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Before Amazon took over the country, people used to head to the mall for everyday essentials and weekend splurges.

Somewhere in between was the obligatory stop at the food court, where you always knew that one Asian spot would be handing out free samples you'd grab whether you were hungry or not.

Another longtime mall staple wasn't just recognizable for its food, but for the eye-popping rainbow-striped uniforms worn by employees: Hot Dog on a Stick.

But the reality is you may not have noticed them in a long time as the once-common mall chain has shrunk dramatically over the years — though a new owner has now taken over with lofty goals to revive the classic eatery that started out as a simple food stand.

From Muscle Beach To A Town Near You

Photo By Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

You've heard the story before. It's pure Americana: a humble, no-frills small vendor exploding in popularity, just like Whataburger and Shake Shack.

Back in 1946, Hot Dog on a Stick was a simple oceanfront food stand along Santa Monica's legendary Muscle Beach. It eventually grew to more than 100 locations before declining in the years leading up to and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, there are still dozens of locations, mostly in California.

The new owner, Stephen Siegel, founder of Amazing Brands, is planning to expand the chain beyond its mall roots with new flagship locations and international growth over the next several years.

Related: Top In-N-Out Rival Expanding With 60 More Locations

Next Stop: The Vegas Strip?

Is there anything the Strip doesn't have?

Turns out there is: a Hot Dog on a Stick.

As the initial rollout kicks off, the Strip tops the list for the chain's future plans all while celebrating 80 years in business.

“While Hot Dog on a Stick has been predominantly a West Coast success story, we believe the time has come to bring it to the rest of America and ultimately to the world,” said aforementioned Amazing Brands founder and CEO Stephen Siegel.

Related: Trader Joe’s Fans Will Be Drooling Over Cult-Favorite Fast Food Chain’s New Item

The probable Vegas location is slated to be a flagship restaurant, but the scout team is leaving no stone unturned, targeting 'company-owned and franchised growth, with a focus on high-traffic locations such as street‑front restaurants, drive‑thrus, tourist areas, airports, stadiums, amusement parks and resort markets.'

It's not solely pandas drawing people to the world-famous San Diego Zoo — it's an array of new upgrades and rare animals, including being the only zoo outside Australia showcasing platypuses.

But there's another rare "prehistoric" critter that could be the next Axolotl-level obsession on the cuteness scale: echidnas, sometimes referred to as "spiny anteaters."

What visitors may not be aware of is there are actually two San Diego zoos; the other being in nearby Escondido, dubbed the 'Safari Park', which is home to the echidnas.

The newborn "puggles" are a rarity because echidnas typically lay just one egg per breeding season, making twin arrivals an extraordinary milestone for these unusual creatures that are practically the Tinder rejects of the animal kingdom.

The Wait Begins: Why The Echidna Babies Aren't On Display Yet

Unfortunately, don't expect to see these tiny 'prehistoric' cuties during your next Safari Park stroll just yet. One of the puggles is still being raised naturally in the underground nursery burrow by mom, while the other needed a little extra help after not gaining enough weight and was brought to the Safari Park's state-of-the-art Harter Veterinary Medical Center for some around-the-clock TLC. 

The good news?

The little fighter is growing stronger each day thanks to the dedicated wildlife team, whose work has even led to new discoveries about how to better care for echidnas moving forward.

Related: San Diego Zoo on Alert After Unexpected Animal Discovery at Popular Restaurant

Unlike most mammals, echidnas are monotremes — a rare group of egg-laying mammals that also includes the equally unusual platypus.

Per USA Today, echidnas are considered 'one of the world's oldest surviving species' with a lineage dating back to 'prehistoric' times.

Despite being around for hundreds of millions of years, these unusual creatures are just the tip of the iceberg at the Safari Park, where visitors can experience everything from an up-close Cheetah Run to safari-style excursions surrounded by giraffes and overnight Roar & Snore sleepovers that can be even more affordable than many San Diego hotels at $205 per night.

Ella Beatty, the stunning daughter of legendary actors Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, is about to score a role in the film adaptation of The Bell Jar.

The rising theater star, 26, is in final talks to join Billie Eilish and Carey Mulligan in the film adaptation of Sylvia Plath's iconic novel, Deadline reported. While it’s not yet clear who Beatty will play in The Bell Jar, we know that Eilish will make her acting debut in the role as protagonist Esther Greenwood, while Mulligan will play her mother. Sarah Polley is set to direct.

Michael Loccisano / Getty Images

The 1963 novel, which mirrors Plath's personal story, was previously adapted for the screen in 1979, and starred Marilyn Hassett in the role of Greenwood. A 2003 film, Sylvia, starring Gwyneth Paltrow in the role of the iconic poet, chronicled the writer's life and tragic death by suicide.

What Does Ella Beatty Star In?

A Juilliard-trained actress, Beatty made waves starring alongside Hugh Jackman in Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre. In the play, Beatty’s character is a college student who becomes involved with her older, successful professor, played by Jackman.

Despite the world knowing him as a megastar, Beatty previously said she didn’t feel the least bit starstruck by Jackman.

“There is nobody less movie-starry in the world than Hugh Jackman,” Beatty said recently in a piece in Interview. “He’s the most generous, loving, open, kind, hardworking person. He’s done so much musical theater, and you can see that in the way that he shows up to work. Nobody works harder than musical theater performers—they’re such athletes. You can see that in his sensibility around learning lines. So I was intimidated, but when we sat down to do the first reading of the play in the fall, it was so animated immediately that it became about the play very quickly.”

What’s Next for Ella Beatty?

In addition to her role in The Bell Jar, Beatty has another big role in the works. She’s set to play Lizzie Borden, who was tried and acquitted of the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, MA, in the fourth installment of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Monster true-crime franchise for Netflix, Deadline reported last year.

Related: Ella Beatty, Daughter of Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, Is a Red Carpet Beauty at the Tony Awards

Chipotle is giving away $1 million worth of free burritos during the FIFA World Cup final!

On Sunday, July 19, Spain and Argentina will face off to become the World Cup champion.

The deal is bound to go fast—here's how to claim yours before the offer ends.

How to get a free burrito from Chipotle

During the match's second hydration break, head to Chipotle's Instagram account and look for their most recent post.

The post will challenge viewers to follow a lemonade-filled cup as three identical Chipotle water cups shuffle across the screen. At the end of the video, the lemonade-filled cup will reveal a text-to-win code.

The first 100,000 people to text the code to 888-222 will score a free entrée!

RELATED: Chipotle Just Started Testing Crispy Chicken—and Fans Already Want It Nationwide

More Chipotle deals ahead

Chipotle has been giving away 80,000 free entrées since July 8 and the offer will continue until Wednesday, July 29!

