Parade

Malcolm Gladwell once said that expertise in any skill takes 10,000 hours of practice. It's safe to say, at this point, Big Brother is an expert at expecting the unexpected, considering the amount of seasons and episodes it has put out over a quarter of a century. In fact, the hit CBS reality series will be reaching a huge milestone on Aug. 27, airing its 1000th episode (a first for primetime TV, according to the network). And, while the game is still ongoing inside the house, outside will be a celebration for the ages.

As announced by CBS today, Big Brother will broadcast a special 90-minute live episode from 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT that Thursday. According to a press release from the network, "The historic night will feature surprise appearances from former Houseguests determined by interactive fan votes and kick off the biggest twist of the summer. The episode will look back at some of the most memorable moments from the show’s historic 26-year run and shift into overdrive with the BB Blockbuster and a live eviction."

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Much like an overstuffed suitcase being brought into the Big Brother house, there is a lot to unpack there. We've already seen a bevy of previous houseguests show their face this season, including Dr. Will Kirby, Rachel Reilly, Morgan Pope, Jessie Godderz, and Howie Gordon. But the promise of more surprise appearances has our brain poring through literally hundreds of possibilities. Will we see more old-school legends like Janelle Pierzina, Dan Gheesling, and Britney Haynes? What about new-school standouts like Tiffany Mitchell, Chelsie Baham, and Keanu Soto?

That, apparently, may be in, for lack of a better term, the hands of the fans. It should be noted that, going into the Aug. 27 episode, the "BB Time Capsule" will have ended, its combination of six powers and punishments expended. But it sounds like it won't be long at all before fans will get the chance to vote again. But are we voting for which alumni will be there? Are we voting for Big Brother superlatives, the way we do for the "BB Badass" and "BB Dumbass" awards on Big Brother: Unlocked? Or is it simply a ballot to determine which "lucky" former houseguest will get gooed?

Then there's, of course, the announcement of the "biggest twist of the summer." It's frankly impossible to determine what that might entail at this point. Since the Time Capsule pulled on moments from Big Brother past, perhaps we'll see the return of a massive game-changing twist, like the house splitting "Dyre Fest" or the controversial "White Locust." Not to mention, there also happens to be a Blockbuster competition and eviction happening in the midst of all this!

Related: Meet the 'Big Brother' Season 28 Cast — Including the Surprising Reality TV All-Stars!

“We are thrilled and honored to be celebrating this unprecedented milestone,” executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan said in a statement. “It would not have been possible without all of the hardworking and talented people behind the scenes who make up our Big Brother family. This achievement belongs to them, the hundreds of brave houseguests who have walked through the front door, our iconic host,Julie Chen Moonves, and of course, our passionate fans.” 

And speaking of the "Chenbot," she's more than eager to celebrate the milestone as well.

“Never did I ever expect the unexpected,” the host said. “When we launched season one, there were rumors we could get canceled midseason because we didn’t have the same ratings as Survivor. And now look at us, Ma! Two former Survivor players are currently on our show, including a former winner, Dee. Although the past 28 seasons feel like the blink of an eye, it doesn’t look that way when you see all the fashion trends and hairstyles I’ve worn through the decades. That’s the dead giveaway for how long we’ve been around! I am humbled and grateful for this momentous occasion. May God allow Big Brother to continue for at least another 1,000 original episodes, with more Zings, new Houseguests, and countless HoH competitions still to come!” 

In a fashion befitting its time travel theme, it seems Big Brother 28 is embracing its present, while majorly honoring its past. And hopefully, that should produce a long future for our favorite summer reality show.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’ Spoilers: The Veto Competition Sets Up a Massive Toolshed Alliance Betrayal

As with all art, the likability of a certain rock song is purely subjective. However, there are several tracks within the genre that have undoubtedly made a serious impact and continue to be blasted on stereos around the world. For instance, the publication Collider recently released a list of "the 25 best rock songs of all time."

The rock-and-roll themed ranking, published on August 7, featured songs like 2000's "In the End" by Linkin Park, The Doors' "Light My Fire" from 1967, "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses, released in 1987, 1958's "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry, and "Wish You Were Here" byPink Floyd, released in 1975. According to Collider, the top five rock songs are "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1973, The Eagles' 1976 hit "Hotel California," 1991's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, and Queen's 1975 tune "Bohemian Rhapsody," with 1971's "Stairway to Heaven" byLed Zeppelin coming in the number one spot.

According to the publication, the fourth track on the band's 1971 record known as Led Zeppelin IV is iconic because of the combination of the impressive guitar playing by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's unique singing abilities.

In a 2023 interview on Dan Rather's Big Interview podcast, Plant, now 77, referenced that Page was responsible for the song's musical composition, while he penned the lyrics for "Stairway to Heaven." He explained that he wasn't overly attached to the song because he wasn't "involved in the instrumentation."

"If I had been involved in the instrumentation, I would feel that it's a magnificent piece of music, which has its own character and personality, it even speeds up in a similar way to some pieces of more highbrow music. But my contribution was to write lyrics and to sing a song about fate and something very British, almost abstract," said Plant during the interview.

He then noted that he was nearly 23 years old when he came up with the lyrics for "Stairway to Heaven" and suggested that the tune reflected a bit of immaturity.

"They were coming out of the mind of a 23 year old guy. And it landed in the years and the era of 23 year old guys, and I think as time goes on, you find that you may find another period of your life has got a little bit more substance," said the musician.

Walking through the produce section isn't usually very exciting — until you spot an exotic fruit you've never seen before. Bright colors, unusual shapes, and names you've only heard on travel shows suddenly make you wonder what they taste like. Some are sweet, some are surprisingly tart, and a few look so unusual they're almost too pretty to eat.

If each birth month had its own exotic fruit, here's the one that captures its personality best.

The Exotic Fruit That Mirrors Each Birth Month's Personality

Check for your birth month below.

January – Cherimoya

Whether you're a disciplined Capricorn or an imaginative Aquarius, you value substance over showing off. Cherimoya doesn't demand attention, but people who try it often wonder why they hadn't discovered it sooner. People born in January are the same way — quiet confidence and steady determination leave a lasting impression, even if they come across as reserved at first.

February – Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit looks like something from another world, making it the perfect match for the unique souls born in February. It's colorful, memorable, and unlike anything beside it. February-borns often stand out for the same reason. As an inventive Aquarius or a compassionate Pisces, you're happiest expressing yourself authentically, even when you're the only one doing it.

March – Mangosteen

Born under a compassionate Pisces or a fearless Aries, you blend warmth with quiet confidence. Mangosteen, known as "the queen of fruits," has a sweetness people find hard to resist — and March-born people have that same easygoing charm.

April – Rambutan

With its bright color and fuzzy shell, rambutan is impossible to overlook. Those born in April share that same adventurous energy, always ready to try something new. With a bold Aries or a dependable Taurus personality, you're happiest when every day brings something different.

May – Star Fruit

Resonating with either a grounded Taurus or a curious Gemini, you combine dependability with an easygoing spirit. Slice open a star fruit, and you'll immediately see what makes it special. May-born people have that same appeal — they don't chase attention, yet their dependable, magnetic nature naturally draws people in.

June – Lychee

Lychee surprises people with its sweet flavor hidden beneath a rough shell — and June-born people often have the same effect. This birth month has a way of making conversations easy and helping everyone feel welcome. Attuned as a lively Gemini or a caring Cancer, you know how to put people at ease.

July – Passion Fruit

Passion fruit may be small, but it's full of flavor — and July-born people often have that same depth. Whether you're a nurturing Cancer or a confident Leo, you lead with heart and generosity, caring deeply about family, friendships, and the people who matter most.

