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When 14-year-old Lai Noelle took the America’s Got Talent stage on Tuesday night for the premiere of Season 21 of the NBC talent competition, she admitted to being “excited” and “nervous.”

“I believe I was more ready this year,” she told judge Simon Cowell when he asked why she is auditioning this year. “I definitely got better in my performances and being more confident in myself.”

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And the proof was in her presentation. The Texas teenager knocked it out of the park with her performance of "Die On This Hill" by Sienna Spiro, so much so that Simon pushed his Golden Buzzer for her, which guarantees her a spot in the Live Shows.

"Lai, shall I tell you, honestly, what I think?" Simon said when she was finished. "Words aren't necessary."

And he reached over to hit the Golden Buzzer.

An excited Lai jumped around the stage as the gold confetti rained down on her.

“Thank you,” she said.

Related: America’s Got Talent Returns for Season 21—With a Brand-New Twist

“This girl is amazing,” Simon added as judge Sofia Vergara told judge Mel B that she had planned to press the Golden Buzzer.

Simon joined Lai on stage and said, “Spectacular,” and then joked with her parents, "I mean, seriously that wasn't her singing, right?"

"I told him I'm going to give her the Golden Buzzer, and he stood up and did it," Sofia reiterated. "He took her from me!"

And Mel B advised her, “Don’t tell him.”

Lai left the stage, figuring she was finished, but Simon called her back.

"I shut my eyes for a moment, and I was thinking, that's not you singing,'" Simon said. "You've got such a gift, and now you take this opportunity. This is amazing. This is why we do this."

Next,  All 20 America’s Got Talent Winners and Their Amazing Talents

America's Got Talent 2026 premieres Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has revealed whether the iconic British rock band will ever tour again. It has been two years since The Rolling Stones performed live, which might not sound like a lot, but it is for the classic rock band.

The band are currently getting ready to release their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, on July 10th, but uncharacteristically they do not have any tour dates lined up. Last year, the band confirmed that they’d scrapped plans for a UK and European stadium tour in 2026 because Keith Richards was unable to “commit” to it.

On BBC Radio 2's Tracks of My Years, Jagger and his bandmate Ronnie Wood hinted that they hoped the band would tour again. “I’d love to go on tour, I can’t wait,” Jagger said, before admitting fans shouldn’t expect an announcement any time soon. “I don’t think it’s going to be this year,” he added. “But hopefully it’s going to be as soon as possible.”

 At the launch event for Foreign Tongues in New York earlier this month, per Far Out Magazine, Keith Richards was asked whether fans “can expect a world tour”, to which he replied, “We can talk next year.”

“I mean, possibly. At the moment, we’re just sort of saying, we’ve finished the record, let’s do this. We’re basically considering what to do after. Pretty soon, but not this year," the legendary guitarist added.

Their upcoming album is set to feature guest appearances from Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, and the band’s late drummer Charlie Watts. Explaining how The Cure's frontman Robert Smith became involved in the album, Mick said, “He was standing there with his back to me and this long gown on and when he turned around, he was covered in lipstick,” Jagger said. “And I said, I never met him before, ‘You’re Robert Smith of The Cure’.

“And he said, ‘Yeah, we’ve never met’. And I said, ‘While you’re here, you better go and do something’. That’s how collaborations work sometimes,” the singer added.

Paul McCartney also told NME how it felt to collaborate with his long-term friends on their new album. “It was really nice to just show up at a studio with your bass and just say, ‘Right, where do you want me?” he said. “You start playing, and they show you the song, and I start thinking, ‘I’m playing with the Stones!"

Related: 1972 Iconic Rock Album Recorded in a Tax-Exile French Villa Turns 54 Today

The fist pump that closed The Breakfast Club wasn't written and wasn't planned—and the resulting victory pose became an iconic cultural image of the 1980s. Here's the story behind the moment that defined a generation.

In the final scene of the movie, John Bender (Judd Nelson) walks across the high school football field at dusk, the Simple Minds song "Don't You (Forget About Me)" swells, his fist goes up—and then freeze frame. The moment that portrays both Bender's personal vindication and the emotional release of the whole group of misunderstood teens is captured in time forever. That fist says: We let our guard down, we broke the system, and we survived. Its place in pop culture has become one of the most imitated images of the '80s, endlessly referenced in film, TV, and advertising.

What's wild is the fist pump wasn't written in the script. Director John Hughes simply called for Bender to walk across the field, but he did add a note that said "experiment with doing some random actions." So Nelson tried a few different improvisations, and Hughes and the rest of the cast landed on the iconic fist pump.

Related: 1989 Hit Film That Defined Romance for a Generation Turns 37 Years Old Today

Giving actors the freedom to try things out was very characteristic of the way Hughes worked. "John [Hughes] was very accepting of suggestions from the actors," Thomas Del Ruth, who was the film's director of photography, told HuffPost. "He wanted them to feel free and that gave them a lot of latitude. If there was a line or two or even a paragraph that lent itself to the character or enhanced the story, John was would simply rewrite on the spot."

In a 2016 interview with AV Club, Nelson talked about Hughes' openness, "He was a real collaborator. He encouraged us to bring to the material things we thought were maybe more truthful."

When asked if the final fist raise was his contribution, Nelson answered, "I think so, yeah. There were a few things that, in rehearsal, any one of us might try."

The fist pump wasn't the only unscripted moment in The Breakfast Club either. The scene where the characters shares their personal detention stories was famously partly improvised. Ally Sheedy also says she found the David Bowie quote used at the film's opening and mentioned it to Hughes, who then wrote it in.

Nelson shared, "Hughes would go, 'I like that,' to me spitting up in the air and catching it in my mouth. It was just something I did in a rehearsal and Molly [Ringwald] went, 'Ewww.' And John went, 'Can you do that again?'"

Alive in the spirit of John Bender, Nelson threw up a fist pump for that final scene, and the freeze frame became pop culture shorthand for youth triumph. It just goes to prove that the moments movie fans remember most are often the ones that weren't on the page.

Over the last 40 years, there have been countless notable homages to the unforgettable fist pump moment, including in the TV shows Dawson's Creek, Family Guy, How I Met Your Mother, The Simpsons, Psych, Cougar Town, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and in the moviesEasy A (2010) and Pitch Perfect (2012).

The Breakfast Club fan base continues on, too. Last year, the movie celebrated 40 years, and the core cast—Nelson, Sheedy, Ringwald, as well as Emilio Estevez and Anthony Michael Hall—got together for a reunion. And to date, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" has over 1.2 billion streams on Spotify.

Four decades later, the closing shot nobody scripted became the one nobody forgot. Not bad for a random experiment on a football field at sunset.

Watch the official trailer for The Breakfast Club:

Here's the iconic ending of The Breakfast Club:

The BreakfastClub is now streaming on Netflix, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Amazon Prime Video, where subscription and other fees may apply.

Watch the 40-year Breakfast Club cast reunion:

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Before food halls and fast-casual chains took over, the mall food court was the place to grab a quick bite. Whether you were taking a break from shopping, meeting friends after school or tagging along while your parents ran errands, chances are you had a favorite spot.

Some food court restaurants became destinations in their own right. People lined up for giant baked potatoes, fresh pretzels, sizzling stir-fry and oversized slices of pizza. For many shoppers, those restaurants became just as much a part of the mall experience as the department stores themselves.

