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Before Larry David solidified himself as comedy great with Curb Your Enthusiasm, he had a chance to showcase his skills on Mork & Mindy decades earlier. But a mistake he made during his audition cost him the role.

Garry Marshall, creator of the Happy Days spin-off, revealed the tale in his memoir, My Happy Days in Hollywood. His sister, Ronny Hallin, a producer for the show, met with David for his audition. "[She] tried to recruit another funny comedian named Larry David early on," Marshall wrote, "but when Larry came in for the audition, he penciled up the scene he was supposed to act in. Ronny asked him what he was doing, and he said, 'punching up the script.'"

He continued: "He thought he was auditioning as a writer," Marshall explained. He didn’t get the role or a job as a writer on the show. He auditioned to star as a con man named Ellsworth on the show. Eventually, David Letterman landed the part in a move that would be a rarity for him in the acting space.

David later admitted he initially did not believe he had acting chops, telling the New York Post in 2015,  "I was inspired to become a comedian because I was a bad actor.” Marshall echoed similar sentiments about David in his memoir. "He didn't think he was an actor at all," he wrote about David. "Years later, when he developed his series 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' he would think differently." 

Curb Your Enthusiasm premiered in 2000 and aired for 12 seasons on HBO. David stars as a fictionalized version of himself, following his life as a semi-retired television writer and producer in Los Angeles for the majority of the show’s run. The show has largely been lauded as one of the greatest comedy series of all time. It earned 55 Primetime Emmy nominations during its run.

So much of Criminal Minds: Evolution is dark and dangerous but, in this week’s, “Requiem” episode, the BAU team takes time out to mark a milestone in the life of Jennifer ‘JJ’ Jareau’s (A.J. Cook) TV son Henry LaMontagne, who just happens to be played by A.J.’s real-life son Mekhai Andersen.

It’s a surprise party for Henry, who’s off to Hallridge University in California, but when JJ, Henry and Phoenix enter Penelope’s (Kirsten Vangsness) apartment, they don’t seem to be surprised.

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“Your cars are around the corner,” JJ’s younger son, Michael LaMontagne, who is played by Phoenix Sky Andersen, A.J.’s real-life youngest son, says when (Joe Mantegna) accuses JJ of having revealed the surprise.  

To which Penelope replies, “Can we work on our not-at-work stealthiness?”

Both boys’ father is A.J.’s husband Nathan Andersen.

Then there’s a hanky-necessary moment in a conversation between JJ and Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster).

Related: Criminal Minds: Evolution Boss on Not a ‘Dry Eye’ After Killing Off a Fan-Favorite Character

“Spence told me that he’s happy for Henry, but he can still make that call to Cal Tech, you know, if he changes his mind,” JJ says, referring to Matthew Gray Gubler’s character, Dr. Spencer Reid.

“You have a lot to be proud of,” Emily tells her. “You know who we’re really here to celebrate, don’t you? You and Will.”

“It’s been a long road,” JJ responds, referring, of course, to having to raise her two sons alone since the death of her husband Will [Josh Stewart].

New episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution drop each Thursday exclusively on Paramount+.

Next,Criminal Minds: Evolution Boss Reveals What’s Next for Sicarius — and Why Season 19 Has ‘Unfinished Business’ (Exclusive)

While at Wimbledon last week, Kate Middletongot to chatting with her seatmates about recently completing the UK's Three Peaks Challenge.

Sat between two former renowned British tennis players, Deborah Jevans and Tim Henman, the future queen opened up about her recent accomplishment — hiking the highest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales — in a candid discussion while the three watched a tennis match.

"I think part of the journey was trying to enjoy the process," she said to Henman in footage shared by Wimbledon's official Instagram page. "The training beforehand but also making time during the walk to meet people and enjoy the journey, rather than just quickly getting to the top."

Completed in 24 hours, Middleton has shared some personal photos of the feat where she's seen mid-trek, sporting rain gear due to the wet conditions.

"The weather was atrocious," she said. "I mean everybody got soaked through. It was a very sort of stoically British thing to do. You're soaking wet and everyone's going, 'C'mon we can do it!'"

Related: Kate Middleton's Brother James Shares Rare Sibling Photo Following Three Peaks Challenge: 'So Incredibly Proud'

Middleton participated in the challenge along with her brother in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, a cause close to her heart, as she received treatment for her own cancer diagnosis from The Royal Marsden hospital.

"I've just been so blown away by donations," she told Henman. "Everyone's been so generous. That's what keeps you going ... when you know you're doing it for a good cause."

"It keeps you going through the harder times," she added.

Middleton, 44, was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and stepped back from royal duties while she received treatment. She announced on social media in January of 2025 that she was "cancer free" and focused on recovery.

In the first Instagram she posted of the trek, she shared her gratitude for The Royal Marsden hospital and compassion for others dealing with cancer.

"I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back," she said. "The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people."

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Do yourself a favor and invest in wide leg pants that you can sport all summer long. The beauty of flowy bottoms is that they look fashionable and keep you cool on boiling hot days. Thanks to Walmart, you can shop for amazing clothing options that you'll want to keep season after season. The VDJ Capri Pants are the latest style on our radar, and they're currently up to 58% off. 

The pants initially cost $26, but have been reduced to as low as $11 in the black floral pattern. The bottoms are priced at $13 in the remaining eight colorways, spanning from a classic black to a gorgeous green floral pattern. The sizes range from S to XXL, with shoppers noting that the pants are true to size. Just note that they're intended to be a slightly cropped pant and loosely fit when you consider sizing. 

Courtesy of Walmart

The pants are made of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, so they're fairly lightweight and breathable so that you can wear them all summer long. The pants are marked as machine washable, but make sure to follow the care instructions to prevent shrinkage or color seeping.. The trouser design includes an elastic waistband that you can adjust with the provided tassel belt. 

