Parade
12 Years Ago, a Viral Earworm Became the First Video to Hit 2 Billion Views on YouTube
Twelve years ago, a simple music video quietly uploaded to YouTube would go on to change the platform forever. At the time, few could have predicted just how massive it would become—but in the years that followed, it set a record no other video had ever reached.
The video was Psy’s "Gangnam Style," released in 2012, which exploded into a global cultural moment thanks to its catchy hook—and who could forget those dance moves? What started as a quirky K-pop track quickly crossed borders, languages, and platforms—becoming one of the first true viral sensations of the social media era.
The video for "Gangnam Style" was released on July 15, 2012, and hit the one billion mark five months later. According to Billboard, the video received 14.9 million views per day in its prime. By May 2014, "Gangnam Style” broke another record, becoming the first-ever video to pass two billion views on YouTube—12 years ago this weekend.
"I’ve only done this for 12 years, only for Korea, not for overseas at all," Psy told The New York Times after "Gangnam Style" blew up. “I didn’t expect anything like this. So what can I say? Everything moves way too fast.”
When asked about the signature dance moves he displayed in the video, Psy said he "studied hard to find something new."
"I spent like a month to find the horse dance. We are just at the studio, me and my choreographers, we are spending like 30 nights and we are thinking, what is my next dance move? Because in Korea there are huge expectations about my dancing. So it was a lot of pressure," he told The New York Times.
Fast forward 12 years and the "Gangnam Style" music video now has 5.9 billion views.
The Chicks Had to Cut 'Wide Open Spaces' 3rd Verse Prior to Recording, and Now Fans Are Demanding a Re-Record
The songwriter behind one of country music's biggest "masterpieces" stunned fans recently when she revealed that there was more to the story that shaped many young women as children, leaving listeners clamoring for another listen.
One of The Chicks' most popular songs, "Wide Open Spaces," was penned by a musician named Susan Gibson, but the track was not recorded as its writer originally intended. Gibson appeared on a recent episode of The Hook, a brand-new Austin-based songwriting showcase (that can also be viewed on YouTube), where she served as a guest performer and panelist.
Gibson opened the show on May 10 with a performance of "Wide Open Spaces" as it was originally written—with a third verse cut for timing when Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer recorded it back in 1997 for their 1998 album of the same name.
In the late '90s, the trio called Gibson up and expressed their desire to record the song, but noted it, unfortunately, was "a little too long" for radio play and would need to lose the final verse.
"That’s terrible news, you can’t cut out that 3rd verse," Gibson recalled telling them, to which they replied, "Well, if we don’t cut out the 3rd verse, the song’s gonna be too long, and they won’t play it on country music radio, and you won’t make as much money."
Gibson had a real quick change of heart, joking, "I don’t know what I was thinking when I wrote that 3rd verse!”
@saving.country.musSongwriter Susan Gibson reveals the 3rd verse to the Double Platinum award-winning single “Wide Open Spaces” by the [Dixie] Chicks on The Hook, recorded at Sagebrush in Austin. The full Episode 2 of The Hook where Gibson explains more about the song can be found on YouTube. Link in bio. Follow@The Hook
♬ original sound - Saving Country MusicObviously, trimming it down paid off, as the produced version went on to win the CMAs for Single and Video of the Year, a Grammy for Best Country Album, hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, and is now Certified Double Platinum. The Library of Congress also officially preserved it in 2024 for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
But it's 2026, and it's since been proven that lengthy tracks can perform, too (hello, "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)"). With the third verse tying the whole story neatly with a bow, fans are itching for an official rerelease.
Fans were gagged by the "legendary" tidbit dropped by Gibson, with one awestruck commenter writing, "I feel like this is one of those things I needed to know before I die but didn’t know I needed to know. Wow 🤯."
"As a long time Chicks fan I’m ecstatic to hear more of this amazing song," someone else gushed.
"This is a genius song…. Just flat out," another praised, while someone else lamented, "Oh good. The third verse makes me sob, too."
Countless listeners also pressed for a rerelease, with one requesting "Wide Open Spaces 10min version 🫶🏼" and another agreeing, "Wide Open Spaces (Third Verse Version) releasing when?!?!"
"We all needed this 3rd verse! Record it we don’t care that it is long!" a third emphasized, with a fourth adding, "Ahhhhhhh I need a full song with this verse 😭."
While there are no formal studio recordings of the full version available to stream, Gibson does have a couple of live performances of the extended track on Spotify, on her 2005 album OuterSpace and 2014 album The Second Hand.
Trump Compares Himself to Elvis, Hints He'll Headline Freedom 250 After Artists Drop Out
President Donald Trump recently slammed the musicians who backed out of the Great American State Fair, floating the idea that he could take their place.
What should have been a fairly straightforward announcement turned into a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows this week. Freedom 250 released a list of nostalgic performers who would take the stage during the 16-day Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., including country star Martina McBride, metal legend Bret Michaels, rapper Young MC, C+C Music Factory, The Commodores, Morris Day and The Time, Milli Vanilli, Vanilla Ice, and Flo Rida.
By the end of the next day, every artist (except Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice) had backed out of the show. As performers did an about-face, the individual artists issued statements explaining why they pulled the plug. And while every performer had something slightly different to say (C+C Music Factory’s Freedom Williams’ Instagram rant from his bathroom took the cake as the best response), they all agreed on one thing—this not-so-nonpartisan show is a no-go.
Trump took to social media on Saturday, posting his response (on Truth Social) to the Freedom 250 fiasco. And it looks like the President has some, let’s go with interesting, things to say about it. He starts off the post with a pitch for a new show starring someone who he bills as bigger than the King himself (i.e., Elvis Presley), “I understand Artists are getting “the yips” having to do with their performance on Wednesday, so I am thinking about bringing the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World, the man who gets much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime, and he does so without a guitar, the man who loves our Country more than anyone else, and the man who some say is the Greatest President in History (THE GOAT!), DONALD J. TRUMP, to take the place off these highly paid, Third Rate “Artists” and give a major speech, rallying the Country forward like I have done ever since being President!”
Just in case you’re wondering whether the performance is really on Wednesday, it is not. But the event lineup announcement was last Wednesday, May 27. Trump continues, “I don’t want so-called “Artists” that get paid far too much money, who aren’t happy. I only want to be surrounded by Happy People, Smart People, Successful People, and People that know how to WIN.”
Trump doesn’t stop there. The President went on to say, “So, by copy of this TRUTH, I am ordering my Representatives to look at the feasibility of doing an AMERICA IS BACK Rally on Wednesday, Washington, D.C., same time, same location. Only Great Patriots invited—It will be a Wild and Beautiful Celebration of America!”
To clarify, Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair is not on Wednesday. The event is scheduled to take place on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10.
7 Jeans That Actually Look Amazing on Short Women Over 50
There's something about finding the perfect pair of jeans that is so refreshing. It's a go-to pant in most of our closets, and the right one complements even the dullest of outfits. But for women over 50 who are petite and on the shorter side, searching for jeans can become a challenge for a few different reasons. Whether it's waning confidence because your body is changing, or you just feel like many popular styles don't look good on an older body, denim shopping as you age can open up some concerns.
However, there are plenty of ways to gain any self-esteem you've lost recently and find the best jeans for short women over 50.
Emily Gray, a celebrity stylist who has styled notable individuals like Kelly Rowland and Valerie Bertinelli, says when it comes to denim, stylish women over the age of 50 aren't necessarily trying to dress like they did decades ago. They're "dressing smarter."
"The right pair of jeans can completely change how you carry yourself," she tells Parade. "The goal isn’t to dress younger, it’s to dress in a way that still feels modern, flattering and authentically you, all while still having a style personality."
While it's true that our style evolves at the turn of every decade, it can feel like some things hold you back from really pinpointing the best denim for your height and age. But don't worry; below, two celebrity stylists weigh in with seven styles of jeans short women over 50 look best in. Plus, they share which styles they recommend avoiding, and why.