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Back then, a trip to the mall wasn't complete without a stop at the food court. The smell of pizza, fresh pretzels and grilled food seemed to drift through the entire building, making it almost impossible to walk past without ordering something.

But not every food court favorite survived. As online shopping became more popular and malls struggled to attract the crowds they once did, many beloved chains slowly disappeared. Between changing consumer habits, business missteps and the slow decline of malls themselves, many once-popular brands faded away.

While some former food court staples still have loyal fans who wish they could make a comeback, these restaurants have closed for good. Here are eight iconic mall food court restaurants that have closed forever—and why they disappeared.

Mall Food Court Restaurants That Closed Forever

If you spent any time at the mall in its heyday, there's a good chance you ate at and loved at least one of these now-defunct chains.

1. Orange Julius

For generations of mall-goers, Orange Julius, now owned by Dairy Queen, was the go-to destination for frothy fruit drinks at malls across America. The chain became famous for its signature Orange Julius drink, a creamy blend of orange juice, sweetener, milk and ice that became a staple of shopping trips.

Founded in 1926, Orange Julius eventually grew into one of the most recognizable food court brands in the country, with thousands of locations operating at its peak. But the chain's presence began shrinking after Dairy Queen acquired the company in 1987. Over time, many standalone Orange Julius locations were converted into co-branded Dairy Queen stores, while others closed altogether as malls lost foot traffic.

While the Orange Julius name hasn't completely disappeared, the once-ubiquitous mall food court chain is a shadow of its former self. For many shoppers, grabbing an Orange Julius was as much a part of a mall trip as stopping by their favorite stores.

Related: Why Kudos Bars Disappeared and How to Make Them at Home

2. Kenny Rogers Roasters

Back in the 1990s, it seemed like Kenny Rogers Roasters was everywhere. Founded in 1991 by country music star Kenny Rogers and former KFC owner John Y. Brown Jr., the chain became known for its wood-fired rotisserie chicken, homestyle sides and a healthier alternative to traditional fast food.

The restaurant expanded rapidly throughout the decade and popped up in malls and shopping centers across the country. At its peak, the chain operated hundreds of locations, but the rapid expansion eventually caught up with it. Facing stiff competition from Boston Chicken (later Boston Market) and struggling with debt and slowing sales, the company filed for bankruptcy in 1998.

Although the brand largely disappeared from the United States in the early 2000s, it found new life overseas, particularly in parts of Asia, where Kenny Rogers Roasters locations still operate today. For many mall-goers, Kenny Rogers Roasters is one of those distinctly '90s chains that seemed to be everywhere until it suddenly wasn't.

3. Hot Sam Pretzels The Original Mall Pretzel Shop...
by u/santafesmike in 80s

Hot Sam Pretzels was acquired by Mrs. Fields in 1995, but long before that it helped popularize freshly baked soft pretzels in malls across America. The chain drew shoppers in with the smell of warm dough wafting through the food court.

The brand expanded rapidly during the mall boom of the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a popular stop for shoppers looking for a quick snack between stores. However, that run eventually came to an end. In 1995, Mrs. Fields acquired the company and began folding many locations into its Pretzel Time chain, a brand that would eventually become part of Pretzelmaker.

While soft pretzels remain as popular as ever, the Hot Sam name gradually disappeared from malls across the country. For many shoppers, the chain remains a nostalgic reminder of an era when a trip to the mall almost always included a warm pretzel and a cup of cheese sauce.

4. The Magic Pan Pretty
by u/kaoncondensate in JenniferLawrence

A mall food court probably isn't the first place you'd expect to find made-to-order crêpes, but that's exactly what made The Magic Pan stand out. The chain developed a loyal following with both sweet and savory crêpes, offering everything from seafood and chicken-filled options to dessert versions loaded with fruit, chocolate and whipped cream.

Founded in the 1960s, The Magic Pan expanded across the country and eventually grew to more than 100 locations. At a time when many food court options focused on burgers, pizza and fried foods, its menu felt a little more refined. The chain even helped introduce many Americans to crêpes long before they became commonplace in cafés and brunch spots.

The concept thrived during the crêpe craze of the 1970s, but it became harder to sustain as the novelty wore off. After years of declining profits, owner Quaker Oats sold the chain, and new owners attempted to broaden the menu with heartier meat and pasta dishes. The changes failed to revive sales, and the last Magic Pan location closed in 1995.

Today, The Magic Pan is remembered as one of the more unique mall dining concepts of its era, bringing a little French flair to shopping centers across America.

Related: 12 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' Spots That Have Closed Forever (and Why)

5. Karmelkorn Karmelkorn Popcorn 1929-2019: A family favorite in my local mall.
by u/deepfriedgreensea in 70s

The smell alone was enough to stop shoppers in their tracks. Karmelkorn became famous for its freshly popped popcorn coated in a sweet caramel glaze, turning a simple snack into one of the most recognizable treats in malls across America.

Founded in the 1920s, the chain expanded throughout the second half of the 20th century and became a staple of the mall experience. Beyond its signature caramel popcorn, Karmelkorn also sold flavored popcorn, nuts and other sweet snacks that made it a popular stop between stores.

Karmelkorn's mall presence began shrinking after Dairy Queen's parent company acquired the chain in 1986. Many locations were later combined with Dairy Queen and Orange Julius stores, while others disappeared as malls struggled to attract the crowds they once did. By the 2000s, Karmelkorn had largely faded from the mall landscape that helped make it popular.

6. Morrison's Cafeteria

If you couldn't decide between fried chicken, roast beef, or mac and cheese, Morrison's Cafeteria was the place for you. Customers grabbed a tray and worked their way down a serving line packed with comfort-food favorites before settling in for a full meal. At one point, Morrison's parent company also owned Ruby Tuesday, another restaurant chain that would eventually play a role in Morrison's decline.

Founded in Alabama in 1920, Morrison's grew into one of the largest cafeteria chains in the country, operating more than 150 locations at its peak. Many of those restaurants were located in shopping malls, where families could sit down for a full meal before heading back out to browse the stores.

The chain ran into trouble during the 1990s as casual-dining restaurants like Applebee's and Ruby Tuesday became more popular. In fact, Ruby Tuesday, then owned by Morrison's parent company, was growing much faster than the cafeteria business. The company eventually split into separate businesses, and Morrison's cafeteria division was sold to Piccadilly in 1998. Many locations were later converted or closed.

For many former customers, Morrison's is remembered for those overflowing trays, endless comfort-food options and the challenge of deciding what to eat before reaching the cashier.

Related: 10 Forgotten Costco Bakery Items Shoppers Secretly Wish Would Return

7. Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour

If a birthday party at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour wasn't complete without a blaring siren and an enormous sundae carried through the dining room, you weren't doing it right. The chain became famous for its over-the-top desserts, old-fashioned ice cream parlor atmosphere and larger-than-life creations like the legendary Zoo sundae.

Farrell's got an even bigger boost after being acquired by Marriott in 1972. The chain quickly expanded across the country, growing to more than 100 locations and becoming a popular stop in malls and shopping centers throughout the 1970s. For many families, Farrell's was less about the ice cream and more about the experience.

