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Chris Holmes is reaching out to fans once again after revealing he is battling prostate cancer, with the former W.A.S.P. guitarist having undergone treatment for throat cancer in 2022.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rocker's fans rallied behind him with a crowdfunding campaign when he announced to have been diagnosed with throat and neck cancer. The funding helped cover the medical costs, with Holmes having successfully treated the cancer.

Years later, Holmes and his wife had upsetting news to share when they announced to fans that the '80s guitarist is battling cancer for a second time. They revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and that receiving consistent treatment has been vital.

"We never imagined we would have to write something like this again. In 2022, just after two years of Covid lockdown, Chris faced throat cancer. A GoFundMe carried us through an impossible moment. We were deeply grateful, and we hoped we would never have to ask again," wrote Catherine Savean Holmes on the campaign. "Today life has placed us in another hard situation, and we want to speak about it honestly. Chris has begun radiotherapy in France for prostate cancer. The treatment is essential and cannot be interrupted."

Due to an "administrative error" tied to the couple's marriage registration, their health insurance will not cover Holme's treatment. The guitarist was placed on "emergency only" coverage, with his July radiotherapy having been the only treatment covered. Catherine details that paying for hormone therapy, scans, PET scans, biopsies, blood tests, and daily travel have fallen onto them and adds to their €20,000 in medical debt.

Related: 1978 Rock Song, Inspired by a Famous Model, Is Still a Roadtrip Hit 48 Years Later

Holmes' wife adds that the rocker must stay residing in France to receive his treatment, and traveling puts his emergency status at risk. Due to being abroad and his current predicament, Holmes is unable to work.

"Chris has given everything to his music and to the people who listen to it. It is his whole life. Today we cannot carry this alone. We are grateful to France for granting the emergency coverage that allowed Chris to begin radiotherapy. Now we ask, humbly, for help covering everything else," wrote Catherine.

The GoFundMe campaign is currently set at a €50,000 goal, or roughly $57,000, with fans having already donated over €12,000 ($13,000).

The former W.A.S.P. guitarist was given the all-clear five months after his throat cancer diagnosis in 2022. He recalls having been "glad" it was treatable, but recalls the most difficult part was coming off morphine, and the "comedown" was "radical," and having never been "through anything like that in my life."

Meghan Markle has made her first public appearance in over two months, attending a special screening of Girl Scout documentary Cookie Queens in L.A.

Cookie Queens was executive produced by Meghan and Prince Harry and follows the efforts of four Girl Scouts to sell the most cookies and gain the coveted title of Cookie Queens.

Meghan was glowing in a luxurious cream suit for the event for her first time appearing in public since the unveiling of the Lost Screens Memorial in Switzerland in May.

But one accessory was noticeably missing from Meghan's outfit: her diamond engagement ring.

Although the Duchess of Sussex continues to wear her gold wedding band, she hasn't worn her engagement ring in public since February.

Related: 45 Years After Prince Charles Married Lady Diana Spencer, We Take a Look Back at the ‘Wedding of the Century’

The ring was conspicuous by its absence during Meghan and Harry's tour of Australia in April—which critics termed a 'cosplay' of a royal tour—and might even have been replaced by a new diamond ring that Meghan has been spotted in recently: a huge pear five-carat diamond that she has been wearing on the ring finger of her right hand.

When she debuted the new ring it was speculated that it was a second engagement ring—but the eye-catching sparkler might have a more complex meaning than that.

A jewelry expert told The Daily Mail that "wearing a significant ring on the right hand often symbolises independence, self-love, and personal power."

Meghan wore another intriguing ring at the Cookie Queens screening at the AMC Grove theatre: the fitness tracker Oura ring for which Meghan chose a $2800 gold diamond-encrusted 'sleeve.'

She also wore the 'Lovers Duet' diamond and emerald chain by Logan Hollowell, which retails at $21,150.

Related: King Charles Agreed To Meet Harry, Meghan and Their Children On This One Condition

Meghan's engagement ring was specially designed for her by Prince Harry with the help of a jeweler. It features a large central diamond sourced from Botswana, where Harry and Meghan spent five nights camping below the stars prior to their engagement, flanked by two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana's personal collection.

A year after their marriage it was noted that Meghan had had the engagement ring updated to a blingier design, replacing the original yellow gold band with a smaller band set with pavé diamonds.

It's been a rocky summer for Meghan and Prince Harry. Their long-awaited reunion with King Charles III was overshadowed by the fallout of Harry's case against Associated Newspapers, with the prince facing a legal bill that could cost him millions.

And when it was time for Meghan and Harry to finally bring their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to meet Charles and Queen Camilla during their week in the U.K. earlier this month it was on the express condition that no details about their meeting were to be leaked to the press.

Meghan however showed no signs of having been affected by the drama as she posed for pictures at the Cookie Queens screening and took part in a Q&A during which she shared Harry's advice for overcoming setbacks.

She said, "My husband told me this ages ago, because we all go through experiences and life is full of surprises, but he was a helicopter pilot in the British Army for ten years.

"Sometimes, on really hard days, I remember once he said, 'But my love, you know, even if there's a storm happening, above the storm the sun is always shining.'

She went on, "And that's a perspective that only comes when we think about zooming out a little bit.

"So it's so important to maintain that perspective that, no matter what feels insurmountable, there's just always that sun shining above it."

Next up,We Finally Know How Much Duchess Meghan's Jewelry Collection Is Really Worth!

After seven years of development hell, rewrites, cast and director changes, Mahershala Ali has finally confirmed he is done with Marvel's Blade movie. In a new GQ interview, Ali said that if the film does get made, it won't be with him.

“The best way I can answer this question is, when I look at what is for me, is it was either this or that—and I’ll take this. No offense to them,” he bluntly told the outlet.

Ali was announced as Blade, a character made famous on the big screen by Wesley Snipes, at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2019. He has since only had one Marvel appearance, and that was a voice cameo at the end of Eternals.

“I’ve been doing this professionally for pushing 30 years now, and one thing I’ve learned is that what is for you is for you and what is not is not. For whatever reason, that project is not for me. If they wanted to do it, we would’ve done it. So I have to move on, and I have moved on,” he said, hitting out at Marvel Studios.

Kevin Feige welcomes Mahershala Ali on stage during the Marvel panel in Hall H of the Convention Center during Comic Con in San Diego, California on July 20, 2019. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP)

 The Oscar-winning actor is currently promoting his upcoming action film Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, a project he claims aligns more with the type of work he wants to be doing now.

“I don’t really want to be known for remakes. I’d love to do original work that resonates with people and impacts them in unique ways," he said. Considering Blade is a reboot of a film series from the late 90s and early 2000s, Ali's acting goals may have changed since signing up for the MCU.

Ali also had some words for Marvel and their fumbling of Blade. “Again, you had me under contract; they have billions of dollars. If they wanted to do the movie, we would’ve done the movie. So we’re not doing the movie,” the Green Book actor added.

Bassam Tariq was originally attached to direct Blade before leaving the project in 2022. Something that came out of that experience was his friendship with Ali as the pair reunited on Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother. The film stars Ali as a devoutly religious hitman who must protect his children after his wife dies.

“When I look at this and Blade, I couldn’t have done both, and the reason this even exists is because that project fell apart and Bassam had the time, space, energy, and focus to go and write this and then re-approach me,” Ali explained, adding that all the skills he gained training for Blade came in use making his upcoming movie.

Kevin Feige also expressed his regret at not getting the project out of pre-production. Speaking to Happy Sad Confused earlier this month, the Marvel boss said he felt "like a gigantic loser and failure that we didn’t get off the ground with Mahershala.”

@happysadconfused

Kevin Feige feels like a loser and a failure over Blade

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Speaking in July 2025, Feige explained how the extreme delays on Blade were due to Marvel’s “over-expansion” into Disney+ streaming content where “for the very first time ever, quantity trumped quality.”