Related: 7 Best Jeans for Women Over 60, According to a Celebrity Stylist
What Are the Best Denim Styles for Short Women Over 50?The best jeans for short women over 50 really depend on a lot of aspects.
Michelle Barrett, a celebrity stylist who has dressed clients like Katy Perry and Rosie Jones, points out that "body types" matter when looking for the right ones. She says some women at this age might want to have a more flattering jean choice for their midsection.
To achieve this, she suggests trying "to avoid skinny jeans, as they will only emphasize this."
Instead, she recommends, "Go for a straight-leg, for balance."
Gray agrees with that style choice and suggests that a straight-leg, specifically with a higher rise, will go an even longer way.
"Some of the best jean styles for [short] women over 50 are going to have a higher rise with a straight-leg to flatter their petite stature by lengthening their figure and highlight their curves in all the right places," she tells Parade. "They'll probably have a kick flare or mini boot cut because it creates proportion and balance."
She also points out that soft barrel jeans are a similar choice to the early boyfriend jean style of the early 2000s. So even though this is a trendier choice, she says, no matter the age, it can be an ideal option.
"I am loving the soft barrel-leg as a fun fashion choice because it actually can look very chic and modern and age-appropriate when styled correctly for this particular demographic," she explains.
Related: What To Wear With Black Jeans—6 Best Outfit Ideas, According to a Celebrity Stylist
What Should Short Women 50+ Look for When Shopping for Jeans?"Women over 50 still want to feel current, but they’re often dressing with more intention now," reveals Gray.
She says that trends might come secondary to other factors that matter like "comfort, versatility and confidence."
"The best denim for petite women at this stage is really about balance," she notes. "As a stylist, I would suggest something polished enough to feel elevated, but comfortable enough to live in."
Gray, who describes herself as petite, reveals that to her, "proportion matters in denim."
"Even a one-inch difference in hem length can completely change how polished and elongated the body looks," she explains.
Related: These Are the 7 Best Jean Colors for Spring 2026, According to a Celebrity Stylist
Barrett also suggests that women of this age and height might try darker colored jeans, with matching articles of clothing to match. Almost going for a monochromatic look.
"Go for indigo blue," she reveals. "Wear these with a dark top as this will be slimming and give length."
She adds that short women with longer torsos might want to wear "medium-waisted or high-waisted" denim since it makes the legs look longer.
For shorter women in general, she suggests hemming your jeans alongside the shoes you envision the outfit with, to accurately fix them up.
"If you need your jeans taken up, take them to the tailors with the shoes you intend to wear them with to get them altered correctly," the celebrity stylist shares.
Gray also explains the importance of going to the tailor to make your jeans even better.
"If I can leave all my short lady readers with one last bit of advice: find yourself a great tailor," she declares. "They’ll change your life."
What Types of Jeans Should Short Women Over 50 Avoid?Mainly, both Gray and Barrett suggest avoiding low-rise jeans.
"I generally steer petite women over 50 away from very low-rise denim, not because of any age rules, but because most women at this stage are looking for comfort, support and ease through the midsection," Gray explains.
Barrett says that more petite women might want to avoid low-waisted jeans since they tend to "make the legs look shorter."
Other styles that some women may want to steer clear of in the denim section include overly baggy, wide-leg jeans, according to Gray. That's because they can appear to eat up a smaller person, looking bigger than they're supposed to.
"Extremely oversized denim can sometimes overwhelm a shorter frame unless tailored very intentionally," she says.
And while super skinny jeans aren't completely out of style, Gray says that short women over the age of 50 should avoid wearing them as "they can sometimes feel visually heavy or dated compared to a cleaner straight silhouette that is just a bit more current and timeless."
Related: Cuffed Jeans Are Trending for Spring—a Celebrity Stylist Shares the 7 Best Ways To Style Them
7 Best Jeans for Short Women Over 50, According to Celebrity StylistsIt can be hard to find just the right pair of jeans if you're a shorter woman over the age of 50. The stylists outline the best styles to look out for.
1. Straight-leg jeans305pics/GC Images/Getty Images
According to Barrett, straight-leg jeans are a way better option than a wide leg. She says those can be "overwhelming" and make short women look even shorter than they are. Going for the straight leg allows for a streamlined look.
"A straight leg draws the eye down," she shares.
2. Cropped kick-flareMoritz Scholz/Getty Images
These jeans make such a good choice for more petite women over 50, says Gray. She points out that they're best for balancing curves and feeling current "without trying too hard."
"A cropped kick flare or mini bootcut is fantastic on petite women because it creates movement and balance without overwhelming the frame," she explains. "Showing a little ankle keeps the silhouette lighter and visually lengthens the leg."
Gray suggests pairing jeans like these with patent loafers, kitten heel sandals, clean sneakers or sleek boots.
3. Indigo denimEdward Berthelot/Getty Images
Color can work as a style in itself, since in this case, indigo can actually be a lot more flattering than some people think. According to Barrett, darker colors in general will have this effect, but her favorite suggestion is indigo.
"The darker the color the more lengthening and slimming it will be," she shares. "A lighter shade makes the wearer look wider, thereby shorter. Works even better worn with a dark top too."
Related: ‘I Tried Abercrombie Curve Love Jeans as a Short, Plus-Sized Woman—Here Are 4 Popular Styles Ranked’
4. High-waisted jeansValentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
This style of denim will automatically lengthen your legs, says Barrett.
"If you are short-waisted, go for medium-waisted jeans—but avoid low-waisted as they will only make your legs look shorter," she reveals.
5. Bootcut jeansBG026/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images
Bootcut jeans are best for women over 50 who are on the shorter side since they allow you to spice up your look while still looking stylish, says Barrett.
"Bootcut allows you the space to wear heels or boots with heels underneath comfortably without clashing," she explains. "This can give you an added hidden height."
6. Denim with vertical fading, marks or seamsDaniele Venturelli/WireImage/Getty Images
"This draws the eye downwards but only works on a slim or straight leg cut," reveals Barrett.
This type of jean will give you a balanced look that can elongate your legs, she tells Parade. Why?
"It creates like a vertical stripe down the leg," she explains.
To get a similar effect, without vertical marks or seams, she says, "Alternatively, wear a horizontal stripe top with a pair of indigo straight-leg jeans, and this will also make the legs look longer."
7. Soft barrel legEdward Berthelot/Getty Images
Gray suggests this jean style as her "fashion-forward stylist pick." When the proportions are correct, she says they can look "incredibly chic" on shorter women over 50.
"The key is choosing a more refined shape that gives way to a more modern style without adding too much heaviness at the bottom," she states. "It balances out because less weight at [the] ankles means we can make room for our curvy hips up top still and rock this shape."
She also reveals that this type of jean is great because the silhouette "tapers slightly at the ankle as they maintain structure while still feeling relaxed and current."
Up Next:
Related: 7 Best Jeans for Curvy Women, According to Celebrity Stylists
Sources:- Emily Gray is a celebrity stylist who has styled notable individuals like Kelly Rowland and Valerie Bertinelli.
- Michelle Barrett is a celebrity stylist who has dressed clients like Katy Perry and Rosie Jones.
Jean Smart Doubted the Hacks Finale: Now She Calls It 'Perfect'
For five seasons, Jean Smart played Deborah Vance as though the character was building to something big. The creators of Hackshad been building to something too, they just didn't tell her what it was until the very end.
Hacks aired its series finale on HBO Max on May 28, closing the book on the 12-time Emmy-winning comedy after five seasons and 47 episodes. The farewell sent Deborah Vance (Smart) and her comedy writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) to Paris, where a late-stage cancer diagnosis has driven Deborah to seek something, and Ava does everything she can to pull her back. Smart admitted at an FYC panel two days before the finale that she was 'not sure' when co-creators Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs first outlined the ending. 'But I said, 'Hey, I trust you guys. Always have, always turns out great.' She has since called the result 'perfect.'
