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In the early 1960's, Lesley Gore was a simple high school student when legendary producer Quincy Jonesoffered her "It's My Party," which would become a staple song for young girls.

Gore, born in Queens and raised in New Jersey, would soon be known as "The Teen Queen" among the press when she released her debut single. At the time, she was taking vocal lessons when she and her teacher decided to record some piano demos, which caught Jones' interest.

The 16-year-old would end up landing one of the biggest pop hits when she released "It's My Party" in 1963 for her debut album I'll Cry If I Want To. It would land her at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Cash Box, and the R&B chart. The track also went international and became a No.1 hit in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, and No. 6 in the UK.

“I liked it because she sang in tune, and she had a nice sound, a very identifiable sound,” Jones said in an interview with NPR . “That was the first pop record I made, was Lesley Gore, ‘It’s My Party.’”

The track had quite an interesting backstory, with it having been developed by Herb Wiener, John Gluck Jr. and Wally Gold. Seymour Gottlieb owned a restaurant in New York but was also a freelance songwriter when he came up with the lyrics to "It's My Party." He gave them to Weiner, who was a friend, based on a real-life situation involving his daughter Judy.

Lyrics for "It's My Party" tell the story of a young girl having her 16th birthday and realizing her boyfriend has disappeared. She later finds him holding hands with another girl and "wearing his ring." The real inspiration isn't as dramatic, but does involve Gottlieb having thrown a 16th birthday party for his daughter in Brooklyn in 1963. Judy had received some news that soured her special day.

“My parents insisted that my grandparents had to be invited,” Judy recalled to New York Daily News. “I, of course, being a bratty teenager, said I didn’t want them there. I burst into tears, and my father said, ‘Don’t cry.’”

Judy would then respond to her father with what would become the infamous line for the track, "It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to."

"It's My Party" also has an interesting story on how it landed at No.1 thanks to Jones. Gore picked the song from two or three hundred demos that Jones played for her in the den of her parents' home. She recorded it at the end of March 1963, but at the same time Phil Spector had plans to record the track with the Crystals after hearing it at Aaron Schroeder's office.

Schroeder decided not to tell Jones what was occurring until Jones learned the truth after running into Spector at Carnegie Hall just a day after Gore recorded her version. Without telling Spector, Jones skipped the concert, ran to burn hundreds of copies of their track, and handed them out to the top radio stations. "It's My Party" was rush-released, climbed the charts, and the Crystals never recorded it.

Related: 1967 Pop Rock Song, Written by The Beatles, Launched a 24-Year-Old Singer's Career

As with any comedian, most people either enjoy Will Ferrell's work or view it "not their cup of tea," preferring to enjoy the work of another comedian rather than focusing too greatly on the former SNL star's films and TV shows.

While Ferrell himself remains largely unbothered by this, the Anchorman star recently revealed one testy exchange at a restaurant when a fan kept comparing him to one of the entertainment industry's great contemporary comedians.

Appearing on a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the 59-year-old comedian discussed a "nightmare fan encounter" with a woman who expressed some mixed opinions about his work.

"I did have this amazing experience," Ferrell began by saying. "I was at a restaurant, I was walking to the bathroom and I just happened to be in lock-step with this woman who looks and goes, 'Oh, hi, how are you?'"

Tagging along with the woman to the bathroom, Ferrell remembered the fan saying, "‘You’re very funny… but you’re no Larry David.’ And, I go, ‘Oh, well, yeah.’ I kind of chuckled. I’m like, ‘Are you kidding me? He’s one of the best. He’s a king.’ Anyway, she goes to the bathroom.”

Breaking apart to visit their respective restrooms, Ferrell said that he and the fan ended up exiting back into the main restaurant at the exact same time, picking up their conversation from where they left off.

"Somehow, I come out, she comes out at the same," Ferrell remembered. "And then she picks up right [she left off]. Like, 'I’m serious, you’re no Larry David. You’re not even close to him.'”

“I was like, ‘You know what? I get it. You like Larry David,’” Ferrell remembered responding. “‘Why don’t you go back to your table and shut up?’” 

Though he has a light-hearted view of the incident now, Ferrell also said he knows what the argument must have looked like from the fan's point of view.

"I know that B side of that is that, '‘I just met that Buddy the Elf. He’s an *sshole,’” Ferrell said with a laugh. “Her version is probably, ‘I just told him I love Larry David.’”

In 1963, a song written by a young Bob Dylan became one of the defining recordings of the folk revival, but it wasn't Dylan's version that became the enormous hit.

"Blowin' in the Wind," written by Dylan in 1962 and released on his second studio album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan the following year, didn't chart when Dylan released it as a single. Within weeks, however, Peter, Paul and Mary turned the song into a major commercial success.

The iconic folk trio released its rendition in June 1963, just weeks after Dylan's album arrived. Their version climbed all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Middle-Road chart, the predecessor to today's Adult Contemporary chart.

Related: The Woman Bob Dylan Called 'Deep & Mysterious' and Asked Her to Marry Him Turns 87 Today

Remarkably, the recording that helped make "Blowin' in the Wind" famous reportedly came together in a single take. Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary shared manager Albert Grossman, who brought the song to the trio, and they promptly recorded it.

The record also became a huge seller. Peter, Paul and Mary's version sold 300,000 copies during its first week and surpassed 1 million copies as it raced up the charts.

'Blowin' in the Wind' Became an Anthem of the Civil Rights Movement

The song's impact soon extended far beyond the charts.

Dylan built "Blowin' in the Wind" around a series of questions about war, peace, freedom and people's willingness to ignore injustice. Rolling Stone, which ranks the song at No. 100 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, has called it "the most famous protest song ever written," noting that Dylan broke with the more literal topical-song tradition by addressing the upheaval around him through broader, poetic questions.

Related: Nobel Prize-Winning Songwriter Bob Dylan Just Named America’s Most Essential Musical Artist

That approach helped the song resonate with the burgeoning civil rights movement. Just two months after releasing their version, Peter, Paul and Mary performed "Blowin' in the Wind" and "If I Had a Hammer" at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on Aug. 28, 1963.

The historic gathering brought music and the civil rights movement together in an extraordinary way. In their book "Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation," music historian Jon Meacham and country superstar Tim McGraw recount the music surrounding the March on Washington, including performances by Joan Baez and Mahalia Jackson.

Jackson would play an unexpected role in one of the day's defining moments. As Martin Luther King Jr. began to depart from his prepared remarks, Jackson, standing nearby, called out, "Tell 'em about the dream, Martin." King then left his prepared text behind and moved into the famous "I Have a Dream" portion of his speech.

Peter, Paul and Mary's performance of Dylan's song that same day cemented its connection to a pivotal moment in American history.

Related: 1969 Classic, Featuring Bob Dylan's 'Grim Masterpiece,' Just Named the Greatest Movie Soundtrack of All Time

Peter, Paul and Mary Made the Bob Dylan Song a Hit

"Blowin' in the Wind" also brought Peter, Paul and Mary considerable acclaim. At the 1964 Grammy Awards, their rendition won Best Folk Recording and Best Performance by a Vocal Group. Nearly four decades later, in 2003, their recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Dylan's song, meanwhile, continued to take on a life of its own. Hundreds of artists have recorded "Blowin' in the Wind," with Stevie Wonder scoring another major hit with the song in 1966. His rendition reached the Top 10 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard's R&B chart.

More than six decades after Dylan wrote it at just 20 years old, "Blowin' in the Wind" remains one of his most celebrated compositions, even though the recording that first carried it toward the top of the charts belonged to someone else.

Related: 1972 Album, Called 'Magic in a Bottle,' Is Still Neil Diamond's Favorite 54 Years Later

Yet another romantasy is being adapted for TV. Hulu has already picked up the rights for The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson, a romantasy novel that hasn’t even been traditionally published yet.

Masterson’s self-published debut novel is set to make the leap to the small screen. The author is set to executive produce, and so far there is no writer attached to the script. However, 20th Television is behind the production.

