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We've all been there: family members start asking us when we're going to get married, have a baby or "get a real job." The random person in the grocery store who asks us if we're having twins when we're not even pregnant. None of these personal/intrusive questions are OK, but it can be hard to know what to say to a nosy person when you do encounter them.

"When asked an intrusive question, many people freeze because they feel caught between two competing social instincts: the desire to be polite and the desire to be private," Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C, a psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health, tells Parade. "Even when questions cross a line, many of us fear that refusing to answer is rude, so we end up divulging more than we are comfortable with."

Dr. Guarnotta says that knowing how to shut down a busybody is especially important when you start noticing signs of a chronic gossiper at work or in your circle. She shares that they will often ask "highly personal questions that might not be relevant to the conversation." They may also share private information with others.

"Setting boundaries with nosy people protects your privacy and well-being, and also teaches others how you expect to be treated," she notes. "The more consistently you set healthy boundaries, the easier and more comfortable it gets."

However, we often use tactics like vagueness or justification to respond to these violations. Dr. Guarnotta suggests a different way. She says the one phrase that shuts down a snoop isn't what you might think. She also reveals assertive communication scripts for every situation, including setting boundaries with family and dealing with a prying coworker.

Related: We Asked 4 Psychologists the One Phrase That Escalates Every Argument—They All Said the Same Thing

The 1 Phrase Psychologists Swear By: 'That's Not a Conversation I'm Available For'

According to Dr. Guarnotta, the best phrase to shut down a nosy person is "That's not a conversation I'm available for."

She says this statement is clear, calm and respectful. Unlike vague statements, like "It's complicated," this phrase doesn't leave room for pushback.

The Psychology of the Pivot: Why This Phrase Works Instantly

"That's not a conversation I'm available for" is great for shutting down intrusive questions and comments because it taps into the psychology of nosy people, who may project their own boredom, argumentativeness, desire to be "right" or low self-worth onto others.

"It sets a boundary without attacking the other person," Dr. Guarnotta states. "This is important because people are less likely to become defensive when you state what you’re willing to engage in, rather than criticizing them."

For instance, she says that you're less likely to trigger defensiveness if you use a boundary-setting phrase like the one above instead of "It's none of your business" when an acquaintance asks you when you plan to have a baby. It also doesn't leave room for negotiation because it's clear and doesn't invite follow-up questions.

"Instead, you say something like 'I’d rather not talk about that because I’m having a hard time.' A nosy person might take that as an invitation," Dr. Guarnotta shares. On the flipside, "That's not a conversation I'm available for” communicates that the topic isn’t open to further discussion.

Perhaps most importantly, she says this phrase models self-respect.

"You don’t owe anyone access to your personal information," Dr. Guarnotta says. "This statement reinforces that. It shows that you’re intentionally holding your boundaries without reacting emotionally. If someone asks a personal question about your finances, stating this communicates confidence."

Related: Psychologist Says if You Hate Silence in Conversations, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

The 'Justification Trap': Why Defending Yourself Backfires

Too often, Dr. Guarnotta says, we lean into phrases to shut down intrusive questions and comments that reek of defensiveness. It's understandable, but she doesn't recommend it.

"When people feel pressured to defend themselves, they might unintentionally end up revealing more information than they feel comfortable with," she explains.

Also, keep in mind the psychology of a nosy person: she says they may enjoy "getting a rise" out of people. The justification trap can feel like defensiveness—mission accomplished (for the prying individual).

"In these cases, it reinforces the behavior in the future," the psychologist states. "Ironically, the more that you try to justify your boundary, the weaker the boundary becomes. Boundaries are best when stated as neutral factors. You don’t have to convince anyone that you’re entitled to boundaries."

Dr. Guarnotta reminds everyone that we don't need to apologize or use clever comeback phrases to shut down a snoop, but she understands it's hard not to fall into that mindset.

"Asserting a boundary can be extremely uncomfortable at first, but with practice, it becomes easier over time," she says.

Related: You Won’t Hear Emotionally Intelligent People Use This 1 Phrase With Friends, Psychologist Says

5 More Polite (But Firm) Scripts for Different Environments

"That's not a conversation I'm available for" is a great way to deflect snooping, but you may want more specific phrases to shut down intrusive questions from family, friends and strangers. To help, Dr. Guarnotta shares assertive communication scripts for different situations below.

1. The workplace deflection

Dealing with a nosy coworker is rough. You want to keep the peace, but you may not wish to get into the reason you changed your last name on social media (you recently got divorced), for example. Dr. Guarnotta recommends deflecting this personal question with a line like, "I like to keep my personal life separate from work, but I'd love to hear how your project is going."

"This statement sets a clear boundary and redirects the conversation to another topic that you have in common," she explains. "It’s professional and polite and avoids uncomfortable awkwardness." 

2. The family gathering boundary

Setting boundaries with family is emotionally fraught, especially if you know they have your best interest at heart. For instance, they may know you recently got laid off and want to know how the job search is going (Spoiler: Discouraging). Dr. Guarnotta suggests saying, "I know you're asking because you care, but I'm not ready to talk about that today."

She states that this phrase validates the good intentions but sets a clear boundary that you don't want to get into it right now.

"Family members can sometimes feel entitled to personal information," she notes. "This reminds them that even close family relationships have boundaries that need to be respected."

Related:Kids Who Grow up With Condescending Parents Often Develop These 7 Traits as Adults, Psychologist Says

3. The direct stop (for repeat offenders)

Chronic gossipers and other truly nosy people can struggle to take a hint and read the room (or they refuse to). In these cases, Dr. Guarnotta says you'll need to take a more direct approach. Try a script like, "I've mentioned before that I don't discuss this topic. Please stop asking."

"Repeat offenders typically ignore or misinterpret vague statements," she explains. "They might even struggle to pick up on social cues. These individuals need a firm, clear response that emphasizes the boundary and the need to stop."

4. The polite pivot for well-meaning friends

Like family members, friends often cross lines with the best of intentions, so it's important to know how to politely deflect a question. Dr. Guarnotta recommends telling the pal, "I really appreciate your concern, but right now I need support more than questions."

"This statement validates the person’s good intentions, while highlighting what you do need," she says. "Good friends usually want to help, but they might not know how to."

5. The random shutdown

The person at the grocery store who asks when you're due, or the guy at the gas station who makes a comment about the hot-pink streaks in your hair, can really catch you off guard. After all, you were just trying to run an errand.

For intrusive comments about physical appearance, Dr. Guarnotta recommends the phrase, "I'd rather not talk about my body." For most situations with a stranger, she says, "I keep that part of my life private" works.

"You don’t owe random strangers personal information," she emphasizes. "These responses are brief, polite and make it clear that the conversation won’t continue."

Related: 10 Surprising Thoughts Psychologists Warn You Should Never, Ever Voice Out Loud, and Why

Silence vs. Sarcasm: Which Is Better?

Dr. Guarnotta tends to prefer silence over sarcasm when responding to someone who is prying.