The creators, it turns out, knew the basics of that ending before a single episode had filmed. Downs confirmed in a post-finale featurette that the writers knew how Hacks would conclude when they first pitched the series. The closing line, 'That's the better joke!', is intentionally spoken only twice by Deborah across five seasons. Statsky told Slate that knowing the destination from the start let the writers plant callbacks and Easter eggs that rewarded attentive viewers across the full run.
The finale's last scene was shot at the Louvre in Paris. Director Aniello approached Smart and Einbinder on their final day of filming with a simple instruction: 'Just talk,' letting them speak as the characters without scripted lines. Einbinder told TVLine the moment was deeply moving: 'It felt like such an honor that the last time we were on camera, Lucia was emboldening us to just speak freely as the characters.' Smart, for her part, said another callback was her personal favorite: a running gag from Season 1 where Deborah mocked Ava's supposedly large hands gets its payoff in that Paris cafe, when Deborah holds up her own hand to reveal it was always bigger. Co-creator Downs noted the hand joke was written before Einbinder was even cast.
The episode closes on a Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland duet. 'Happy Days Are Here Again' and 'Get Happy', which Smart said she was only told about shortly before filming the finale. 'I was so excited,' she said at the FYC panel. The duet, two women singing different songs in the same key until they become one, is as deliberate as anything else in the episode. Aniello described the mirrored opening shots (Season 1 begins with Deborah walking backstage alone; the finale opens with Ava running her own show) as a way of saying that the two characters have, over five years, become something of each other.
Hacks premiered on HBO Max in May 2021 and won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series multiple times over. And the farewell it gave itself was on its own terms, just like the main charcters.
The Exact Amount of Sleep You Need Each Night To Cut Dementia Risk, According to a Sleep Medicine Doctor
No one feels their best after a night of poor sleep. When you wake up tired, there’s a good chance you’ll be more irritable than you would be otherwise. Paying attention becomes harder and it may take you three times as long to complete tasks that you would breeze through if you had gotten more rest.
Considering that even one night of poor sleep can wreck your mood and cognition, imagine what consistently not getting enough can do to your brain. It’s easy to underestimate the importance of shut-eye, but consistently getting enough is crucial to aging well. Not getting enough sleep increases the risk of depression as well as hypertension and negatively impacts immune health.
Related: Neurology Experts Say There Could Be a Link Between This Common Medication and Dementia
If you consistently don’t get enough sleep, it also increases the risk of dementia, a health condition that impacts millions of Americans in the U.S. According to the National Institutes of Health, researchers estimate that 42% of Americans over age 55 will eventually develop dementia.
While preventing dementia isn’t entirely in our control, there are ways you can significantly reduce your risk. Consistently catching enough Z's is one especially powerful way to do exactly that. How many hours of sleep a night should you get for it to make a noticeable decrease in dementia risk? Parade talked to a sleep medicine doctor to find out.
Related: Scientists Reveal This Many Daily Steps Could Cut Your Dementia Risk by 51%
Why Getting Enough Sleep Is Crucial for Brain Health“Sleep is a vital restorative process for the brain,” explains Dr. Joshua Roland, MD, FAASM, a sleep medicine doctor and medical director at Dreem Health. He tells Parade that sleep is when the brain consolidates memories, regulates mood and cognitive function and clears away metabolic waste products that accumulate throughout the day.
Not getting enough shut-eye can truly be detrimental to brain health. “One of the most important is that insufficient sleep may impair the brain's ability to clear proteins like beta-amyloid and tau, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Roland says.
According to an article published in the journal Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, chronic sleep deprivation can increase tau protein concentrations (which are associated with Alzheimer’s) in the brain up to 50%. “While sleep alone does not determine whether someone develops dementia, long-term poor sleep is increasingly recognized as a meaningful risk factor,” Dr. Roland warns.
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How Much Sleep You Should Get Each Night To Lower Your Risk of DementiaIf you want to actively lower your risk of dementia, Dr. Roland says to aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night, which is the amount backed by scientific research. Interestingly, sleeping more than nine hours a night is associated with a 63% higher risk of dementia; getting between seven and eight hours a night is the sweet spot when it comes to sleep and long-term brain health.
Dr. Roland emphasizes that it’s not just sleep quantity that’s important; sleep quality is too. “Someone who spends eight hours in bed but experiences frequent awakenings or untreated sleep disorders may still not be getting restorative sleep,” he says.
Related: The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Dementia Sign, According to Neurologists
A scientific study published in Sleepshows that fragmented sleep (waking up throughout the night) is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Dr. Roland explains that when sleep is interrupted in this way, it interferes with circadian rhythm, which plays a major role in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle, hormone release, metabolism and immune function.
“Circadian disruption has been associated with impaired memory, reduced cognitive performance and changes in the brain that may increase vulnerability to neurodegenerative disease. We also know that many patients with dementia experience worsening circadian disruption as the disease progresses, so the relationship goes in both directions,” he says.
One common cause of fragmented sleep is sleep apnea. Since sleep apnea causes fragmented sleep, it’s not surprising that people with sleep apnea have a higher risk of dementia. “Untreated sleep apnea is also associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke risk and inflammation, all of which can affect brain function and may contribute to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The encouraging part is that sleep apnea is treatable, and addressing it can significantly improve both sleep quality and overall health,” Dr. Roland says.
If you have sleeping problems that you haven’t addressed, consider this a wakeup call—no pun intended. It’s worth it to get to the root issue of why you aren’t sleeping well. In fact, it just might be the most powerful step you take in caring for your long-term health.
Up Next:
Sources:- Risk and future burden of dementia in the United States. National Institutes of Health.
- Dr. Joshua Roland, MD, FAASM, sleep medicine doctor and medical director at Dreem Health.
- Ahmadian, N., Hejazi, S., Mahmoudi, J., et al. (2018). Tau Pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease: Possible Role of Sleep Deprivation. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience. 9(5):307-316.
- Schneider, A. C., Moon, C., Whitaker, K., et al. (2022). Association of Sleep with Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality: NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Journal of Applied Gerontology. 41(4):1057-1065.
- Lim, A. S. P., Kowgier, M., Yu, L., et al. (2013). Sleep Fragmentation and the Risk of Incident Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline in Older Persons. Sleep. 36(7):1027-1032.
- Ercolano, E., Bencivenga, L., Emiliana Palaia, M., et al. (2023). Intricate relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and dementia in older adults.GeroScience. 46(1):99-111.
This California Luxury Dude Ranch Has Everything for Every Member of the Family—Golf, Horseback Riding, Fine Dining, and a Spa
Living in Los Angeles, I'm always on the hunt for staycations that actually feel like you've left the city's hustle and bustle behind. If it only takes an hour to get there, it's an even bigger win. When I visited Alisal Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley for three days with four kids (ages six to 13) and an 80-year-old grandparent, I was hoping for that escape without the flight time. What I didn't expect was a serene 10,500-acre ranch resort so packed with amenities that everyone could disappear in completely different directions all day and still have enough left over for the next visit (which, spoiler alert, they already started talking about before we had left.)
Horseback riding, championship golf, a lake with paddleboards and fishing, a spa, a kids' club, fine dining—Alisal delivers everything without anyone having to leave the property. But if you do venture out, you're minutes from world-class wineries, the charming Danish village of Solvang, and some of Central California's most scenic countryside. It's the rare resort that feels both like a complete escape and perfectly positioned to explore, and ideal for multigeneration travel.
Everything You Could Want in One PlaceThe accommodations alone set this apart. Each of the 73 rooms is a cottage-style suite with wood-burning fireplaces, front porches, and no TVs—just fresh air and quiet, exactly what I need to unplug and truly relax. It's the kind of place where you wake up without checking your phone. The all-inclusive model means meals, many activities, and access to everything are bundled into your rate.
Everyone disappeared into their own version of the experience. My oldest wanted to check out archery and axe-throwing. My middle child lived at the kids' club doing crafts. The youngest kids wanted to coo over barnyard animals all morning. And Grandma was content to just watch it all. Everyone was occupied. Nobody was bored.