“We didn’t want to simply just put a leather outfit on him and have him start killing vampires. It had to be unique,” Feige explained at the time. “It fell into the time when we started pulling back and saying, ‘Only accept insanely great.’ And it wasn’t ‘insanely great’ at the time. We didn’t feel like, as we often do, you can have a good script and make it a great script through production."

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother is released on September 25.

Maybe you’re the friend in your group who is always challenging others to dive into an experience that involves vying to win. Or maybe you tend to be more “live and let live” and not the biggest fan of competition. Either way, it’s tough to pass up the chance to bond with loved ones or friends over a good old-fashioned board game. Whether you were more of a Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, or Sorry! kind of kid growing up, there’s a classic board game that matches just about everyone’s personality. To pinpoint the one that’s most representative of who you are, look to your birth month, which can help to color your core identity, perspective, strengths, and personality. 

Which Classic Board Game Matches You, Based on Birth Month

Read on to learn which classic board game best matches your identity, based on the month you were born.

January: Monopoly 

Born at the kickoff of a new year, you claim either hardworking, disciplined Capricorn or futuristic, contrarian Aquarius as your sun sign. The earth sign and air sign are both ruled by taskmaster Saturn, which oversees commitment, reality checks, and boundaries. They’re both no stranger to putting their nose to the grindstone to accomplish something of substance, which makes Monopoly a clear match. The economics-themed classic board game rewards strategy over luck and offers you proof of literal, tangible, visible progress—something that appeals to and mirrors your Saturnian nature. 

February: Guess Who?  

You came into the world when the sun was moving through either inventive, quirky air sign Aquarius or poetic, spiritual water sign Pisces, which means you excel at both dreaming and doing—skills that are both at play when you’re diving into a game of Guess Who? The classic board game, which involves asking inventive questions to try to guess another player’s mystery character, debuted in 1979 and requires letting your imagination run a bit wild. And that’s something that, as a February-born person, you certainly excel at. 

March: Dungeons & Dragons: The Fantasy Adventure Board Game

Born when the sun was moving through either dreamy, mystical, creative Pisces or action-oriented, dynamic, competitive Aries, Dungeons & Dragons is right up your alley. Although the original classic game is more of a tabletop role-playing game than a board game, the Fantasy Adventure Board Game hit shelves in 2002. Given the fact that it involves world and character immersion, cooperative storytelling elements, and an open-ended fantasy setting that features magical items and mythical creatures, it appeals to your whimsical, dreamer side (Pisces) as well as your active, action-oriented, inner warrior (Aries).

April: Risk

You made your entrance into the world when the sun was taking a trip through either fiery, passionate, fiercely competitive Aries or grounded, tactile, dig-your-heels-in Taurus, which means you have no trouble zeroing in on an ambitious goal and going to bat for it with everything you’ve got. Enter Risk—a classic board game with a military theme that centers world domination as the goal. Whether you’re invested because you are a firecracker who aims to win at all costs (Aries) or because you enjoy being super-strategic and taking your time to cross the finish line (Taurus), it appeals to and mirrors your April-born nature. 

May: Twister

Whether you were born when the sun was moving through practical, grounded, steadfast earth sign Taurus or social, curious, supercommunicator air sign Gemini, you’re relationship-oriented, likable, friendly, and potentially also a total social butterfly, which makes Twister, a board game that’s also been a classic party game since 1966 your best match, hands—and feet—down. Just make sure you stretch before you have a good, old-fashioned, and laugh-inducing time. 

NEXT: Which Classic Summer Movie Are You, Based on Your Birth Date

June: Sorry! 

The sun was in either super-social, bubbly, buzzy air sign Gemini or emotionally astute, caregiving, hilarious water sign Cancer when you were born, which means your bonds are at the center of your life. Created in 1934, Sorry! is the perfect board game to play with all your loved ones and also promotes empathy, but winning can also feel like a fantastically playful way to get back at any one of them who have been driving you nuts (“sorry, not sorry!”). Its vibe totally aligns with your June-born heart and sense of humor.  

July: Chutes and Ladders

Born when the sun was in either big-hearted, family-oriented, nurturing water sign Cancer or loyal, charismatic, theatrical fire sign Leo, Chutes and Ladders is fun-loving just like you. It’s also a game of luck, which, given how much you tend to trust your heart, you can get behind, and the physical thrill of doing the up/down swings stirs up the kind of excitement that gets you fired up and having a blast.  

August: Pictionary  

Whether you were born under self-expressive, passionate fire sign Leo or detail-oriented, cerebral Virgo, you’re creative and thoughtful. Created in 1985, Pictionary is a classic drawing game that can also get everyone playing giggling and making heartfelt, hilarious memories—an experience you’re pretty much always up for. Plus, even if you’re not the best at drawing, you’re innately self-expressive, which aligns Pictionary with your joyful, communicative spirit. 

MORE: The 4 Birth Months With Old-Soul Karmic Wisdom

September: Rummikub 

You were born under either service-oriented, detail-driven earth sign Virgo or initiative-taking balance-seeking air sign Libra, which means you’re most in sync with Rummikub, the board game that involves attempting to use up all your tiles by putting them down in sequential runs or groups of the same color. As a patient planner type—maybe even a bit of a perfectionist—who appreciates the beauty of reorganizing and aspires to always bring more balance into the world, this 1978 family-loved game aligns with your M.O.  

October: Clue

The sun moved through partnership-oriented, balance-loving air sign Libra and intimacy-seeking, investigative water sign Scorpio during the month you came into the world. The Classic Mystery Game speaks to your desire to explore the shadow side of life, if you’re more of a Scorpio, and to have a fair shot at crossing the finish line, if you’re more of a Libra. Because everyone has access to the same deduction tools, it’s a game that centers fairness and investigative skills—two characteristics that, as an October-born person, you applaud.  

November: Scattergories

Whether you were born under the magnetic, fearless water sign Scorpio or jovial, party-loving, wanderlust-fueled fire sign Sagittarius, you’re fiery, which is at the core of this 1988 board game that involves coming up with unique answers that fit the categories on their card and begin with the letter that’s rolled on a die, is fast-paced. It also gets more fun as you play with more people, which appeals to a go-big-or-go-home Sag type. And if you’re more of a Scorpio who enjoys better understanding friends and family, the psychological aspects of the game speak to your point of view. 

December: The Game of Life

Born with your sun in either adventurous Sagittarius, symbolized by a centaur, or hardworking, serious Capricorn, symbolized by the Sea Goat, you like to put your all into everything you do—and you want it all, too. The Game of Life came out in 1966 and involves competing for everything from career to marriage, kids to houses, money and retirement. Its “I want it all” vibe aligns with your action-oriented, risk-taking (more Sagittarian) and/or initiative-taking, building-toward-the-future (which is, of course, more Capricornian) personality. 

UP NEXT:

Attending a major music festival has never been cheap, but one event now comes with a price tag that rivals the cost of a vacation.

According to a new analysis from Hard Rock Bet, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is now the most expensive music festival in the United States, with the average ticket costing $1,511 in 2026.

That puts the popular electronic dance music festival well ahead of every other major U.S. music festival, and even ahead of some of the country's biggest sporting events. The report found that EDC's average ticket price is now higher than the average cost of attending the Kentucky Derby and the NCAA Men's Final Four.

The study points to EDC's massive scale, multi-day format and growing popularity as reasons demand (and prices) have continued to climb.

The second-most expensive festival was Burning Man, where the average ticket reached $1,246. Coachella came in third at $599, followed by Ultra Music Festival at $539 and Stagecoach at $504.

Other popular festivals ranked lower on the list, including Lollapalooza ($399), Bonnaroo ($389) and Austin City Limits ($365). New Orleans Jazz Fest remained the most affordable major festival analyzed, with an average ticket price of $109.

The report also found that festival prices have climbed dramatically over the past decade. Burning Man experienced the largest increase, with ticket prices rising 211% since 2015. EDC wasn't far behind, increasing 152% over the same period, from an average of $600 to more than $1,500.