You may have already read The Poison Daughter, as it was self-published in October 2025. It quickly gained attention from romantasy fans, with more than a quarter of a million copies sold, and that led to traditional publishers paying attention. In April 2026, it was acquired by Slowburn, with a hardcover and audiobook version set to be published on Aug. 18, 2026.

More and more self-published books are getting traditional deals in recent years, especially when it comes to the romantasy space. Freida McFadden and Colleen Hoover are two authors within the thriller space, but fans can turn to Lauren Roberts, LJ Claren, and Ella Field, all names many will know.

Courtesy of Slowburn

Book adaptations are among some of the biggest releases being talked about right now. The Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman already has people looking at dream casting; Silo is an adaptation of the Wool trilogy by Hugh Howey; and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is still catching the attention of many. So, it’s not surprising that another novel has caught the eye of streamers.

The Poison Daughter follows Harlow Carrenwell, a young girl who can kill with a kiss. Literally. Everyone she kisses dies immediately, and she’s not exactly complaining about that. However, when she’s given a mark and he doesn’t die, Harlow has to question everything. To top it all off, Henry Havenwood becomes her betrothed, and he knows all about her life as the daughter of Lunameade's magical founding family, who has used her to wipe out their enemies for as long as she can remember.

With no writer attached, The Poison Daughter adaptation is still in the development stage. Fans have been burned before with the likes of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas being picked up and then dropped, so all eyes will be on what Hulu does with this romantasy. For those who still haven’t read it, the traditionally published version will be released on Aug. 18, 2026.

By the end of summer—or even before—many kids are missing their school friends. Although seeing classroom friends is a big plus for starting school, some kids may be feeling a little apprehensive about school in general. Others may wonder if the friends they haven't seen in a while will still like them or have the same interests they did before. 

To take away some of this anxiety, it's a great idea to throw a back-to-school party a day or two before school starts. This way, kids can get reacquainted with old friends without the pressures that going back to school brings. A relaxed atmosphere and fun party theme will make those new introductions easier. Plus, if you know you have new kids in the neighborhood who don't know anyone yet, make sure to invite them as well.

Now, to the part of making your back-to-school party cool and amazing! To ensure a successful party for all attendees, you will want to develop a plan that accounts for the group's ages and common interests. These 35 clever back-to-school party ideas will go a long way in helping you to have a successful party. Enjoy!

Related: 60 Best School Memes for Students and Teachers To Laugh

Back-To-School Party Ideas

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First, think about the types of things that your own child enjoys. Chances are, other kids the same age will have similar interests. For example, if your child is really into dinosaurs, plan a party around that theme. The games, decorations and even the food can be based on your theme. Here are some fun theme ideas.

1. Book Theme

For kids who love to read, you could base your decorations on popular books for the age group.

2. Backyard Games

Set up a variety of outdoor games in your backyard—you could even rent a bounce house!

3. Pajama Theme

Have a pajama party at any time of the day. Who doesn't want to hang out in jammies all day?

4. Back-To-School Ice Cream Party

Create an ice cream bar with all the toppings.

5. Craft Party To Get Ready for Back To School

Let the kids sharpen their craft skills in a fun way by cutting, drawing, coloring or painting before school even starts.

6. Superhero Theme

Most kids aspire to be superheroes at some time or another. Choose some popular superheroes to attend the party in the form of decorations or games.

7. Crazy Sock Party

Make sure kids add crazy socks to their school shopping list for this party. They will have fun showing off their unique styles to their friends.

8. Back-To-School T-Shirt Party

With the variety of unique t-shirts out there, kids will have fun picking out a special one to wear to the party. You could even tie-dye together if you wanted to go that route!

Related: 225 Fun 'Get To Know You' Questions for Students

Consider Co-Hosting With Other Parents

Ideally, a back-to-school party would be inclusive, with all classmates invited. However, this isn't always feasible. Depending on the class size, there may be more children than you can manage. Consider inviting only girls or only boys to make the party smaller. You could also ask several parents to help you host a larger party at a park or another venue. 

Back-To-School Party Venue Ideas

Photo by tilialucida/Canva

9. A Local Park

One with nature trails is especially nice for a fun group walk.

10. Public Pool

If you have your own pool, it's perfect for hosting a backyard pool party. However, other options could be rented, like high school pools or a local gym.

11. Beach

Like a pool, a beach is a fun place to be when the weather is right.

12. School Gymnasium

Hosting a back-to-school party at your child's school gym is a great way to encourage active play.

13. Backyard Campout

It's best to do an overnight campout at least a couple of days before school starts, since there won't be much sleeping done! This idea is also more feasible for a small group.

Related: 75 Funny Teacher Memes To Have You Laughing at the Start of the School Year

Back-To-School Party Menu Ideas

Photo by pixelshot/Canva

A kid's menu is usually pretty easy to put together. Things like hot dogs, chicken nuggets, pizza, potato chips and cupcakes are all good ideas. It will be important to know about food allergies, though. Maybe when parents RSVP for their child, you could have them let you know about any allergies. If there are any, eliminate that food from the menu or make sure to have other options available. Here are some popular food choices.

14. Cupcakes

Cupcakes are easy to hold and fun to decorate. Decorate them with colored frosting and school-themed garnishes, such as alphabet candies.

15. Apples

The perfect food for school. To make it more fun, serve caramel apples or apple slices with caramel dip.

16. Chicken Nuggets

You will be surprised at all the variety of nugget shapes you can find, from dinosaurs to the alphabet—there are a lot to choose from to go with your theme.

17. Cookies

Any kind of cookie would do, but sugar cookies shaped like letters or an apple would be good for a school theme.

18. Sandwich Cut Outs

Even a simple bologna-and-cheese sandwich will look cool when it is formed into a fun shape with a cookie cutter or crimper.

19. Rice Krispies Treats

Shape Rice Krispies into a pencil shape. Add pink frosting at one end for the eraser and a little black icing at the tip for lead.

20. Decorate a Cake

A full cake decorated like a chalkboard is a fun idea. Frost the cake in black frosting and create "chalk words" with white icing.

Related: 35 Back-To-School Bake Sale Recipes

Back-To-School Party Game Ideas

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21. School Supply Scavenger Hunt

Make a scavenger list of school supplies to find that are hidden around the party space.

22. 'Get To Know You' Beach Ball

This game is fun for a beach-themed party. Write questions on a ball. One person tosses it to another and each person answers a question about themselves when they have the ball.

23. Hide the Eraser

Someone hides a large eraser and the rest of the group tries to find it. For younger kids, the hider can tell them when they are hot (close) or cold (far away) from the hidden eraser.

24. Backyard Track and Field

Set up competitive games like long jump, hurdles and relay races. Give out ribbons to winners in each area.

25. Pool Volleyball

Perfect for a pool party.

26. Water Balloon Toss

Fill up balloons with water and have kids toss them to each other, trying not to break any. 

Related: The 13 Things School Teachers *Absolutely* Wish All Parents Knew

Back-To-School Party Decoration Ideas

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27. Lots of Balloons or Confetti

Not only are they colorful and festive for any party, but they are also fun to play with.

28. Colorful Streamers

Any party can take on a festive feel just by hanging streamers throughout the space. 

29. Chalkboard Signs

Display fun signs using mini chalkboards.

30. Themed Paper Plates and Napkins

Whatever theme you decide on, you should be able to find coordinating plates and napkins. With a generic theme, choose plates with school motifs, such as crayons or apples.

31. Colorful Pennants

Like streamers, colorful pennants make a fun party atmosphere.

32. School Supply Giveaways

Decorate with party favors. For instance, place pink erasers in a bowl to give out at the end of the party. Rulers in a clear glass vase make another school-themed decoration that could also be given out. 

33. DIY Pencil Case Station

Set up a craft table with plain canvas pencil pouches, fabric markers, stamps and iron-on patches. It serves as both a fun party activity and a practical, personalized party favor they can actually use on their first day!

34. Back-to-School Photo Booth

Create a fun photo backdrop using a faux chalkboard, colorful streamers, or local school colors. Provide silly props like oversized glasses, an apple, and mini chalkboards where they can write their upcoming grade so kids can snap pictures with their friends.