Related: 3 Underrated Stops Along the Oregon Coast Between Portland and San Francisco
What We Did at AlisalEveryone disappeared into their own version of the experience. The kids couldn’t get enough of the barn, getting to know the friendly goats and bunnies by name. We fished (unsuccessfully), took a boat out on the lake, swam in the pool, roasted s’mores when the sun went down, and ate all our meals together in the elegant dining room—an oft-taken-for-granted luxury where you get to share a meal and your day’s stories, and no one has to cook or clean.
Credit: Esther CarlstoneThe horseback riding is the obvious draw—more than 50 miles of trails through rolling hills and oak groves. We did the breakfast ride, where you gallop out at sunrise and arrive at a rustic spot where ranch staff serve flapjacks, eggs, bacon, and sausage cooked over an open fire, complete with a cowboy guitarist playing country tunes by the fire. My youngest and I rode in a hay wagon behind the riders, which felt super Western.
Over the summer months, guests can even attend a real-life on-site rodeo, in addition to tons of other seasonal programming.
Credit: Esther CarlstoneWe also took advantage of the tennis and pickleball courts. Sadly, I ran out of time to try out the lovely spa, but that’s just something to add to the list for our next visit. Other guests we spoke with during our stay said they often schedule family reunions or multi-family trips at Alisal year after year, and it’s easy to see why.
The Location Can't Be BeatYou're only 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, surrounded by over 120 vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, and a short 5-minute drive from Solvang—the charming Danish village with architecture and pastries that feel like you've stepped into a storybook. We hit a few wineries, drove through Solvang, and browsed the shops. But honestly, we barely left the property. There was too much to do.
The best time to visit is spring or fall when the weather is perfect, and crowds are lighter. Summer is busy but manageable, and the holiday season is still surprisingly bustling despite the cold. The ranch operates year-round, so choose based on your preference for heat or cooler temps.
Why It WorksMulti-generational trips aren't about checking off activities; they're about being together in the same place and creating memories. My kids will remember riding horses and naming the goats. Their grandmother will remember the sunset from the porch and that hour playing ping-pong with her granddaughter. I'll remember all of us eating together without anyone checking their phone or thinking about what's next.
That's the magic of Alisal. It's not trying to be a dude ranch. It's a sophisticated all-inclusive resort that happens to be built around horses and wide-open space. Even if you’re not local, it’s a trip worth taking.
Walmart’s 'Compact' and 'Powerful' $245 Mini E-Bike Is a Budget-Friendly Way to Get Around This Summer
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With gas prices still unpredictable and summer plans pulling everyone outside more often, e-bikes have become a trendy way to get around town without dealing with traffic, parking headaches, or constantly filling up at the pump. They’re practical for commuting, but they can also just be a fun way to turn everyday errands into something a little more enjoyable. If you’ve been thinking about getting an e-bike, Walmart has a deal that makes it a lot easier to finally pull the trigger.
Right now, the Aovopro AHT14 Electric Bike is on sale for $245, marked down 45% from its original $449 price tag. It has a compact footprint, which means it works in small spaces like apartments, or for anyone who needs something they can actually store without a garage or bike rack setup. You can toss it in a trunk, take it on weekend trips, or use it for short commutes because it’s built for flexibility.
Aovopro AHT14 Electric Bike, $245 (was $449) at WalmartCourtesy of Walmart
Shop at WalmartThis mini bike is powered by a 500-watt brushless motor paired with a 48-volt detachable lithium-ion battery, which together provide the core performance behind the ride. The motor delivers assisted power that reduces the effort needed for pedaling, particularly on inclines or longer distances. It can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour and has a riding range of approximately 20 to 25 miles per charge, depending on terrain and usage. The battery is removable for more flexible and secure charging and fully powers up in about four hours, minimizing downtime between rides.
Built with urban commuting in mind, the compact 14-inch frame is designed for maneuverability and ease of storage while still maintaining stability during use. It functions as a two-seater, allowing for an additional passenger or strapped-down personal belongings such as sports gear or groceries. The 14-inch pneumatic (air-filled) tires help absorb road vibration, while front hydraulic shock absorbers further improve ride comfort over uneven surfaces.
An adjustable seat supports riders between roughly 4-foot-9-inches and 6-foot-1-inches tall, allowing for a more tailored fit. For safety, the bike is equipped with a front headlight and rear taillight for visibility, along with a dual braking system that combines a rear disc brake with an electronic brake for responsive stopping power. With a maximum load capacity of 264 pounds and a recommended rider age of 14 and up, it was designed to balance portability, functionality, and user-friendliness.
Reviewers were impressed by the “smooth” ride and “powerful” output of this “fantastic” e-bike, saying that its “compact, perfect size” is what “makes getting around easy.” One shopper wrote that the bike “gets up to speed pretty quickly and the brakes have a disc in the front and back with an electric brake, so you have plenty of stopping power.”
Shop More Deals- Ancheer Electric Bike, from $400 (was $800) at Walmart
- DYU D3F Electric Bike, $240 (was $479) at Walmart
- YareYi Electric Bike, $450 (was $1,099) at Walmart
At 45% off, the Aovopro AHT14 Electric Bike is an easy way to rethink short trips this summer. Grab it now at Walmart while it’s still $245.
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Aldi's Super-Handy and Vibrant Summer Essential Is the Best $10 You'll Spend All Week
Summer shopping trends are shifting toward products that make everyday life easier while still looking good. As people spend more time outdoors enjoying beach trips, park days, road trips, grocery runs and casual weekend get-togethers, there's growing demand for items that are both useful and stylish. These days, people don't want functional products that look plain or boring. They want practical items that fit their lifestyle and still look great in photos. Social media has played a big role in that shift, inspiring shoppers to look for products that blend convenience, comfort and style all in one.
That shift has also changed the way people shop for travel and outdoor accessories. Instead of plain, bulky gear that only focuses on function, shoppers are gravitating toward bright colors, floral prints and modern designs. Items like coolers, tote bags and picnic accessories are no longer just practical purchases. They're becoming part of the overall look and experience. Whether they're sitting next to a pool chair, packed in the trunk for a road trip or carried into an outdoor gathering, people want products that are both useful and visually appealing.
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ALDI
One item that's been getting attention lately is the LS Live in Style Green Floral Soft Sided Basket Cooler from Aldi. At just $9.99, it fits perfectly into the growing trend of stylish yet practical outdoor accessories. The green floral pattern gives it a fresh, lifestyle-inspired look that stands out from traditional coolers, which often prioritize utility over design. At the same time, it still offers the functionality people need for beach days, park outings, road trips and everyday errands, making it an affordable option for shoppers who want both style and convenience.
One of the standout features is the lightweight aluminum handle with EVA padding, making the cooler more comfortable to carry whether you're heading to the grocery store, an outdoor gathering or spending the day out in the summer heat. The fully insulated interior helps keep drinks, snacks and cold groceries chilled for longer, which is one reason insulated basket coolers have become increasingly popular. They're no longer just for picnics and beach trips. More shoppers are using them for everyday errands, grocery runs and other situations where keeping items cold is important.
Related: Costco's Stylish Outdoor Side Table Looks Like Wood—but It's Built to Last for Years
Another reason products like this are gaining popularity is their versatility. People are no longer looking to buy a different bag or accessory for every activity. Instead, they want products that can easily transition from grocery shopping to picnics, beach days, farmers markets and road trips without feeling out of place. The collapsible design adds even more convenience, allowing the cooler to fold down to just two inches when not in use. That makes it easy to store in a car trunk, closet or kitchen cabinet, which is a major selling point for shoppers who value both function and space-saving storage.
The addition of four plastic feet on the bottom helps keep the cooler stable and slightly elevated off the ground, while the front zipper pocket provides a convenient place to store smaller items that need to be within easy reach. Details like these may seem minor, but they matter to today's shoppers, who pay just as much attention to functionality as to appearance.