"Sarcasm can feel empowering, but when it’s used in situations where the other person isn’t also engaging in sarcasm, it usually escalates conflict," Dr. Guarnotta says. "Silence, or a boundary statement, followed by a change of subject, doesn’t reinforce the engagement that the nosy person is looking for."

That's not to say there's never room for sarcasm.

"There are situations where sarcasm or light humor can be used effectively, but if your goal is to end an intrusive conversation, firm boundaries win over sarcasm," she adds.

Up Next:

Related: These 7 Subtle Phrases Sound Dismissive, Even When You Don't Mean To Be, a Psychologist Says

Source:

• Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C, is a psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health.

When Lisa Loeb released her song “Stay (I Missed You)” in May of 1994, she didn’t have the backing of a record label. She had initially intended to sell the song to Daryl Hall, a member of Hall & Oates. 

However, she changed her mind. 

RELATED: 2002 Hit Song, With 18-Year-Old Singer, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Minivan Rock Songs’ of All Time

One person who believed in the song was Ethan Hawke, Loeb’s friend and neighbor at the time. He believed in the song so much that he sent it to Ben Stiller for use in the movie Reality Bites. Stiller agreed to include the song in the film and in the soundtrack. 

Written solely by Loeb at age 22, several years before its release, “Stay (I Missed You)” showcases a vulnerability that captures the emotional push and pull of a relationship between two individuals who have trouble communicating with each other. Throughout the song, Loeb reflects on arguments with her lover and realizes that she misses him, yet understands that love alone isn’t enough to keep them together. 

“When I wrote it, it was an expression of an argument I was going through at the time,” Loeb told People in a 2024 interview about the song.

RELATED: 1994 Soft Rock Song, Inspired by a Poem, Became a Summer Breakthrough Hit

She added that in the early ‘90s, folks connected with the tune “very quickly, which is why Ethan Hawke wanted to pass the song along to the director of the movie Reality Bites.”

Later appearing on her debut album, Tails, “Stay (I Missed You)” quickly took over the radio airwaves during the mid-’90s, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August of 1994, where it remained for three weeks. The song spent 30 weeks on the chart and earned Loeb the distinction of being the first artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 before being signed to a record label. 

Over the years, “Stay (I Missed You)” has proven its staying power. 

“It's such a nostalgic song,” Loeb said. “It reminds [people] of their life 30 years ago or when they first heard it on a TV show. It's been in different commercials and TV shows, and it's wonderful to see people's nostalgic connection with it as well as their current connection with it as kind of a heartbreak-relationship-overthinking song.”

Related: 2002 Breakthrough Hit, With 17-Year-Old Singer, Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of the 21st Century'

It's practically a life rule that you need to kick back with a cold glass of lemonade at least once during the summer. But while the drink is a hit in its original form, there's been a recent surge in variations on the classic recipe. Pickle lemonade has had its moment, but 2026 is seeing another new take on the popular beverage: tomato lemonade.

While it sounds borderline gross, tomato lemonade recipes have popped up enough on social media to make it fair to at least be curious about what's going on here. Have recipe creators lost their collective minds, or is this actually tasty?

One person who recently shared a tomato lemonade recipe is TikToker Glo, who was all in with the pickle lemonade craze. She just dropped a tomato lemonade recipe that creates a concentrate first—and you mix it with coconut water when you're craving lemonade. As she pointed out, you can keep the concentrate in the fridge to create a "lemonade on demand system" at home.

I loved her pickle lemonade recipe, but I was skeptical about tomato lemonade—and I wasn't the only one. "Girl, you lost me at the tomato," one person wrote in the comments. "My girl's making a caprese lemonade," another joked.

I'm all for experimenting with new dishes in the kitchen and this one sounded weird enough to actually work. And, while I love a classic lemonade, I was ready to branch out after months of making the standard summer drink. Here's what I discovered about tomato lemonade—and why I'll definitely make it again in the future.

Related: How To Make Homemade Lemonade Taste 10x Better

Courtesy Korin Miller

The Verdict: What Does Tomato Lemonade Actually Taste Like?

I was mentally prepared for tomato lemonade to be disgusting. It blends together tomatoes, white nectarine, lemons and basil, which doesn't exactly sound like a recipe for a good time. The concentrate also isn't the most visually appealing—it's a pinkish brown shade. While that's fine, it doesn't exactly scream "lemonade."

So, I was completely floored to find that tomato lemonade actually tastes like "real" lemonade. There's no obvious tomato flavor in here at all. Instead, there's a strong, citrus taste that's much more well-rounded than what I usually get when I make lemonade at home.

Related: How to Make the Best-Ever Lemonade, According to Ina Garten

This particular recipe also features basil, which serves up an herby note that's subtle. While there's white nectarine and coconut water in the mix, they don't stand out at all. Instead, all of the flavors come together to create a drink that's like a lemonade with a twist.

I had planned to have a few sips and move on with my day, but I ended up enjoying the whole thing.

@_gloyoyo_

more lemonades loading pinky promise🍋🍅🌱🍑💖 #lemonade #homemade #summerdrink #mocktail #homemadelemonade

♬ original sound - Glo Ingredients Needed for Tomato Lemonade

Courtesy Korin Miller

The ingredients list for tomato lemonade is simple. Here's what you'll need to pull this all together:

• Lemon
• Tomato
• White nectarine
• Basil
• Agave
• Coconut water

Related: The Italian Way to Make Lemonade 10x Better

The Culinary Science: Why This Weird Combo Works

There's a reason why tomato lemonade has taken off: The components in it work together to create a better, more balanced drink than your usual lemons, water and sugar.

Tomatoes have a subtle sweetness and umami flavor that help to tamp down on the lemon's natural tanginess. The tomato also tempers the sugary taste of the lemonade. By combining lemons and tomatoes, you get a more well-rounded drink that still allows the lemonade flavor to shine through.

Related: The Egyptian Way to Make Lemonade 10x Better

Courtesy Korin Miller

How To Make the Viral Tomato Lemonade

The viral tomato lemonade recipe is incredibly simple to make. First, rinse all of your produce.

Then, toss your lemon, tomato, white nectarine and basil into a blender. Add a little water, and follow that with a squirt of agave nectar.

Courtesy Korin Miller

You'll blend these ingredients to create a concentrate.

From there, you'll want to strain the concentrate to get out any chunks.

Then, you can either mix some of the concentrate with coconut water or store it in the fridge for later.

Serve it over ice, just like you would with regular lemonade.

Related: I Tried the Viral ‘Boujee Lemonade,’ and It’s Like Sipping Sunshine

Courtesy Korin Miller

5 Ways To Upgrade the Drink

There's a lot you can do with tomato lemonade. While it's tasty as-is, consider these options to mix things up:

• Make it spiked. You can add a shot of vodka to create a boozy tomato lemonade.
• Play with herbs. The basil is a nice complement with this drink, but rosemary, mint or thyme would also be tasty. (Just strain the concentrate well to make sure you don't end up with any pieces in the final product.)
• Add some spice. Jalapeño would infuse a nice kick to the drink, if you prefer to make it spicy.
• Try it carbonated. Sub sparkling water for coconut water to add a fun fizz to the drink.
• Switch it up with the seasons. White nectarine or peach is a solid choice this time of year, but you can adjust or add on fruit as the seasons change. Berries, oranges and even apple could add another fun layer to the mix.