Courtesy of Walmart

The wide leg pants have side pockets that you can place your phone or other small miscellaneous items into. The style is very versatile, so you can easily dress it up with sandals or dress it down with comfy sneakers. Shoppers described the bestselling bottoms as "soft," "very comfortable," "stretchy," and "fabulous." Other reviewers cited the color is "vibrant" and added that the material isn't see-through.

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $65 Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is 'Perfect for Tiny Bathrooms'

Several customers purchased a few pairs of these "super cute" pants in different colors. It's a good idea to buy a traditional pair that you can match with everything, and then a fun pattern that makes a bold statement. They're a "great addition" to your wardrobe either way, as the fabric is "silky" and "flows well." 

• Fantaslook Ruffle Midi Dress, $14 (was $29) at Walmart
• Ronuti Henley Top, $12 (was $24) at Walmart
• Cate & Chloe Hoop Earrings, $20 (was $115) at Walmart

These are the adorable summer pants that you can't believe you lived without. Plus, if you move quickly enough to purchase them on sale, you can tell friends you swiped them for just $11. Shop this epic Walmart deal before it disappears! 

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Long before the era of binge-watching, one sweeping 1977 love story managed to do the impossible: pull an entire nation away from their busy lives and glue them to their television screens.

What started as a massive bestselling book quickly grew into a record-breaking television event. Decades later, the unforgettable family saga of The Thorn Birds still holds a special place in the hearts of millions who watched it unfold in 1983.

The Thorn Birds book was released in 1977. Written by Colleen McCullough, it tells the story of the struggling Cleary family, who are invited to live at Drogheda, the vast Australian sheep station owned by Paddy Cleary’s wealthy sister, Mary Carson.

There, they meet Father Ralph de Bricassart, a charismatic young priest who forms a close bond with the family, especially Meggie. As Ralph and Meggie grow closer, Mary becomes consumed by jealousy.

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Before her death, she changed her will to leave her fortune to the Catholic Church instead of the Clearys, and forced Ralph to decide whether or not to reveal it to the family. His choice secures his own rise within the Church while allowing the Cleary family to remain at Drogheda, setting the stage for the novel's central conflicts, including Ralph's later-in-life love affair with Meggie.

The book was an international bestseller. A New York Times article printed in 2015 shared the news that McCullough had died; and revealed the book had sold than 30 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 20 languages.

The Times wrote, "In hardcover, it spent more than a year on the New York Times best-seller list; the paperback rights were sold at auction for $1.9 million, a record at the time."

The ABC miniseries of the same name, starring Richard Chamberlain as Father Ralph and Rachel Ward as Meggie, was first broadcast in 1983. It also starred Christopher Plummer, Barbara Stanwyck, and Jean Simmons and became the most-watched television miniseries of all time.

The Television Academy wrote, "Despite its controversial subject matter (or perhaps because of it), The Thorn Birds garnered an average 41 rating and 59 share over the course of its four-night run, making it then the second highest rated miniseries ever, second only to Roots (1977). Its controversial third episode, in which Meggie and Father Ralph consummated their relationship, was at the time the fourth highest rated network entertainment show of all time (preceded only by the final episode of M*A*S*H, the "Who Shot JR?" episode of Dallas, and the eighth episode of Roots.)"

"In the end, an estimated 110 million-140 million viewers saw all or some of the miniseries. TV Guide, in fact, has listed The Thorn Birds as one of the top 20 programs of the 1980s," the Academy concluded.

The Thorn Birds is not currently available on any free or subscription-based streaming services. However, it can be rented or purchased digitally.

Related: This 1967 Book That Became a Cultural Phenomenon Is Now Ranked the Greatest of All Time

The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy is driving a shift in the weight-management industry, moving the conversation from calorie restriction to muscle preservation. To combat this shift, Weight Watchers is fundamentally overhauling its approach to nutrition.

The popularity of these medications has swelled over the last few years, with several high-profile celebrities opening up about their personal experiences.  Oprah Winfrey, a longtime board member and face of Weight Watchers, departed the company's board after disclosing her use of a prescription weight-loss aid. Kelly Clarkson and Whoopi Goldberg have both discussed using medical injections to assist with weight reduction, while comedian Amy Schumer shared that she discontinued her prescription due to side effects, including severe fatigue.

Medical experts note that rapid weight loss can result in the loss of lean muscle mass alongside fat tissue. For women navigating midlife and individuals utilizing GLP-1 medications, maintaining muscle is critical for long-term metabolic health and physical mobility.

In response to these changing consumer needs, Weight Watchers is expanding its focus beyond its traditional point-counting system to address protein intake and strength training. The company has partnered with nutrition brand FlavCity, founded by Bobby Parrish, to launch a limited-edition Whipped Lemonade protein powder.

Available through FlavCity’s TikTok Shop and website, the supplement provides 25 grams of protein and 10 grams of collagen per serving, translating to 4 points within the Weight Watchers system. The product is formulated without the artificial additives common in some diet foods, aligning with FlavCity's focus on clean ingredients.

The partnership also introduces the "Summer Strength Club," a 10-week digital program for new and existing Weight Watchers members. The initiative is designed to help users hit daily protein targets and establish strength-training routines through the summer months.

The digital club features live strength-training classes led by fitness coach Holly Rilinger, founder of The LIFTED Method. It also integrates weekly high-protein recipes and cooking demonstrations from Parrish, alongside in-app community challenges to maintain user engagement.

As consumer habits shift toward pharmaceutical weight loss and fitness tracking, the collaboration represents a move by Weight Watchers to provide resources that address the physical side effects of modern weight-loss trends.

Connor Murphy, an American fitness influencer with millions of followers, was reported to have died while in Thailand. He was 32 years old.

