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Michael Jackson introduced a slew of legendary tracks throughout his music career, but his 1984 song “Thriller” continues to reach remarkable milestones.

Serving as the title track of his best-selling album, the iconic song is the latest MJ track to join Spotify’s Billions Club.

The streaming giant unveiled the list of songs that recently joined the elite ranking.

Alongside Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and Luke Combs’ “Fast Car,” “Thriller” has surpassed one billion streams on the music platform, further cementing the King of Pop’s enduring legacy.

Michael Jackson performs on stage on the Dangerous Tour in 1992.

Rob Verhorst/Redferns

Prior to this, the award-winning singer had four songs in Spotify’s Billions Club, including “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” “I Want You Back” and “Billie Jean,” with the latter hitting more than three billion streams, making it the second-most-streamed song from the 1980s on the platform.

Michael Jackson’s Song ‘Thriller’ Was Part of His Record-Breaking Grammy Night

Written by British songwriter Rod Temperton and produced by the iconic Quincy Jones, the spooky funk-pop smash was regarded as one of Jackson’s most commercially successful songs.

Temperton once revealed that the inspiration behind it was the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s love for horror movies.

"I came up with the idea that I should write something really theatrical," he told M Magazine in 2012, as cited by PEOPLE. "I’d been really impressed with Michael’s participation in the rhythm section when recording [the Off the Wall song] 'Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,' so I wanted to write something with the same power, but a really dramatic melody structure."

Despite its massive popularity and lasting impact on pop culture, the track never reached No. 1 on the chart, unlike "Billie Jean" or "Beat It.”

The 1984 song instead peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, but it still marked a defining moment in Jackson’s music career.

During the 26th Annual Grammy Awards, the late singer became the first artist to win eight awards in a single night, setting a record during the height of his Thriller era.

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At that time, the song won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, while “Beat It” took home Record of the Year and Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male.

“Billie Jean” also earned two awards, winning Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Completing the iconic feat, Thriller won Album of the Year, while Jackson and producer Quincy Jones shared the award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical.

Jackson also received the Best Recording for Children award for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which he narrated.

Related: 1980 Rock Classic by ‘Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy Osbourne Hits 1 Billion Streams 46 Years After Release

As temperatures begin to cool and back-to-school season kicks in, shoppers are starting to crave cozy, hearty meals, and Costco is bringing back a fan-favorite prepared food just in time.

The Kirkland Signature Beef Chili has once again been spotted in Costco’s prepared foods section, according to Instagram account Discovering Costco.

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The returning warehouse favorite gives shoppers an easy dinner option without the effort of making their own homemade batch from scratch.

The chili delivers on the home-cooked vibe, as it's packed with beef, beans, onions, green bell peppers, and seasoned tomato sauce, and topped with shredded cheddar cheese and parsley.

And seeing it back on shelves seems to signal the start of comfort food—and soup—season.

While the dish has earned a reputation as a beloved prepared food at the warehouse giant, like many Costco favorites, it has also sparked plenty of opinions.

In a Reddit thread from seasons prior, one likened the taste to Wendy’s chili, which could go either way, but in this case, the user followed up with, "and I like Wendy’s chili.”

Another expressed, “It’s a good chili," adding that it's loaded up on the beef: "More beef than anything else.”

However, someone else argued, “It’s a middle of the road chili. Lacks a lot of spice and seasoning, likely because they need to cater to a broad group of customers with varying tastes. Like any prepared food. You’re right, plenty of beef.”

Back in 2023, a common complaint was that the chili lacked enough beans, though it is said to include pinto beans and kidney beans, as well.

Many were in agreement that it’s “not the best,” but also “not bad,” serving as a good starting base for other recipes and dishes, including nachos and chili dogs. 

Parade even suggests pairing it with the infamous food court hot dog.

“If you add it with the Costco mac & cheese, it’ll make a really good chili Mac. It’s been my go to meal this winter,” another customer chimed in. 

The value is where it truly shines, as "each container holds approximately 4 pounds of chili, providing enough for 8 servings," per Warehouse Runner, sold at $3.49 a pound for an approximate cost of $12.99.

One customer confirmed that they always “make two batches of chili with it," noting, "I break up the big chucks of beef and add extra fixings to make it taste like what I would make from scratch. So basically a meal starter. 10/10 recommend that route.”

Despite the mixed reviews, another thread highly recommended the chili, adding, “The Costco beef chili is incredibly good!!!!”

“It’s unreal how good it is,” someone else complimented, with many stating another perk is that it freezes well for an easy meal during busy nights.

Whether you’re getting it to eat straight out of the container or dress it up at home, Costco’s chili is once again giving members an easy excuse to skip the cooking and grab a comforting favorite instead!

Related: Costco Brings Back Beloved Bakery Favorite After Years of Fan Requests

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Makeup lovers can all agree that foundation is a must-have when you want to look your best. The popular product can address a range of skincare woes, including blemishes, uneven skin tone, redness, dark spots and aging.

Over time, we all develop our own tricks for applying makeup, but there's nothing like watching the pros work their magic. Parade was intrigued to learn more about one popular technique, so we asked a professional makeup artist about the "damp sponge" foundation hack every woman over 50 needs to try.

We chatted with Lindsey Trop, a Connecticut-based professional makeup artist, and asked her to explain why the buzzworthy bounce-and-press damp sponge technique is particularly effective for women over 50.

Trop reveals how a damp sponge prevents foundation from caking in wrinkles and shares some step-by-step instructions for the technique. She also reveals some of her favorite liquid and serum foundations to use with a wet sponge, and a few other makeup base hacks that work well for mature skin.

Related: 16 Best Foundations for Dry Skin, According to Celebrity Dermatologists

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What Is the 'Damp Sponge' Foundation Hack?

The damp sponge foundation hack is a technique to help your makeup melt into the skin instead of sitting on top of it.

"Using light to medium pressure, you bounce a damp makeup sponge onto the skin to create a very skin-like yet seamless complexion," Trop tells Parade.

According to the makeup artist, "This is especially beneficial for those with texture, such as acne or fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a great technique for filling in larger pores. Using a bounce-and-press motion helps foundation meld with the skin for a smoother, more hydrated and naturally youthful-looking finish."

For women over 50, specifically, the damp sponge foundation hack is better than dragging or wiping a sponge across the skin.

"This can accentuate concerns such as fine lines, enlarged pores and dry patches," Trop explains. "Instead of evenly pressing foundation into the skin, dragging tends to move the product around, which can create streaks, patchiness and uneven coverage. It can also disrupt the skincare underneath, making foundation more likely to cling to dry areas."

Related: A Dermatologist Is Begging Women To Stop Making This Mistake With Their Beauty Blenders

Blanchi Costela/Getty Images

Why a Damp Sponge Prevents Foundation From Caking in Wrinkles

One simple step—wetting your sponge before you use it—can make a big difference in how your foundation looks.

"A damp sponge helps you to apply thinner, more even layers," Trop tells Parade. "Thin layers are much less likely to settle into fine lines or emphasize wrinkles. The moisture from the damp sponge also helps sheer out the product slightly, creating a finish that looks more like healthy skin rather than a layer of makeup."

While choosing your makeup sponge, just keep in mind that there's a difference between latex and latex-free options.

"For mature skin, I typically recommend a latex-free sponge," Trop explains. "When the sponge is damp, it stays soft and doesn't absorb as much foundation, so more product goes onto your skin instead of disappearing into the sponge. The result is more seamless, even coverage that looks hydrated rather than heavy."

Latex sponges, on the other hand, are usually firmer and can soak up more foundation.

"They're less ideal if you're trying to create a fresh, natural-looking finish," Trop says.

