28 Years Ago Today: ‘Goosebumps’ Aired The Corny and Awkward Escape From Karlsville' Episode

Saturday marks 28 years since the iconic '90s Goosebumps television show aired one of its campiest episodes.

The original Goosebumps TV show, based off of R.L. Stine's best-selling children's book series, produced 74 episodes over four seasons. The two-part series premiere, The Haunted Mask, aired on Oct. 27, 1995.

By the time they started work on season three, producers began adapting episodes from Tales to Give You Goosebumps, a book series that featured short stories written by Stine.

But Goosebumps writers Billy Brown and Dan Angel decided to try something different in season three. The two actually wrote a three-part episode, Chillogy, that wasn't based off of any stories from Stine.

The first episode, Squeal of Fortune, tells the story of a teenage girl named Jessica Walters (starring a young Caterina Scorsone) who accidentally gets transported into a small miniature town called "Karlsville."

The man who runs the town, Karl Knave, tricks Jessica into thinking she can make a good living in Karlsville. Eventually, she catches on to his evil scheme, avoids the angry mob of townspeople and gets transported home just in time (thanks to the help of her brother).

Jessica's friend, Matthew Erikson, gets transported into the town in the next episode, Part II: Strike Three…You're Doomed. Karl sets him up with a fantasy-style baseball game filled with dangerous traps, but he reaches home plate and is transported back home.

The Bizarre Conclusion To 'Chillogy'

Sony Entertainment's 'Goosebumps' at the Regency Village Theater.

(Photo by Barry King/Getty Images)

The third part of Chillogy aired on May 9, 1998.

While the first two parts of Chillogy had a nice blend of horror, suspense and heart-racing moments, the third chapter of the episode was filled with cringeworthy acting and bizarre dialogues.

Matthew's brother, Todd, gets transported into Karlsville at the end of part two. In Part 3: Escape from Karlsville, Todd is thrilled when Karl informs him that he's the town's "grand prize winner."

In a chilling twist, Karl tells Todd that all the townspeople are humans that he turned into plastic figurines. Todd is strapped down and about to be turned into plastic with a laser machine while the crazy townspeople cheer on Karl.

Fortunately, Todd and Jessica return to Karlsville just in time to destroy the laser and spare Todd's life. The three are transported back to safety at the Erikson home, then proceed to burn the Karlsville town in a fireplace.

One final twist to conclude the campy episode: A mini version of Karl was transported into the Erikson home as well. He looks on and laughs, with the three children having no idea that he's still around.

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Amazon Sells a 6-Pack of Heavy-Duty Totes for $24, and They're Ideal for Moving, Spring Cleaning, and More

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Velvetsure Large Moving Bags, 24-Gallon, 6-Pack, $24 (was $39)

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Why We Love This Deal

Moving is never a fun process, whether from home to home, out of college, or otherwise. But there’s a way to expedite the process without breaking the bank. Right now, Amazon is offering almost 40% off a 6-pack of sizable moving bags that can transport your things with ease without the use of boxes, and they also have a whole host of other uses.

The 6-pack of Velvetsure Large Moving Bags is on sale for $24, which is $15 off the original $39 price tag. Shoppers absolutely love these. This set of heavy-duty bags boasts over 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, and they come in nine colors. Over 7,000, across all colors, have been purchased in the last month, likely for spring cleaning efforts and moving at the end of the college school year. They also come in two sizes, with this 24-gallon option understandably costing less than the 40-gallon 6-pack, which you can get on sale for around $33.

Velvetsure Large Moving Bags, 24-Gallon, 6-Pack, $24 (was $39) on Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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What Shoppers Should Know

• Dimensions: 29 inches long,14 inches wide, 13 inches tall
• Best For: Bedding, clothing
• Closure Type: Zippers
• Material: Polyethylene

Although this set of bags might not appear the sturdiest at first glance, the Polyethylene material in each one is equipped to handle up to 65 pounds. Just avoid overstuffing these bags and any boxes with sharp edges. Otherwise, they’re ideal for clothing, bedding, toys, and other softer items that can still be heavy. Every strap on the bag is sewn in and layered three times, and the handles can be used similarly to a normal duffel bag or even a backpack if it’s light enough.

Moreover, there are durable double zippers that ensure these bags stay shut when you want them to. And to top it all off, the bag material is water-resistant, meaning that you can move out regardless of the weather and store things in damp areas for a bit if necessary.

In terms of price, spending just $4 per moving bag is a great deal. You can find similar affordability like that elsewhere, too, like at Walmart.

Related: This Minimalist 6-Tier Wooden Plant Stand Is on Sale for $43 at Walmart

What Shoppers Are Saying

Shoppers found that, in many ways, these bags were better than the typical moving boxes people use. “They hold a lot and fit better in the moving van than boxes for certain items,” one reviewer said. “I saved them for my next move. They refold nicely after use.”

Another shopper said they got repeated uses out of them and that they’re perfect for carrying clothes. “My husband and I have moved across state lines twice in the past year,” they began. “These bags are lifesavers for us! I was shocked by how much I could fit in the bags! These bags are now the only way we transport clothes during moves.”

The Velvetsure Large Moving Bags are just $24 on Amazon right now. Add them to your cart ASAP before the price tag slowly starts to move up.

