Category: Health & Fitness

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Why We Love This Deal

With Prime Day and Fourth of July sales coming and going, you may have missed Under Armour’s Semi-Annual Sale Event. This sale is one worth diving into: Until July 8, you can get an extra 50% off a pretty impressive selection of the brand’s athletic gear and more. One of the highlights is definitely Under Armour’s bestselling Charged Gemini running shoes, which are over half off during the sale. 

The $110 Under Armour Charged Gemini Running Shoes were already on sale for $99, but if you use code SUMMER (or EXTRA50) at checkout, it brings the price down to $49. Four of the five colorways are on sale for this price, and the Marine OD Green shoes are almost sold out. These are bona fide all-stars in the UA lineup—they’ve earned a 4.8-star rating after more than 1,000 votes on the site, with users raving about their “supportive and lightweight” build.

Under Armour Charged Gemini Running Shoes, From $49 (was $110) at Under Armour

What Shoppers Should Know

• Upper: Spacer mesh
• Midsole: Charged Cushioning compression-molded foam, removable sockliner
• Outsole: Blown rubber with carbon rubber heel
• Closure: Molded ankle collar, standard lace-up
• Best For: Daily training, running, all-day support

The spacer mesh upper here, a 3D-knit material that holds its shape and breathes better than flat mesh, makes the Charged Geminis an especially solid choice for summer running. Charged Cushioning (UA’s compression-molded foam) gives you plenty of support for daily training without feeling mushy on longer runs as well. For even more support, the heel counter and molded ankle collar lock the back of your feet in place. 

Now, compared to Asics, Brooks, or Hoka, Under Armour may not be considered a top-tier running shoe label. But the brand’s Charged Asserts are usually the top dog in Amazon’s running shoe rankings, and while they’re going for around $47 there, this sale at Under Armour’s site makes the Geminis a better deal. You’re essentially getting a more premium shoe for only a few bucks more than the sale price of one of UA’s more entry-level runners. The Charged Asserts are still solid, however, and a great pick for beginner runners. 

Related: Asics’ ‘Supportive’ Gel-Cumulus Running Shoes Are Still Nearly 40% Off After Prime Day

What Shoppers Are Saying

One helpful reviewer said, “By far the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever owned.” Another shopper wrote, “Great around town and in the gym for both cardio and strength weight training,” and a third shopper commented on the performance: “Feels flexible and improves my workout performance.”

That running support makes the shoes great for those who walk or stand a lot for work. One shopper said that finding shoes that are “not only breathable but comfortable” for the 20,000 steps they take a day is very hard, and these were “a huge success.”

Under Armour’s Charged Gemini Running Shoes remain one of its bestsellers, and getting into a pair of highly-rated name-brand runners for under fifty bucks is always a win. 

Also Check Out

• UA Pursuit 4, From $28 (was $75) at Under Armour
• UA Rogue 4, From $38 (was 85) at Under Armour
• UA Charged+ Rogue 6, From $40 (was $85) at Under Armour

Netflix is generally pretty quick to decide whether shows are going to receive a second season or not, typically drawing from the streaming platform’s viewership analytics to decide whether it would be a profitable investment—but there are several shows from this year that still haven’t received a verdict.

One of these shows is How to Get to Heaven From Belfast, the follow-up thriller comedy from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee. The show received rave reviews from critics, securing an impressive 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, despite this huge acclaim, it seems as though How to Get to Heaven From Belfast may not have secured a second season after all. Generally, if a show like this was going to land a renewal on the grounds of its critical apprailsal, it would have happened by now. The extended hiatus of information doesn’t look like a good sign.

What’s On Netflix predicts that How to Get to Heaven From Belfast will ultimately be cancelled by the streaming platform after just one season, citing the low viewership numbers as the main reason. Strong reviews are helpful, but Netflix ultimately won’t be incentivized to continue funding a show that isn’t leaving a meaningful impact on the viewership charts.

The first season of How to Get to Heaven From Belfast was released on Netflix internationally on February 12, 2026. The show follows three close friends who learn that the fourth member of their teenage friend group has died, causing them to travel back to their hometown to pay their respects. Once they return, they discover the mysterious conditions of their friend’s death and stumble into a conspiracy of long-kept secrets.