The chain has partnered with the PGA TOUR 2K25 video game for the Chipotle Hot Streak Quest, giving customers a chance to score codes for free entrées and double protein.

First, you’ll have to buy the PGA TOUR 2K25 video game, if you don’t own it already, and complete the three themed chapters in MyCAREER mode. The chapters include in-game rewards like a taco-head putter and foil-themed golf attire.

The first players to finish the quest can claim one of 80,000 free entrée codes and double protein codes—available while supplies last through July 29.

The promotion is open to U.S. residents aged 18 or older, and winners can redeem their code in the Chipotle app until Sept. 30, 2026.

Chipotle fans can buy PGA TOUR 2K25 digitally on their PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and more or physically at local retailers.

Chipotle Rewards members can also enter the Chipotle Golf Collectible Sweepstakes for a chance to win a pitch mark repair tool—the tool golfers use to fix the small crater a golf ball leaves when it lands on the soft putting green.

The sweepstakes runs from July 8 until Wednesday, July 22, and the 100 winners will be selected randomly.

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Tom Holland has played an American superhero for nearly a decade, but that doesn't mean he's fully sold on American cuisine.

During a Complex interview alongside his The Odyssey co-star Matt Damon, Holland was asked to name the worst American food out there. His answer: the corn dog. Holland explained that anything served on a stick should be "sweet or icy" in his book, closer to a popsicle than a hot, fried, savory snack. There's just one catch: Holland admitted he's never actually eaten one.

Damon didn't hold back either, calling the corn dog "a horrible idea, from the idea to the execution."

The clip has since racked up hundreds of comments on Instagram, and one joke in particular kept popping up from multiple commenters: that a corn dog is basically a beef Wellington in disguise. One commenter called it "portable American Beef Wellington, " while another took it even further, inviting Holland and Damon to the Texas State Fair to try what they called the best corn dog on the planet.

Plenty of commenters also took issue with Holland ranking a food he's never tried. "So he's never had one but he says it's the worst," one person wrote, while another added, "I don't like them either, but at least I've eaten it." Several others echoed a version of the same sentiment: you can't fully condemn a food you've never put in your mouth.

Plenty of Americans jumped in to defend the honor of the corn dog, too, pointing Holland toward specific regional versions he might not have encountered, including Minnesota's "Pronto Pup" and Korean-style corn dogs, both of which commenters insisted might change his mind entirely.

Whether Holland ever works up the nerve to actually try one remains to be seen. For now, the corn dog holds the dubious honor of being the one American food he's most confident he doesn't want, untested, unbothered, and apparently un-Wellington enough for his taste.

A decade of staying out of the tabloids ended with a single court filing.

Abby Elliott, known to Bear fans as Natalie "Sugar" Berzatto, filed for divorce from husband Bill Kennedy on Friday, July 17, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. The filing lists July 8 as their date of separation and cites irreconcilable differences after nearly ten years of marriage.

The pair met in 2014 on the set of Sex Ed, a film Kennedy wrote and in which Elliott starred. Kennedy, a writer and producer whose credits include The Morning Show, House of Cards, and Tell Me Lies, proposed in October 2015 using his grandmother's ring, a detail Elliott has described fondly in past interviews. They married in September 2016 and went on to have two children together.

Court documents show Elliott is seeking joint legal and physical custody of the kids, along with spousal support, while asking that Kennedy not be awarded any support himself and that he cover her attorney's fees. Neither Elliott nor Kennedy has made a public statement about the split, and by most accounts, that seems consistent with how they've handled their relationship. Unlike many industry couples, they largely avoided red carpets together and rarely discussed their marriage in the press.

Related: Shania Twain Reveals Why She Skipped Taylor Swift's Wedding

Elliott just finished a run on one of television's most decorated shows, earning acclaim across five seasons for a role built partly on family strain and resilience. She has spoken openly about filming an episode centered on childbirth alongsideJamie Lee Curtis, describing it as one of the more personal experiences of her career. Now she's navigating a real-life family transition of her own, just as that chapter of her professional life comes to a close.

Divorce filings rarely tell the full story of a marriage, and this one is no exception. What's clear is that a relationship that was built away from the industry is ending in a similar way, namely with few public words and a lot left unsaid. Fans who followed her work on The Bear are left with the same information everyone else has, filtered through a legal filing rather than a public interview.

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The Carswere ready to make themselves known in the music world with their self-titled debut album, and their hit track "Just What I Needed," which some consider an anthem that still holds up decades later.

While "Just What I Needed" was released as the band's first single in 1978, it was already a hit on radio stations as a demo track in 1977. Written by lead singer and rhythm guitaristRic Ocasek, he had given the track to some Boston radio station DJs like Maxanne Sartori. The DJ remembers having also played their follow-up single "My Best Friend's Girl" during her weekday slot. To her surprise, "Just What I Needed" led to an onslaught of calls with positive comments, and even a record deal.

The track would shift the band's trajectory into high gear when it was finally released the following year as a single before the album. It peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, their first Top 40 single of their career. In 2019, it regained popularity and entered the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart at No. 9.

According to UltimateClassicRock, keyboardist Greg Hawkes admitted that he knew there was something special about the track when he first heard it.

"I remember hearing 'Just What I Needed,' the first time I heard it, thinking, 'Wow, that's pretty cool. It's got something unique about it. It's nice and concise, a fairly short pop song format.' I still remember hearing that for the first time," he said.

It's reported that Ocasek wrote the track while in the basement of a commune where he was living at the time. The song's opening riff was also borrowed from "Yummy Yummy Yummy" by the Ohio Express, and even borrowed lyric references to "Sister Ray" by the Velvet Underground. When it came to who would sing the track, Ocasek turned over the reins to Benjamin Orr.

"I think it was pretty casual between Ben and I," Ocasek explained in an interview. "When we played songs we just went, 'Oh, you sing this, I'll sing that, you sing this.' It wasn't any big deal -- although I did keep in mind if it needed to have a good voice, it needed to be Ben... 'This is a song that has a lot of melody and needs a good voice, so Ben should sing this one.'"

The lyrics to "Just What I Needed" would be a hit among critics and fans who felt it explored "romantic indifference" and even tagged it an anti-romance anthem. It would add to the wave of the power pop genre, and became the inspiration behind another rock classic.

In 2003, the pop-punk band Fountains of Wayne would take the track's popular riff and give it their own spin for their popular hit "Stacy's Mom." The Cars song would be covered by other artists like the Strokes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many more.

Related: 1972 Soft Rock Classic, A Major Radio Breakthrough, Became a Hit Summer Anthem

In 1985, Dire Straits had a massive hit with ”Money for Nothing.”

