Month: July 2025

Mariah The Scientist’s next musical experiment is coming soon. Hearts Sold Separately, the Atlanta singer’s upcoming fourth studio album, is officially set for release on August 22. Mariah kicked off the rollout for the new project in May, with the video for the first single, “Burning Blue.”

It has been a while since we last heard from the Scientist, whose last album To Be Eaten Alive came out in 2023. While 2024 was a relatively quiet year on the new releases front, Mariah kept busy with the tour for To Be Eaten Alive and opening on Latto’s Sugar Honey Iced Tea tour. Much of her time outside of that, it seemed, was dedicated to supporting her equally supportive boyfriend Young Thug, who was on trial for racketeering for much of that year. His release in October after pleading guilty to one charge of racketeering in exchange for time served and probation was called “more than what we prayed for” by Mariah, and was certainly something fans looked forward to.

Now, those fans can look forward to the release of Hearts Sold Separately — and apparently, among them is one of Mariah’s biggest contemporaries, Rihanna, who recently named “Burning Blue” her go-to karaoke song. Stay tuned for more on Mariah’s new album.

Photo by Wes McFee on Unsplash

Imagine the level of heartbreak. Dolly Parton lost her husband on March 3, at age 82. She was married to Carl Dean for nearly 60 years. They shared a lot of love, and Carl was usually a quiet supporter of his wife.

On Instagram is where Dolly shared the news of Carl’s death. She also released a song on March 7 that was dedicated to the love of her life.

“If You Hadn’t Been There” is the song, and this is your warning: Grab the tissues!

Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash

Listen to This Heartbreaking Song

You can listen to the song and hear the lyrics of If You Hadn’t Been There to see just how important Carl was to Dolly.

The chorus says quite a bit of the kind of love they had, and fans are both crying and swooning:

“I wouldn’t be here If you hadn’t been there / Holding my hand / Showing you care / You made me dream / More than I dared / And I wouldn’t be here / If you hadn’t been there.”

Image by Fabrizio Brugnoni from Pixabay

As one fan shared on Instagram, she loves how Dolly has been humble and grounded throughout her time being famous.

Others are speechless about how committed of a marriage Dolly and Carl had together.

Many reached out to Dolly to let them know just how sorry they are for her loss.

Only Dolly can turn such a heartbreaking loss into such a beautiful song. May Carl Dean’s memory live on forever.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Everyone’s favorite craft store is closing all of its location due to Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Joann Fabrics. In January of this year, the retailer filed for bankruptcy for the second time. USA Today reported that the craft store will be closing all of its remaining locations, not just 500 of the remaining 800.

After 82 years, the company is going out of business.

The company has said that they will work with all of the shareholders to wind down operations with a minimal impact. They also expressed appreciation toward their team members, customers, and communities.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

The Sadness Spreads Across Social Media

On X, Facebook, and other social media platforms, fans of the craft store have expressed their sadness and disappointment of the store’s closure. People hate that in this online world, stores like Joann’s are closing, making it impossible to actually look at and touch the fabrics anymore.

Others reminisce about how they used to shop at the store with their mother or grandmother. As one customer wrote, “It’s a dark day for crafters.”

Photo by Barthelemy de Mazenod on Unsplash

Now what?

As many people mourn Joann Fabrics going out of business, others are taking advantage of the various deals. If there is a location near you, clearance sales are happening. It’s a chance to save money on various craft items. One thing to note: they’re no longer accepting Joann gift cards.

Image by https://bosskuart.etsy.com from Pixabay

Okay, I’ll admit it – I sleep with the fan on every night. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the South, and that’s just what many people do. However, some friends found out I do it and warned me of all of the health concerns.

I use the fan to create a tranquil environment so that I can sleep well and wake up feeling rejuvenated.