The show’s reviews praised McGee’s excellent writing, which constantly walks the line between gritty thriller and dark comedy, and the standout performances from the entire cast. The eight-episode season also ended on a cliffhanger, which could make its eventual cancellation sting even more.

McGee has publicly stated that the cliffhanger ending was intended to leave the door open for a second season, but she acknowledged that the decision ultimately lay in the hands of Netflix executives. It would be a huge shame to see this bold, original piece of storytelling cut short, but nothing has been finalized yet.

With a new month comes a new dump of content on Netflix, and July 1 sees the platform add a 2019 crime thriller that was a quiet hit among critics and fans alike. It was written by an Emmy-winning multi-hyphenate and stars an Oscar winner, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The film is so exceptional that, as of publication, it’s Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a Tomatometer score of 82%. (On a personal note, it turned out to be one of those pleasant, yet unexpected, surprises for me when I watched it in theaters.)

‘Queen & Slim’ Is Now Available to Stream on Netflix 

Written by Emmy-winning writer/director/actress/producer Lena Waithe, directed by Grammy-winning Melina Matsoukas, and starring Oscar-winning Daniel Kaluuya, Queen Slim follows the twisted tale of a minor traffic stop that goes horribly wrong. Things spiral so out of control that what was supposed to be a first date becomes an epic fugitive romance that greatly impacts the rest of the lives and legacy of two people forever. Here’s the official synopsis of the movie: 

“From Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe and Grammy Award-winning director Melina Matsoukas, comes the unflinching new drama, Queen & Slim. On a first date, a black man and woman are stopped by a policeman over a minor traffic infraction. As the situation spirals, the man kills the officer in self-defense, forcing the two to go on the run. As they drive, these two unlikely fugitives discover themselves in the most dire of circumstances, forging a powerful love that reveals their shared humanity and shapes the rest of their lives.”

Critics Loved ‘Queen & Slim’

Again, Queen & Slim is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, proving it’s a hit with critics. Alissa Wilkinson for Vox stated, “It’s a Bonnie and Clyde tale worth telling today.” Stephanie Zacharek wrote for Time: 

“Queen & Slim is a movie made of equal parts sorrow and glamour, all tempered by the grim reality that during the course of their odyssey Queen and Slim do some things they’re not proud of.

Personally speaking, Queen & Slim was one of my favorite movies of 2019. It wasn’t on my radar initially, but in theaters, I was hooked from the very beginning. Although it’s not billed as a horror story, as a Black man in America, the journey of Slim is absolutely gut-wrenching for me to watch. 

Again, Queen & Slim is now available to stream on Netflix. 

Related: Miami Heat Have Giannis and Bam, but Could the Team Form a Big 3 with Addition of…?

By 1970, John Wayne had already cemented his place as Hollywood’s biggest Western star. But behind the scenes of Rio Lobo, the legendary actor was facing physical challenges that audiences never saw on screen.

Despite filming while in poor health — and while recovering from a serious shoulder injury — Wayne powered through production of what would become the final film directed by his longtime collaborator, Howard Hawks.

More than 50 years later, Rio Lobo continues to earn recognition, landing on IMDb’s roundup of the greatest Western movies of all time.

John Wayne Filmed Through Pain

According to IMDb’s trivia page for Rio Lobo, Wayne struggled physically throughout production.

The actor was in poor health during filming and reportedly had difficulty getting on and off his horse. He was also still recovering from a torn shoulder ligament he suffered while making 1969’s The Undefeated.

Those challenges weren’t obvious to moviegoers.

In Rio Lobo, Wayne stars as Union Army Colonel Cord McNally, who sets out to track down the Confederate traitors responsible for a deadly train robbery during the Civil War. Along the way, he forms unlikely alliances in a story filled with shootouts, revenge and classic Western action.

An Oscar and a Practical Joke

Production also coincided with one of the biggest moments of Wayne’s career. During a break in filming, he traveled to accept the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. The Oscar remains the only competitive Academy Award Wayne ever won.

When he returned to the Rio Lobo set, his castmates celebrated in unforgettable fashion. According to IMDb, every member of the cast greeted Wayne wearing an eye patch — including his horse — in a playful tribute to his one-eyed, Oscar-winning lawman.

Rio Lobo marked the final film directed by Howard Hawks, ending one of Hollywood’s most influential careers behind the camera.

Hawks and Wayne had previously collaborated on classics including Red River, Rio Bravo and El Dorado, making Rio Lobo the closing chapter in one of the Western genre’s defining partnerships.