Up Next:

Related: I Tried 14 Store-Bought Lemonades and the Winner Won By a Landslide

Some collaborations feel so inevitable that people just assume it's already happened. Stephen King and Sam Raimi have shaped modern horror in parallel for more than 40 years, their names practically shorthand for a good scare, and yet the two have never actually worked together. That is about to change.

Searchlight Pictures is developing a new film adaptation of King's 1996 novel Desperation, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Raimi is set to produce through his Ghost House Pictures, and Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the directors behind 2025's reboot Final Destination Bloodlines, are in talks to direct. Ryan Brennan is attached to write the script.

The pairing has a history many fans do not know. When Raimi's low-budget debut The Evil Dead struggled to find a distributor in the early 1980s, it was King who helped change its fortunes, praising the film in Twilight Zone magazine at a moment when studios would not touch it. Raimi has said King "gave me my chance in the business." He went on to build the Evil Dead franchise, launch the modern superhero era with his Spider-Man trilogy, and return to the genre with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Four decades later, he is the one carrying a King story to the screen.

Desperation is prime territory for that kind of talent. The novel follows a group of travelers pulled off a desert highway by Collie Entragian, the sheriff of a played-out mining town called Desperation, Nevada, who proves to be the vessel for an ancient evil. King released it in 1996 alongside a mirror novel, The Regulators, published under his Richard Bachman pseudonym, with the two books sharing characters across wildly different worlds.

The story has reached the screen once before, as a 2006 ABCtelevision movie directed by frequent King collaborator Mick Garris, with Ron Perlman as the possessed sheriff. That version leaned on the limits of network television. Lipovsky and Stein reintroduced the long-dormant Final Destination series in 2025, and Desperation offers a similar setup of ordinary people trapped in an escalating nightmare. The demonic-possession core also sits squarely in Raimi's wheelhouse, the same terrain he first mapped with The Evil Dead.

For King, the project lands amid a crowded stretch of adaptations, from Mike Flanagan's upcoming Carrie to a second season of The Institute. For Raimi, it is a chance to close a loop that began when an established horror giant took a chance on an unknown filmmaker. No production timeline or casting has been announced yet, though the combination alone has already placed Desperation among the most talked-about titles in King's deep development slate.

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One of Broadway's biggest casting announcements this week has already taken an unexpected turn.

Just days after Hadestown producers revealed that actor Geno Segers would take over the coveted role of Hades beginning September 1, the production announced that the two sides had decided to part ways before he ever stepped on stage.

In a statement per Deadline, the show's producers said, "The producers of Hadestown and Geno Segers have mutually agreed that Mr. Segers will no longer join the Broadway production. Additional casting will be announced shortly."

No further explanation was provided, and Segers has not publicly addressed the decision. His Instagram account has also been changed to private.

Why did Geno Segers leave Hadestown?

The announcement came after older videos and online comments attributed to Segers resurfaced on theater blogs following the casting news. According to reports, the posts included comments that critics described as anti-transgender, including views on pronoun usage and transgender athletes competing in women's sports.

Neither the production nor Segers referenced those reports in the official announcement. Since then, Segers has reportedly made his Instagram account private and removed videos from his YouTube channel.

Who is Geno Segers?

Television viewers may recognize Segers from roles on Banshee, Pair of Kings, and Yellowstone. His stage career includes portraying Mufasa in Disney's Australian production of The Lion King before later appearing in New York City Center Encores!' production of On the Town.

Beyond those credits, Segers has also appeared in Teen Wolf, Longmire, Castle, and Perfect Harmony.

What is Hadestown about?

Hadestown is a Tony Award-winning musical that intertwines the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice with the story of Hades and Persephone. The show explores love, hope and sacrifice as it follows its characters on a journey to the Underworld and back. The upcoming cast includes Yellowjackets star Jasmin Savoy Brown, Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz, Tony nominee Amber Iman and American Idol Season 22 alum Kayko. A replacement for Hades has not yet been announced.

Blade Runner star Joanna Cassidy and her boyfriend, Alan Hamel, are having a night out on the town.

The actress, 81, who kicked off her career in the ’70s but rose to superstardom playing replicant Zhora Salome in the iconic 1982 science fiction flick Blade Runner, became a staple of the decade with roles in films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. Never one to slow down, Cassidy’s successful acting career continues in 2026, and she’s looking better than ever with a full head of white hair. But when she's off the clock, the star is having the time of her life hanging out with Hamel. In a new photo, Cassidy sported a miniskirt as the dynamic duo headed to a concert for the night. With her white hair in a shaggy 'do, Cassidy looked every bit the rock star.

My hot date and I went to see the KINGS OF CHAOS last night put together by the king himself Matt Soren!!!! Headlining Ritchie Sambora with these incredible rockers, @Glenhughes@Keithcronin@stevestevens@jackblades and @philx1111 of Bon Jovi. Yay what a night!!!!" Cassidy captioned the photo.

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Opening Up About Dating Alan Hamel

Earlier this year, Cassidy opened up about dating Hamel, who is the widower of actress Suzanne Somers. During an appearance on the Still Here Podcast with Steve Kmetko, Cassidy got candid about the new relationship.

“Well, I am dating someone. Actually, he’s a widow, and it’s really interesting because I didn’t date for a long time. I just, honestly, I don’t know, it just didn’t enter my life, and Lord knows I’m out there,” Cassidy shared.

Hesitant to answer Kmetko’s requests to identify her new boyfriend, Cassidy eventually answered.

“Well, his name is Alan Hamel, who was married to Suzanne Somers for many years,” she shared.

To check out Cassidy’s full interview, watch below:

Cassidy And Her Daughter Are Like Seeing Double

When you put Cassidy next to her daughter, Naomi, for Mother's Day earlier this year, it's like seeing double! It's also amazing how the legendary actress could pass for decades younger.

“Wishing all you Mothers out there an extraordinary day!!!!!! I had a glorious one with my beautiful daughter, Naomi. The years are going by quickly, and I want everyone to be special!!! God bless!! ❤️❤️❤️,” Cassidy captioned the photo, which showed her alongside Naomi.

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Related: ‘Blade Runner’ Star Joanna Cassidy, 80, Is a White-Haired Beauty While Partying With Stefanie Powers, 83

Few musicians ever changed the face of American music quite like Brian Wilson.

As the creative brain behind The Beach Boys, he wrote rich, sweeping pop masterpieces that defined the 1960s. But behind all those legendary harmonies and studio magic was a soft-spoken, sensitive artist whose brilliance was deeply respected and fiercely looked out for by the people who knew him best.

One of his biggest fans was Cher, who spent decades running in the same music circles. She summed up the Beach Boys icon using a sweet, simple one-word nickname that captured his whole legacy simply.