Shop More Deals

• Krysty Moving Bags, $20 (was $27) on Amazon
• Naturelux Heavy Duty Moving Bags, $26 (was $31) on Amazon
• Tooloton Heavy Duty Moving Bags, $23 (was $37) at Walmart

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Severe Storms to Batter U.S. Through Mother's Day Weekend with Thunderstorms, Tornados, and Flooding

If you were planning to do something outside with the mom in your life for Mother's Day, you might want to check the radar first. Mother's Day weekend is shaping up to be anything but peaceful across a large swath of the United States, as a persistent severe weather pattern continues to threaten lives and property from the Gulf Coast to the Plains.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect Saturday morning for portions of Harrison and Hancock counties in Mississippi, issued by the National Weather Service in New Orleans. At 8 a.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Diamondhead, moving east at 40 mph. The NWS is warning of 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail, with impacts including expected damage to roofs, siding and trees across a wide stretch of the Gulf Coast.

Locations currently in the warning area include Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, Kiln and Gulfport Airport, as well as Interstate 10 in Mississippi between mile markers 11 and 39. Tornado development is possible. The NWS urges anyone in the path of these storms to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building immediately.

Severe Weather Over the Weekend

Saturday's Gulf Coast storms are part of a larger, persistent severe weather pattern that AccuWeather says shows no sign of letting up through the weekend.

"The pattern conducive to severe weather is not letting up yet," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said. "People, especially in the South Central and Southeastern states, need to stay alert and have multiple ways to receive warnings that can wake them up at night."

Earlier this week, powerful tornadoes tore through Mississippi on Wednesday night, destroying homes and leaving vehicles mangled. A dozen or so tornadoes formed — spawned by just two supercell thunderstorms — demonstrating how quickly dangerous conditions can develop even without an extreme setup. Many of those tornadoes were rain-wrapped, making them difficult to see or hear and adding significantly to the danger.

The severe weather risk will continue to evolve through Sunday. On Saturday, the Plains face a return of storm threats, with some of the strongest storms capable of producing hail, damaging wind gusts and flooding downpours, along with a low but nonzero tornado risk.

Farther south, a larger zone of severe thunderstorms is forecast across Texas through Friday night, expanding from the Rio Grande Valley in the afternoon to portions of central Texas — including areas near Houston, Austin and San Angelo — by nightfall. The main threats remain damaging winds and large hail.

On Sunday, the most widespread coverage shifts to northeastern Texas, southwestern Arkansas and northwestern Louisiana, where conditions are forecast to be similar to Saturday's.

Flooding Threat Along the Gulf Coast

Along the Interstate 10 corridor in the central Gulf Coast states, torrential and repeating downpours are expected to continue through Sunday, with one to four inches of rain forecast and an AccuWeather Local StormMax of nine inches possible in isolated locations. The NWS warns that significant ponding on streets and highways is likely, and localized flash flooding is possible.

A highly localized risk of severe thunderstorms will also develop along the Gulf Coast this weekend, capable of producing brief waterspouts and rain-wrapped tornadoes — the same dangerous phenomenon that made Wednesday night's storms so difficult to detect in time.

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move indoors immediately and stay away from windows. For the latest warnings in your area visit weather.gov.

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An 86-Year-Old Hollywood Legend Reveals What He Thinks Happens When We Die

Sir Ian McKellen has done it all in a career spanning over six decades. The English actor started on stage at the Belgrade Theater in Coventry, England, and is still portraying his most iconic role, Gandalf, in The Lord of the Rings franchise in the upcoming film, The Hunt for Gollum.

McKellen's personality is often as good or better than that of the characters he plays. It makes him an incredible talk show guest, and he added to the canon of memorable appearances when he took to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week.

McKellen did a questionnaire with Stephen Colbert with a variety of inquisitions that ranged from lighthearted to more introspective, but fans were most fascinated by his answers to what happens when he dies.

Not to be morbid, but McKellen is turning 87 this month. I'm sure he thinks a lot about whether he'll live on in any way after he passes away. His thoughts on the subject were humbling and filled with wisdom, but what else would we expect from him?

Sir Ian McKellen on whether or not there is an afterlife. pic.twitter.com/zmuExgBfm8

— Tolkien World (@TolkienWorldG) May 8, 2026

"What happens when we die?" Colbert asked McKellen. The actor responded with his signature quick wit. "Well, I hope there will be a funeral." McKellen elicited laughs from the crowd and continued. "In my case, there won't be a funeral because everything is left to medical research, if they want it."

"And when they're finished with you, I think they grind you - your bones down and give the family something that is going to be thrown into the River Thames."

McKellen then got a little more serious with Colbert. "But what do you? Do you mean is there a life after death? Will I go on living in any sense after I die? No, I will not. Any more than before I was born, I wasn't alive. So this is just - life has just been a little interlude between absolute nothingness."

The Academy Award-nominated legend has always had a great perspective on both his career and the things that happen to him outside of his acting. He is an LGBTQ icon after coming out as gay in 1988. McKellen is the type of person who has such a zest for life that it's hard to imagine him not on this planet. It's nice to know, though, that he has accepted that what comes after this life is out of our control.

If life truly is an interlude between nothingness, McKellen has made a whole lot of something out of that interlude.

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Netflix Is Bringing Back One of Its Most Beloved Adaptations Next Month for Season 2

Following a massive launch back in 2024, Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender will return for a second season next month.

The new take on the cult Nickelodeon animated series from the 00s went straight to the number one spot in multiple countries over two years ago, with 21.2 million views in its first four days and 153.4 million hours viewed in its first full week. The series, while not as widely praised as the universally acclaimed original, was viewed by fans and critics as a welcome improvement over the completely panned 2010 live-action film, directed by famed filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan.