The film also featured veteran character actor Jack Elam, whose performance reportedly impressed audiences so much that Wayne later joked Elam had stolen several scenes from him.

When fans discuss the greatest guitar solos of all time, there is a list of iconic performances that always make the cut. While iconic solos from Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Brian May, and David Gilmour all deserve the respect they get, praising them again doesn’t add much to the conversation. That is why it is so fascinating that a major expert with decades’ worth of knowledge recently highlighted a 1973 song as the greatest guitar solo that often gets forgotten.

Who Ranked Mahavishnu Orchestra’s ‘Birds of Fire’ the Greatest Forgotten Guitar Solo of All Time?

On May 4, 2026, Rolling Stone published its ranking of the “100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.” In response to that ranking, Brad Tolinski penned an entertaining, funny, and informative article for his Substack that anyone who cares about the subject should read. As his Penguin Random House bio notes, Tolinski is an expert who was the Guitar World editor-in-chief for 25 years. He has also written books about music, including Light & Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page.

In addition to covering Rolling Stone’s list, Tolinski also offered up a pair of guitar solo rankings of his own. The first detailed his ranking of the best guitar solos from a historian’s perspective and featured Brian May, Eddie Van Halen, Chuck Berry, and Jimi Hendrix. He then noted he was “a little sick” of those solos and would be fine to never hear them again. Tolinski then offered his own “subjective list” of “solos that may not always appear in the official canon, yet somehow still sound fresh, dangerous, surprising, and alive every time I hear them.”

For his second list of the best guitar solos that are often forgotten or ignored, Tolinski named the 1973 Mahavishnu Orchestra song “Birds of Fire” at No. 1. The blistering solo featured in the instrumental track was performed by John McLaughlin. While explaining his choice, Tolinski hilariously started his argument by writing, “By and large, most jazz-rock fusion is awful — the worst of both worlds.” From there, Tolinski praised McLaughlin for briefly making the genre “a thrilling hotbed of musical experimentation.”

The article detailed the guitarist’s collaborations with an absolute icon. McLaughlin’s “jagged funk rhythms and lightning-fast, Indian-influenced solos fueled several extraordinary Miles Davis albums, including In a Silent Way, Jack Johnson and the essential Bitches Brew.” Ultimately, Tolinski praised “McLaughlin’s reckless soloing” on “Birds of Fire” while vividly describing how exciting he found the performance. He wrote the solo “remains one of the most exhilarating guitar performances I’ve ever heard, possessing the same abandon as Little Richard or the New York Dolls at their absolute wildest.”

Next: 1980 Classic Voted the ‘Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time’ by Guitarists

Denzel Washington is, without a doubt, one of the most prolific talents Hollywood has ever seen. The two-time Oscar winner becomes a chameleon on the big screen. He was phenomenal as Malcolm X in the biopic film, he was incredible as a desperate father in John Q, he was inspiring as a coach in Remember the Titans, and the list really does go on and on. And as wonderful as he is to watch in biopics and endearing dramas, he also excels in action thrillers. Case in point, HBO Max just added a popular action franchise of his, and it’s sure to provide some entertaining watching (or rewatching) for fans. 

HBO Max Adds ‘The Equalizer’ Franchise 

Back in 2014, Washington teamed up with Michael director Antoine Fuqua and esteemed writer Richard Wenk to launch the film adaptations of The Equalizer. Based on the 1980s TV series of the same name, The Equalizer follows Washington’s Robert McCall, an ex-marine and intelligence officer, who makes it his mission to exact some vigilante justice, especially after a young acquaintance mistakenly gets involved with a crime syndicate. Here’s the official synopsis of the film:

“In The Equalizer, Denzel Washington plays McCall, a man who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when McCall meets Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can’t stand idly by — he has to help her. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. If someone has a problem, if the odds are stacked against them, if they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.”

The Equalizer 2 and The Equalizer 3 see Robert McCall continue in his quest to deliver his form of justice. It’s worth pointing out that critics by and large agree that The Equalizer 3 is the best of the franchise. 

Will There Be an ‘Equalizer 4’?

In a remarkable feat, Washington confirmed with Esquire that there will, in fact, be a fourth installment in The Equalizer movie franchise. Not only that, but Washington confirmed there will be a fifth movie as well. As of publication, neither one has a published release date. 