In her autobiography Cher: The Memoir, Part I, the multi-hyphenate recalled the first time she met Wilson. She was first introduced to the musician at Gold Star Studios during a Phil Spector recording session in the 1960s.

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Harry Langdon/Getty Images

Harry Langdon/Getty Images

Cher wrote, "I met Brian Wilson, cofounder of The Beach Boys, who I found one day sitting on the couch at Gold Star. The Beach Boys were recording not too far away at Columbia Studios, and Brian would come and sit quietly in a corner, watching and hoping to pick up a few tips from the master."

She continued, "Painfully shy, he offered to play piano, but Phillip [Spector] passed, although he let Brian play the tambourine and sing backup on a few numbers. A tightwad, he'd enlist anyone if he didn't have to pay them."

"Like Phillip, Brian was a troubled genius who wrote all those Beach Boys Songs as if he'd been out surfing the waves his whole life, when he never had," Cher continued. "He liked me because I was young and unintimidating, so we became friends."

The Oscar-winner concluded, "One day I was playing with the machine that punched letters into plastic tape for labeling equipment and decided to make Brian a bracelet. Because of my undiagnosed dyslexia, it came out as 'I Love You, Brain. It became our little thing and, by the way, he was the brain, with an amazing mind for music."

Spector's influence loomed large over Wilson's life. The inspiration for the song “Don’t Worry Baby” came after Wilson faced a frustrating day in the recording studio and was comforted by then-girlfriendMarilyn Rovell, per American Songwriter.

The song’s was inspired by Wilson’s favorite Spector tune, “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes. After he wrote “Don’t Worry Baby,” Wilson reportedly offered the song to Phil Spector for the girl group to record. However, Spector wasn’t interested.

Cher worked with Phil Spector for years before breaking off into a solo career with Sonny Bono. Ironically, she sang backup on Wilson's favorite song, "Be My Baby."

During that meetup at Gold Star Studios, Cher and Brian Wilson formed a deep mutual respect and a lifelong connection. Being in the legendary studio allowed Cher to see his creative process up close long before the rest of the world fully understood his brilliance.

When Cher later reflected on Wilson’s extraordinary legacy in her autobiography, she used one simple, heartfelt word to express her true feelings and summarize his legacy.

Related: Brian Wilson Couldn’t Stop Listening to This ’70s Soft-Rock Queen

There’s no better feeling than running after the ice cream truck to get a sweet treat on a hot day. But how can you choose just one treat when there’s so many tantalizing options? Your birth month can point you in the right direction. All birth months have an ice cream truck treat aligned with their energy. Depending on when you were born, you might be impartial to a fruity popsicle, decadent chocolate treat, or classic ice cream novelty. No matter what you’re paired with, you can never go wrong ordering the ice cream truck treat meant for you, based on your birth month. Read on to find yours.

Your Ice Cream Truck Treat, Based on Your Birth Month

Check for the month you were born for pro insights.

January: Creamsicle 

People born in January look for a classic ice cream treat with a twist. Their Capricorn energy wants something traditional and noteworthy, but their Aquarius energy craves something unique. A creamsicle is the perfect compromise for what January’s looking for. Creamsicles have a notable reputation, since they’re beloved for their tangy sweetness and unique appeal. January can never go wrong with the creamsicle, because this treat represents their formidability and individuality. 

February: Snow Cone

February’s aligned with the underdog of ice cream truck treats—the snow cone. People born during this month share Aquarius’ quirkiness and Pisces’ whimsy, so they love a fun, flavorful treat. A snow cone represents February’s colorful yet polarizing personality. Like this birth month, a snow cone can be a bit messy but it's all in good fun. February doesn’t care what others have to say, because the snow cone reigns supreme in their eyes.

March: Two-Ball Screwball

Picking just one treat isn’t easy for March. Their whimsical Pisces energy and competitive Aries spirit wants to have the very best ice cream, so they’re aligned with the Two-Ball Screwball. No other ice cream truck treat is as exciting, because the Two-Ball Screwball is famous for its candy twist. March cannot go wrong with either a cherry or blue raspberry Two-Ball Screwball since they’re picking this treat for its surprise—the two hidden gumballs!

READ: Your Perfect Beach Read, Based on Birth Date

April: Ice Cream Sandwich

April looks for a classic ice cream truck treat. Their self-starter Aries spirit and loyal Taurus heart doesn’t need anything fancy, since they prefer something tried-and-true. No matter what else is on the menu, the ice cream sandwich remains the undisputed champion in April’s heart. Ice cream sandwiches have a nostalgic appeal that brings April back to simpler times. April will never be disappointed choosing the ice cream sandwich. 

May: Fudgesicle

Similar to April, those born in May are called to a trustworthy treat. May’s Gemini side might have explored, but their steadfast Taurus heart always brings them back to the fudgesicle. May doesn’t have to wonder if they’ll like the fudgesicle or if the fudgesicle will satisfy their ice cream cravings. This fudgy pop is renowned for being dependable and predictable, which keeps May coming back for more. 

June: Bomb Pop

If anyone’s going to make a statement at the ice cream truck, it’s June. Being co-ruled by mischievous Gemini and trendsetting Cancer means that June wants a standout treat. Their ice cream should be a conservation starter, so naturally, June feels called to the Bomb Pop. The mix of cherry, lime, and blue raspberry fits June’s multifaceted personality. Besides, June isn’t afraid to say that Bomb Pops are far superior to Firecracker Pops. 

July: King Cone

July’s ice cream truck treat should represent their star power. Those born during this month are self-assured due to being influenced by the luminary signs, Cancer and Leo. July’s confidence and radiance are best represented by the King Cone. As if the name isn’t telling enough, the King Cone aligns with July’s strong personality. July cannot help but feel like royalty every time they enjoy a King Cone.  

FUN: Which Golden Girls Character Are You, Based on Your Birth Month?

August: Push-Up Pop

August’s dilemma is that they want ice cream, but they don’t want to deal with a sticky mess given that they’re co-ruled by excitable Leo and neat Virgo. Luckily, they’ll find the perfect compromise with Push-Up pops. These yummy popsicles have smart, mess-free packaging designed to keep August’s hands free from icy drippings. August can enjoy their Push-Up pop without worrying about it melting all over the place.

September: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar

Everyone loves September because they’re a wonderful combination of attentive Virgo and caring Libra. Their ice cream truck treat exemplifies September’s popularity, so they’re connected to the strawberry shortcake ice cream bar. People gravitate toward this treat for the same reasons they gravitate to September. Both the birth month and strawberry shortcake ice cream bar are beloved for having a light-hearted, adorable energy. There’s no doubt that September’s treat is as sweet as they are.  

October: Chipwich

October is beloved for its richness and depth, which comes from being influenced by Libra and Scorpio. People born during this month are simply iconic, just like the Chipwich. October’s aligned with this tantalizing ice cream cookie masterpiece because this sweet treat represents their irresistibility. The Chipwich exemplifies this birth month’s splendor and magnetism. Nobody can deny how alluring the Chipwich or this birth month is. 

