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The 1970s and 1980s were nothing short of a heyday for Olympic ice skating. From Scott Hamilton to Torvill and Dean, the era’s Olympians became cultural icons children looked up to and families followed as if they were one of their own. From a skater’s music choice to how they landed a jump, everything about the Winter Olympics made an impression on those of us watching from home.

Possibly the most defining part of an ice skater’s performance was their costume, which usually featured a breathtaking array of sparkle, feathers, color, and shine.Katarina Witt defied convention with her stunning look for her Carmen routine at the 1988 Winter Olympics, leaving a lasting impression that remains iconic today.

When Germany’s Katarina Witt stepped onto the ice at the 1988 Winter Olympics, a collective gasp could be heard. Wearing a now-iconic red costume and skating to music from Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, the back-to-back champion delivered a performance that combined athletic excellence, theatricality, and a sense of drama not often seen in Olympic figure skating. Her sparkling red costume was bold and reflected the passion and artistry she showcased throughout her performance.

This was more than a skating performance or a daring red costume. Witt’s Carmen routine became a defining cultural moment. Figure skating at the time was often associated with elegance, tradition, and a reserved beauty that highlighted the skater’s artistry above the skater herself.

Katarina Witt’s choice of a showstopping red costume reflected the dramatic character she was portraying and helped transform Olympic figure skating from a competition into storytelling.

A recent ranking highlights the continued impact of this legendary fashion moment. Here’s why:

“In the ’80s, there was no bigger figure skating star than Germany's Katarina Witt. Here, she's seen in her iconic red "Carmen" costume from the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, Canada, where she competed to music from the Bizet opera. She stood atop the podium that year, one of only two women skaters to achieve back-to-back gold medals (she also won in 1984).”

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, Who Captivated Fans at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Names the Greatest Performance of His Career

While American Scott Hamilton will forever be associated with his acrobatic and crowd-pleasing routines, and British ice dancing sensations Torvill and Dean will be remembered for their stunning "Boléro" performance, Katarina Witt’s Carmen routine is the performance that defines her legacy.

Witt’s Carmen made her a global star. Rather than simply completing jumps and technical elements, she embraced the drama of the music and created an indelible character on the ice. Every moment, expression, and costume choice helped tell the story.

Competitive ice skating was never the same again, thanks to Katarina Witt’s flair for drama and the breathtaking red costume that defined an era.

Related: Olympic Skating Legends, Who Captivated the World With 'Boléro' at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Honored by King Charles

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All aboard the 311 Caribbean Cruise.

According to the band’s website, the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship will first roll into Ocho Rios, a former Jamaican fishing village tucked away between scenic beaches and havens of waterfalls, where snorkeling, chilling, and island vibes will ensue.

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From there, the boat heads to Grand Cayman, where stingray encounters and white sand beaches will hopefully make for another unforgettable port day. The cruise is packed with events and music, including 311 Day, which will feature three “electrifying” 311 pool-deck shows, personalized photos, and other activities.

311 has also announced the music lineup supporting the '90s alt-rock icons. They’ll be joined by The Pharcyde, Little Stranger, Ballyhoo!, Bumpin Uglies, The Skints, RDGLDGRN, Jeff Rosenstock, and more.

To book, head to 311cruise.com.

First-available staterooms are currently open. Check back every Friday for new availability.

For fans who prefer solid ground but still want to see the band live, the multiplatinum rock veterans also just announced a gig headlining the Budweiser Summer Series at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, set for Friday, Sept. 25.

“Pre-sale starts Thursday at 10 a.m. ET using the code FREAKOUT. General on-sale begins Friday at 10 a.m. ET,” the band wrote on Instagram.

Formed in 1988, the Omaha-rooted band was started by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Wills, and drummer Chad Sexton. TimMahoney later replaced Watson, and turntablist Doug “SA” Martinez joined in 1992. That foundation helped set the stage for the run of hits and milestones that followed.

311 hit their stride in 1995 with their self-titled album, known as The Blue Album, which became a commercial smash, propelled by the No. 1 alternative hit “Down” and “All Mixed Up.” In 2004, the band released a cover of The Cure’s “Love Song,” which became their second No. 1 alternative hit.

According to Billboard, 311 has achieved 10 Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, including Uplifter, which peaked at No. 3 in 2009.  

Now, more than three decades later, 311 has sold more than 10 million records in the U.S. and built a fanbase that celebrates the band for its blend of rock, reggae, funk, and hip-hop.

Always kinetic onstage, they are currently on their So Glad You Made It Tour, with special guest Dirty Heads. Tour tickets and dates can be found here.

Related: 1970s Rare Footage Surfaces in Honor of Late AC/DC Frontman’s 80th Birthday—And He Still Rocks

One of rock's most uplifting songs comes with a simple promise: the best is still ahead.

That message helped make Bachman-Turner Overdrive's "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" one of the biggest hits of the 1970s. Released in 1974, the hard-driving rocker became the Canadian band's first and only No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and more than 50 years later, it continues to inspire listeners with its optimistic outlook and infectious energy.

The song almost never made it onto an album.

Written by guitarist Randy Bachman, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" was originally intended as a playful recording for his brother, Gary, who had a stutter. Bachman deliberately mimicked the speech pattern in the song's famous vocal hook as a lighthearted tribute.

"It was a throwaway song," Bachman told Ultimate Classic Rock. "We'd always go in and just do an instrumental song, so I could see what the drums and bass and guitar sounded like, the heavy parts and light parts, moving around the mics with the engineer, getting different kick drum sound and getting different cymbal sounds, trying different cymbals and just trying to get a sound in general so we could lay all of the songs down. So, I had this throwaway work song. I had a brother who stuttered, so I stuttered over this song, and I was going to mix one version of it and send it to him."