While longtime festivalgoers may remember paying significantly less for admission, the report suggests higher production costs, growing demand and expanded fan experiences have all contributed to today's much steeper ticket prices.

RELATED: Baby Loungers Recalled After Serious Safety Concerns—Parents Should Check These Brands Now

Keeping up with everything on Netflix is almost like fighting the mythical Hydra. Every time you finish a show, three more seem to pop up in its place. But it's that seemingly unlimited well of content that has made it the most popular streamer today, even amidst the numerous amount of competition. And so, at the end of every week, we kick up our feet, grab the remote, and listen for that classic "tudum" sound as we dive into Netflix's voluminous library.

Luckily for you, Parade has flagged three new shows coming to Netflix this week that can become your new binge obsession! Here's what you need to check out this weekend (July 31-Aug. 2, 2026).

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New on Netflix (July 31-Aug. 2, 2026)Hannibal Seasons 1-3 The cast of 'Hannibal'

Courtesy of Netflix

In 1991, we were introduced to one of the most famous fictional serial killers ever: Hannibal Lecter. But we got to see a whole new side of the cannibal when he made his way to the small screen in Hannibal. This time, Mads Mikkelsen filled the shoes of Anthony Hopkins's Oscar-winning role, a younger version of the character, then working as a forensic psychologist. The show focused on his relationship with gifted criminal profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), as he pushed his psyche and empathy for serial killers to try to get him to walk on the wild side. While it only ran for three seasons on NBC, the Bryan Fuller-created show wound up becoming a cult classic, often cited as one of the best horror shows ever. And, if you're eager to take a bite, the three-course meal is now available for streaming.

Related: One of Cinema’s ‘Greatest Villains of All Time’ Turns 83 Today

The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare Bryan Kohberger in court at his sentencing on July 23, 2025

Pool / Getty Images

The University of Idaho was forever changed on Nov. 13, 2022. Bryan Kohberger, a criminology graduate student at the university, allegedly stabbed four students to death, a crime he would eventually plead guilty to in 2025. On July 27, 2026, however, Kohberger denied his culpability in an interview with The New York Times, saying he did not mean to confess to the killings. Coincidentally, two days later, The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare dropped on Netflix. The three-part docuseries takes a deep dive into the devastating events, covering not only the investigation into the killings, but the impact they had on the victims' families and loved ones.

Related: 10 Disturbing Details About the Bryan Kohberger Case from Netflix’s ‘The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare’

The Bombing of Pan Am 103 'The Bombing of Pan Am 103'

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Dec. 21, 1988, is a day that will live in infamy. Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the small town of Lockerbie, killing 270 people and launching the largest murder investigation in Scottish history. The Bombing of Pan Am 103 tells the story of the aftermath of the incident, both in the immediate recovery and the subsequent sleuthing to suss out what happened in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks the U.K. has ever seen. With the deceased spanning 21 countries, the ensemble drama covers a wide swath of people, from the families of the victims to the feds trying to solve this crime across multiple continents.

Related: 9 TV Premieres You Can't Miss This August (Starting with 'Ted Lasso')

While spending time in Puerto Rico in 1963, American Novelist John Kennedy Toole wrote his magnum opus, the absurdist black comedy, A Confederacy of Dunces. Based partially on some of his own life experiences and his friend, college professor Bob Byrne, Toole completed his novel in 1964 and immediately sent it to Simon & Schuster seeking publication.

The book fell into the hands of senior editor Robert Gottlieb, who had a two-year back-and-forth with Toole over whether A Confederacy of Dunceswas publishable. Gottlieb believed Toole was supremely talented and the book was quite good; however, he felt various stories in the book were unresolved, and it lacked a concrete through line. Toole, on the other hand, was not willing to change what he wrote and, ultimately, accepted defeat and fell into a depression.

Toole's alcoholism and depression eventually resulted in paranoia that led him to take his own life with his manuscript unpublished in 1969. He was only 31.

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Following Toole's death, his mother, Thelma, found a carbon copy of A Confederacy of Dunces left behind in his home and swore to both herself and her late son that she would see it published and her son's talent would be known. Thelma sent it to seven publishers over a five-year period, all of whom rejected it.

Then in 1976, Thelma learned that author Walker Percy was joining the faculty at Loyola University in New Orleans. When Percy ignored her repeated phone calls, Thelma literally pushed her way into his office to demand he read the manuscript. Percy loved the book, saying:

"My only fear was that this one might not be bad enough, or might be just good enough, so that I would have to keep reading. In this case I read on. And on. First with the sinking feeling that it was not bad enough to quit, then with a prickle of interest, then a growing excitement, and finally an incredulity: surely it was not possible that it was so good."

While it still took more than three years, eventually Louisiana State University Press published A Confederacy of Dunces in 1980, 11 years after Toole's death. Percy provided the foreword.

The novel was extremely buzzy and a hit in the literary world, and the year after, in 1981, Toole was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The book has since sold more than 2 million copies, been translated into over 18 languages, and was ranked 58 of the "100 Most Loved Books in America" by PBS.

A Confederacy of Dunces follows protagonist Ignatius J. Reilly, a brilliant but unmotivated 30-year-old who lives with his mother in New Orleans. While trying to secure a job, Ignatius has multiple misadventures and continuously finds himself in preposterous situations with various characters across the French Quarter. Ignatius' one-man journey continues to get more and more ludicrous throughout the novel, resulting in a totally humorous and cult classic story.

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Related: Best-Selling Classic Novel, Written By a 21-Year-Old, Became a ‘Most Loved Book’

“Dirty Water” by The Standells is one of Boston’s most iconic songs, despite being written and recorded by a Los Angeles rock band. The 1965 hit became a Red Sox anthem and still gets played at Fenway Park after every win, more than six decades later. 

When The Standells recorded “Dirty Water,” the Los Angeles group was still finding its footing in the rock scene. 

The lineup featured Larry Tamblyn on keyboards, Tony Valentino on guitar, Gary Walker on bass and Dickie Dodd on drums and vocals. Together, they created the gritty garage-rock style that helped set the track apart from the polished pop records dominating the charts.

The song was written and produced by Ed Cobb, reportedly inspired by an unpleasant run-in he had while visiting Boston.

“‘Dirty Water,’ in its raw form was presented to us by Ed, who wrote the song supposedly about an experience where he got mugged in Boston,” Tamblyn told Boston.com. “Now, I don’t know how true that is. That’s the story we heard.”

When Cobb first brought the song to the band, it wasn't much to look at. “He basically had a 32 bar blues song. That’s what it was,” Tamblyn said. “Nothing too special about it. He gave it to us and we said ‘Well, let’s see what we can do with this.’”

The Standells built on that idea, adding their own sound and turning it into the rock track fans recognize today. Lead vocals went to Dodd, who was only 20 at the time. “We completely restructured it, added the guitar rift in it and changed the chord structure, added a lot of lyrics and made it into what it was,” the band’s keyboardist explained.

Given its unflattering portrayal of the city, it's a little ironic that "Dirty Water" ended up becoming a Boston anthem at all.

“It’s maybe reverse psychology, I don’t know,” Tamblyn joked. “It’s certainly about the seedier side of Boston, there’s no question about that. And yes the people have embraced it because it says ‘Boston, you’re my home.’”

Over the years, the band has essentially been “adopted” by the city. “The Red Sox play it when they win. We’ve been to every [Red Sox] World Series since 2004. All the sports teams play it.” 

It wasn't an instant hit, though. "Dirty Water" was recorded in 1965, but it took time to catch on. “It didn’t reach the top of the charts until June the following year. It was about eight or nine months at least, I think,” Tamblyn recalled. 

It was worth the wait. In 1966, “Dirty Water” became The Standells’ breakthrough single, climbing to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Cash Box chart. 

Decades later, some critics began calling it one of the first punk songs, and Tamblyn was happy to embrace that label.