November: Choco Taco

Similar to October, this birth month wants a rich treat but with a fun twist. November’s guided by alluring Scorpio and daring Sagittarius, so they’re willing to try the more unusual ice cream truck treats. Their explorativeness leads to the Choco Taco. November might be initially hesitant, but the Choco Taco will blow them away. Choco Taco represents November’s willingness to get out of their comfort zone and try the more unusual things in life.

December: Character Popsicles 

People born in December are such characters due to being a mix of personable Sagittarius and reputable Capricorn. Although December’s drawn to many treats, their ice cream should reflect their personality. They’ll always find glimpses of themselves in a character popsicle. December has ample options to choose from depending on what they feel like that day. Whether they’re feeling sweet like Tweety Bird, brave like Mario, or heroic like Spiderman, there’s a popsicle aligned with every December-born. 

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It has spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, broken multiple chart records and become one of the defining country songs of 2026. But what exactly makes Ella Langley's hit song "Choosin' Texas" so unforgettable?

According to some of Nashville's most accomplished songwriters, it's a rare combination of great writing, memorable production and a performance that feels completely authentic.

In a new Billboard feature, several hitmakers behind songs for artists including Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Demi Lovato and Carrie Underwoodbroke down why Langley's blockbuster single has become such a lasting success.

If you've been following Langley's remarkable year, the praise comes as no surprise. Earlier this summer, "Choosin' Texas" became the longest-running No. 1 Hot 100 country hit by a female artist, breaking a record that had stood since Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" in 1977. More recently, we've also looked at how "Loving Life Again" is rapidly climbing the charts and appears poised to become Langley's next major hit.

Ashley Gorley, whose résumé includes chart-toppers such as Wallen's "Last Night," Post Malone's "I Had Some Help" and Luke Bryan's"Play It Again," believes "Choosin' Texas" succeeds because it never wastes a moment.

"Choosin' Texas' is an instant country heartbreak classic, and Ella is the perfect artist to bring the song to life," Gorley said. "There are no wasted notes or lyrics; it sounds completely authentic."

He added that great songwriters strive to create songs that feel "fresh yet familiar," while remaining true to themselves, calling "Choosin' Texas" the kind of song people "never get tired of listening to."

Laura Veltz, whose credits include Maren Morris' "The Bones," Dan + Shay's "Speechless" and Kane Brown's "High Road," admired the song's emotional simplicity.

"It takes a long time, and thousands upon thousands of songs, to write something that simple so well," she said, adding that the song captures an everyday experience while remaining deeply vulnerable. "Songwriters dream of writing songs that can hit all those cylinders at once."

Several writers singled out another element listeners hear before Langley even begins singing: the instantly recognizable opening guitar riff.

Luke Laird, who has written hits including Eric Church's "Drink in My Hand" and Kenny Chesney's "American Kids," said the opening hook "pulls you in immediately," while songwriter Blake Pendergrass, who wrote Thomas Rhett's hit "Ain't a Bad Life," praised the intro guitar part for hooking listeners "after the very first listen."

Producer and songwriter Gabe Simon, who co-wrote seven songs on Noah Kahan's album Stick Season, shared perhaps the strongest endorsement of all. While working in London recently, he said a studio assistant asked where he was from. When he answered Nashville, she immediately started singing "Choosin' Texas."

"That's the power of this song," Simon said, praising its "simple, cruising" feel, memorable guitar hook and Langley's "effortless confidence."

Darrell Brown, the songwriter behind Keith Urban's "You'll Think of Me" and Josh Turner's "Why Don't We Just Dance," pointed to something even harder to achieve.

"It has that timeless, lived-in quality that reminds you why the classics still work," he said. "Those kinds of songs don't chase the moment, they outlive it."

The songwriters' praise comes as "Choosin' Texas" continues rewriting the record books. The hit recently became the longest-running non-holiday No. 1 by a solo woman artist in Billboard Hot 100 history, surpassing Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" and Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together."

For Langley, the accolades from fellow songwriters may be just as meaningful as another chart milestone. After all, records can eventually be broken, but earning the admiration of the people who make a living writing hit songs is a distinction that lasts far longer.

Related: Ella Langley's Next Big Hit Is Rapidly Climbing the Charts

Fitness culture and beauty standards that promoted thinness were big in the '80s, fueling the rise of a slew of questionable diets. Many of these diets quickly took off, even when they weren’t backed by science.

“In general, the popular fad diets of the '80s were not good for health or long-term weight loss,” Sonya Angelone, RD, PhD, a former spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a San Francisco-based dietitian, tells Parade. Some may have included healthy elements, like a focus on certain fruits or vegetables, but ultimately were presented in a way that just wasn’t healthy, she says. 

Even though medical experts didn’t support these fad diets, many sold plenty of books and products, Angelone points out. There’s one diet in particular that was huge in the 1980s that fueled a national obsession with a certain food—and it was everywhere. “I remember my mother doing this,” saysJessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. 

But while this diet was huge in the '80s, it can trace its roots back to the 1930s. It moved a particular fruit from relative obscurity to a grocery store staple—and it lingered for years before fading into obscurity. Here’s why dietitians say they’re glad it seems to be gone for good. 

Related: Oncologists Say This Common Bedroom Item Could Be Quietly Increasing Your Cancer Risk

More Than 40 Years Ago, This Diet Became a National Obsession

It’s the Grapefruit Diet. There are variations of the diet, but all generally follow the same theme. 

The idea behind this diet is that grapefruit contains fat-burning enzymes that can help you lose weight, Cording explains. As part of the diet, people were encouraged to eat grapefruit at breakfast, lunch and dinner to “detox” the body and lose weight.

Claims varied depending on who was hawking it, but plenty of followers swore that you could lose 10 pounds in 10 days on the Grapefruit Diet. 

Related: We Asked 3 Registered Dietitians About the Worst ’80s Diet and They All Said the Same Thing

People were also encouraged to have very few calories on this diet, sometimes as low as 800 calories per day. Followers typically paired their grapefruit with high-protein foods while cutting back on carbohydrates, Cording says. In situations where grapefruit wasn’t available, people could have grapefruit juice instead. 

A popular breakfast on the Grapefruit Diet was pairing a grapefruit with hard-boiled eggs, Cording says. But followers would also have their grapefruit with meat or coffee throughout the day. 

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Why Was the Grapefruit Diet So Popular?

There are likely a few reasons why this diet took off. “The diet was easy to understand, required very few foods, and promised quick results,” says Sandra Zhang, RDN, LDN,dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center. “Those are common features of many fad diets that become popular.”

The “rules” around this diet were simple—limit your calories, don’t eat a lot of carbs, and have a lot of grapefruit, Angelone says. That makes it appealing to people who want quick results, she explains. 

Many people could find what they needed to follow this diet at the grocery store, making it easy to pick up quickly, Cording says, telling Parade, “Similarly to some of the other popular diets of the time, you get rapid early weight loss. Even though it’s usually water weight, it’s reinforcing the idea that you’re doing something drastic and it’s ‘working.’”