He initially viewed the track as little more than a novelty, but after fellow musicians and radio programmers responded enthusiastically, it was included on Bachman-Turner Overdrive's album Not Fragile.

"'You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet' was omitted from the third [Bachman Turner Overdrive] album until [music executive] Charlie Fach heard it," Bachman told Ultimate Classic Rock. "He said, 'That's magic, put it on.' I said, 'There's no room. We already have our eight songs.' 'Take the longest songs, put them on one side, and squeeze this song as the fifth song on the other side.'"

The decision proved to be a turning point.

Released as a single, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" raced to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 while also topping charts in Canada and several other countries. The song transformed Bachman-Turner Overdrive into international stars and remains the band's biggest commercial success.

Its enduring appeal goes beyond its memorable chorus.

Built around a driving guitar riff and Randy Bachman's unmistakable vocals, the song encourages listeners to stay patient because greater things are still to come. That hopeful message, captured in the repeated refrain, "You ain’t seen nothing yet," has helped it endure as a motivational anthem for generations of fans facing new challenges and opportunities.

The success of the single also cemented Not Fragile as one of the defining rock albums of the decade. Alongside classics such as "Roll On Down the Highway" and "Take It Like a Man," the record showcased the band's knack for combining muscular guitar work with instantly memorable hooks.

More than five decades after topping the charts, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" remains a staple of classic rock radio, sporting events and film soundtracks. Its unmistakable riff and uplifting message continue to resonate, proving that one of rock’s greatest motivational anthems still has plenty left to say.

For Bachman-Turner Overdrive, the song wasn't just a breakthrough hit; it became a timeless reminder that the biggest moments in life often arrive when you least expect them.

Related: '70s Rock Legend Announces Retirement Amid 2026 North America Tour

Fifty-four years ago today, singer-songwriter Buck Owens topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with his classic song "Made in Japan."

Released on April 3, 1972 as a single from his seventeenth studio album, In the Palm of Your Hand, "Made in Japan" became a massive hit. Upon its debut, the track immediately caught the attention of country music fans, and by mid-April, it had already entered the Hot Country Singles chart.

The song peaked at No. 1 in early July, holding the top position for one week and marking the final time Owens would top the charts during his solo career. In total, "Made in Japan" spent 13 consecutive weeks on the Hot Country Singles chart—an impressive feat for the country star.

Jasper Dailey/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Produced by Owens himself through Capitol Records, "Made in Japan" is most notable for its iconic opening guitar riff. Recorded by Owens's lead guitarist and musical partner Don Rich, the twangy riff was designed to emulate the traditional Japanese pentatonic scale. Its bouncing, upbeat melody evokes a nostalgic atmosphere that, when paired with the lyrical content, becomes beautifully bittersweet.

"Made in Japan" tells the story of a soldier who falls in love with a Japanese woman while stationed overseas. Even though the pair share a deep romantic connection, the track reveals that she has already been promised to another man. Ultimately, the song serves as a poignant ode to her, highlighting themes of longing, heartbreak and love across a massive distance.

More than 50 years after making its debut, the single has found new life through a major TikTok revival. The track went viral after resurfacing on the app, quickly becoming the soundtrack for millions of user-generated videos.

Now, the song has been introduced to a brand-new audience, successfully bridging the gap between old-school country lovers and modern demographics. Because of its TikTok fame, the track has seen a spike in streaming numbers. On Spotify alone, "Made in Japan" has accumulated over 127 million streams—showcasing its timeless nature and unique ability to transcend generational boundaries.

Related: 1971 Rock Classic, Written in 20 Minutes, Was a No. 1 Hit 55 Years Ago Today

While the beloved British band the Beatlesare known for feel-good, jaunty tunes, the group, consisting of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, the lateJohn Lennon, and the late George Harrison, had some darker numbers throughout their decade together.

For instance, the publication Collider released a list of the "10 scariest Beatles songs, ranked." The list, published in December 2025, included Beatles tunes like 1968's "Helter Skelter," "I Am the Walrus" from 1967, and "Run for Your Life," which came out in 1965. According to Collider, the Beatles' song "Revolution 9," off their 1968 album, is the scariest song released by the band. The publication reported that the song is almost upsetting because of its jarring static consisting of manic laughter, unexpected crashes, excited clapping, and sparse, incomprehensible conversations.

Lennon, who died in 1980 at the age of 40, discussed making "Revolution 9" in a 1974 interview. Lennon described the song, which lasts 8 minutes and 22 seconds, as "the weird one" and "like an action painting." He also explained that the song was recorded with the help of tape loops.

"I had a lot of tape, loops which is just a circle of tape, if people don't understand it, that repeats itself over," said Lennon during the 1974 interview. "And I had about 10 of them on different mono machines all spinning at once with pencils and things holding them. I had a basic track, which was the end of the 'Revolution' song where we'd gone on and on and on and on. And I just played it sort of live into another tape and just brought them in on faders, like you do as a DJ and brought them in like that."

Lennon also shared the significance behind the repetition of the "number nine" throughout the song. He explained that the sound originated from "an engineer's voice" who said, "This is number nine" while recording a test tape.

"And I just like the way he said, 'Number nine,' so I just made a loop of him saying 'Number nine,' and brought that in whenever I felt like it," said Lennon.

In addition, Lennon said he had a preference for the number nine, as he was born on October 9, 1940.

"The ninth of October, I'll be 105," quipped the musician. "And nine seems to be my number. And it's the highest number in the universe. After that you go back to one number."

The final houseguest of Big Brother 28 has entered the game. And it's a doozy. Or, should I say, a Dee-zy.