But the rapid growth didn't last. Sales began declining in the early 1980s, and Marriott sold the chain in 1982. Many locations were sold off or closed over the following years, and by 1990, almost all of the original Farrell's restaurants had disappeared. While a few revival attempts popped up in later years, the original chain never regained its former popularity.

For many former customers, Farrell's is remembered for the birthday celebrations, player pianos and giant sundaes that turned a simple trip for ice cream into an event.

8. York Steak House

For many shoppers, York Steak House offered something most mall food court restaurants didn't: a full steak dinner. Customers moved through a cafeteria-style serving line before sitting down to meals that included sirloin steak, baked potatoes, Texas toast and salad.

Founded in the 1960s by the same family behind the W.T. Grant department store chain, York Steak House expanded rapidly during the mall boom years and grew to more than 200 locations in its heyday. The restaurant became a popular choice for shoppers looking for a sit-down meal without the higher prices charged by traditional steakhouses.

The chain's fortunes were closely tied to W.T. Grant, which filed for bankruptcy in 1975. Although York Steak House survived the collapse of its parent company, the chain struggled to keep pace with the rise of casual-dining restaurants like Sizzler, Ponderosa and other family steakhouse concepts. Locations gradually closed over the following decades, and nearly all of the chain's restaurants eventually disappeared. Today, just one York Steak House remains in Columbus, Ohio.

For many former customers, York Steak House is remembered for proving that a trip to the mall could include a surprisingly good steak dinner along with a day of shopping.

If you spent any time hanging out at the mall during its heyday, chances are at least one of these restaurants was part of the experience. Whether you stopped for a pretzel, a frozen drink or a complete meal between shopping trips, these chains helped define an era that's becoming harder to find. While most have disappeared for good, the memories still live on.

Related: 15 Photos of McDonald's in the 1990s That Unlock a Core Memory

Noah Brown is opening up about the heartbreaking role he played in the search for his brother, Matt Brown.

In a video shared on social media on May 31, the former Alaskan Bush People star revealed that he spent several days working alongside search-and-rescue crews before Matt was recovered from the Okanogan River.

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"For the past couple days, I've been working with search and rescue groups trying to locate the body. And today, the group that I was working with located the missing body, and I identified it as Matthew," Noah said. "My oldest brother, Matthew Brown, has passed away."

"I was there when we pulled him out of the river," he continued. "We hauled him up off the bank. And then, after the sheriffs got there and everything, the coroner did his thing, and I went down to identify that it was him. It's definitely Matthew. His ID and Social Security card was on him, and I was able to visually identify that it was Matthew."

Noah went on to apologize to anyone who knew Matt who had to learn of his death on social media.

"I am sincerely sorry that I wasn't able to tell you personally," Noah said in his video. "And for all the fans of the show and everything, I'm sorry that it came down to this of finding out."

Noah and Matt starred alongside their family on the Discovery Channel series, Alaskan Bush People. Matt left the show in 2019 and entered rehab for substance abuse, a struggle he spoke openly about.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the body recovered from the Okanogan River belonged to Matt. His official cause of death has not yet been released and will be determined by the coroner.

Kacey Musgraves wasn’t trying to start a culture war when she released “Follow Your Arrow” in 2013. But by encouraging listeners to ignore the critics and live life on their own terms, she struck a chord that transformed the track into an anthem.

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@_kc276_

and yet it's still the loudest at every tour stop 🥲 #loveislove #kaceymusgraves #songwriter #therapist

♬ original sound - kc

Banned from country music radio due to it progressive lyrics, “Follow Your Arrow” references both LGBTQ+ acceptance and drug use. The line, “Kiss lots of boys / Or kiss lots of girls / If that’s something you’re into,” and “Roll up a joint,” caused conservative radio programmers and industry executives to bristle, as they found these themes too taboo for their demographic.

Though the song, the third single from Musgraves’ major label studio debut album, Same Trailer Different Park, didn’t reach the masses in the way a young artist from Golden, Texas, trying to make a name herself had hoped, she was still OK with the bump in the road.

“‘Arrow’ was the last song I turned in for that record,” Musgraves told The Hollywood Reporter last year. “It ended up tanking — it was banned by country radio. But I would never trade that for the love and the people it brought to my world. I’m not going to present a watered-down version of myself to be accepted. I’ll f—ing shovel sh– for a living at a horse barn, and I’ll be really happy. Or I’ll just be a songwriter. Anyway, it ended up working out.”

Despite the controversy, “Follow Your Arrow” peaked at No. 10 on Billboard’s country chart, No. 60 on the Hot 100, and was named one of the decade’s defining songs. What’s more is the Country Music Association awarded the rallying cry Song of the Year in 2014. 

“Do you guys realize what this means for country music?” Musgraves said during her acceptance speech. "This award means so much because our genre was built on simple, good songs about real life, and that's what this was. It's because of the fans and the people that connected with it that spread it and took it farther than I ever thought it could be.”

No stranger to ruffling feathers, Musgraves kicked off her career in country music as a lightning rod. In 2012, she was cautioned not to release her debut single, “Merry Go Round,” to radio stations. The song, which challenged the romanticized fantasy of small-town living and tackled stigmas like teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, and miserable marriages, peaked at No. 63 on the Hot 100 while also establishing the voice of a true trailblazer in modern country music.

Musgraves' fight to release her debut single on her own terms paid off: “Merry Go Round” wound up a Platinum-certified hit that went on to win Musgraves a Grammy for Best Country Song at the 56th annual awards ceremony.

“It’s funny, though, because I wasn’t setting out to be some martyr or freaking rule-breaker,” Musgraves added to THR. “I’m just doing my job as a songwriter. When you look at country music as a genre and where it started, it is really textured, beautiful layers of real stories, heartbreak, things that aren’t always easy to talk about. It’s stories for the everyday person. And that’s what always draws me back to country music: It’s there for you, no matter what you’re going through.”

She may be riding out a "Dry Spell" right now, but this girl is anything but.

Related: 1969 Searing Anthem Written With Burnt Matches Became a Southern Rock Masterpiece

For Shakira, the end of her 11-year relationship with Gerard Piqué in June 2022 didn't arrive gradually. It hit all at once.

In a new interview with The Times, the 49-year-old Grammy winner described the breakup with detail unseen in the years of tabloid coverage. It was, she said, the moment she watched 'the dissolution of my family, the family that I had dreamt to keep forever.' What made it nearly unbearable that while navigating the end of her relationship, Shakira was also sitting with her father, William Mebarak Chadid, who had flown to Barcelona to support her and suffered a severe fall at their son Milan's First Communion. The man she needed most was suddenly the one who needed her.

Those who followed the public story (the diss track, the tax fraud case, the move to Miami), may have assumed they already knew how Shakira processed the loss. What the new interview reveals is that she's still working through what it meant. 'I've been through so much pain,' she told the Times, 'but it has made me perhaps in an unforeseen way a wiser person, or stronger, at least.'

Related: Jennifer Aniston Posts a 'Think Before You Bang' Hair Regret Gallery — Fans and Sandra Bullock Disagree

The gratitude she's arrived at may be surprising to some. She told The Times that despite everything, she holds genuine appreciation for Piqué. 'I will always have that gratitude in my heart for the father of my kids and for turning me into the mother that I am today.' The fact that the woman who wrote 'BZRP Music Session #53', a song that put Ferrari-vs.-Twingo comparisons on the global pop culture map, shows where four years of hard work can get you.