Why Was the Grapefruit Diet So Bad for You?

Research has found that grapefruit can be part of a healthy weight loss plan. An older study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that people with obesity who ate fresh grapefruit three times a day lost 3.5 pounds over 12 weeks, compared to the 0.6 pounds lost by people who took a placebo. 

But the Grapefruit Diet took a healthy fruit that may support weight loss and revolved an entire eating plan around it. “It was extremely low calorie and highly restrictive,” Cording explains. “It was really difficult to meet your vitamin and mineral needs on this, too.” 

Related: Doctors Say These ’90s Health Tips Actually Hold up Today

Another concern, per Angelone: “Grapefruit interacts with several medications.” In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically warns that grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with drugs like some statins, high blood pressure medications, anti-anxiety medications, corticosteroids and antihistamines. 

What Happened to the Grapefruit Diet?

The Grapefruit Diet eventually fell out of favor as nutrition science advanced, Cording says. The concept that grapefruit contained special fat-burning enzymes was debunked, and people even struggled with their dental health from all of the acid in the grapefruit they ate, she says. 

But experts say that the Grapefruit Diet largely faded because it wasn’t sustainable. “It did not provide the nutrients needed for good health,” Angelone says. 

Up Next:

Sources:

• Sandra Zhang, RDN, LDN, dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center
• Jessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers
• Sonya Angelone, RD, PhD, a former spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a San Francisco-based dietitian
• Does the Grapefruit Diet Work? Cleveland Clinic
• Fujioka K, et al. The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndrome. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2006 
• Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don’t Mix. Food and Drug Administration

Rock band Breaking Benjamin has soared to No. 1 on the charts, earning its ninth No. 1 hit on the coveted Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

"Something Wicked," the second single off the band's upcoming unnamed seventh studio album, reached the top spot on the chart's Aug. 8, 2026 listing after 11 weeks climbing to No. 1.

"'Something Wicked' is a quick look into our influences both musically and thematically. We challenged ourselves especially hard on this record and on this song," explained singer Benjamin Burnley in a statement at the time of the song's release. "We pushed every boundary we’ve previously had as far as it will go, then pushed a little more. 'Something Wicked' was the result."

The song was released on May 11, 2026, and continued the Pennsylvania rockers' triumphant return to music. Fans couldn't get enough of the powerful track, which further sets the tone for the band's seventh album.

While no release date has been set for the record, the band confirmed in June 2026 that it had been completed.

Related:Beloved 2000s Rock Band Makes Long-Awaited Return With First New Music in Years

"We're done. It's sinking in, 'cause we see all the comments, we see all the fans [saying], just, like, 'When's the new album [coming out]? When's the new album?' And, like, trust me, we are so ready to [put it out]," guitarist Keith Wallen said, per Blabbermouth. "We are so excited."

The forthcoming album's debut single, "Awaken," was released on Oct. 16, 2024, and was Breaking Benjamin's first new piece of original music in five years. Upon its release, the track shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Digital Song Sales chart.

In September, the band is hitting the road, touring across the United States and Canada. Prior to this, the band's last big North American tour was a 2025 co-headlining tour alongside Three Days Grace.

The imminent fall tour will open in Camden, New Jersey, on Sept. 2 and conclude on Oct. 24 in Bristow, Virginia.

Related: 2000s Rock Band Announces First New Album in 13 Years

If you're one of those people who hopped on the ube train (or someone who has always loved the flavor before the hype), you'll be pleased to find that there's a brand-new coffee creamer flavor inspired by the global food trend—and it sounds like a must-try. Chobani's Ube Sweet Cream coffee creamer is reportedly dropping in stores soon.

The creamy new splash of flavor for your morning cup of joe will reportedly be making its way to grocery shelves for fall, according to an Aug. 1 Instagram post by trusted food blogger Markie Devo.

Chobani Debuts New Limited-Edition Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer

Decked out in spooky season packaging, the Chobani Ube Sweet Cream coffee creamer Flavor Drop features an ombré purple and white background with a black cat floating in a bubble, floating chunks of ube, and a witch's legs sticking out of a cauldron emitting a smoky green substance. If the festive fall design is anything to go by, the flavor drop will only be around for a limited time.

Ube, a naturally sweet, starchy vegetable that is grown by farmers in the Philippines, is also known as purple yam. "In the past year, ube has transcended Filipino culture and entered the mainstream consciousness as coffee chains and restaurants hunt for the next viral food and drink craze," CNBC wrote in an article published in April 2026.

Ube offerings have risen by 230% across restaurant menus in the U.S. in the past four years, according to food and beverage analytics firm Datassential, the news outlet reported.

As for the taste of the trendy veggie, Datassential's chief product officer Emily Tang told CNBC that "it pairs well with things that people like, meaning coffee, drinks, desserts, and pastries, and it has a mild nutty flavor, so it’s got a very low barrier to trial. It’s not a scary flavor; it’s safe experimentation, and it’s also visually stunning.”

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In the comments section of the social media reveal, fans wasted no time reacting to the unique coffee creamer flavor release.

"I feel like a proud parent watching ube finally start to get its moment in the mainstream spotlight 💜🥹," one wrote, while another admitted, "So wish this was non dairy! Might have to try it anyway because I love ube so much ☠️."

"Omg ube!!! I currently use ube extract and froth it…can’t wait to try this," a third exclaimed.

Many more elated commenters dropped notes like, "STOP IT!!! Oh my goodness 🤤," "Omg this is amazing 🤩," "OMG YES!" "SIGN ME UP SIGNNN ME. up 😍," "Wow this looks fabulous," "Can’t wait to try this," "I NEEEDDDDD IT," and "This needs to be in stores ASAP!!!"

Chobani’s “Simple Ingredients” Approach, Debut of New Flavors

Chobani’s dairy creamers are known for a short ingredient list: real cream, real milk, cane sugar, and natural flavors—with no added oils, emulsifiers, or carrageenan. That’s been the brand’s calling card since it entered the category. The Ube Sweet Cream flavor joins the grocery brand’s current available lineup of coffee creamers: Sweet Cream, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, and Cinnamon Coffee Cake—likely only for a limited time.

Recent additions White Chocolate Raspberry, Raspberry Rose, and American Blueberry also made waves. Late last year, Chocolate Covered Strawberry and Toasted Coconut Vanilla were released in December and said to be “coffee’s perfect match,” along with the welcoming back of fan-favorites Cookies & Cream and Confetti Birthday Cake.

Next, Beloved Ice Cream Classic Finally Revived After Years of Fan Demand

Coco Jones and Donovan Mitchell are officially married.

The Grammy-winning singer, 28, and the Cleveland Cavaliers guard, 29, tied the knot on Saturday, Aug. 1, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. Guests included NBA stars Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson and Bam Adebayo, along with celebrity couple Ciara and Russell Wilson.

Videos shared to social media showed the newlyweds dancing to Musiq Soulchild's "Love" during the celebration, with Jones wrapping her arms around Mitchell for a kiss. In another clip, guests flooded the dance floor as the DJ announced the new Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell.