The Last Airbender Season 2 will land on the streaming service on June 25, after a two-season renewal deal by Netflix led the series to produce Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back — meaning the third chapter should (hopefully) be on the near horizon, without the two-year wait this time. No release date has been confirmed for Season 3 as of yet, but it shouldn't be too far behind after Season 3 drops at the end of June.

According to What's on Netflix, "Season 2 will see Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio), and Sokka (Ian Ousley) heading to the Earth Kingdom to find Aang an Earthbending teacher (hello, Toph [Miya Cech]!) and convince the Earth King (Justin Chien) to help them fight Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). Expect bigger battles, deeper lore, and a whole lot of cabbages."

In another change in production, Christine Boylan (Poker Face, Once Upon a Time, Castle) and Jabbar Raisani (Lost in Space, Game of Thrones, Iron Man) will step up as showrunners for Season 2, taking over from Albert Kim. Hopefully, this should be a positive change for the show as it continues to adapt The Last Airbender, and move past the baggage from previous live-action attempts of the beloved animated series that previously disappointed fans.

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56 Years Ago Today, The Beatles Released Their Final Album, 'Let It Be'

On May 8, 1970, The Beatles released their final album together, fittingly titled Let It Be.

The album contained some of the group's biggest hits, including "Across the Universe," "Get Back," and of course the title track, "Let It Be." It was also the group's first and only collaboration with legendary producer Phil Spector, who spent the last decade of his life in prison for murdering actress Lana Clarkson.

Spector was famous for his "Wall of Sound" present on tracks like "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes and "River Deep — Mountain High" by Ike and Tina Turner. Spector would layer orchestral arrangements and multiple instruments to create a thick soundscape that was unmistakably his. When Spector did this on the track "The Long and Winding Road," it infuriated Paul McCartney. So much so that McCartney wrote a letter to Spector demanding that he remove the excess orchestra, ending it with an assertive command: "Don't ever do it again."

Let It Be wasn't just an album. It was also a simultaneously released documentary, capturing the making of the Fab Four's final collaboration and the tensions between them that ultimately led to their breakup. After its theatrical release, the doc wasn't widely available on home video, making it a rare artifact from The Beatles' archive. In 2021, a restored version became available to stream on Disney+.

The album's release was all the more complicated by the fact that the group had publicly broken up just a month earlier. While many fans like to blame the breakup on John Lennon's relationship with Yoko Ono, it was actually far more complicated than that.

The larger impetus for The Beatles disbanding, as Historynotes, was the death of their manager, Brian Epstein. This left a power vacuum on the business side of things and forced the artists to dip their toes into the world of management, which led to interpersonal squabbles. Separately, Lennon and McCartney's personal relationship also began to fall apart.

Lennon left the band first, followed by McCartney. The four never publicly reunited again.

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Every Major Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive Coming This Summer

What was once considered a barren wasteland is now bubbling over the top with summer fun! The Switch 2 library is about to grow much larger in the months of May, June, and July with the recent announcements and release dates of several new exclusive titles you can't play anywhere else. These are the best Switch 2 exclusive games coming to your handheld this summer!

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book - May 21

This one is tantalizingly close now. Yoshi's newest adventure looks like something out of a dream; the graphics are objectively some of the most gorgous on any Nintendo console ever. The issues that have cropped up with Yoshi and the Mysterious Book are centered on the difficulty in the game.

Early reviewers have said that the relaxing vibes are paired with gameplay that consists of low-stakes platforming and puzzle-solving. If you want to feel a rush of adrenaline while playing games, this one is not going to do it for you. At the same time, when has Yoshi's worlds ever been for excitement? They are for immersion into something so vast and novel from our own mundane lives.

Star Fox - June 25

Star Fox is one of Nintendo's cult franchises that seems to appear every now and then and fade into the background. Hopefully, the newest release on the Switch 2 will do a barrel role right through the uneven history of the franchise and allow Nintendo to make Fox and his friends more relevant in future years.

Related: This 1997 Nintenso 64 Game Remains the Pinnacle of its Genre

As for gameplay, this one looks to be another reboot of Star Fox 64 from 1997. The new graphics and voice acting will make it the most cinematic game in the franchise's history.

Rhythm Heaven Groove - July 2

After a hiatus that seemed like it would never end, the Rhythm Heaven franchise is finally back this July. The simple gameplay that combines random activities with the beat of a tune demonstrates that no company can make casual, relatable game experiences better than Nintendo can.

Splatoon Raiders - July 23

Splatoon is finally getting a single-player focused game with Splatoon Raiders in July. Atmosphere and adventure are the name of the game this time instead of competition as gamers will explore a region known as the Spirhalite Islands. There will still be some multiplayer options for those who enjoy that aspect of the franchise better.

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I’m a Scotch Expert. These 5 Bottles From Diageo Are the Rarest I’ve Ever Tried

Giant liquor conglomerate Diageo holds one of the largest Scotch whisky reserves on earth—more than 10 million barrels, which was produced by dozens of different distilleries across Scotland. According to the company, that’s about half of all the barrels currently aging in Scotland.

Many of these whiskies will go into its well-known blended Scotch brands, including Johnnie Walker, J&B and Buchanan's. Others are destined to be bottled as single malts for a range of different brands, including Dalwhinnie, Oban, Talisker and Lagavulin. And a tiny fraction of those casks will be deemed exceptional and put aside for additional aging and reserved for unique projects. 

In the future, some of these special barrels that are aging now, will become part of Diageo’s new Rare Series. The collection draws from some of the precious whiskies in Diageo’s warehouses, including a 55‑year‑old Glenury Royal — the oldest single malt ever released by Diageo.