“Myself, I go along with anything, I’m easygoing. Yeah, we were labeled the godfathers of punk rock. Our songs were us-against-them themed,” he said. “We were always considered a working class rock group. We spoke about issues that ordinary people cared about. I think that stuck with people.”

The hit brought new opportunities as well, including tours alongside major acts like Paul Revere and the Raiders and the Rolling Stones.

Looking back, Tamblyn still can't quite believe how far the song has come. “We made the song and we never for the life of us thought it was going to be a hit,” he said. “Everything was out of left field. Yes, it was a big hit and it was the kind of hit it stayed on the charts for a long time. It certainly helped us a lot.” 

Related: 1968 Rock Song, With 21-Year-Old Singer, Is Still a Powerful Hit 58 Years Later

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Some plants are happy to settle into one spot and make the best of whatever Mother Nature sends their way. Others are a little more particular. Too much sun, not enough shade, a sudden heat wave, or changing weather can leave picky plants struggling to thrive, and once they’re planted directly in the ground, there’s not much you can do about it. You’re also left bending, crouching, and kneeling every time you need to water or prune, which can make tending the garden feel like a workout all on its own.

A mobile planter can solve both problems, and Walmart has the Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed currently marked down 45%, bringing the price from $200 to just $110. The wheeled design lets you move your plants around your outdoor space as their needs change. It also raises your plants up and off the ground, making them easier to tend without constantly having to bend all the way down.

Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed, From $110 (was $200) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Measuring 48 inches long by 24 inches wide by 32 inches high with a 100-pound weight capacity, this garden bed gives you both planting and storage space in one footprint. With an 8-inch-deep garden bed, this planter gives you plenty of room to grow a mix of plants. It’s well suited for shallow-rooted vegetables and herbs like lettuce, spinach, basil, cilantro, parsley, and chives, as well as flowers such as marigolds, pansies, and petunias. Four drainage holes allow excess water to escape after heavy rain or watering, which is especially important for preventing oversaturation and protecting plant roots. 

In the spring, you can use it for cool-weather greens and flowers before transitioning to warm-season herbs and vegetables once temperatures rise. Come fall, it can hold another round of leafy greens, and you can even bring it indoors to grow plants during the winter. The included liner separates the soil from the wood, helping protect the planter while also creating a barrier against weeds and other unwanted growth.

The built-in locking wheels make this particularly useful for plants with changing light needs throughout the year. During the summer, heat-sensitive herbs such as cilantro and parsley can be moved away from harsh afternoon sun, while sun-loving tomatoes, peppers, and flowers can be positioned where they’ll get more of the light they need. In spring and fall, when sunlight and temperatures are less intense, you can reposition the planter to take advantage of brighter areas of the yard or patio. 

Shop More Deals

• Yacona Metal Raised Garden Bed with Wheels, $77 (was $160) at Walmart
• Bifanu Rolling Raised Garden Bed, from $45 (was $120) at Walmart
• Aivituvin Raised Garden Bed on Wheels, $60 (was $190) at Walmart

The 32-inch-tall ergonomic structure also means gardening doesn’t have to involve constantly kneeling or bending over to reach your plants. That makes everyday tasks like snipping herbs, harvesting lettuce, pulling weeds, and checking for pests more comfortable, while sturdy crossbeams provide additional support for the garden bed. The planter also helps turn one piece of outdoor furniture into a mini gardening station, with a lower storage shelf that can hold gardening tools, pots, and soil bags up to 15 inches tall. 

Dubbed as “sturdy,” “durable,” "maneuverable," and “easy-to-assemble” by home gardeners, this rolling planter earned plenty of praise in the reviews section. “The wheels make it versatile, and the shelf on the bottom is a perfect location for your garden tools,” one shopper wrote.

Shoppers also highlighted the “beautiful wood” finish, with another Walmart reviewer sharing that it makes a “great addition to your deck.”

Related: Walmart’s 10-Shelf Plant Stand 'Looks Expensive' and Will Bring Summery Farmhouse Charm to Your Space

Give your plants a little more say in where they spend the day. Shop the Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed while it's 45% off!

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Before Cat Stevens/ Yusuf Islam made it big as a musician, he was a teenager hoping to get his demos heard when he created "The First Cut is the Deepest," which would become a chart hit for artists like Rod Stewart.

The young musician grew up in London during the '60s pop/rock explosion that was the perfect starting ground. According to reports, Stevens lived around the corner from Immediate Records and had initialy hopes of only becoming a songwriter. He took inspiration where most teens do: romantic encounters and broken hearts.

"The First Cut is the Deepest" has lyrics telling the story of how it's possible to love after a first love has been lost. The emotional track was Stevens' starting point, and he wrote it in 1965 with hopes of promoting it to other artists. Believe it or not, Stevens was only 17 years old when he penned it and would end up selling it for £30, or $40. In the 1960s, that amount would have been roughly £510. The track would land in the hands of soul singer P.P. Arnold for her album The First Lady of Immediate.

It was released as her debut single and became a UK hit for the artist, with a lot of riding on its success. According to SongFacts, Arnold told Uncut magazine that it needed to be a hit because of a deal she made with her mother. She had two children back home in America, and "if the song was a flop I would go home, and if it was a hit I'll bring my kids to England with me. I had a lot riding on this either way."

Arnold took a personal connection to the song due to her own experience in an abusive marriage as a teen. "The First Cut is the Deepest" was reworked with more instrumentals by Mike Hurst, Stevens' former manager and former member of The Springfields.

"A lot of credit goes to Yusuf," Hurst said. "We had his demo, which had that opening riff, and that was one of the things that sold the song because when you heard it you didn't forget it. That came from Yusuf. My idea was to start with the harp. I wanted something unusual to introduce a song and the harp was perfect."

Stevens would record his own version of the song in 1967 for his New Masters album, but it went largely unnoticed. Over the decades, "The First Cut is the Deepest" would become a chart hit for other artists who covered it.

Keith Hampshire got his first chart-topping hit with his version of the song in 1973 on the Canadian Top Singles chart. It would also land at No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. A few years later, Stewart also covered the track and released it first as a single, where it landed at No. 1 for four weeks in the UK. The track would later land at No. 21 on the Billboard chart and No. 43 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

In the mid 90's and early 2000s, the track was given a new spin when Swedish musician Papa Dee released a reggae cover.Sheryl Crowwould also release her own version in 2003, inspired by Stewart's version. It would become her biggest radio hit and landed at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Related: 1978 Rock Song, Inspired by a Famous Model, Is Still a Roadtrip Hit 48 Years Later

Tiffani Thiessen is taking a hard stance on one of the internet’s most ridiculous, unresolved debates...one that has been tearing families and friend groups apart: pouring milk before or after the cereal.

"Oh, I'm definitely Team Cereal First!" Thiessen said in a recent Q&A with Parade. "That's how I've always done it, and I’m too old to change now. There's something so satisfying about pouring a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, adding the milk and getting that perfect crunch in every bite."

For the former Saved by the Bell star, cereal routine is serious business. Beyond individual breakfast mechanics, Thiessen maintains that the milk-to-cereal ratio is a hill worth dying on, insisting on enough milk to keep every bite crunchy while ensuring there is enough left over for a final milk chaser.

That morning routine gives way to a look back into '90s nostalgia. Thirty-five years after Bayside High defined Saturday morning lineups, Thiessen has partnered with General Mills for its "Saved by the Box Tops" initiative. The campaign aims to drive engagement for the Box Tops for Education platform, which has generated nearly $1 billion for American K-12 schools since launching in 1996.

(Source: General Mills)

While the original program relied on parents physically clipping cardboard squares from cereal boxes and snack packages, the process today runs through a mobile app that scans physical or digital receipts.

The promotional push reunites Thiessen with former co-stars, giving her an opportunity to address decades of persistent media speculation surrounding the working dynamics of the show's female actors.

