, all served with steamed rice. It's a well-rounded selection that covers both classic comfort picks and lighter options, depending on your mood.
Dessert rounds things out with more indulgent options, like the Great Wall of Chocolate cake, butter cake with miso caramel, banana spring rolls with caramel-vanilla drizzle or a chocolate soufflé. A fitting way to end the meal.
Related: The Genius Way to Make Guacamole 10x Better, According to an Award-Winning Chef
The New Upgrades Worth AddingIf you're celebrating something a little bigger, or just want to go all in, you can also add three premium dishes to your meal for an additional cost. These are the newer, limited-time additions to the menu and are a bit more upscale.
Options include a New York prime strip steak tataki, served with yuzu ponzu and togarashi aioli, an oolong Chilean sea bass with ginger-soy sauce, and a lobster and prawn fried rice made with cremini mushrooms and lobster sauce.
They're not necessary to enjoy the experience, but they do make the meal feel more like a special occasion, especially if you're celebrating a graduation or a milestone dinner.
There's Also a Limited-Time Gift Card DealAlongside the new menu, P.F. Chang's is also running a seasonal promotion worth keeping in mind if you plan to return. For a limited time, when you purchase $50 in gift cards, you'll receive a $10 bonus card to use on a future visit.
The celebration menu is available for a limited time at participating locations and is designed for everything from holidays to casual get-togethers. Whether you're celebrating a big milestone or just want a dinner that feels a little more put together than usual, it's an easy way to turn a night out into something that actually feels like an event.
The Top 4 ‘Seinfeld’ Episodes in the Entire Series, According to Jerry Seinfeld
During a live taping of the Rushmore Podcast, hosted by Ari Emanuel and Ben Persky, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David spoke about the episodes of their hit show that they personally consider the best in the series. Out of all 180 episodes of Seinfeld, which ran from 1989 until 1998, they each named their personal “Mount Rushmore.” In other words, their top four favorite episodes.
Seinfeld said that his top four episodes were “The Contest,” “The Soup Nazi,” “The Merv Griffin Show,” and “The Marine Biologist.”
"The Contest" was a raunchy episode about the group betting on who could be the 'master of their domain' for the longest period of time. During the podcast, David revealed he carried around a notebook for two years with the idea for that episode, convinced no one would want it, and was shocked when Seinfeld was a fan.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “David was so convinced that NBC wouldn’t let them film this script that he was ready to quit on the spot once he got word. But that directive never came. However, ‘after the table read, the ad sales [team] went nuts,’ [Warren] Littlefield shared from the audience. Still, the episode was filmed and aired and is widely considered one of the best of the entire series.”
Related: 1962 ‘The Twilight Zone’ Episode Was Ranked as Having the Best Plot Twist in the Entire Series
The next episode on Seinfeld’s list, which was arranged in no particular order, was "Soup Nazi." This episode was about a temperamental soup vendor with strict rules for serving his soup. “The Merv Griffin Show” was about Kramer rebuilding the set of the Merv Griffin Show in his apartment. And “The Marine Biologist” was about George posing as a marine biologist to impress a date.
David also gave a list of his top four favorite episodes. He stated they were “The Contest,” “The Opposite,” “The Puffy Shirt,” and “The Pen.” "The Opposite" was about George listening to the opposite of his every instinct in an attempt to turn his life around. "The Puffy Shirt" was about Jerry accidentally agreeing to wear an ugly, puffy shirt on the Today show. "The Pen" was about an astronaut pen that a man gifted Jerry that caused drama in a retirement community.
Emanuel and Persky, the hosts of the podcast, also listed their favorite episodes. In the end, the group agreed that the best Seinfeld episodes of all time were “The Contest,” “The Opposite,” “The Puffy Shirt,” and “The Marine Biologist.”
1981 Neo-Noir Ranked Among 'Most Influential Erotic Thrillers Ever Made'
The infamous genre known as film noir launched nearly 100 years ago but has remained relevant in the decades since.
Exhibit A is Body Heat, released in 1981 to both critical and commercial acclaim, earning over $24 million against just a $9 million budget.
Criterion calls it "one of the steamiest and most influential erotic thrillers ever made." It's no wonder, therefore, that the home distribution company is releasing a special 4K edition of Body Heat this month (May 19), as the celebrated film quickly nears its 45th anniversary (August 28).
Here's the twisty film's official synopsis, offered by Criterion:
On the sultry South Florida coast, lawyer Ned Racine (William Hurt) is drawn into a torrid affair with unhappily married housewife Matty Walker (Kathleen Turner, in a star-making performance)—and it’s not long before they’ve hatched a scheme to murder her wealthy husband. Featuring ingenious plot twists, memorable hard-boiled dialogue, and an atmosphere so evocative you can practically feel the humidity, Body Heat is a languorously seductive tale of greed and desire, one that paved a new path for American crime cinema.