August – Jackfruit

Jackfruit is bold, impressive, and hard to miss. August-born people often have that same larger-than-life presence, and their confidence tends to inspire everyone around them. Guided by either a bold Leo or a hardworking Virgo, those born in August pair confidence with determination.

September – Kiwano (Horned Melon)

Kiwano has an unusual appearance, but that's only part of its story. September-born people also have more to offer than first impressions suggest — people tend to appreciate them more the longer they know them. As an analytical Virgo or a balanced Libra, you value curiosity and thoughtful decisions.

October – Buddha's Hand

Buddha's Hand stands out because there's nothing quite like it — fragrant, finger-like, and prized for its zest rather than its juice. October-born people often have that same unmistakable style and quiet individuality. Whether you're a graceful Libra or a passionate Scorpio, you appreciate beauty that's truly one of a kind.

November – Black Sapote

Known as the "chocolate pudding fruit," black sapote surprises almost everyone who tastes it. November-born people tend to have that same hidden depth — layers that friends only discover over time. With an intense Scorpio or an adventurous Sagittarius personality, you're full of the unexpected.

December – Salak (Snake Fruit)

Its scaly skin gives snake fruit an unforgettable look, but inside it's crisp and sweet. December-born people are often the same way — they enjoy discovering what's beyond first impressions. Whether you're an adventurous Sagittarius or a determined Capricorn, you love exploring whatever life has to offer.

UP NEXT:

Anne Hathaway has been wearing a soft, sheer manicure on the press tour for TheOdyssey that exemplifies a top nail trend for 2026: clean girl nails.

Clean girl nails are exactly what they sound like: a manicure that looks tidy and refined but without obvious effort. The shades used are sheer pinks, milky nudes and barely-there glazes on well-shaped, well-groomed nails with a high-gloss finish. The emphasis is on the nail itself—its shape and its prep—rather than the color on top of it.

These "your nails but better" manicures prioritize nail health, precise shaping and a high-gloss sheer or nude finish instead of bold color or nail art. The look has been spotted on red carpets and press tours all year.

It's quietly luxurious and universally flattering, but it can be genuinely hard to pull off without knowing a few insider techniques.

To break down exactly how to get the look—whether you're heading to a salon or doing it yourself at home—we spoke with Ivy Le, nail technician and owner of Nails by Ivy in Riverhead, New York. Here's her complete guide.

Related: 31 Best Neutral Nails for a Classy Manicure in 2026

Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images

What Makes a 'Clean Girl' Manicure Luxurious?

"For me, it's all about the details," Le tells Parade. "The shape needs to be even, the cuticle area needs to be very clean and the polish needs to be smooth. With a simple manicure there is nothing to hide mistakes, so the prep is actually more important. A beautiful glossy finish and the right nude or sheer shade for the person's skin tone can make a very simple manicure look luxurious."

Choosing the right shade for your skin tone is key. Le recommends a sheer pink, milky pink, sheer nude or a color close to your natural nail bed.

"The best shade is going to be a little different for everyone depending on their skin tone," she says. "For the finish, I would definitely choose a high-gloss finish for this look. It keeps it natural but makes the nails look very clean and polished."

How To Prep Your Nails for a 'Clean Girl' Manicure

This is the step most people skip, and according to Le, it's the most important one. "Good prep makes a huge difference," she says. "I would start by shaping the nails evenly, gently pushing back the cuticles and cleaning up any dry skin around the nails. I highly recommend before polishing, clean the nail plate with alcohol or acetone to remove any oil. You want the nail completely clean and dry before you apply your base coat."

A clean nail plate is what allows polish to adhere properly, which is what prevents chipping and peeling.

Related: 25 Minimalist Nail Ideas That Are Subtle Yet So Stunning

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

The Nail Shape That Makes This Style Look More Expensive

"For this type of manicure, I like to keep the shape soft and natural because that's what gives it that clean and elegant look," Le says.

"I think short almond, oval or a soft square shape works best," Le says. "It really depends on the client's natural nail shape and finger shape too."

Avoid anything too pointed or too squared-off, which can make the nail look angular rather than refined.

How To Apply Sheer Polish Without It Looking Patchy

Sheer and pale pink polishes are notoriously tricky to apply evenly—and the most common mistake is trying to fix patchiness by applying a thick coat.

Le recommends painting "thin coats and not putting too much pressure on the brush," she says. "I usually do two or three thin coats depending on how sheer the color is. Let each coat settle before applying the next one. Trying to make it opaque with one thick coat usually makes it look uneven."

How To Keep Your Cuticles Looking Neat Between Manicures

"I always recommend cuticle oil every day, especially before bed," Le says. "Hand cream helps too. Try not to pick or cut the skin around your nails yourself because that can make the area irritated. Keeping the cuticles moisturized makes a big difference."

This is one of those habits that costs very little but pays dividends in how the overall manicure looks—particularly with a clean, minimal style where the cuticle area is especially important.

Related: Manicurists Swear By These 9 Cuticle Oils for Hydrated, Stronger Nails

How Long Should a 'Clean Girl' Manicure Last?

Getty

"For regular polish at home, I would say around five to seven days if the nails are prepped properly and you're careful with them," Le says. "Using a good base coat and top coat helps. Wearing gloves when you're cleaning or doing dishes can also help it last longer."

At the salon with gel polish, expect two to three weeks.

How To Ask for This Look at the Salon

"I would ask for a clean, natural manicure with a sheer nude or pale pink color," Le advises. "You can say you want a 'your nails but better' look with a glossy finish. I also always recommend showing your nail technician a picture because everyone's idea of nude or natural can be different."

When evaluating a nail technician for this style, Le says to look at their portfolio, specifically their cuticle work and polish application. "With this kind of manicure, small details matter. The polish should look smooth and clean around the cuticles, and all the nails should have a consistent shape. Cleanliness and proper sanitation are very important too."

Related: 50 Chic Almond Nail Ideas for Your Next Set

Common Manicure Mistakes To Avoid

"I see people skipping the prep, applying polish too thick, getting polish on the cuticles, or choosing a sheer color that doesn't work well with their skin tone," Le warns.

The fix for all of these is the same: slow down, use less product and let each step fully set before moving to the next.

Up Next:

Related: 35 Best Medium-Length Nail Ideas for a Pretty Yet Practical Summer Manicure

Source:

• Ivy Le, nail technician and owner of Nails by Ivy

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Not everyone has the luxury of a walk-in closet or even a full-sized one. Between seasonal clothing swaps, laundry room overflow, and a never-ending pile of coats and jackets that take up precious space even when not in use, extra hanging and shelf space is some of the most valuable real estate within a home. A portable clothing rack that can be customized to store your stuff can be a simple way to get your wardrobe and accessories organized without moving or undergoing a full renovation.

One option we love is currently on sale at Walmart. Normally $70, the Futassi Heavy-Duty Portable Closet is now available for just $54. It comes in three sizes, with the smallest and most affordable option measuring 76 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. Two additional sizes offering the same rolling design with three adjustable shelves and two clothing rods are on sale for $68 (down from $87) and $79 (down from $110), if your space allows for a larger setup.

Futassi Heavy-Duty Portable Closet, From $54 (was $70) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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With a total weight capacity of 360 pounds, this rolling clothing rack was designed to hold a serious amount of clothing without wobbling. It features two sturdy hanging rods plus three adjustable wire shelves that you can raise or lower to accommodate longer dresses, creating an ideal spot to store shoes, bags, or folded items. Built from powder-coated carbon steel, this rack's durable construction means you won't have to battle rust over time.