Related: The Clever Lipstick Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

How To Do It: Step-by-Step Guide

To work your own magic at home, Trop shares a few tips on how to do this trick:

1. Start by prepping your skin with your go-to moisturizing routine: "I love Sonia Roselli Beauty for all skin types, but especially for women who are concerned with sensitive, aging skin," Trop explains.
2. Run your makeup sponge under water: "Squeeze it over and over again under the running water until the sponge is about twice its original size," she says. "Make sure all excess water is squeezed out so it feels damp but isn’t dripping."
3. Apply a small amount of foundation to the back of your hand: "Press your sponge into the foundation," Trop instructs.
4. Begin at the center of the face and start bouncing into the skin: "Then move outwards towards the hairline, jaw, etc.," she says.
5. Build coverage only where needed: "Add another thin layer instead of applying one thick coat," Trop explains.

Related: A Celebrity Makeup Artist Is Begging Women to Finally Stop Following This Outdated Rule

2 Best Liquid Foundations To Use With a Wet Sponge

Now that you have some pro tips for applying foundation with a wet sponge, filling your beauty bag with some top-notch makeup comes next. Here are Trop's top picks for the best liquid foundations to use with this hack.

1. NARS Light Reflecting Skin Improving Medium Coverage Foundation, $55

Ulta

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According to Trop, "It makes the skin look like a glowing dream. It gives such a beautiful radiant finish and does an amazing job covering up sun spots and other blemishes."

2. Dior Forever Skin Glow Liquid Foundation 24H Wear, $60

Sephora

Shop It at Sephora

"It’s a skincare-forward formula that leaves a beautiful glowing finish. Pores and fine lines look blurred and the seamless coverage lasts all day without caking," Trop tells Parade.

Related: The Genius Mascara Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

2 Best Serum Foundations To Use With a Wet Sponge

And here are Trop's favorite serum foundations to use with a wet sponge.

1. IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40, $39

Ulta

Shop It at Ulta

"I love everything about this foundation," Trop explains. "It offers beautiful, smooth coverage that doesn’t settle into lines and wrinkles, a youthful radiant finish and high SPF content."

2. ILIA True Skin Medium Coverage Serum Foundation, $56

Sephora

Shop It at Sephora

"It creates a very skin-like natural finish with tons of skin-loving ingredients that help to hydrate and correct unevenness over time," Trop says. "Your skin will look like the best version of itself."

Related: Makeup Artist Reveals How To Give Mature Eyes a ‘Natural Lift’ With 1 Key Product

3 More Makeup Artist-Approved Base Hacks for Skin Over 50

The damp sponge foundation trick isn't the only expert-approved tip for applying makeup. Trop also has a few other base hacks that work equally well for women over 50:

1. Focus on sheer layers

"Instead of trying to achieve full coverage in one application, apply several sheer layers and only where needed," Trop tells Parade. "This approach looks more natural and is much less likely to crease or appear heavy on mature skin."

2. Use powder sparingly

"Many women over 50 benefit from powdering only areas prone to shine, such as the T-zone," she explains. "Leaving the cheeks and under-eye area powder-free helps maintain luminosity and prevents the complexion from looking dry or flat."

3. Step up your hydration game

"If you’re seeing more texture than you’d like after your base is completed, add in more hydration," she recommends. "Gently tap a tiny amount of moisturizer onto the areas that look dry or textured. The key is to use a very small amount and to tap, not swipe."

Up Next:

Related: Celebrity Makeup Artist Reveals a Clever Concealer Trick for Mature Skin I Wish I'd Known About Sooner

Source:

• Lindsey Trop, Connecticut-based professional makeup artist

This lawsuit filed against Megan Thee Stallion is more like a reality TV episode than a legal battle. Only the drama is playing out in a federal courtroom. And considering the rapper recently made her reality TV debut on Love Island USA, perhaps that comparison is especially fitting.

 According to Billboard Pro, a judge has ruled that several claims in a lawsuit filed against Megan and Roc Nation by former cameraman Emilio Garcia can move forward, meaning the case will head toward a jury trial.

Garcia filed the lawsuit in 2024, alleging that he was forced to witness Megan having sex in a car while they were on tour in Spain in 2022. He said the alleged incident left him “embarrassed, mortified and offended” and contributed to what he described as a hostile work environment.

Garcia also accused Megan and Roc Nation of failing to properly pay him, discriminating against him and retaliating after he complained about his wages.

Megan and Roc Nation have strongly denied any wrongdoing. Her attorneys have called Garcia’s allegations “false and fabricated,” arguing that he added sensational claims about sex and workplace harassment to what they characterized as ordinary wage complaints.

Friday’s ruling does not mean a judge determined that Garcia’s allegations are true. Instead, Judge Gregory H. Woods found that some of his claims had enough support to be decided by a jury.

The judge allowed Garcia’s discrimination, wage and wage-related retaliation claims to proceed, while dismissing his claim that Megan or Roc Nation retaliated against him specifically for complaining about the alleged car-sex incident.

Garcia’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, welcomed the decision, saying his client is “looking forward to having his day in court.” With the case now headed to trial, both sides appear ready to let a jury decide who's telling the truth.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

There are few kitchen tools that inspire as much frustration as a subpar ice cream scoop. We have all been there: you pull a fresh pint of premium ice cream from the freezer, full of anticipation, only to have your excitement brought to a grinding halt by a rock-solid block of dairy that sends your ice cream server into retirement.

The truth is, a flawless hot fudge sundae or a picture-perfect cone depends entirely on the tool in your hand. A truly great scooping tool shouldn't require a full-body workout to pull a uniform, parlor-worthy portion. It needs to balance weight, ergonomics and structural design so seamlessly that it glides through hard-frozen ice cream like butter, releasing it effortlessly without a fight.

To separate the top performers from the disappointments, we put the market's most popular models through a rigorous side-by-side test. We scooped our way through dozens of pints, evaluating each scoop for comfort, durability, ease of use and ability to glide through everything from rock-hard frozen ice cream to softer gourmet gelato. We measured how comfortably they fit in the hand, how effectively they curl the ice cream onto itself, and checked if they can survive a trip through the dishwasher.

Whether you're an occasional sundae eater or a dedicated homemade ice cream enthusiast, you shouldn't have to wrestle with your dessert. From sturdy spade-style scoops to comfortable everyday favorites, these are the ice cream scoops that impressed us most—and the one that didn't make the cut.

Related: I Tested 12 Pizza Cutters To Cut Dozens of Slices—Here Are 8 Winners and 4 To Skip

Theresa Greco

Top Ice Cream Scoops

• Best Overall Ice Cream Scoop: Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Premium Ice Cream Scoop: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Budget Ice Cream Scoop: Good Cook Touch Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Ice Cream Scoop for Every Last Bite: Farberware Professional
• Best Scoop for Effortless Serving: Sur La Table Soft Grip Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Gift-Worthy Ice Cream Scoop: KitchenAid Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Paddle Ice Cream Scoop: OXO Spade Ice Cream Scoop
• Best No-Mess Ice Cream Scoop: William Sonoma Tilt Up Ice Cream Scoop

Related: I Ranked 14 Ice Creams From Aldi From Worst to Best—and the Winner Won by a Landslide

What Makes the Perfect Ice Cream Scoop

The secret to a perfect scoop isn't just the ice cream itself—it's the design of the scooping tool. Different shapes and materials affect how easily the scoop cuts through frozen desserts, the shape of each serving, and even how much effort is required to fill your bowl or cone.

For many ice cream enthusiasts, liquid-filled aluminum scoops have long been favored for producing smooth, effortless scoops, particularly when the final presentation is the priority. Their sealed handles contain a heat-conductive fluid that transfers warmth from your hand to the scoop, helping it glide through firm ice cream while naturally rolling smooth, rounded curls with minimal resistance.

Theresa Greco

Modern stainless steel scoops often feature a pointed or tapered tip that concentrates pressure at the front edge, making it easier to break into hard-frozen pints without bending or excessive force. Many also include flat sides that scrape the corners of containers more effectively, reducing waste. Although they may not always create the same airy curls as a liquid-filled scoop, they're exceptionally durable, easy to maintain, and versatile enough for everyday use.