Dee Valladares, a two-time Survivor contestant who won Season 45 of the iconic CBS reality series, joined the newest Big Brother season as its seventeenth player. Her arrival was teased at the end of the 90-minute premiere when host Julie Chen Moonves went back in time to retrieve a reality icon to replace former winner Rachel Reilly, who was pushed into a volcano by a velociraptor (yes, that is a real even that occurred on national television). Valladares was confirmed as the final houseguest at the end of the premiere episode of Big Brother: Unlocked on Friday, July 10.

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Valladares first arrived on our screens as a part of Survivor 45's cast in the fall of 2023. During her time on the island, she put forward one of the most dominant games in recent memory. While part of a tight quartet that pretty much ran the game from beginning to end, Valladares also had some incredibly impressive moves as an individual, balancing her game between two number one allies. Her hard work was rewarded handily by the jury, who gave her the million-dollar win by a 5-3 vote.

Two-and-a-half years later, Valladares returned to Fiji for Survivor 50. And, out of three winners on the cast, she made it the farthest, finishing in fourteenth place and becoming the first member of the jury. In the time between her two stints on the island, Valldares also participated in Season 41 of The Challenge. She was eliminated in Episode 12 and seemingly got involved in a "showmance" with series mainstay Johnny Bananas. Valladares makes reality TV history as the first person to compete on Survivor, Big Brother and The Challenge.

Courtesy of CBS

Related: 'Big Brother 28' Cast Includes Famous Relatives, Reality Stars and More Unexpected Connections

Valladares is the third Survivor contestant to make the crossover to the Big Brother house. Cirie Fields was the first to do so during Season 25, playing alongside her son, Jared Fields. The second is Rick Devens, who also is playing on Big Brother 28 as one of the reality icons. Interestingly, Devens had voted for Valladares during the Tribal Council she went home on Survivor 50.

Either Valldares, Devens or Big Brother returnee Angela Murray will be crowned the first Head of Household of the season, given all the power to nominate three of their fellow houseguests. The 90-minute episode on Sunday, July 12 will reveal their identity, as well as the first nominations. But, if you're looking to get an early peek into Valladares's Big Brother gameplay, you can check out Big Brother 28 live feeds on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and YouTube.

Related: Meet the 'Big Brother' Season 28 Cast — Including a Surprising 'RuPaul's Drag Race' All-Star

More than four decades after it first reached the top of the charts, Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" continues to stand as one of the biggest power ballads in rock history. 

Released in November 1984, the song became the British-American band's first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, a milestone that remains unmatched in the group's long career.

The song climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on Feb. 2, 1985, where it stayed for two weeks. It also became a chart-topper in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden, turning the emotional ballad into a global success.

British-American rock group Foreigner, New York, USA, 7th February 1977. Clockwise from far right: drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboard player Al Greenwood, singer Lou Gramm, rhythm guitarist Ian McDonald, lead guitarist Mick Jones and bassist Ed Gagliardi (1952 - 2014).

For a band that produced numerous classic rock staples including "Cold as Ice," "Hot Blooded," "Urgent," "Juke Box Hero," and "Waiting for a Girl Like You," "I Want to Know What Love Is" remains the only song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Foreigner scored 22 songs on the Hot 100 chart, including nine Top 10 hits, but only one reached the summit.

"I Want to Know What Love Is" served as the lead single from Foreigner's fifth studio album, Agent Provocateur, released in 1984. The song was credited to guitarist and founding member Mick Jones and quickly became the band's biggest commercial success.

The track featured lead vocals from Lou Gramm and memorable backing vocals from the New Jersey Mass Choir, giving the song its powerful and emotional finish. Singer Jennifer Holliday also contributed backing vocals and arrangements, while Thompson Twins frontman Tom Bailey provided keyboard work.

The song's popularity did not end with its original chart run. "I Want to Know What Love Is" continued appearing on Billboard's Adult Contemporary recurrent charts in the early 2000s, proving its lasting appeal with radio listeners.

Commercially, the ballad continued to perform well decades later. It achieved double-platinum certification in the United Kingdom in 2023 and remains one of Foreigner's most streamed and recognizable recordings.

Its influence has stretched beyond radio as well. In 2020, Foreigner recorded a new performance of the song to celebrate its appearance in promotional material for Netflix's romantic comedyThe Lovebirds, per Billboard.

The band's connection to the song also continues during its milestone anniversary celebrations. Foreigner is currently marking 50 years since its formation in 1976 with an expanded 2026 tour that includes more than 90 concerts.

Today, the group features Mick Jones, Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein, Bruce Watson, Chris Frazier, Luis Maldonado and John Roth. Jones remains the band's only original member still officially part of Foreigner.

The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, adding another major achievement to a career that has sold more than 80 million records worldwide.

Yet among all of Foreigner's accomplishments, "I Want to Know What Love Is" remains the song most closely tied to the band's legacy.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, Released by One of the ‘Best Rock Bands’ of All Time, Remains a Classic 51 Years Later

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Finding a backpack that looks stylish and keeps up with your daily routine isn't always easy. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or heading back to class, the right bag should be lightweight, roomy, and versatile enough to go everywhere. This top-rated Amazon option ticks all those boxes and delivers major style with its puffy, quilted exterior, and right now you can grab one for nearly 40% off.

The Cluci Puffy Quilted Backpack is on sale for $19, down from $31. The soft, pillowy backpack has a spacious interior and multiple pockets to keep essentials organized. Available in pink, green, khaki, and beige, one shopper even called it the "cutest backpack ever."

Courtesy of Amazon

This bag's quilted, cloud-inspired design is filled with lightweight cotton and weighs just 1.3 pounds, so it's comfortable to carry all day. The water-repellent, wrinkle-resistant exterior helps protect it from light rain and keeps it looking fresh. It comes in four easy-to-style colors: pink, green, khaki, and beige. 