The four rolling casters (two of which lock) make it easy to move the entire unit from room to room, making it a fantastic addition to laundry rooms, dorms, apartments, and guest rooms, or as temporary coat storage by the front door. Though assembly is required, many customers noted that the directions were straightforward and setup was easy.

Walmart shoppers said this "flexible" clothing rack system is "good for organization" and "great for extra clothes," particularly storing bulky off-season items like coats. "It really holds a lot, and I love how you can adjust all the shelves to fit your needs," one reviewer shared, adding that "the wheels are smooth" and the rack is "really sturdy."

Shop More Deals

• Scidweet 6-Piece Closet Organizers, $19 (was $21) at Walmart
• Mainstays Adjustable Metal Rolling Garment Clothes Rack, $10 (was $15) at Walmart
• Acerichfad 4-Pack Space-Saving Pants Hangers, $16 (was $25) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s 5-Tier Rotating Bookcase With 20 Shelves Is a Bibliophile’s Dream Come True

Stable, adjustable, and ready to roll wherever you need it, at just $54, the Futassi Heavy-Duty Portable Closet is a smart storage upgrade you can make right now without overspending. Snag it at Walmart before this limited-time flash deal ends.

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

You clocked out at work, and yet you're still mentally "on." When you're struggling with transitioning from work to home—and you're not alone—you may constantly have your job on the brain, which can impact your ability to enjoy time with your loved ones, nourish yourself with healthy foods and get restorative sleep.

Yet, it's hard to genuinely shut down with work emails on our smartphones. Plus, work-life boundaries for remote employees often feel nonexistent, with people reporting a harder time separating the two and logging longer hours. Whether you're an on-site, remote or hybrid employee, one expert emphasizes that it's crucial to know how to mentally detach from work.

"Our brains need recovery just as much as our bodies do, yet many of us walk away from our desks while our minds are still replaying conversations, mentally rehearsing tomorrow's meeting or trying to remember that thing we forgot about yesterday," states Dr. Tasha Eurich, PhD, an organizational psychologist and New York Times best-selling author of Shatterproof. "All of that mental activity competes with the psychological recovery that helps us recharge and show up at our best the next day."

Ironically, she says it's especially difficult for successful, conscientious people to mentally detach from their jobs because they've trained themselves to stay vigilant and three steps ahead. These skills aren't negatives for the workplace, but they can make it harder to transition to OOO mode. A workday shutdown routine can be clutch when you're trying to wrap up your day, but don't get it twisted: It's OK if your to-do list remains incomplete.

"The goal isn't to finish your work," she tells Parade. "It's to convince your brain it no longer has to keep carrying it around with you."

But how? Below, Dr. Eurich shares an organizational psychologist's tips for how to shut your brain down at night and stop thinking about work. She even reveals her personal end-of-day work routine, which you can do in as little as four minutes.

Related: Psychologist Says This Is the ‘Ideal’ Number of Vacation Days To Take To Avoid Burnout

The Zeigarnik Effect: Why Your Brain Won't Let Go of Work

Dr. Eurich explains that the Zeigarnik Effect is a "psychological phenomenon where unfinished tasks are more likely to stay front of mind than completed ones."

"Our brains naturally keep unfinished work on our mental radar so we don't lose track of it," she tells Parade. "That’s why today's unfinished email, tomorrow's client presentation or that follow-up conversation you need to have can keep popping back into your mind long after you’ve logged off."

The organizational psychologist encourages people to go easy on their brains—it's not trying to wear you out.

"It's trying to protect you from forgetting something important," she states.

Indeed, it's the Zeigarnik effect at work. Yet, Dr. Eurich shares that research suggests that you don't actually have to check a task off your to-do list in order for your brain to "let it go." Instead, if you create a plan for returning to the unfinished business, you can drastically reduce intrusive thoughts about the task.

"In other words, what your brain is looking for isn't perfection—it's confidence that the task has been captured and won't be forgotten," she notes.

Related: 9 Phrases To Shut Down a Micromanaging Boss, According to an HR Expert

Organizational Psychologist's Exact 'Shutdown' Ritual

It's possible to gain cognitive closure via a routine. Your objective is to "capture what's unfinished, decide where you'll pick up tomorrow and make a clear plan for your next steps," according to Dr. Eurich.

"Once you've done that, your brain no longer has to keep those tasks mentally active because it knows they've been captured and there's a plan to return to them," she says. "Psychologists refer to that feeling as psychological completion."

Importantly, though, she stresses that end-of-day work routines don't have to be elaborate. In fact, she can get hers done in fewer than five minutes most days. Here's how an organizational psychologist ends her workday.

1. Capture every open loop in one consistent place (2–3 minutes)

At the end of each day, Dr. Eurich takes a couple of minutes to review her Microsoft To Do list to ensure she's captured every task, idea, commitment and follow-up.

"If something has a due date or reminder, I add it," she explains. "Instead of 'Finish presentation,' I'll create separate tasks of what still needs to be finished."

For instance, she might include, “Finalize outline for presentation,” “proofread slides" or “verify research citations."

"Small, concrete next steps dramatically reduce the mental friction of getting started the next day," she notes. "As a neurodivergent person, this is hugely important. Otherwise, I have trouble getting back into my tasks the next day."

Related: Psychologist Says if You Keep Dozens of Browser Tabs Open, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

2. Preview tomorrow (1–2 minutes)

Next, Dr. Eurich looks at her calendar for the next day to make certain she's translated anything she needs to prepare into a specific task.

"That way, I'm not relying on my brain to remember something overnight," she explains.

3. Close the digital clutter (1 minute)

Most days,Dr. Eurich closes her workday shutdown ritual by closing out the programs and browser tabs she won't need tomorrow.

"It sounds simple, but it's surprisingly powerful," she shares. "Visually clearing my workspace creates the feeling that I've wrapped up today's work instead of carrying it with me into the evening. It also minimizes digital chaos." 

4. Zoom out weekly (10–15 minutes, once a week)

Once a week, Dr. Eurich says she meets with her operations manager to review the next several weeks and a few months. Their goal?

"To make sure nothing important is slipping through the cracks," she explains. "That bigger-picture review makes it much easier for me to trust my system and let go at the end of each day."

Related: 9 Workplace Habits That Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable,’ According to Etiquette Experts

Physical Boundaries vs. Cognitive Boundaries

Dr. Eurich shares that it's helpful to set both physical and cognitive boundaries. But what's the difference?

"Physical boundaries tell your body the workday is over," she tells Parade. "Physical boundaries include things like shutting your laptop, leaving your workspace or changing into comfortable clothes. Cognitive boundaries are the mental equivalent. Cognitive boundaries tell your brain it's safe to stop thinking about work."

The organizational psychologist shares that cognitive boundaries come from capturing what's not finished, determining where you'll start tomorrow and having faith that nothing important will slip through the cracks.

"That's what creates psychological completion," Dr. Eurich says.

She shares that you need both physical and cognitive boundaries. Physical boundaries are vital because our brains respond to cues in our environment and routines. However, she argues that cognitive boundaries are a bit more important.

"Without cognitive boundaries, it's entirely possible to leave the office while your mind keeps working for hours," she states.

Related: 9 Common ‘Grit Gaslighting’ Phrases—and What To Say Instead

The 'Open Loop' Trap: What To Do When You Remember a Task at 9 PM

Dr. Eurich knows it's hard, but advises people to resist the urge to do a task ASAP when they remember it at night, like 9 p.m. or so.

"More often than not, your brain isn't telling you the task is urgent—it's telling you it doesn't yet trust that the task has been captured," she explains.

Instead, she recommends this three-step process to avoid the "open loop trap."