Again, the first three movies in The Equalizer franchise are available to stream on HBO Max with a subscription. 

Related: Robert De Niro’s Netflix Film Is Still the Greatest Mafia Movie of the Last 20 Years

Earlier this week Idaho, Montana and Wyoming received heavy snowfall despite the calendar indicating summer was very much underway.

With the United States’ 250th birthday just a few days away, many in the region were left shoveling their driveways as some spots received as much as 16 inches of snow.

“It wasn’t just those two communities affected, though. Ski areas around the state received some fresh powder, highlighted by Discovery getting eight inches and Darkhorse Lake, near the Montana-Idaho state line, receiving 16 inches,” KTVQ wrote.

The snow isn’t quite done, though.

More Snow Coming to the U.S. as Some States Brace for Heat Indexes Over 110 Degrees

The snow is finally starting to wind down in some states, but drivers in the area were still dealing with significant travel issues.

“THIS is why the highway remains CLOSED at the MT/WY state line. Give the Plowboys time to get this mess cleared and conditions safe for travel. Monitor @511mt.net for accurate highway status information. Do NOT use map apps!” the official Beartooth Highway account said on social media showing snow drifts several feet high.

While Montana and Wyoming finish dealing with the fallout from the snow storm, parts of Alaska are under a new warning from the National Weather Service as snow and ice form to create possible “hazards.”

“Expected precipitation across N Alaska through Thu morning features steadier rain for the Upper Tanana Valley & E Alaska Range. Meanwhile, a frontal system brings rain and wintry mix to the NW Arctic Coast (Point Lay to Utqiagvik), with localized icing hazards possible,” the Fairbanks office of the National Weather Service said.

The official warning from the NWS runs from Tuesday night through Thursday.

As Montana and Wyoming clean up and Alaska prepares for more snow, other states are expected to see heat index temperatures well above 100 degrees, making it dangerous for some groups.

“With the combination of high humidity, heat indices may reach 100-110 Degrees,” said the NWS. “Much of the central and eastern U.S. is under a Moderate to Major HeatRisk, which can pose health impacts on those without hydration or cooling.”

In parts of New Jersey the “feels like” temperature is expected to reach 111 degrees.

Related: 1953 Western Classic Among John Wayne’s Best – But He Was The Second Choice

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to have some fun in the sun. In the dating world, that might mean keeping it casual, but you can still find love when the weather is warm.

If you’re a guy looking for a long-term relationship this summer, licensed therapist and relationship expert Jordanne Sculler has five “unconventional and intentional” tips to follow, which she shared with Men’s Journal this week.

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Get Rid of Your Checklist

For this tip, Sculler recommends thinking outside of the box about the type of people you pursue and “giving people a chance before disqualifying them based on a list of qualities you think you should want.”

“We often rely on mental shortcuts when dating, filtering people based on superficial traits, assumptions, or a rigid idea of our “type.” But research suggests that we’re not always great predictors of who we’ll actually connect with,” she says. “When we loosen those preconceived criteria, we create space for genuine chemistry, shared values, and emotional compatibility to emerge. Connection often grows through interaction, not on paper.”

Step Outside of Your Typical Dating Routines

Sculler calls this “one of my favorite pieces of dating advice.” In addition to rethinking your dating pool, she advocates deviating from your usual routine–changing how long your typical dates are, how many drinks you have etc.

“We tend to operate on autopilot. We bring the same habits, expectations, and behaviors into dating and then wonder why we keep getting the same results,” she explains. “When we intentionally change the pattern, we create opportunities for new experiences, new connections, and new insights about ourselves.”

Examine the Stories You Tell Yourself

According to Sculler, people enter the dating world “carrying stories about who we are, what we deserve, and how relationships work.” Challenging these narratives, particularly if they are negative ones, is critical.

“Our beliefs shape what we notice, expect, and even how we behave in relationships. When we assume a certain outcome, we often unknowingly reinforce the very patterns we’re trying to avoid,” she says. 

Choose Curiosity Over Chemistry

Sculler asks men to think not just in terms of are they attracted to the person they’re on a date with, but also if they can learn from them.

“Many people make snap judgments within minutes. Curiosity slows down our tendency to judge and allows attraction to develop over time,” she adds. “Some of the strongest relationships begin with moderate, not instant, chemistry.”