Originally written by Mark Knopfler for the album Brothers in Arms, the song ended up with a last-minute songwriting credit—to Police legend Sting.

“Money for Nothing” was a satirical look at the “easy” lifestyle of rock stars. Before its signature guitar riff played, the track kicked off with one of the most popular catchphrases of the era: "I want my MTV.” That line, which was part of an ad campaign for the growing all-music channel, was a last-minute addition recorded by Sting.

Knopfler explained how Sting’s cameo came about in a video posted to Instagram.

“I’d seen on MTV, The Police doing an ad for ['I Want My MTV'], and I thought, ‘Well, if I stick that to ‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me’, those notes, that would fit,’” he recalled.

“We were recording ‘Money for Nothing,’ and I said to somebody, ‘I wish Sting was here,’ and somebody said, ‘Well, he is here, he is on holiday’,” Knopfler continued. "I told him ‘Great, get him up here because I can hear him singing on this thing.’.. Sting came up to the studio, and we already had the track in place, and he just sang it.”

RELATED: 1981 Rock Duet Became the Biggest Hit Ever for Both Artists

Sting noted that his wife, Trudie Styler,  predicted the song would be a huge hit, and it certainly was, shooting up the charts to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1985.

“Of course it was the biggest hit of that year,” Sting said. “I was very proud to have been on that, but it was purely a function of being in the right place at the right time.”

Knopfler previously told The Guardian that the Dire Straits hit was a product of “a whole bunch of fortunate incidents that collided with each other.”

The idea for the song came after he overheard workmen complaining about rock stars on MTV. And the Sting piece was a complete stroke of luck.

“While we were recording the Brothers In Arms album at AIR Studios on Montserrat, I remember thinking: ‘Wouldn’t it be great if I could ask Sting to sing that line?’” Knopfler recalled. “We were on this tiny speck in the middle of the ocean, but suddenly someone said: ‘Sting’s here on holiday! He’s on the beach!’ So he came up to the studio, and when he walked in, the first thing he said was: 'What’s wrong?’”

Sting had assumed the Dire Straits bandmates were arguing as The Police often did.

There was no fight, but Dire Straits alum Alan Clark has disputed Knopfler’s recollection of how Sting’s “I Want My MTV” line came to be a part of “Money for Nothing.” The keyboardist once claimed that opening the song with MTV’s catchphrase was his idea.

“In rehearsals when Mark first played ‘Money For Nothing’ to the band, there was no intro and no ‘I Want My MTV,’” Clark claimed in an interview with Music Radar in 2022. "It started with an early version of that guitar riff. During a break in rehearsals, when most of the band were out of the room, I started creating the intro on my keyboards, singing 'I want my MTV’. By the end of the day, the track had an intro."

"That’s the short version," he added. "For the record: the idea was mine.”

Regardless of who had the idea first, Sting received the songwriting credit alongside Knopfler on “Money for Nothing.” And all he had to do was take a beach break to sing four words set to notes from a classic 1980 Police song.

Related: 1985 No. 1 Pop-Rock Hit Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts Exactly 41 Years Later

Zendaya recently sparked backlash after wearing 3,000-year-old Iranian gold medallions as earrings when promoting Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey in London.

The actress, who plays Athena in the new blockbuster, accessorised her white Jacquemus gown at the London photocall with large gold earrings.

These earrings were made from Iranian gold medallions dating back to the 1st millennium BC, making them around 3,000 years old. They were mounted by Glen Spiro, a London-based jeweler, with 18k yellow gold diamonds, as part of his line of turning artefacts into jewelry.

Historians, archaeologists, and social media critics condemned Zendaya's look, calling it "colonialism chic. People report that the priceless artefacts belong in museums rather than on a red carpet.

London-based writer Zirrar Ali called out celebrities, particularly in the Western world, as being “largely deaf to questions of ethics and history when it comes to the Global South.”

The stunning gold medallions were part of the Ziwiye hoard, or Ziwiye treasure, which Britannica describes as a “collection of Median-period art dating to the 7th century BCE.” They were discovered in Northwest Iran in 1947, per CNN, when locals found a coffin packed with treasure.

Because the finds were not professionally excavated, the pieces were broken up and sold individually. You can find pieces from the collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre and the British Museum.

According to Hyperallergic, The Forensic Archive of Iran has launched a petition requesting transparency around the gold discs’ provenance.

“You can wear something around your neck that dates back thousands of years but is still contemporary and cool,” the earring's designer, Glen Spiro told Galeria magazine in a 2025 interview.

Zendaya promoting new movie 'The Odyssey' on July 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)

The earrings were acquired by fine jewelry brand Barron London in 2020, which told CNN that the discs are held in a “simple noninvasive” claw setting so as “not to alter or damage the original objects in any way.”

“Cultural heritage rightly inspires important conversations, and we welcome informed dialogue about provenance, preservation and the appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship,” the brand told CNN. The earrings are not for sale, and remain part of the company's private collection.

This isn't the first controversy linked to Zendaya's outfits. While she is known for being a style icon, and The Odyssey press tour has brought us some of her most beloved looks, fans are concerned with the ethics that go into making her look so good.

Social media was up in arms when it was revealed that her stylist, Law Roach, flew her Schiaparelli dress from Paris to London on a private jet after it debuted at Paris Haute Couture Week hours earlier.

Breakups can be painful enough behind closed doors, but throw in a betrayal that plays out in front of millions of Bravo fans, and it's a whole different kind of heartbreak. That's the situation The Valley star and former Vanderpump Rules personality Brittany Cartwright now finds herself navigating after estranged husband Jax Taylor's reported romance with the couple's former publicist, Lori Krebs.

While Brittany isn't ready to tell the full story just yet, she made it clear she has plenty to say. During the Friday, July 17, episode of her When Reality Hits podcast, Cartwright hinted that she's preparing to share her side of the story but only when the time feels right. "All I'm going to say about this at this moment is I will be speaking my truth (the truth) on this matter very soon whenever I'm ready," Brittany said. She continued, "I'm just trying to protect my son and my peace and very soon I will be telling [my story]." The Bravo star also suggested fans already have an idea of what's unfolding. "I mean, I think everybody kinda understands what's going on," she added.

Fans have watched Brittany and Jax's relationship unfold for years - from their romance on Vanderpump Rules to their wedding and eventual separation on Bravo's The Valley. The former couple, who split in 2024, share 5-year-old son Cruz. Brittany's comments come shortly after Us Weekly exclusively reported that Taylor was spotted celebrating his birthday with Krebs in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. According to the outlet, the pair were seen showing PDA while relaxing poolside, fueling speculation about their relationship.