Traditional spring-loaded scoops take a different approach. Their deep bowl and release lever make serving quick and convenient, especially when preparing multiple portions. While they excel at releasing the ice cream cleanly, they typically produce denser, more compact scoops than liquid-filled designs.

Theresa Greco

Ultimately, the best ice cream scoop depends on your priorities. If presentation is your goal, a heat-conductive aluminum scoop is hard to beat. If you value durability, easy maintenance or serving large batches, a well-designed and ergonomic model may be the better choice.

Related: Ina Garten’s Easy Hack for Turning a Pint of Ice Cream Into a Boozy Dessert Is Brilliant

How I Tested the Ice Cream Scoops

To find the best ice cream scoops, I tested each model with hard-frozen ice cream straight from the freezer, evaluating how easily each one cut through, released and shaped every scoop. I measured the effort required, noted whether the scoop flexed under pressure, and looked for designs that consistently delivered smooth, clean portions.

I also tested how well each scoop navigated standard pint containers, including reaching into corners to minimize leftover ice cream.

Beyond performance, I considered handle comfort, grip, balance and overall ease of use during repeated scooping sessions. The final recommendations are based on a combination of scooping ability, ergonomics, durability and value.

Related: The Genius Jacques Pépin Ice Cream Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

Parade

9 Ice Cream Scoops, Tested and Reviewed1. Best Overall Ice Cream Scoop: Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop, $25

Theresa Greco

There's a reason the Zeroll has been the scoop of choice for decades. From the very first scoop, it simply feels different. It glides through hard-frozen ice cream with noticeably less effort than most other scoops, producing smooth, rounded portions that release cleanly with very little sticking. The secret is its liquid-filled aluminum handle, which transfers the natural warmth of your hand to the scoop head to make serving easier—no dipping in hot water required.

What we liked most was how little effort it took to get consistently attractive scoops, even from rock-solid pints. The one-piece design has no springs or moving parts to wear out, giving it a solid, durable feel that's built for years of regular use.

The only real drawback is that it must be hand washed to protect the aluminum construction and the heat-conductive fluid sealed inside the handle. For anyone who scoops ice cream regularly, though, that's a small trade-off for a tool that delivers dependable results.

2. Best Premium Ice Cream Scoop: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop, $20

Theresa Greco

Shop It at Sur La Table

For cooks who value exceptional craftsmanship and long-lasting quality, the Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop delivers a timeless design built to last. Crafted entirely from polished 18/8 stainless steel, it features a beautifully curved scoop head and a handle that provides outstanding balance and natural leverage with every scoop.

The all-stainless-steel construction eliminates plastic components, rubber grips, and specialized coatings that can wear down over time. This scoop is designed to withstand years of regular use and repeated trips through the dishwasher without corrosion or deterioration. Its sturdy construction and compact scoop head also make it versatile enough for portioning cookie dough, serving soft desserts and handling a variety of other scooping tasks.

With its exceptional durability, balanced feel and premium materials, the Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scooper is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a premium kitchen tool that will serve them well for years to come.

3. Best Budget Ice Cream Scoop: Good Cook Touch, $10

Theresa Greco

The GoodCook Touch Ice Cream Scoop proves that reliable performance doesn't have to come with a premium price tag. Offering an impressive balance of affordability and quality, it features a heavyweight cast-metal head with enough heft to glide through hard-frozen ice cream without bending or flexing.

The oversized, soft-grip handle provides a comfortable, secure hold, making each scoop easier and more controlled. For shoppers seeking exceptional value without compromising on comfort or performance, the GoodCook Touch Ice Cream Scoop is a standout budget pick that delivers dependable results scoop after scoop.

4. Best Ice Cream Scoop for Every Last Bite: Farbareware Professional Ice Cream Scoop, $10

Theresa Greco

Shop It at Walmart

The Farberware Professional Ice Cream Scoop is designed for the moments when a standard scoop leaves behind the best parts. Its heavy cast-zinc, chrome-plated head features a distinctive pointed corner that helps break through hard-frozen ice cream and reach into the tight edges of rectangular paper cartons, making it easier to scrape out every last bite.

The ergonomic handle pairs a stainless steel top with a soft rubber bottom, offering a secure grip during use. Its added weight helps power through firm ice cream, although the front-heavy balance can cause some fatigue during longer scooping sessions.

For anyone who hates leaving ice cream behind in the corners of the carton, the Farberware Professional delivers a smart, purpose-built design that helps maximize every serving.

5. Best Ice Cream Scoop for Effortless Serving: Sur La Table Soft Grip Ice Cream Scoop, $20

Theresa Greco

Shop It at Sur La Table

When you're serving a crowd, or keeping up with an eager line of kids at a birthday party, comfort matters just as much as scooping power. The Sur La Table Soft Grip Ice Cream Scoop is designed with exactly that in mind, featuring a modern, ergonomic shape that helps reduce hand fatigue during extended use.

Its soft, contoured handle provides a secure, comfortable grip and excellent control, while the scoop bowl features subtly indented circles that minimize sticking and help release each scoop cleanly with less effort.

It excels at everyday use, producing smooth scoops with minimal mess. Add in its dishwasher-safe construction, it's a practical, user-friendly tool you'll reach for again and again.

6. Best Gift-Worthy Ice Cream Scoop: KitchenAid Ice Cream Scoop, $33

Theresa Greco

Shop It on Amazon

Finished in the fun, vibrant colors that have become synonymous with KitchenAid products, this scoop is an easy choice for anyone looking to give a kitchen tool that feels both personal and practical. Whether matched to a stand mixer color or selected to complement a favorite kitchen color scheme, it has a polished, coordinated look that elevates it beyond an ordinary utensil. That thoughtful design makes it especially well suited for weddings, housewarmings, holidays or anyone building a stylish, well-equipped kitchen.

A thick cast-metal head and sturdy, comfortable handle give the scoop a satisfying weight and durability, making it feel like a quality tool from the first use. It slices through standard ice cream with ease, producing consistent scoops for cones, bowls and desserts.

Its slightly blunter edge is most noticeable when scooping very firm ice cream, where it requires a bit more effort than some competitors, but it remains a dependable tool for everyday use. Its combination of attractive styling, solid construction, and trusted KitchenAid quality makes it a gift that's as functional as it is beautiful—one that recipients are likely to use and appreciate for years.

7. Best Paddle Ice Cream Scoop: OXO Spade Ice Cream Scoop, $18

Theresa Greco

Shop It at Walmart

If you've ever struggled to break into a rock-hard tub of ice cream, a spade-style scoop can be a game changer. Unlike traditional rounded scoops that form balls, its broad, flat edge slices through dense ice cream with ease.

Instead of forcing you to twist or strain your wrist, the flat leading edge glides under the ice cream to lift generous portions with less effort. It also doubles as a handy tool for cutting neat squares for ice cream sandwiches and other frozen treats.

This isn't the scoop to reach for if you want perfectly round balls of ice cream, and its wide head isn't ideal for small pint containers. But for powering through hard-frozen desserts in larger tubs, it's hard to beat. If strength and efficiency are your priorities, this spade-style scoop is an excellent choice.

8. Best No-Mess Ice Cream Scoop: Williams Sonoma Tilt Up Ice Cream Scoop, $20

Theresa Greco

The Williams Sonoma Tilt Up Ice Cream Scoop solves one of the small annoyances of serving ice cream: where to put the scoop between servings. Its clever tilt-up design features built-in feet that keep the scoop head elevated off the countertop, helping to create a cleaner serving experience.

Beyond its thoughtful design, the scoop features an ergonomic handle designed for a comfortable, secure grip. It is easy to maneuver through firm ice cream while the footed base adds a level of convenience that traditional scoops lack.

While the unique design adds a little bulk compared with a simple scoop, the Williams Sonoma Tilt Up stands out for its combination of function and style. For anyone who values a tidy countertop and a thoughtfully designed kitchen tool, it is a smart upgrade from a standard ice cream scoop.