Jones first captured hearts as a kid star in the Disney Channel original movie Let It Shine, before going on to build a Grammy-winning music career as an adult. Mitchell, meanwhile, has spent his NBA career establishing himself as one of the league's top guards.

The couple kept their relationship largely private before announcing their engagement in July 2025. They shared the news on Instagram with a photo of the two sharing a kiss, Jones showing off a large engagement ring on her left hand.

At the time, representatives for the couple said the engagement came after Mitchell wrapped an "amazing season" and Jones finished a sold-out tour, with the pair using a vacation together to recharge before the proposal.

Jones later opened up about the milestone, comparing the commitment to the biggest deal of her career. She said the moment felt "indescribable," admitting she had to remind herself the relationship was a real, forever commitment rather than something to approach like business.

She described feeling a mix of emotions about getting married, calling the experience "exciting," "intimidating" and "powerful" all at once. Jones has also praised Mitchell for being supportive of her career, saying the two understand each other's demanding schedules and that he makes her feel truly seen.

James Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actor on what would have been the couple's 16th wedding anniversary.

Sharing a sweet series of photos of the two as well as their family, she penned an emotional message.

"16 years ago I was the luckiest woman in the world to marry @vanderjames. The beauty of this marriage continues to unfold every day with all these incredible children we have. He continues to be present and guide us. I'm eternally grateful. 🙏🌹😍🥰," she captioned the post.

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The Dawson's Creek star died after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer in February 2026 at the age of 48. A GoFundMe campaign was launched shortly after by his friends and family in an effort to raise money for Kimberly and the couple's children.

“Throughout [James’] illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care,” the page read, and as of August 2026 had raised more than $2.9 million.

Van Der Beek's wife has been helping keep his memory alive, with Kimberly often sharing photos and videos of their life.

At the beginning of July, she shared a post about Van Der Beek's final show, in which he has a posthumous role in the “Legally Blonde” spinoff “Elle.”

"We have this unique opportunity to get together as a family and watch @vanderjames in something we’ve never seen before, @elleonprime, which premiered yesterday!," she wrote. "While our family was going through a minor obsession with Legally Blonde, James was offered a role on Elle. He jumped at the opportunity, and he made sure to bring both Annabel and Emilia on their own special trips to set. Those days became treasured memories

"From @junediane to @jasontmoore, and truly the entire cast, directors, and crew, thank you for treating James and the kids with such kindness, respect, and playfulness," Kimberly added.

One album changed his career and the direction of rock with it.

Butch Vig, the celebrated producer and drummer for Garbage, turns 71 on Aug. 2. His work on Nirvana's Nevermind earned him the nickname "The Nevermind Man," but the Wisconsin native's influence extends across several decades and some of alternative rock's most important records.

Born Bryan David Vig in Viroqua, Wisconsin, he played in bands during high school before studying film at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Creating music for films helped spark his fascination with recording, and he eventually founded Smart Studios with Steve Marker in 1983.

Vig spent years recording punk and independent acts before his work with Killdozer caught the attention of Billy Corgan and Nirvana's label, Sub Pop. His career changed in 1991 when he produced both the Smashing Pumpkins' debut album, Gish, and Nirvana's Nevermind.

The latter was recorded in just 16 days, with Vig helping the group preserve its power while making its songs clear enough to reach a much larger audience. He later recalled learning that the album had done what his contacts thought was impossible.

"Next week Nevermind was No. 1," he told Pitchfork. "I remember walking into the studio mindblown."

Vig soon added the Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream and Sonic Youth's Dirty to his production credits. He later worked with Green Day and Foo Fighters, earning recognition far beyond the '90s. The Recording Academy credits him with three Grammy wins and 10 nominations.

His career also expanded beyond the recording booth when he formed Garbage with Marker, Duke Erikson and Shirley Manson. Serving as the group's drummer and co-producer, Vig helped create hits including "Only Happy When It Rains" and "Stupid Girl." Garbage released its eighth studio album, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light, in 2025 and toured Europe in 2026.

Vig has continued producing as well. In May, the Smashing Pumpkins revealed that they had reunited with him for their first studio collaboration in 32 years. Corgan called the nearly completed song an "11 out of 10 announcement," according to Guitar World.

At 71, Vig remains closely connected to both sides of the career that made him famous, creating new records in the studio and performing the music that secured his own place in '90s rock history.

Related: 1978 Timeless Classic, Named No. 1 Hit for Eight Weeks, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

Crumbl is giving away free Dirty Sodas for one week only!

The chain, which launched its Dirty Soda lineup nationwide earlier this summer, is celebrating the new offering with a free drink offer for eligible customers.

The customizable beverages combine soda with flavored syrups and cream. Customers can choose from Crumbl's signature Dirty Soda creations or build their own using mix-ins like coconut, lime, fruit flavors, and a splash of cream.

Crumbl previously faced backlash for the viral Dirty Soda menu online, with some critics taking issue with the drinks' high sugar and calorie content.

Here's everything to know about who qualifies for the free drink offer—and how to claim yours before it ends.

How to get a free Dirty Soda from Crumbl

From Aug. 3–8, customers can claim one free featured Dirty Soda with no purchase necessary by downloading the Crumbl app, signing in, and redeeming a voucher under the More → Vouchers & Promotions tab.

The offer is available at participating locations while supplies last.

RELATED: Dunkin’ Donuts Is Giving Away 1 Million Free Refreshers on August 3

More Crumbl news

Crumbl just unveiled a new cookie flavor—and fans aren’t having it.

On Sunday, July 26, the cookie chain revealed its new Flamin’ Lime Crunch Cookie as part of its weekly lineup. 

Seemingly inspired by Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the dessert features a lime sugar cookie rolled in a spicy cheese crisp mixture, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, coated in a spicy cheese crisp streusel, and finished with crunchy spicy cheese crisps and a fresh lime wedge.

After Crumbl shared the new cookie on Instagram, customers quickly flooded the comments section with reactions, many expressing confusion and disappointment over the unconventional flavor combination.

The early reviews on Crumbl’s website haven’t been much kinder. The top-rated review called the cookie “disgusting,” with the customer claiming they had to buy chocolate milk to wash it down because they thought they were going to throw up.

Crumbl reveals its weekly lineup of cookies every Sunday.

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When Allen Levi self-published his debut novel, Theo of Golden, in 2023, the story of hope and human connection became a word-of-mouth sensation, with readers sharing its heartwarming and simple message of kindness and community.

Following its massive grassroots success, with more than 170,000 self-published copies sold, the novel was picked up by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. In October 2025, it then was launched to a wider audience, landing it on the New York TimesBest Seller list and, now, at the top of Amazon Charts.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Kfvp84wiQEw?si=H4eGov78J2D71FOr

According to the shopping juggernaut’s tally, Theo of Golden is the most-sold novel right now, with 34 weeks on the list, outranking the year’s buzziest titles, including Kathryn Stockett’s The Calamity Club and Caro Claire Burke’s Yesteryear, which are Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.