35. "Brain Food" Trail Mix Bar

Set up a buffet of snacks like pretzels, popcorn, chocolate chips, dried fruit, mini marshmallows and cereal. Let the kids mix their own custom "brain food" bags to munch on during the party or take home for their first week of school lunches.

Related: We're Giving These 100 Back-To-School Quotes for the New School Year an A+

In the 1960s, Kathy Garver became a familiar face on television as Cissy Davis, the wise and stylish teen sister of twins Buffy and Jody (Anissa Jones, Johnny Whitaker) on the classic CBSsitcomFamily Affair. The popular series aired from 1966 to 1971 and made Garver a sitcom star.

Six decades later, she’s recognized for something else—and it's completely unexpected.

In a new interview, Garver, now 80, revealed that when she’s out in public, fans recognize her from TV commercials for ClearCaptions, a telephone captioning service for people who suffer from hearing loss.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Garver shared of the TV ads, “I get more recognition than from Family Affair. I’m in the grocery store and I get these double takes of people coming up and saying, ‘You do that phone commercial! I recognized you right away!’ [and] ‘I had a bet with my wife of who that was, but we figured it out!’”

Garver has been doing ClearCaptions commercials for several years. In January, she told KGET the ads are in constant rotation on TV.

"I have this commercial that I did called Clear Captions, and this commercial has been showing the last three years,” the actress said earlier this year. “It shows like five times a day on four different channels. And so, I'm known now more for that commercial.”

In some of the ads, Garver appears with a husband, played by Patrick Finery, as they use the captioning device while on a call with their “grandson.”

A post to Garver’s website newsletter also pays homage to her newfound status as a commercial queen. “One of Kathy’s sleeper hits of the past several years is her appearance on the popular series of ClearCaptions telephone commercials,” one post reads, noting that Garver also reunited with her TV husband, Finerty, at a movie premiere.

Garver also posted to Facebook to ask fans, “Have you seen my ClearCaptions commercial? We filmed a new one yesterday with my same faux husband Patrick. And our grandson now graduating!”

Sixty years after Family Affair, Garver remains grateful for her long and winding career, which has included everything from a role in The Ten Commandments film to voice work in an animated Spider-Man series to music, books and more.

During a recent appearance on Jeff Dwoskin’s Classic Conversations, Garver said, “I'm very proud of the classic things that I've done that have resonated… and that people still like Ten Commandments and Night of the Hunter and Family Affair, and it's the 45th anniversary of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.”

“When I was younger, [people would say]. ‘What do you want to do in life?’ ‘I want to be a working actress.’ ‘Okay, well, that's go on, go do that,’” she recalled.  I should have said, ‘I think I want to be a star.’ If I had made that more clear to the powers that be, I probably would have had a more straight direction. But when I looked back, it just suits my personality to be Sagittarian, that I like to do a lot of things. So I love being on the stage, and doing My Fair Lady, and I love winning an award.”

Related: ‘Family Affair’ Star Wanted to Make Her Character More Modern — But Producers Had Other Plans

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Summer footwear trends tend to revolve around sandals, slides, and knit styles that are easy to wear and feel breezy in the warm weather. But not every plan works for exposed toes. Long travel days, airport sprints, chilly indoor air conditioning, and walking-heavy itineraries often call for something a little more covered without giving up effortless slip-on ease.

That’s where the Clarks Breezesky Mist Slip-Ons at Amazon come in. Clarks is known for comfort-first footwear that can handle all-day wear, and this pair brings that same reputation into a lightweight, casual silhouette made for summer movement. Right now, they’re marked down as much as 53% at Amazon. That drops the price from $70 to as low as $35 for budget-friendly footwear that works for travel, errands, and everything in between.

Clarks Breezesky Mist Slip-Ons, From $35 (was $75) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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These slip-on flats are made for summer and beyond, with a clean, minimalist design that looks as sporty as it does polished. The upper is crafted from a soft, canvas-like textile with subtle tonal striping across the vamp, adding light, coastal-inspired texture. Elastic gore panels on the sides allow the shoe to flex naturally with your step, making them simple to slip on and off. 

Inside, a smooth jersey lining keeps things soft and breathable against the foot, while the lightweight construction helps maintain that barely-there feel. A gently rounded toe, supportive 40-millimeter-high heel, and cushioned midsole add a touch of lift and comfort, while the flexible, textured outsole delivers steady traction on numerous terrains.

Available in four versatile colors, these slip-ons are easy to style with just about everything in your summer rotation, from cropped denim and relaxed tanks to airy linen pants, casual sundresses, and laid-back athleisure sets. The slip-on design makes them especially practical for summer travel, whether you are moving through airports or just trying to pack light. 

They come in sizes 5 through 12, including both half sizes and wide and narrow width options for a more tailored fit. Shoppers reported that they're "great for wide feet." Pricing varies slightly depending on size and color, but most pairs are $45 or less.

Dubbed by shoppers as “cushioned,” “chic for any occasion," these slip-ons earned plenty of praise from reviewers. One customer reported that wearing them felt “like walking on a cloud.” 

“The foot bed is soft and has arch support which makes them very comfortable,” another shopper wrote, sharing that they “can wear them for hours” without their feet getting tired. 

Related: Amazon’s 'Comfortable' and 'Versatile' Slide Sandals Give Designer Vibes for Only $20

If your summer lineup needs something easy, breathable, and more covered than a sandal, the $35 Clarks Breezesky Mist Slip-Ons are an easy add. Grab them at Amazon while they’re still 53% off!

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.

Southern California's Halloween season is officially underway, and horror fans just got a massive sneak peek at what is lurking in the dark for 2026.

During Midsummer Scream 2026 at the Long Beach Convention Center, creators behind Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest took the stage to spill fresh, terrifying details about what guests can expect at the 33rd annual event.

Led by Senior Creative Mark Wing and Entertainment Manager Mike Ostrom—with a special appearance by Knott’s Scary Farm’s Gus Krueger—the panel revealed an ambitious mix of new IP houses, expanded daytime family fun, and a historic park-to-park collaboration.

Here is everything spooky coming to Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest:

Related: Universal Orlando Just Unveiled a Huge Twist for Fall 2026

Fresh Horror: Brand-New Mazes on the Horizon

Headlining this year's lineup is an all-new intellectual property maze, Final Destination: Death’s Playground. Replacing Condemned, the house promises to bring the franchise’s gruesome, inescapable fate to life—and panel hosts warned guests to specifically "beware of the woodchippers!"

In a groundbreaking move for Southern California theme park haunts, Magic Mountain is also teaming up with rival park Knott’s Scary Farm for a collaborative maze titled Wolves Blood. Replacing Truth or Dare, the original house includes an exclusive preshow moment and cleverly placed design Easter eggs referencing Knott's fan-favorite haunts like Red’s Revenge and Rainbow Records.

Related: Disney World Confirms Major Changes Coming to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Major Revamps & Returning Favorites

Existing mazes and entertainment options across the park are getting significant upgrades for 2026:

• The Conjuring Universe: One of the park's most popular houses is receiving a complete top-to-bottom revamp.
• Trick ‘r Treat: The fan-favorite maze is relocating to the former SAW house location and getting a major "glow up."
• Unleashed: The high-energy scare zone is shifting to the park’s main gate, featuring the sinister Kurvatu and his terrifying minions to welcome guests right as they step inside.
• Live Entertainment:Margo Rita and her Monster Ball will take up residence inside the Gearworks Theater, while Nytewalkers will bring stunt-filled performances to the Full Throttle Stage.

Related: What Disney Fans Won't Want to Miss From Disneyland's 2026 Halloween Eats

Daytime Fun and Ticket Info

For families and younger monsters visiting before dusk, Magic Mountain confirmed that its daytime Tricks and Treats family offering is expanding this year, providing kid-friendly activities, candy trails, and seasonal fun before the park turns dark after nightfall.

Eager haunt fans won't have to wait long to secure their spots—tickets for Six Flags Magic Mountain’s 2026 Fright Fest officially go on sale tomorrow!