Ice Cream Scoop To Skip: OXO Steel Lever Ice Cream Scoop, $20

Theresa Greco

The OXO Steel Lever Ice Cream Scoop sounds like a convenient idea on paper, but in practice, the lever-release mechanism creates more frustration than convenience. The release lever is positioned awkwardly, making it difficult to operate comfortably while maintaining a secure grip on the scoop. Rather than helping the ice cream slide out cleanly, the mechanism often requires extra effort and feels unintuitive to use.

Considering how many excellent ice cream scoops are available today—with comfortable ergonomic handles, sturdy one-piece construction, and bowls designed for effortless release—this model simply doesn't measure up. The added complexity of the lever doesn't improve the scooping experience and instead introduces another point of frustration. There are plenty of easier, more reliable options on the market, making this one difficult to recommend.

Up Next:

Related: 10 Popular Low-Calorie Ice Creams, Tested and Ranked From Worst To Best

Imagine it’s 1990, and Vanilla Ice is everywhere. It’s 1995, and you just moved in with your college besties, and The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You” feels like it was written just for you. Or it’s 1999, and “Save Tonight” is playing on the radio on loop. One-hit wonders—songs that made it big but were never followed up with a comparably successful tune—can’t help but bring vivid memories to mind. One quick stream of a track you may not have heard in decades can take you right back to a whole different time in your life. But which ‘90s one-hit wonder best reflects who you are at your core? Consider looking to your birth date, which offers helpful insight into your personality, perspective, strengths, and dreams. 

The ‘90s One-Hit Wonder That Best Reflects Your Personality, Based on Your Birth Date

Read on to find out which chart-topper from a “one and done” artist fits your personality and point of view.

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th: “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim

You were born on a date associated with the sun, the luminary that rules self-image, confidence, and purpose in astrology. You’re full of joie d’vivre, stand strong in your sense of self, are capable of celebrating yourself for who you are, and encourage others to do the same. That’s why this 1999 hit by English big beat musician Fatboy Slim best reflects your M.O. It’s upbeat vibe and lyrics like “I have to celebrate you, baby/I have to praise you like I should” are so aligned with how you move through the world. 

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th: “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb

You were born on a day that’s aligned with the moon, which rules intuition, instincts, and emotions. You’re whimsical, a dreamer, full of big heart, sentimental, and sweet, all characteristics that mirror the energy of Lisa Loeb’s big hit in 1994, which appeared on the Reality Bites soundtrack. The pop folk track details feeling regretful in the face of a split from a lover, and its longing lyrics (“So I, I turned the radio on, I turned the radio up/And this woman was singing my song/Lovers in love and the others run away/Lover is crying 'cause the other won't stay”) mirror your sensitive soul. 

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th: “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis

Your birth date reduces down to three, a number ruled by Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system that oversees abundance, expansion, and good fortune. You believe in putting it all out there and going all in on your heart’s desires, which is the emotional sense that underlies Donna Lewis’ 1996 one-hit wonder “I Love You Always Forever.” With its vivid, uber-romantic lyrics (“Feels like I'm standing in a timeless dream/Of light mists with pale amber rose…/You've got...the most unbelievable blue eyes I've ever seen”) and big-hearted promise at its core (“Everywhere I will be with you/Everything I will do for you”), it may very well be one of the most Jupiterian declarations of love in all of pop music.

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st: "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)” by Us3

Your birth date reduces down to four, which is associated with Uranus, the planet of revolution, electricity, and sudden change. You’re imaginative, rebellious, and often shocking people with your ability to present unique takes on tried-and-true formulas. A forward-thinking, futuristic-sounding blend of jazz and hip-hop based on Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" from 1964, featuring samples from Hancock's original recording, 1993’s “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)” feels like it echoes your quirky, bold, innovative vibe. 

NEXT: The Throwback MTV Music Video That Fits Your Vibe, Based on Birth Date

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd: “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts

Because you were born on a day that reduces down to the number five, your numerological planetary ruler is Mercury, the planet of technology, transportation, storytelling, and cerebral energy. Mercury is a super-social planet, thriving on connection and fueling the witty banter that we tend to cherish so much within our platonic bonds. The messenger planet also feels like it would be the ruler of smash hit sitcomFriends, which debuted in 1994 with one-hit wonder “I’ll Be There For You” as its theme song. Your social, buzzy, and likely bubbly nature fits perfectly with this smile-inducing track. 

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th: “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree

If you came into the world on one of these dates, you were born with the influence of Venus, the planet of romance, pleasure, art, and music. You’re a master of bringing more peace, balance, beauty, and harmony into the world, and the meditative, self-reflective, empowering tone of Des’ree’s 1995 track fits with that perspective. Not only do you “try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time,” but you likely agree that “love will save the day.”  

OTHER: These 4 Birth Months Radiate a Nurturing Aura

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th: “No Rain” by Blind Melon 

Your artistic, sensitive, imaginative, even slightly psychic perspective is the result of your birth date reducing down to seven, a number aligned with Neptune, the planet of illusion, spirituality, and dreams. Neptune’s influence means you might also be a bit of an escapist, which mirrors the perspective of the narrator in 1993 one-hit wonder from Blind Melon (“And I don't understand why I sleep all day…and all I can do is read a book to stay awake/And it rips my life away, but it's a great escape”), which also captivated MTV audiences with its whimsical “bee girl” music video.  

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th: “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals

Because you were born on a date that reduces down to the number eight, you’re hardworking, committed to your goals, and mature—practically the wise, grounded professor type within your circle, because your birth date is overseen by Saturn, the planet of boundaries and putting your nose to the grindstone. Your ability to self-motivate and get through even the toughest challenges in life echoes the message behind the New Radicals’ one-hit wonder “You Get What You Give” from 1999. Your friends and loved ones probably rely on you to tell them, “This world is gonna pull through/Don't give up/You've got a reason to live/Can't forget—we only get what we give.” 

MORE: Which Classic Supermodel Matches You, Based on Birth Month

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th: “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane

If your birth date reduces down to nine, you’re a go-getter with a youthful, fiery, action-oriented soul, given that the day you were born is associated with Mars, the planet of energy. With lyrics that bring to mind zipping down an interstate with the wind in your hair (“Life is a highway/I want to ride it all night long/If you're going my way, I want to drive it all night long”) feeling like you’re going to make the most every moment life has to offer, 1992’s one-hit wonder from Tom Cochrane feels like it echoes your drive, passion, and ambition. 

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Bella Thorne is writing and directing the Spring Breakers sequel. She said so on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast. She's not just starring in Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain. She's running the whole thing. The original 2012 film starred Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens. Thorne has a very specific reason for taking the job that goes back to 2012 and a competition between Disney kids that most people have forgotten about.

@callherdaddy

COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS UNTIL SPRING BREAKERS 2

♬ original sound - Call Her Daddy

In 2012, she says she, Gomez, Hudgens, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya were all post-Disney kids being measured against each other. "2012 was such an exploitative time and everyone was going through it," she said. All of them were "being compared to see who was going to be that next bad girl."

Spring Breakers was Gomez and Hudgens answering that question. Harmony Korine cast two Disney Channel alumni in the most deliberately un-Disney film imaginable, and the culture couldn't look away. Thorne was in the same pipeline at the same time on Shake It Up with Zendaya. She watched it happen. Now, it's her turn.

Earl Gibson III / Getty Images

She got the directing job because the producers saw an early cut of Color Your Hurt, her directorial debut, and liked what they saw. Thorne isn't new to directing. She's made music videos, and her 2020 short film Her and Him premiered at the Oldenburg Film Festival and won her a Pornhub Vision Award. The producers knew what they were getting.

Related: Selena Gomez Said ‘A Beanie?’ Jennifer Stone Knew Exactly What to Do. They Just Made Every 2000s Wizards Kid Feel 10 Again. Nobody Forgets.