The reported romance surprised many Bravo fans because Krebs had previously worked closely with both Brittany and Jax while they were together. For now, though, Brittany says she's keeping her attention where it matters most. "As of right now," she said, "I am focusing on me and the most important thing in my life, which is my beautiful son."

Based on her latest comments, however, it sounds like viewers of The Valley may not have to wait much longer before hearing what she calls "the truth." 

More than 6,700 confirmed or probable cases of a parasite-linked intestinal illness have been reported across the United States this year as health officials continue investigating multiple outbreaks, according to Today.

The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. While infections typically increase during the summer months, health officials say the number of reported cases in 2026 has been unusually high.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,644 cases across 34 states since May 1 and is investigating an additional 5,100 illnesses, bringing the nationwide total to more than 6,700 confirmed or probable cases. At least 141 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported, according to the CDC.

One of the largest outbreaks has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. However, the CDC says that the investigation applies only to that specific outbreak, and officials are continuing to investigate other clusters of illnesses across the country.

According to the CDC, Cyclospora spreads through food or water contaminated with the parasite and infects the small intestine. Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss. Although the illness is generally not life-threatening, symptoms can last for weeks if left untreated, and antibiotics are available to treat many cases.

Despite the growing number of illnesses, experts are not advising people to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables. Instead, they recommend washing produce thoroughly, practicing good hand hygiene and staying informed as investigators continue working to identify the sources behind the outbreaks. Anyone who develops persistent diarrhea or other symptoms consistent with cyclossporiasis should contact a healthcare provider.

One of John Denver's most beloved songs is widely considered one of the most comforting, nostalgic anthems in American music history.

It's a song that practically everyone can sing by heart. Yet, despite being a timeless staple of radio airplay and family road trips, Denver's 1971 signature masterpiece remains one of his most deeply misunderstood classics. While millions of listeners assume it is a celebration of West Virginia, the unexpected reality of its true meaning tells a completely different story.

"Take Me Home, Country Roads" is famously associated with the Mountain State and mentions it prominently in its opening verse. However, Denver never actually visited the area at the time the song was written.

According to Country Living, “neither Denver nor his co-writers Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert had ever actually set foot in the in West Virginia when the song was written. In fact, the winding road that inspired ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ was really a two-lane stretch in Gaithersburg, Maryland.”

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“Take Me Home Country Roads” ultimately became the official song of West Virginia in 2014. The song reached the number two spot on the Billboard charts by August of that same year. The Library of Congress reported that the song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of America in 1971 and reached platinum status in 2017.

However, the twist to "Take Me Home, Country Roads" that makes it misleading for most listeners is that although West Virginia is the song's key setting, the location could be anywhere the listener feels is home to them.

CBS News discussed the track with West Virginia University assistant professor Sarah Morris, who shared her thoughts on the track's true meaning. She said, "People take the song and re-appropriate it so that it's about the place that's home to them."

Morris added, "Change the geographic references, change the lyrics, change the location. But it doesn't really change the song, and it doesn't change the meaning of the song."

Songwriter Danoff agreed. "The place really is immaterial. It's 'the place I belong.' I think that's the key line. That's what people are looking for in their lives."

Sarah Morris told West Virginia Public Broadcasting, “It’s this deep, internal, fundamental longing for a place we can never go. And I think there’s an element of that in country roads, too.”

While the song's famous lyrics paint a picture of a specific state, the song’s real magic lies in how it captures a universal human longing for a place to belong. It proves that the concept of home isn't just a physical spot on a map, but a feeling of safety and connection.

"Take Me Home, Country Roads" remains an absolute masterpiece more than 50 years later because it is far more than just a catchy nostalgic nod to a single state. It remains a timeless tribute to all who are trying to find where they fit in.

Decades after John Denver first shared it with the world, the song stands as a beautiful reminder that no matter where the road takes us, we are all just looking for a comforting feeling of home.

Related: John Denver Wrote His Most Romantic Song in Just 10 Minutes—In the Most Unexpected Place

Molly Shannon is sharing unexpected details of her time on Saturday Night Live with beloved star Chris Farley.

The Saturday Night Live icon, 61, who rose to fame playing iconic sketch comedy characters like 50-year-old dancer Sally O’Malley, exuberant Catholic schoolgirl Mary Catherine Gallagher, and “Joyologist” Helen Madden, went on to a successful film and TV career, with recent appearances in projects like The White Lotus, Only Murders in the Building, and The Other Two. But in the one year she overlapped with the late Farley on SNL, Shannon learned many unexpected details about the comic icon.

In a new appearance on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live, Shannon told Andy Cohen that Farley had an unexpected pre-show ritual.

"He used to kneel down and pray before every show," Shannon shared, adding that Farley also dealt with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Check out the interesting video below:

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What is The Hawk About?

Shannon appears alongside Will Ferrell in his new Netflix series, The Hawk. Playing golfer Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins, Ferrell appeared in the teaser trailer for The Hawk in a hot pink golf shirt with bright blonde curly hair that sticks out of a visor bearing his name. A voice-over can be heard saying, “This summer, a legend returns. An icon. A champion. An American hero.” As Hawkins mouths along, the voice-over continues: “His name: Lonnie ‘The Hawk’ Hawkins.”

Hawkins continues by saying, “That’s me. I’m him. That’s who they’re talking about. If you were wondering.”

The show debuted on July 16, and the official description of the series reads as follows:

“Lonnie’s return to the world stage comes more than two decades after his seminal 2004 season. He’s bringing along his entire entourage: son Lance, a pro golfer in his own right; estranged wife Stacy; Lance’s fiancée, social-media influencer Natalie; and new caddie Sam. Of course, there are still old rivals left to vanquish: Golden Fisk, the pro golfer who’s beaten Lonnie twice; PGA TOUR board member Anton; even Stacy’s new beau, Radford. No one ever said this would be easy.”

Shannon has the role of his estranged wife, Stacy. Check out the teaser trailer below:

Who Else Stars With Ferrell and Shannon in The Hawk?

Ferrell, who has an endless array of comedy films under his belt, including Old School, Anchorman, Step Brothers, and Elf, is making a big change with his turn to television with The Hawk. However, he’s surrounding himself with several key players. While he and Shannon have reunited several times for film projects over the years, this is an exciting opportunity to see them together on television once again. The 10-episode comedy series, which is Ferrell’s first, will also star fellow SNL alum Chris Parnell (that’s Dr. Leo Spaceman for our fellow 30 Rock fans), as well as Luke Wilson and Fortune Feimster.