"I think it’s funny that people assume there had to be some sort of rivalry just because we were young women starring on the same show," Thiessen said. "The truth is, we went through such a specific, once-in-a-lifetime experience together, and that really bonded us."

Thiessen noted that participating in the campaign felt less like a commercial job and more like catching up with long-time friends who shared "one of the most formative chapters" of her adolescence.

Now a parent, Thiessen insists that her personal drive stops short of the classroom door. Despite the competitive culture that often surrounds school projects, volunteer hours, and bake sales, she rejects the idea of mom-rivalries.

"I can be competitive in many aspects of my life, but not as a mom," Thiessen said. "I think parents and women in general need support, not competitiveness. But with that, every parent knows that feeling of wanting to show up for their kids’ school in whatever way they can."

The early-2000s NYC indie rock scene was a vibe. If you missed the chance to catch post-punk favorites Interpol at intimate downtown venues like the now-shuttered Brownies, and you happen to have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you're in luck.

Interpol recently played a private show for Chase Sapphire cardmembers at New York City's legendary Blue Note, giving a lucky crowd the kind of up-close experience the band's early years were built on. Footage of the performance was shared on Instagram by Andrew Steinthal, co-founder of The Infatuation and Head of Talent Partnerships & Culture at JPMorgan Chase, capturing the band tearing through its beloved hit "Evil."

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The timing feels especially fitting. "Evil" appears on Interpol's acclaimed sophomore album, Antics, which is approaching its 22nd anniversary. Released at the height of New York City's indie-rock renaissance, Antics helped establish Interpol as one of the era's defining bands of the downtown scene alongside groups like The Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Songs including "Evil," "Slow Hands," and "C'mere" endeared audiences to the band's atmospheric guitars, brooding vocals, and unmistakable post-punk sound.

For fans who came of age during the early-2000s indie sleaze era, seeing Interpol in a room as intimate as the Blue Note offers a rare full-circle moment: the kind of close-up performance that once defined the city's club scene, now recreated for a new generation of Chase Sapphire cardmembers.

Whether or not you had a Chase Sapphire card handy for this one, it's a welcome reminder that some bands - and some songs -never lose their power.

Shania Twain explained to PEOPLE how she supported Jon Bon Jovi through his vocal cord surgery.

Bon Jovi needed a vocal fold medialization procedure in June 2022, something Twain had gone through four years prior. So, she was happy to offer her advice to the 1980s rock icon.

Twain met the New Jersey native on an international flight to Europe, with Bon Jovi telling the "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" singer she had a reputation for "being the hardest-working artist in the industry."

When they met, he was suffering from “laryngeal nerve problems,” and she had already been through the same due to Lyme disease.

"He just called me up and said, ‘Share everything you know about how you got back singing live after nerve atrophy in the voice,’” Twain told PEOPLE.

She explained to the outlet how she helped the "You Give Love A Bad Name" singer with his health issues. “I shared my surgeon’s information with him, my experience with him, and I encouraged him to weigh up all the scenarios. I told him that it worked for me, and that I was honest. I think he really appreciated that, was able to take it all on board.”

Michael Trotter Jr. of The War and Treaty, honoree Jon Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, and Jelly Roll perform onstage during the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Jon Bon Jovi during the 66th GRAMMY Awards on February 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

The "From This Moment On" star wanted to be honest, so she did warn Bon Jovi that this surgery was "scary."

“It’s an open-throat surgery, and you have to be awake. I said, ‘I just have to be honest with you because if you’re going into this, you’re going to hear it from the surgeon anyway, but you might as well hear it from somebody who’s been through it,'” she explained.

Twain admits she doesn't know many other singers who underwent the same surgery as her and Bon Jovi. She told the outlet it was usually an injury suffered by “boxers” or “cancer patients where they have to remove tumors near those nerves and in the throat, neck, or tongue, mouth area.”

Twain also revealed that her voice "has never been the same" since she underwent the surgery eight years ago, but now it is a "gravelly" voice with more "rasp" and "character."

[My voice is] different, I embrace it,” she says. “I’m grateful that I can sing, I can hold a note, and I can be loud and proud,” the 60-year-old concluded.

In his 2024 Disney+ docuseries, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, he described the country singer as his “spirit sister” after she helped him through his ordeal. “Not only did she reassure me that it would be OK, but I think she also pulled my leg a little bit because she told me I'd be out there a lot sooner than I have been. She says, ‘Well, I told you that because I knew that you might back out otherwise.' And so, I couldn't wait to get the operation.”

Related: Country Pop Queen Shania Twain, 60, Opens Up About Body Image Battles

Simone Biles may stand just 4 feet, 8 inches tall, but she is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Her impact on a generation of gymnasts has been anything but small, but it is her floor exercise routines, thanks to their rare combination of explosive power, technical precision, and artistry, that cemented her legacy. Her unforgettable floor routine at the 2016 Rio Olympics combined gravity-defying tumbling, effortless landings, and mind-blowing tumbling passes that propelled this powerhouse athlete to an Olympic gold medal.

Simone Biles' Power Defies Her Size @olympics

Throwback alert! Simone Biles dazzled with a fun floor routine, earning her fifth Olympic medal at Rio2016. 💅 #Olympics #Paris2024 #Sport #Gymnastics

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One of the most decorated Olympic gymnasts of all time, Simone Biles is the rare athlete who reached legendary status while still competing. Despite being one of the shortest competitors in elite gymnastics, Biles is a powerhouse capable of reaching heights of up to 12 feet during her tumbling passes. Her ability to launch herself so high into the air while maintaining precise body control allows her to perform skills that few other gymnasts, if any, can match.

The Floor Routine That Defined a Generation

Biles put her full power on display during her unforgettable floor routine at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her confidence, combined with seemingly effortless landings, showcased her command of the sport and earned her the Olympic gold medal on floor exercise. Not only is it one of the defining performances of her career, but Simone Biles' 2016 Rio Olympics floor routine is also one of the defining Olympic gymnastics performances of all time.

Related: Olympic Gymnast, Best Known for Her 'Not Impressed' Face, Created Pure Magic on the Floor

How Simone Biles Changed Women's Gymnastics

One of the most decorated gymnasts in history with 11 Olympic medals, Simone Biles' dominance on floor extends far beyond her medal count. The event has consistently been her strongest discipline, helping her win multiple Olympic and World Championship titles. But it is her ability to perform skills so difficult—some of them now bearing her name—that has made her so closely associated with floor exercise. Her awe-inspiring tumbling passes and sky-high vertical leaps have raised expectations for what is physically possible in women's gymnastics, inspiring athletes around the world to push the boundaries of the sport while creating generations of fans dazzled by her every move.

A Legacy That Continues to Inspire @usagymofficial

OKAY COMBO PASS‼️ @Simone Biles #gymnastics #usagym #fyp #usag #usclassic

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Simone Biles has also changed the way fans watch gymnastics. Her ability to fill every performance with a showcase of raw power and remarkable precision makes routines that once seemed impossible look nearly effortless in her hands. Every tumbling pass demonstrates her unique combination of strength, speed, and spatial awareness, qualities that have made her one of the most influential and celebrated athletes in Olympic history.

Years after her breakthrough in Rio, Simone Biles' floor routines continue to captivate audiences. Longtime gymnastics fans and first-time viewers alike return to her performances not just to admire the difficulty, but to witness a generational talent who transformed the sport and redefined what excellence on the floor can look like.

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, 62, Who Created Magic at the 1988 Winter Games, Can Still Make the Ice Sing

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Like most people, I usually pick my favorite donut without giving it a second thought.

But once I started looking into how these classic flavors got their start, I realized each one has its own surprisingly interesting story. From accidental inventions to recipes that date back centuries, here's the history behind seven popular donut flavors.

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1. Glazed

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The first Glazed donut dates all the way back to the mid-1600s, when Dutch settlers were frying up a pastry called olykoek in New Amsterdam (now New York City), according to reports. Olykoek translates to "oily cake" and its dough is made from yeast, eggs, butter and spices. Settlers fried it up in pork fat before topping it with a dusting of sugar.