The friends showed up for her, she says. Shakira has spoken about howChris Martin sent her a photograph of a cracked vase mended with gold, with a note that read 'you're going to be so much stronger once this is over.' Adelewas also in her corner. The image of a pop star at the lowest point of her public and private life, sustained by a photo and a promise from another artist, is the kind of thing that makes a person's pain more real to those who see her as just a pop star.

Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry) took home the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album in February 2025. The album title, it turns out, was more true than anyone knew.

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Whether you relate to the personality type yourself or you can think of a family member who drives you up a wall who fits the description, the term “Type A” does, unfortunately, have a negative connotation. Visions of Tracy Flick from Election and Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation probably dance in your head when you hear the term, which speaks to someone being super-intense, hypercompetitive, hardworking, and driven to succeed at all costs.

According to Cleveland Clinic, people who are Type A are competitive, goal-oriented, fast-paced, organized, impatient, in control, and independent. This means that, being so wired to win, they often hit their objectives, but they can also be, well, fairly stressed out and anxious. So, having the right coping mechanisms for managing this type of personality (like a regular meditation practice!) is integral to feeling balanced. 

Read on to learn which birth months are most prone to being Type A personalities, according to expert astrologers.

RELATED: The 4 Birth Months That Are Naturally Type B

4 Birth Months Who Can’t Help But Be Type A

Look for your birth month below.

January 

If you ring in the new year and your birthday in the same month, you’re someone whose sun is either in hardworking, responsible Capricorn or laser-focused, eccentric Aquarius. Both of these zodiac signs are ruled by Saturn, the planet of responsibility, hard work, limitations, and commitment. So, whether you’re an ambitious Capricorn or an idiosyncratic Aquarius,  you’re innately driven to succeed. A cardinal Cap influence might make you more prone to being goal-oriented and organized while being more of a fixed Aquarian could mean it’s easy for you to laser-focus on your aspirations but also challenging for you to switch gears when the moment calls for it. 

April

Born as springtime fuels new blooms and greener landscapes, your sun is in either go-getter, competitive Aries sun or resolute, dependable Taurus, making you someone who is hyperfocused and determined to achieve your most ambitious aspirations. Forging ahead with new beginnings and bold game plans is your forte, and your approach to your game plan depends on whether you’re more informed by Aries’ ruler, fast and furious Mars, or Taurus’ ruler, relationship-oriented Venus. Either way, your competitive streak, potential impatience, and desire to be in control aligns you with the Type A personality.  

EXPLORE: Your Manifestation Superpower, Based on Your Birth Month

September

If you were born during the month that serves as a bridge from summer to fall, your sun is in service-oriented, cerebral Virgo or diplomatic, partnership-seeking Libra. You’re driven to be helpful and to infuse your bonds and experiences with more balance, and you’ll often map out a very precise, detailed road map for getting the result you’ve set your mind on. You’re a natural self-starter, but you’re also prone to worrying, overwhelm, and anxiety, which is a side effect of being a true Type A go-getter.   

NEXT: Which Global Cuisine Matches You, Based on Your Birth Date?

October

Celebrating your birthday in the heart of autumn and spooky season, you’re someone whose sun is in either relationship-oriented, beauty-seeking Libra or powerful, magnetic Scorpio. You’re creative, emotionally astute, and eager to bring more elegance and intimacy into the world. Whether you’re more informed by social butterfly Libra or private, ambitious Scorpio, you are committed to pushing the gas on all of your loftiest goals. To be sure you’ve made your mark, you’ll network hard and make bold, memorable moves. 

UP NEXT:

The Tiffany lamp, associated with the Art Nouveau movement, has been having a major resurgence, especially among the younger generation. The Tiffany lamp became increasingly popular as the dopamine decor trend has taken over. On TikTok, the vintage lamp has gone viral as thrifters scour their local stores and estate sales for the classic piece.

However, you don't always have to go on an intense hunt to find a Tiffany lamp or spend an arm and a leg to get one. World Market is currently selling a gorgeous Tiffany-style table lamp, making it easier than ever to bring the beloved antique style home. Even better, it's more affordable than traditional Tiffany lamps you'd find at an antique store.

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World Market's Tiffany Stained Glass Leaf and Dark Bronze Table Lamp is directly inspired by the work of stained-glass designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. This table lamp features a striking green stained-glass lampshade with a charming leaf design. The base of the lamp is constructed out of resin with a dark bronze finish, adding beautiful contrast. This table lamp is truly a piece of functional art.

Tiffany Stained Glass Leaf and Dark Bronze Table Lamp, $399.99 at World Market

World Market

Another fun detail of this Tiffany-style table lamp is the two pull cords that turn the lamp on and off. This creates an even more vintage vibe.

Related: World Market's Beautiful 2-Door Storage Cabinet Is Giving Vintage Heirloom Vibes

The table lamp measures 16 inches in diameter and 19.25 inches in height, and weighs 11.66 pounds total.

You can find this vintage-style table lamp on World Market's website. It retails for $399.99. Do note that this table lamp requires two E26-type A light bulbs rated at 60 watts maximum or equivalent, which are not included with your purchase.

If you are interested in other World Market finds, be sure to check out this beautiful rustic coffee table, this three-piece folding outdoor dining set that is a total game changer for small spaces, this charming hand towel that is whimsical perfection, this antique-inspired writing desk that is elegant and versatile or these vibrant mosaic-top patio tables that add a pop of gorgeous color to any outdoor space.

Related: World Market's Pretty Antique-Style Accent Lamp Is Full of Celestial Charm

The Office ended in 2013, but the love for the characters continues. That's partially because the cast stays in touch years later. One of them revealed her teenager started watching the comedy and isn't a fan of her uptight character.

Angela Kinsey's Daughter Thinks Angela Was Too Mean to Phyllis

Angela Kinsey, Jenna Fischer, Craig Robinson, Creed Bratton, Oscar Nuñez and Ellie Kemper were on the AT&T Business panel on May 27. Kinsey, 54, said her teenage kids started watching the show and weren't fans of cat mom Angela Martin, according to PEOPLE.

Related: ‘The Office’ Star Admitted She’s Never Rewatched the Show

"They started watching The Office with me, and they loved the show. They thought I was too mean to Phyllis. That was one of their biggest comments," Kinsey said. "But then Phyllis did come for Angela Martin, too. They were true frenemies, I would say. They could not believe the scene, though, where she threw the post-it notes in my face."

Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) was on the part planning committee with Angela and Pam (Fischer). Angela was often critical of Phyllis during their meetings. However, Phyllis got the last laugh by throwing a party that Michael (Steve Carell) said was the best one the office had ever had.

Kinsey and Fischer continue their deep dive into the show on the Office Ladies podcast. Smith, 76, revealed in her interview with them that she was a casting associate for The Office, and a director asked her to read Pam's part for one of John Krasinski's auditions. That led to her being written into a show with a character with the same first name.

However, Smith didn't know she'd gotten the role until wardrobe called her to pick out her clothes for a scene. That led to her playing Angela's frenemy.