Inside, there's plenty of room to keep your essentials organized. The backpack measures approximately 15 inches tall, 12.5 inches wide, and 6.5 inches deep. It has a 19-liter capacity that is spacious enough for a 13-inch laptop, notebooks, and everyday necessities. A magnetic buckle and drawstring closure make it easy to access your belongings, while multiple interior pockets help keep smaller items in place. 

According to many reviewers, comfort is one of this backpack's biggest selling points. One shopper wrote that they loved the bag because it was "soft” and “comfortable to wear, with many pockets." Another said it was the “perfect backpack for travel and running errands.” A third noted that it offered excellent value and didn’t cause any discomfort, even when fully packed. 

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Related: Amazon Has a ‘Lightweight’ $15 Puffer Crossbody Bag That’s ‘Great for Travel’ and Comes in 6 Colors

If you're looking for a cute, roomy backpack that can handle school, work and travel, the Cluci Puffy Quilted Backpack is an easy pick. At just $19 — nearly 40% off — it's a deal worth scooping up while it's still in stock!

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In the kitchen, few items come in handy more consistently than a reliable cookware staple. And while the internet will have you thinking you need to outfit your kitchen with a versatile multi-piece set, what you really need is just a couple of quality pieces designed to handle a wide range of recipes.

That's where Tractor Supply comes in with the Lodge Cast Iron 3-Quart Combo Cooker. This fan-favorite cast-iron workhorse provides a variety of mealtime uses, effectively giving you a skillet, deep skillet and Dutch oven all in one piece. Retailing for just $60 and ready to handle nearly any recipe with ease, it's the perfect place to start when building out your dream cookware collection.

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When it comes to cookware staples you can count on, cast iron is hard to beat. Right out of the box, pieces like the Lodge Cast Iron 3-Quart Combo Cooker come pre-seasoned and ready to cook, featuring a simple iron-and-oil construction that creates a durable, nonstick cooking surface without the use of forever chemicals.

Suitable for cooking on the grill, over a campfire, in the oven or on any stovetop (including induction and glass-top stoves), this three-in-one cooker truly is a one-stop shop for culinary creativity. It features a deep skillet that doubles as the base of a Dutch oven, along with a self-basting lid that can be inverted and used as a shallow skillet on its own.

"Great price for a Dutch oven," one shopper shared in a review, noting that they "couldn't be happier" with the purchase, as it's perfect for baking sourdough loaves.

Another shopper echoed that sentiment, writing, "I was picking up a camp Dutch oven and grabbed this set on impulse. It now lives on my stove and it is used daily."

"Should be the only cookware I need for the two of us," another fan wrote, praising the all-around versatility of the three-piece set.

Made in the USA since 1896, Lodge cast iron cookware has long been trusted for its excellent heat retention and distribution, impressive durability and unmatched versatility. This combo cooker serves as no exception, making it a true right-hand man for any home cook. Capable of handling everything from searing steaks and frying eggs to baking breads and delicious one-pan meals, it's a versatile workhorse you'll reach for time and time again.

Related: Target's $40 Boho Kitchen Essential Is a 'Stylish and Functional' Solution for Tight Spaces

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With just a little upkeep, this dependable piece will be serving meals for years to come. When cleaning, stick with warm water and a gentle scrub rather than harsh soaps or abrasive cleaners that can wear down the seasoning. And if the surface starts looking dry or dull, simply add another light layer of oil to help restore its smooth, seasoned finish.

From there, try to avoid leaving it soaking in water after cleaning and be sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. Additionally, don't be afraid to gradually build up your seasoning over time. The more you cook with cast iron, the more naturally nonstick the surface becomes, making it easier to release foods and clean with each use.

Don't miss your chance to elevate your culinary game with one of Lodge's most versatile pieces. While you're at it, be sure to check out Sam's Club's 16-Piece Bubble Reactive Dinnerware Set and Costco's 15-Piece Steel Knife Set for more must-have kitchen essentials.

Related: Sam's Club's 24-Piece Stoneware Kitchen Upgrade Is So 'Elegant,' Shoppers Are Replacing Their Mismatched Sets

Long before BookTok turned fantasy novels into bestsellers and Game of Thrones became one of television's biggest cultural phenomena, George R.R. Martin changed fantasy forever with A Game of Thrones. Published in 1996, the novel shocked readers by proving that no character was truly safe, redefining the genre with morally complex heroes, unpredictable twists, and a richly imagined world unlike anything that had come before. The first installment in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series laid the foundation for one of the most influential entertainment franchises of the 21st century. Nearly three decades later, it has been named the best book of the 1990s.

Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones introduced readers to the richly imagined continents of Westeros and Essos, where noble families battle for power while an ancient supernatural threat looms beyond the Wall. The mix of political intrigue, morally complex characters, and unpredictable storytelling wasn't the norm for the genre, which traditionally featured clearly defined heroes and villains.

In A Game of Thrones, characters are presented with conflicting motivations, difficult choices, and real consequences. Unlike most fantasy novels, Martin placed his central characters in genuine danger, creating a level of suspense that kept readers turning pages because no one seemed guaranteed to survive.

Martin's intricate world-building, expansive cast of characters, and blend of history, warfare, intense family drama, and fantasy creatures redefined what epic fantasy could be. The novel's popularity demonstrated that fantasy stories weren't niche or reserved for young adult readers. Instead, Martin's work appealed to adults as much as younger readers, expanding the genre's mainstream audience.

Related: Queen of the Beach Read Elin Hilderbrand Calls This Book a 'Summer Must-Read'

Do you think he can finish it? Let us know below! #booktok #houseofthedragon #books #GoT #gameofthrones

The book's success was eclipsed only by HBO's Game of Thrones, which premiered in 2011 and quickly became more than must-see television. The series became a global phenomenon and one of the biggest television hits in history, introducing Martin's world to millions of new fans while earning widespread acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards.