The thriller holds an impressive 96% average critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Roger Ebert once giving it a perfect four-star review. He wrote in part at the time, "Good noir still has the power to seduce. Yes, Lawrence Kasdan’s Body Heat (1981) is aware of the films that inspired it–especially Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity (1944). But it has a power that transcends its sources. It exploits the personal style of its stars to insinuate itself..."
The standout supporting actors in Body Heat include Mickey Rourke and Ted Danson, the latter of whom led an iconic sitcom that launched the year after this film's release. In fact, one episode of NBC's Cheers is ranked near the very top of Rolling Stone's 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time list. Find out more here.
Nancy Guthrie Update: FBI Director Kash Patel Sends Blunt Message About Sheriff's Handling of Case
FBI Director Kash Patel just sent a blunt message about the Pima County Sheriff's Department in a new interview, as Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mother, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing more than three months after her Feb. 1 abduction in Tucson, Ariz.
On the Tuesday, May 5 episode of Hang Out With Sean Hannity, Patel sat down with Fox host Sean Hannity to discuss a wide range of topics.
"In the Nancy Guthrie case, I got frustrated," Hannity said of the 84-year-old's missing case. "Because I knew from my sources they were trying to keep you guys out."
"They did," Patel confirmed. "The first 48 hours in anyone's disappearance are the most critical. And here's how these cases work: It is a state matter. It's a state and local law enforcement matter. What we, the FBI, do is say, 'Hey, we're here to help. What do you need? What can we do?'"
He continued, "And for four days, we were kept out of the investigation. And when we were finally let in, Sean, look what we did. We went in and got the Ring doorbell."
Patel said that he called the leadership at Google, explained that Nancy did not have a subscription service to capture all of the video data, and asked about going into the cached data before it was deleted.
"That's why you have that image," he pointed out, of the stills and video footage of "Porch Guy"—the masked man on Nancy's porch who is a prime suspect. "Because the FBI worked with Google to put that image out."
Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff’s Department Issues Renewed Plea 3 Months After Abduction
Patel also claimed, "We could have gotten that days before. We could have also maybe gotten more data had we been let in earlier."
Additionally, the FBI director said the bureau offered to process the DNA evidence in Nancy's case, but PCSD first sent it to a lab in Florida for processing instead.
"I launched hundreds of agents and intel staff to Phoenix and Tucson just for this case, just to be on standby, just to do the canvassing," Patel added. "And I said, 'We'll take the DNA.' And again, it's a state and local matter, so it's their call on where to send the DNA.
When Hannity said it was a "bad call," Patel replied, "Well, that's for the American public to decide."
He continued, "And what we can do is continue to offer support. We would have analyzed it within days and maybe gotten better information or more information. Our lab's just better than any other private lab out there. And we didn't get a chance to do that, so I understand everybody's frustrations."
Nancy was last seen at her Catalina Foothills residence on the evening of Jan. 31, with the PCSD launching its search on Feb 1, after her family reported her missing. The FBI joined days later. As of writing, no suspect has been named in the case, despite Savannah offering a $1 million reward.
Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: New Video Shows Masked Man in Savannah’s Mom’s Neighborhood
Classic Horror Franchise Unveils Disturbing First Look at New Film
The long-awaited first trailer for Evil Dead Burn has officially dropped.
The trailer, which was released on Tuesday, April 5, by Warner Brothers, gave fans their first real look at the mysterious new installment in the iconic franchise.
As the newly revealed logline explains: “After the loss of her husband, a woman seeks solace with her in-laws in their secluded family home. As one by one they are transformed into Deadites—turning the gathering into a family reunion from hell—she comes to discover that the vows she took in life live on… even in death.”
The ominous first look opens with a woman loading the dishwasher in her home, who receives a knock on the door. The individual at the door winds up being an undead woman with some of her fingers cleanly sliced off and a car headrest through the side of her face, which she removes. The trailer teases the car accident that caused the injury, along with other gory scenes along the way. The movie’s tagline is equally as chilling: “Family is the root of all evil.”
The franchise dates back to Sam Raimi’s 1981 classic The Evil Dead, which introduced audiences to the Necronomicon and a world of relentless supernatural terror. Over the decades, the series has expanded through sequels, a reboot, and even the TV spinoff Ash vs. Evil Dead.
The cast for Burn includes Souheila Yacoub, Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, and Tandi Wright, with longtime franchise collaborators, including Raimi and Bruce Campbell, remaining involved as producers. The trailer first debuted at CinemaCon in Las Vegas last month.