Related: Why This ‘The Office’ Star Doesn’t Miss the Show: ‘I’ve Moved On’

Some people seem to have a special glow. When they walk into a room, they instantly make others feel calmer, lighter, and more comfortable. Opportunities seem to find them without constant chasing, and even during difficult moments, they present themselves as quietly confident and magnetic. Many people would describe this kind of energy as a "golden aura."

While anyone can carry this presence, the following four birth months seem naturally connected to it, according to an expert astrologer. At the end of the day, a golden aura isn't really solely about luck or perfection. It's about the kind of energy that makes people feel safe, inspired, and drawn to your light without you ever needing to force it.

Which Birth Months Have Golden Auras?February - Calm Confidence Draws Everyone In

People born in February often carry a peaceful but unforgettable energy. They usually don't need to be the loudest person in the room to stand out because their calm confidence speaks for itself. There's something naturally comforting about them, and others tend to trust them quickly without fully knowing why.

People born in February also seem deeply connected to timing. Things often fall into place for them in unexpected ways, almost as if life quietly protects and guides them forward. Whether you're an imaginative Aquarius or compassionate Pisces, February energy tends to feel warm, intuitive, and somewhat lucky.

RELATE?: 4 Birth Months With a Fierce “Don’t Mess With Me” Aura

July - Makes Every Room Feel Warmer

July-born people radiate emotional warmth. They're the type of people who make others feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for. Even when life gets stressful, they usually keep a soft strength that helps everyone around them feel grounded.

What makes their energy feel "golden" is the way July people naturally attract loyal friendships, supportive relationships, and meaningful opportunities. Their kindness rarely feels forced, which is why people are drawn to them so easily. Whether you're a protective Cancer or confident Leo, July-born individuals often carry a glow that lights up every space they enter.

EXPLORE: Your Manifestation Superpower, Based on Your Birth Month

September - Attracts Success Without Chasing It

There's something effortlessly polished about people born in September. They tend to move through life with quiet discipline and emotional balance, which gives them a naturally abundant energy. They don't usually chase chaos or attention, and that calm approach often works in their favor.

People born in September also have a strong sense of purpose. They trust themselves, stay patient, and somehow seem to attract success at exactly the right time. Whether you're a practical Virgo or charming Libra, September energy often feels graceful, grounded, and deeply magnetic.

MORE: 4 Zodiac Signs Attract Luck Under May's Blue Moon in Sagittarius

December - Carries the Brightest Light in Any Room

December-born people often carry the brightest golden aura of all. They have a naturally uplifting presence that makes people feel hopeful and inspired. Even after setbacks, they somehow bounce back stronger, wiser, and more optimistic than before.

These individuals are usually open-hearted, adventurous, and full of contagious energy. Good things seem to follow them because they genuinely believe life can improve at any moment. Whether you're a fearless Sagittarius or a determined Capricorn, December-born people often radiate confidence, warmth, and pure abundance.

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The summer heat is fast approaching — and already upon us in parts of the U.S. It's hard to believe June is here.

That means frozen delicacies are becoming all the more popular as shoppers peruse grocery stores. Luckily, Trader Joe's just brought back a summer staple that fans are simply eating up — literally.

The frozen Key Lime Pie has returned yet again, and shoppers have taken to social media to express their excitement.

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In addition to the reliable Trader Joe's-focused Instagram accounts plugging the pie's recent return, Redditors are also on top of it. Just look at the thread started just last week titled, "Trader Joe’s “Key lime pie” has no business being that good."

Per the item's packaging, the popular chain recommends defrosting and then serving — but one user commented on the Reddit thread, "Straight out of the freezer is the move." What are your thoughts?

Key Lime Pie is described as a "treasure of the Florida Keys," per Trader Joe's online product description, which continues in part, "We know for certain it originated in Key West in the 1850’s, and we know the key to the magic was (and is) canned sweetened condensed milk, which allowed cooks without easy access to refrigeration to quickly and easily make treats like ice cream or custard."

The description goes on, "As tradition dictates, Trader Joe’s Key Lime Pie is made with sweetened condensed milk and true Key lime juice. Unlike other lime juices, Key lime juice is pale yellow in color. Some pies bearing the Key Lime name are bright green – we can assure you that this is not a natural occurrence, but rather the result of the inclusion of artificial color. The filling of our Key Lime Pie is pale yellow, just as it should be. It’s nestled in a classic graham cracker crust and arrives in a naked state, awaiting your meringue or whipped cream topping."

Most individuals would describe Pilates as a powerful, low-impact workout that’s great for boosting flexibility and mobility; strengthening the deep core, back and pelvic floor; and improving posture. For the record, they’d be completely accurate. But we’re here to let you in on a little secret: Pilates is also incredibly productive for burning unwanted fat and sculpting the midsection, too.

Keep in mind that it’s not possible to spot reduce with any form of exercise—aka, target fat loss in one specific area. Fat is lost throughout the body through a combination of regular exercise, a calorie deficit, stress management and overall healthy lifestyle habits. That said, Pilates specifically focuses on mindful movement, breathwork and strengthening the deep abdominal muscles. Activating these muscles helps pull in the midsection while sculpting a firmer, stronger abdomen.

“Pilates can be incredibly supportive, because it strengthens the deep core muscles of the abdomen during each exercise,” Brynne Billingsley, Pilates instructor and expert, movement artist, somatic educator and the founder of Progressive Pilates Williamsburg, tells Parade. “In addition, Pilates improves posture and creates greater body awareness and spinal integrity, which may help to reduce accumulated belly fat. Sitting in a slouched posture weakens the abdominals and over time, this can create the appearance of more belly fat. Pilates is the antidote to poor posture!”

So, if you’re ready to add Pilates to your workout repertoire, let’s get started. We chatted with instructors who share the four best Pilates moves to address stubborn belly fat after 50.

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How Pilates Supports Fat Loss Differently Than Traditional Gym Workouts

Pilates is a refreshing switch-up to your standard high-intensity gym sessions. In fact, unlike many vigorous workouts—which can often rev up stress hormones—Pilates highlights controlled, intentional exercises alongside nervous system regulation, breathwork and alignment. Many fitness and wellness enthusiasts love Pilates because it’s genuinely enjoyable and sustainable. In other words, it feels like you’re doing something nourishing and supportive for your body rather than pushing through a painful regimen, Billingsley says.

“I’m also careful about framing abdominal fat as something people—especially women—need to ‘fight,’” she adds. “During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal shifts and changes in estrogen naturally influence where the body stores fat. Rather than focusing only on one area of the body, Pilates supports overall strength, mobility, posture and metabolic health through a comprehensive, full-body approach to movement.”

In order to make real progress in the long-term, Billingsley recommends adopting a well-rounded routine, blending your Pilates sessions with strength training, walking, stress management, quality sleep and a nutritious diet.

Related: Exactly How Many Times a Week To Do Pilates To Strengthen Your Core, According to an Instructor

The 4 Best Pilates Moves for Belly Fat After 50, According to Instructors

Below are four stellar Pilates moves for pesky belly fat after 50, as recommended by instructors.

1. The Hundred

The Hundred is a classic mat exercise that promotes a better overall well-being. Billingsley favors this total-body move because it fires up the deep core while supporting the cardio-respiratory system through intentional breath work.