Fast forward to 1937, when Vernon Rudolph bought a yeast-raised recipe off a New Orleans chef and opened the very first Krispy Kreme shop in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. There, he served the glazed donuts we know and love today.

2. Chocolate Frosted

Photo by Z Graphica on Unsplash

Attempting to determine the first baker who put chocolate frosting on a donut is like trying to figure out who decided to put pepperoni on a pizza. But here's what we do know: Its roots trace back to the American donut shop boom that happened after World War II. When chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme began popping up everywhere in the 1950s, bakers needed to diversify their menus without reinventing the wheel.

3. Maple Glazed

Indigenous people created the maple sugar flavor profile long before the first donut shop even existed. In fact, the earliest written accounts of maple sugaring date back to 1609, when European settlers documented the Native Americans' process of tapping sugar maples, collecting the sap in birch-bark containers and evaporating the water by dropping red-hot stones into hollowed-out logs.

The flavor got a massive boost in 2003, when Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon, famously put two strips of savory bacon on top of its maple glazed donut.

Related: I Turned My Morning Protein Shake Into a Donut-Flavored Treat—and I’m Obsessed

4. Old-Fashioned

bhofack2 / Getty Images

When baking soda and baking powder first became widely available, the kitchen innovation meant that bakers could skip the time-consuming task of waiting for a yeast dough to rise. And thus, the Old-Fashioned donut was born. Because the flavor is fried at a lower temperature than other donuts, the steam escapes unevenly and creates those unique ridges. While the cracks started out as an accident, bakers realized that they could hold way more glaze and kept it that way.

5. Apple Fritter

bhofack2/Getty Images

The Apple Fritter is way older than I thought! Romans were frying fritters thousands of years ago, and apple versions first started popping up in medieval England. In America, the recipe was circulating well before the Civil War, but they really took off in 1964, when Tim Hortons opened its very first location. The menu had exactly two donuts on it: the Dutchie and the Apple Fritter. The Apple Fritter became so popular in Canada, it started exploding onto U.S. donut shop menus.

6. Boston Cream

Boston Globe / Getty Images

This donut’s origin story traces back to the Parker House Hotel in Boston, now known as the Omni Parker House. In 1856, a chef named M. Sanzian decided to layer sponge cake with vanilla custard before topping it with chocolate glaze, calling his invention the Parker House chocolate cream pie. At some point, someone made a version with fried dough and it became even more famous than Sanzian's dessert.

Fast forward to 1997, when a group of Somerville elementary schoolers led by Emma Krane lobbied to make it the official donut of Massachusetts. The kids started a petition and teamed up with state Sen.Charles Shannon to make it happen. Six years later—on New Year's Day 2003—acting Gov. Jane Swift signed the Boston Cream donut into law as the official donut of the Commonwealth.

7. Raspberry Jelly

Gado / Getty Images

It's said that the earliest known recipe for jam-filled fried dough appeared in a German cookbook from 1485. European settlers introduced this treat to America, but the jelly donut really went mainstream in 1920, when Adolph Levitt invented a machine that could mass-produce donuts and installed it in a New York City window so crowds could watch it work.

On every one of his Mayflower Donuts boxes, Levitt printed the same inspiring quote: "Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole."

These classic flavors have stood the test of time, showing up in everything from bakery cases to new food and beverage launches. In fact, 5-hour ENERGY® recently introduced Boston Cream and Raspberry Jelly energy shot flavors inspired by two of America's favorite donuts—proof that these iconic treats continue to inspire new products generations after they were first created.

5-hour ENERGY's new donut-inspired flavors: Boston Cream and Jelly Donut

Related: Next Up:

It’s hard to imagine a time when banking on the popularity of Elvis Presley felt like a gamble, but on July 31, 1969, his legacy was hanging by a thread.

After spending nearly a decade away from regular concert touring, it appeared Presley's time as a live performer had come to an end. Stepping out under the blazing neon lights of Las Vegas, he had one shot to prove he was still the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Presley stepped onto the stage at the International Hotel with something to prove, according to Biography. An uncertain start to a four-week engagement turned iconic as the room, filled with fans, famous faces, and friends, welcomed the entertainer back to live performing.

This residency wasn't the first time the King of Rock and Roll had graced a Las Vegas stage. He previously played Sin City in April 1956, making his debut at the New Frontier hotel and casino to a less-than-enthusiastic response.

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Biography wrote, "Unlike the muted response that welcomed his debut in Vegas 13 years earlier, he had the star-studded audience eating out of his hand this time. He punctuated his high-energy, 75-minute performance with karate kicks and off-the-cuff stage patter."

The month-long run was a record-breaking smash, drawing over 100,000 fans to the hotel. Seeing the frenzy, Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, struck a deal right then and there with the hotel’s president: a simple handshake agreeing that the King would return to Vegas twice a year for the next five years.

In total, Presley played 636 shows in Sin City from 1969 through 1976. Parker's massive commitment launched the entertainer into a grueling schedule that ultimately transformed Las Vegas into a centerpiece of his later career.

Vernon and Elvis Presley/Graphic House/Archive Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Billboard reported, "Tickets to his dinner show were $17.50 and included lobster or steak. The midnight show included drinks and cost a bit less. In one 29-day period, Elvis played for 101,509 guests. Over seven years, he is said to have sold $43.7 million in tickets, an estimated $171 million in 2015 dollars."

Presley's last performance in Las Vegas was on December 12, 1976, according to Graceland's official website. Eight months later, the King of Rock and Roll had already performed 55 concerts that year and was scheduled to kick off a new 12-date tour beginning August 17, 1977.

On August 16, Presley was at his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee, readying himself to hit the road again through August 28. He was to kick off a series of dates in Maine and end the mini-tour in Tennessee.

Elvis Presley died at Graceland on August 16, 1977. He was 42.

Related: 1972 Chart-Buster Elvis Presley Had to Be Convinced to Record

Big Brother’s house is open once more! Every week, Parade’s Mike Bloom will be bringing you interviews with this season's houseguests as they get evicted from the game.

Jason De Puy learned very quickly that the Big Brother house is no Werk Room. The two-time Drag Race contestant was eager to shed the heels and breast plates of Salina EsTitties, having just competed on an all-star season where, after coming out of the gate gaming hard, he got publicly betrayed, leading to a tense and dramatic fallout. And, from seeing what Jason did across three weeks of Big Brother 28, as the Dining Table Time Machine teaches us, those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. The self-proclaimed "messy bitch" filled his 24 days in the house with scheming, fighting, and kettle banging. And, after fighting with his back against the wall for the majority of the game, it was only a matter of time before he'd get the Golden Boot from the house.

Jason came into Big Brother dead-set on not revealing his Drag Race past. He had no idea, however, that he would be joined by three other reality TV vets in Angela Murray, Dee Valladares, and Rick Devens. And so Jason came out hot right out of the gate, one of the most vocal proponents of the anti-"icon" movement, and even fake-cried to Angela, telling her she would be his maternal figure in honor of his late mother. Unfortunately, this would be the first of many times he would pay the price for saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. After simultaneously pitching and gloating to Drew Campbell, the dental assistant immediately went to the icons with the information, putting Jason smack dab on their radar. Perhaps even worse: Angela had a new public enemy number one.

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When Devens won the next HoH, Angela convinced him to take a shot at Rome Seymour and the gladiators he was amassing on the other side of the house, including Jason. And, when he hit the block, she was more than happy to come out of her shell, hijacking the nomination ceremony to call him out. For what it's worth, Jason was willing and able to clap back, leading to one of the most explosive ceremonies in Big Brother history as he openly declared, "America, please hate me!" Despite getting his entire game aired out, Jason was able to survive the week. After lip syncing for his life four times on Drag Race, the "BB Block Buster" was a piece of cake, as he once again won safety, sealing one of his closest allies' fates in the process.