According to TMZ, Murphy died following a drowning incident that took place while he was in Thailand. The Thai outlet Thai Rath reported that the influencer was acting erratically when he returned to his residential villa by taxi on Tuesday, July 7. When arriving at his destination, he allegedly tried to get into another taxi but was refused by the driver due to his behavior. It led Murphy to grow more agitated and begin shouting.

Authorities in the Samut Prakan province of Thailand responded to a call at the rental property concerning a man acting erratically. When police arrived, Murphy reportedly fled through the village and jumped into a nearby lake. He swan for several minutes before growing tired and drowning.

Divers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were called in and searched for his body for 30 minutes before recovering it 20 meters from shore. Authorities claim that Murphy's body showed no signs of assault, and an autopsy was ordered.

The Bangkok Post reported that Murphy was in Thailand with his 22-year-old girlfriend after having booked a three-month luxury rental property. When authorities searched the property, they found that it had been vandalized with black and yellow paint. A further search revealed unused syringes and unidentified white pills in his car.

Murphy's girlfriend alleges that the vandalism occurred while she was asleep and had no knowledge of Murphy having drug issues. She also claims that the influencer's recent behavior was unusual and had never occurred before.

A friend of the fitness influencer confirmed his death on July 8 with several social media posts. Fitness coach Patrick Lyons posted throwback photos of the two together with the caption reading, "This is a hard post to make, and I don’t quite know what to say. Connor Murphy fundamentally changed the course of my life due to the impact he had on my content and my following."

Murphy rose to social media fame in the mid-2010s during the peak fitness era. He gained millions of followers by sharing fitness videos as a bodybuilding athlete considered a part of the "looksmaxxing" community. Per his Instagram page, his last post was on July 3 and included a video of him playing with a soccer ball indoors.

Anya Taylor-Joy's sheer lace dress is setting the red carpet on fire.

The actress, 30, who came to notoriety on the hit series Peaky Blinders, skyrocketed to acclaim as Beth Harmon in 2020's The Queen's Gambit, which follows the unlikely rise of an orphaned chess prodigy who battles drug and alcohol addiction. While she's tackled roles in Furiosa and The Menu since then, it's her new role in the upcoming Apple TV+ crime miniseries that's making the most waves.

Naturally, Taylor-Joy knew how to make a statement at a photocall for the show's launch at Raffles London at The OWO in England. The beauty wore a sheer black lace dress with a baby blue bottom, which perfectly complemented her platinum blonde hair. Checkmate!

Dave Benett / Getty Images

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Based on Marissa Stapley's 2021 novel, Lucky hits Apple TV+ on July 15. Check out Taylor-Joy alongside Timothy Olyphant and Annette Bening in the trailer for Lucky below:

Taylor-Joy recently revealed to Movieplayer that music legend Fiona Apple sings the show's title sequences.

"I wanted [the music] to be mostly female-centric and have kind of a rock edge to it," Taylor-Joy shared. "I think her voice is a perfect description of this series. There’s a timbre and a rawness and a gravelliness that perfectly exemplifies the show.”

Taylor-Joy's next gig is taking her to Middle-earth. In May, Variety reported that the actress is the latest star to join the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The film, which will be directed by and starring Andy Serkis, will have Taylor-Joy facing off with veterans Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Lee Pace.

Taylor-Joy will play Seren, a Sindar Elf of the Woodland Realm, who is described as “a trusted and lethal agent of King Thranduil,” the piece noted, adding that new faces in the beloved series will include Kate Winslet, Leo Woodall, and Jamie Dornan.

Related: Kate Hudson’s Sideless Gown Torches the Fashion Competition on the Red Carpet

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Sandal season is officially in full swing. Flip-flops, strappy slides, sporty clogs, cork footbeds, woven styles — they’re all back in rotation. But as much as we love an open-toe moment, it’s not always the most practical choice, especially for things like workdays, super long walks or less-than-smooth terrains like dirt and gravel.

That’s where slip-on styles come in. They give you that same breathable, warm-weather feel, but with a bit more structure and support, making them a smart in-between option. Right now, Amazon has a standout pair from Clarks that fits the bill perfectly. The Breeze Roam Slip-Ons are down 46% to $38 from $70 in the navy and black and white versions. There are also classic black and beige options available for $45. With a crochet-like look, they're an easy, wear-on-repeat pick that works across all summer plans.

Courtesy of Amazon

The upper of these flat slip-ons features a detailed perforated construction that combines fine pinprick holes with larger petal- and leaf-shaped cutouts, creating a subtle floral pattern that adds both visual texture and airflow. This design not only gives the shoe a more elevated look than a standard slip-on but also adds breathability and airiness in warmer weather. A softly elasticized topline is built in for a secure, flexible fit that moves with your foot without feeling restrictive, while the rounded toe is a classic, versatile shape that works across a range of outfits.

A 25-millimeter platform provides a slight lift without compromising stability, and the layered outsole features slim stripe detailing along the sidewall for a more modern, sneaker-inspired finish. Inside, the shoe is equipped with Clarks’ cushion-soft foam footbed, which is removable and designed to deliver shock absorption and consistent underfoot support. The base is finished with a flexible, textured thermoplastic rubber outsole that enhances traction and durability, making the shoes suitable for a variety of surfaces.

These shoes come in three easy neutral shades that go with just about everything, making the style simple to work into your everyday rotation. Shoppers especially love how easy it is to find the “perfect fit,” with regular-width sizes running in half increments from 5 through 12, plus narrow and wide options available as well. Pricing can vary depending on the size, color, and width you choose, so it’s worth double-checking before adding to cart.

Reviewers had plenty to say about these “cushioned” and “stretchy” slip-ons, calling them “comfortable” and “lightweight,” adding that they offer “great support for all-day comfort.” One shopper noted that the fit is “true to size" and added that they "are holding up well so far with frequent summer wearing.