1. Capture it—don't carry it

Dr. Eurich doesn't recommend doing the task you "just remembered," but writing it down immediately using the same daytime system is helpful.

"The goal isn't to solve the problem right then—it's to get it out of your head and into a place you'll reliably return to tomorrow," she says.

She suggests being specific about the task. For instance, instead of writing "presentation," Dr. Eurich recommends writing the next action, such as "draft opening story" or "review slide deck."

"A concrete next step reduces uncertainty and makes it much easier to pick the task back up tomorrow," she notes.

Plus, she points to research indicating that externalizing incomplete tasks lowers the mental load of attempting to remember them.

Related: I’ve Tried 9 Free ‘Productivity Apps’—Here Are the 2 That Surprised Me the Most

2. Decide whether it deserves urgency 

"Most thoughts that pop into your head at 9 p.m. aren't emergencies—they're reminders," Dr. Eurich says.

Louder, for the people in the back.

Also, here's a hall pass from the organizational psychologist: "If the task isn't truly urgent, give yourself permission to leave it until tomorrow," she shares. "Every time you interrupt your evening for non-urgent work, you teach your brain that every thought requires immediate action. Protecting your evenings isn't just about work-life balance; it's about protecting the mental bandwidth you'll need tomorrow."

3. Pay attention to the pattern

Dr. Eurich reports that it's completely normal to sometimes remember a task at 9 p.m.

"But if you find yourself unable to disconnect night after night, it's worth paying attention," she notes. "That can be a sign you're operating close to something my research calls your resilience ceiling—the point where the cumulative mental demands you're carrying begin to outpace your ability to recover."

In these cases, Dr. Eurich notes that your brain has been asked to carry too much for too long, so the issue goes beyond a single unfinished task. She has a free Resilience Ceiling Quiz that can help determine whether you're at your resilience ceiling and where to focus first.

Up Next:

Related: These 7 ‘Lazy’ Habits Actually Signal High Emotional Intelligence, Psychologist Says

Sources:

• Dr. Tasha Eurich, PhD, is an organizational psychologist and author of Shatterproof.
• Work from home and employee well-being: a double-edged sword. (2025) BMC Psychology.
• Consider it done! Plan making can eliminate the cognitive effects of unfulfilled goals. (2011) Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Though I was just a child who wasn't a fan of his music at the time, I still distinctly remember the day David Bowie left this Earth. I remember being so surprised that someone so massive could just be...gone. As I grew up and began to love and appreciate his music, I eventually found myself listening to his final record, "Blackstar." From that moment on, it has been one of my favorite albums of all time, and what I believe to be Bowie's best album.

Released 2 days before Bowie would ultimately pass away from his battle with cancer, the record finds Bowie once again reinventing himself. He was famous for being a stylistic chameleon throughout his whole career, and yet it was still incredibly surprising to hear him make a hip-hop inspired jazz rock album with his darkest themes yet.

"Blackstar" is an album about Bowie staring his own death in the face and reflecting on all that has brought him to this moment. It is a snapshot of a man being faced with the ultimate end and finding the height of his creative expression within it. This is apparent from the beginning of the record with the behemoth title track that swallows you up in its atmosphere of mortality.

Bowie's cries of "I'm a Blackstar" feel like an admission of his time coming to an end, as a literal "black star" is a dead star that is floating out in space, emitting no light at all. It seems to be a fitting description for the "Starman" who is no longer with us. This song to me feels like the sonic experience of dying, and what follows is reckoning with that fact.

My favorite song by Bowie as well as my favorite on the record comes two tracks later with "Lazarus," which feels like the thesis statement of the album. The song opens with an eerie verse that always affects me whenever I hear it.

Look up here, I'm in heaven
I've got scars that can't be seen
I've got drama, can't be stolen
Everybody knows me now

Bowie throughout the rest of the song eludes to this idea of how this album along with the rest of his career will make him immortal, in a way. He'll be free from this mortal world, but his music remains. This would become eerily true as "Lazarus" became Bowie's first top 100 hit in decades, landing at spot 40 on the charts.

"Blackstar" epitomizes everything I love about Bowie. A tireless work ethic to constantly push the artistic envelope and therein discover more within himself. The album is a monumental achievement in artistic expression, as well as artistic integrity. It's an album that sounds nothing like anything he had made previously, and yet is still so emblematic of who David Bowie was.

Related: 1971 Country Classic, Once Covered by Johnny Cash, Remains One of the Saddest Songs Ever Written

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Small bathrooms can make staying organized a challenge. There's only so much room for towels, toiletries and everyday essentials, which may be why clever storage hacks have taken off on social media. From floating shelves to over-the-toilet organizers, people are finding smart ways to squeeze more storage out of tight spaces. 

The Costway Over-the-Toilet Bathroom Cabinet is one option that's currently on sale at Walmart for $65, marked down from $90. Its freestanding design comes in white and black colorways, and features two open shelves and cabinet space for keeping bathroom essentials organized. One shopper called the unit “sturdy and practical.”

Costway Over-the-Toilet Bathroom Cabinet, $65 (was $90) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Measuring 34.5 inches wide, 39 inches tall and 7 inches deep, the Costway Over-the-Toilet Bathroom Cabinet is designed to turn the empty space above a standard toilet into useful storage without taking up additional floor space. 

It combines open shelving with a closed cabinet to help keep bathroom essentials in order. The top shelf has a raised edge to help keep items in place, while two open compartments make it easy to grab towels, shampoos, and other everyday necessities. The cabinet below offers additional concealed storage, and comes with adjustable shelves that can be repositioned to accommodate toiletries of different sizes. The unit has a total weight capacity of 100 pounds. 

Shoppers said the cabinet is sturdy and straightforward to assemble. One Walmart reviewer praised the “great instructions” and said it was “easy to put together.” Another said it was a “nice looking product” with an “easy build.” 

This handy cabinet isn’t just for the bathroom. Its space-saving design makes it a handy storage solution for the laundry room, where you can use it to keep detergents, cleaning supplies, and other essentials neatly organized. 

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Related: Amazon’s Narrow Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is a Genius Fix for Cluttered Bathrooms

For anyone trying to get more organized, the Costway Over-the-Toilet Bathroom Cabinet is a smart way to make the most of a small space. Head to Walmart to grab one while it's in stock and on sale!

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Nothing beats an easy kitchen upgrade that doesn't break the bank. And while shopping can sometimes feel like sifting through a sea of expensive items, your local Costco always comes in handy with a variety of home and kitchen staples that deliver plenty of style without the scary price tag.

Take the Trudeau Bloom 2-Pack Nesting Serving Bowls, for example. Recently spotted in-warehouse by @costcotv, this elegant serveware set offers an elevated look normally found in a high-end retail store. With a range of versatile uses and a clever, space-saving design, this new $20 pickup offers an approachable way to level up your hosting potential instantly.

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Trudeau Bloom 2-Pack Nesting Serving Bowls, $19.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

Currently only available in-store depending on the region, if you intend on getting a look at this set in person, you'll have to do a little extra legwork. That said, with a $20 price tag, two varying bowl sizes and a world of potential uses, this is one deal you'll be happy you searched out.

Featuring two generously sized porcelain serving bowls in coordinating medium and large sizes designed to nest inside one another, this set is a far cry from your average serving bowl set. With a fluted exterior and scalloped rim, each bowl is inspired by flowers in bloom and finished with a clean white glaze that gives the set an effortlessly elegant look and feel.

Related: T.J. Maxx's $10 Stoneware Kitchen Staple Adds a Touch of Elegance to the Dinner Table

With 10- and 11-inch diameters available, each bowl offers plenty of space for everything from pasta and salads to fruit, snacks and sides. They can also be repurposed as a curated centerpiece for the holidays, a stylish decor element on a coffee table or a catch-all for your home's entryway. Even better, each dish is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making everything from meal prep to serving and reheating a total breeze.