Related: Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Prince of Darkness’ Is Getting His Own Halloween Horror Nights Haunted House

The Jam, the iconic British punk band, is still making an unforgettable mark on music as its 1977 single “In the City” remains a defining song of the era.

Amid the surge of disco-funk, heavy metal and the emerging hip-hop movement in the late ‘70s, the trio, composed of Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler, showcased a different kind of music that blended the high energy of punk rock with the melodic structure of mod pop.

Among their six studio albums, the band’s debut record In the City featured the standout song that introduced The Jam to a wider audience.

Serving as the band’s debut single, it was written by Weller when he was 18.

During his 2011 interview with Q Magazine, the vocalist recalled the journey of coming up with the song, which he described as “a young man’s song.”

The Jam's lead singer Paul Weller in 1980.

Reading Post/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

“It was the sound of young Woking, if not London, a song about trying to break out of suburbia,” he shared via Far Out Magazine, adding, “As far as we were concerned, the city was where it was all happening; the clubs, the gigs, the music, the music.”

According to Weller, “In the City” captured the excitement of youth and the experience of discovering the energy of urban life for the first time as “London was coming out of its post-hippy days” at that time.

As the band’s first song to hit the music charts, “In the City” peaked at No. 40 on the UK Official Singles Chart shortly after its release and held the spot for multiple weeks

@bbc6music

Unarchived goes back to 1977 with The Jam as they burst onto the scene with their debut single 'In The City' 🛵 Clip taken from Weller at the BBC, originally broadcast 5 November 2012.

♬ original sound - BBC Radio 6 Music

Three years later, it made a brief resurgence on the UK charts, reaching No. 40 again in April and May 1980, proving that it was more than just an iconic single and instead a song with timeless appeal.

Nearly five decades since its release, modern music critics and musicians still consider the track one of The Jam’s greatest songs.

In a list released by Louder Sound, SEASONS guitarist Steve Watts rounded up the 10 best songs by the band that made a lasting impact.

Watts sees “In the City” as not just a catchy debut song but a piece of music that taught him about songwriting, music and vocal harmony while showing him how music could be used to talk about social and political issues.

Related: 1987 Rock Song by Guns N' Roses, Never a No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among 'Greatest Classic Rock Songs' of All Time

It may still be the summer, but the publishers aren’t slowing down with their releases. Aug. 11, 2026, brings a mix of romance, horror, and absolutely everything in between, so there is something for all to read.

Of course, with so much coming out, it’s hard to narrow down your releases. The good news is that Parade has you covered. After reading as many as possible, we have the seven that are going to be your next obsessions. Just a fair warning: they will disrupt your sleep schedule!

‘The One Who Walked Away’ by Karen Ross

There are some excellent crime novels coming out this week, but the one that will lead to you staying up all night is The One Who Walked Away by Karen Ross. This does take some time to get into and really get to know the characters, but once you do, you’ll enjoy the wild ride you’re taken on. It starts with a story of a woman who is the driver of a car accident that kills three people, and then we pick up with her becoming a bounty hunter.

There’s a twist at the halfway point that will leave you wondering where the story will initially go. Then there are moments where you’ll wonder if the characters have remembered a few mentioned earlier in the story. However, even with these thoughts, you’ll find yourself on a journey to find the killer and figure out how to stop them.

‘Codebreakers’ by Stella Sands

If you still need a crime mystery, then you’ll want to get the second story in the Wordhunter universe. Codebreakers by Stella Sands continues the story of Maggie and Jackson, as they start up their own detective agency and take on their first case. It’s worth reading the first book, as there are a lot of mentions and character development from that that become important to this story.

There are three mysteries to unravel throughout the short novel, and none of them involve murder! However, they do take you on a twisty ride, as you get to the bottom of a cult, someone branding people, and Maggie’s personal mystery of finding her biological father. Can everything have a happy ending?

‘These Vile Hearts’ by Melody Robinette

These Vile Hearts by Melody Robinette is a fantasy, but it is filled with real-life issues. Maddox Sinclair has run out of options. She has to make a deal with the Redwood King so that she can be cured of an illness that threatens to take her life. It turns out that she’s a Type 1 diabetic, and with no job or health insurance, she can’t afford the medication she needs.

Of course, making a deal with the Redwood King is a terrible idea. This king will even curse his own blood, and that’s what Prince Castor is facing. If he can make a mortal fall in love with him, he can be free of the curse. And so, we’re taken on a romantasy journey that leads to survival and freedom. Can love conquer all?

‘The Enigma Challenge’ by S.C. Godfrey

If you loved The Da Vinci Code, then you’ll adore The Enigma Challenge by S.C. Godfrey. We follow another main character who adores ciphers and has made it her life mission to study them. While at a cryptography conference in Madrid, she comes across the Enigma Challenge, a clandestine puzzle competition that turns out to be far deadlier than it sounds.

Now, Zoe Wilder needs to solve the five puzzles in six days, taking her across three countries. She’s not alone, either, as mysterious hacker Dane Seaver teams up with her, but can’t they trust each other when $12 million is on the line? Oh, and maybe a few lives are as well! There are some wild twists and turns throughout the novel, and you’ll find yourself staying up all night to finish it.

‘Death Card’ by Jasmine Smith

Young adult, LGBTQ+ characters, and magic? Death Card by Jasmine Smith has it all, and there’s even a gorgeous book to display to boot! This dark contemporary fantasy has witchcraft, tarot, and a bit of romance, and you’ll find your work productivity goes down considerably!

Mikaela Broussard starts her Monday as any other, reading the tarot cards for customers. However, during a tarot reading, she gets a vision of the woman across from her stabbing her in the heart. Now she needs to get to the bottom of why this stranger wants to kill her, how to prevent it, and if there is something more nefarious going on. It’s a beautiful journey of an 18-year-old finding her place in life and in her community, as she gains confidence in her abilities.

‘The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass’ by Leslye Penelope

We’re taken back to the turn of the century with The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass by Leslye Penelope, starting with 1994, when Zaraha watches her twin sister, Annica, get dragged into a stranger’s car. With that, Annica disappearance, and it seems like nobody even remembers her.

Five years later, as the world gets ready for the Y2K crisis, Zahara finds evidence that her sister was real after all. And so, she goes digging for information, and that leads to family secrets being unearthed and Zahara never being able to go back to the world she once knew. What starts off as a mystery turns into a science fiction fantasy that you will not be able to put down.

‘Stay Buried’ by Jennifer McMahon

Sometimes, you need a horror, and it’s still Summerween, so of course, this is the perfect time to read one. Stay Buried by Jennifer McMahon is told over the course of two time periods but with three POVs. It takes some time to figure out exactly how everything is connected, but once you learn, you won’t be able to stop reading.

This is the story of how a small town ends up closed off and unwelcoming. It seems like it should be, especially as the fall colors arrive, but these people don’t like strangers, and they will do whatever they can to keep strangers from learning the dark and gritty truth. You may be left with a few questions at the end, but in a way, that’s the fun of horror. Now, just don’t let the Necroman get you!

Bonus Book: ‘A Hug for Punch’ by Caroline L. Perry

Punch the Monkey stole our hearts, as we saw how he held onto a stuffed monkey until a mother monkey took him in. A Hug for Punch by Caroline L. Perry is a beautiful book inspired by the true story, bringing something perfect for young children.

It’s packed with beautiful illustrations, a story of friendship and belonging, and just that reminder that everyone needs someone in their life. Even monkeys have feelings, so this is worth adding to your collection, whether it’s for your own children, teachers of your children, or just yourself to smile at when you remember Punch.

For decades, Jif has managed to delight shoppers with its signature rich and decadent peanut butter, leaving little reason to wonder why it ranks among the most beloved PB brands in grocery stores' snack aisles.

After 30 years of continued success in retail suppliers, however, Jif has officially confirmed that they're changing the packaging of its iconic peanut butter, spelling out a new era for everyone's favorite PB company.

According to a new press release from the company, Jif is rolling out brand-new new packaging to "to celebrate the many ways consumers enjoy it today – from everyday snacking occasions to the traditional PB&J."