They asked her to write something. "They loved it," she said. "And now I'm writing and directing Spring Breakers 2." Matthew Bright had been attached to direct since May 2025. Now it's Thorne. She doesn't undersell the script. "Balls to the wall. That's what everyone says when they read this script." She also promises "so much litness" for anyone who wants to "go to the theater and have fun." Original producers Chris Hanley and Jordan Gertner are back. The new cast includes Grace Van Dien from Stranger Things, Ariel Martin, and True Whitaker. No release date yet.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images

Gomez has since been relatively quiet about the original film. Hudgens has embraced it as part of her post-Disney evolution. Neither of them is in the sequel. The Disney girl who was watching from a different Disney Channel show while they made it is now writing and directing the follow-up.

The Spring Breakers Sequel That's Been Trying to Happen Since 2014

This is the third attempt at a Spring Breakers sequel. Spring Breakers: The Second Coming was announced in 2014 with Jonas Åkerlund directing and Irvine Welsh writing. James Franco publicly blasted that one. A TV spinoff came next in 2017 and went nowhere. Salvation Mountain was announced in May 2025 with Bright directing. Now it's Thorne. Third director. Thirteen years. The sequel that keeps not getting made keeps getting closer.

Harmony Korine isn't involved. What made the original significant was the specific cultural weight of casting Disney girls in something so transgressive. The film grossed $31.7 million on a $5 million budget and became a genuine cult film. What Thorne's promising sounds different. "Balls to the wall" and "so much litness" isn't arthouse cinema. Whether that's right or wrong, nobody knows until it exists.

What's not in question is why she's the one making it. She was in the same machine Gomez and Hudgens were trying to escape. She watched them do it from Shake It Up. The sequel landing in her hands 13 years later isn't random. It makes perfect sense.

Michael Tran / Getty Images

In 2012, Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens starred in Spring Breakers to put distance between themselves and Disney Channel. Thirteen years later, the Disney girl who was watching from the same pipeline is writing and directing the sequel. Bella Thorne describes it as "balls to the wall."

That sounds about right.

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One of the easiest ways to make a table or buffet look like it's been styled for a magazine photo shoot is to play with height. Instead of having every dish, bowl and serving platter sitting on the same flat plane, bringing in tiered servers and cake stands gives the eye a few different places to land. It can make a spread feel fuller and more abundant without actually adding more food, which is always a win in my book.

Height is also surprisingly useful when throwing a party because it can help maximize your serving space. You can tuck smaller dishes or snacks underneath raised platters, while taller pieces can put everything from appetizers to desserts within easy reach. And you don't have to reserve this trick for formal occasions. A tiered stand can make a casual breakfast, afternoon snack setup or family dinner feel a little more special without requiring you to break out the fine china.

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White Three-Tiered Metal Tray, $19.99 at Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby

Think of it as the tablescaping equivalent of adding a second story: You're using the same amount of real estate, but suddenly there's a lot more going on. Hobby Lobby's White Three-Tiered Metal Tray brings a little French country charm to the table, with its crisp white finish and classic metal construction. Think farmhouse kitchen meets leisurely afternoon in the French countryside, making even a pile of store-bought pastries look like a cute presentation.

The three round trays are graduated in size, with an 8.25-inch top tray, a 10.25-inch middle tray and a generous 12.06-inch bottom tray, giving you plenty of room to layer whatever you're serving.

Related: IKEA Is Selling a Sleek New Cart That Fits Into the Narrowest of Spaces for Extra Storage

The white metal works beautifully with other rustic or vintage-inspired pieces, so you can make it as polished or as casually charming as you like.

Hobby Lobby shoppers love this tiered tray so much that some admit they're purchasing more than one.

"Perfect for party food," writes a customer in their review. "Beautifully displays sandwiches and desserts. Love these! I'm buying four more!"

Another person mentioned they actually use the tray for seasonal decorations, especially around Christmastime.

"I decorate my table with a white tablecloth and runner, then I take this beautiful piece and put different ornaments on each layer," they wrote. "Festive and easy."

Whether you're serving food or going for a seasonal style, you'll end up using this tray way more than you might first expect.

Related: Costco's Gorgeous Green Hand-Knotted Rug Looks Like It Belongs in a Grand European Estate

Some desserts instantly transport you back to childhood, and a Chocolate Swiss Roll is one of them. Whether you remember finding one tucked into your lunchbox or enjoying one as an after-school snack, the classic treat brings back memories with the very first bite.

Just in time for back-to-school season, Costco is stocking a bakery-style version from Quinn’s Baking Co. that puts a spin on the nostalgic favorite. Rich chocolate cake wrapped around a creamy vanilla filling makes this sweet find hard to resist for kids and adults alike.

You can check them out in this August 5 TikTok from @CostcoBuys:

@costcobuys

🍫 Quinn’s Chocolate Vanilla Swiss Rolls at Costco are a nostalgic treat you need to grab! You get 12 rolls of rich chocolate cake wrapped around a sweet vanilla filling, made with real ingredients and baking as an act of love. It’s a classic lunchbox favorite all grown up 🎂 ($7.99) #costco #costcofinds #swissrolls

♬ original sound - CostcoBuys

The Swiss rolls come 12 to a package and are currently selling for $7.99. Each one features a generous layer of vanilla filling rolled inside chocolate cake and appears much thicker than the boxed snack cake version. At about 67 cents per roll, they’re an affordable option for back-to-school lunches, afternoon snacks, or an easy dessert after dinner.

Related: A Sweet New Fall Find at Costco Is Giving Sur La Table Vibes

While Swiss rolls have been a lunchbox staple for generations, Quinn’s Baking Co. set out to recreate the nostalgic dessert with a bakery-inspired approach. The family-owned company launched in 2020 after purchasing equipment from a bakery that had been making Swiss rolls and cakes, allowing them to recreate the treats they remembered growing up with. The company was named after the founders’ daughter, Quinn, whose love of baking inspired the business.

A classic chocolate Swiss roll with a creamy vanilla filling.

Photo by Mohammad Fahim on Unsplash

Since Costco items can vary by location, shoppers can call ahead or check availability in the Costco app using item #1952997 before making a special trip. As with many bakery finds, stock may be limited to select warehouses or sell out quickly once it arrives.

If chocolate Swiss rolls were a regular part of your childhood, this Costco find might be a fun excuse to revisit an old favorite. And if you’re introducing them to a new generation, there’s a good chance they’ll disappear from the lunchbox just as quickly as you remember.

Frito-Lay is back with another brand-new chips release bound to delight tastebuds craving something more bold than usual. The unexpected fusion of seasonings is an explosion of flavor, perfect for both end-of-summer gatherings and savory fall snacking—and it's launching nationwide next week.

Bringing together a returning fan-favorite and a totally new addition to the brand's lineup, Doritos F1 Head2Head combines two flavors in one bag: Late Night Loaded Taco and Chimichurri Lime. The contrasting tastes are said to create the opportunity for snackers to get both bites at once and choose their favorite.

The crave-worthy, crunchy snack was made with fans of the international auto racing sport in mind, marrying two bold flavors and urging a "flavor face-off"—in the most fun way. Late Night Loaded Taco is a comeback drop, with notes of seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, tomato, and sour cream. Meanwhile, Chimichurri Lime brings in a South American vibe, featuring peppers, garlic, and a bright touch of lime.

For those unfamiliar with the tangy signature blend of spices, chimichurri is a sauce of fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar that originated in Argentina, traditionally used as a table condiment or to season grilled meat, according to Sporked.

"Inspired by the rivalry and excitement surrounding Formula 1," according to a press release shared directly with Parade, the limited-time launch will be available in 9-ounce bags for $5.49 each and 2.6-ounce bags for $2.79. And it's coming sooner rather than later, as the nationwide release is set for Monday, Aug. 10, so they'll likely be stocked on a store shelf near you next week, if not already.

As Parade previously reported, Doritos debuted another zesty, lime-centered chips flavor earlier this summer when it added its spinoff of the tortilla chip, Doritos Dinamita, to its Simply NKD line. As the name implies, the new Simply NKD Dinamita took the iconic rolled chip that fans know and love for its “layered heat-filled flavor experience,” and stripped it of all artificial dyes and flavors.