But that’s not all for the franchise. Another installment, Evil Dead Wrath, is already in the works—a surprisingly quick turnaround given how recently Burn wrapped production. It is expected to be released sometime in Spring 2028.
Evil Dead Burn is set to hit theaters on July 10.
1985 Nostalgic Hit With Iconic No. 1 Anthem Ranked Among Best Rock Movies of All Time
We will never forget about The Breakfast Club. John Hughes’ seminal teen classic is a time capsule of ’80s nostalgia, capturing the highs and heartbreaks of adolescence while delivering a defining soundtrack capped by a No. 1 anthem that still rocks today. With its unforgettable take on teen identity and killer musical moment, the film remains as iconic as ever. And now, Ultimate Classic Rock has ranked it best rock movie of 1985.
“After the success of Sixteen Candles the year before, John Hughes’ knack for understanding the problems facing suburban teenagers reached full bloom with The Breakfast Club,” UCR writes. “He also recognized the importance of music in their lives, opening the film with a quote from David Bowie's Changes before making way for its theme, Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me).’”
View this post on InstagramReleased in February 1985, the film sends a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal to detention on a Saturday. As their walls come down, defenses crack and labels begin to blur, revealing just how much the group has in common. Subtle yet deeply impactful, Hughes’ shift to more emotionally honest teen storytelling helped define the coming-of-age genre. And set the gold standard for a final scene.
Bookending the film, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” has an interesting backstory. Initially offered to several artists before finding a home, the song was turned down by Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry, Billy Idol, and even Simple Minds. Reluctantly, the Scottish rockers finally agreed to record the song, written and composed by producer Keith Forsey and guitarist Steve Schiff. And it was the best move of the band’s career: The hit soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, launching the band into international stardom.
“The track, which was reprised over the closing credits, was the only memorable song on the soundtrack,” UCR writes, “but it was so anthemic that it became synonymous with the inroads synth-heavy pop had made toward the mainstream.”
Like its theme song, the cast went through its own bout of shakeups. Imagine this: Emilio Estevez as Bender, Molly Ringwald as Allison, and Robin Wright, John Cusack, and Nicolas Cage rounding out the cast. Yeah. It could've happened. We are definitely thankful for the final cast we got, though, with Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall, and Judd Nelson joining Estevez and Ringwald, but the near-miss casting stories are always fun to entertain.
Moviegoers clearly agreed. The 1985 release was a box office smash, earning an estimated $52 million on a $1 million budget, while the soundtrack climbed to No. 17 on Billboard 200. Today, the movie stands as an iconic coming-of-age classic with its anthem and final scene forever intertwined. We’d say Hughes earned a massive gold star with this one.
Related: 1971 Bittersweet Classic With Soulful Soundtrack Ranked Among Greatest Rock Movies
12 Best Nail Strengtheners That Actually Work, Tested by Celebrity Manicurists
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If your nails are constantly peeling, breaking or just refusing to grow past a certain point, you’re not alone—nail damage is incredibly common, especially if you regularly wear polish, gel or press-ons. What’s more confusing is that the solution seems simple. Use a nail strengthener, right?
But if you’ve ever actually tried one, you know it’s not that straightforward. Some formulas feel like they make your nails harder, but then they snap. Others promise repair but don’t seem to do much at all. And then there’s the bigger question: are nail strengtheners even doing anything, or are they just another step that sounds good in theory?
Part of the issue is that “weak nails” can mean a lot of different things. For some people, it’s peeling and flaking. For others, it’s bending, splitting or just never growing. And depending on what’s actually going on, the product that works for someone else might not work for you.
So, we spoke with celebrity manicurists to understand what actually makes a nail strengthener worth using. The biggest takeaway? These products can work—but only if you understand what they’re designed to do, and what your nails actually need. Some formulas reinforce, others hydrate and the best ones do both. And just as important as the product itself is how (and how consistently) you use it.
Ahead, everything to know before you buy—and the nail strengtheners that experts actually recommend.
Related: The French-Inspired Manicure That’s Flattering at Any Age, According to Celebrity Nail Artists
Do Nail Strengtheners Actually Work?Short answer: yes—but they’re not a quick fix. “Nail strengtheners do not repair instantly—they support new growth and protect,” says Jacqueline Pham, a celebrity manicurist who has worked with Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry.
According to JinSoon Choi, whose clients include fashion week regulars, the most effective formulas don’t just harden the nail—they improve both strength and flexibility, which helps prevent breakage. That distinction matters. Overly hard nails can actually snap more easily, while overly soft nails can peel or bend—the goal is balance.
And in many cases, what people think is “weakness” is actually dehydration. “Many people think their nails are weak because they break easily, but often they’re actually just very dry,” Choi explains. “That lack of moisture causes cracking.”