"These are amazing bowls for hosting," one fan raved in response to @costcotv's post. "So beautiful," another chimed in.

Aside from their fluted exterior, scalloped rim, and beautiful glaze finish, where these bowls really shine is in their nesting design. With the 10-inch bowl resting comfortably inside the 11-inch bowl, you can easily tuck them away between uses without sacrificing much-needed cabinet space or worrying about one getting damaged while sitting next to the other.

My only suggestion would be to snatch a set up fast if you spot them in store. There's no telling if they'll become available online, and once word spreads about their availability, you can bet other shoppers will be coming out of the woodwork to add them to their homes.

While you're there, keep a lookout for one of Costco's 14 new snacks worth adding to your cart or 15 frozen foods worth clearing out your freezer for.

Related: Five Below's Sleek 3-Tier Rolling Cart Brings Style and Function to Any Room

Sweet and spicy foods are everywhere right now. Hot honey has found its way onto pizza, fried chicken and plenty of restaurant menus, while grocery store shelves seem to have no shortage of snacks promising some combination of sweetness and heat. The flavor pairing itself isn't anything new, but its latest nickname, "swicy" (a combination of "sweet" and "spicy"), has certainly stuck.

I'm already a fan of sweet and spicy foods, so I didn't need much convincing to try a few of the snack hacks I've seen popping up. Still, some sounded much better on paper than others. Chili crisp on vanilla ice cream, for example, is a popular swicy dessert, but it wasn't exactly something I would have thought to make on my own.

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For this taste test, I tried five different swicy snack hacks and ranked them based on flavor, how well the sweet and spicy elements worked together, and, just as importantly, whether I'd actually make them again. I also considered how easy they were to put together. After all, a snack hack loses some of its appeal if it requires half the kitchen and an hour of your time.

Thankfully, none of these took anywhere near that long. Some required a little cooking, while others were ready almost as soon as I could get the ingredients out. And although I had a pretty good idea of which ones I'd like going in, the final ranking wasn't quite what I expected.

What Is the 'Swicy' Food Trend?

The term "swicy" is simply a mashup of "sweet" and "spicy," but the flavor combination has been around much longer than the name. Different cuisines have paired sweetness with chili heat for generations, including classics like fresh fruit with chile and lime.

The newer part is just how popular swicy foods have become. Hot honey is one of the biggest examples, especially drizzled over pizza or fried chicken. Sweet chili sauces and gochujang-based glazes are everywhere too, and brands have been rolling out plenty of sweet and spicy snacks of their own.

Now, people are trying the combination with foods you might not immediately associate with heat, which is where things get interesting. Some sound a little questionable at first, but as we found out, they're often worth trying at least once.

Related: Jiffy's New 'Swicy' Cornbread Mix Is Its First Flavor Debut in Years

The Viral Sweet and Spicy Snack Hacks, Ranked Worst to Best

None of these swicy snacks were a miss for me, but I definitely had my favorites.

5. Spicy Candied Bacon

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

For this quick version of spicy candied bacon, I used Black Label Original Oven-Ready Thick-Cut bacon and mixed together Trader Joe's maple syrup and Cholula Original Hot Sauce, although you can also add brown sugar and black pepper for added flavor.

It was sweet, salty and slightly spicy, but the heat didn't come through quite as much as I hoped. I think this could be much better with a method that really gets the spice into the bacon rather than mostly adding it on top. I'd try it again with a few adjustments, but this version landed in last place. However, it was still plenty tasty.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream With Chili Crisp

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

I was skeptical about this one, but vanilla ice cream and chili crisp actually do work together. I used Alden's Organic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Fly By Jing's Mild Sichuan Chili Crisp for this taste test.

The vanilla helps balance the salty, savory heat of the chili crisp, and I liked the crunch against the creamy ice cream. There's also a slightly oily mouthfeel that reminded me of adding olive oil to ice cream. If you try this one at home, go easy with the chili crisp at first, though. A small amount was plenty, and you can always add more.

3. Chicken and Waffles With Hot Maple Syrup

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

This swicy food took the longest to make, but it was still pretty easy. I air-fried Perdue's Powered lightly breaded chicken strips, toasted a few Trader Joe's waffles and mixed Trader Joe's organic maple syrup with Cholula Original Hot Sauce.

I just added the Cholula a few dashes at a time until the syrup had enough heat. The spicy maple was especially good with the crispy chicken, and the waffles soaked up plenty of it. I'd happily make this again for a quick lunch or breakfast-for-dinner, but it requires more effort than my top two swicy food picks.

Related: The 'Swicy' New Kombucha Flavor You'll Want to Sip All Summer Long

2. Pizza Crackers With Cheese and Hot Honey

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

I used Aldi sourdough pizza-flavored crackers and Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese for this one, although I also tried it with St. Môret French-style cream cheese. Since I didn't have hot honey, I mixed regular honey with red pepper flakes from my local pizza place.

It took about five minutes and was surprisingly satisfying. The crackers were crunchy and savory, the cheese was creamy, and the honey added just enough sweetness and heat. I could easily see myself throwing a few of these together when I want a quick snack.

1. Mango With Tajín and Lime

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

I grew up eating mango with chile and lime, so this one had some stiff competition from the start. Plus, it's still one of my favorite ways to eat mango.

All you have to do is cut up a ripe mango, squeeze fresh lime juice over it and sprinkle on Tajín to taste. The sweet mango, tart lime and salty chile seasoning just work together, and you can adjust the Tajín depending on how spicy you want it. It's fresh, takes only a few minutes and was still my favorite of the five swicy snacks I tried.

The Winning Swicy Hack (And Why It Works So Well)

The crackers came close, but mango with Tajín and lime took the top spot—and I'm clearly not alone in loving the combination. Fans online rave about pairing Tajín with mango and other fresh fruit.

For me, it came down to the balance of flavors. You get sweetness, heat, salt and acidity in every bite without any one of them taking over. It also doesn't hurt that there's no cooking involved and that you can make as much or as little as you want.

How to Create Your Own Swicy Snack Combos at Home

Sandor Mejias Brito / Getty Images

You don't need a recipe to come up with your own swicy snack. Take something you already like and see where you can add a little heat. Hot honey works with everything from cheese and crackers to pizza, while hot sauce can turn regular maple syrup into a spicy topping for waffles or chicken.

Start small with whatever you're using for heat and taste as you go. This was especially important with the chili crisp, since adding too much at once can overpower the ice cream with salt and spice.

It's also worth looking at what you already have in your kitchen. I didn't have hot honey when I made my crackers, so I mixed regular honey with red pepper flakes from my local pizza place. It took about a minute and did the trick.

Final Thoughts

I wasn't sure what to expect from some of these, especially chili crisp on vanilla ice cream, but there really wasn't a bad snack in the bunch. Even the spicy candied bacon, which landed in last place, is something I'd try again with a few adjustments.

If anything, trying these made me want to experiment with more sweet and spicy combinations. There are plenty of ways to play around with the trend, whether you want something you can throw together in a few minutes or don't mind doing a little more work on for the ultimate swicy food.

Related: 25 Spicy, Sweet & Saucy Italian Sausage Recipes To Work Into Your Weeknight Rotation

As viewers continued over the latest season of HBO's House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones universe has just received a brand-new expansion courtesy of a new project in the United Kingdom.

According to BBC, Game of Thrones' newest spinoff, a stage play prequel to the events of Game of Thrones, has officially arrived in Statford-upon-Avon this past weekend.