Next, Frito-Lay’s Brand-New Line of Chips Is a Tasty Twist on Classic Flavors

Scott Stapp, the powerful voice behind the band Creed, is celebrating a birthday. The rock frontman turns 53 on Aug. 8, more than 25 years after Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open” became a No. 1 hit.

Stapp rose to fame as Creed’s frontman in the late 1990s, but it was the power ballad “With Arms Wide Open” that gave the group a permanent place in rock history. The song, written by Stapp and Mark Tremonti about the emotions of impending fatherhood, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 2000 and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2001.

Stapp once said the success of the song was life-changing for him.

“It changed my life, and I have just a sense of appreciation for that song coming to me and Mark when it did and it’s still relevant in my life today,” he told Kyle Brandt’s The Ringer, per Loudwire.

More than two decades after Creed’s breakthrough, Stapp continues to make music and often reflects on the band’s enduring legacy.

After forming in the mid-1990s in Tallahassee, Florida, Creed recorded hits such as “My Own Prison,” “Higher,” “My Sacrifice,” and headlined an iconic 2001 NFL Thanksgiving Day halftime show performance before splitting in 2004. The band has since had several revivals and reunions. Stapp also joined the supergroup Art of Anarchy and released four solo albums.

Over the years, Stapp has been vocal about his struggles with sobriety and other difficuties in his personal life.

In 2024, he told People magazine, “I’ve gone through a pretty difficult period in life over the last four years. I’m hanging in there — just one hour at a time, one thing at a time. Taking little bites of the elephant and then just waking up again and doing it all over the next day. A lot going on, but all good stuff.”

Stapp also explained why he always feels the need to make music, even when he’s not in a band.

“I feel compelled to create. It’s who I am,”  the singer shared. “So if I’m not doing it with Creed, there’s a void. I have to do it. There’s stuff in me as an artist and as a creative that I have to get out. Music is my method of doing that.”

RELATED: 1980 Rock Classic, Written as a Message to Rocker’s Wife, Remains a Timeless Anthem of Hope 46 Years Later

In recent years, Stapp has often marveled over the fact that Creed’s music has been introduced to new, younger audiences, with some songs going viral on social media platforms such as TikTok.

“And then you look at the analytics, and you realize that when you look at the numbers, it's three generations,” he said in a 2024 radio interview with I-Rock 93.5, per Blabbermouth.net. “And now it's gotten down into high school kids. And so, what a gift and what a blessing. And I do not take that for granted. I understand how rare that is.”

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Vera Blue's stripped-down cover of Radiohead's "Creep" for triple j's Like A Version has left listeners emotionally floored, with fans across social media describing the performance as one of the most moving covers they've ever heard.

The Australian singer-songwriter pared the 1992 alt-rock staple down to just guitar, piano and vocals, building from a quiet, restrained opening into a soaring falsetto by the final chorus. Blue said she wanted the arrangement to feel genuinely haunting, describing the song's lyrics as heartbreaking even as she stayed true to the emotional core of Thom Yorke's original.

The reaction online has been overwhelming. Commenters described getting chills, tearing up, and feeling like the performance belonged in a film score. Several said they went in expecting little from yet another "Creep" cover, having heard countless versions over the years, only to come away completely surprised by how much this one affected them.

Others pointed to specific moments in the performance as the ones that broke them emotionally, particularly a stretch late in the song where Blue's vocals build into something several listeners called shattering. Many said the vulnerability in her voice made a decades-old song feel entirely new again, with more than one commenter comparing the experience to being transported somewhere else entirely while watching.

Toward the end of the performance, Blue introduced a rare mouth-controlled synth instrument, adding an eerie, otherworldly layer that several fans said pushed the cover from great into unforgettable. The unexpected addition became one of the most talked-about parts of the entire performance, with listeners calling the moment both strange and mesmerizing in the best way.

For an artist who has spent years quietly building a devoted following, the emotional response to this performance suggests she's not just retaining her longtime fans, she's turning complete strangers into believers with a single, haunting performance

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Sandals are essential summer footwear, but not all styles offer enough support to wear comfortably for hours on end. If you're been searching for a stylish, pillowy option that can also help alleviate foot pain or fatigue, Walmart has a new shoe deal that you won't want to miss out on. The bestselling Crocs Getaway Platform H-Strap Sandals are currently on sale for nearly 45% off, and they've earned over 540 five-star ratings for their "soft" and "cushy" design. 

Available in sizes 4 to 11, the platform sandals are now marked to as low as $25, down from $45, in both the black and latte style. You can also shop it in a quartz color and a glittery stucco hue at varying prices, although availability depends on both size and color. 

Crocs Getaway Platform H-Strap Sandals, $25 (were $45) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

These top-rated sandals feature an ultra-soft, spongy footbed that allows your feet to sink in with every step, offering plush, cloud-like comfort for walking and traveling. The shoes feature buttery smooth straps in a chic H-shaped design, with a lightweight, flexible feel that effortlessly moves with you throughout your day. The roomy fit is breathable and airy enough to wear in hot temperatures, although the brand notes that it may be slightly loose on narrow feet. 

Featuring an open rounded toe and a seamless one-piece construction, these sandals are made to feel like you're wearing nothing on your feet, thanks to Crocs' Free Feel technology. It has a grippy, non-slop outsole and a chunky 1.6-inch platform heel that adds an instantly flattering lift, making these shoes easy to dress up or down for a variety of occasions. 

Related: Walmart's 'Stretchy' $15 Cotton Cargo Shorts Are 'Perfect for Outdoor Adventures' and Come in 10 Colors

The Crocs Getaway Platform sandals are a favorite among Walmart shoppers, who highlighted the "supportive" footbed. One reviewer said the "stylish" shoes offer "all-day" comfort, while another noted that they're "super comfortable" and "go with everything." Several also praised the shoes for helping to alleviate foot ailments, with one writing it's "the only shoe that has helped my foot pain, and actually cute!" 

Shop More Deals

• Ecetana Women's Flat Sandals, $20 (were $26) at Walmart
• Burudani Soft Cushion Flip-Flops, $13 (were $39) at Walmart
• Litfun Sports Flip-Flops, $20 (were $35) at Walmart

If you want chic sandals that you can wear all day comfortably, these stylish H-strap platform slip-ins are an excellent pick. They're supportive, easy to dress up or down, and available in four colors that complement any wardrobe. Grab a pair for under $30 at Walmart now. 

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.

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One of the best ways to travel is to explore a new destination entirely on your own terms, but traveling solo also means packing items that can help you feel safe and secure throughout your trip. Having the right carry-on essentials on hand can give you extra peace of mind wherever your travels take you.

As someone who covers shopping and travel essentials for outlets like Editorialist, Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper’s Bazaar, I’ve tested and tried countless travel essentials over the years and learned which ones are actually worth packing. These carry-on essentials for solo travelers over 50 will make your next trip feel a little easier from takeoff to landing.

Related: 8 Minimalist Carry-On Finds For Travelers Over 50

Master Lock Small Travel Safe with Cable

Amazon

Having a portable safe you can bring with you will provide extra peace of mind when traveling solo, especially when you want to keep important belongings like your passport, cash, credit cards and phone secure. The cable lets you attach it to a fixed object in your hotel room or vacation rental, while the water-resistant, shock-absorbing design adds another layer of protection without taking up space in your bag. 

Get it on AmazonTravel Vacuum Bags

Amazon

One of the best ways to fit all of your favorite items into a carry-on is with vacuum bags. This set comes with several different sizes and a portable rechargeable vacuum, so you can easily compress your clothes wherever you’re staying and make more room in your suitcase.

Get it on AmazonLuggage Travel Cup Holder

Amazon

If you tend to have multiple drinks with you, whether it’s your water bottle or an iced coffee from the airport, a luggage cup holder is both practical and an item you’ll be glad you packed. This one easily attaches to your suitcase handle, keeping your drinks within reach while freeing up your hands as you make your way through the airport. 