To that end, the company revealed that they'll be reviving the brand's beloved tri-color banner, removing the "dated" drop shadow pattern from the lettering to create a crisper look that helps catch shoppers' attention in stores and online.

Perhaps most excitingly, Jif has unveiled a new squeezable packaging format that helps innovate their fan-favorite PBs, ensuring an easier spread when applying the peanut butter to snacks and sandwiches. Additionally, Jif To Go will soon become Jif Dippers, allowing the company to "more clearly reflect the snackable dipping occasion and the portability of the product."

"We're excited to introduce a refreshed look for Jif that better celebrates the role the brand plays in consumers' everyday lives," said Shelly Kowal, Marketing Director at The J.M. Smucker Co.

"This is our first major design update in more than 30 years, and we approached it with real intention," Kowal went on to say. "We wanted to honor the iconic elements people know and love while bringing new energy to the shelf. Jif has evolved from being one of the key ingredients in a PB&J to also serving as a delicious complement to so many snacking occasions, and this new branding celebrates that."

Chrissy Metz just revealed on Today that she's taking a GLP-1.

Metz, 45, skyrocketed to fame on the hit NBC series This Is Us. Metz's character on the show, Kate Pearson, frequently dealt with issues related to her weight. In real life, the TV star joined Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin on Monday and spoke openly about her health issues, noting that she's tried diets and group therapy over the years. After years of sketicism, she's partnered with telehealth company Ro to serve as a paid spokesperson for their GLP-1.

“It’s a whole lifestyle change,” Metz shared on Today. “It’s not just, ‘Oh, I’m going to take a medication because it’s not the easy way out.’ I think a lot of people think, ‘Oh, it’s a magic wand,’ and no, in fact you have to be more diligent.”

Metz, who said she witnessed her father's health complications from obesity, noted that she's finally focusing on getting healthy. The food noise she struggled with for years is also gone.

“It’s good for me because I’m really putting myself first, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but I have to really put into practice now,” she added.

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Metz Also Shared She's Hitting the Gym

In addition to taking a GLP-1, Metz shared that she's working toward committing to a healthier lifestyle overall. In addition to the walking and dancing she does on stage in her Broadway role in the hit musical & Juliet, Metz took up strength training. She also tried her first pilates class last summer, and openly spoke anout her experience on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram Metz Has Spoken Openly About Her Struggles

Back in 2020, Metz hit Good Housekeeping's January/February cover and shared that she tries to have a "progress, not perfection" view toward her health.

"If a waiter takes a tray of food and a glass falls and the drink spills, they don't just throw the entire tray on the ground. You get another cup of whatever you spilled and you keep going," she told the publication. "So often if something isn't perfect, we go 'I quit!' That's not conducive to forward progress, and it's really about progress, not perfection."

Related: Chrissy Metz Worked These Surprising Jobs Before Hollywood Came Calling

Elvis Week 2026 is underway at Graceland in Memphis, and the story most people don't know about Elvis Presley starts with his rivals and his own bandmates. A recent documentary features firsthand accounts from the people who were actually in the room when Elvis happened — his guitarist, Scotty Moore, his drummer, DJ Fontana, and members of the Jordanaires. In 1956, musician Bill Haley was the biggest name in rock and roll and told an interviewer he was "already finished" because of new, good-looking kid from the South. That kid's guitarist later said the guitar Elvis carried on stage was mostly a prop. His drummer revealed Elvis didn't know he was moving his hips until someone told him. And RCA's own people almost didn't release "Heartbreak Hotel" because they didn't think it was any good. Every one of these things is true. Here's how they know.

In 1956, Bill Haley was king of the world. "Rock Around the Clock." "Shake Rattle and Roll." An interviewer asked him what it felt like. His answer: "We're finished." The interviewer said, "What?" Haley didn't hesitate. "There's a young good-looking kid out of the South. They call him the 'hillbilly cat.' He's going to take over. He's good-looking and young and all the things I'm not." As one bandmate recalled: "Bill looked like an insurance salesman with a guitar." Haley kept performing until his death in 1981, but he never got the crown back. He knew before almost anyone else that it was gone.

The kid he was talking about didn't know he was dancing. That's the part nobody tells you. In those days, performers came out and stood there. Elvis couldn't do that. DJ Fontana was there the night it started. "Why are all those kids screaming and hollering?" Elvis asked after a show. "Well, you're dancing. You're moving around." Elvis looked surprised. "Oh, am I?" Fontana recalled: "I don't think he realized it." After that, Elvis consciously did more of it. In his own words: "Rock and roll music, if you feel it, you can't help but move to it. I can't stand still. I've tried it, and I can't do it."

Related: Jim Morrison Claimed His Parents Were Dead — But His Father May Have Helped Launch the Vietnam War 62 Years Ago This Week

Scotty Moore later added the detail that completes the picture: "Half the time he didn't play the guitar even. It was more of a prop than anything. He played off of Scotty." His first Ed Sullivan appearance on September 9, 1956, drew 60 million viewers. By his third appearance on January 6, 1957, CBS censors filmed him from the waist up only. Preachers called it devil music. Elvis was genuinely hurt. "I've tried to live a straight clean life and not set any kind of bad example," he said. "I don't see how anyone could think it would contribute to juvenile delinquency."

Then, there was "Heartbreak Hotel." His first RCA recording after leaving Sun Records. Sam Phillips at Sun had regional distribution only. Colonel Parker saw that RCA had national and international reach. The demo Elvis learned the song from was rough. "You thought man, this ain't no hit," one witness recalled. Then, Elvis got hold of it.

NBC / Getty Images

RCA's own people were reluctant to put it out. They didn't think it was that strong. When he finished recording it the verdict changed. "When this guy got through with it, it was just a great recording." First million seller. National breakthrough. They wanted the Sun sound. The Sun sound came from running microphone cords down a hallway for echo. So, that's what they did. "History has proven them to be wrong."

Before Elvis, There Was Nothing

There was no classification for Presley. Country people didn't think he sounded country. Pop people didn't think he sounded pop. He was a white boy singing Black music and nobody had a word for it. In 1956, American radio stations were segregated just like everything else. Black music played on Black stations. White music played on white stations. Elvis played on both and fit neither. Sam Phillips had been looking for exactly this. His goal was to find white singers who could do rhythm and blues.

Elvis was the answer to that search. His influences ran in three simultaneous directions: gospel from the church he'd grown up in, country from the radio, blues from the Black music he'd absorbed growing up in Memphis. He didn't separate them. He combined them into something that had no name. "He was the apex of musicianship," one witness said. "Whatever he did, if it didn't sound good, it still was truth." He worked on instinct. "I work strictly on instinct and impulse," Elvis said. "I don't read music." It didn't matter. "They broke the mold when they made him."

John Lennon said it best. "Before Elvis, there was nothing."

In 1956, Bill Haley told an interviewer he was already finished because of a kid from the South. That kid's guitar was mostly a prop. His dancing was an accident. His first national record almost wasn't released. There was no word for what he was. John Lennon eventually found one.

Before Elvis, there was nothing. This week, thousands of people in Memphis are proving Lennon right.

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If you were a beloved character from "The Brady Bunch", which one would you be? Your birth month astrology may hold cosmic clues.

The enduring popularity of The Brady Bunch can be attributed to its enduring mass appeal. Beyond its comedic moments and iconic family scenes, the show features relatable characters with personalities that resonate with us.

Each character represents different traits: the responsible one, the dreamer, the helper, the overachiever, and the one who always adds a touch of fun to the group.

Which Brady Bunch character Matches You, Based on Birth Month?

Check for your birth month below.

January – Mike Brady

January-born people are often the ones others count on when things need to get done. They like having a plan, thinking ahead, and creating a sense of stability for the people around them. Like Mike Brady, they lead with patience and a calm confidence. Whether you're a determined Capricorn or an innovative Aquarius, you combine responsibility with a desire to keep growing.

February – Cindy Brady

February-born people often have a curious mind and a creative way of looking at life. As an original Aquarius or a compassionate Pisces, you blend imagination with a caring heart. They enjoy discovering new things and are usually more observant than people realize. Like Cindy, they bring a playful spirit and a willingness to see the world differently.