Related: Clarks’ Strappy Sandals Are 'Perfect' for Summer Travel and 50% Off at Amazon Right Now

If you’re looking for a summer-ready shoe that’s equal parts comfortable and versatile, this $40 pair is a must. Grab the Clarks Breeze Roam Slip-Ons now at Amazon while they’re still 48% off.

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ABBA saw a major turning point in their career in 1976, despite having a list of acclaimed hits, their track "Knowing Me, Knowing You" became a more in-depth lyrical track that captured an ending relationship.

The iconic music group became well known for their lightweight pop music sound with  “Waterloo”, “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do”, and “Mamma Mia." After a hectic schedule, they settled down in 1976 to work on their next album titled Arrival. Band associate Stig Anderson would be the one to come up with the track's title, "Knowing Me, Knowing You," and would leave the lyrics up to Björn Ulvaeus to develop.

The track would mark an eerie moment in the future of the group, as Ulvaeus developed a narrative for the lyrics involving a conversation between two lovers. It's tagged as one of ABBA's earliest examples that dealt with a breakup and unknowingly predicted their own future.

As many die-hard fans know, ABBA was made up of two married couples, with Ulvaeus married to singer Agnetha Fältskog. Their bandmates Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad were also married. "Knowing Me, Knowing You" would be released years before the group's own divorces. Ulvaeus and Fältskog would call it quits in 1980, with Andersson and Lyngstad also going their separate ways a few years later.

"I think I wrote 'Knowing Me Knowing You' before the divorce. In many ways, Agnetha and my divorce was an amicable one, we just grew apart and decided let's split up. Benny and Frida's was a little more difficult. It was not a happy time but still very creative," said Ulvaeus, according to SongFacts.

In the book Mamma Mia! How Can I Resist You, Ulvaeus admitted that it was possible he had felt a "premonition about something," but really developed them to further his songwriting. The lyrics to "Knowing Me, Knowing You" followed Fältskog and Lyngstad as they sang about walking through an empty house in the aftermath of the split.

“It’s as simple as me being able to imagine a house being emptied, with boxes standing against walls and all the furniture being taken away, just a few bits and pieces left behind, and the echoing steps of a man walking around those rooms and remembering the past.”

The track would be released in February 1977, with "Happy Hawaii" serving as its B-side. "Knowing Me, Knowing You" would become known as one of ABBA's most successful singles, which landed around No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also ranked at No. 7 on the Adult Contemporary chart, No. 1 in the UK and across Europe.

Related: 1978 Rock Ballad, Written as an Apology to a Bandmate, Remains a Classic Soft Rock Anthem

Do you know what your cholesterol numbers are? If you don’t, it’s worth asking your doctor at your next appointment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 10% of people in the U.S. have high cholesterol, and many people don’t even realize they have it.

Since high cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms, you may think it’s no big deal. But when left untreated, high cholesterol increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. While some people need prescription medication to manage cholesterol, everyone can benefit from following a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet or DASH diet.

Related: The One Thing to Do Every Single Day If You Want to Lower LDL Cholesterol, According to Cardiologists

One food that fits right in with both eating plans is avocado. There’s no shortage of health benefits associated with eating avocados regularly. Avocado has nutrients that help provide the body with energy, support good digestion, help keep blood sugar levels steady and are even good for your vision. It’s also good for your heart, connected to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. 

If one of your health goals is lowering your cholesterol, you may be wondering just how much eating avocado regularly can help. Here, cardiologists explain how cholesterol is impacted when avocado is consumed regularly and share other ways the fatty fruit benefits the heart.

Related: Here's Exactly What Happens to Your Cholesterol When You Eat Blueberries

You’ve probably heard that avocados have “the good kind of fat.” According to Dr. David Sabgir, MD, a cardiologist with OhioHealth and the founder of Walk With A Doc, this is absolutely true and a major reason why the fruit can support healthy cholesterol. “Avocados are loaded with monounsaturated fats. This beneficial fat, primarily oleic acid, makes up between 50 and 71% of the oil in avocados,” he says.

Dr. Sabgir points to multiple studies showing that eating avocado can lower total cholesterol by about 6 to 7 mg/dL and LDL "bad" cholesterol by about 6 mg/dL. “For people who already have high cholesterol, the effects are even more pronounced. In those scenarios, LDL drops by roughly 9 mg/dL,” he tells Parade.

Why does unsaturated fat have such a powerful impact on cholesterol? Dr. Sabgir explains that unsaturated fat helps the liver work more effectively. “It increases the number of LDL receptors on liver cells. You can think of those receptors as tiny docking stations that pull ‘bad’ cholesterol out of the bloodstream and clear it away,” he says.

Avocado’s impact on cholesterol is especially powerful when it replaces foods high in saturated fat, like butter. “Saturated fat tends to raise LDL cholesterol,” says Dr. Sawallah Guseh, MD, the director of the cardiovascular performance program in the Massachusetts General Brigham Heart & Vascular Institute. Dr. Sabgir adds to this, highlighting a 2022 scientific study showing that when people replaced butter, cheese and added sugars with one avocado per day, LDL cholesterol particles dropped by almost 14%.

Related: Worried About Your Cholesterol Levels? Try Incorporating These 38 Foods Into Your Diet to Help Lower It

Unlike unsaturated fat, Dr. Sabgir explains that saturated fat increases the production of LDL cholesterol while simultaneously reducing the liver's ability to clear it from the blood. “The result: more ‘bad’ cholesterol circulating in the arteries,” he says.

It’s not just the avocados’ unsaturated fat content that supports healthy cholesterol. Both cardiologists say that the fruit has fiber, which also helps. “A medium avocado has about 2 to 3 grams of soluble fiber, which can reduce LDL by decreasing cholesterol absorption and increasing bile acid excretion,” Dr. Guseh tells Parade.