A New Luxury Tier

The Rare Series sits in a space Diageo hasn’t formally occupied before. Many drinkers know Diageo’s Special Releases — the annual fall set of experimental casks and distillery one‑offs that usually top out around 30 years old. Its Prima & Ultima line of whisky, by contrast, is Diageo’s archival single‑cask series built around historically significant “firsts” and “lasts” and certain marquee distilleries within the company. The Rare Series is neither. It’s not single‑cask, not necessarily tied to historical milestones, and not sold as a set. Instead, it’s a curated, ongoing luxury platform built from ultra‑aged parcels. 

The Rise of Diageo’s Private Client Experiences

Rare Series also reflects how aggressively Diageo has expanded its Private Client business. For high roller collectors, who think nothing of spending tens of thousands to build their home bar, the company now offers bespoke travel in Scotland, behind‑the‑scenes distillery access, and intimate dinners built around rare casks. If you’re interested in purchasing one of the whiskies from the Rare Series, you can contact the company at the Diageo Rare & Exceptional site.

I recently sat down with Ewan Morgan, Diageo’s luxury ambassador, for a tasting of these incredible drams to celebrate the launch of this collection. 

Read on for more about the whiskies currently in the Rare Series.

Clynelish 1983 Single Malt Scotch

Age: 42 Years Old
Price: $4,000

There are only a handful of bottles of this incredibly rare Clynelish Single Malt Scotch produced in 1983.

Courtesy Diageo

There are only 16 bottles of this rare single malt available in the U.S. The whisky was matured entirely in oversized barrels made from American oak. The expression really shows off Clynelish’s signature waxy mouthfeel. The nose moves from lavender and rose to candle wax; the palate is creamy, floral, and peppery. 

Blair Athol 1991 Single Malt Scotch

Age: 34 Years Old
Price: $900

If you enjoy drinking Scotch aged in a sherry cask you need to taste this Blair Athol from 1991.

Courtesy Diageo

This is the first Blair Athol Single Malt ever to be aged in barrels that previously held two different types of sherry. Morgan compared its flavor to sticky toffee pudding — dark chocolate, raisin, caramelized sugar. There are only 25 bottles of this whisky available for purchase in the U.S. Blair Athol is a treasured component in a number of Johnnie Walker expressions but is hard to find bottled as a single malt.

Talisker 1992 Single Malt Scotch

Age: 33 Years Old
Price: $1,300

This Talisker Single Malt Scotch has an enticing mix of maritime and chocolate flavors.

Courtesy Diageo

Talisker is one of the most famous Scotch distilleries and is located on the remote Isle of Skye. This expression has all of the brand’s signature flavor notes — sea salt, seaweed, pepper — as well as unexpected chocolate and nutty sweetness. This enticing combination was a result of aging the single malt a second time in amoroso‑seasoned barrels. (Amoroso is sweetened Oloroso sherry.) This is the only whisky in the Rare Series that is drawn from an experimental batch. 

Caol Ila 1983 Single Malt Scotch

Age: 42 Years Old
Price: $3,000

This is the oldest Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch ever to be released.

Courtesy Diageo

If you’re a fan of Islay distillery Caol Ila, you’ll want to get this whisky. It’s the oldest expression ever released by the brand. It was aged in both American oak and also European oak barrels. It delivers the distillery’s signature lemon‑meringue‑meets‑barbecue‑smoke profile with added depth and softness. Morgan called it “spectacular,” and it was his personal favorite of the current lineup.

Glenury Royal 1970 Single Malt Scotch

Age: 55 Years Old
Price: $6,350

This Glenury Royal 1970 Single Malt Scotch is the oldest whisky that Diageo has ever bottled.

Courtesy Diageo

This special whisky is the headliner of the Rare Series. It was produced at Glenury Royal, which shut down in 1985. Since there are a few barrels of its whisky still around, it’s now called a ghost distillery. This is the oldest single malt Diageo has ever released. Full stop. Despite its age and a staggering 124.8 proof (62.4% ABV), it’s surprisingly elegant—orange, anise, clove, gentle smoke. There only 21 bottles of it available in the U.S.

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Hoka's Popular Clifton Sneakers Are Nearly 40% Off Right Now

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Hoka Clifton L Suede, $109 (was $170)

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Why We Love This Deal

Hoka is best known for its running shoes, but right now, the brand’s walking and hiking shoes are grabbing attention as they continue to drop in price. Today, another one went on sale: It's a popular suede-topped walking shoe, and it's nearly 40% off at Zappos. 

Hoka’s Clifton L Suede sneaker is on sale for $109, a 36% discount from its normal price of $170. It’s rare to find Hoka sneakers in stock with discounts of over 20% off; this is a standout deal for the brand. At 36% off, this deal beats the last time we spotted the Clifton L Suede on sale at Foot Locker (back in July 2025), and Zappos currently has the best deal on this shoe online—it even beats Hoka’s sale price. 

Hoka Clifton L Suede, $109 (was $170) at Zappos

Courtesy of Zappos

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What Shoppers Should Know

• Colorways Available: 1
• Sizes Available: 4-13
• Upper: Suede and synthetic
• Midsole: EVA foam
• Best For: Casual wear

The Clifton L Suede is a more casual, daily wear-friendly version of Hoka’s Clifton running shoe. 