Get it on Amazon

Related: 8 Best Carry-On Essentials for Solo Travelers

LILLUSORY Women's 2 Piece Lounge Sets

Amazon

A cozy set you can wear to the airport as well as separately for other outfits is a great way to get more out of what you pack. Wear the pieces together for the flight, then mix and match them with other items in your suitcase throughout the trip, giving you several outfit options without taking up extra space in your carry-on. 

Get it on AmazonOtterBox Sole Series Phone Case

Amazon

This phone case is easy to use and lets you keep small essentials like lip balm and cards within reach at the back of your phone, which can be especially handy when you’re in a rush. It’s also incredibly sturdy, with military-grade drop protection, so it’s a fantastic option for keeping your phone protected throughout your travels. 

Get it on AmazonPower Bank Built-in 2 Cables Keychain

Amazon

This portable charger is a convenient gadget you can clip onto your bag or backpack, which makes it easier to keep within reach while traveling. This has built-in charging cables and can power up to five devices at once, including your phone and Apple Watch, so you have the chargers you need all in one compact keychain.

Get it on Amazon

Related: 8 Best Carry-On Essentials for Travelers With Pets

EcoNour Portable Handheld Fan

Amazon

 This powerful portable fan extends and folds, making it convenient to pack in your carry-on and use whenever you need to cool down. It has five speed settings, provides up to 12 hours of cooling and can be used as either a handheld or desk fan, making it especially useful for warmer destinations. 

Get it on AmazonROAME Disposable Toilet Seat Covers

Amazon

In case you’re in a situation where you need to use a public restroom, having disposable toilet seat covers on hand can be incredibly convenient, whether you’re at the airport, on the plane or out exploring. Made for everyday convenience, these biodegradable liners are slim enough to easily tuck into your carry-on. 

Get it on Amazon

Related: 8 Best Carry-On Essentials for Travelers With Pets

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals Ola and James Jordan have confirmed they are separating after more than two decades of marriage, bringing an end to one of the show's most recognizable love stories.

The couple's manager, Vickie White, confirmed the news in a statement, saying the pair began a trial separation some time ago. "Their shared priority remains co-parenting their daughter, Ella, and they are committed to putting her well-being first," White said. She added that the couple would greatly appreciate understanding as they navigate this difficult time.

Ola and James's relationship dates back to 1999, when a then-17-year-old Ola won the Open Polish Championship. She became James's professional dance partner shortly afterward, in March 2000, and moved to England the following month to continue their partnership. The couple married in October 2003, and their relationship would go on to unfold publicly for more than 20 years as they became fixtures on British television.

Both Ola and James went on to become fan favorites on Strictly Come Dancing. James appeared on the show from 2006 to 2013, partnering with celebrities including broadcaster Gabby Logan and The One Show presenter Alex Jones. Ola continued on the series until 2015, dancing alongside stars such as wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and Welsh sprinter Iwan Thomas.

The pair welcomed their daughter, Ella, in 2020, after years of hoping to start a family.

News of the split has taken longtime fans by surprise, with many expressing disbelief online after watching the couple's relationship play out for so many years. Several commenters wished the pair well as they move forward, while others reflected on how happy they always seemed to appear together publicly.

No further details about the future of their relationship have been shared. Both Ola and James have asked for privacy as they focus on their daughter during this transitional time.

Rikki Rockett made sure the drummer could be every bit as colorful as the frontman.

The Poison co-founder celebrates his 65th birthday on Aug. 8. With his energetic playing, theatrical style and unforgettable stage presence, Rockett helped make the band one of the most recognizable acts to emerge from the 1980s glam metal scene.

Born Richard Allan Ream in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1961, Rockett developed an early obsession with music before joining forces with Bret Michaels. The two eventually left Pennsylvania for Los Angeles, where Rockett, Michaels and bassist Bobby Dall formed the early lineup of Poison.

Guitarist C.C. DeVille later completed the group's best-known lineup. After building a following through club performances and independent promotion, Poison signed with Enigma Records and released its debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In, in 1986.

The album introduced the band to a national audience through songs including "Talk Dirty to Me" and "I Won't Forget You." Poison's brightly colored image and energetic performances also made the group a natural fit for MTV as glam metal became one of the decade's most popular forms of rock.

The band's commercial breakthrough arrived with 1988's Open Up and Say... Ahh!, which produced "Nothin' but a Good Time" and the chart-topping ballad "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." The band's official biography credits Poison with more than 40 million records and DVDs sold worldwide as well as 12 Top 10 hits.

Rockett's contribution went far beyond his visual style. His powerful drumming gave Poison's songs their momentum while his showmanship helped make the band's concerts as memorable as its music. He also received songwriting credits on many of the group's signature tracks.

Even as musical trends shifted, Rockett remained committed to the sound and personality that first connected Poison with its audience. "Evolving is one thing, but making a left from a right, that's a whole different thing," he explained in a 2025 radio interview.

Outside Poison, Rockett released the solo album Glitter 4 Your Soul in 2003 and later formed Devil City Angels. He also launched his own custom drum company and became accomplished in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, adding several new chapters to a career that began in the Pennsylvania rock scene.

Rockett faced his greatest personal challenge after being diagnosed with oral cancer in 2015. After chemotherapy and radiation failed to stop the cancer from spreading, he entered an immunotherapy clinical trial. The treatment eliminated the cancer and Rockett has continued to share his experience to raise awareness of immunotherapy and clinical trials.

His work received another honor in January 2026 when he was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame during a ceremony celebrating the musicians who helped shape the Sunset Strip's 1980s metal scene.

Rockett is now preparing to release his first memoir, Ghost Notes: My Life in Poison. The forthcoming book covers his journey from basement bands and dishwashing jobs to rock stardom as well as his experiences with addiction, family struggles and cancer.

More than four decades after Poison formed, Rockett remains closely connected to the music and image that made the band famous. His 65th birthday celebrates a drummer whose playing and personality became an essential part of glam metal history.

Related: '90s Pop-Rock Legend and Member of Beloved Rock Band Turns 68

Janis Joplin made no mystery out of what inspired her to find her voice.

According to a 1969 interview with Hit Parader magazine, Joplin plainly credited the blues with helping her find her sound.

“Back in Port Arthur, I’d heard some Lead Belly records, and, well, if the blues syndrome is true, I guess it’s true about me… So I began listening to blues and folk music. I bought Bessie Smith and Odetta records, and one night, I was at this party, and I did an imitation of Odetta. I’d never sung before, and I came out with this huge voice.”

A simple fact is that without the blues movement, there would be no rock and roll. The artists you know and love, from Eric Clapton to Led Zeppelin, took the musical framework and deeply rooted lyricism and transformed them into the loud, electric genre we know today. Bluntly, racism is why the blues do not get the credit they deserve in rock's history, which the mainstream likes to credit Elvis Presley for "inventing." Even if Presley did "invent" rock and roll, he inherited it from the local blues he grew up with.

Related: 1981 Timeless Anthem Inspired by Janis Joplin Became One of Rock’s First No. 1 Hits

Who Is Bessie Smith and Why Did Janis Joplin Honor Her?

Smith's contribution to music is undeniable. Eventually known as the "Empress of the Blues," Smith made a name for herself on the Black vaudeville stage. It wasn't until 1923 that Smith signed with Columbia Records, and her first recording, “Downhearted Blues," catapulted her to fame. In fact, it made her the highest-earning Black entertainer of her time. She was unapologetically herself, proud of her Black heritage, openly bisexual, and fearless with her career choices.

In 1937, Smith was in a car accident so severe that it nearly severed her arm from her body. Those final moments are shrouded in mystery, with reports claiming authorities allowed Smith to bleed out while tending to white passengers who had mere bumps and scrapes, while others say she bled out while ambulances were trying to find a hospital that would treat a Black woman. Most historians now agree that Smith made it to the hospital, but by the time she got there, her injuries were so bad that she had no chance of making it. All three versions likely have some truth to them. Her family reportedly could not afford a headstone for her.