March – Marcia Brady

People born in March often have a natural ability to connect with others. They enjoy friendships, new experiences, and making people feel appreciated. Born under a sensitive Pisces or a fearless Aries, this birth month balances kindness with the courage to stand out. Like Marcia, they can be confident while still being thoughtful toward the people around them.

April – Peter Brady

April-born people tend to have an energetic and adventurous side. They may not always follow the expected path, but that's part of what makes them memorable. Like Peter, they are genuine, fun-loving, and always learning more about themselves. With a bold Aries or a dependable Taurus personality, you bring enthusiasm and determination wherever you go.

May – Alice Nelson

Resonating with either a grounded Taurus or a curious Gemini, you combine common sense with a natural charm. May-born people are often the ones who quietly keep everything running smoothly. They take notice of others' needs, offer support without expecting praise, and know how to bring laughter into everyday moments. Like Alice, they are loyal, practical, and full of heart.

June – Carol Brady

June people have a way of making others feel comfortable. They enjoy bringing people together, keeping communication open, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Like Carol, they often become the person everyone feels they can turn to. Attuned as a lively Gemini or a nurturing Cancer, you understand the importance of connection.

July – Jan Brady

July-born people often have a thoughtful side and a strong sense of individuality. They want to be appreciated for who they really are and aren't afraid to spend time figuring themselves out. Like Jan, they grow stronger as they learn to embrace what makes them different. Whether you're a caring Cancer or a confident Leo, you bring similar loyalty and personality to every relationship.

READ: These 4 Birth Months Unlock Success During August

August – Greg Brady

With a bold Leo or a hardworking Virgo personality, you mix confidence with the drive to succeed. August-born people are often natural achievers. They enjoy challenges, setting goals, and proving to themselves what they can accomplish. Like Greg, they have confidence, ambition, and a desire to make their own path.

September – Bobby Brady

September-born people often have a playful side that keeps life interesting. They enjoy simple pleasures, making memories, and finding reasons to smile. Guided by either a practical Virgo or a balanced Libra, this birth month brings thoughtfulness and a sense of joy to those around you. Like Bobby, they remind others that having fun is just as important as being responsible.

October – Sam Franklin

October-born people often have an easygoing charm that makes them enjoyable to be around. Either a graceful Libra or a passionate Scorpio, you value honesty and meaningful connections. They appreciate kindness, loyalty, and relationships built on trust. Like Sam, they bring a steady and caring energy to the people they love.

November – Tiger

November-born people often have a loyal and protective nature. They may not always seek attention, but they form deep bonds and remain devoted to those they care about. Like Tiger, they bring companionship and a comforting presence. As an intense Scorpio or an adventurous Sagittarius, you bring loyalty and a strong sense of devotion.

RELATE?: People Born in These 3 Months Are Natural Early Birds

December – Cousin Oliver

Incarnated as an optimistic Sagittarius or a disciplined Capricorn, you combine curiosity with determination. December-born people often bring excitement and a fresh perspective wherever they go. They enjoy new experiences and have a way of changing the energy in a room. Like Cousin Oliver, they may surprise people with their enthusiasm and personality.

UP NEXT:

What do you think of when you think about school? You probably imagine things like desks, bulletin boards, hallways, homework, teachers, friends and more, right? But now you can add memes to the list, as we have the 60 best school memes to make your day!

From welcome-back memes that are all about the first day of school, to memes for school from the teachers' perspectives—we've got them all.

So, sit back and enjoy looking through (and cracking up at!) these memes about school. You'll want to add some of these to your group chat to share with your buddies as well. Whether you're a teacher or student, you'll definitely relate to these funny school memes!

Related: 13 Things Teachers Wish Parents Knew

Best School Memes1. Not the dreaded introductions...

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2. Working SO HARD over here.

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3. Trying to find some motivation.

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4. Who knew three digits would be so impossible to remember?

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5. Do you even lift, bro? — The answer is YEP.

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6. Has it ever happened?

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7. When they know something you don't know.

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8. That moment never felt so good.

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9. Way to be obvious, guys.

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10. What are they doing out in the wild?!

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11. You're basically a genius.

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Related: 50 Teacher Appreciation Message Ideas To Tell an Educator 'Thank You' This Year

Funny Back-To-School Memes12. Please, no, anything but this. @gnarlyoodles

Me when i hear “lets go around the room and introduce ourselves” immediately I forget my name and job title #work #worklife #workbelike #workflow #workhumor #workcomedy #corporatehumor #workmemes #officelife #workmeeting #workmeetings #workmeetingsbelike

♬ original sound - Char | Your work bestie 13. No, seriously, we'd rather be anywhere than a classroom when a teacher wants us to introduce ourselves.  I need a new anti-virus, Avast or AVG or something else?
by u/General_Lee in technology 14. Not the best poker face.

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15. I'm not ready! 16. You got through the summer, parents!

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17. Which one are you?

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18. It's worth a celebration, TBH.

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19. Just a slight change to your day-to-day schedule.

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Related: 35 Cool Back-To-School Party Ideas for an End-Of-Summer Bash Kids Will Be Talking About All Year

First Day of School Memes20. There are some mixed emotions.

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21. Give yourself a pat on the back!

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22. That first-day effort. Linux. Are they only play with themselves? - Charistic
by u/Charistic in reddit.com 23. Why is it still dark outside?

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24. The second day is always the worst... 25. What was summer break even for? I found this in a toy store and I'm pretty sure this isn't how it's supposed to work. A Penguin Classic.
by in videos 26. Shout-out to my parents for choosing this spelling.

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School Morning Memes27. What could go wrong?

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28. Yeah...I'm gonna be a minute. @seperated_head

#fyp #viral #fypシ #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #meme #floptok😍😍😭😌🤞💅💅 #flopera😘💅 #raylPOOSAY #raylFLOP

♬ original sound - user42220149183 - My Head Just Seperated² 29. Without fail.

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30. Daydreaming about being back in bed. Blastosaurus: issue 03, Page 02
by in comics 31. What will I forget to put in my backpack today?

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32. Monday through Friday.

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Related: Back-To-School Teacher Gift Ideas

Funny Teacher Memes33. Welcome back, teachers!

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34. Time to practice! 35. Hope you have some friends like Peeta and Gale.

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36. Oh, you're still waiting?

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37. Hey, teachers get the school scaries too. @msmaggiesmusicroom

Well, this ruined my afternoon. 😅 Has yours come in yet? #CapCut #teacher #backtoschool #email #barbiedrivingmeme #barbiemovie #relatable

♬ original sound - captainbernardmedia 38. Going back to school means leaving your summer self behind. 39. It just happens.

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Related: Best Back-To-School Bulletin Board Ideas

Relatable School Memes40. Not a fan.

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41. Mentally calculating if there's enough to finish it in between classes.

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42. No more homework! any love for [M]y skinny bod?
by in gonewild 43. Can't wait to show Mom and Dad.

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44. I am my true, authentic, Monday-through-Friday-8-am-to-4-pm self. @redwhiteawesome

I GO BACK TO SCHOOL IN 15 DAYS WTF #School #backtoschool #fyp #fypp #viral #meme #crayon #jejwj

♬ original sound - Red white awesome 😜 45. Nope, not obvious at all.

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Related: 100 of the Best Funny Math Jokes and Puns for Kids (Or Anyone Who Loves Geeking Out!)

High School Memes46. The high school experience.

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47. At least there was sometimes "second breakfast." 

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48. That list of books? Yeah, I totally read them.

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49. We work smarter, not harder.

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Related: We're Giving These 100 Back-To-School Quotes for the New School Year an A+

Memes About School50. Obviously, there's a connection.

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51. That works, too, I guess.

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52. Hey buddy!

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53. The momentum you have on the first day of school is kind of unparalleled, though. @fluffyjeongin

IM HILARIOUS BRO #backtoschool #firstdayofschool #grwm #morningroutine #pov #fyp #backtoschoolmemes #schoolmemes #fypシ #viral #ieovaidez

♬ some slander audio lmao - Mimiii 54. At least you're in it together.