The biggest change from the “normal” Clifton is on the upper. As the name implies, this Clifton has large swooping suede overlays draped over a synthetic base material, which gives it a really classy retro look. It rides on a full-length compression-molded EVA foam midsole for good shock absorption and a comfortable ride, though it isn’t as pillowy soft as Hoka’s Bondi max-cushion trainer. Even so, it has plenty of cushion for everyday walking, and the gently rockered sole ensures a smooth transition in each step. 

The sole is also relatively wide, which makes the shoe naturally stable. Finally, rubber outsole patches from heel to toe create good grip on pavement, sidewalks, and indoor surfaces.

Related: Hoka's Mid-Top Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes Are Rare 30% Off Right Now

What Shoppers Are Saying

Shoppers at Zappos called the Clifton L Suede “a great walking and all-around shoe” and appreciated its cushioned, supportive design. Reviewers have worn this model to work, for walking, and as a general casual shoe, and loved the way it feels and looks. One reviewer called it “all-day-on-my-feet comfortable,” and another, after wearing the shoe at work, said, “my feet have been very happy.”

“Hoka shoe” and “almost 40% off” aren’t words you see together often, and if the Clifton L Suede inventory level at Hoka is any indication (almost completely sold out), this sneaker is going to sell extremely quickly. If you want a pair, you'd better grab ‘em ASAP.

Shop More Deals

• Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX, $126 (was $180) at Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Hoka Clifton 10, $124 (was $155) at Hoka
• Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, $193 (was $275) at Zappos

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McDonald's Quietly Removing Drink Stations at All Locations

For decades, the self-serve beverage fountain has been a staple at McDonald's restaurants across the country, allowing guests to fill their own drinks and have unlimited free refills. However, it sounds like things will be changing in the near future.

Over the next several years, McDonald's will be quietly removing these self-service drink stations at all restaurants across the country.

McDonald's Eliminating Drink Stations

Over the past several years, McDonald’s has made moves to modernize its restaurants while adapting to a new era of fast food where consumers are increasingly favoring takeout, delivery, and drive-thru service over dining in.

As a result, Fox News Business reports that McDonald's plans to eliminate self-serve beverage stations in dining rooms throughout the country by 2032, with the changes expected to roll out gradually over the next several years as restaurants are remodeled or updated.

Fox News Business reports that the move gives McDonald's "greater control over beverage portions, cleanliness and inventory, while cutting maintenance costs for the self-serve machines."

The State Journal-Register of Illinois previously reported that the move was due to concerns about hygiene and theft.

Free Refills Here to Stay

While the self-service drink stations may be phasing out, customers can rest easy knowing that free refills will not be a thing of the past.

“Free refills are a big draw for people,” Kim Derringer, who operates three McDonald’s franchises in Springfield, Ill., told The State-Journal Register. “I don’t see anything taking that away.”

Customers should expect to continue receiving free refills; they will just have to bring their cup to the counter instead of filling it up themselves.

Dirty Sodas

This move comes as McDonald's adds "Dirty Sodas" to the menu, allowing expanded beverage offerings that are created behind the counter rather than at the self-serve beverage station.

"Our fans’ love for McDonald’s beverages runs deep," McDonald's said in a statement last month. "Next month, we’re building on that passion with a new era of beverages, featuring a variety of Refreshers and crafted sodas rolling out nationwide."

Needless to say, it's clear where McDonald's is heading.

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Johnny Cash's 'Hurt': The Sad Song Inspired by Nine Inch Nails' Original Hit

In November 2002, 70-year-old Johnny Cash released the final album of his career, American IV: The Man Comes Around. Included on the project was the music legend's rendition of what is widely-regarded as one of the saddest songs of all time.

"Hurt," which Cash released as a single in March 2003, routinely finds its way onto lists of the most depressing songs in music history. The song's accompanying music video also left a powerful mark on viewers.

"His trembling voice, aged with the weight of a lifetime, made it sound less like a song and more like a final confession," writes Eric Alper, who ranked "Hurt" as the saddest song of all time in 2025. "Neuroscientists point to its slow, steady pulse and minor chords—which mirror the heartbreaking acceptance of mortality."

But several years before Cash debuted his take on "Hurt," the original version by Nine Inch Nails had its own day in the sun.

'Hurt' may be a sad song, but both versions were a smashing success

Nine Inch Nails included "Hurt" on its 1994 album The Downward Spiral, and then released the song as a promotional single, straight to radio, in April 1995.

The song reached No. 8 on the Canada Rock/Alternative and U.S. Alternative Airplay charts and also received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song in 1996.

Like Cash's version, Nine Inch Nails' original is also a frequent flier on saddest songs lists on the internet.

A classic done two ways

Twenty-three years after Cash's death, Nine Inch Nails remains forever linked with the country icon because of "Hurt."

"Cash was a year away from dying when he cut the song, and he turned the tale of heroin abuse into a look back on his life while barely changing any of the lyrics," Rolling Stone wrote in 2013 when it named Nine Inch Nails' version the second-saddest song ever. "June Carter Cash appeared in the video just three months before she died. Without any dispute, it was Cash's final masterpiece and the perfect epitaph. When you hear Trent Reznor singing it today, it's nearly impossible to not think about Johnny Cash."

Reznor, Nine Inch Nails' lead singer, told Geoff Rickly of the Alternative Press in 2004 that it was "incredibly flattering as a writer" to have Cash, "a great writer and a great artist," choose to cover his song.

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Nintendo's Highest-Selling Game Ever Almost Never Existed

Nintendo has sold hundreds of millions of video games across its four-plus decades in the industry. No game has sold more than Wii Sports.

