• I’ve worked at Costco for 18 years. Here are 10 of the best things I’m seeing on the shelves this month.

    A hand holds a black box with images of small chocolate- and hazelnut-stuffed churro pieces and two cinnamon sticks on it
    Costco has plenty of great items this July.

    • I'm a Costco employee who loves finding the best items at the store each month.
    • This July, Costco is carrying a Kirkland Signature chipotle-chicken bowl with cilantro-lime rice.
    • Keep cool with the Jisulife portable neck fan or Reese's frozen peanut-butter dessert cups.

    Just because I've worked at Costco for nearly 20 years doesn't mean I don't like browsing the aisles like the many customers I help each day. The store, which is the leading retailer in customer satisfaction, always seems to be offering a variety of snacks, personal-care items, and home-design products I haven't seen before.

    I love searching for the best products to bring home each month, and this July, there are tons of cool summertime items to choose from. Here are 10 items I recommend checking out at Costco this month.

    Prices may vary by location.

    The Custom Made Meals bacon-wrapped carnitas jalapeño poppers will have guests asking for more.
    A hand holds a yellow container with orange text spelling out "carnitas jalapeño poppers" with an image of jalapeño poppers next to it
    The Custom Made Meals bacon-wrapped carnitas jalapeño poppers make a quick meal or appetizer.

    These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are the ultimate party appetizer. The poppers are stuffed with cream cheese and savory carnitas to create a delicious bite.

    This cook-and-serve meal can be made in less than 30 minutes in the air fryer, grill, or oven. A two-pack of the carnitas jalapeño poppers is $16 at my store. 

    The Simply Fresh caprese pasta-salad shaker makes a delicious, quick meal.
    A hand holds a square-shaped container of caprese pasta with an image of pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and arugula on the packaging
    The Simply Fresh caprese pasta salad comes together in less than a minute.

    The Simply Fresh caprese pasta-salad shaker is a convenient on-the-go meal that feels gourmet. The pasta salad, which even comes with a fork, features arugula, rotini, tomatoes, and mozzarella.

    The best part is that the meal is ready in just a few seconds. Just snap the lid on, pour the toppings and dressing in, and shake to combine the ingredients.

    A package of two Simply Fresh salad shakers is $14 at my Costco.

    The Jisulife portable neck fan can keep you cool on the go.
    Three blue boxes with an image of a neck fan, which has a curved shape similar to headphones, on them
    The Jisulife portable neck fan is great during hot weather.

    The Jisulife bladeless neck fan is handy during hot weather, no matter if you're home, outdoors, or at work. It features an ultra-light design, three speeds, and three to 16 hours of working time.

    Each box contains two fans, so you can leave one at home and use the other on the go. My Costco sells the Jisulife bladeless neck fan for $50.

    I love the La Vie Gourmand stuffed churro bites.
    A hand holds a black box with images of small chocolate- and hazelnut-stuffed churro pieces and two cinnamon sticks on it
    The La Vie Gourmand stuffed churro bites are the perfect sweet treat.

    The La Vie Gourmand stuffed churro bites are the newest hot-selling item at my Costco.

    This delightful twist on a regular churro is stuffed with chocolate-and-hazelnut and Bavarian-cream fillings. These heat-and-serve treats are also easy to make in the air fryer.

    My location carries a box of two 16-ounce bags of churro bites for $14.

    Bring the Hyperlite life vests to outdoor water activities this summer.
    A hand holds a bright-pink and blue life vest with Hyperlite logo on it in pink stitching in front of several cardboard boxes at Costco
    The Hyperlite life vests come in a variety of sizes, so adults and kids can wear them.

    It's officially summer, which means more people are gathering at lakes and beaches — which is when the Hyperlite life vest could be useful.

    This life vest, which comes in children's and adult sizes, is lightweight and US Coast Guard-approved. It's also available in various colors, so there's something for everyone.

    The Hyperlite vests' prices vary according to size, but they range from $20 to $35 at my Costco.

    The Kirkland Signature chipotle-chicken bowl with cilantro-lime rice is full of flavor.
    A hand holds a chipotle chicken bowl with rice with beans and corn in it, lime wedges, cheese, and cups of guacamole and salsa
    My family of four enjoyed the Kirkland Signature chipotle-chicken bowl with cilantro-lime rice.