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55. Sound familiar? A Closer Look on Visual Studio Gauge
by u/Elliotts in reddit.com Funny School Memes56. We can hear it now—'Ooooh somebody's in trouble!'

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57. The worst feeling, though. @japanvxbes

Maybe next time | #relatable #school #memes #viral #math #funny

♬ Originalton - F7 58. Every year, without fail. 59. Consistently creative.

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60. 'Oh! Can I have a piece, too?'

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Related: 75 Funny Teacher Memes To Have You Laughing at the Start of the School Year

For decades, Tim Hortons has served as a delicious alternative to rival coffee chains like Dunkin' or Starbucks.

Delivering quality coffee, donuts and other assorted pastries, the popular brand has also managed to provide consumers with surprisingly festive tie-ins to some of the entertainment industry's biggest franchises and series.

To that end, Tim Hortons has just unveiled a brand-new collaboration that serves as a celebration of 25 years of Harry Potter: an unexpected collab ideal for coffee fans and Wizarding viewers alike.

According to a new press release from the company, Tim Hortons will begin selling its new Harry Potter menu items on August 12 in nationwide locations. Each menu item is directly inspired by J.K. Rowling's hit fantasy book series and its related film adaptations.

These flavors and menu items include:

• Gryffindor Strawberry Cheesecake Donut
• Slytherin Chocolate Pistachio Donut
• Ravenclaw Blueberry Donut
• Hufflepuff Lemon Meringue Donut
• Golden Snitch Caramel Timbits (available in a limited-edition Golden Snitch Timbits Holder)
• Patronus Sparkling beverage
• Forbidden Forest Iced Tea

Not only that, but for a limited time while supplies last, guests can enjoy any of the above items served in limited-edition packaging. This includes Harry Potter x Tim Hortons single-donut Mystery Boxes, multi-pack donut boxes, 10-pack and 20-pack Timbits boxes and magical cold beverage cups.

"Harry Potter has been a beloved part of so many of our guests' lives for decades and we couldn't be more excited for guests to discover the wizarding world at Tim Hortons restaurants," said Katerina Glyptis, President of Tim Hortons U.S.

"We're bringing the magic of Harry Potter to life in true Tims fashion – from donuts inspired by each Hogwarts House, to a Golden Snitch Timbit and Timbit holder, spellbinding Patronus and Forbidden Forest inspired drinks, and limited-edition merch that guests will want to collect and share."

Diane Keaton’s Los Angeles dream home has reportedly found a buyer after being listed for nearly $23 million.

But one of the most memorable parts of the sprawling property is surprisingly far from the polished look often associated with luxury homes.

Keaton spent years transforming the Sullivan Canyon property into a deeply personal space. She purchased the home for $4.7 million in 2011 and spent roughly eight years renovating it, ultimately documenting the experience in her 2017 book The House That Pinterest Built. The five-bedroom home was listed for $28.9 million in 2025 before returning to the market this summer for $22.9 million.

And while the estate comes with a multimillion-dollar price tag, its kitchen doesn't look like the kind of space you'd expect to find in a traditional luxury listing.

The kitchen features reclaimed brick, dramatic wooden beams, chicken-wire cabinet fronts and pendant lights that were reportedly repurposed from a former chicken coop. The space also includes a custom-built island and fits into the home's larger mix of vintage and reclaimed materials.

In other words, it doesn't look as though every detail came straight from a high-end showroom, and that's precisely what makes it memorable.

According to Ryan Grambart, founder and CEO of CopperSmith, Keaton's kitchen reflects a broader shift in how homeowners are approaching luxury design.

"The reason this kitchen remains so memorable is that it does not look like it was selected from a catalog,” Grambart said in an email to Parade.

"Every element feels connected to the wider story of the home."

That approach may be particularly appealing as homeowners move away from spaces that look interchangeable. Instead of matching cabinetry and predictable luxury finishes, designers are increasingly incorporating vintage pieces, reclaimed materials and unexpected details that make a room feel personal.

The actress was known for having a strong interest in architecture and home renovation, and the Sullivan Canyon property was particularly meaningful to her. The design was influenced in part by her childhood love of The Three Little Pigs, which helped inspire her lifelong fascination with brick homes.

The result is a house that feels less like a showroom and more like a collection of ideas, memories and objects that happen to exist under one roof.

And that could be the most interesting lesson from Keaton's $23 million home: Luxury doesn't necessarily have to look perfect. Sometimes, the most expensive room in the house is the one that looks like nobody else could have designed it.

RELATED: The Animals’ Rock Classic Began With a Song Much Older Than You Think

If a trip to Florence to marvel at Renaissance masterpieces is on your travel bucket list, your experience is about to get even more breathtaking.

The Uffizi Galleries—one of the most visited museum complexes in the world, which welcomed 5.3 million visitors last year—has officially unveiled a sweeping $58 million transformation project. Spanning the main gallery, the Palazzo Pitti, and the sprawling Boboli Gardens, the ambitious two-year effort will touch virtually every corner of the historic estate with restored exhibition spaces, sleek new lighting, updated signage, and modern visitor amenities.

Speaking at a press conference, museum director Simone Verde described the initiative as “an operation of unprecedented scale and depth... underway thanks to the extraordinary commitment of the entire staff,” noting that “the Uffizi will emerge even more beautiful and increasingly capable of representing one of Italy’s fundamental cultural icons”.

Related: Rick Steves' Top Rule for Avoiding Crowds at Europe's Tourist Attractions

Fresh Upgrades for Masterpieces and Historic Gardens

While the full two-year master plan is underway, travelers visiting Florence right now can already enjoy several newly completed upgrades across the complex:

• Newly Redesigned Botticelli Rooms: Unveiled earlier this summer, Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli’s most iconic masterpieces—including Spring (Primavera) and The Birth of Venus—are now housed in a permanent, newly redesigned space. The famous paintings are displayed inside airtight protective cases set against walls painted in "Renaissance gray," a shade that museum officials explain "enhances the softness and delicate chromatic nuances of Botticelli’s art".
• Reimagined Museum Entrances: Following an eight-year restoration of the historic entrance and Lorraine Staircase (Scala Lorenese) completed in March, the complex recently opened a brand-new entrance for the Palazzo Pitti at its southern door. Verde hailed the milestone in a statement, calling it "a project desired since the 1980s [that] has only now—finally—become a reality".
• Revitalized Boboli Gardens: The famous 16th-century grounds originally designed by the Medici family are undergoing an extensive landscape restoration. Hundreds of trees and thousands of new plants are being reintroduced to complement the historic grottos, fountains, and statues. As Verde told The New York Times, “managing a historical garden is like managing a collection—it’s a living museum”.

Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Italy Trip With a Single Carry-On

What's Next for Visitors

Over the next two years, art lovers can look forward to even more expansions, including converting the top floor of the Palazzo Pitti into a brand-new exhibition hall, building a state-of-the-art welcome center inside Magliabechiana Hall overlooking Piazza del Grano, and installing modern climate-control systems to keep both historic artworks and visitors comfortable during summer heat waves.

According to museum officials, this ambitious phase of renovations is slated for completion in two years—making now the perfect time to start planning your dream Italian getaway.

Related: Hyatt’s Global Summer Sale Offers Up to 25% Off the Ultimate ‘Euro Summer’ Escape

Dopamine decor for weddings entered the chat in about 2023 and hasn't left. Consciously or not, it's lifted the veil on the effects of wedding color psychology, including which colors make for the happiest weddings. Michelle Lewis, a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute, isn't complaining.

"A wedding is one of the few moments in life where color surrounds everyone in the room simultaneously—the flowers, the linens, the attire, the lighting, the food presentation," says Lewis, who is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught. "Every person present is having a physiological and emotional response to the environment. Color shapes mood, energy level and the felt sense of a space by the happy couple, the guests and even the support staff."

So, it's worth digging into the meaning of wedding colors (besides why you "need" to have "something blue"). As a color psychologist and certified color expert, Lewis regularly works with people to align their color choices with their personal seasonal palette and the emotions they want to evoke during an event.