Related: 7 Nail Mistakes That Make Hands Look Older—and What To Try Instead
Related: How To Get the Perfect Princess Nails, According to a Professional Nail Technician
Top Nail Strengtheners- Best Overall:JINsoon HyperRepair Treatment Base Coat
- Best for Peeling Nails: essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener
- Best for Growth:Olive & June Advanced Nail Strengthener
- Best for Damaged Nails:Color Street Nail Strengthener
- Best for Thin Nails:Nailtiques Formula 2
- Best for Weak Nails:Nail Tek Intensive Therapy 2
- Best Base Coat:OPI Nail Envy Original
- Best Budget:Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Strengthener
- Best With Color:Essie Treat Love & Color
- Best Hydrating Formula:Butter London Nail Rescue Basecoat
- Best for Splitting Nails:Orly Nail Defense
- Best Luxury:Dior Nail Glow
The best nail strengtheners don’t rely on just one type of ingredient—they combine reinforcing and conditioning elements. Choi recommends looking for exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic and malic acids to smooth the nail surface, along with vitamins C, E and panthenol to maintain flexibility.
Pham points to keratin as a key strengthening ingredient, since it reinforces the structure of the nail itself. Meanwhile, manicurist Nettie Davis—who has worked with Zendaya, Janelle Monáe and Gabrielle Union—highlights ingredients like calcium, biotin, glycerin and hydrolyzed wheat protein for long-term strength and flexibility.
The common theme: strong nails aren’t just hard—they’re hydrated.
Related: 50 Best Nail Ideas for Women Over 50
What’s the Best Way To Apply Nail Strengtheners?Application is where a lot of people go wrong. “You want to apply on clean, oil-free nails,” says Choi. “For weak or damaged nails, I recommend two coats on bare nails.”
Consistency matters just as much. Pham suggests removing and reapplying at least once a week, while Davis recommends adding a fresh coat every couple of days if you’re actively trying to repair damage. If you’re using it as maintenance, you can wear it under polish. But if you’re in recovery mode, simpler is better.
Related: 35 Beautiful Birthday Nails To Amp Up Your Special Day
Can You Use Nail Strengtheners With Other Products?Yes—but it depends on your goal. If your nails are relatively healthy, strengtheners can double as a base coat and help your manicure last longer. Olivia Van Iderstine, Olive & June’s mani trend expert, notes that some formulas even improve polish adhesion.
But if your nails are damaged, layering too many products can work against you. Davis recommends letting the strengthener do its job on its own first: “A strengthener should focus on nourishing the nail. Treatment first, longevity second.”
Related: The Viral Manicure Everyone’s Asking For—And Why It Flatters Every Age
12 Best Nail Strengtheners, Tested by Celebrity ManicuristsBest Overall: JINsoon HyperRepair Treatment Base Coat, $22JinSoon
Shop It at JinSoonIf you want a formula that does a little bit of everything well, this is the one experts consistently point to. It’s designed to strengthen while maintaining flexibility—something Choi emphasizes as essential to preventing breakage. “A good strengthener improves both strength and flexibility, so nails don’t become brittle,” she says.
She recommends this formula specifically because it reinforces the nail without making it overly hard, which can actually lead to snapping. It’s especially useful if your nails are recovering from gels or frequent polish removal and need to be brought back to a healthy baseline.
Related: The 11 Best Retinol Hand Creams To Tackle Signs of Aging
Best for Peeling Nails: essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener, $11Ulta
Shop It at UltaPeeling nails usually aren’t just weak—they’re dehydrated and breaking down at the surface. This formula leans more into repair and conditioning, using strengthening technology alongside hydrating ingredients to help smooth layers and reduce flaking over time. According to Choi, it’s less about creating a hard shell and more about improving the overall condition of the nail so it stops splitting in the first place.
Treatments like this work well for peeling specifically because they focus on flexibility and moisture—not just reinforcement—making them a better long-term fix for nails that won’t stop flaking.
Amazon
Shop It on AmazonIf your goal is longer nails—not just stronger ones—this upgraded version is worth considering. It’s designed to protect against chipping and breakage while supporting growth, which makes a difference if your nails tend to break before you see real length.
Van Iderstine notes that this is ideal “when you want to achieve your longest, strongest nails,” with many users seeing improvement quickly. It layers easily under polish, so you can keep your routine intact while still treating your nails.
Best for Damaged Nails: Color Street Nail Strengthener, $13Color Street
Shop It at ColorstreetWhen nails feel compromised—whether from over-filing, gel removal or general wear—this formula focuses on rebuilding strength. It’s packed with keratin and vitamins, which help reinforce the nail structure and support healthier regrowth over time.
Pham recommends keratin-based formulas like this one because they directly strengthen the nail itself. It’s a good option if your nails feel thin, weak or easily damaged.