I decided to find out what the REAL effect of sleeping with a fan was. There are both benefits and drawbacks, so let’s explore…

The Benefits

Photo by Lotus Design N Print on Unsplash

Let’s start with some of the benefits of sleeping with a fan on:

• The fan can generate a bit of white noise, masking any disruptive noises.
• The temperature of the room is regulated to ensure it isn’t too hot.
• Air circulation can prevent allergen buildup and reduce a “stuffy” room.
• Studies show that it can reduce SIDS for infants because of reduced CO2 levels.

The Drawbacks

Photo by Helen Shi on Unsplash

Okay, so here’s where there are issues with having a fan going, and this is what my friends were trying to warn me of:

• Dry skin and eyes are common because of the drying effect a fan can have in the room.
• The constant breeze can lead to stiff muscles, especially if the fan blows directly on you.
• If the fan isn’t cleaned regularly, it can stir up more dust and allergens.
• Some fans are noisy and can be anything but soothing.

Ultimately, you have to do what’s right for you. If you’re worried about dry skin and eyes, use a humidifier. You may also want to consider shopping for a fan that is eco-friendly, quiet, and has the features that allow you to enjoy more of the benefits and less of the drawbacks.

Photo by Anastasiya Badun on Unsplash

Avocado is a superfood, and if we’re being honest, it’s so much tastier than some of those other “superfoods” like kale and flaxseeds. Whether you’re turning it into guacamole or a smoothie, it’s important not to overlook the seed.

You’re not throwing the seed away, are you? New research shows that the pits are just as valuable as the green flesh itself.

Facts About the Pit

Image by u_g2gflb2qgh from Pixabay

The pit (the seed) may be hard to crack, but that doesn’t mean it should be discarded. 70% of the fruit’s antioxidants are housed inside.

They contain:

• Catechins and procyanidins, which are antioxidants
• Lots of fiber

How the Avocado Pit Can Improve Your Health

Photo by Lala Azizli on Unsplash

A pit can be used to:

• Lower inflammation associated with arthritis
• Maintain a healthy blood sugar level
• Boost collagen growth for hair and nails
• Reduce dandruff

So, how do you get to the pit?

Once you open the avocado, separate the pit. Then, you may be able to chop it into pieces (with a sharp enough knife). You can also use a cheese grater to simply grate the avocado pit.

With the pit now as a workable ingredient, you can mix it into food, whip it up with some castor oil for your hair, and incorporate it into some of your favorite smoothie recipes.

One quick warning: Avocado seeds can take your body some time to get used to, so don’t be surprised if you experience a bit of gastric distress at first.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Sitting on the bed in your “street clothes” can be a big no-no for many. If your friend, significant other, or family member asks you not to sit on their bed when you’re wearing the clothes had on when you were outside, don’t be offended.

Think about this – your clothes have been exposed to countless public surfaces while you were out and about.

It’s About Bacteria

Image by Gracini Studios from Pixabay

Especially since the pandemic, more people than ever are knowledgeable about germs. Bacteria will build up on clothes. If you sit on the bus, go to the grocery store, or walk down the street, your clothes will be anything but clean.

The director of microbiology and immunology at NYU tested clothes from high-end and low-end clothing stores that were brand new. He found that many had:

• Skin flora
• Fecal flora
• Respiratory secretions

So, even the “cleanest” of clothes can have signs of contamination.

Do you want this climbing into bed with you? Of course not.

What’s REALLY Spreading?

Photo by Mak Mozza on Unsplash

Dr. Ferastraoaru, an assistant professor of medicine at Einstein/Montefiore said that it’s unlikely any contagious illness will pass through clothes. However, common allergens are easily spread.

What Can You Do?

Honestly, don’t climb into bed (anyone’s bed) in clothes you’ve worn outside. Instead, change into clean clothes when you get home (or when you arrive at someone’s house and plan to stay the night). It’s the best way to address germs, bacteria, allergens, and anything else “gross.”