Dr. Sabgir explains that the soluble fiber in avocado lowers LDL cholesterol by forming a gel in the digestive tract that traps bile acids, which are made from cholesterol, and escorts them out of the body. 

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“The liver then has to pull more cholesterol from the blood to make replacement bile acids,” he says, adding that another way soluble fiber lowers cholesterol is because during the digestive process it produces compounds called short-chain fatty acids, which slow down cholesterol production in the liver.

Although avocado is a beneficial food to eat if you want to lower your cholesterol, both cardiologists say that it shouldn’t be seen as a silver bullet or a replacement for cholesterol-lowering medications. It should be consumed as part of a heart-healthy diet, not the only heart-healthy food you eat.

Helping lower LDL cholesterol isn’t the only way eating avocados regularly supports heart health—the potassium in avocado can help lower blood pressure. “Half an avocado delivers about 345 milligrams of potassium. That's roughly 7 to 8% of our daily recommended intake. Potassium and sodium have opposite effects on blood pressure: Sodium raises it, and potassium lowers it,” Dr. Sabgir says.

Like other plant-based foods, avocado is high in antioxidants. A diet high in antioxidants is scientifically linked with a lower risk of heart disease. It’s one reason why plant-centered diets are so good for your heart. 

Besides potassium and antioxidants, Dr. Sabgir says that avocados also contain folate, another nutrient that’s associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. 

As mentioned earlier, avocado should be incorporated into a more complete heart-healthy diet. With this in mind, there are plenty of ways to incorporate avocado into your breakfast or lunch for a balanced, heart-healthy meal. 

“Good pairings include whole-grain toast, tomatoes, eggs in moderation, leafy greens, beans, lentils, salmon, tuna, grilled chicken or a whole-grain wrap. The goal is to pair avocado with fiber-rich, minimally processed foods rather than refined carbohydrates or saturated-fat-heavy foods,” Dr. Guseh says. 

Avocado isn’t a silver bullet for lowering cholesterol, but it can play a supporting role. The more plant-based foods you incorporate into your diet, the better your cardiovascular health will be, including your cholesterol.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Cardiac Experts About the Best Dinner for Heart Health and They All Said the Same Thing

• High Cholesterol Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• High cholesterol. Mayo Clinic.
• Dr. David Sabgir, MD, cardiologist with OhioHealth and the founder of Walk With A Doc.
• Wang, L., Bordi, P. L., Fleming, J. A., et al. (2015). Effect of a moderate fat diet with and without avocados on lipoprotein particle number, size and subclasses in overweight and obese adults: a randomized, controlled trial.Journal of the American Heart Association. 4(1):e001355.
• Dr. Sawallah Guseh, MD, director of the cardiovascular performance program in the Massachusetts General Brigham Heart & Vascular Institute.
• Pacheco, L. S., Li, Y., Rimm, E. B., et al. (2022). Avocado Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in US Adults.Journal of the American Heart Association. 11(7):e024014. 
•  Pellegrino, D. (2016). Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.Diseases. 4(1):11.

Rosie O’Donnell is speaking out aboutDonald Trump, again. The comedian recently shared her views on the president’s call to FIFA’s Gianni Infantino about the World Cup red card controversy.

In an unprecedented move, Trump contacted FIFA’s president, directly intervening in the red card suspension of U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun. Even though Balogun was issued a red card and ejected from the game (between the U.S. and Bosnia-Herzegovina), after Trump’s intervention, FIFA announced that the Disciplinary Committee would delay the one-game ban and instead institute a one-year probationary period. This allowed him to play in the U.S.’s Round 16 match against Belgium (which Belgium won). 

Following the decision, Trump posted on Truth Social, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was straight, and reversing a great injustice!” The Royal Belgian Football Association also issued a statement: “The RBFA firmly believes that international football is best served by a disciplinary and governance framework that fully upholds the principles of legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment and fair play.” 

It looks like the Royal Belgian Football Association isn’t the only one clapping back against the red card controversy. O’Donnell recently spoke candidly to Varietyabout the hot-button topic, saying, “The fact that he called up FIFA and had the penalty revoked for the American team and America was like, ‘Yeah, that’s good! I didn’t think it was a red card anyway!’ Well, you’re not the freakin’ ref! You don’t get to decide.”   

She continued, “Since when does he get to make and change the rules, the goalposts, whatever metaphor you want to use, and everyone just sits by and shrugs their shoulders? There’s so much [corruption] that we don’t even notice it.” 

The outspoken Trump critic also added, “The fact that [Balogun] did not say, ‘I will not play this game,’ and the fact that the coach of the American team did not say, ‘This is not how we win,’ and that everyone was just like, ‘Well, whatever!’ I was horrified. I’m horrified that he is able to get away with pretty much everything, and it’s sickening.” 

It’s not surprising that Rosie’s red card statement is now getting plenty of attention online. In one Reddit thread about her recent interview, a commenter applauded the actress, writing, “Rosie trolling Trump was not on my bingo card, but I’m glad it’s happening.” 

Of course, this isn’t exactly the first time she’s trolled Trump. O’Donnell recently criticized the president after he posted a deepfake mock TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) PSA AI video of herself and A-list celebs Whoopi Goldberg, Edward Norton, John Leguizamo, Robert De Niro, and Julia Roberts. 

The first book that ever made me ugly cry was Nicholas Sparks'A Walk to Remember when I was in eighth grade. That love story swirled around in my head for weeks, and I vividly remember the world feeling different after reading it. There aren't many authors who can do that with a love story on its own, but when they do, it can be the most intoxicating feeling.