Related: Molly Shannon, 61, Is Ageless Alongside Her Gorgeous Redhead Daughter on the Red Carpet

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Dark spots are one of the most frustrating skincare concerns because they're so easy to acquire and so slow to fade. A summer of skipped sunscreen, years of hormonal fluctuations, a handful of stubborn post-acne marks? Well, that all accumulates on the skin in ways that no brightening serum seems to fully address.

If you've worked through multiple vitamin C formulas and niacinamide-heavy moisturizers without seeing results, you’ve probably started to wonder if there’s literally anything that can be done? Is there something stronger that can come to the rescue and out these damned spots?

That something stronger is hydroquinone, and it has been the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation for decades. It works in a fundamentally different way from most over-the-counter brightening ingredients—not just improving the appearance of dark spots but actively interrupting the process that creates them.

The results, when used correctly, can be major. But, of course, there’s a catch (isn’t there always?). The catch is that hydroquinone requires more care and supervision than most skincare ingredients, and the regulatory landscape around it has changed in ways that matter for how you access it.

Before diving into product recommendations, there's something worth knowing upfront. Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director at Agency by Curology, notes that OTC hydroquinone products are no longer FDA-approved in the United States, which means accessing it now generally requires a prescription.

That changes the conversation from you figuring out which product you should buy to working with a dermatologist to get the right formula for your specific concerns, which, frankly, is the right approach for an ingredient this active.

To help you navigate all of it, we talked to two experts—Dr. Tolpinrud and Maro Mehdi, aesthetic nurse injector and skincare professional at Alchemy 43 in Los Angeles—about how hydroquinone works, who should use it and which formulas are worth knowing about.

Related: We Asked 4 Dermatologists Which Brand New Anti-Aging Product Is Changing the Game—They All Said the Same Thing

Top Hydroquinone Creams

• Best Overall:Prescription Hydroquinone 4%
• Best for Melasma:Tri-Luma
• Best OTC Hydroquinone-Like Cream: Ambi Fade Cream 2%
• Best for Acne Scars and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Agency by Curology Dark Spot Formula
• Best Antioxidant Partner: Skinbetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum
• Best Maintenance After Hydroquinone: Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum

What Is Hydroquinone—and How Does It Work?

Hydroquinone works by targeting the enzyme responsible for making pigment in the first place. Dr. Tolpinrud explains that it inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme essential for pigment formation, which gradually reduces melanin production and allows existing dark spots to fade. "Over time, this helps excess pigmentation gradually fade and promotes a more even-looking complexion," she says.

What makes it different from most brightening ingredients is the directness of its mechanism. Vitamin C, niacinamide and tranexamic acid all influence pigmentation through various pathways, but hydroquinone's tyrosinase inhibition is more targeted and more potent.

"Hydroquinone remains one of the most effective ingredients for patients struggling with stubborn discoloration when used appropriately and paired with a comprehensive treatment plan," Mehdi says. The key phrase in both experts' answers is "used appropriately"—this is not a set-it-and-forget-it ingredient.

What Percentage of Hydroquinone Do You Need?

The clinical benchmark is 4%. Dr. Tolpinrud explains that this is the concentration most extensively studied and most commonly recommended as first-line treatment for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Lower strengths can still be appropriate for sensitive skin or milder discoloration, and higher concentrations are sometimes prescribed for more persistent pigmentation—but those are best handled under medical supervision because of increased irritation risk.

Related: ‘Better Than Ever’ Beauty Awards: The 65 Best Products for Women 50+ in 2026

Is Hydroquinone Safe To Use?

Yes, with appropriate supervision and within recommended timeframes. Dr. Tolpinrud notes that mild irritation, dryness or redness can occur early on, and while uncommon, prolonged use of higher concentrations has been associated with a blue-gray discoloration called exogenous ochronosis.

"Using hydroquinone as prescribed, along with regular follow-up and appropriate treatment breaks, helps minimize this risk," she says.

Both experts say that hydroquinone works best as a finite course rather than an indefinite daily routine, and cycling it with non-hydroquinone maintenance products is generally how long-term pigment management is structured.

Who should avoid hydroquinone?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are the clearest contraindications. Dr. Tolpinrud explains that hydroquinone is generally not recommended during either due to limited safety data and relatively high systemic absorption. Mehdi adds sensitive skin conditions like active rosacea and eczema to the list, as well as known allergies to hydroquinone or other formulation ingredients. Anyone with a history of exogenous ochronosis should also avoid it.

For patients who aren't candidates for hydroquinone or who want to avoid it altogether, both experts point to alternatives. Mehdi specifically calls out Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum as a formula that "targets discoloration through multiple pathways without hydroquinone" and works well for sensitive skin, long-term maintenance after hydroquinone or anyone seeking a gentler approach to pigment correction.

Related: The 15 Best Retinol Body Lotions, According to Celebrity Dermatologists

How to use hydroquinone cream correctly

Application technique and sun protection are equally important. Dr. Tolpinrud recommends applying a thin layer to the affected areas once or twice daily depending on the formulation and dermatologist's instructions.

For sensitive skin specifically, she suggests applying to fully dry skin about 20 to 30 minutes after washing and sandwiching the product with a barrier-repair moisturizer. Starting every other night and building to nightly use helps manage the initial adjustment period.

As far as what to do exactly, Mehdi says to "apply a thin layer directly to the areas of discoloration rather than the entire face unless otherwise directed.”

Both experts are super serious about sunscreen. UV exposure can stimulate pigment production and counteract results, which means a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher isn't optional—it's the difference between the treatment working and not working. For darker skin tones, Dr. Tolpinrud recommends an iron oxide-containing tinted mineral sunscreen specifically, since visible light alone can worsen hyperpigmentation in deeper skin tones and standard UV-only sunscreens don't screen for it.

How Long Does It Take for Hydroquinone To Work?

Dr. Tolpinrud shares that some improvement may become noticeable within four weeks, with more significant fading over two to three months. Mehdi's experience with patients puts improvement at six to eight weeks for initial results, with more complete correction taking several months.

One point Dr. Tolpinrud makes that's worth understanding: "Hydroquinone works best for pigment in the upper layers of the skin," she explains. "Pigment deeper in the dermis does not respond well to hydroquinone." This is why some types of discoloration respond faster than others, and why deeper, longer-standing hyperpigmentation may require in-office treatments alongside topical therapy.

6 Best Hydroquinone Creams for Dark Spots

Here's what experts recommend.

Best Overall: Prescription Hydroquinone 4%, Price Varies

TelyRx

Shop It at TelyRx

This is the straightforward starting point for most patients. Mehdi recommends prescription hydroquinone 4% as her overall pick precisely because it's the concentration with the most clinical backing for melasma, sun spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

"Prescription-strength hydroquinone often produces the most noticeable results" for more major discoloration, she explains. Dr. Tolpinrud confirms 4% as the clinical benchmark—extensively studied, first-line recommended and adjustable based on individual response. Working with a dermatologist to access and monitor it is the right approach, not a workaround.