“Research continues to show that chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can influence fat storage patterns in the body, particularly around the abdomen,” she explains. “Breath-centered movement can help regulate the nervous system while simultaneously building core strength, endurance and circulation.”

It can also be easily tweaked for beginners while still providing a solid challenge for more advanced Pilates practitioners.

Here’s how to perform The Hundred:

1. Begin by lying flat on your back with your legs extended and arms at your sides.
2. Practice the breath pattern by breathing in through the nose for 5 counts, then exhaling for 5 counts. On the inhale, expand your rib cage. On the exhale, gently draw your abs in toward the center of your body.
3. Then, lift your head, neck and shoulders off the mat, gazing toward your hips.
4. Start to pump your arms rhythmically up and down to match your breathing.
5. If comfortable, lift your legs one at a time, eventually extending them to a 45-degree angle.
6. Perform 100 counts or breath or 10 cycles of 5-count inhales and 5-count exhales.

Related: ‘I Tried Wall Pilates for 30 Days and Was Honestly Blown Away by the Results’

2. Swimming

Pilates “swimming” serves as the perfect complement to The Hundred, as it strengthens the entire posterior chain.

“While The Hundred strongly activates the abdominal muscles concentrically, swimming challenges the body through lengthened spinal extension while strengthening the glutes, hamstrings, lats, shoulders and postural muscles,” Billingsley shares. “Additionally, the prone position can gently stimulate digestion and help reduce abdominal tension and bloating.”

Here’s how to perform swimming:

1. Begin by lying face down on the mat with your arms reaching forward to form a high “V.”
2. Extend your legs long behind you with a slight turnout.
3. Next, lift your head, chest, arms and legs off the floor while keeping your spine elongated.
4. Gently activate your abdominals up and away from the mat.
5. Start to alternate opposite arm and leg lifts, similar to a freestyle swimming movement.
6. Continue to alternate for 10 slow breaths.

Related: Exactly How Often You Need To Do Pilates To Reduce Belly Fat, According to Instructors

3. Planks

When performing Pilates planks, you’re on the balls of your feet and either your palms or forearms are positioned on the mat, while you hold your body in a straight line and feel the abdominal burn.

“Your entire body—especially your core—is working to stabilize you. It’s a great exercise for building lean muscle in the abdominals, with support from the upper and lower body,” says Reena Vokoun, Pilates instructor and the founder and CEO of Passion Fit.

Here’s how to perform planks:

1. Begin by placing your hands under your shoulders on the mat.
2. Press into the pads of your fingers and hug your inner arms in toward your armpits.
3. Walk your feet out to hip-width.
4. Gently lift through your pelvic floor and draw your waist inward, forming a straight line from head to heels.
5. Hold the position with proper form, anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute or more as you progress.

Related: ‘I’m a Pilates Instructor—These 5 At-Home Exercises Helped My Clients Lose Stubborn Weight’

4. Roll-ups

Pilates roll-ups help build strength throughout the entire abdominal wall. “You’re working your upper and lower abdominals in this move,” Vokoun says. “The lower abdominals are some of the hardest muscles to reach, therefore, roll-ups are targeted exercises to help you do just that.”

Here’s how to perform roll-ups:

1. Begin by lying flat on your back with your legs extended in front of you and your arms straight overhead.
2. Activate your core as you slowly roll up, lifting your torso and reaching your arms toward your toes.
3. Use control to roll back down.
4. Perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Remember that the main goal here is not perfection. It’s adopting a Pilates practice that makes you feel good—one that provides deep self-care and support during this phase of life.

Up Next:

Sources:

• Brynne Billingsley, Pilates instructor and expert, movement artist, somatic educator and the founder of Progressive Pilates Williamsburg
• Reena Vokoun, Pilates instructor and the founder and CEO of Passion Fit

Modern fantasy films, with their remarkable stories and strikingly cinematic moments, are usually beloved among movie enthusiasts. In May 2026, Collider spotlighted some recent fantasy films by releasing a ranking of "the 17 best fantasy movies of the last 5 years."

The list featured hit films like 2025's Eternity, Everything Everywhere All at Oncefrom 2022, Wonka, released in 2023, and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio from 2022. According to Collider, 2022's animated filmPuss in Boots: The Last Wish is the best fantasy movie released after 2021. The publication complimented the film, a Shrek spinoff and a sequel to 2011's Puss in Boots, for addressing mature concepts while still having plenty of silly moments.

Antonio Banderas Shared He Believed the Message of 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' Is Helpful to Young Fans

In a 2022 interview with The Backstage Experience, Antonio Banderas, who has provided his voice for the titular furry character in the Puss in Boots films, shared his appreciation for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Banderas theorized that the film, which focuses on Puss's journey of accepting he is, in fact, mortal, would be helpful for young children who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The movie exudes a reflection about, you know, understanding life as a supreme value that we have to respect, and that is important because kids have suffered this pandemic the same as adults or even more, because they are in the age of establishing a relationship to playing, knowing other kids," said the actor during the interview.

He said he believed that having a recognizable animated character, like Puss, grapple with the concept of death, makes difficult situations, such as the pandemic and its aftermath, less frightening for children.

"It's important because it relaxes them in a way. It's not like something that becomes taboo, but the opposite. We open the screens, and we can talk about the possibility of dying as a natural thing for humans, even if they are represented by a cat at this particular time," said Banderas.

What started as a Creepypasta online quickly became an extremely popular web series started (at the time) by a 16-year-old and is now a record-breaking, worldwide sensation of a feature film. Kane Parsons began releasing videos inspired as "found footage" on YouTube in 2022 which quickly went viral. The following year, A24 reached a deal with Parsons to develop it into the feature film, Backrooms.

The origin of "The Backrooms" online dates back to some time between 2018 and 2019 when an image posted by an anonymous user on 4chan was added to a thread of "unsettling images." The description of the image was as follows:

"If you're not careful and you noclip out of reality in the wrong areas, you'll end up in the Backrooms, where it's nothing but the stink of old moist carpet, the madness of mono-yellow, the endless background noise of fluorescent lights at maximum hum-buzz, and approximately six hundred million square miles of randomly segmented empty rooms to be trapped in God save you if you hear something wandering around nearby, because it sure as hell has heard you"

Parsons had a vague memory of seeing the image prior to creating his web series, but wasn't aware of the community of people who were obsessed with the concept. As of May of 2026, his original video has over 80 million views.

The feature film adaptation, Backrooms, was released on May 29th, 2026. Initial projections anticipated the movie grossing between $40–50 million on its opening weekend. As of May 31st, 2026, Backroomsgrossed $81 million domestically and $118 million worldwide, becoming A24's biggest opening in the studio's history.

Backroomsfollows Clark, a former architect turned furniture store owner who is struggling with his failed marriage and alcoholism. While living out of his store, he discovers a glitch in the walls and his store's basement, leading to an endless, labyrinth-like dimension of filled with dull, yellow-wallpapered rooms and beings unlike anything he's ever seen. In exploring the rooms and trying to uncover their reason for existing, Clark becomes more and more unhinged.

Early reviews of the movie are favorable, with the Los Angeles Timespraising the performance of the cast and calling it overall "unsettling." Varietycommended Parsons directing and compared the film to the likes of Eraserhead and The Shining.