The stage show was overseen by the Royal Shakespeare Company, serving as a direct tie-in to the events of Game of Thrones. The show's story specifically focuses on the doomed romance between Lyanna Stark and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, whose relationship forms a key aspect of the oft-mentioned Robert's Rebellion in Game of Thrones.

In addition to these two characters, the show also features younger version of several prominent Game of Thrones characters, including Ned Stark, Jaime Lannister and Robert Baratheon, as well as the infamous "mad king," Aerys II Targaryen, whose reign led to civil war in author George R.R. Martin's fantasy kingdom.

Though the prequel show has taken nearly a decade to get off the ground, initial reviews for Game of Thrones: The Mad King have been overarchingly positive, with many fans and critics calling it a worthy addition to the GoT universe.

"This prequel to the TV series has one joust after another, spectacular stagecraft and plenty of modern resonance," said The Guardian.

"Purists will object that, rather than staging Shakespeare-adjacent populist spin-offs, the RSC should be offering its house dramatist’s royal dramas plain," the outlet continued. "The counter argument is that hitching on to a cultural juggernaut may bring in new sources of income and audiences."

"The RSC has pulled off a coup by unveiling a gripping prequel to Game of Thrones. Excavating the realm-destabilizing story underpinning George R.R. Martin’s fantasy saga, The Mad King has a propulsive energy redolent of Shakespeare’s history plays – only here there are puppeteered dragons too," echoed The Telegraph.

As the BBC noted, if Game of Thrones: The Mad King proves popular enough among audiences, it could feasibly arrive on London's West End and/or Broadway, following in the footsteps of similar blockbuster spinoffs like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child andStranger Things: The First Shadow.

Before The Animals turned "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" into one of their best-known songs, the track had already been recorded by a legendary American singer.

Nina Simone released the original version of "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" in 1964, giving the song a soulful, emotionally charged treatment that sounded very different from the rock version that would follow.

The song was written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell and Sol Marcus, with Benjamin and Marcus having written it specifically with Simone’s voice and style in mind. Simone recorded the song for her album Broadway-Blues-Ballads, released in 1964.

Her version was slow and dramatic, emphasizing the song’s vulnerability and the feeling behind its plea to be understood. It was a natural fit for Simone, whose music often moved between jazz, blues, soul and classical influences.

Then, just months later, The Animals gave the song a completely different identity.

The British rock band recorded "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" for release as a single in early 1965. Lead singer Eric Burdon delivered the lyrics with a raw intensity, while the band's driving arrangement transformed Simone’s soulful ballad into a harder-edged rock performance.

The Animals' version became an international hit, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and becoming one of the group's signature songs.

The contrast between the two recordings is part of what makes the song's history so interesting. Simone's original highlights the song's melancholy and emotional complexity, while The Animals' version turns that same material into a tense, urgent rock performance.

"Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" has since been recorded by numerous artists, but the connection between Simone and The Animals remains one of the song's most fascinating chapters.

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Few songwriters have been able to capture the essence of pure beauty and tragedy quite like the late great John Prine, a woefully underappreciated songwriter whose music rockets right into your heart whenever you hear it for the first time. His words are so inexplicably captivating that it almost suggests that he understood something about the universe the rest of us didn't. No song exemplifies this quite like "Sam Stone."

The song comes off of the landmark debut album simply titled "John Prine." The record features a sound that hasn't really been replicated anywhere else. It defies easy categorization, as it sits somewhere between a country, folk, and blues record. Regardless, it captures and perfects the blue collar music of America. The album is equal parts heartfelt, humorous, and tragic, with "Sam Stone" being one of the most tragic parts of the record.

The song chronicles a returned veteran (the eponymous Sam Stone) who through struggles with injuries mental and physical succumbs to addiction, and eventually overdoses. The song follows the impact on both his and his family's lives that the terror of war has wrought. It's a story that is all too common and all too ignored across the country, and one that has resonated with so many. Bob Dylan once mentioned the song in a 2009 interview where he praised Prine as one of his favorite songwriters, and Johnny Cash performed his own version of the song live once.

The lyrics here are an absolute gut punch. Prine is so good at packing so much emotion into such simple phrases, and this song captures that masterfully. If I had to summarize Prine's songwriting ability into one lyric, it would be the line that opens the chorus to this song: "There's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes."

The song is full of so many other telling pieces of writing like this that just shatter the heart with the hammer of reality. Prine's vocals also serve this song excellently, with his gentle rasp sounding almost like your grandfather telling you about the hardest years of his life. He was a songwriter that I revere with so much of my being. He's somebody who captures some deep essential truth of the universe, and puts it into layman's terms, which something we could all use from time to time.

Related: 1962 Folk Classic, Written as a Tribute to an Idol, Launched 20-Year-Old Bob Dylan's Career

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Long before The Rolling Stones became one of the biggest rock bands in the world, the group was busy digging through American blues records for songs to make their own.

One of those early recordings was "I’m a King Bee," a bluesy track that appeared on the band's 1964 debut album. But the song was not written by Mick Jagger or Keith Richards, and its roots stretched back nearly a decade before The Rolling Stones recorded it.

The original "I'm a King Bee" was written and recorded by Louisiana blues musician Slim Harpo, whose real name was James Moore, in 1957. Released on Excello Records, the song became one of Harpo’s signature recordings and an example of the swamp-blues sound coming out of Louisiana at the time.

When The Rolling Stones recorded their version in January 1964, they were still in the early stages of their career. Jagger, 83, handled vocals and harmonica, while Brian Jones played lead and slide guitar, Richards, 82, played rhythm guitar, Bill Wyman played bass and Charlie Watts was on drums.

The Stones largely stayed close to Harpo's original arrangement, but Jones' slide guitar helped give their version the gritty sound associated with the band's early blues recordings. The track appeared on the group's debut album in the U.K. and on England’s Newest Hit Makers in the U.S.

The connection between The Rolling Stones and Harpo went beyond a single cover. The British band's early enthusiasm for American blues helped introduce artists such as Harpo to new audiences in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Other British rock groups followed the same path, including The Kinks and The Yardbirds.

Harpo's original recording eventually received an even greater honor: "I’m a King Bee" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing its lasting musical and historical significance.

RELATED: The Animals’ Rock Classic Began With a Song Much Older Than You Think

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Between August and September, there's an awkward stretch bridging summer and fall when getting dressed starts to feel like a guessing game. Sandals still make sense when the afternoon is warm, but the first cooler mornings have you reaching for something with a little more coverage. That’s where an easy slip-on comes in: It gives your feet more protection than a flip-flop without committing to boots.

Right now, Walmart has a pair of Clarks slip-on shoes that fit neatly into that in-between category. Originally $60, the Breeze Edge Slip-Ons are marked down 42% to just $35, making them an especially easy addition to your wardrobe as the seasons start to shift. The coastal, preppy silhouette works with the clothes you’re already wearing in summer — think shorts, linen pants, casual dresses, and skirts — but can just as easily carry into fall with jeans, trousers, and lightweight layers.

Clarks Breeze Edge Slip-Ons, From $35 (were $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Dubbed “great for summer,” the boat shoe silhouette has remained a warm-weather classic, and this version gives the preppy staple a distinctly comfort-first update. The knit textile upper keeps the nautical spirit intact, while the contrasting white stitching traces the moccasin-inspired toe and reinforces the clean, tailored look. White laces weave through the side eyelets and crisscross neatly over the tongue, with small knotted ends adding an authentic boat-shoe detail. 

The low-cut silhouette and rounded toe keep this shoe's profile casual, while the five neutral color combinations make the pair especially easy to work into your wardrobe. They have enough polish to pair with chinos or cuffed trousers, but the relaxed construction also works with shorts, jeans, and casual dresses.