Dr. Tolpinrud explains that for deeper skin tones, hydroquinone 4% remains first-line—but it requires careful monitoring because it can over-lighten and leave halos or spots of hypopigmentation that stand out against surrounding skin.

"Darker skin is also more prone to post-inflammatory pigment," she adds, "so any irritation from the product can worsen the very discoloration you're treating." Patch testing before full application, starting gradually and pairing with an iron oxide-containing tinted mineral sunscreen are all non-negotiable steps for darker skin tones.

Best for Melasma: Tri-Luma, Prescription Only, Price Varies

Tri-Luma

Shop It at TriLuma.com

Melasma is one of the most stubborn pigmentation conditions because it's driven by hormones and immediately worsened by sun exposure, which means single-ingredient approaches often fall short. Tri-Luma's triple combination—hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05% and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%—addresses the problem from three directions simultaneously.

Dr. Tolpinrud explains that the tretinoin both stabilizes and enhances the hydroquinone's penetration while independently accelerating turnover of pigment-laden cells, and the low-potency steroid dampens the inflammatory signaling that drives pigment formation in the first place.

Because it contains a steroid component, she recommends short, dermatologist-supervised courses rather than indefinite use. Daily tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxides is non-negotiable alongside it.

Best OTC Hydroquinone Cream: Ambi Fade Cream 2%, $8

CVS

Shop It at CVS

With OTC hydroquinone no longer FDA-approved in the US, options in this category have narrowed—but Ambi Fade Cream remains one of the most accessible and longest-standing formulas available for mild discoloration.

Mehdi recommends it specifically for post-acne marks and surface-level hyperpigmentation where a lower concentration is appropriate. It's a gentler entry point than prescription-strength options, making it a reasonable starting place for anyone with mild concerns who isn't yet working with a dermatologist.

Best for Acne Scars and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Agency by Curology Dark Spot Formula, Prescription Only, Price Varies

Agency by Curology

Shop It at Agency by Curology

Dr. Tolpinrud draws an important distinction that changes which formula is right for which concern. The dark marks left after a breakout are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—a pigment problem—while true textural scarring is a change in skin architecture.

For the pigment problem, Agency's personalized prescription formula addresses multiple pathways simultaneously.

"Each prescription is customized under medical supervision based on the individual's skin concerns, skin type, and medical history," she explains, with hydroquinone potentially combined with kojic acid, azelaic acid and resveratrol depending on what's appropriate.

Best Antioxidant Partner: Skinbetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum, $185

Skinbetter Science

Shop It at Skinbetter Science

Mehdi doesn't just recommend this as a standalone product—she specifically reaches for it as a pair with any pigment-correcting treatment because of what it addresses that hydroquinone alone can't.

"Antioxidant support can help reduce environmental stressors that contribute to discoloration and skin inflammation," she explains.

Given that UV and environmental exposure are two of the primary triggers for hyperpigmentation recurrence, protecting the skin against oxidative damage while actively treating existing spots is a meaningfully more comprehensive approach than treating alone.

Best Maintenance After Hydroquinone: Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum, $125

Skinbetter Science

Shop It at Skinbetter Science

The endpoint of a successful hydroquinone course isn't the end of a brightening routine—it's the transition to something gentler that maintains results without the risks of indefinite hydroquinone use.

Mehdi recommends this formula specifically for this transition because it continues targeting discoloration through multiple pathways while being safe for long-term daily use. Her broader philosophy is worth holding onto.

"No pigment-correcting product works in isolation," she says. "The best outcomes happen when hydroquinone or other brightening ingredients are combined with consistent sun protection, a healthy skin barrier, and a personalized treatment plan."

Up Next:

Related: The Clever Serum Trick We Wish We'd Known About Sooner

Sources:

• Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director at Agency
• Maro Mehdi, RN, aesthetic nurse injector and skincare professional, Alchemy 43 Los Angeles

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Gold jewelry is always trendy, and it’s an especially good fit for summer. It adds a luxe pop of metallic that can glam up any look, whether you’re on vacation or meeting up with friends for dinner.

In our quest for the perfect gold necklace, we stumbled upon this dazzling Toscana Italiana 18-Karat Gold Plated Status Rope 18-Inch Necklace. It's the perfect gold staple necklace to add to your jewelry collection, and it’s on sale for just $100 (41% off) at ShopHQ.

Toscana Italiana 18K Gold-Plated Status Rope 18-Inch Necklace, $100 (was $169) at ShopHQ

Courtesy of ShpopHQ

This beautiful bronze rope necklace has a luxe 18-karat yellow gold plating that gives it a two-tone aesthetic, and a diamond-cut finish.It’s crafted in Italy and measures 18 inches long with a 2-inch extender., meaning it typically sits at or just below the collarbone. However, you can make it a little longer to switch things up.

While there's currently only one review, the shopper gave it a glowing five-star rating, writing that it's "stunning,” "goes with everything," and that they "love it.”

Much of the necklace's versatility comes from its size. It measures just 0.25 inches high and wide, meaning it won’t overpower your outfits. In addition, the necklace comes complete with a lobster clasp, ensuring that it remains secure and doesn’t fall off easily. 

Since this accessory has a glam vibe, it pairs equally well with casual ensembles like fitted or button down tops and jeans, as much as it does with cocktail dresses and heels. It also works really well as a necklace you can stack. 

Shop More Deals

• Toscana Italiana 18K Gold Plated Setosa Finish Button Stud Earrings, $55 (was $88) at ShopHQ
• Toscana Italiana 18K Gold Plated Polished Choice of Charm Hoop Earrings, $70 (was $115) at ShopHQ
• Toscana Italiana 18K Gold Plated Polished Hinged Bangle Bracelet, $40 (was $100) at ShopHQ

Related: Seiko's Water-Resistant Quartz Watch Easily Fends off Splashes and Scratches, and It’s 48% Off

This stunning 18-karat gold rope necklace is the perfect gift for yourself or for a loved one for birthdays and anniversaries. Grab it for $100 before the limited time deal ends! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

On Thursday, July 16, the FDA approved Lipfendra, a once-daily cholesterol-lowering medication from Merck. According to a Reuters report, it's the first pill in a class of drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors, which until now have only been available as injectable medications, making Lipfendra the first oral option available in the U.S. PCSK9 inhibitors work by blocking a protein that can raise LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

Lipfendra is approved for people with hypercholesterolemia, including inherited forms of the condition that cause elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. About one in four U.S. adults has high LDL cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association.