We haven’t had a new Justin Bieber album in over four years now, since 2021’s Justice. In recent times, there have been rumors of a new album coming and sightings of him in the studio. Now, it looks like the situation may be coming to a head quickly: The Hollywood Reporter reports that according to “sources,” Def Jam is releasing Bieber’s new album in a matter of hours, on July 11. The project will supposedly feature Gunna, Sexyy Red, and Cash Cobain.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, a billboard was spotted, featuring a photo of Bieber and what looks like a simple album cover featuring the word “swag” (perhaps the album title). Notably, in May, Bieber was seen in Iceland working on new music. The same billboard was also spotted in Los Angeles, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Bieber himself hasn’t talked much about new music lately, but he did recently speak out against Drew House, his clothing brand from which he has distanced himself. In April, he wrote, “I Justin Bieber am no longer involved in this brand. Drew House doesnt represent me or my family or life. If your rocking with me the human Justin Bieber dont waste ur money on Drew House.”

Megan Thee Stallion fans are wondering whether the Houston rapper has picked up a new NBA suitor after her latest post featured a surprise cameo from one of the league’s best shooters. While on vacation, Meg posted selfies from the pool — and a recognizable figure in the background captured fans’ attention.

Fans zeroed in on a man lounging on a pool chair behind Meg, determining that he bore a very strong resemblance to Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Klay Thompson. Thompson, who gained widespread popularity with the Golden State Warriors as one-half of the championship backcourt duo the “Splash Brothers” alongside fellow NBA nepo baby Steph Curry, sports a distinctive goatee, which fans noted matches the one on the man in the background.

Admittedly, that’s not a guaranteed sign of any association between the two — after all, they could simply be vacationing at the same resort — but that’s never stopped fans from spreading dating rumors. Meg has apparently had an affinity for athletes — her last confirmed relationship was with another NBA player, Torrey Craig, and she was previously linked with Belgian footballer Romelu Lukaku — and given her stature in both bank account and physique, a pro basketball player would at least make an attractive pairing.

Neither Meg nor Klay has said anything about the rumors, but then again… they’re on vacation.

In an interview from a few months ago, when asked to name her favorite actor, Billie Eilish had two picks: Steve Carell and Jake Johnson. She’s had the chance to speak with Carell before (as well as other favorites from The Office). She’s met the New Girl star, too, but before she did, she was very starstruck, to the point of tears.

Eilish revealed this during a recent interview, explaining:

“Last year, I was flying somewhere and as we pulled up to the airport, Jake Johnson got out of another car. My dad was there and was like, ‘Billie, you have to get out of the car,’ and I was just like, ‘I can’t, Jake Johnson is right there.’ And I started to tear up and cry, and my dad was asking, ‘Who even is that?’ And I said, ‘It’s Jake Johnson, the best actor in the world.’

I went into the airport and just sobbed, and called a couple of my friends and said, ‘Jake Johnson is at the same airport as me!’ My dad was begging me to go and talk to him and I refused […] and this was last December, so not even that long ago! Eventually, I had to walk by him as he was in the same room and he called my name out and said hello […] and it was an awesome day!”

Check out more from the interview here.

Metro Boomin detailed his upcoming surprise mixtape, revealing its title via a billboard and information about its features on social media. According to the billboard, it’s called A Futuristic Summa, and per Metro in the replies to the July 4th announcement on Twitter, it will feature an “all new cast” of features, meaning the usual suspects — 21 Savage, Future, Nav, Offset, Quavo, Travis Scott, Young Thug, etc. — might not make any appearances at all. So far, he’s released one single, “Slide” featuring Roscoe Dash(!), which is a new name on his long list of collaborators.

The mixtape will arrive a year after Metro Boomin played a major part in setting the rap world ablaze with his collaborative project with Future, We Don’t Trust You, and its flamboyant Kendrick Lamar-featuring record “Like That.” The resultant beef between Kendrick and his target, Drake, shook up the hip-hop scene, and the fallout still hasn’t settled.

Perhaps that’s why Metro never released the third of the three projects he teased at the beginning of 2024. While his two projects with Future — including the follow-up, We Still Don’t Trust You — could be considered runaway successes, he never did get around to dropping his promised collaborative project with Atlanta rapper JID. However, he did launch his own comics line, Metroverse, which accounts for at least some of the delay. The wait is over sometime this month.