When Markus Zusak penned The Book Thief in 2005, he must have been somewhat aware of the devastation he'd wreak. After all, even 21 years later, this novel is still ranked among the "saddest books ever" on Goodreads. And it is a label that it 100% earns.

Related: Controversial 2003 Memoir Named a ‘Best Book of the 21st Century’ By Goodreads

The tale is told from Death's perspective, set in Nazi Germany. It follows the tragic story of Liesel Meminger, who, in dealing with her trauma, begins stealing books and teaching herself to read. She's adopted by foster parents and befriends a young boy, Rudy Steiner, who desperately loves her. Liesel has to navigate a tumultuous world and ends up helping her foster parents hide a Jewish refugee named Max.

The book's ending is what breaks everyone down, and without spoiling too much, let's just say her already traumatic life doesn't get any easier. But the lessons of love and resilience are what make this book a must-read.

"The Book Thief was published as a young adult novel. Don’t you believe it," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. "This is a wonderful novel, appropriate for adults of young, middle, and advanced years. My wife was shedding copious tears as she finished reading the book, and insisted that I read it immediately. How could I not? I was prepared for a moving read and was not disappointed."

"It's going to take a while for this book to fully sink in, but overall this was a masterpiece," added another.

Related: Beloved 1954 Best-Seller Named 'the Best Fantasy Novel of the Past 100 Years'

Before becoming an international bestselling author, Markus Zusak was born in Australia to German and Austrian immigrants who arrived in the country unable to read or write English. He delicately took inspiration from his parents' wartime memories for his historical fiction masterpiece, The Book Thief.

The novel won multiple awards, including a Michael L. Printz Honor, and received a rave review from fellow bestselling author John Green, who hailed the achingly sad WWII story as brilliant.

Of course, this isn't the only gut-wrenching book on the list. Titles like John Green's The Fault in Our Stars took second place among voters, followed by A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.

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Some of the biggest hits in rock history took months of grueling studio work to get right, but one legendary 1990 track only took a few minutes of pure luck.

While enjoying a meal with Kiefer Sutherland, Jon Bon Jovi famously scribbled down a whole set of lyrics onto a napkin in less time than it takes to place an order. These ideas turned into a massive number-one hit.

During a panel discussion at the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, Sutherland, who starred in the film Young Guns II, shared the story of how he watched the music legend write the lyrics to the song "Blaze of Glory" while they were having lunch.

"I'll tell you a very funny story about Young Guns II," he began. "So a lot of people wanted to be in Young Guns I because it was a western and nobody was making them back then."

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"Tom Cruise came out, and we shot him off a roof," Sutherland continued. "Jon Bon Jovi came out, and I shot him in the street. We put a beard on them and they would come work for a day."

"With Jon Bon Jovi, we went out to dinner and had some drinks. We were sitting in a bar, and Jon looked at Emilio Estevez and said, 'I want to do the music for the sequel.'"

"And Emilio looked at him and said, 'I don't know if there's going to be a sequel' and Jon just shook his head and said, 'There's gonna be a sequel.'"

"We weren't paying attention, and Jon started writing this stuff down on a napkin. And he wrote 'Blaze of Glory' in 15 minutes. He pushed the napkins to Emilio and said, 'That's your first song.'"

Sutherland concluded, "I thought 'that's pretty arrogant.' I finished the movie and went back to Montana. I'm going to the store to buy a TV or something, and Jon Bon Jovi's on all of the televisions singing 'Blaze of Glory.' It was the number one song. I didn't realize it at the time."

"Emilio has those three napkins framed in his house," he concluded.

"Blaze of Glory" reached the top of the Billboard charts in September 1990. The song spent a total of 21 weeks on the chart.

The tune won a Golden Globe Award in the category of Best Original Song - Motion Picture in 1991. It was also nominated in the category of Best Original Song at the 1991 Academy Awards, and Best Song For a Motion Picture or Television and Male Rock Vocal Performance at the 1991 Grammy Awards.

It’s pretty crazy to think that a song people still scream along to in stadiums today could have easily ended up in a diner trash can. Thirty-six years later, Jon Bon Jovi's cowboy classic remains one of the most beloved songs in his music catalog.

Related: 2000 Rock Anthem, Which Revived a Legendary Band’s Career, Marks Massive Streaming Milestone

Cate Blanchett's handsome son, Ignatius Martin, stole the spotlight from his Oscar-winning mother at Paris Fashion Week.

The Academy Award-winning actress, 57, who is known for iconic roles in films like Tar, Carol, Notes on a Scandal, and The Talented Mr. Ripley, was absolutely stunning at the Giorgio Armani Privé fashion show as part of Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026. But it was her 18-year-old son, whom she shares with her husband of 29 years, Andrew Upton, who officially made headlines. Notoriously private, Blanchett rarely hits the red carpet with her family by her side.

Ignatius sported shaggy brown hair and a cropped black jacket as he walked the red carpet with his mom, who looked every bit the movie star in a black jacket, matching pants, and sunglasses.

Aurore Marechal / Getty Images

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Back in 2020, Blanchett revealed that her son's name is rooted in books. But it's the unlikely literary origin that might have you letting out a laugh. It comes from the children's novel series, Captain Underpants, by Dav Pilkey.

“I was eight months pregnant and hallucinating, and there’s a section in the book where he gets so upset that everyone teases him because his name is Professor Pee-Pee Poopypants that he forces the world to change their names,” Blanchett previously toldJimmy Kimmel.

“They have this interior code, and they give these examples of names. You go down to ‘I’ and the example is Ignatius. It was like the Virgin Mary going ‘Boom!’ ”

Blanchett has an exciting gig coming up. She's set to join Selena Gomez in The Brutalist director Brady Corbet's next film with Michael Fassbender, Variety reported back in May.

While plot details seem to be pretty under wraps, Corbet has said in interviews that he was looking to make an “X-rated” feature set in the ’70s.