The available pattern options, including Green Floral, Black and White Checker, Pink Stripe and Blue Colorblock, also reflect the growing demand for utility products with personality. Consumers want everyday essentials that serve a purpose while still feeling stylish and unique to their personal taste.
At less than $10, this soft-sided basket cooler fits perfectly into the growing trend of affordable lifestyle accessories that blend convenience, portability and visual appeal. It's the kind of practical purchase that can be used for everything from grocery runs and farmers market trips to beach days and outdoor gatherings. That everyday versatility is exactly why products like this continue to gain attention during the busy summer shopping season.
Related: Hobby Lobby's $2 Vintage-Inspired Table Find Is So Elegant, Shoppers Are Buying 8 at a Time
1986 New Wave One-Hit Wonder, Known for Its Provocative Lyrics, Became a No. 1 Radio Anthem
Hit tracks aren't shy of having unique stories behind their creation, especially the 1986 power ballad by the English rock band Cutting Crew. The new wave track would become a signature hit for the band, with its risky and NSFW lyrics leading it to the top of the charts.
In 1986, Cutting Crew were ready to make their debut with a lead single titled "(I Just) Died in Your Arms," which would later be part of the track list for their debut album, Broadcast. Tagged as a power ballad, the song's lyrics were inspired by a personal moment between lead vocalist Nick Van Eede and his ex-girlfriend. According to reports, the title of the song was the phrase the singer uttered while having intercourse with his ex.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a metaphor for sexual transcendence known as la petite mort. Eede is said to have written down what he said to his ex immediately in a notebook and later worked on the track the following day. In an interview with Cutting Crew, Eede says it only took half a day to write the song and was tidied up the day after.
"The song tells a story about what you should NOT have done: about caution and not running back into a relationship. Basically, be careful and trust your instincts and it was written the following morning after a splendid all-nighter with my ex-girlfriend, after she had stomped on my heart, months earlier," he said.
"(I Just) Died in Your Arms" was a hit debut track that landed at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for a few weeks, and the Cash Box charts. Within two weeks of the song's release in the U.S., it became a radio staple with fans calling in to stations and the record label requesting more frequent airplay. The song's music video also led to high MTV reruns, that attributed to its success.
Its double innuendo lyrics caused mixed reactions, with critics feeling the track was unoriginal, "ghastly," or too pornographic. On the other hand, some critics praised its infectious sound and Eede's impressive vocals that gave the track its sexual appeal. Regardless, "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" became the band's only No. 1 hit of their career.
"Of course this song will always be my calling card and passport and, even though it has dwarfed every other thing I’ve ever done in my life in the music business, I’m incredibly proud of it," said Eede.
The singer added that the track has sustained its popularity on the radio thanks to it being based "around a guitar band and a rock band, and the sounds have not dated much." Despite it being a breakthrough for the band, Eede admits that it was a "burden" at the start that he's later come to appreciate. In the early '90s, the track was banned by the BBC during the Gulf War.
Country Music Legend, With 5 Grammy Wins, Flooded With Birthday Love and Well-Wishes from Fans
Country music legend Wynonna Judd is celebrating her 62nd birthday—and fans showered her with love and well-wishes.
On Saturday, May 30, Wynonna's official Instagram account marked the milestone, writing, "Celebrating 62 years of our Kentucky Queen! 👑 Leave your birthday wishes for Wynonna in the comments below 🫶🏼."
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Fans flooded the comments with love on her big day, with one Instagram user writing, "Happy birthday, queen !!! Forever the queen of country music. We love you more than you will ever know !!! 💜🥳."
Another declared, "Happy birthday, Wynonna !! Hope you have the best day ever!!😘😘."
Someone else echoed, "Happy birthday, Wy. You’re part of the soundtrack of our lives!!"
A different follower shared, "Happy Birthday to one of my musical heroes! You helped inspire me to learn the guitar as a teen and want to sing and write!! I wanted to be THAT beautiful! I always wanted to sing harmony with you someday!"
Meanwhile, yet another fan commented, "Happy blessed Birthday Wynonna, hope you have a wonderful day as great as you are!! 🥳💖🎉🫶🏻."
View this post on InstagramThe redhead from Ashland, Ky., began her singing career as one-half of the mother-daughter duo The Judds, alongside her late mother, Naomi Judd. (Naomi died at 76 in late April 2022.)
Together, Wynonna and Naomi released hits like "Mama He's Crazy," "Love Can Build a Bridge," "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)," and more. Wynonna embarked on a solo career in 1991 and has continued to make a permanent mark on country music with tracks like "No One Else on Earth," "She Is His Only Need," "I Saw the Light," and "Tell Me Why," among others.
Wynonna has also managed to snag five Grammy Awards during her four-decade career. On May 1, 2022, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame as a member of The Judds—just one day after Naomi's death. Her sister, actress Ashley Judd, also attended the event to help accept the honor in their mother's place.
Ahead of turning 62, the country icon announced earlier in May a joint tour with rock legend Melissa Etheridge called the Raised On Radio Tour. The duo will embark on the 27-date event on June 24 in Vienna, Va., and wrap up on Sept. 11 in Allegan, Mich.
View this post on InstagramRelated: Country Music Icon With 3 Grammys & 49 No. 1 Hits Turns 59
“I’ve spent my entire adult life onstage, but before any of that, I was just a girl sitting close to a radio speaker, hanging on every word,” Wynonna said in a news release. “That’s where it all started for me. Raised On Radio isn’t just a tour name—it’s my roots and wings. It’s late nights with the dial turned low, chasing distant stations through the static. It’s songs that felt like they understood me before I understood myself."
She added, "The radio was my teacher, my comfort, my escape. The songs playing through that radio shaped me as a dreamer and an artist. This tour is about going back to that feeling and sharing it with you.”
Happy birthday, Wynonna!
Next: Kylie Minogue Stuns With Ageless Look on 58th Birthday: "How Do You Look So Good?"
Charlie Puth Surprised His Madison Square Garden Crowd With an 84-Year-Old Guest Nobody Saw Coming
Charlie Puth's tour stop at New York's Madison Square Garden was not only filled with hits of his own, but by guests that he brought out on stage with him.
“Each person I’m gonna bring up tonight has influenced me musically,” Puth said, according to Rolling Stone, on Friday night. And while surprise appearances were made by Busta Rhymes, Kirk Franklin, andJimmy Fallon, who all performed with Puth, perhaps the biggest shock was when folk legend Art Garfunkel appeared on stage.
Joining the "We Don't Talk Anymore" singer, the two performed Simon & Garfunkel's 1970 hit "The Boxer," delighting the sold-out crowd, according to footage posted by Rolling Stone.
View this post on InstagramGarfunkel's guitarist Tab Laven also joined the duo for the performance.
At one point during the song, per Rolling Stone, when Garfunkel sang the song's third verse on his own, Puth affectionately said, "I'm your student."
"The reason why I'm here right now is because of the music that you've written," Puth also said in fan footage shared to social media.
Charlie Puth and Art Garfunkel perform onstage during the Whatever's Clever! World Tour at Madison Square Garden on May 29, 2026 in New York City.Photo by Kevin Mazur on Getty Images
Garfunkel, an eight-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, chatted with the crowd before he started singing and explained, "Different songs have different life spans, but 'The Boxer' stays well-loved."
He also referenced his songs "The Only Living Boy in New York" and "Feeling Groovy," as tracks that have had "life spans" that come and go.
The appearance was also significant as it marked Garfunkel's return to Madison Square Garden in 17 years, having last performed there with Paul Simon for the 25th anniversary of the Rock Hall of Fame in 2009, according to the duo's official website.
Related: Charlie Puth Welcomes First Baby With a Musical Name—See the Sweet Photos!
Fallon for his part sang Toto's "Africa" with Puth while Busta Rhymes rapped his impressive verse from his 2011 song with Chris Brown, "Look At Me Now," and also performed “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.” With gospel singer Franklin, the two sang his songs “I Smile” and his version of “Lean on Me.”