HBO's adaptation did more than create a hit series. It renewed interest in the novels, turning A Song of Ice and Fire into one of the best-selling fantasy book series ever published. The prequel House of the Dragon further demonstrated the enduring appeal of Martin's world decades after the first novel was released.

The success of Game of Thrones reshaped both publishing and television. Fantasy storytelling embraced Martin's blueprint of morally complex protagonists, political intrigue, and serialized storytelling that rewarded long-term investment from readers and viewers alike. Publishers sought more mature fantasy novels, while television networks became increasingly willing to invest in ambitious fantasy adaptations.

The series also helped fuel interest in adaptations such as The Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Witcher, and Shadow and Bone, proving that epic fantasy could attract a devoted global audience.

At the heart of readers' love of fantasy is the chance to escape into richly imagined worlds while exploring timeless themes of power, loyalty, family, and survival. Although A Game of Thrones is set in a world of dragons and magic, its emotional stakes and moral dilemmas feel deeply human.

Nearly 30 years after its debut, A Game of Thrones remains one of the defining works of modern fantasy, inspiring generations of readers, writers, and filmmakers while reminding audiences that the most unforgettable stories are the ones that continue to surprise them.

Related: Fans of 'Fourth Wing' Are Already Buzzing About Rebecca Yarros’ New Romance 'Peculiar Stars'

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McDonald's is bringing the BTS universe back to its Happy Meal lineup.

The fast-food chain announced its new BT21 Happy Meal will arrive at participating locations nationwide on July 14 for a limited time. The collaboration ties into BT21, the character franchise created through a partnership between BTS and Line Friends.

Each Happy Meal comes with a choice of a hamburger, cheeseburger, or four- or six-piece chicken nuggets, along with a side of kid-sized fries or apple slices, and a drink option of fountain soda, juice, milk, or water.

The real prize, however, is the toy: one of eight collectible BT21 characters, each designed with a ring clip so kids can attach them to bags, keychains, or backpacks.

The character lineup includes Koya, a blue koala inspired by RM; Shooky, a cookie-shaped character inspired by Suga; RJ, an alpaca inspired by Jin; Mang, a chipmunk inspired by J-Hope; Chimmy, a puppy inspired by Jimin; Tata, an alien inspired by V; Cooky, a bunny inspired by Jungkook; and Van, a robot-like character meant to represent BTS's global fanbase, known as ARMY.

Fans can also scan a QR code on the Happy Meal box to unlock an interactive experience on HappyMeal.com, where kids can build tracks and bring the characters' performances to life.

This marks the third time McDonald's has partnered with BTS. The chain's first collaboration came in 2021 with the massively popular BTS Meal, which included a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets order with Sweet Chili and Cajun dipping sauces and was rolled out in nearly 50 markets worldwide. In 2025, McDonald's followed up with a Happy Meal featuring TinyTAN, animated versions of each BTS member.

With BT21 now joining the McDonald's toy chest, BTS fans and their kids have a fresh reason to roll through the drive-thru before the promotion wraps up.

It’s been seven years since The Big Bang Theory signed off. But as the franchise gears up to expand with a new spinoff series, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, fans are returning to the sitcom for its singular one-liners, quirky friendships, and rerun appeal.

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Though the CBS series ran for 12 seasons and 279 episodes, one half hour stands out: According to Comic Book, Season 10, Episode 1, “The Conjugal Conjecture” ranks as the No. 1 most rewatchable episode of alltime.

“It earns the No. 1 spot for rewatchability because it hits multiple corners of the ensemble at once and holds the tone balanced,” the outlet writes. “You get romantic comedy, awkward science-brain logic, and classic group banter in one package.”

Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, The Big Bang Theory works like any other sitcom, with slow-burn character development and an underlying through line, but the series’ genius lies in its self-contained weekly comedic plots, which let casual viewers enjoy the show without knowing the backstory while long-term fans are rewarded with deep emotional growth each half hour.

In "The Conjugal Conjecture," viewers are reacquainted with the core cast: Sheldon and Amy return from a trip, Leonard and Penny walk down the aisle for a second time, and Howard and Raj dodge a suspicious Air Force Colonel. Meanwhile, the day is fraught with the kind of family drama weddings attract.

“The episode moves quickly between couples,” CB writes, “delivering a strong season-opening rhythm and plenty of punch lines. It works as a ‘where are they now’ snapshot that still feels like a real episode, not a recap.”

Premiering in September 2007, The Big Bang Theory was a massive critical and commercial success. As the winner of 10 Primetime Emmy Awards, the show became one of the most successful and longest-running multi-camera sitcoms of all time, drawing more than 23 million viewers for its series finale. In 2024, the show became the “most-binged titles” in streaming, according to Nielsen.

On July 23, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will make its premiere. It picks up after the events of The Big Bang Theory's series finale and follows comic book owner Stuart after he accidentally foils a time-traveling device built by Sheldon and Leonard, triggering a multiverse Armageddon.

According to Looper, the series will blend sci-fi and horror elements with drama, time-travel concepts, and comedy. The 10-episode first season will stream on HBO Max at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes dropping weekly.

HBO Max is also the current host platform for The Big Bang Theory in its entirety, should you want to revisit the crew in Pasadena before the new series launches.

Related: 7 Years Later, ‘Big Bang Theory’ Universe Returns With First Look at Spinoff

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Summer hosting is more fun when even the serving dishes feel suited to the season. The Martha Stewart Empress Bouquet Fine Ceramic Serving Platter is covered in light blue flowers that add a cutesy garden-inspired look to any table. It’s on sale at JCPenney for just $22, down from $45, with code BARBEQUE, bringing the floral platter to half its original price.