Clarks Breeze Edge Slip-Ons, From $35 (were $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Walmart shoppers loved the “comfortable” details of the shoe, starting with the cushion-soft foam footbed, which provides shock absorption and cushioning underfoot to make each step feel softer. Smooth textile lines the inside of the shoe, creating a comfortable surface against the foot, while elastic stretch panels incorporated into the lace-up design allow the shoe to flex as you move and make getting them on and off easier. 

Underfoot, Clarks' signature breeze outsole was designed to add flexibility and energy-returning support to every stride. It's made from grippy, flexible TPR (thermoplastic rubber), which helps provide traction and stability while maintaining the shoe's easygoing feel. A 40-millimeter heel gives the otherwise low-profile silhouette a subtle lift. 

Shop More Deals

• Clarks Breeze Lily Slip-Ons, from $40 (was $60) at Walmart
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These slip-on shoes are available in half sizes from 6 through 10 in medium and wide widths. Shoppers especially appreciate the roomier options, with one calling them a “great fit” and noting how well they work for medium-to-wide feet, thanks to the two width options. 

Related: Shoppers Walked Miles in Clarks’ Floral Flip-Flops With ‘Terrific Arch Support’

A comfortable fall wardrobe transition starts with the right pair of shoes. Shop the Clarks Breeze Edge Slip-Ons for $35 at Walmart while the over 40%-off deal lasts!

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In 1981, American writer Michael Crichton began working on a story with dinosaurs at the center while observing how permanently fascinated the public was with these prehistoric creatures. The original story, a screenplay, was completed in 1983, but Crichton struggled with how to make it work from a scientific perspective.

Around 1988, Crichton revisited the work and completely shifted the reasoning behind why one would try to "create" a dinosaur to be from a place of entertainment. His first drafts were told from the perspective of two children, and his first readers almost universally hated these drafts. Upon switching the perspective to be from an adult and expanding heavily on "chaos theory," he won over readers and completed his novel, the 1990 thriller Jurassic Park.

Crichton and publisher Alfred A. Knopf released Jurassic Park in October of 1990. The book became a massive bestseller and by 1993 had sold more than nine million copies. The story is still lauded today, with Goodreads placing it at the top spot of their ranking of "Most Popular Books of the 1990s." On Goodreads, Jurassic Park holds a 4.14 rating and has been rated over a million times by users.

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Jurassic Park takes place at the titular theme park, a dinosaur zoo on Isla Nublar created by billionaire John Hammond. In order to justify the park and its reputability, Hammond invites paleontologist Alan Grant and mathematician Ian Malcolm to the island to vouch for its safety. When a disgruntled employee shuts off the power and security systems to steal frozen embryos, the dinosaurs are let loose and begin roaming free. The remaining visitors and staff struggle to avoid vicious attacks from predators and restore power to the park.

The novel has gone on to be considered Crichton's signature body of work and launched a wildly successful film franchise, generating billions of dollars at the box office.

Jurassic Park and other works by Michael Crichton are available wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling 2021 Science Fiction Hit by Andy Weir Ranked ‘Best Audiobook Ever’ by Audible

This 1983 film, starring Tom Cruise, became a staple of the era and further launched the actor into stardom.

Risky Business just celebrated its 43rd anniversary on August 5. Cruise spoke to Interview Magazine in 1983 about how he came to play the lead.

Cruise, now 64, was only 21 when Risky Business premiered. He revealed at the time that Francis Ford Coppola offered him a part in The Outsiders.

“Francis offered everybody a chance to go on and do Rumble Fish the same week I was offered Risky Business. I thought Paul Brickman was a very bright man with great taste. He knew exactly what the movie was going to be,” he said.

Risky Business was directed by Brickman and starred Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Joe Pantoliano, and Curtis Armstrong. Cruise auditioned for the director without much notice.

“Somehow, my agent, without me knowing, arranged to have me just drop by the office to say hello. So I went in wearing a jean jacket, my tooth was chipped, my hair was greasy. I was pumped up and talking in an Oklahoma accent, ‘Hey, how y’all doing?’” he shared.

"I’m not a very good cold reader," the actor continued. "I started reading the thing, and they were ready to say, 'Okay, thank you.' I didn’t know. I cut them off and said, 'let me try it this way.' I started from the top again and I did it another way and we ended up reading through half the script. It was fun, we were all laughing."

While Cruise wasn't confident in his performance, Brickman wanted to see him read with De Mornay, who was already cast as Lana.

“They wanted to see the two of us together. I tested, and to make a short story long, we didn’t test that well. Paul just believed in me. I told him exactly what I was going to do. We talked about it for a long time and he trusted me,” he shared.

Cruise also revealed how Brickman came up with the iconic underwear dancing scene.

“What he did was he set up the frame of the shot. He showed it to me and said, ‘Let’s really play it and use the whole house.’ We had talked earlier and he said, ‘Look, I want BobSeger’s ‘Old Time Rock & Roll’ or maybe some Elvis, but if you can come up with something else, great.’ I went through tape after tape. In the end, nothing beat Bob Seger,” he recalled.

Anne Hathaway is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. After stepping out on the red carpet for the world premiere of her upcoming movie The End of Oak Street, Hathaway's baby bump stole the spotlight.

However, it wasn't long before social media was full of comments, accusing the 43-year-old actress of faking her pregnancy.

"Is this what a fake bump looks like? Why does her tummy look so odd?" one person asked on X before another added, "Looks like a plastic belly."

Wearing an Atelier Prabal Gurung crop top and low-rise baggy jeans, Hathaway was not afraid of showing off her baby bump just two months after announcing she was expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman.

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Never one to shy away from rumors, Hathaway took to Instagram on Monday, August 10, 2026, to deny she was faking her pregnancy for publicity.

"Fake hair, real bump," she wrote alongside a video of her getting ready for the red carpet. Fans also came to her defense, writing, "The most beautiful pregnant woman in the world," and "I love how you always silence the haters."

Hathaway is already a proud mom to sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6. And while Hathaway is tapped into social media, she made the decision not to post photos of her kids online to protect their privacy.

I felt like I had broken some kind of a seal in inviting people into my life. And even though I felt as though I had done it in as protective a way as I could, even though it was a moment I was incredibly proud of, I don't know that I'll ever do it again," she told Jezebel in 2017. "Instagram, when I first started, it was so much fun. And it was a great way to be silly and kind of do things off the cuff. And now, because of the time we live in, I think words and pictures are carrying a much greater weight. Or, much less depending on how you engage with it."

So, while fans can expect more (real) baby bump pics from the brunette beauty, photos of her kids is another story.

Brad Pitt just revealed that he’s off the wagon. In a new interview with Esquire, the actor opened up about his issues with alcohol and where he stands now.

“I was sober for seven years,” said Pitt, admitting, “And then I got back off the wagon.” He continued, explaining, “In a more restrained manner. I got overconfident a couple times, went, yep, nope, not good for me. Not in big quantities.”

When asked if he can have a glass of wine, Pitt candidly replied, “Yeah. Well…I can have a few. But I can’t have a lot. I have to be professional about it.” 

When did Brad Pitt stop drinking?

Pitt stopped drinking following his infamous separation from Angelina Jolie in 2016. In 2017, he talked to GQ, discussing his sobriety: “I mean, we have a winery. I enjoy wine very, very much, but I just ran it to the ground. I had to step away for a minute. And truthfully, I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka. I was a professional. I was good.”