When Joplin found out that Smith was resting in an unmarked grave, she quietly purchased a headstone for her alongside Juanita Green on August 8, 1970. The epitaph read: “The Greatest Blues Singer in the World Will Never Stop Singing—Bessie Smith‐1895‐1937,” which was penned by jazz historian John Hammond.

Joplin died weeks later on October 4, 1970, at the age of 27, from a heroin overdose.

Smith's headstone can be visited at Mount Lawn Cemetery in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.

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In the early 1980s, hard rock was defined by soaring vocals, thunderous guitar riffs, and anthemic hooks—and all of those elements were found in the Scorpions' song “No One Like You.”

The 1982 hit introduced millions of American fans to the German rock band and remains one of the genre's most enduring anthems more than four decades later.

Written by Rudolf  Schenker and Klaus Meine, “No One Like You” featured a killer opening hook, a two-guitar attack by Schenker and Matthias Jabs, and an irresistible, arena-ready chorus. The first single from the album Blackout reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks in May 1982 and became one of the defining hard rock songs of that summer.

MTV played a huge role in the Scorpions' rise in the United States. Less than a year after the all-music channel made its debut, the modest “No One Like You” music video featured performance footage amid a storyline set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island.

In an interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Matthias recalled, “’No One Like You’ was really low budget and we shot it on Alcatraz. It was great, and I am glad I went there. We were there overnight, and we locked in our bass player. Maybe we should have never let him out. He fell asleep. With one bar, you could close all of the gates in the hallway for all of the cells. Nobody knew he was sleeping in one of those cells.  We found him eventually.”

The success of the video opened the door for Scorpions to conquer America—and that they did. Speaking with Metal Hammer, Schenker recalled, “’No One Like You’ was the most-played song on U.S. radio in 1982. That was pretty crazy. From there we were able to do our first headlining shows in the States, with Iron Maiden and Girlschool, and we did fantastically well. We were really riding on this high wave, and so I was thinking even bigger… what could I write next, you know?”

Even the band was floored by the song’s success in the U.S.

“People asked us, 'Why are you guys coming from Germany, and you have this No. 1 single in the United States? What is this secret?'” Schenker said in a Songfacts interview. “I said, 'Maybe it is because we see things in a different way. We explain things differently, and we go very deep inside with the music and the lyrics, and we have a different view. And people start liking this view because it's not the same as the views of other people."

Scorpions would later produce other MTV-fueled classics such as “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change.” But more than 40 years after its release, “No One Like You” remains a cornerstone of the band’s legacy—and a timeless staple on rock radio.

Related: How Milton Berle Took Over Ratt’s ‘Round and Round’ Video in 1984

Every gardener dreams of harvesting baskets overflowing with fresh vegetables—until they actually grow zucchini. By early August, many home gardeners have more zucchini than they know what to do with. 

After making zucchini bread, grilling zucchini, baking zucchini casserole, and giving it to friends and family, there often seems to be only one option left: quietly leave a few on someone else's porch and hope they'll enjoy the surprise.

As strange as it sounds, that's exactly the idea behind National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day, celebrated every year on August 8, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The lighthearted holiday embraces one of gardening's oldest jokes, while encouraging neighbors to share the bounty of their summer harvest.

At first glance, National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day sounds like one of the internet's strangest holidays. But beneath the humor is a surprisingly wholesome message: when your garden gives you more than you need, share it.

Why Is There a Holiday for Sneaking Zucchini Onto Someone's Porch? Consider leaving some zucchini in a basket for National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day on August 8th.

WR Heustis

The holiday was created by Pennsylvania humorist Tom Roy, who is known for inventing whimsical holidays celebrating life's little oddities. His inspiration was simple: zucchini plants are famously prolific, and by August, gardeners often have far more of the vegetable than they can possibly eat.

Rather than letting the extra harvest go to waste, the holiday encourages gardeners to anonymously share their surplus with neighbors—a playful tradition that's equal parts practical and funny.

Why Does Everyone Have So Much Zucchini? If your zucchini plant has an abundant harvest, consider sharing your bounty for National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day on August 8th.

Gu Bra

There's a reason zucchini has become the unofficial mascot of overachieving vegetable gardens.

A healthy zucchini plant can produce pounds of squash over the course of a single growing season, especially when fruit is harvested regularly. Even just one or two plants can generate more zucchini than an average household can keep up with, leaving gardeners searching for creative ways to use—or share—their harvest.

How Do You Celebrate National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day? For National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day on August 8th, select a few veggies to share with family and friends.

Néstor Santos

The traditional celebration is exactly what the name suggests: quietly leave a few fresh zucchini on a neighbor's porch, ring the bell if you'd like, and head home before they discover their surprise.

If you're worried your gift might confuse them, consider attaching a friendly note signed by "The Zucchini Fairy" or another playful gardening nickname so they know the vegetables were left with good intentions.

Other Fun Ways to Share Your Zucchini Harvest Share your harvest with others in honor of National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day on August 8th.

Les Bourgeonniers

Not comfortable sneaking vegetables onto someone's porch? There are plenty of other ways to spread the wealth.

• Host a neighborhood zucchini swap where gardeners can trade extra produce.
• Invite friends over for a zucchini-themed cookout featuring recipes like grilled zucchini, fritters, or zucchini bread.
• Donate extra squash to a local food pantry or community kitchen.
• Set up a free basket at the end of your driveway with a sign inviting neighbors to take what they need.

If you're already starting to scope out fall thrills, Halloween haunt events, and budget-friendly weekend getaways with the family, Southern California’s top theme parks just handed you the ultimate excuse to lock in your plans.

Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm have officially launched their 2027 Season Pass sales—and for a limited time, they are available at the single lowest price you'll see all year or next.

The best part? You don't have to wait until 2027 to start using them. Anyone who snags a 2027 pass early gets immediate, unlimited access to their home parks for the remainder of the 2026 season. That means you can use your pass right away to hit classic fall and winter traditions, including Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park at Magic Mountain, or Knott’s Spooky Farm and Knott’s Merry Farm down in Buena Park.

Related: Six Flags Announces Major Upgrade to Gold Season Passes

Knotts Berry Farm Sizzle Video (0:33) 2027 Season Pass Options & Tier Breakdown

For coaster enthusiasts and regional travelers, the pass options pack a massive punch:

• The 2027 Gold Pass: Beyond unlimited entry to Magic Mountain (and Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles) or Knott’s Berry Farm, this tier unlocks access across West Coast parks—including Knott’s Soak City, California’s Great America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Northern California, and Hurricane Harbor Phoenix—plus free general parking (at select parks) and food, merchandise, and ticket discounts.
• The 2027 Prestige Pass: Built for ultimate theme park VIPs, this top-tier pass elevates the experience with admission to all Six Flags and former Cedar Fair parks across North America, preferred parking, complimentary fountain beverages on every visit, access to dedicated VIP entrance lines during the first two operating hours on select days, two free Bring-A-Friend tickets, and one free single-use Fast Lane voucher per visit.

Related: Six Flags Magic Mountain Just Unveiled Its Reimagined Looney Tunes Land

The launch comes at a particularly exciting time for both parks. Knott’s Berry Farm recently debuted the highly anticipated reimagining of MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortressalongside the new Crafty’s Kitchen dining venue, while Knott’s Soak City is gearing up for the 2027 arrival of two brand-new water attractions, Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze. Meanwhile, Magic Mountain is teasing upcoming details for an all-new coaster scheduled to land at the "Thrill Capital of the World" next year.

To lock in these guaranteed lowest rates of the season, theme park fans need to act fast: the limited-time launch pricing runs only through September 7, 2026. You can grab your pass online today at sixflags.com/magicmountain or knotts.com.

Related: Six Flags Great Adventure Is Revealing Its Next Big Coaster Tomorrow