Best for Thin Nails: Nailtiques Formula 2, $18Amazon
Shop It on AmazonThis is one of those “if you know, you know” products that professionals swear by. It’s especially effective for thin, peeling nails, helping to gradually rebuild strength without making them feel heavy or stiff.
Davis calls this one of the “gold standards,” adding, “The secret to strong nails is sticking to the legends.” If your nails won’t grow past a certain point, this is often the one that makes the biggest difference.
Best for Weak Nails: Nail Tek Intensive Therapy 2, $13Amazon
Shop It on AmazonSoft, bendy nails require a slightly different approach, and this formula is designed with that in mind. It helps reinforce the nail structure while reducing peeling and splitting, making nails feel more stable over time. Davis recommends this alongside Nailtiques as a tried-and-true option. It’s particularly helpful if your nails feel flexible but fragile, rather than dry or brittle.
Best Base Coat: OPI Nail Envy Original, $20Amazon
Shop It on AmazonIf you want a strengthener that fits seamlessly into your existing routine, this is one of the easiest options, says Natalie Minerva, celebrity nail artist who has worked with Demi Lovato. It doubles as a base coat, using hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium to reinforce nails while prepping them for polish. You can use it under any manicure, which makes it easier to stay consistent.
Best Budget: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Strengthener, $3Amazon
Shop It on AmazonThis is the classic drugstore pick that’s been around for years—and for good reason. It focuses on strengthening and protecting against everyday wear, making it a reliable option if your nails are generally healthy, but prone to occasional breakage, says Davis. If you’re new to nail treatments or just want something affordable to start with, this is an easy entry point.
Best With Color: Essie Treat Love & Color, $9Amazon
Shop It on AmazonIf you don’t want to go fully bare while treating your nails, this is a great compromise. It combines strengthening ingredients with a sheer wash of color, so your nails look polished while still improving over time. This is especially useful if you’re trying to repair damage but still want your nails to look finished day-to-day, says Davis.
Best Hydrating Formula: Butter London Nail Rescue Basecoat, $15Amazon
Shop It on AmazonNot all “weak” nails are actually weak—sometimes they’re just dry. This formula focuses on hydration, helping improve flexibility and reduce brittleness so nails are less likely to crack. As Choi points out, dryness is often the real issue behind breakage. If your nails feel rough or dehydrated, a formula like this addresses the root cause instead of just reinforcing the surface.
Best for Splitting Nails: Orly Nail Defense, $11Sally Hansen
Shop It at Sally HansenIf your nails tend to split or peel at the edges, this formula creates a protective layer that helps prevent further damage. It reinforces the nail without making it feel thick or heavy, which makes it easy to wear consistently. According to celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein who has worked with Julianne Moore, it’s a solid option if your nails are mostly healthy but prone to breaking from everyday wear.
Best Luxury: Dior Nail Glow, $34Sephora
Shop It at SephoraThis is less of a heavy-duty treatment and more of a polished, elevated option. According to celebrity nail artist Ami Streets who has worked with Ella Purnell, it enhances your natural nail color with a subtle pink tint while offering light strengthening benefits, so your nails look better instantly. If you want something that feels more like a beauty product than a treatment step, this delivers both aesthetics and a bit of care.
Up Next:
Related: Manicurist Says This Nail Length Is Most Flattering for Women Over 50
Sources:- Jacqueline Pham, celebrity manicurist
- JinSoon Choi, celebrity manicurist
- Nettie Davis, celebrity manicurist
- Olivia Van Iderstine, Olive & June’s mani trend expert
- Natalie Minerva, celebrity nail artist
- Elle Gerstein, celebrity nail artist
- Ami Streets, celebrity nail artist
'NCIS: Origins' Season 3 Is Happening — With a Major Shake-Up Behind the Scenes
The Season 2 finale will leave NCIS: Origins fans with several questions, especially the surprising cliffhanger ending. But the good news is that there will be a Season 3 to answer those questions.
That’s the good news. The sad news is that the number of episodes for the season have been reduced from 18 to 10 and that co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal will be exiting the show she helped to create, leaving the nostalgic, character-driven drama solely in the capable hands of David J. North to oversee.
Here’s everything we know about NCIS: Origins Season 3 to date.
When is the NCIS: Origins Season 3 release date?The second season of NCIS: Origins will begin airing new episodes in fall 2026 when CBS launches its 2026-2027 schedule. It will remain on Tuesday nights but move into the 10 p.m. ET/PT timeslot, following the new spinoff NCIS: New York, which will air at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The exact release date hasn’t been announced but look for late September or early October.
Is there a trailer for NCIS: Origins Season 3?It's too soon! The episodes have not been filmed as yet, so no trailer yet.