The ceramic platter is 17 inches long and 16 inches across, leaving room to arrange everything from fruit and pastries to appetizers or desserts, with blue chinoiserie-inspired flowers curling around the edges. It’s lightweight at just 3 pounds and can conveniently go in both the microwave and dishwasher for easy prep and cleanup.

Courtesy of JCPenney

It has a super versatile design so you can use it to carry burgers and vegetables outside for a cookout, arrange sandwiches for lunch, or set out slices of watermelon without pulling several smaller plates from the cabinet. And because the florals run along the border, the food stays as the focal point while the decorative accents frame whatever you’ve made. Even a simple assortment of grocery-store pastries would look ready to serve once arranged across it.

One shopper wrote, “It has a lovely, delicate design,” while another called it “beautiful” and a “great price.” Other reviewers said they love their Martha Stewart dishes, and one shared that this was the second platter they bought. It currently has an overall rating of 4.8 out of five stars, with reviewers awarding it five out of five for both quality and value.

The platter doesn’t have to stay packed away between parties, either. You could use it for family dinners or pile it with fruit on the counter. Since it’s microwave-safe, food can be warmed directly on it, and the dishwasher-safe ceramic makes cleanup easier after guests leave. It would also be gorgeous at a wedding, bridal shower, or even as a housewarming gift, especially for someone who loves floral dinnerware.

• Martha Stewart Salt and Shore Ceramic Oval Platter, $16 (was $40) at JCPenney
• Lenox Butterfly Meadow 4-Piece Porcelain Plate Set, $58 (was $100) at JCPenney
• Martha Stewart Chauncey Hobnail Glass Pitcher, $22 (was $65) at JCPenney

Related: Dolly Parton’s Shimmery $24 Stoneware Tray at Walmart Is a Charming Essential for Hosting and Home Styling

With summer gatherings filling up the calendar, now is a great time to add a platter that can handle cookouts, brunches, dinners, and dessert spreads. At $22 with the BARBEQUE coupon, the Martha Stewart Empress Bouquet Fine Ceramic Serving Platter offers an affordable way to add something new to your hosting lineup. Grab it at JCPenney while it’s still 50% off.

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A quarter-century after releasing its last new music, Brother's Keeper is officially back.

The Pennsylvania hardcore veterans have unveiled "Asymmetrical Warflair," their first new song in 25 years. The comeback single features guest vocals from Patrick Kindlon of Drug Church and marks the band's first original material since 2001.

The release reunites one of the defining acts of the late-1990s hardcore scene.

Formed in 1994 in Erie, Pennsylvania, Brother's Keeper built a loyal following through its uncompromising blend of metallic hardcore, emotionally charged lyrics and relentless live performances. The band became a staple of the underground scene with releases including The Continuum, Sweet Irony and Fantasma, earning respect alongside many of the genre’s most influential acts.

"We were a collection of dudes who loved all-things metal, hip-hop, and hardcore," bassist Eric Schauffele told No Echo in 2018. "Put the sounds and ethos of Quicksand, Leeway, and Public Enemy together and that’s what we did, only with a very charismatic, great conceptual artist and lyricist, high pitched voice having front man. We were a DIY band from start to finish. We combined lots of tempo changes, grooves, weird guitar work including wah pedals and glass slides (which weren’t too common in hardcore), and a good deal of bass breaks."

Although the group reunited for occasional live performances over the years, fans had gone more than two decades without hearing new material.

That changed with "Asymmetrical Warflair," which pairs Brother's Keeper's signature aggressive sound with a guest appearance from Kindlon, one of modern hardcore's most recognizable vocalists through his work with Drug Church. The collaboration bridges generations of hardcore, connecting a pioneering '90s band with one of today’s leading voices in heavy music.

The new single also arrives alongside plans for additional activity from the band. Brother's Keeper has more new music in the works, signaling that the return may be more than a one-off reunion.

For longtime fans, the release represents the end of an unusually long wait. Few hardcore bands return with new music after such an extended hiatus, making "Asymmetrical Warflair" one of the scene's more unexpected comebacks of the year.

Twenty-five years after its last new release, Brother's Keeper has proven there's still plenty left to say. With "Asymmetrical Warflair," the influential hardcore outfit is once again adding its voice to a genre it helped shape decades ago.

Related: '90s Rock Band Announces New Album 33 Years After Forming

The 1981 Journey rock power ballad "Who's Crying Now" remains one of the band's most beloved songs. More than four decades after its release, fans still rank the swoon song among Journey's very best. What many don't realize, however, is that the hit came together almost immediately after the band's newest member arrived on the scene.

In 1980, founding keyboardist Gregg Rolie left Journey and was replaced by Jonathan Cain, whose piano, synthesizers, and songwriting would soon reshape the band's sound. Steve Perry already had a good start on "Who's Crying Now," but he needed help getting it over the finish line.

Perry said the song's inspiration first struck when he was driving, "I heard the whole chorus. I don’t know where it came from!” Perry shared on the Ultimate Classic Rock Nights radio show. He says he headed to Cain’s place with the song's start. “I didn’t have all the lyrics finished,” Perry recalled. “The melodies were done and the rhythm was done; I knew what the pocket was."

"Boom, he just like zeroed in on it," Perry said about then-newcomer Cain's songwriting contribution. "We had the beginning, we had the middle, he helped do the lyrics with me … it was done!”

Related: 1981 Rock Song Became an Anthem About Grief and Resilience

Cain remembered the day the duo co-wrote "Who's Crying Now" well, too — because it was essentially his first day of songwriting for the rock band. “That was the first thing we wrote, first day,” Cain told Louder. “I can’t remember exactly how long it took, but not long. Maybe an afternoon.