A Katie Couric Book Club pick, Theo of Golden tells the story of a stranger named Theo who arrives in the small Southern town of Golden. After visiting a local coffeehouse, where portraits of Golden’s residents hang, he buys the sketches and distributes them to the people they depict. The only currency he asks for in return is their stories.

“And so portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered,” the synopsis reads on Amazon, which also quotes former Today show host Hoda Kotb calling the book “a treasure.”

Levi, a singer-songwriter, author, and former attorney and judge based in Georgia, has gained acclaim for his storytelling, blending warm narratives with themes of everyday compassion. According to his website, he practiced law until 1990, then moved to Scotland before returning to focus on a career in music.

With more than 20 albums and hundreds of unpublished songs, he worked as a traveling musician and storyteller, sharing whimsical and thought-provoking tales with everyone along the way. In 2003, he published a children’s book, Oliviatown, followed by a memoir, The Last Sweet Mile, in 2014.

Theo of Golden marks Levi’s first novel. In an April interview with AARP, he shared that without his friends, it would have stayed tucked away safely in a drawer at home. After they encouraged him to share the story with the world, he arranged for self-publishing.

“I said, ‘I’m almost 70. We’re really late in the game, so it would take too long to do that process. Let’s see if we can self-publish. And if we can sell a thousand copies, I would be over the moon,” he shared.

Today, the novel has sold more than 2.5 million copies across all formats, according toThe Wall Street Journal, and has just broken into Amazon's Top 3 most-read books as well, proving that chasing dreams has no expiration date.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s New Novel Ranked No. 1 Most-Read Fiction Book Right Now on Amazon

Mark Hamill and his wife, Marilou, have been married for 47 years, and a resurfaced set of throwback photos has people fixating on one particular detail: how much the couple actually resembles each other.

The photos, which trace the couple's relationship back to 1978, sparked an immediate wave of side-by-side comparisons. Commenters pointed to matching haircuts, similar facial structure and near-identical smiles, with several joking that the pair could pass as siblings rather than spouses.

The theory isn't entirely far-fetched, according to some who chimed in. Research has previously suggested that couples in long-term relationships can gradually begin to resemble one another over time, a phenomenon some attribute to shared expressions, similar lifestyles and even matching hairstyles adopted over the decades together.

Beyond the physical resemblance, the photos reignited appreciation for the couple's lasting relationship. Hamill and Marilou met beforeStar Warsturned him into a global star, and she worked as a dental hygienist at the time they first crossed paths. Several people noted how rare it is for a Hollywood marriage to survive sudden fame, let alone last for decades afterward without major public turmoil.

The couple's low public profile also stood out to many who saw the photos. Despite Hamill's decades-long career, which includes his iconic role as Luke Skywalker as well as extensive voice acting work in film and television, Marilou has largely stayed outside the spotlight, and their children have kept a similarly private presence over the years.

Some pointed to that separation from the entertainment industry as part of what's kept the relationship stable, suggesting that Marilou's life outside Hollywood may have helped ground the couple through decades of fame and public attention.

Throughout the comments, the sibling comparisons kept resurfacing, with many returning to the same observation: whatever the reason behind it, the resemblance is hard to unsee once it's been pointed out.

A viral Reddit taste test is reigniting one of the internet's most passionate grocery debates: Costco's Kirkland vanilla ice cream versus Aldi's Specially Selected version.

The original poster set out to settle the question after seeing claims that Aldi's ice cream was secretly better than Costco's. Their verdict landed firmly in Costco's favor, describing it as thick, rich and creamy, while calling the Aldi version thinner and more watery by comparison.

That take set off a flood of disagreement in the comments. Plenty of shoppers pushed back hard, arguing Aldi's version is actually the superior product because it skips the stabilizers and gums found in Costco's recipe. Several commenters said Costco's texture feels artificial or overly chewy as a result, with a few describing it as tasting closer to frozen pudding than traditional ice cream.

Other shoppers jumped in to defend Costco, insisting the gums are exactly what gives the ice cream its signature rich mouthfeel, and that the tradeoff is worth it. One commenter pointed out that "super premium" technically refers to higher butterfat content and less air in the mix, not necessarily a judgment on overall quality, adding another layer to the disagreement.

The debate didn't stop at just two brands. Commenters flooded the thread with their own favorites, name-checking Trader Joe's, Tillamook, Lidl, Häagen-Dazs and even Kroger's private-label vanilla as contenders. Several claimed Trader Joe's vanilla tastes nearly identical to Costco's, speculating the two may come from the same manufacturer, though that connection wasn't independently confirmed in the thread.

Price also came up as a factor. The original poster noted Aldi's container ran $5.49 for 48 ounces, while Costco's two half-gallon set cost $14.99, making the per-ounce price roughly comparable between the two.

For now, the debate remains unsettled, with shoppers split largely based on personal texture preferences: those who love a dense, creamy bite are sticking with Costco, while those seeking a "cleaner" ingredient list are firmly on Team Aldi.

After more than a decade of silence, Norther is officially returning to the stage.

The beloved Finnish melodic death metal band has confirmed its first live performance since disbanding in 2012, announcing that it will reunite for Wacken Open Air 2027. The news comes just days after the group sparked widespread speculation by posting a cryptic teaser on social media, leading fans to wonder whether a comeback was finally on the horizon.

The initial tease didn't reveal much.

Norther shared a brief Instagram post hinting that something significant was coming, immediately igniting excitement among longtime followers of the band.

"15 years of silence is over," the band captioned an Instagram post.

Given the group's absence for precisely that many years, fans quickly began speculating that the teaser pointed to a reunion rather than a simple archival release or merchandise announcement.

Those suspicions proved to be correct.

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Organizers of Wacken Open Air have now confirmed that Norther will perform at the legendary German festival in July 2027, marking the band's first concert since calling it quits in 2012. The reunion brings together members of one of Finland's most influential melodic death metal acts, whose combination of aggressive riffs, soaring melodies, and keyboard-driven arrangements earned them a devoted international following.

Formed in 1996, Norther built its reputation through albums including Mirror of Madness, Death Unlimited, Till Death Unites Us, and N. Alongside contemporaries such as Children of Bodom and Kalmah, the band helped define the Finnish melodic death metal sound during the late 1990s and 2000s, blending technical musicianship with memorable hooks and high-energy live performances.

Although Norther officially disbanded in 2012, interest in the band never disappeared.

Its albums continued to attract new listeners through streaming platforms, while longtime fans frequently called for a reunion. The recent resurgence of interest in classic Finnish melodic death metal has only fueled that enthusiasm, making the Wacken announcement one of the genre’s biggest surprises of the year.

Fourteen years after stepping away, Norther is finally returning where many fans hoped they would: onstage. With a reunion performance now locked in for Wacken Open Air 2027, the beloved metal band is set to write an exciting new chapter in its story while introducing its music to a new generation of metal fans.

Related: '80s Rock Legend Announces New Album 43 Years After Beginning Career