Who’s in the NCIS: Origins cast for Season 3?Austin Stowell as Leroy Jethro GibbsKyle Schmid as Mike FranksMariel Molino as Special Agent Lala DominguezTyla Abercrombie as Mary Jo SullivanDiany Rodriguez as Vera StricklandCaleb Foote as Benjamin “Randy” RandolfWho will be leaving NCIS: Origins in Season 3?A major change will be the exit of co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal, who is leaving the show at the end of Season 2. The finale, "Hollywood Ending," was her final script. That will leave David J. North as the sole showrunner.
In an exclusive interview with Parade, Monreal told us, “First of all, I’m just so grateful to have been part of this for two seasons. This has really been such an honor and a highlight of my career. Just getting to work with David, my bestie, I’m just so excited to see what he comes up with for next season. The show could not be in more capable hands. I am going to take a much-needed break and have some quality time with my family, and then we’ll see where the writing takes me next.”
To which North responded, “All Gina’s ever been is the dopest person and the kindest most awesome person, and she’s just going to go keep doing that is what I predict.”
Are there any spoilers for Season 3 of NCIS: Origins?The episodes have not been written yet, so no spoilers yet, other than to say that the big cliffhanger mystery that takes place in the final minutes of Season 2 will need to be resolved.
Another change that is coming is that the agency will be changing its name, and there's a fun storyline in the Season 2 finale that takes a fictional look as to why and how.
How many episodes will there be in Season 3 of NCIS: Origins?NCIS: Origins will see a big change for its third season as the number of episodes has been reduced by CBS from 18 for Seasons 1 and 2 to only 10 for Season 3.
Where to watch and stream NCIS: OriginsNCIS: Origins will air on Tuesday nights on CBS. Then stream the next day on Paramount+.
Does NCIS: Origins air on Netflix?No, it’s exclusive to Paramount+
Where can episodes of Season 1 and 2 of NCIS: Origins be watched?All episodes of NCIS: Origins can be streamed on Paramount+.
Next, CBS Reveals Scripted Finale Teases For the 2025-2026 Broadcast Season
2001 Thriller With Surprise Music Cameos Ranked Among Best Action Films
Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day knew the assignment when it was released in 2001: Entertain, thrill, and deliver a defining modern crime thriller. Competing with blockbusters like Black Hawk Down, The Fast & the Furious, and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Fuqua’s gritty, crooked-cop gem was just ranked the very best action film of 2001.
“Starring Ethan Hawke as a rookie cop [named Jake] who is taken under the wing of Denzel Washington's Alonzo, a crooked detective with a mean streak, Training Day is one of the most groundbreaking, truly modern action flicks of the last thirty years,” Comic Book Resourceswrites.
View this post on InstagramSet over 24 hours in Los Angeles, the narrative charts Jake’s first day with the narcotics force. Trained by Alonzo, he’s forced into a series of morally corrupt situations, from smoking PCP to dodging bullets in South Central L.A. The “gangster” part of the narrative, Washington shares, was added to David Ayers’ screenplay by the film’s director.
“I don’t think it was written for a Black guy,” Washington tells The Hollywood Reporter, explaining that the film was originally scripted as a Lethal Weapon-type movie. “It was more like a plaid-shirt [wearing] guy with beer bottles in the back. Antoine was the one that brought gangster to it.”
Beyond the film’s evolving screenplay, the film also went through a major casting makeover, Mental Floss shares. An early version had Samuel L. Jackson and Matt Damon in the lead roles, with David Guggenheim initially directing.
For the role of Jake, a long list of pretty-boy contenders reportedly included Eminem, Tobey Maguire, Ryan Phillippe, Paul Walker, and Freddie Prinze Jr. In the end it was Washington who signed on first, and insisted on Fuqua helming. It was also Washington who received the most acclaim, winning an Oscar for his performance.
“Washington is utterly electric in the role of Alonzo,” CBR writes. “It's an unforgettable experience packed with tense shootouts, harrowing showdowns, and enough twists and turns to keep anyone and everyone locked in.”
The white-knuckle storyline is definitely action-packed and wrought with tension, but another element of surprise comes from the film’s music-star cameos. Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Macy Gray all make memorable appearances, adding to the world Fuqua built and cementing themselves serious character actors.
Meanwhile, Washington proved himself a master of improvisation, famously coming up with the film’s most iconic line — “King Kong ain’t got nothing on me” — on the spot. It’s just one of the many moments and reasons that explain why, even in a stacked year, no film hits quite like Training Day.