"We had an instant chemistry," Cain added.

The song marked the earliest collaboration of the Perry-Cain songwriting partnership. Cain's piano and songwriting complemented Perry's melodies, and their collaboration helped define the sound of Escape, Journey's seventh and most successful album. In fact, this partnership went on to produce other memorable Journey songs, such as "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms."

"Who's Crying Now" was released in July 1981 as the first single from Escape and, by October, peaked at No. 4 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Mainstream Rock Tracks charts.

Perry's soaring vocal and Neal Schon's unforgettable guitar solo helped make the song one of Journey's influential recordings. Even today, Schon's emotional riff is regularly celebrated by fans and guitarists alike.

one of the best solos ever tbh 😤 using the Strum app #whoscryingnow #journey #80s #guitar #electricguitar

Billboard and Louder have both ranked "Who's Crying Now" among Journey's top 10 best songs. The track has also surpassed 156 million Spotify streams and continues to find new life on TikTok, where fans celebrate its soaring vocals, iconic guitar solo, and timeless message of vulnerability and heartbreak.

press number 1 in the comments if you’ve ever been wronged but are currently wondering WHO’S CRYING NOW 🦹🏻‍♀️ #whoscryingnow #rockmusic #coversong #steveperry #journey @JOURNEY @Steve Perry

Few could have predicted that one of Jonathan Cain's very first writing sessions with Journey would help produce one of the band's defining songs. More than 40 years later, "Who's Crying Now" remains one of Journey's most beloved — and emotionally enduring — classics.

Listen to the official audio for "Who's Crying Now" by Journey:

Watch Journey's 1981 performance of "Who's Crying Now":

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RobertPattinson isn’t afraid to be the bad guy…In fact, he likes it. 

The actor spoke to People about his upcoming villainous roles in The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three. 

When asked if he enjoys being an antagonist, he said, “I do. I like lowering people’s expectations; that’s always my favorite, that’s always my place to be. Undersell and overdeliver, that’s my motto.”

In The Odyssey, Pattinson plays Antinous, who goes after Odysseus’ (MattDamon) wife Penelope’s (AnneHathaway) hand in marriage after he goes missing following the Trojan War. Antinous aims to marry Penelope and steal Odysseus' throne as king of Ithaca. He also plans to eliminate the couple’s son, Telemachus (TomHolland). 

While that might sound like the plot of a villain, the 40-year-old doesn’t see it that way. 

“I don’t think he’s really the bad guy,” he said about his character. “I think he’s just like. . . It’s a love story, it’s a love story. Penelope is just waiting for Antinous to get older.”

Pattinson might defend his character, but he is still an actor. While speaking to People, he gave a hint into how he gets into character.  

“There’s always one little thing that you kind of do every movie, I always find some kind of little quirk. I’m trying to remember what it was on this,” he explained. I remember doing something which a lot of people thought I was very strange doing, but I can’t remember [what].”

Tricks like these must be important for the Twilight actor. He has many projects coming out this year. 

Pattinson's first film of the year was The Drama in April. In addition to The Odyssey, the actor will be featured in Dune: Part Three, portray ChrisHansen as the To Catch a Predatorhost in Primetime, and star in Netflix’s Here Comes the Flood with DenzelWashington, DaisyEdgar-Jones, and DanaiGurira.

The Odyssey hits the big screen on July 17.

More than two decades after his conviction, Scott Peterson's case is getting fresh scrutiny.

The 53-year-old, who was found guilty of killing his pregnant wife, Laci, in 2002, has spent half his life behind bars while maintaining his innocence. Now, a new documentary is examining evidence his legal team says was overlooked.

Scott Peterson: The New Evidence premieres July 16 and 17 on A&E. The nearly three-hour project features interviews with witnesses and experts and dives into leads that host Chris Pixley claims police never fully investigated.

Pixley, an attorney and legal analyst, said the documentary was built around independently testing claims raised by the Los Angeles Innocence Project, which has been working on Peterson's behalf.

Their petition, filed earlier this year, introduced more than a dozen new evidentiary claims, including witness statements and alternative theories about what happened to Laci and the couple's unborn son.

A San Mateo County judge denied that petition in April, ruling the claims weren't strong enough to prove Peterson's innocence. Peterson's attorneys are now preparing an appeal to a higher court.

The case captivated the country in the early 2000s after investigators discovered Peterson was having an affair at the time his wife disappeared. He told police he'd last seen Laci the morning of Dec. 24, 2002, before he left to go fishing. He was convicted in 2004 on two counts of murder.

Not everyone connected to the documentary believes Peterson is innocent. However, some, including a retired detective featured in the film, argue his affair doesn't necessarily make him a killer.

Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, has remained firm in her belief that the jury got it right, previously telling reporters that the "new evidence" claims resurface again and again without ever changing the outcome.

The documentary's premiere could reignite public debate over one of the most closely watched murder cases in recent memory.

Larry Birkhead isn't staying quiet about the upcoming Anna Nicole Smith biopic.

In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Birkhead said he "absolutely" opposes Trust Me, I'm a Doctor, an upcoming film centered on Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, the physician who treated Smith before her death in 2007.

"We absolutely object to any of Anna Nicole's, my life, my daughter's life being used in a movie," Birkhead said. "And being made characters out of someone who was a doctor that supposedly people were supposed to trust."

Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images

The film is based on Kapoor's 2017 memoir about treating Smith in the years leading up to her fatal drug overdose at age 39. Kapoor was later charged with illegally prescribing medications to the model but was acquitted in 2010. Actor Kal Penn portrays Kapoor in the film, while Abbie Cornish stars as Smith.

Birkhead, who dated Smith from 2003 to 2006 and shares 19-year-old daughter Dannielynn Birkhead with the late model, said he previously warned Kapoor and his representatives about the impact the project could have on his family.