At nearly 83 million copies sold, this pack-in title came free with the purchase of the Wii console that came out in 2006. It could and should be argued that people were buying the Wii just so they could try this cute little tech demo that transformed the video game industry in the middle of the decade.

Ironically, some of Nintendo's biggest minds were against the idea of putting Wii Sports for free in the Wii's box.

Former Nintendo of America COO and president Reggie Fils-Aime chatted with professor Joost Van Druenen last week and talked to him about the disapproval that Nintendo visionary Shigeru Miyamoto had for giving Wii Sports away for free with the purchase of the Wii.

"I'm in a small meeting with Mr. Iwata and Shigeru Miyamoto... and we are talking about how to best launch the system (Wii) and I said I really think we should pack in Wii Sports.

I kid you not. The look that Mr. Miyamoto gave me... Mr. Miyamoto gives me this death stare. Then he says Reggie-san, 'we don't give away content for free'. This is where my historical experience with the company's content came in.

I instantly retorted, 'But Mr. Miyamoto, when I bought my SNES, Super Mario came free with that system. So it has been done, but strategically and with thought as a way to drive the business forward.'"

Fils-Aime may not have been the brains behind Nintendo's biggest characters like Miyamoto was, but he certainly seems to have understood the business side of gaming in a way that others didn't.

The Wii was a console that needed to be demonstrated to consumers. It changed the way video games were played in the 2000s. No longer confined to just button-pressing, the Wii wanted gamers to swing its controller and immerse themselves in its worlds with motion controls.

Wii Sports became the most well-known game of the era, and the one that showed casual audiences how fun gaming could be. It may have been free, but it ended up being the most valuable product in Nintendo's history.

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Feeling The Heat? These Everyday Foods May Help Manage Hot Flashes

Can your diet calm hot flashes during perimenopause? Discover how simple food choices can help manage symptoms.

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8 Exciting PlayStation Games Releasing in May, Including James Bond and Batman

Both the weather and the gaming action look like they will be heating up in May for PlayStation users. 

The next installment in the James Bond series of games, Batman and Warhammer 40,000 are just three of more than half a dozen games coming this month to liven up your system. 

Something for everyone on Playstation in May 

First of all, don’t forget three free games are set to drop for PlayStation Plus subscribers on May 5: EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Nine Sols. 

For those who are not subscribed to Playstation Plus (or just not moved by any of the three free games becoming available), something completely different is set to drop May 7 in Mixtape, which is billed as a “narrative adventure game” that allows players to take high school friends through their final days before adulthood. 

They’ll do that through music from acts like Devo, Joy Division, and Siouxsie and the Banshees that is sure to stir up fond memories not just for the people in the screen but those holding the controller. 

(That is also available on Steam as well as for Nintendo Switch 2 and XBOX Series X|S.) 

Big name games later in the month

The best could be saved for last as OO7 First Light is set to drop May 27, five days after LEGO Batman: Legacy of The Dark Knight. 

007 First Light is a highly anticipated stealth shooting game that presents a new origin story for James Bond that is set to bring both nostalgia (GoldenEye 007, anyone?) and exciting new perspective  from the makers of the Hitman series. 

In this one, a younger version of the famous British spy gets his very first mission, but this is not a trip back to the ‘50s or 60s when the first Bond films were released. This game is set in the modern day with the Double O program getting revived. 

LEGO Batman: Legacy of The Dark Knight is scheduled to be released May 22 for all major systems and puts fans in position to solve puzzles and control famous DC Comics heroes in both single-player and multiplayer modes. 

This month on PlayStation 📅

📼 May 7 - Mixtape
👽 May 12 - Directive 8020
🚐 May 14 - Outbound
☕ May 21 - Coffee Talk Tokyo
🏎️ May 21 - Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks
🐱 May 22 - Bubsy 4D
🦇 May 22 - LEGO Batman: Legacy of The Dark Knight
🕵️ May 27 - 007 First Light pic.twitter.com/Qswqvavs7u

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) May 1, 2026

What else is coming in May? 

In between Mixtape and the LEGO Batman game, five more titles are set to drop. 

First comes Directive 8020, a supernatural horror game, followed by the open-world exploration game Outbound. 

The third week of May will see Coffee Talk Tokyo, Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks and Bubsy 4D. 

Coffee Talk Tokyo offers an opportunity you never knew you needed: To be a barista acting as an amateur therapist for humans and fantasy people (including some who are no longer alive) in a coffee shop in Japan. 

Bubsy 4D is one more shot of nostalgia as the bobcat who debuted on the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis in 1993 is back for his seventh game. This one is a 3D platform action game. 

Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks is a combat racing game featuring buggies, tanks, helicopters, customizable courses and more.

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REI Is Selling Free Country's Top-Rated Sun Hoodies for Only $40

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

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Free Country SunFree Long-Sleeve Hoodie, $40 (was $60)

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Why We Love This Deal

As both a shopping reporter and lover of low-cost clothing, one of my favorite collections to check out over at REI is the gear from Free Country. The brand is all about serving up technical outdoor gear at everyday prices, so when you find a Free Country deal, you know you’re in for a good time.

One of the better deals I've seen lately is the Free Country SunFree Long-Sleeve Hoodie. This UV-protective layer is 33% off, making it just $40. It’s an ultra-soft UPF 50+ sunshirt with a hood for extra protection, and it is a top-rated item at REI that over 300 people have bought in the past week. You'll find it in four colors, and most sizes are still in stock at the moment.

Free Country SunFree Long-Sleeve Hoodie, $40 (was $60) at REI

The Free Country SunFree Long-Sleeve Hoodie.