The morning before the concert, the 34-year-old singer performed on the Today show. Chatting with the show's hosts he teased that "we're bringing out some artists I have always really wanted to work with."
Puth's Madison Square Garden show is part of his worldwide tour, "Whatever's Clever! World Tour," that will soon head to Germany, France, and Scotland. As for Garfunkel, the appearance also teases what's ahead as he will continue his tour across North America this summer, with dates including stops in San Antonio, Detroit and Las Vegas.
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1966 Beatles No. 1 Was the First Hit They Made That Wasn't About Love
Sixty years ago today, the biggest band in the world did something it had never done on a No. 1 single. It stopped singing about love.
By 1966, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr had spent years filling the charts with songs about holding hands and falling in love. Then McCartney's aunt asked him a question that stuck: why did he always write about love, and couldn't he write about something more interesting for a change. His response became the band's first No. 1 that was not a love song.
A Letter Set to MusicThe result was "Paperback Writer," a song written as a letter from a struggling author to a publisher, with not a single line about romance in it.
The recording broke new ground too. McCartney's bass was deliberately boosted in the studio, with engineers using a loudspeaker as a makeshift microphone to give the low end far more punch than the band's earlier singles. The single was backed with the B-side "Rain."
Related: 29 Years Ago, Paul McCartney Became the First Beatle to Receive Royal Honor
Still No. 1Released in the US on May 30, the single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 within weeks. At the top it bumped the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black," then briefly lost the spot to Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night" before climbing back.
Six decades later, with McCartney still topping the charts and selling out stadiums, it stands as proof that even at the height of Beatlemania, the band kept changing the rules, including its own.
Next: Beloved ’60s Rock Icons Are Releasing Their First-Ever Vocal Duet This Friday
1974 Hit, More Than 12 Minutes Long, Was Just Named the Best Classic Rock Song of the '70s
Most music lovers will agree that the top classic rock hits were produced in the '70s. The publication Collider released a list of the "10 best classic rock songs of the 1970s" that highlighted hits like The Who's 1971 tune, "Baba O'Riley," Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" from 1975, 1975's "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, and "Heroes" by David Bowie, released in 1977.
According to Collider, King Crimson's 1974 hit "Starless," off the album Red, is the top 1970s classic rock song. The publication complimented the song for its uniqueness and ability to captivate listeners, despite being 12 minutes and 24 seconds long.
John Wetton Opened Up About Writing 'Starless'The late John Wetton, who was the singer of King Crimson in the early '70s, discussed writing "Starless" in a 1979 interview on The Boffomundo Show. He said that he considered the song a "thorn in [his] side," as his then-bandmates Robert Fripp and Bill Bruford, of Yes fame, disliked the song. According to Wetton, who died at the age of 67 in 2017, Fripp and Bruford rejected the track when he first "presented the idea" of the song to them.
"I got a totally cold reaction. Nobody liked it. Hated it. Both Robert and Bill said, 'No, I'm not quite sure about that. Don't like it.' So I thought, 'Oh well. I think it's one of the best things I've written so I'll keep that.' So I pouted and stomped out of the room," recalled the musician.
He then said that about "eight months later, when [they] were recording Red," Fripp and Bruford shared they were interested in recording "Starless."
"Both Robert and Bill said, 'Hey, what about that song that you came up with last time?'" said the musician.
In addition, he said that by the time he and his bandmates were recording Red, he had "almost finished" "Starless."
"Robert added an intro, and Bill added that whole second section to the tune," continued Wetton during The Boffomundo Show interview.
Chewy Has a 'Well-Made' and ‘Spacious’ $66 Catio That Offers a 'Safe Play Area for Outdoors'
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When it comes to making sure indoor cats get proper enrichment and stimulation, a catio is one of the best investments you can make. These enclosed outdoor spaces give cats a safe way to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and the sights and sounds of nature without the risks that come with roaming freely outdoors. A good catio helps reduce boredom, encourages exercise, and gives curious cats a place to climb, lounge, and play while staying protected.
One standout option is the Kitty City Outdoor Catio. Right now it’s on sale for 34% off, bringing the price down from $100 to just $66 at Chewy. For pet parents looking for a secure outdoor setup that keeps cats entertained and active, it’s a worthwhile peace-of-mind purchase.
Kitty City Outdoor Catio, $66 (was $100) at Chewy Shop at ChewyThis catio is designed to create a comfortable outdoor retreat for cats of all activity levels. The fully enclosed nylon mesh construction allows for airflow and sunshine while helping keep cats safely contained. At the same time, the mesh barrier protects pets from predators and prevents escape attempts, so your cat can safely experience the outdoors without constant worry or supervision.
The roomy design measures 46.8 inches tall, 47.3 inches long, and 33 inches wide, offering enough space for multiple cats to play together comfortably. Despite the generous size, the structure weighs only 11.8 pounds, making it lightweight enough to reposition around your yard or patio when needed. Steel stakes help keep the setup stable and secure outdoors.
One especially useful feature is the thoughtfully designed interior layout. The catio includes multiple cubes that can be rearranged depending on your cat’s preferences. Cats naturally enjoy having elevated perches and enclosed retreats, so the flexible setup helps keep the environment engaging rather than repetitive.
Related: Chewy’s $10 Pet Throw Is the ‘Perfect Little Blanket’ for Catching Fur and Saving Your Sofa
The tunnel door design also makes the setup expandable. If you want to create a larger outdoor playground over time, the catio can connect to additional Kitty City modules sold separately. That flexibility is especially appealing for households with several cats or highly active pets that enjoy extra room to explore and climb.
Convenience for pet owners wasn’t overlooked either. A large zippered access door makes feeding, cleaning, and checking on your cats simple. The cat-lock zippers are specifically designed so they can’t be opened from the inside, adding another layer of security. Since the materials are weather-friendly and relatively easy to clean, the catio works well for regular outdoor use during warmer months.
One reviewer described it as a “well-made, perfectly sized catio,” adding, “Our spoiled cat loves his private retreat! It has nice hiding spots and places to climb.” Another highlighted that it’s a “safe play area for outdoors,” writing, “It looks spacious with lots of hiding spots and play sections. Now my cats can enjoy the outdoors with their family while being safe behind nets.”
Shop More Deals- Yaheetech Multi-Level 63-Inch Plush Cat Tree, From $50 (was $80) at Chewy
- PawHut Catio Outdoor Cat House on Wheels, $207 (was $386) at Chewy
- LovMor Metal Window Catio, $80 (was $130) at Chewy
If you’re looking for a way to safely enrich your cat’s daily routine while giving them more room to play and relax, the Kitty City Outdoor Catio is an excellent option. With Chewy’s current 34% discount, you can save $34 on this cat-approved outdoor retreat right now.
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'90s Icon Beth Broderick Is Still a 'Smoke Show' in Trendy New Video That 'Wins the Internet'
Late '90s and early aughts queen Beth Broderick hasn't aged a day since starring in the hit teen sitcomSabrina the Teenage Witch.
The actress made a surprise appearance in an iconic new TikTok video uploaded by her former costar Melissa Joan Hart, and fans say she looks exactly the same as she did the day the beloved show ended.
Broderick, who played Hart's Aunt Zelda in the magical series, reunited with the titular character to promote the upcoming cast reunion to mark the 30th anniversary of the premiere (Sept. 27, 1996), taking place next month at Chicago's Vic Theatre. The clip began with Hart sitting on her couch reading a book as the audio, which is currently trending on the app, crooned, “Melissa,” causing her to look up and around. Then, Broderick appeared out in a yard, holding a spritzer while dancing and lipsyncing to, “I’m drunk and outside!”
Nate Richert (Harvey), David Lascher (Josh), and Jenna Leigh Green (Libby) each appeared in the video, too, before Hart jumped off her couch and darted out through the patio doors to join them.