The next day, new HoH Kamu Kirk told Jason that he wouldn't be putting him up. After getting over the initial shock, though, Jason suspected that there may be a bigger plan in place. Indeed, after losing the Veto to Lyric Medeiros, he knew that Kamu was going to spin around as quickly as he did while dressed in a tutu and wrapped around a pickle, eager to put him in his place through the backdoor. But the MMA fighter was also looking to land a TKO. And so, he staged a coup at the house's tea party, accusing Jason of once again being dishonest, promising all the nominees he'd use the Veto on them and trying to turn the majority against each other.

But while Jason was resolute to leave Salina at home, he was still a drag queen at heart. Rather than give Kamu the face crack he wanted, Jason fought back, clocking the entire "Toolshed" alliance and their efforts to once again stage a distraction by making him a public target. And he was eager to show how Kamu's accusations were a quite literal example of the pot calling the kettle black, spending the next day causing a ruckus around the house. Sadly, Jason's BB movie does not have a happy ending. Losing the Block Buster to tape queen Mallory Aurichio, he was told to "sashay away" unanimously. And while the runway walker had run out of runway in the game, he had the fandom — and even Julie Chen Moonves — denting dishware in his honor.

Now out of the house, Jason talks with Parade about his reaction to playing with the icons (and why he chose not to reveal his own reality TV history), why he chose to fake cry to Angela and tell others about it, and how he handled having his game get called out multiple times.

Related: Meet the Full Cast of Big Brother 28

Let's start with your first hours inside the house. You had most likely assumed you'd be the only reality TV alum to be playing, only to find out that Angela, Dee, and Devens would also be alongside you. What was your reaction to seeing these "icons" come in after you?
Oh my god. It was a little hard because I had just as much "reality TVness" as them. So to dumb myself down was a little hard. I couldn't really own my "star powerness." My whole full experience of life was ready to be used, but I didn't use it. I thought it would have implemented my game in a weird way. So to sit back a little bit and let them take the lead, I think they really clocked my showmanship and my star quality, and I think that was very threatening to them.

Did you ever debate telling them about your time on Drag Race to try to work together?
To be honest, had I revealed to them I was on Drag Race, I don't know if that would have helped my game. So I know that did come up. Julie asked me why I didn't try. Without saying I was on Drag Race, I did try to get in with the icons myself, but then it blew up in my face. So I think it's a good thing I didn't tell them I was on Drag Race. I don't know if it would have been helpful.

You talk about getting in with the icons. We see that in a major way with Angela, when you talk to her about your late mother and how she could be your maternal figure to the house. When she leaves, however, you roll your eyes to the camera. Why did you decide to fake cry to her?
So I literally just came off of Drag Race All Stars 11. And in my pinnacle, Episode 6, it was a big strategy portion. I do a fourth wall break where I smiled at the camera after crying in someone's arms, who is an ally of mine. And I kind of was giving a little nod to that in that moment to my fans who would be watching, like, "The messy girls are still here. Don't worry." But Angela also saw me in the mirrors. A true sign of a vet of Big Brother; they know better than to just walk away. They were looking in the mirrors. I think it was kind of cool and poetic justice in a way to get clocked. And it made for, I think, an iconic fight, I hope, that goes down in history.

Well, even if Angela did see you in the mirror, I can reveal to you that she mainly found out because you chose to tell Drew and Melody about it, as well as your desire to go after the icons. And Drew, who had already been working with the icons, immediately went to tell them. Why did you decide to be so open with that information?
Oh my God, that's so irritating! I think there's a lot of twiddling your thumbs in the beginning of Big Brother. You're like, "When's the game gonna start? Who's strategizing with who?" And I could tell that Melody and Drew were super fans that were ready to play. So that's why I gathered them up and created the Jesters. I was like, "Look, we can work together, since I can tell you're so eager to play. Let's play. And obviously, we need to get out Devens and the icons because they're big threats."

Very quickly I learned that they created an alliance with Rome and Lyric shortly after I created the Jesters. So had I inspired them to start playing? I'll take that. Maybe I did. And it bit me in the butt. And then to hear that, at the end of the day that he got pulled into that big six, that's good for him, great for his game. And I get it. I would have done the same thing had I had the opportunity. So can't be mad at it. But I will say, I'm the one who inspired them to start playing. I don't know, that's how I see it.

That intel from Drew will lead to an incredibly dramatic nomination ceremony, where not only does Devens put you on the block, but Angela proceeds to call out what you had been doing. Give me your reaction to all that, especially as start arguing with her
I thought she was gonna blow up that I was on Drag Race! That's why I was doing all those poses. They were RuPaul poses. And I was like, "She's about to air me out being on Drag Race. So here we go! Let's air it out!" But then when she did it, and it was the smile, I thought, "Oh, that's what we're talking about." So I took a step back. I was like, "Ok, I've still got my Drag Race secret. Sure, I smiled." It was just very interesting because I was prepared for a whole other fight, but it ended up just shifting to something else.

So I just had fun with it. And for me too, I'm not really good at holding on to resentments. I need to clear the air. If I don't clear the air, it's hard for me to continue existing. I don't know if they showed, but we made up literally as soon as the nomination ceremony was over. And I thought it actually I gained favor with her, and I thought I could trust her moving forward. I feel like she wanted to trust me too. We kept having this like energy of "I got you, I don't got you, I got you, I don't got you." So I couldn't read where it landed, but ultimately it was definitely not with me.

What may not have helped is when you pitch yourself to both of the big trios in the house, saying they can use you as a shield to take out the other. What was your intention in doing that?Did you expect them to eventually compare notes?
I had a feeling they might compare notes. But there was a part of me that felt if they didn't compare notes, it could actually be an asset to their game. So I kind of was playing every group. The Kamu/Haley/Chuk trio, the icons trio, and then I had everyone else on the other side. I had my hand in every pot, and I wanted to see which pot would accept me. If one turned, I can go with them if they took me. If they all turned, I can go with these kids who who could trust me. But ultimately, no one trusted me, so none of the spaghetti stuck to the wall.

Let's go from having your hands in every pot to you eventually banging on a teapot. What was going through your head as Kamu's takeover of the tea party went down, and he proceeded to try to air your game out to the entire house again?
Oh my God! It was honestly so awkward to sit there with everyone in silence. No one had anything to say. I felt very great about standing up for myself. I realized no one was going to come to my rescue. Kind of like with Angela, I had to stand up for myself again. And I don't do that in my everyday life. I let people walk all over me, especially in this industry. [With] managers, producers, I just take the backseat and get the brunt of it. But I couldn't do that in this game. I had to stick up for myself. So that I think was the biggest takeaway for me. It was very disheartening to hear no one speak up and everyone just hold their heads down. I was like, "No one has anything to say at all?" I get for their game why they had to do that, but it really showed me in that moment I had no one in the house.

So what fueled you to pick up the kettle? Was there game intentions behind it, or was it purely to cause a ruckus?
You know, I was tossing and turning, trying to go to sleep, trying to be a cordial human being. And Kamu kept playing in my head. So I was like, "I'm not gonna let Kamu ruin my sleep. I'm gonna ruin his sleep if that's the case." And what did you know? He was up strategizing with Drew in the kitchen while everyone was asleep when I went to go look for the teapot. So the next morning, I was like, "It's time to wake it up! If y'all are gonna try to come for me and no one's got my back, if I'm gonna be voted out, I'm gonna make a splash before I do. And I'm gonna let y'all know who the real icon is in the house." [Laughs.]

You spoke with Julie about being "the only 'me' in the house." And there has been discussion online about you being the only out LGBTQ+ houseguest this season. How isolated did you feel in that house, especially in the aftermath of the tea party?
I think they accomplished their mission. I definitely live in a very extravagant world in my life. I have very creative and out-there friends. Being in the house, it was really cool how I was able to connect with people on certain levels, right? I didn't have just one aspect of me. I was able to meet people where they were at based off my whole life experience. So realizing I was 35 in the house was a big deal for me. Because I live my life like I'm 21, and my life allows for that. And I get congratulated and I get paid to act as such.