Courtesy of REI

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What Shoppers Should Know

• Sizes Available: From small to 2XL
• Color Options: 4
• Fabric Blend: 87% polyester, 13% spandex
• Sun Protection: UPF 50+
• Best Use Case: Comfortably keeping the sun off your upper body.

What separates this sun hoodie from the pack? It’s the fabric. The 87% polyester, 13% spandex blend is stretchy, easy to get on and off, moisture-wicking, and it feels ultra soft. The fabric has the elements spun right into the fibers with zinc providing UPF 50+ sun protection (blocking over 98% of UV rays) and jade providing natural heat resistance. Oh, and it’s also odor-resisting for good measure.

Free Country seems to have really done its market research on this one. It’s offered in four colors, and they’re all blue or blue-green to some degree. But it’s all by design; as we've seen with Billabong sun shirts and Hurley sun shirts, these are the colors of sun and surf that so many like. It helps that they feel cooler after hours in the sun, too.

Related: Nordstrom Rack Is Now Selling Quiksilver Flip-Flops for $15

What Shoppers Are Saying

One shopper said, “I love the UPF Hoodie!! Perfect for a beach day!!” while another commented that “the hoodie fits perfectly, is lightweight, and attractive.”

The Free Country SunFree Long-Sleeve Hoodie is down to $40 while this deal lasts.

Shop More Free Country Deals

• Free Country SunFree Polo Shirt, $37 (was $55) at REI
• Free Country Super Soft Crew Shirt, $25 (was $40) at REI
• Free Country Sedona Ripstop Shirt, $60 (was $90) at REI

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Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now' Named the Happiest Song Ever by Science

Whatever mood you're in, there are plenty of songs to match it. If you're feeling good--or you're down and are looking for a pick me up--chances are you'll search for something upbeat and joyful to listen to.

What constitutes a "happy" song could mean different things to different people. But according to science, one 1970s rock anthem, which registered as a mild hit following its release and has grown in popularity since, is the "happiest" song of all time.

You might be wondering what the song is. If you guessed Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," you'd be correct.

The science behind 'Don't Stop Me Now'

In 2015, Dutch cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Jacob Jolij took on the assignment of what makes a feel-good song, well, feel good. While recognizing music choices are largely personal preference, Jolij wanted to dig deeper on the science behind happy tunes.

By studying 126 songs from a 50-year period and breaking down their tempo, lyrics, theme and other factors, Jolij was able to determine that happier songs share some similar qualities.

"The pattern was very clear. The average tempo of a ‘feel good’-song was substantially higher than the average pop song," GOOD wrote in 2017. "Where the average tempo of pop songs is around 118 beats per minute (BPM), the list of feel good songs had an average tempo of around 140 to 150 BPM.

"And it appears the Queen song has all the attributes for happiness."

Full disclosure: "Don't Stop Me Now" is a favorite of this author for a running or workout playlist, and it's great for weddings and other celebrations. There's obviously people who would disagree with Jolij's findings, but we're fine with it.

The top 10 happiest songs, per Jolij's study

1. Queen - "Don't Stop Me Now"
2. ABBA - "Dancing Queen"
3. The Beach Boys - "Good Vibrations"
4. Billy Joel - "Uptown Girl"
5. Survivor - "Eye of the Tiger"
6. The Monkees - "I'm a Believer"
7. Cyndi Lauper - "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"
8. Bon Jovi - "Livin' on a Prayer"
9. Gloria Gaynor - "I Will Survive"
10. Katrina and the Waves - "Walking on Sunshine"

From an under-the-radar hit to one of Queen's biggest songs

"Don't Stop Me Now" was featured on Queen's 1978 album Jazz, alongside other band staples like "Bicycle Race" and "Fat-Bottomed Girls." The song was released as a single in January 1979 and peaked at No. 9 on the UK singles charts but only No. 86 in the United States, nowhere near the group's most successful songs to that point like "Killer Queen," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Are The Champions" and others.

However, over the last 47 years, "Don't Stop Me Now" has surged in popularity, to the point where Rolling Stone readers rated it the band's third-best song in a 2014 survey.

Billboard also examined the evolution of "Don't Stop Me Now" in a 2019 article, which came out a few years after the song was determined to be the "happiest" ever, a conclusion backed by science.

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Birkenstock's Ergonomic Shinjuku Sandals Are Nearly 60% Off Right Now

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Birkenstock Shinjuku Sandals, $97 (was $230)

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Why We Love This Deal

Nordstrom Rack has become one of the better places to find Birkenstock deals, with several styles from slides to boots sitting well below their typical retail prices. The brand rarely discounts through its own channels, making the Rack one of the few reliable spots to get into a pair of Birks without paying full price. The latest find is the Shinjuku—a cool-looking three-stap sandal—which is almost 60% off.

The Birkenstock Shinjuku Sandals normally cost $230, but this Nordstrom Rack sale brings the price down to $97, thanks to a 57% discount. Only the white colorway is on sale, but all sizes from 8/8.5 to 12/12.5 are available. 

Birkenstock Shinjuku Sandals, $97 (was $230) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

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What Shoppers Should Know

• Upper: Nubuck leather with textile webbing
• Footbed: Cork-latex with microfiber lining
• Sole: Lugged PU (water-resistant)
• Closure: G-Hook buckles with hook-and-loop backstrap
• Best For: City-wearing, everyday wear, warm weather adventures

The Shinjuku is a departure from Birkenstock’s usual two-strap or moccasin-inspired silhouette, opting for a three-strap design and a lugged PU outsole that’s made for more active use. They still have the same cork-latex footbed that makes every pair of Birks worth wearing, with a microfiber lining that wicks moisture in a way the brand’s usual suede lining doesn’t.