@melissajoanhartWho’s coming to see us at @thevicchicago on June 13??? Tickets and info at http://sabrinacastreunionlive.com #sabrinatheteenagewitch #sabrinareunion #melissa
♬ original sound - Melissa Joan HartWhile fans were thrilled by the rare appearances from all of Hart's guest stars, they really latched onto how "aunt zelda didn't age one day 🔥."
Fans couldn't get over how she "didn't age one bit," noting she "still looks spectacular" and is "looking fresh."
"Oh my aunt Zelda looks fabulous," one fan emphasized, while another joked she "looks great for 675."
"Met her at 90s con and my god, smoke show even now," someone else gushed.
The sound Broderick and her colleagues used originates from another creator on the platform who used AI to create a SOCA-style song made from texts from a guy she was talking to. While the original upload no longer exists, it was remixed by another user and quickly became a trending sound, with the cast of Sabrina's take earning high praise.
"This is the best use of this sound so far," one commenter applauded, while another declared, "okay this one wins the internet!! 😍😍😍xx."
"this is one of the greatest things this app has ever graced me with," someone else wrote.
While the video wasn't the reboot announcement fans hoped it was, with viewers clamoring for "a more adult Sabrina reboot" where the formerly teenage witch "is raising her own little teenage witch," those local to Chicago—or willing to travel—are still in for a treat.
According to the reunion's ticketing page, the cast will "act out skits, sing songs and reminisce over bloopers" with the audience, with VIP meet and greet options available for super fans.
Related: Melissa Joan Hart's Post With Beloved '90s Costar Takes an Unexpected Turn
Lucasfilm Pens Heartfelt Tribute To Marcia Lucas Following Her Death At 80
Following the death of Marcia Lucas, the former wife of George Lucas, Lucasfilm posted a heartfelt statement, remembering her for her incredible work and contributions.
"Lucasfilm was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Marcia Lucas. The 80-year-old was one of the three editors to take home an Oscar for 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope," the statement began. "After Lucasfilm’s establishment in 1971, production began on George Lucas’ newest feature film, American Graffiti (1973). Marcia Lucas joined her mentor Verna Fields as editor of the film, for which the pair received an Oscar nomination. Marcia then worked for director Martin Scorsese on Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) and Taxi Driver (1976) as Lucasfilm readied Star Wars: A New Hope."
“As the film entered post-production, George Lucas found that a near total restart was required, and Richard Chew and Paul Hirsch joined the editorial team with Marcia, who eventually departed to work on Scorsese’s ‘New York, New York’ (1977). Along with Chew and Hirsch, she would go on to win the Oscar for ‘Star Wars’ in 1978," Lucasfilms continued. "In succeeding years, Marcia contributed to other Lucasfilm productions, including More American Graffiti (1979), Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), among others."
The statement also included a quote from Marcia in which she expressed her love for her work.
“I love film editing,” Marcia once told a reporter. “I have an innate ability to take good material and make it better, and to take bad material and make it fair.”
Lucas died on Wednesday, May 27, in Rancho Mirage, California, with her family’s attorney listing the cause of death as cancer. In a statement from her family, Marcia is remembered as "a brilliant storyteller, a trailblazer for women in film, a loving mother and grandmother, a generous host, and a loyal friend whose humor and sparkle filled every room she entered."
Princess Charlotte Takes Mom Kate's Side Over Dad Prince William in Fun Family Rivalry
A royal rivalry has made its way to Kate Middleton and Prince William's household.
Last week, the future king revealed that his daughter, Princess Charlotte, is a fan of Chelsea Football Club, which just so happens to be her mother's favorite team. Prince William, for his part, is a major fan of Aston Villa.
"My daughter loves Chelsea," William revealed during a visit to Nansledan, a new residential community in Cornwall, where he met with school children.
Prince William during the UEFA Europa League Final.Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport on Getty Images
The reveal came hours after the royal was seen in Turkey celebrating his team's historic UEFA Europa League Final victory. He even celebrated with the team after their big win, per People.
Having to be back on royal duty the next day in Nanseldan, "he joked with well-wishers about having lost his voice after a late night of celebrating and even dressed in Aston Villa colors for the outing," People reported.
He also attended the match before the final, where he was spotted singing "Sweet Caroline" in a viral video. William's love for Aston Villa has also been inherited by Prince George as the young royal joined his dad at matches before — showing where his loyalties lie.
As for the couple's youngest, Prince Louis, Prince William has previously said that he likes "about five different teams," per UK outlet Hello!
Princess Charlotte and Kate MiddletonPhoto by Mark Cuthbert on Getty Images
Kate, on the other hand, is a longtime Chelsea fan. In 2015, she made her allegiance known during an outing, much to the delight of a young fan.
"We high fived because she supports Chelsea and I support Chelsea," a young boy told at Hello! the time. "I love people who support Chelsea."
Related: Princess Charlotte Turns 11, and Fans Applaud Her ‘Beautiful, Natural’ Birthday Portrait
Prince William has said in the past that he's okay with his kids having their own favorites when it comes to football teams.
"I'm kind of hoping they'll all find their own teams in time," he said, per Hello! "They don't all have to be Villa fans. I'm trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me."
In any case it sounds like Charlotte has already made up her mind.
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The Real Reason Trader Joe's Discontinued These 10 Cult-Favorite Items
Anyone familiar with Trader Joe’s has likely experienced the disappointment of one of their favorite products being unexpectedly discontinued. With a constantly evolving rotation of grocery staples, snacks, desserts and beauty supplies, the popular grocery chain is just as known for its fan-favorite finds as it is for quietly pulling them from shelves without any warning.
If you’ve ever wondered why, the answer isn’t always as clear as you might hope. Despite a wide range of possible explanations, cult-favorite items still get discontinued all the time. And when something you’ve been buying consistently suddenly disappears, it’s not always as simple as finding an equal alternative. Sometimes, it leaves a gap nothing else can truly replace.
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In honor of the fallen favorites of Trader Joe’s past, we put together a list of 10 discontinued items that managed to earn a cult-level following during their time on shelves. From snack aisle staples and freezer favorites to vegan essentials, tasty condiments and easy weeknight dinners, each one holds a special place in many shoppers’ hearts. Whether they disappeared from shelves quietly or left fans scrambling for replacements, these finds still get referenced by a loyal following that simply hasn’t been able to move on.
Why Does Trader Joe's Discontinue Popular Items?While Trader Joe’s doesn’t publicly announce every product decision in full detail, the reasoning behind discontinuations can usually be narrowed down to a few core factors. On one hand, items may be pulled due to slow sales or rising production costs, while on the other it can come down to supply chain and sourcing challenges, or simply making room for something new and next in line.
With limited shelf space and a constant rotation of new and returning products, Trader Joe’s business model relies heavily on keeping its lineup fresh and in demand, even if that means cycling out favorites along the way. And whether it’s changing consumer preferences or nutritional standards becoming a factor, tough decisions have to be made in order to maintain the brand’s high level of customer satisfaction.
10 Discontinued Trader Joe's ItemsWhich of the following Trader Joe's discontinued items do you miss most?
1. 5 Layer DipTruly one of Trader Joe’s most beloved food categories, the dip selection on any given day boasts a worldly collection of flavors worth indulging in for a snack or party pickup. In the case of Trader Joe’s 5 Layer Dip, this is one loss fans had a hard time coming to terms with. Made with a base layer of garbanzo and black bean hummus, it was topped with guacamole and pico de gallo salsa, followed by sour cream and finished with a generous sprinkling of a four-cheese blend. Perfect when enjoyed with a bag of tortilla chips, this severely missed dip still has a loyal following to this day.
2. Chile Lime Chicken BurgersFor fans of easy weeknight meals, Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Chicken Burgers were a standout option that featured a tangy hint of lime and a subtle spice in every bite. Sold as frozen patties meant to be cooked on the grill or in a skillet, they were both reasonably priced and highly sought-after by fans. Unfortunately, a burger recall in 2021 led to their eventual discontinuation in 2022, but not without sparking a wave of fan-created copycat recipes following their untimely demise.