So to be in the house and realize I'm 35, I'm one of the oldest guys, I'm one of the least fit guys in the house other than Devens, was very scary for me. But stepping up to the plate, working out every day, and then finding a way to connect with each person individually, I found too that ultimately they just couldn't connect with me on a deeper level because like attracts like.

Devens was the father figure. Angela and LaTrice were the mommy figures for all the young kids. They're so young and impressionable, and it was very clear how easy it was to get them in the palm of your hands. Devens was great at that. Dee was the cool, hot sister. She had all the girls in her hands, all the guys wrapped around her finger. I couldn't win. I couldn't match up. And I think that was the biggest takeaway. Knowing, no matter what I do here, I don't have anyone who truly trusts me here. Especially continuously being blown up, with my game and looking untrustworthy.

To finish, give your rapid-fire thoughts on each of the remaining houseguests. Starting with Angela.
Oh, she's the queen! That's a queen.
Barrett.
Oh my God, bestie! Honestly, I'd be his best friend out of the house. I really truly love Barrett. He's a great guy. Also, I hope he wins.
Chuk.
Ew, boring. Please, swipe left.
Dee.
Hottie with the body! But also, good job, girl! She's doing it.
Devens.
Oh, God. Adam Sandler. That's the first thing that comes to mind. Low-budget Adam Sandler.
Drew.
Drewski! I hope he wins too. I hope it's Drew and Barrett or Taylor that wins. Love Drewski. Nothing bad to say.
Haley.
Ugh, gross. Barf. Throw up in my mouth.
Kamu.
That's a drag queen, honey, if I've ever seen one!
La Trice.
Lala, my queen! That's a true D-I-V-A, diva!
Lyric.
Lyric, cutie pie! She's the next big star.
Mallory.
Cute. The best little weirdo in town. I love her.
Melody.
That's my girl. Love her!
Taylor.
Oh my God, Tay Tay! I love Tay Tay. I have nothing bad to say about Tay Tay. Maybe just wake up, girl, get out of bed!
And finally, Yash.
Yash is an awesome guy. I'm gonna just say "Kiwi," and he'll know what that means. [Laughs.]

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Let's be real: we love Pottery Barn, but the retailer is definitely on the pricier side and not always within budget. Sigh. Luckily, we are well into the modern year of 2026, and dupes abound, where you can get similar items found at PB for a fraction of the cost. In fact, right now, Aldi is selling a beautiful area rug that looks almost identical to a popular Pottery Barn style.

Kirkton House's Blue Floral Border Soft Area Rug looks so similar to the LoveShackFancy Floral Border Reversible Washable Rug at Pottery Barn, only PB's version retails for $169 while Aldi's is priced at just $39. Pottery Barn's is over four times the price of Aldi's. Talk about a major savings.

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Kirkton House Blue Floral Border Soft Area Rug, $39.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Just like Pottery Barn's area rug, Aldi's Kirkton House rendition features a pretty powder blue background and crisp white color floral border surrounding the entire perimeter of the rug. The dainty floral pattern also features cutesy bow accents, adding even more whimsy and charm to the piece.

Related: Martha Stewart's 2-Tier Rolling Cart Is a Versatile Storage Solution

Made from 100 percent polyester, Aldi's Kirkton House Blue Floral Border Soft Area Rug is easy to keep looking beautiful with routine vacuuming and spot cleaning as needed. For spot cleaning, only use a solution of mild detergent and warm water, blotting with a clean towel. Make sure to avoid rubbing.

Because it is polyester, Aldi's area rug feels super soft and cozy underfoot. This also makes it feel a bit more high-end than it actually is. What's more, this area rug is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it was tested and confirmed to be free of any harmful substances.

For dimensions, the rug measures four feet by six feet, making it a great size for everywhere from your living room to your home office or even a bedroom. And for just $39.99, you really cannot beat the price.

This whimsical area rug is available at select Aldi stores now as part of the retailer's current rotation of Aldi Finds, limited-stock product specials. You can shop these in the center aisle of stores.

Related: This 'Effortless' Fleetwood Mac Band Shirt at Target Is the Cutest Everyday Tee

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Whoever said “beauty is pain” didn’t know the stress that uncomfortable footwear brings. Nowadays, we’re prioritizing three things when it comes to our shoe collection: support, comfort, and style. Thanks to Macy’s, you can now check off all these boxes by picking up a pair of top-tier Clarks Solevana Star Round-Toe Sandals while they're 50% off.

The shoes originally cost $75, but have been marked down to just $38. The available colors include black, blue, pink, navy blue, and off-white. We love the black and white hues for those who want an everyday style, while the pink is an adorable statement option for summer events. The sizes range from 6 to 12, and Clarks shoes sometimes run large, so we recommend utilizing Macy's size chart to aid you in your shopping. 

Clarks Solevana Star Round-Toe Sandals, $38 (was $75) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

The sandals feature a 2-inch wedge heel, round toe, and two straps with a cool graphic design that will add a unique texture to your outfit. There is a riptape closure that keeps the sandals secure while walking, but allows you to take them on and off with ease. They're made with a synthetic upper, textile lining, and a foam sole that offers support in the arch of the foot, which is ideal if you plan on sporting them for long hours. 

Clarks Solevana Star Round-Toe Sandals, $38 (was $75) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

Due to the material, it's advised to spot clean the sandals with a soft damp cloth if they pick up some dirt or scuffs. Shoppers love that you can wear the "excellent" style "all day" because they're "super comfy," "very cushioned," and "supportive." Another reviewer said that "the heel rocks slightly forward and back," which offers "stability when walking." 

The material is "very flexible," "breathable," and "soft," so they're a great investment for those who need a new pair of go-to shoes in warm climates. One of the top perks of this sandal style is that there's no break-in period needed, so you can slip them on upon delivery with no issues. Given the affordable sale price, you can even snag a few pairs to wear throughout the season.  

Don't settle for footwear that's not practical. These convenient Clarks sandals hit all three are supportive, comfortable, and, of course, stylish. Add the footwear to your wardrobe for under $40 at Macy's.

Related: Macy’s Reversible 8-Piece Floral Comforter Set Is ‘Fluffy’ Yet ‘Lightweight’ for Summer, Now 70% Off

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Parents who use baby loungers may want to check their nursery items after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced recalls and warnings involving several infant loungers due to serious safety concerns.

The products were flagged because they may not meet federal safety requirements for infant sleep products, with hazards including suffocation risks, fall hazards and possible infant entrapment.

One of the recent recalls involves CooCooBaby Baby Loungers, including the brand’s Classic and Deluxe models. According to the CPSC, the loungers have sides that are too short, sleeping pads that exceed thickness limits and openings that could allow an infant to fall out or become trapped. The products also lack a stand, creating additional fall risks if used on elevated surfaces.

The CPSC is also warning consumers about Fasando Baby Loungers, which the agency says violate mandatory infant sleep product standards. The loungers reportedly have sides that are too low and openings that are too wide, creating fall and entrapment hazards. The CPSC reported one infant death involving a Fasando-branded baby lounger in 2025.

Another recall involved Sweetie Baby and Style Life Eleven Baby Loungers from HappyGira. The CPSC said those products also pose risks because of insufficient side height, excessive sleeping pad thickness, lack of a stand and potential fall or entrapment hazards.

Parents who own a recalled lounger should stop using it immediately and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for refunds or disposal. The CPSC advises consumers not to use recalled infant loungers as sleep products, as they may create an unsafe sleeping environment for babies.

While baby loungers are often marketed as cozy spaces for infants to rest or relax, the CPSC has repeatedly emphasized that infants should sleep only on firm, flat surfaces designed specifically for safe sleep.

Parents can check the latest recalls and safety alerts through the CPSC’s official recall database before continuing to use infant products.

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