I like to compare this sandal to the Milano, the brand’s other adventure-ready three-strap sandal that retails for $140. The Shinjuku takes the same adjustability-first approach and builds on it with sport-influenced hardware and a more durable outsole. This sale price puts it below the Milano while bringing a more technical feature set.

Related: Birkenstock's Comfortable Moc-Toe Clogs Are a Rare $40 Off at Nordstrom Rack

Named after one of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods, the Shinjuku is Birkenstock’s nod to urban culture and city walking that traditional sandals weren’t made for. It’s a relatively new addition to the Birk lineup (dropped in May of 2024), designed specifically to bridge the gap between the label’s heritage sandal DNA and the demand for more city-focused styles. 

The Birkenstock Shinjuku Sandals are available now for $97, and will likely sell out fast, as Birkenstock deals tend to do. 

Shop More Deals

• Birkenstock Oswego Slip-On Sneaker, $65 (was $150) at Nordstrom Rack
• Birkenstock Honnef Sneaker, $130 (was $200) at Nordstrom Rack
• Birkenstock Naples Bold Grip Clog, $120 (was $160) at Nordstrom Rack

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Beloved 'Ted Lasso' Star Teams With J-Lo for Old-School Netflix Rom-Com

Can Brett Goldstein shed his image as the foul-mouthed, hilarious Roy Kent from Ted Lasso? In what feels like a very old-school romantic comedy, Goldstein has teamed up with Jennifer Lopez for a new movie called Office Romance. Here's why this rom-com might be the best bet for a Netflix date night in June.

Netflix just released the new trailer for Office Romance, following a real-life stunt in which Jennifer Lopez updated her actual LinkedIn profile to reflect that idea that she is a "CEO & Pilot" of a company called "Air Cruz." In the movie, Lopez will play a high-powered executive of an airline, named Jackie Cruz, who, as you might have guessed, falls in love with her new in-house lawyer, played by Goldstein.

The cast also features Amy Sedaris, Tony Hale, Edward James Olmos, and in the trailer, right away, recent Star Trek: Picardand Star Trek: Discovery alums Michelle Hurd and Mary Wiseman.

Office Romance Release Date and Trailer

Office Romance isn't just a kind of new direction for Brett Goldstein. He's also the co-writer of the movie with Joe Kelly. The movie is directed by Ol Parker.

Office Romance will start streaming on Netflix on June 5, 2026. This is exactly one month prior to Goldstein's return in Ted Lasso Season 4 on August 5.

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Target Is Selling Costway's Trendy Sectional Sofa for Almost 90% Off in 3 Cool Colors

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

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Costway Modular 4-Seat Sectional Sofa, $360 (was $3,000)

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Why We Love This Deal

How often is it that you're scrolling through your phone on the sofa and need to use an obscured outlet that's hiding behind it? Well, the latest trend in sofas has less to do with comfort and more with convenience. This Costway sofa takes care of that plug-in issue for you with its four hidden USB ports. Plus, it’s a whopping 88% off at Target right now.

The Costway Modular 4-Seat Sectional Sofa is on sale for as low as $360, plummeting from the original $3,000 price tag. This item boasts over 10 five-star ratings at Target and comes in three colors, but the dark grey option currently holds the most affordable price, while the others—still on sale—range from $400 to $403.

Costway Modular 4-Seat Sectional Sofa, $360 (was $3,000) at Target

The Costway Modular 4-Seat Sectional Sofa.

Courtesy of Target

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What Shoppers Should Know

• Number of Pieces: 5
• Net Weight Capacity: 3,300 pounds
• Frame Material: Metal
• Overall Dimensions: 123 inches long, 63 inches wide, 32.5 inches tall
• Number of USB Ports: 4

Not many sofas feature 4 USB ports and 2 power outlets, but this sofa isn’t like others. It’ll allow you to recharge your devices with ease, and everything is hidden within or behind the couch, preventing the wires from being an eyesore. This sofa also has a hidden caddy in the armrest that you can store a TV remote or other personal belongings in to ensure you never lose anything under the cushions of the couch.

And speaking of those cushions, the high-density sponge offers premium comfort, and all four seats are extremely comfortable, as well as capable of holding over 600 pounds each. In addition, a removable ottoman is part of your purchase too, and it can be arranged wherever you want to form an L-shaped sofa.

In terms of price, you can find more luxurious furniture with the same number of seats at Wayfair, yet it’ll cost you at least $200 to $300 more at least.

Related: Target Is Selling a Durable 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet for Under $200

What Shoppers Are Saying

One of the main concerns when it comes to furniture shopping is assembly, but shoppers say not to worry. “Easy assembly, no tools needed,” they reported. “Clean lines, low-profile, well-crafted, and very comfortable seating that is firm, but not overly firm.”

Another shopper said the sofa is simply great and a fine addition to a new living space. “It is wonderful!” they said. “Looks fantastic in my son's new apartment.”

The Costway Modular 4-Seat Sectional Sofa is under $400 at Target. Add it to your cart ASAP before the super savings are lost.

Shop More Deals

• Wixidiel 4-Seat U Sectional Couch, $540 (was $800) at Wayfair
• Hyleory Corduroy L-Shaped Sectional Sofa, $430 (was $630) at Target
• Dyonery Corduroy Loveseat, $300 (was $400) at Target

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