    If you love Chipotle, I recommend bringing home this new deli item to make your own bowls, burritos, or tacos. Each container comes with grilled seasoned chicken, cilantro-lime rice, salsa, shredded cheese, guacamole, and lime wedges.

    This tray feeds three to four people, which is perfect for my family of four. It's a fast and easy dinner item that costs only $5 per pound, which comes out to about $20 per container. You can find this item in Costco's deli coolers.

    The French Toast polo is great for back-to-school season.
    A hand holds a packaged light-blue polo with an image of a child wearing a shirt and white "French Toast short sleeve pique polo" text on part of the packaging
    The French Toast polos are a great find for students who wear school uniforms.

    If you're starting to shop for back-to-school supplies and clothing, you might want to grab a twin pack of collared polos. These polos, which come in colors like white, navy, and blue, are great for students who wear uniforms.

    The brand makes several youth sizes, and many Costco locations also carry uniform skirts, shorts, and pants in twin packs in-store or online. The French Toast polo twin pack costs $15 at my location.

    Reese’s frozen peanut-butter dessert cups are refreshing and sweet.
    A hand holds a large orange box with Reese's logo and an image of a peanut-butter dessert cup on the front
    Reese's frozen peanut-butter dessert cups are a fun take on the classic candy.

    Reese's frozen desserts — packed with peanut-butter flavor, like the brand's traditional candies — just hit the freezer department at my store. Each treat has a peanut-butter-swirled dessert base covered in a milk-chocolate-flavored coating.

    A box containing 24 cups is $18 at my store, which means each portion is only $0.75. 

    Clean tough messes with the Shark WandVac Power cord-free handheld vacuum.
    A white box with an image of a dog next to a bowl of spilled food and a hand vacuuming the spill sits next to a display of a hand vacuum
    The Shark WandVac Power cord-free handheld vacuum can clean hard-to-reach places.

    The Shark WandVac Power is one of the most powerful handheld vacuums I've seen. The vacuum is cord-free and weighs less than two pounds.

    It features a boost mode to maximize suction power for tough messes and comes with cleaning-tool attachments to get to hard-to-reach places. The Shark WandVac Power is $100 at my store.

    Don't pass up the cinnamon-apple raisin bread from the bakery section.
    A hand holds a dark-brown loaf of bread wrapped in clear plastic with a white sticker on it
    The cinnamon-apple raisin bread is a new selection in Costco's bakery section.

    The cinnamon-apple raisin bread is a new item in Costco's bakery department. This loaf has tons of flavor from dried apples, cinnamon, raisins, walnuts, and pecans.

    Microwave the bread for about 15 seconds before taking a bite, and you will be hooked. The 32-ounce loaf can be found in the bakery for $8.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • It’s getting hard to see how Biden can stay in the race

    Joe Biden at the White House on Monday.
    The pressure on Biden to drop out only continues to grow each day.

    • Biden is vowing to stay in the race — but his political position seems untenable.
    • His polling is slipping. House Democrats are squirming. There's open talk of swapping in VP Harris.
    • Biden could stay in, but he may be irreparably weakened by now.

    As of Wednesday, President Joe Biden is vowing to stay in the presidential race. But it's becoming difficult to see how he can do so without suffering a humiliating defeat in November.

    In the immediate aftermath of his poor debate performance, it was easier to imagine him staying in place. Most of the calls for him to step aside were coming from liberal commentators and opinion writers, with lawmakers largely holding their tongues or dodging questions about what they had just seen.

    But things began to change this week. Democratic politicians who don't hold elected office — including former Rep. Tim Ryan and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, both of whom ran against Biden in 2020 — called on Biden to step down. Two House Democrats have publicly joined them, while two others — Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington — declared that they believe Biden will lose in November.

    Meanwhile, the White House — a relatively disciplined operation, especially compared to the chaos and backstabbing that defined the Trump administration — has become especially leaky, signaling internal discontent.

    Just in the last few days, people within the White House have discussed Biden's irritably, his relatively light schedule, and the jarring appearance of Hunter Biden at some White House meetings.