“The film spans from the 19th century into the present day — it’s just predominantly focused on the ’70s. The film is really, really genre-defying,” he previously told the Hollywood Reporter. Now that sounds interesting!

Related: Cate Blanchett's Fuzzy Purple Gown Is the Wildest Thing You've Seen on the Red Carpet Today

In 1981, April Wine dropped what would become one of their biggest U.S. hits: “Sign of the Gypsy Queen.” Forty-five years later, it remains one of the Canadian rock band’s signature songs and a rock radio classic.

Written by folk rock singer Lorence Hud, April Wine’s track bore little resemblance to the original version recorded in 1973.

While Hud’s original song about a mystical woman warning of impending doom featured acoustic guitars, harmonica and a more laid-back vibe, April Wine roared in with a more atmospheric, harder rock version for their album The Nature of the Beast. The cover came complete with a melodic guitar solo led by Brian Greenway.

April Wine’s “Sign of the Gypsy Queen” went to No. 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1981. The song received more airplay and a new audience after its accompanying music video was featured on the first day of MTV’s broadcast on Aug. 1 of that year.

Greenway once credited “Sign of Gypsy Queen” as one of the songs that helped April Wine find success in America.

“We had what I call the one, two, three punch, which is the first album with ‘Roller’ and ‘First Glance,’” he told Classic Bands in an interview. “The second album, ‘Say Hello’ got more success. We toured with both of them and the songs on there and then ‘I Like to Rock.’ Then going into number three, which was ‘Just Between You and Me’ and ‘Sign of the Gypsy Queen’  on it. It was building, building, building from album to album to album and bigger tours and bigger tours.”

RELATED: 1982 Power Ballad Written by Rock Legends Became Iconic Band’s Only Top 40  Hit

“Sign of the Gypsy Queen” became a concert staple—and it’s still being played today. In 2026, April Wine toured with fellow Canadian rock band Triumph, where fans old and new heard their 1981 classic live.

"I knew [Triumph’s] Gil [Moore] and Rik [Emmett] from years ago, but I never thought we'd be doing this in 2026," Greenway admitted to Ultimate Classic Rock in May.

Greenway also confirmed that “Sign of the Gypsy Queen” remains one of the top songs that fans want to hear performed live.

“’Roller,' 'Sign of the Gypsy Queen' and 'Just Between You and Me,’” he told NYS Music in an interview. “Those are the three big ones at the end of the show that get people going.”

Related: 1981 Classic Written by Rock Legend Was Overshadowed by His Duet With Another Music Icon

Some songs define an era, and one of those is TLC's "Waterfall," a song that became the soundtrack to the nineties.

Released on May 29, 1995, in the U.S., the song instantly became a hit, soaring to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for seven weeks. It also ranked at No. 2 on the coveted Billboard Year-End chart, making it one of the most successful songs of 1995.

While it's easy to assume that the track is about a flowing body of water, the title acts as a metaphor for dangerous, self-destructive behaviors, while lyrically, the song tackles harsh real-world issues. According to the BBC, it was one of the first tracks that shone a light on AIDS.

"Anything that’s self-destructive, that’s chasing a waterfall. We wanted to make a song with a strong message — about unprotected sex, being promiscuous, and hanging out in the wrong crowd," singer Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas told The Guardian in a 2018 interview. "The messages in Waterfalls hit home. I think that’s why it’s our biggest hit to date."

Thomas explained that when "Waterfalls" first got airtime on the radio, no one really understood the message.

"It needed the video to bring the words to life. Even I don’t think I really fell in love with the song until I saw it," she said. "The moment I did, I knew it would be a hit."

The music video in question was a huge production. It cost over $1 million to be made and was filmed at Universal Studios Hollywood. Directed by F. Gary Gray, it won four MTV Video Music Awards in 1995, including Video of the Year. This made TLC the first Black artists to win the prestigious award.

"I will never forget the day we filmed that video. I can’t swim," said TLC's Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins. "It was 6 am and I’m on this little plastic thing in the middle of 80,000 tonnes of water, in the lake where they shot Jaws at Universal Studios. That’s why my feet are planted. I do not move. I was so worried about falling in."

Related: '90s Rock Band Plays Fan-Favorite Hit For First Time in 18 Years

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Jewelry trends come and go, but certain styles stick around because they feel personal. One of the biggest examples right now is toi et moi necklaces, a romantic design that translates from French to “you and me.” Traditionally, the style features two stones placed side by side to represent two people, making it a favorite for gifting. The catch? They can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

If you love the look but not the price tag, Walmart has a much more affordable alternative. The JeenMata Cubic Zirconia Two-Stone Birthstone Necklace is currently marked down 76%, dropping from $89 to just $21. One stone features a birthstone of your choosing, and the second is a clear accent stone, capturing the trending look for less.

Courtesy of Walmart

The pendant pairs two distinctly different gemstone cuts side by side, creating an intentionally asymmetrical silhouette that's far more eye-catching than a traditional solitaire. One stone is a crisp rectangular emerald cut that showcases bold, mirror-like facets and saturated color, while the other is a brilliant trillion-cut cubic zirconia with softly rounded edges that catches light from every angle. 

The stones meet horizontally at the center, creating a balanced composition that highlights both gemstones. Four polished prongs secure each stone while allowing plenty of light to pass through, maximizing brilliance and emphasizing the clean geometry of the cuts. The pendant is suspended from a delicate cable chain that threads directly through discreet side loops, giving the necklace a seamless, floating appearance at the neckline.