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Related: Breakout Horror Movie Hit Officially Beats 'Star Wars' at the Box Office

Kelsea Ballerini certainly knows how to get Instagram hot and bothered.

The country pop sensation, 32, took to social media to share a carousel of photos like she usually does. But in the sixth photo from her latest share, the singer gave a bit of va-va-voom in a metallic sheer dress with black lingerie underneath.

"all the things all the time!," the beauty, known for hits like “Cowboys Cry Too,” captioned the photo set.

Scroll over to the sixth photo to see Ballerini's golden sheer outfit.

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Enjoying Life in New York City

Ballerini is currently living in New York City and has no regrets about making the move there from Nashville, especially after her breakup with Chase Stokes.

"Ever since I was a little kid and I got here for the first time, I always promised myself that I would do a season or chapter of life in the city and that season and chapter is right now," Ballerini told the crowd during An Evening with the Grand Ole Opry held at Carnegie Hall, according to Knoxville newspaper Knox News. However, she made it clear that the move isn't permanent, adding that her time in the Big Apple is "just for now.

She told E! that she's “just discovering” new things in the city and feels energized by the experience.

“I'm not permanently moving,” she told E! News at the 2026 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in April. “I'm just there through the summer, and I'm loving it so much.”

But that doesn't mean she won't soak up all the fun while she's there.

“I feel this resurgence of energy just doing stuff for myself,” she added. “It's been really nice, and I'm really excited.” 

On social media, the star has shared a variety of photos from her adventures in New York, whether it's hitting the museums or hanging out with friends in bars. No matter what, she's having the time of her life, and we're happy to hear it!

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Related: Chase Stokes Debuts Back Tattoo Weeks After Kelsea Ballerini Split: 'They Will Judge Us By Our Fruit'

Terri Irwin, wife of the late and beloved Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, just confirmed which surprising animal was the only one to ever make Steve nervous and posted a hilarious throwback photo of Steve alongside the creature.

Steve Irwin was known for his on-screen presence, charming personality and bravery even alongside some of the most feared animals in the world, including, of course, crocodiles. That only makes it all the funnier that on her official Instagram account, Terri Irwin confirmed it was the parrot that made Steve the most nervous of all.

In a post showing Steve alongside one parrot, the caption reads: "You might not know this, but the only animal that made Steve a little nervous was the naughty parrot! Every parrot tried to get in a quick bite before Steve could react!😂 #WorldParrotDay."

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The post is flooded with comments expressing love and admiration for not only Steve and Terri Irwin, but also their children, Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin, and discussing how sweet and funny this revelation is. Bindi also left a comment under the post, reading, "I love this photo so much!"

Before his passing in September of 2006, Steve Irwin was a major television personality, co-hosting the show from which he derived his nickname, The Crocodile Hunter, with Terri, as well as appearing in other projects, such as the 2002 spinoff movie, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course. Bindi and Robert also had several on-screen appearances alongside their parents during this era.

These movies and shows were more than just entertainment, though; the entire Irwin family was dedicated to conservation efforts and educating others about the environment and animal life. Since Steve's passing nearly 20 years ago, Terri, Bindi and Robert have all continued that work, with all three currently being conservationists and zookeepers, as well as owning and operating the Australia Zoo.

Jeanne Tripplehorn is only getting more stunning, almost 35 years after her role in Basic Instinct.

The acclaimed actress, 62, blew the minds of movie-goers as a police psychologist opposite Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct. Almost 35 years later, she hit the red carpet to attend FX’s The Lowdown FYC Red Carpet event at NYA EAST in Los Angeles, California. The show, which is set in Tripplehorn’s home state of Oklahoma, stars Ethan Hawke and Kyle MacLachlan. Hawke’s character is a citizen journalist named Lee Raybon, who is a self-proclaimed Tulsa “truthstorian” whose obsession with the truth is always getting him into trouble, according to a synopsis.

In a red carpet appearance, Tripplehorn showed that stunning smile and flowing brown hair that catapulted her to stardom all those years ago.

Photo by Frank Micelotta on Getty Images

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What Are Tripplehorn's Other Big Roles?

Since Basic Instinct, she’s earned acclaim for several TV roles, including HBO’s Big Love, Criminal Minds on CBS, and her role as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the 2009 HBO film Grey Gardens, for which she earned an Emmy nomination.

Tripplehorn has Wild Memories From Making ‘Waterworld’

Of course, not all films can be iconic hits like Basic Instinct. Waterworld, starring Kevin Costner alongside Tripplehorn, didn’t earn much acclaim. But Tripplehorn has plenty of unique memories from the set of that one, which she called “physically taxing” to the point she’d often be “so incredibly seasick.”

“I remember just to get to the set you left on one boat, then you would transfer to another boat, then you would transfer to the camera boat and then you would transfer to the actual set,” she told PEOPLE in 2022.

Tripplehorn recalled a scene where Costner kissed her to help her character breathe sufficiently.

“I don’t even know if they would ever do this again. Kevin Costner and I, there’s a scene where we’re underwater and he kisses me because I’m running out of air. We actually, the first time we filmed it, we were in the ocean — we were 20 feet under, we had all the safety guys right off camera,” she remembered.

These days, Tripplehorn prefers roles that keep her above ground.

Related: Sharon Stone, 68, Is a String Bikini Confidence Queen Almost 35 Years After ‘Basic Instinct'

With their ever-present leather jackets, The Ramonesmay not be a band synonymous with summer activities, specifically going to the beach. However, in 1977, the influential band released the beloved surf rock-inspired number, "Rockaway Beach," off Rocket to Russia.

In June 2025, the publication Ultimate Classic Rock included "Rockaway Beach," which reached the number 66 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1978, on its list of "Rock's Best Summer Songs." According to Louder, the song's title comes from Dee Dee Ramone's (born Doug Colvin) appreciation for his childhood getaway, New York's Rockaway Beach.

A Member of the Ramones Discussed 'Rockaway Beach' in 2026

CJ Ramone, born Christopher Joseph Ward, who was a member of the Ramones in the late '80s and '90s, discussed "Rockaway Beach" during a May 2026 episode of his podcast, CJ Says. CJ said he appreciated Dee Dee's songwriting abilities showcased throughout the track.

"Dee's ability to take the everyday mundane stuff that a teenager would be doing at the time and turning it into poetic lyrics, just such a beautiful knack to be able to do that," said CJ on the CJ Says podcast.

CJ then compared the song to a tune from the iconic '60s surf rock group, The Beach Boys.

"He had such a great thing for making you see things through a teenager's eyes, you know what I mean?" continued the 60-year-old musician. "Literally, the Beach Boys were always good at that. You know what I mean? Like The Beach Boys had that down. They were really good at it. But Dee takes it kind of a step further in that he makes it specific to what it's like in New York in Queens."

While recording the podcast episode, the bassist theorized that Rocket to Russia was more popular than the band's first two records, 1976's Ramones and 1977's Leave Home, because of its iconic album cover, depicting the then-band members Tommy Ramone, born Thomas Erdelyi, Dee Dee, Johnny Ramone, born John Cummings, and Joey Ramone, born Jeffrey Hyman.

"The bright pink on the cover and the, we would call it now, pixelated, but the slightly washed out picture of the Ramones, you know, it's really great looking. It was back in the day, a lot of us bought albums just for the album covers.," said CJ on his podcast.