Merck plans to position Lipfendra primarily as an add-on treatment for patients who are already taking cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, but still haven't reached their recommended LDL cholesterol goals.

"Seventy percent of those patients treated with those therapies are still not achieving guideline recommended goals. We believe this is the opportunity," Merck Executive Vice President Brian Foard told the outlet.

The FDA's approval was based on two late-stage clinical trials that found the once-daily pill lowered LDL cholesterol by nearly 60% in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

The company said Lipfendra will carry a list price of $10.50 per day, or about $315 per month, and is expected to become available within the next few weeks.

An analyst told Reuters the new pill could help address a longstanding challenge for patients who are reluctant to take injections.

On a recent episode of 90 Day Fiancé, one of the couples, Mallorie and Rasit, shopped for a bidet. Rasit, who’s from Turkey (where, the couple said, “everyone has a bidet”), was smitten with a high-tech $800 standalone bidet. 

Mallorie was shocked by the price: “His ass ain’t worth that much money,” she said. Eventually, they settled on a much cheaper version that attached to their toilet. 

A bidet (pronounced bi-day) is a plumbing fixture that’s designed to clean your backside. They can be a standalone fixture or an attachment for your toilet and range in price from about $25 to thousands of dollars. Either way, they feature a spout that releases a stream of water to clean your rear end after you use the toilet.  

While bidets are gaining in popularity in the United States, they’re more commonly used outside the country, particularly in Asian, Middle Eastern and European cultures, explains Dr. Sripathi Kethu, MD, FACG, FASGE, a gastroenterologist based in Dallas.

A bidet offers another option to wiping with toilet paper after using the bathroom, which you’re probably already accustomed to. Dr. Kethu says using a bidet can be gentler than toilet paper, and it’s “more effective cleaning with water, which can reduce fecal residue and decrease the need for repeated wiping that may irritate the skin.” 

If you’ve been curious about bidets, here’s what to know about them, including the health benefits they offer, potential downsides, how to use them and when you may want to. 

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4 Benefits of Using a Bidet

Bidets have several health benefits related to hygiene and gut and skin health. Here’s an overview:

1. Bidets are gentler on your skin

For many people, water cleansing can reduce the friction and dryness that comes with repeated wiping, Dr. Kethu says, so bidets “may help lower irritation and discomfort.” 

Related: ‘I’m a Gastroenterologist—This Is the First Thing I Ask When a Patient Tells Me They Have Bloating’

He often recommends bidets to patients with hemorrhoids, fissures, irritation or skin sensitivity. “It does not ‘heal’ a tear by itself, but it can make bowel movements and cleanup less traumatic when used gently,” Dr. Kethu says.   

Bidets can also help people with skin conditions in the perianal area, including eczema, hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, contact dermatitis and lichen sclerosus, according to a 2023 editorial published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 

2. Bidets may be more sanitary

Water can generally “reduce fecal contamination better than wiping with toilet paper alone,” Dr. Kethu says. Research suggests that microbial contamination on the hands is significantly less after using a bidet compared to toilet paper following a bowel movement. 

Bidets can be more hygienic than toilet paper alone because water “cleans more gently and may reduce friction,” he adds. “That said, the bidet nozzle itself should be cleaned regularly, especially in shared bathrooms or healthcare settings."

3. Bidets are helpful for people with limited mobility

The hygiene advantage of a bidet is especially important for older adults with fecal incontinence or limited mobility, as it can reduce the risk of skin breakdown, urinary tract infections for women and perianal dermatitis, says Dr. Richard Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD, a geriatrician and medical director of Inspira Living Independently for Elders. 

“For older adults, the benefits also extend to independence and dignity,” he says. “People with limited mobility, arthritis or people recovering from surgery often simply cannot reach or twist to clean themselves effectively.” 

4. Bidets may be more environmentally friendly

Many resources are involved in manufacturing toilet paper, including chemicals, water, trees and energy, and using toilet paper creates trash, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While bidets do use water, they could have a lower environmental impact. 

Are Bidets Better for Gut Health?

Bidets work externally (not inside the digestive tract) so they’re not proven to improve gut health, the gut microbiome or bowel functioning, Dr. Kethu says. 

Related: Exactly What To Eat and Drink When You Haven’t Pooped in Days

However, for some people with constipation, he says, “The gentle water stimulation around the anus may trigger the natural defecation reflex and help initiate a bowel movement, but this is not the same as treating the underlying cause of constipation.” 

What Are the Downsides of Bidets?

Overuse of high-pressure water or using hot water could irritate the skin, Dr. Stefanacci says, so your bidet’s gentle settings are best. 

People with recent rectal or perianal surgery should talk to their doctors before using a bidet, he adds. Dr. Kethu says that people who are immunocompromised or have significant skin irritation should talk to their doctors, too, especially if symptoms like dryness, itchiness, irritation or burning occur. 

Related: We Asked 3 Gastroenterologists About the Best Morning Habit for Gut Health and They All Said the Same Thing

How To Correctly Use a Bidet

Follow the bidet’s instructions to start. 

Dr. Kethu suggests using lukewarm water, low-to-moderate pressure and a short rinse rather than prolonged washing. Then, gently pat the area dry instead of rubbing. 

Women should spray front to back and avoid rinsing inside their vaginas, which can interfere with vaginal flora and potentially cause an infection, Dr. Stefanacci says. 

Be sure to clean the bidet nozzle regularly, Dr. Kethu adds. If it becomes contaminated with bacteria, the germs could spread to your urinary tract, vagina or cracks in the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Up Next: 

Related: We Asked 3 Gastroenterologists About the Best Morning Habit for Gut Health and They All Said the Same Thing

Sources: 

• Sripathi Kethu, MD, FACG, FASGE, a gastroenterologist based in Dallas
• Richard Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD, a geriatrician and medical director of Inspira Living Independently for Elders
• Power Wash: Why Using a Bidet Is Sanitary and Safe, Cleveland Clinic
• Microbial contamination of hands with or without the use of bidet toilets (electric toilet seats with water spray) after defecation, Journal of Water Health 
• The dermatologists’ case for the bidet, International Journal of Women’s Dermatology

Shania Twain may sell out stadiums around the world, but the beloved country queen just played one spot she never made it to in her early days.

The Canadian singer and songwriter, 60, known for runaway hits like “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, had a one-night-only show Friday at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern. It was a momentous occasion for the star, who made it clear that she was never able to score a gig at the Horseshoe when she was just starting out in her career.