Don’t Wait for a ‘Spark’ – Look for Regulation

Everyone is looking for “butterflies,” but that’s no the be-all, end-all.

“Many people mistake anxiety, unpredictability, or emotional intensity and insecurity for chemistry,” Sculler says. “Healthy relationships often feel calm, safe, and consistent rather than emotionally chaotic.”

You can find Sculler on Instagram here, or visit her professional website.

Few guitar riffs are as instantly recognizable (and deliciously catchy) as the opening of Dire Straits’ 1985 smash hit “Money for Nothing.”

Driven by Mark Knopfler’s crunchy, unmistakable guitar tone, the song became one of the defining sounds of the 1980s — and decades later, critics still rank its opening among the greatest guitar riffs ever recorded.

Classical-Music.com recently included “Money for Nothing” on its list of the greatest guitar riffs of all time, praising the song for perfectly capturing the spirit of the decade.

The Guitar Riff That Defined the ’80s

According to Classical-Music.com, “Money for Nothing” distilled the energy and contradictions of mid-1980s Britain into one unforgettable riff.

“Dire Straits captured the zeitgeist perfectly with a guitar riff emerging as though robotically beamed in from a future that didn’t seem so far away,” the publication wrote.

It added that “few things sound as ’80s as that guitar riff.”

Written by Mark Knopfler and featuring backing vocals from Sting, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and became one of Dire Straits’ biggest hits.

The Song That Helped Define MTV

“Money for Nothing” wasn’t just a hit on the radio, it became one of MTV’s signature songs.

Its groundbreaking computer-animated music video won Video of the Year at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards and helped establish the network’s visual identity during the channel’s golden era. The song also made television history overseas.

When MTV Europe launched on Aug. 1, 1987, “Money for Nothing” was chosen as the very first music video the network aired, making it part of one of the biggest moments in music television history.

The choice was fitting. The song’s lyrics famously poked fun at rock stardom through the eyes of appliance store workers watching MTV, while its now-iconic refrain, “I want my MTV,” became forever linked with the channel itself.

More Than Four Decades Later, It Still Rocks

Released on Dire Straits’ blockbuster album Brothers in Arms, “Money for Nothing” remains one of the band’s defining achievements. From its instantly recognizable opening riff to its groundbreaking music video, the song helped shape both rock music and the MTV generation.

Forty years later, it’s easy to hear why critics continue to rank it among the greatest guitar riffs ever recorded, and why its influence on music and pop culture remains impossible to ignore.

Steve McQueen starred in dozens of memorable films throughout his career, from Bullitt and The Thomas Crown Affair to The Magnificent Seven. But according to one ranking, no performance topped his role in the 1963 World War II epic The Great Escape.

The classic war film was named McQueen’s greatest movie of all time by Gold Derby, while ScreenRant also included it among the greatest war movie masterpieces ever made.

More than 60 years after its release, The Great Escape continues to stand as one of Hollywood’s defining war films.

Steve McQueen’s Signature Performance

Directed by John Sturges, The Great Escape is based on the true story of Allied prisoners of war who orchestrated an ambitious escape from a German POW camp during World War II.

McQueen stars as Virgil Hilts — better known as “The Cooler King” — a rebellious American prisoner whose repeated escape attempts land him in solitary confinement. The character became one of the actor’s most iconic roles, thanks in part to his trademark cool demeanor and unforgettable motorcycle chase.

Gold Derby called The Great Escape the definitive prison-break movie and ranked it as McQueen’s greatest film, praising what it described as perhaps the finest performance of his career.

The outlet also highlighted the film’s sweeping cinematography, Elmer Bernstein’s memorable score and its remarkable ensemble cast, which included James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn and David McCallum.

A War Movie That Still Holds Up

While many World War II films focus primarily on combat, The Great Escape takes a different approach.

ScreenRant praised its balance of suspense, humor and action. Although the publication noted that the film takes creative liberties with the historical events that inspired it, it argued that The Great Escape remains an exceptional piece of entertainment.

“The Great Escape plays quite fast and loose with the truth, but it still makes for a memorable war adventure,” ScreenRant wrote, calling it “a deft piece of escapism.”

The publication also described it as “the best POW movie ever made,” citing its exciting action, compelling story and charismatic performances.

Released in 1963, The Great Escape became both a critical and commercial success, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Film Editing while cementing McQueen’s status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.