You might not know this about me, but yours truly has a deep affinity for spice. Some might call it a problem, and to that I say, “Can you pass the hot sauce?” For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with anything spicy, and I’ve famously overdone it more than a few times. Like that time when I was 15 and convinced my dad to let me try Taco Mac’s Death wings. (You can probably guess how that turned out.) Despite a few hiccups, though, I’ll never pass up the chance to test my limits when it comes to heat, so of course I couldn’t pass up the chance to try Dave’s Hot Chicken and see if it’s really worth the hype.

Spoiler: It’s definitely worth trying at least once. Even if you’re not a heat-seeker like me, Dave’s has plenty of mouthwatering items on its menu, making it easy to curate your very own sampler spiced just how you like it. That being said, as a word of caution, the viral Reaper flavor that you have to sign a waiver for is indeed not something to play with. It’s hotter than hot, and that’s saying a lot coming from someone who snacks on raw serrano peppers now and then. (Lucky for you, I tried it so you don’t have to.)

Read on for my honest review of the nine Dave’s Hot Chicken menu items that are well worth a try, and which three you should skip.

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Spicy Food Every Day

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

9 Best Dave's Hot Chicken Menu Items

These were my favorite Dave's Hot Chicken menu items and the ones I couldn't get enough of.

1. Dave’s Saucy Bites (Extra Hot)

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

Out of everything I tried at Dave’s, these were probably my favorite bite (pun intended) of the day. Granted, they're more like chicken nuggets tossed in sauce, but the extra hot flavor made them really pop compared to everything else on the plate.

While you can order them on their own, I got them as part of the new Dave’s Big Trio Meal that also comes with Hot Mozz, four Mini Sliders and your choice of three dipping sauces. Honestly, I’d probably just go for these next time.

Related: Suddenly Craving Spicy Food? Here's What It Could Mean

2. Dave’s Hot Mozz (Hot)

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

Like everybody else, I definitely went in ready to compare Dave’s Hot Mozz to Chili’s famed brick-sized mozzarella sticks, and honestly, these are pretty close. They’re definitely not the same as Chili’s, but there’s no denying that they’re also really good.

The breading at Dave’s is a bit on the thicker side, which makes for a very satisfying crunch, and the heat from the sauce really makes them worth going back for. 

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3. Dave’s Hot Hot Honey Dipper

As far as sauces go, I could’ve drunk this by the gallon. Honestly, Dave’s should bottle this up and sell it. Luckily, Dave's actually uses Mike's Hot Honey, which you can find at the grocery store. It was the perfect complement to everything. Hot Mozz? Dip! Mini Sliders? Dip! Fries? You guessed it. Dip! It was beautifully balanced with sweetness and spice, and yes, I took some to go.

4. Dave’s 4-Piece Mini Sliders (Medium)

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

Surprisingly, despite the fact that these look like chicken nuggets on a bun, I actually enjoyed them and would order them again. They were tender and juicy, and the pickle really added a nice pop of acidity that they would otherwise be missing.

My only knock would be the Kale Slaw, which kind of feels unnecessary in the scheme of the sandwich. It probably works better on the larger slider, but here it got kind of lost. Also, I’d definitely up the heat to hot or extra hot next time. The medium sauce just didn’t have enough oomph for me.

5. Dave’s Spicy BBQ Dipper

Photo by bhofack2 on Getty Images

It’s hard to go wrong with barbecue sauce, let alone one that’s spicy, and Dave’s makes a really good one. Truthfully, the sauce made everything so much more enjoyable. It was smoky and thick in that classic Memphis-style barbecue sauce way, plus just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. Dave might want to consider bottling this one up too.

6. Dave’s Hot Mozz (Lite Mild)

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

Although I personally enjoyed the Hot Hot Mozz better, the Lite Mild flavored ones were also good. They were cooked to piping-hot cheese-pull perfection, and the subtle lift in flavor from the sauce made them taste a little more special than usual. The only thing I would’ve done differently next time is upped the spice level.

7. Dave’s Saucy Bites (Lite Mild)

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

OK, so I guess I really enjoy Dave’s Saucy Bites. They’re perfectly juicy morsels of chicken, and the breading is fried to near perfection. You really can’t go wrong with these—unless you make the mistake of getting them tossed in the Reaper sauce.

That being said, compared to the saucy bites tossed in extra hot sauce, the lite mild was a bit too mild for a heat-seeker like me.

8. Fries

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

Despite how ubiquitous they are, good fries are surprisingly hard to come by. While these aren’t hand-cut spuds fried in duck fat and tossed with fresh herbs at the end, they were the most picture-perfect example of a fry I could’ve asked for.

They were crispy and hot, lightly salted and truly did the work of completing the meal. The TL;DR of it all is, don’t skip the fries at Dave's Hot Chicken.

9. Dave’s Sauce Dipper 

© Lisa Scalfaro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Everybody’s got a signature sauce these days, and Dave’s sauce is the perfect complement to anything on its menu. It’s kind of like Zax Sauce and Chick-fil-A sauce mixed into one. Whether you’re drowning your Hot Mozz in it or slathering it onto Mini Sliders, you’ll definitely want to get extra.

Related: I Tried All of Subway’s Sauces and Ranked Them Worst to Best

Erman Gunes / Shutterstock.com

3 Dave's Hot Chicken Menu Items To Skip

These are the three Dave's Hot Chicken menu items I'd skip.

1. Dave’s 4-Piece Mini Sliders (No Spice)

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

Although I highly recommend avoiding the Reaper flavor at all costs (more on that below), it kind of defeats the purpose of coming to Dave’s Hot Chicken to get chicken without any heat.

Sure, everyone has a variable tolerance for spice, but even my intensely spice-averse mom could at least handle mild. Without the spice, these mini sliders taste like nothing more than a chicken nugget on toasted bread.

2. Top-Loaded Fruity Pebbles Shake

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

Dave’s Top-Loaded Fruity Pebbles Shake is a perfect example of genius marketing that entices you to try something...only for it to not even come close to your expectations. Personally, I wasn’t impressed.

You know how jarred pasta sauce sometimes tastes like “jar”? For whatever reason, I could taste the commercial soft-serve machine quality in the shake base here, which only made the generous Fruity Pebbles covering feel like even more of an afterthought.

It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever had by any means, but for $6.99, I’d rather grab a shake from somewhere else. 

3. Single Tender (Reaper)

Courtesy of Kenn C. Bivins

As a certified spice fiend, I mean this sincerely as a friend: there is absolutely no circumstance in which you should ever find yourself teetering between whether to take the challenge and try the devilishly hot Reaper sauce or not. I’ll spare you the pain (literally) and just say to leave it alone.

It quite literally tastes like they figured out a way to turn lava into a flavor. Not only is it otherworldly hot, but it also just doesn’t taste good. There’s no flavor to the sauce whatsoever other than pure unadulterated heat. You’re absolutely not missing out on anything if you skip this one.

So, the next time you're at Dave's Hot Chicken, consider ordering some of my favorite menu items (and skipping the hotter-than-hot Reaper sauce). There's still plenty of spice and flavor to be found and enjoyed at Dave's even without its hottest sauce.

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