Related: 1971 Bittersweet Classic With Soulful Soundtrack Ranked Among Greatest Rock Movies
Amazon’s 'Chic' and 'Elegant' $59 Michael Kors Purse Is the Perfect Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift, especially at the last minute, can be a lot of pressure. If you’re still scrambling to find one with Mother’s Day just a few days away, we dug up an option that you may want to consider — this Michael Kors Zoe Small Convertible Pouchette at Amazon that’s currently on sale for up to 40% off! If you’re an Amazon Prime Member, you can get this bag delivered as soon as tomorrow. With a deal this sweet, you may even consider grabbing one for yourself, too!
Normally retailing between $75 and $158, this convertible shoulder bag is now marked down to as low as $59! Prices vary depending on style, but most are on sale between $59 to $75. The best deals are on the ivy green, husk taupe, gold, and silver versions, which are at the lowest price. It’s available in 23 other styles, including other solid colors like oxblood, chambray, white, and more. You can also choose from those crafted with logoed fabric or adorned with rhinestones.
Michael Kors Zoe Small Convertible Pouchette, From $59 (was $98) at Amazon Shop at AmazonMade of leather, this pouchette captures the essence of understated luxury. This bag has a sleek and elegant exterior, boasting pebbled fabric that gives it texture and dimension. Featuring a streamlined silhouette with rounded corners, it has a soft look that’ll seamlessly complement both casual and dressy outfits. Depending on the style you opt for, the bag is complete with gold-tone, antique gold-tone, gunmetal, or silver-tone hardware.
A subtle nod to the past, this pouchette also has a slim profile that gives it a retro feel. Additionally, it’s crafted with two chunky exterior pockets with large buckle accents, lending itself to the Y2K aesthetic. A shopper mentioned that this bag is “nostalgic” and said that it gives “2000’s nostalgia.”
One shopper called this pouchette their “go-to on-the-go purse.” Another reviewer said that “it goes great with just about anything.” Many customers adored the style of this bag, describing it as “chic,” “super cute,” and “elegant.”
Michael Kors Zoe Small Convertible Pouchette, From $59 (was $98) at Amazon Shop at AmazonWhile undoubtedly stylish, this bag is also practical and will come in handy, especially on those days when you can’t be bothered to lug around a large tote. Measuring 9 inches wide, 4.3 inches tall, and 1.8 inches deep, it offers just enough space to hold all your everyday essentials so you can go about your day hands-free. The top of the bag is finished with a zipper closure to prevent your items from falling out.
Shoppers noted that the main compartment is large enough to hold their phone, a small wallet, a set of keys, and more. The two front pockets are ideal for organizing smaller items (think: lip gloss and cash) to prevent them from cluttering the main compartment. To keep your belongings secure, the pockets are fixed with snap closures to ensure that the flaps remain closed.
This shoulder bag is essentially two styles in one, doubling as a wristlet. The top handle has an 8.5-inch drop, designed to sit elegantly on your shoulder without getting in the way of your arm. However, you can easily convert this pouchette into a wristlet by attaching both ends of the strap to one side of the bag, allowing you to take it from day to night.
Shop More Deals- Michael Kors Alice Shoulder Bag, $180 (was $300) at Amazon
- Michael Kors Marilyn Crossbody Bag, From $103 (was $258) at Amazon
- Michael Kors Jet Set Card Holder, From $23 (was $44) at Amazon
Whether you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift or want to refresh your bag collection, don’t hesitate to snag the Michael Kors Zoe Small Convertible Pouchette at Amazon while it’s on sale for as low as $59! If you want to get it before Sunday, sign up to become a Prime Member — the first 30 days are free.
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.
I Finally Ordered Daisy Cakes From 'Shark Tank'—Here’s My Honest Review
Shark Tank has a way of putting certain food brands on your radar—and Daisy Cakes is one brand that still resonates 15 years later. The Southern-style cake company, founded by Kim Nelson, built its pitch around scratch-made family recipes, traditional techniques, and desserts that look like they came straight out of grandma's kitchen rather than a commercial bakery.
That approach is a big part of the brand's appeal. Daisy Cakes focuses on classic flavors—like coconut, carrot, chocolate and red velvet—made in small batches and shipped nationwide. The cakes are fully frosted, layered, and designed to feel homemade, which is not always easy to pull off when something has to survive shipping.
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Of course, that's also where the hesitation comes in. Ordering a cake online is a bit of a gamble. Between the price, the potential for damage during delivery and the question of whether it will actually taste as good as it looks, expectations can be high, and results can vary.
I finally got my hands on one to see how it holds up outside the spotlight—and whether it's worth the price once it's on your table.
What Is Special About Daisy Cakes?Courtesy Daisy Cakes
What sets Daisy Cakes apart is its focus on traditional Southern-style baking, with a heavy emphasis on scratch-made methods and familiar flavors. Instead of chasing trends or over-the-top combinations, the brand sticks to classics that feel nostalgic and comforting.