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. (Photo by Fred Duval/FilmMagic) Getty Images

Several years later, in 2025, Pitt went on the ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast, speaking to host Dax Shepard (who is in recovery) about meeting at, as the actor called it at the time, “Men’s group.” But that’s not how Shepard referred to it. 

Dax went on to share, “I say AA. You’re not supposed to say it, but I say it.” Pitt agreed, adding, “I said that, I went on some like New York Times interview and what a like amazing thing this experience was for me. It was a men’s group. It was AA. It was when I first was getting sober. And I just thought it was just incredible, men sharing, you know, their experiences. Their foibles, their missteps, their wants, their aches, and just a lot of humor with it. And I thought it was a really special experience.”

“And I do this interview, and I say this, and I got admonished by someone, one of the higher-ups. ‘It’s anonymous,” he added. 

Shepard isn’t the only famous friend who helped Pitt with his sobriety. During his acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor at the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, Pitt had a special message for Bradley Cooper, saying, “He’s a sweetheart. I got sober because of this guy. And every day has been happier ever since. I love you, and I thank you.” 

What do Brad Pitt’s fans think about the recent news?

In a Reddit post, fans reacted with disappointment. One commenter wrote, “I remember so many of his supporters claimed Jolie was the problem, but now he’s back to drinking again…Jolie and the kids are not near him anymore for a good reason…He needs to stop with the excuses and stop playing victim.”

Another used his quote to point out the problem with his statement: “‘I have to be professional about it.’ Oh, honey. I’m four years sober and there’s no being ‘professional’ about addiction,” while others responded with a soemwaht more concerned or supportive tone, “I hope he gets back on the wagon, nothing worth doing is easy,” and “Sounds like he needs to work with a professional not doing media.” 

Pitt has not made additional comments on his sobriety or the backlash from the Esquire article.

Experiencing stress impacts both mental health and physical health; the effects go hand in hand. That’s why caring for your body during tough times is crucial, and that includes managing your blood sugar.

Dr. Christopher Alcorn, DO, an endocrinologist with the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, explains that stress has a direct impact on blood sugar, saying, “Stress puts the body into more of a ‘fight or flight’ mode. This tells the body to make more sugar available in the blood for use, if needed."

Dr. Yesika Garcia, MD, an endocrinologist with the Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to Labfinder, explains that when we’re under stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which signal the liver to release more glucose into the bloodstream so that we have energy to respond to the perceived threat. 

“That response is helpful in short bursts, but when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to higher blood sugar levels and make the body less responsive to insulin,” Dr. Garcia says.

Dr. Sirin Pandey, MD, an endocrinologist with Inspira Health, adds to this, saying that chronic stress can be especially harmful for people with diabetes or prediabetes.

With this in mind, Parade asked six endocrinologists what they eat on days they know will be overwhelming. They all had the exact same answer.

Related: This Is the #1 Worst Habit for Blood Sugar, According to an Endocrinologist

What Endocrinologists Eat Before a Stressful Day

All six endocrinologists told Parade that on days that they know are going to be stressful, they make sure to eat a breakfast with protein, unsaturated fats and fiber. This combination helps keep blood sugar levels steady—even when life is chaotic.

“As a physician, most of my days have their share of stress, so I don't really change my diet based on how busy I expect the day to be. Instead, I try to start every morning with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, fiber and healthy fats because it helps me maintain steady energy throughout the morning,” says Dr. Nairi Berner, MD, an endocrinologist at City of Hope Orange County. 

Related: This Is the #1 Best Habit for Blood Sugar Balance, According to an Endocrinologist

Five of the six endocrinologists even have the same go-to breakfast on overwhelming days: Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds. The Greek yogurt and chia seeds are a good source of protein, the chia seeds strike again by being high in unsaturated fats and the berries are high in fiber. 

Dr. Alcorn says that, on stressful days, he sticks with eating foods he knows his body tolerates well. Hectic days are perhaps the worst time to experiment with new foods that your body may or may not agree with.

Besides eating a balanced breakfast, Dr. Rekha Kumar, MD, a senior medical advisor and obesity medicine specialist at Found, notes that on challenging days, she likes to have egg whites, feta and spinach in a whole wheat wrap. “I'll often save the second half of the wrap for mid-morning, which helps prevent a dip in blood sugar and keeps my energy steady through back-to-back meetings or patient visits,” she tells Parade.

Related: The Silent Symptom of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore, According to Endocrinologists

This is similar to endocrinologistDr. Ayushi Dixit, MD's pick: a three-egg omelette with spinach, peppers and onions sauteed in olive oil with half an avocado and berries on the side. It checks all the nutrient boxes for blood sugar balance.   

Dr. Kumar adds that she also makes it a point to stay hydrated, which also contributes to blood sugar control. “I bring a water bottle to work with creatine and electrolytes mixed in, so I'm supporting muscle health and optimizing hydration in one step, without needing to carve out separate time for it,” she says.

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How To Support Your Body During Stressful Times Through What You Eat

Besides starting the day off with a balanced breakfast, there are other ways you can support your blood sugar on days you know are going to be stressful. Something all six endocrinologists say that you definitely don’t want to do is skip meals. 

When you do eat something, Dr. Pandey says to aim for that aforementioned nutrient balance, focusing on protein, unsaturated fats and complex carbohydrates. She explains that this can look like peanut butter on whole wheat crackers, brown rice with chicken or beef, or eggs on sourdough bread. It also means skipping ultra-processed foods like cookies and pastries, which are notorious for raising blood sugar.

Dr. Dixit says that minimizing caffeine consumption in the morning and alcohol in the evening is another great way to avoid blood sugar peaks and drops. 

If possible, Dr. Alcorn recommends figuring out what you’re going to eat in advance. That way, it takes the decision of what to eat off your plate, helping to relieve some stress. He also suggests avoiding overeating, which can lead to feeling worse and negatively impact blood sugar. “Eat until you are satisfied, but not stuffed; about 80% full,” he says.

Other Ways To Support Your Blood Sugar During Stressful Times

Diet isn’t the only way you can keep your blood sugar levels steady on stressful days. Dr. Dixit says that taking a short walk after eating is another great way to support blood sugar. Walking is beneficial for mental health too, which can help with feeling more at ease on hard days as well. 

It can also be helpful to incorporate habits that help you feel a greater sense of calm into your days. “Meditation and breathing exercises, listening to soft or calming music and talking with friends and family members can all help calm the stress hormone down,” Dr. Pandey says.

All of the doctors emphasize the importance of getting good sleep. “Sleep is one of the biggest factors people underestimate. Even one night of poor sleep can make the body more insulin resistant the next day,” Dr. Garcia notes.

Stress is something that no one can avoid, which is why it’s helpful to have a plan on how you’re going to support your body when you experience it. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that managing blood sugar is only about avoiding sugar. In reality, it’s about taking care of your overall health,” Dr. Garcia says. 

You certainly can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you choose to treat your body. Balanced blood sugar and a balanced mind go hand in hand. 

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Related: The Dark Chocolate Mistake That’s Spiking Your Blood Sugar, According to an Endocrinologist

Sources

• Dr. Christopher Alcorn, DO, endocrinologist with the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute.
• Dr. Yesika Garcia, MD, endocrinologist with the Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to Labfinder.
• Dr. Sirin Pandey, MD, endocrinologist with Inspira Health.
• Dr. Nairi Berner, MD, endocrinologist at City of Hope Orange County.
• Dr. Rekha Kumar, MD, a senior medical advisor and obesity medicine specialist at Found.
• Dr. Ayushi Dixit, MD, endocrinologist in New York City.
• Xu, Z., Zheng, X., Ding, H., et al. (2024). The Effect of Walking on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance. doi: 10.2196/48355.