3. Pancake Bread View this post on InstagramOne of Trader Joe’s most beloved baked goods, Pancake Bread sported a classic form that resembled a traditional brown sugar loaf, only elevated with a strong aroma of maple syrup and fresh pancakes. Complete with buttermilk notes throughout, plus a subtle sweetness and satisfying finish, its texture was soft and pillowy, with a top layer of sugar crumble that added a light crunch to every bite. Perfect as a complement to morning coffee or tea, or as a dessert-style snack, this truly indulgent loaf retailed for less than $5 and left a giant hole in plenty of fans’ hearts.
4. Spud CrunchiesIt’s no secret that Trader Joe’s is all about the snacks, and Spud Crunchies easily earned their place at the top of plenty of shoppers’ lists. Complete with their own whimsical persona, each spud featured silly character detailing while totally reimagining the traditional approach to potato chips. Shaped like french fries but with a crispy bite, they were made with real potatoes, fried in canola oil, and finished with salt for an extremely satisfying texture and flavor.
5. Gummy TummiesOne of the most frequently mentioned discontinued items online, Gummy Tummies were penguin-shaped gummy candies with a soft, chewy center that aimed to be better than your standard gummy snacks. Each piece featured a different fruity flavor and a signature “tummy” filling, which gave them a unique texture that fans immediately identified with. Known for being easy to finish an entire bag in one sitting, their reputation quickly became that of one of Trader Joe’s most addictive cult-favorite snacks.
6. Thai Shrimp Gyoza View this post on InstagramSubject to their fair share of fan-created recipes, Trader Joe’s frozen gyoza potstickers are always worth indulging in. As for the famed Thai Shrimp Gyoza, this flavor-packed appetizer came filled with simple ingredients like shrimp, white cabbage, chives, green onion, ginger, garlic and vegetable powders, all wrapped in a thin dumpling-like dough.
Designed to be pan-fried, steamed or microwaved, this tasty appetizer offered a welcomed alternative to traditional favorites like Chicken, Pork and Thai Vegetable. And when pan-fried, their shells became nice and crispy, making them perfect for a quick lunch, incorporating into larger meals or enjoying straight from the pan with dipping sauce on the side.
7. Partially Popped PopcornWhen it comes to discontinued snacks, Partially Popped Popcorn is not one you leave out of the conversation. Featuring a traditional combination of butter and sea salt flavoring, each bag came filled with a mix of fully popped popcorn and partially popped kernels that offered more of a crunchy, corn nut-like texture. The result? A snack that combined two different textures in every handful, a novel idea that made it highly addictive for fans who still consider it one of Trader Joe’s more memorable popcorn offerings ever.
Related: 15 Discontinued Fast-Food Burgers We Are Still Begging Them to Bring Back
8. Asian-Style Spicy Peanut VinaigretteIn typical TJ’s fashion, Asian-Style Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette has actually pulled multiple disappearing acts during its tenure on shelves. Currently listed as “unavailable” on the Trader Joe’s website, it featured a full-bodied blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, peanut butter, roasted peanut oil and sesame oil, all seasoned with jalapeño pepper, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, red bell pepper, garlic and onion.
Perfect for dressing a crunchy coleslaw, tossing with noodles, or using as a dip for dumplings, roasted pork and chicken tenders alike, each bottle packed a sweet, nutty and savory spice that ultimately led to it constantly selling out.
9. Organic Sriracha Ranch DressingBorn during a time when Sriracha flavors were taking over our explore pages, Trader Joe’s Organic Sriracha Ranch Dressing quickly garnered a massive cult following thanks to its creamy texture and signature Sriracha kick. Made with traditional ranch dressing and a splash of Sriracha sauce, this winning combo was a go-to for shoppers looking for ways to elevate salads, dips, pizza and more.
Despite having a spicy kick to it, fans praised this bottle for offering an upgraded ranch experience that lent itself to a world of creative uses. And years after its discontinuation back in 2020, it’s still being recreated and requested by fans to this day.
10. Belgian Chocolate Pudding View this post on InstagramTruly a heartbreaking experience for fans of its rich texture and deep chocolatey flavor, Trader Joe’s Belgian Chocolate Pudding, as it was originally known, has been discontinued since 2021 despite constant petitions and online forums pleading for its return. Offering a more decadent take on the traditional pudding cup from your childhood, it was made with Belgian chocolate and whole milk, giving it a smooth, silky texture that felt more restaurant-worthy than something you’d find at the grocery store.
As for what’s on shelves now, Trader Joe’s has since introduced newer pudding cups meant to fill the gap, though they may miss the mark for fans who remain loyal to the original.
Trader Joe’s Feedback Form: Does It Actually Work?Ever wonder what your options are when your favorite product gets discontinued? There’s actually an entire page dedicated to feedback on the Trader Joe’s website where shoppers can share their thoughts on any one of the grocer's products. But while it might sound like a surefire way to get fans to flood the form with requests to bring a product back, the company makes it abundantly clear that nothing is guaranteed.
That said, Trader Joe’s does take customer input into account when developing new products or weighing the decision to revisit old favorites, so the form isn’t entirely a lost cause for those who truly care. There’s even a note on the page emphasizing that it’s a direct channel for feedback specifically, not a way to get updates on your favorite product’s status.
However, as some shoppers have pointed out online, when it comes to actually getting clarity on a product, it can sometimes be more effective to speak directly with in-store staff rather than relying solely on the feedback form.
How to Find "Dupes": Where Your Favorite TJ's Items Live Under Different LabelsIf you suddenly find yourself in a situation where your favorite Trader Joe’s item disappears from shelves, don’t fret—it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s totally gone for good. In fact, in many cases, similar products exist under different brand names at most other grocery stores, or even come from the same manufacturers, just with different packaging. The trick is knowing what you're looking for and having a general understanding of the ingredients list and the category the product falls into.
Online, shoppers constantly post about their favorite discontinued Trader Joe’s items, making forums and communities like Reddit a wealth of information for those looking to recreate a recipe at home or find a dupe at another store. With a little legwork, an idea of the original product description and some help from online friends, you’d be surprised how easy it can be to find a close match or a near-identical alternative. And while not every dupe will be a perfect fit, it’s less about finding an exact replacement and more about finding something close enough to scratch that itch.
Related: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Olive Oils and Ranked Them Worst to Best
Jamie Lee Curtis Announces Death of Sister at 69
Jamie Lee Curtis shared an emotional post on Instagram on Saturday, May 30, announcing that her older sister, Kelly Curtis, has died at the age of 69.
Curtis added that Kelly passed away "in her home. In nature. At peace."
"She was my first friend and lifelong confidant," the actress began. "She was jaw-droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress. She played a mean game of hearts, collected turtles, loved her family, nature, music, thrifting, travel, Facebook, and Pokémon Go. She was proud of her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry and was a devoted American patriot."
"She will be remembered for her loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style, and her powdered, almond, crescent cookies at Christmas, hence her name, Auntie Cookie," Curtis added.
She concluded the post with a Hungarian blessing that Kelly often signed off her messages with.
View this post on InstagramUnder Curtis' post, many left comments of support.
"Sending love and prayers to your family 🤍🕊️," actress Arielle Kebbel wrote.
"My condolences 🙏🤍," actress Debi Mazar posted.
"Oh no honey I am so sorry for your family’s loss beyond sending you love and light🤍🙏💐," one person expressed.
"We're so sorry to hear about your family's loss - just remember, we truly never lose someone. They remain with us in spirit and in memories...Much love to you and your family !!," another person shared.
Like her sister, Kelly was also an actress, having appeared in a small role with her sister in Trading Places in 1983, along with starring in the 1987 German comedy movie Magic Sticks and the 1991 Italian horror filmThe Devil’s Daughter, per the Hollywood Reporter. Kelly also had a role as Lieutenant Carolyn Plummer during the first season of the UPN series The Sentinel. She made appearances on other shows including The Equalizer, Hunter, Silk Stalkings, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