Each cake is layered and frosted, with an emphasis on a homemade look rather than a polished, bakery-case finish. That slightly imperfect appearance is intentional—it's meant to mirror the kind of cakes you'd expect made by hand from a family recipe, rather than a mass-produced dessert.
Another key difference is how the cakes are handled for shipping. Rather than trying to deliver them fresh and risking damage, Daisy Cakes sends them frozen, packed with dry ice. This helps preserve structure and texture during transit, which is critical for a product that has to travel long distances.
Related: High Poppi Performance! How Did ‘Shark Tank’ Guest Allison Ellsworth Make Her Soda Money?
What Happened to Daisy Cakes After Shark Tank?Daisy Cakes gained national attention after appearing on Shark Tank (season 2, episode 5), where Nelson struck a deal with Barbara Corcoran. The exposure helped transform the business from a small, homegrown operation into a recognizable name in the mail-order dessert space.
Since then, the brand has continued to grow while sticking to its core identity. It has expanded its online presence and built a steady following, especially around holidays when desserts are in high demand and time is scarce.
That staying power is notable. Many food brands that have appeared on Shark Tank fade after the initial buzz, but Daisy Cakes has maintained visibility, in part because it leans into a clear identity rather than constantly reinventing itself.
Related: Every Shark on ‘Shark Tank’ Ranked by Net Worth in 2026
What Can You Order From Daisy Cakes?Courtesy Daisy Cakes
The menu centers on classic cake flavors: lemon, coconut, chocolate, carrot, and red velvet, forming the backbone of the lineup. There are also seasonal and specialty offerings that vary with the time of year, giving returning customers something new to try.
Cakes are sold whole rather than by the slice, and they are not inexpensive. However, pricing reflects the handmade quality and the shipped nature of the product. Most standard four-layer cakes are priced at $69.95, with gluten-free, vegan, and "Happy Birthday" versions running about $10 more. Half-and-half cakes come in slightly higher at $74.95.
It's positioned as a premium, shipped dessert—more in line with a gift or special-occasion purchase than something you'd order on a whim. The brand also offers a Cake of the Month Club that delivers rotating flavors on a recurring basis for those who want to make it a more regular indulgence.
Shipping plays a major role in the experience. Cakes are sent frozen to hold up in transit, but that ends up being a benefit, since it lets you slice off only what you need and thaw it in smaller portions. Each piece only takes a couple of hours to thaw, making it easy to plan around.
I Tried Daisy Cakes—Here's My Honest ReviewJim Hoffman
The first thing I noticed was the box's weight—it's heavy. Taking it out of the shipping package, the cake was still very much frozen, which felt like a good sign for something that had to travel.
I ordered the carrot cake, which the website lists as its No. 1 seller—and it also happens to be one of my all-time favorites.
Jim Hoffman
After letting it thaw and cutting into it, I was struck again by the size. This is a massive cake. It's built with four layers, each about an inch thick, making it nearly impossible to serve "just a small slice." Visually, it's impressive. The cake is cleanly assembled and evenly frosted—but with a hand-finished look that feels closer to what you'd expect at a high-end restaurant or steakhouse than to a mail-order cake.
Jim Hoffman
The first bite delivers a strong hit of flavor. The cake itself is well-balanced, with the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting working nicely against the spiced, cinnamon-forward layers. Large pieces of shredded carrot are clearly visible throughout, along with whole golden raisins, which add both texture and bursts of sweetness.
Jim Hoffman
One of the things I look for in a carrot cake is moisture. Given that this one was shipped frozen and thawed at home, I expected it to be slightly drier than something fresh from a bakery or my own oven—but that wasn't the case. It retained its moisture well and remained intact without crumbling. Overall, it's a well-executed cake. At $69.95 for a standard cake—and more for specialty versions—it's not an everyday purchase, but the size helps justify the cost. It feels better suited for a gathering or as a gift than a casual dessert. The website estimates 16 to 20 servings, but given how substantial each slice is, you could likely stretch that closer to 24 and still leave guests satisfied.
How to Order Daisy CakesJim Hoffman
Daisy Cakes can be ordered directly through the company's website, where you'll find the full lineup of flavors along with seasonal offerings. Because the cakes are shipped frozen, it's a good idea to plan ahead, especially if you're ordering for a specific occasion.
Shipping timelines and availability can vary depending on demand, so checking delivery windows before placing an order is worth doing. Once it arrives, allowing time for the cake to thaw properly will help ensure you get the best possible texture and flavor.
For anyone who remembers seeing Daisy Cakes on Shark Tank and has been curious ever since, ordering one is a straightforward way to see how it holds up beyond the pitch—and whether it actually justifies the price once it's on your table.
Related: 12 'Shark Tank' Food Products at Costco to Buy in 2026