“I never made it to the Horseshoe. I was never big enough or known enough to sing in there,” Twain said in an interview with The Canadian Press on Thursday. “I remember the bands I was in, we would’ve dreamt to play the Horseshoe Tavern ... Now I’m playing there.”

But when Twain took the stage on Friday night, fans were blown away by how she pulled out her archive of classics onstage. Check out a video of her performance below, including the crowd singing along as she sang "Any Man of Mine":

@cbcmusic

@Shania Twain played an intimate show at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto tonight. The Canadian country superstar played some of her classic hits and teased her highly anticipated seventh album, Little Miss Twain, ahead of its release on July 24. The project is said to be her most personal and introspective work to date. #ShaniaTwain #HorseshoeTavern #MusicNews

♬ original sound - CBC Music

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Twain's New Album Comes Out July 24

Twain's new album, "Little Miss Twain," debuts on July 24. The star took to Instagram to share her excitement for the new album.

"One week until Little Miss Twain is yours ❤️ I can’t wait for you to hear the whole story," she captioned a video.

View this post on Instagram Does Twain Label Herself as Country or Pop Music?

Twain makes it clear that she’s not eager to be categorized as a specific genre of music. Instead, she wants the freedom to defy expectations and dip her toes in whatever boxes she wants.

“If I feel like I’m being put in a box, I start to panic,” Twain told PEOPLE back in February. “I run in any direction I can because I don’t want to be contained. I have to be able to find my own way. Sometimes I’m not even sure where I’m going myself. How can somebody else tell me that, right? So I need the freedom to explore and to land wherever that exploration takes me,” she added.

Twain stated that she’s “always championing” other artists who do unexpected things in the music industry.

“We get bored too, if we’re not allowed to stay open and channel things outside of what would be considered our normal or what’s expected of us,” she noted.

Related: Shania Twain Swings into 60 with Wild Throwback Photo: ‘I’ve Tried to Stay True to Myself’

The photograph taped near the entrance of a trendy cafe in Madrid stopped me dead on the sidewalk. After hours of walking in the summer heat, the picture promised an odd combination: a glass of pale lemonade paired with a dark shot of espresso.

TikTok has spent months turning this mix into a global obsession. To the uninitiated, it sounds like a mistake, a collision of morning brain fog-killer and afternoon porch-sipper. But the number of viral videos demanding you mix caffeine with citrus makes it impossible to ignore. Star Beverly Mitchell is even a fan of the combo. I walked inside, ordered the drink, and prepared for a disaster. After handing me a glass of sparkling water to sip while he prepared my drink, he bartender presented me two glasses: one filled with lemonade (complete with lime garnish) and the other with a shot of espresso. I carefully mixed the two and took a sip.

The drink works.

The first sip hits with a sharp, tartness that cuts straight through summer humidity. The bitter oils of the espresso bean ought to wage war against the citrus. Instead, they form an instant friendship. The coffee grounds the fruit, stripping away any cloying sweetness, while the citrus cuts the muddy, lingering aftertaste common in regular iced coffee. It leaves behind the milkiness of an iced latte, offering a clean sip that instantly wakes up the palate.

Mixing the viral espresso and lemonade drink (0:15)

In short: it is absolutely worth the hype.

The good news is you don’t need a plane ticket to try it; this is a remarkably easy drink to replicate in your own kitchen. But if you are going to mix this at home, here’s how to avoid the flaws of the standard internet recipe.

Most videos lean way too hard into the sour camp. To achieve true balance, your base lemonade requires a slightly heavier hand with simple syrup than usual. Just a touch more sugar is necessary to bridge the gap between the bitter coffee and the sour juice, rounding out the sharp edges.

Start with a high-quality, tart lemonade over plenty of ice, freshly squeezed is best, as commercial brands are often too sugary and lack the necessary acidic bite. Pull a fresh, hot double shot of espresso and pour it directly over the cold lemonade. Watch the dark coffee layer over the yellow juice, give it a quick stir, and drop a lime or lemon wheel on top.

The Ultimate Secret Menu Swap

If you want to bypass the citrus altogether, there is an even better iteration of this trend hiding in plain sight. A colleague suggested swapping out the lemonade entirely for peach iced tea.

The results are even better. The natural sweetness of the peach bleeds directly into the bitter notes of the coffee, completely smoothing out the sharp, harsh edges of the espresso without needing to dump in extra simple syrup. It trades the bracing, sour punch of the lemonade for a mellow, stone-fruit finish that makes the entire drink gorgeously drinkable.

Next time I’m searching for an afternoon pick me up, I’ll skip the syrups and the whipped cold foams. I’ll whip up a glass of the viral drink that lives up to the digital hype, either with the classic lemon or swapping it out for the peach iced tea upgrade. Who knew that it only takes two ingredients to feel like an expert mixologist?

Led Zeppelin are perhaps better known for their loud rock songs, but "The Rain Song" was one of their more sensitive ballads.

One of their more emotive songs, which appears on House of the Holy, was actually inspired by a member of The Beatles.

According to Jimmy Page, George Harrison, a fan of the band, once told the band's drummer that Led Zeppelin had a ballad issue.

“George was talking to [John Bonham] one evening and said, ‘The problem with you guys is that you never do ballads,’” Page once said. Page took Harrison's comment as a challenge and crafted the almost seven-minute acoustic ballad, "The Rain Song."

“He didn’t say it to me [directly]. I just heard it on the grapevine that he had said ‘Oh, Led Zeppelin don’t do any ballads,’” Page said in a 2023 issue of Guitar World.

“I’m paraphrasing, but it was something similar to that. He probably said it lightheartedly. He probably hadn’t really listened to very much Led Zeppelin,” he said.

Page even added a nod to Harrison's great love song "Something" in the Led Zeppelin folk ballad.

“I thought it would be interesting to put the first two notes from "Something" into the beginning of "The Rain Song" … [As a whole,] "The Rain Song" was really nothing like "Something", so nobody was even going to think of it,” he explained to Guitar World.

Page called "The Rain Song" a personal favorite in the band's back catalogue, praising the late Bonham's drummer work. "As a guitar piece, it was really good, but again, it came to life with Bonzo playing really sensitively on the brushes.”

 The second track on their fifth album was generally well received by critics and fans. In 2003, Rolling Stone said: Page and Plant could have taken umbrage" at the comment, but instead "rose to the challenge."

Gavin Edwards called "The Rain Song" a seven minutes of exquisite heartache, complete with Mellotron strings from John Paul Jones."

Kristofer Lenz of Consequence of Sound described in 2014 "The Rain Song" as "one of the most sentimental tracks in Led Zeppelin's catalogue" and called it "patient and beautifully arranged."

Related: 1973 Led Zeppelin Folk Rock Anthem Inspired by Literary Great