"The specific color families that harmonize with their natural coloring and communicate who they are most authentically," she tells Parade. "At a wedding, that same principle extends outward: the colors that look and feel right on the couple should ideally resonate through the entire environment."

She says that when a palette aligns with the people, venue, season and emotional attention, you achieve more than beauty.

"It's cohesive in a way guests feel in their bodies without being able to name why… and it’s seen in the emotions of the event as well as the photography and memories that last a lifetime," she states.

To help navigate this landscape, Lewis shares the happiest wedding colors along with some tips for how to pick a wedding palette your nervous system will love.

Related: Color Psychology Experts Say These 5 Colors Are Worn Most by Authentically Happy People

The 'Happiest' Trend: Why Psychologists Point to Warm Citrus Tones

Lewis shares that a warm citrus wedding palette boasts colors that make people feel happy, like yellows and oranges.

One large research article suggested that yellow and orange have positive connotations across all studies—the only color family to do so. This palette is also versatile, aligning with spring and winter weddings.

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Gold, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Getty Images

Warm vs. Cool Palettes: How Color Alters the Room's Energy

As stated above, Lewis loves a warm citrus wedding palette. It's full of the happiest wedding colors, like yellow, orange and yellow-green.

"Together, citrus tones create an environment of genuine neurological joy—not manufactured cheerfulness, but a measurable physiological response that the people in the room can't help but feel and express," she says. "In terms of color season psychology, citrus tones sit most naturally in the spring palette—light-hearted, optimistic and forward-moving—with bolder citrus shades like tangerine and electric lime crossing into winter's high-contrast, energetic territory."

Still, this palette isn't the only one that can alter the room's energy and deliver your version of "good vibes." Lewis explains how to pick a wedding color palette based on a desired emotional response.

The Color PaletteThe Psychological SignalThe Vibe

Black and white

High contrast authority

Dramatic and formal

Citrus tones

Neurological joy and optimism

Energetic and celebratory

Navy blue, yellow and white

Trust meets optimism

Classic and uplifting

Forest, black cherry and moss

Depth and seasonal richness

Moody and intimate

Blush, burgundy and sage

Soft warmth with grounded depth

Romantic and earthy

Bright pink, black and white

Bold feminine energy

Playful and fashion-forward

Jewel tones (ruby, sapphire, emerald, amethyst)

Richness and emotional depth

Luxurious and immersive

Related: Color Psychologist Says Wearing This Color Makes You Appear Instantly More Approachable

3 Ways To Style Bright Colors Without Looking Like a 'Theme Park'

All neutral wedding palettes are mostly on their way out, and color is so in. A peach and yellow wedding theme is the epitome of "happily ever after starts now."

However, it's easy to overdo color at weddings. To help you avoid that, Lewis shares how to pick a wedding color palette and execute it as tastefully as your cake.

1. Anchor in your personal palette first

Bright colors have to work for you for them to work for your wedding, especially if you're going to be surrounded by these hues in photos, with your flowers, etc. Remember, put yourself front and center (it's your day).

"The first thing I look at is whether the chosen palette harmonizes with the natural coloring of the couple and wedding party," Lewis notes. "A citrus orange that's wrong for everyone's skin tone will look costumey regardless of how skillfully it's deployed in the decor. When the color is genuinely right for the people in it, it reads as intentional rather than cartoonish."

2. Use saturation strategically—not everywhere

Neutrals aren't quite dead. Lewis suggests using full saturation as an accent, rather than a foundation. Think "rich citrus florals against ivory linens or a statement bridesmaid dress against a neutral backdrop, a bold invitation suite against white paper stock."

"The neutral gives the bright color space to breathe and be seen as a deliberate choice rather than visual noise," she states.

3. Let the season and venue do the editing

A citrus wedding palette can work in multiple seasons, but you want to ensure it's the right fit for your venue.

"A spring garden wedding can carry more citrus than a formal ballroom without feeling chaotic—the natural light, greenery and open air absorb and diffuse color in ways that indoor spaces don't," Lewis explains. "Aligning the palette intensity to the venue's natural light and architecture is one of the most underused tools in wedding color planning."

Bonus: Your guests and photographer/videographer will love you for taking this approach.

"When the environment is considered part of the palette rather than just a backdrop, bright colors land with elegance rather than overwhelm," she says.

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Blue, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

The 'Dopamine Decor' Movement in Modern Weddings

Instead of all-white or neutrals, people are leaning into more uplifting wedding aesthetics. They call it "dopamine decor for weddings."

"Dopamine decor is the application of intentional, joyful color to a space with the specific goal of elevating the emotional state of everyone in it. In the context of weddings," Lewis notes.

She says the trend is a response to the decade-long dominance of neutral, muted and greige-tone palettes.

"[There's] the growing recognition that those palettes, while at times beautiful, can flatten the emotional energy of a room," she notes. "Lighter, more chromatic colors consistently enhance mood, reduce stress and promote physiological calmness."

Lewis shares that yellow and orange are the core citrus tones used in dopamine decor in weddings, and studies suggest these colors "carry exclusively positive emotional connotations across cultures."

"When a room is designed with chromatic intention, guests don't just see it—they feel it. Their nervous systems respond," she says. "The energy lifts and fun is the focus."

That said, the color analyst cautions that dopamine decor is most effective when it's personalized rather than trend-driven.

"The colors that genuinely move people are the ones connected to meaning—a shade worn at a grandmother's table, a color from a first trip together, a palette that reflects who the couple actually is," she notes. "That personal resonance is what separates a room that photographs beautifully from one that guests talk about for years."

Up Next:

Related: Color Psychologist Says Wearing This Color Makes You Appear Instantly More Confident

Sources:

• Michelle Lewis is a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute. She is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught.
• Do we feel colours? A systematic review of 128 years of psychological research linking colours and emotions. (2025) Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.

The Lindsay Clancy Trial has entered its third week at Plymouth Superior Court in Massachusetts. A jury continues to hear evidence in the case to determine whether or not Clancy was of sound mind when she killed her three young children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, inside their Duxbury home in January 2023.

As part of the investigation at the time of the murders, police obtained a search warrant, according to court documents reviewed by Parade. A number of items were taken from the home pursuant to the warrant. The full list of items is below.

• Google camera with cord
• Ring camera
• Google Nest camera
• Three V receipts
• Toshiba hard drive
• CVS bag with Pedia-Lax
• Baby monitor
• Brown journal
• Notebook, 3 books, and McLean Hospital paperwork
• Pink iPhone
• 4 medication bottles and paperwork with unknown amounts of tablets
• Tablet with blue case and power cord
• Tablet with purple case
• Black laptop with charger
• Windows laptop with charging station
• Laptop with cord
• Laptop with cord
• Two workout bands
• Pink iPhone with clear/brown case
• Brown belt
• Yellow exercise band
• Black exercise band
• Blue exercise band
• Silver knife with black handle
• Digital video disk
• Swabs from red-brown stain(s)
• Swabs from red-brown stain(s) on bedroom floor
• Swabs from red-brown stain(s) on mirror
• Swabs from red-brown stain(s) on window sill
• Swabs from red-brown stain(s) on nightstand
• Swabs from red-brown stain(s) in backyard
• Red pajamas
• Pink robe

The testing results of many of these items, such as the exercise bands which the prosecutor says Clancy used to strangle her three kids, have been presented to the jury during the trial.

Related: Why Weren’t Lindsay Clancy’s Fingerprints Found on Exercise Bands? (Exclusive)

Clancy, a former labor and delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, has been emotional through much of the court proceedings. Her defense has argued that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings, while prosecutors maintain that she understood what she was doing.

As the trial continues, jurors are being asked to consider the evidence from the investigation alongside testimony about Clancy's mental state and the events leading up to the children's deaths. Ultimately, they will have to determine whether Clancy was legally responsible for her actions when she killed her three children.

READ NEXT: Why Wasn’t Patrick Clancy Investigated And Could He Be Charged? (Exclusive)