"I warned them about the harm and the emotional distress that this puts on not just myself but also, most importantly, Dannielynn," he told the outlet.

Birkhead also revealed he has filed a complaint with the California Medical Board over Kapoor's participation in the project.

As for the casting, Birkhead said he doesn't believe anyone has fully captured Smith on screen.

"I have yet to see someone who actually embodied the spirit and the looks and the persona of Anna Nicole," he said.

Trust Me, I'm a Doctor is scheduled to open in theaters on Oct. 16.

The summer of 1967, called the Summer of Love, was a multisensory explosion of counterculture idealism defined by experimental music, pristine pop tracks, and the birth of psychedelic rock. In that context, Jefferson Airplane unleashed one of the most curious and hypnotic songs during this time: “White Rabbit.”

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Blending a slow-burning bolero rhythm with Eastern-inflected guitar lines and lead singer Grace Slick’s storybook-inspired lyrics, Jefferson Airplane created a relentless, mesmerizing single that is just as captivating now, decades later, as it was during the Summer of Love.

That legacy makes it no surprise that it continues to be recognized for the way it transformed Lewis Carroll’s 19th-century novels, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, into one of rock’s defining psychedelic anthems.

Classic fantasies, both of Carroll’s novels follow Alice, a girl who enters bizarre, dreamlike worlds and meets distinctly peculiar characters along the way.

As Collider wrote about the novel in its list of Best Classic Rock Songs Inspired by Famous Books, in which “White Rabbit” is included, “Lewis Carroll’s children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is just as capricious as it is surreal. When a young Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole, she ends up in a fanciful realm where the world literally turns upside down. As she tries to find her way out, she encounters zany characters like the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and Mad Hatter—only to come face-to-face with the evil Queen of Hearts.”

Related: 1967 Rock Classic, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Was Written in an Hour on a Broken Piano

Building on Alice’s subterranean fantasy world and the inverted reality she steps through via a mirror in her living room, illustrated in the original book’s sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, Slick transformed Carroll’s whimsical imagery into one of rock’s most enduring anthems, layering the familiar characters and surreal landscapes with unmistakable references to the counterculture of the 1960s.

As Collider wrote, “The song definitely takes a more PG-rated approach, replacing potions and cakes with pills while portraying the Caterpillar as a hookah-smoking creature. It also references the novel's most famous command, ‘Off with her head!’"

According to an interview published in The Guardian, Slick wrote “White Rabbit” during an era of experimentation, when people were exploring different ways of thinking, various kinds of music, and assorted mind-altering substances.

“The 1960s resembled Wonderland for me,” Slick said. “Like Alice, I met all kinds of strange characters, but I was comfortable with it. … In the ’60s, the drugs were not ones like heroin and alcohol that you take to blot out a terrible life, but psychedelics: marijuana, LSD, and shroomies.”

She added, “Psychedelic drugs showed you that there are alternative realities. You open up to things that are unusual and different, and, in realizing that there are alternative ways of looking at things, you become more accepting of things around you.”

As for the lyric, “Feed your head,” which she sings over and over to close the song, she said, “I was talking about feeding your head by paying attention: Read some books, pay attention.”

White Rabbit serves as the perfect backdrop to this scene in The Game (1997) don’t you think? What other movies do you think would have been enhanced by Grace’s haunting vocals?

Released as a single in June 1967 from the band’s second studio album, Surrealistic Pillow, “White Rabbit” was a critical and commercial success. On the Billboard Hot 100, it reached No. 8 in July, becoming Jefferson Airplane’s second Top 10 hit, following “Somebody to Love.”

Since then, the song's legacy has grown through its appearances on the big screen. From films like The Matrix Resurrections and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas to American Hustle and The Game, the psychedelic rock anthem remains one of the most recognizable songs in rock history. And one of the cleverest ways to smuggle drug references onto classic rock radio.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s 1988 Novel Ranked Among the Best Books of All Time

Randolph Mantooth, who starred as a firefighter-paramedic in the 1970s NBC action show Emergency!, has died at the age of 80.

His brother, Donald Mantooth, told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor had been "ill for a number of years and kept getting thinner and thinner," ultimately passing away at a hospice facility in Ventura, California.

Emergency! aired for six seasons, beginning in January 1972 and going until May 1977. The show is credited with helping create more paramedic units throughout North America. According to The Hollywood Reporter, there were only 12 units across the continent when the show premiered, but throughout the next three years, 46 states "enacted laws that allowed paramedics to practice emergency medicine."

“Do I respect paramedics? Do I respect firefighters?” Mantooth said in a TV Academy Foundation interview. “There’s a debt I owe them that I probably can’t ever pay back. But I’m gonna try.”

Mantooth was also beloved in the soap opera community, having appeared in General Hospital, Loving, and As the World Turns. He also appeared on Operation Petticoat (1978), Detective School, and The Seekers, as well as guest-starring on Battlestar Galactica, Charlie’s Angels, The Fall Guy, Diagnosis Murder, and L.A. Law

Following the news, many paid tribute to the actor on social media.

"Will always be the Squad 51 dude.. calling Rampart. RiP Randolph Mantooth," one person wrote.

"such a great show and great actor!! rip,' another person expressed.

"A little bit of my childhood died with him. "Emergency!" was mandatory TV viewing on Saturday night. I also had the Gage and DeSoto action figures. I also don't think Gage would hide Mitch McConnell's true condition from us," a fan posted.

"Not only one of my favorite actors from a syndicated show that was in heavy rotation when I was kid, but has there ever been a better TV name than Randolph Mantooth?," another fan commented.

"He was my inspiration to become a Paramedic. I was not alone in that. What a loss," one fan said.