• JeenMata 3.25 Carat Cubic Zirconia Round and Pear Birthstone Necklace, $19 (was $79) at Walmart
• JeenMata 2-Carat Heart Cut Cubic Zirconia Birthstone Necklace, $14 (was $89) at Walmart
• JeenMata 1-Carat Cubic Zirconia Birthstone Necklace, $19 (was $99) at Walmart 

Crafted from polished brass with an 18-karat white gold-plated finish, the setting provides a bright, silvery backdrop that lets each birthstone color take center stage. Each pendant features a 4.75-carat total gemstone weight and uses clear-to-the-eye cubic zirconia to deliver exceptional sparkle without the hefty price tag. 

While shown here in a vibrant peridot-inspired August green, the necklace is also available in all 12 birthstone colors, including deep garnet red for January, rich amethyst purple for February, icy aquamarine blue for March, brilliant white for April, emerald green for May, soft lavender for June, ruby-inspired crimson for July, sapphire blue for September, blush pink for October, golden topaz-inspired yellow for November, and bright blue zircon-inspired December. Elegant enough to wear alone yet simple enough to layer with other chains, it's a meaningful everyday piece that works just as well as a birthday gift, anniversary present, or personal reminder of someone special.

Related: Anthropologie's 'Chic' $30 Crystal Cord Necklace 'Goes With Everything' and Comes in 2 Colors

If you’ve been eyeing the toi et moi jewelry trend but want to stay on budget, the $21 JeenMata Cubic Zirconia Two-Stone Birthstone Necklace is an easy way to try the look for less. Shop it now while it’s still 76% off at Walmart!

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Little House on the Prairie is about to get a whole new audience thanks to the upcoming Netflix reboot. Set to hit the streamer on July 9, the reimagining is an 8-episode survival drama that follows Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books as the family seeks a new life in Independence, Kansas. While the iconic show’s characters of Pa Charles, Ma Caroline, Laura, Mary and Carrie will always be likened to the original cast of Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson and twins Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush - the reboot’s showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine is confident old and new fans will find magic in the new cast.

Luke Bracey stars as Charles, Crosby Fitzgerald takes on the role of Caroline, Alice Halsey plays Laura, and Joe Skywalker Hughes plays Mary. In terms of casting, Sonnenshine told PEOPLE it was all about chemistry, specifically for Ma and Pa. 

“It’s a love story about a family, but it’s also a love story between Caroline and Charles,” she said, adding that Bracey “embodies everything you need in a Pa.”

For Caroline, Sonnenshine says she needed someone who could emote a maternal side, saying of Fitzgerald, “She’s really beautiful and real and feels so connected to her [TV] kids. And I think when you watch it as an audience member, you feel very connected to Caroline and she feels so connected to Luke. They have a great chemistry.”

Finding the right actors to play the children, who Sonnenshine says are the real anchors, would be the icing on the cake. “Skywalker first auditioned for Laura, and I’m like, ‘That’s Mary,’ “ Sonnenshine says. “There’s just something about her. She has this extraordinary grace and gentleness.”

Because the story is told through Laura’s eyes, who played the central role, seemingly mattered the most of all. Sonnenshine says Halsey evokes Laura’s spirit. “I think that Alice has sort of got this innate curiosity for the world and she’s such a wonderful, deep actress that can really draw you in,” she says. “And as a viewer, it’s just really incredibly emotional scenes that feel very real.”

Fans of legendary country singer Randy Travis will hear new music from the star later this year as he prepares to release his first album in six years.

The announcement came during a recent appearance on the Nashville Palace Podcast, where Randy and his wife, Mary Travis, confirmed that the project will feature unreleased recordings made before Randy's life-changing stroke in 2013.

Mary made it clear that the upcoming release will be different from some of Randy's recent projects that involved artificial intelligence technology.

"We want to make sure people don’t confuse it with AI.”

The album will include archived songs recorded before Randy suffered a near-fatal stroke that severely affected his speech and singing abilities. The couple said the collection is expected to arrive sometime later this year.

Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Before the full album arrives, Randy will release one of those previously unheard recordings, a song called "Catch and Release," on Friday.

The new release marks another chapter in Randy's return to music after more than a decade of health challenges and limited public appearances.

The upcoming project follows a series of recent releases that kept Randy connected to fans while also sparking discussion across the music industry.

In May 2024, Randy released “Where That Came From,” his first new song in more than 10 years. The recording was created with assistance from AI technology and vocalist James Dupré after Randy approved the process.

A second AI-assisted track, “Horses in Heaven,” followed later in 2024. Last November, Randy shifted away from AI-generated material and instead turned to recordings from his archives, releasing the Christmas song “Where My Heart Is.”

Now, he is returning to the vault once again.

In a teaser shared ahead of Friday's release, Randy said he had been "fishing in the vault" when he discovered the song that would become "Catch and Release."

Randy's new music arrives during a busy year of celebrations honoring his legacy in country music.

The singer recently marked the 40th anniversary of his breakthrough album Storms of Life, the record that helped launch him as one of the leading voices of traditional country music in the 1980s.

His wife recently reflected on the health crisis that changed their lives after what first appeared to be a routine visit to the doctor for congestion symptoms.

"Obviously, during the stroke, that was probably the closest life or death, if you will, situation. We were there for five and a half months. We left home one morning thinking we were just going to go to the critical care and get something for congestion that he had, and we didn't walk back in the house for five and a half months."

Despite the challenges that followed, Randy has remained active in country music events and tributes.

Just days ago, he attended the final Nashville concert of fellow country legend Alan Jackson, where he sang along as Jon Pardi performed “She's Got the Rhythm,” a song Randy helped write decades earlier.

For fans who have followed Randy's journey since hits such as “Forever and Ever,” “Amen” and “On the Other Hand,” the upcoming album represents a chance to hear songs recorded before the stroke that changed his life.

More importantly, the release gives listeners an opportunity to experience previously unheard performances from one of country music's most influential voices, exactly as they were originally recorded.

Related: Country Star Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 24 Years After No. 1 Hit