    A New York Times/Siena College on Wednesday poll found that former President Donald Trump gained three points among voters nationwide after the debate. A CNN poll on Tuesday showed Vice President Kamala Harris outpolling Biden, and there's been a groundswell in support for the vice president among Democrats on social media.

    More broadly, elected Democrats have grown comfortable openly discussing the possibility of replacing Biden, even if they're not officially calling for it. Many are also expressing discontent with the way the Biden campaign has handled the whole effort, including its use of the term "bedwetters" for those who were calling for a change.

    And on Wednesday, multiple media outlets reported that Biden himself is privately weighing whether to go on.

    It's not out of the question that Biden would choose to stay, and that top party leaders would choose to bite their tongues and stand behind him. But all of these developments have done immense damage to Biden's candidacy, and are virtually impossible to reverse.

    Biden's growing polling deficit seems unlikely to bounce back, barring something disastrous happening to Trump.

    The number of lawmakers either calling for him to drop out or declaring that he won't win seems to grow by the day, and there are very few lawmakers who are vociferously defending him.

    If Biden chooses to go on, he will likely be limping into the general election.

    It's not inconceivable that at that point, Democratic senators and House members will seek to distance themselves from the president, pitching themselves as a check on an inevitable second Trump administration.

    Dumping Biden brings its own risks — it's an unprecedented move, and any potential successor may have their own political weaknesses. Depending on what happens, Democrats could be looking at an open convention, a scenario that could bring chaos and infighting just months before the election.

    But after the week that Biden's had, it's difficult to see him being reelected in November.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Is your super balance growing fast enough to keep up with rising living costs?

    Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.

    I recently came across this humorous insight: ‘My wallet is like an onion. Opening it makes me cry.’ This perfectly captures the challenges of managing expenses as living costs continue to rise.

    Recent statistics show that inflation is eroding purchasing power, making it crucial to ensure your super balance is growing at a pace that will support a comfortable retirement.

    This raises an important question: Is your superannuation balance growing fast enough to keep up with rising living costs?

    How much has inflation impacted living costs in retirement?

    In May, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) published the ASFA Retirement Standard report for the March 2024 quarter.

    According to the ASFA report, the cost of funding a comfortable lifestyle rose 3.3% from a year ago to a record high of $72,663 per year for couples and $51,630 per year for singles.

    ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty says:

    Retirees continue to feel considerable cost of living pressure on their household budgets. Fortunately, in the past three months, we’ve seen the pace of price rises ease somewhat in key spending categories, namely food and fuel.

    Here are the key points from the report by spending category:

    • Medical and hospital services increased by 2.3% in the March 2024 quarter, higher than the 1.2% rise in the previous quarter.
    • Insurance prices rose sharply by 3.7% from the previous quarter and 16.4% annually, driven by higher reinsurance and claims costs, marking the strongest annual increase since 2001.
    • Annual food costs increased by 3.8%, down slightly from 4.5% in the previous quarter. Bread and cereal prices rose by 7.3% annually, and dairy products by 4.1%, partially offset by a 0.7% decrease in meat and seafood prices over the quarter.
    • Automotive fuel prices decreased by 1.0% on average in the March quarter, with an average unleaded petrol price of $1.94 per litre.
    • Electricity prices rose moderately by 2.0% annually, but excluding Energy Bill Relief Fund rebates, prices increased by 17.0% over the period, impacting many self-funded retirees.
    • Domestic travel and accommodation costs increased by 1.3% in the quarter, reflecting sustained demand and elevated prices for domestic accommodation and airfares.

    Investment returns in superannuation

    The good news is that the average investment returns from superannuation funds have generally kept pace with inflation.

    ASFA estimates that, based on historical data, superannuation funds achieved an average annual return of 7.4% over the last 10 years to June 2023. This comfortably exceeds the average consumer price increase of 2.8% during the same period.

    Period (% pa) Fund returns to June 2023 Real returns (vs CPI)
    1 year 9.2% 3.0%
    5 years 5.8% 2.3%
    10 years 7.4% 4.6%
    20 years 7.1% 4.3%
    30 years 7.3% 4.5%
    Super fund returns published in the September 2019 issue of Superfunds magazine and ASFA estimates.

    These average returns include all asset classes, such as shares, bonds, and alternative investments. Interestingly, the average return is similar to that of the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), which delivered 7.85% per year over the last 10 years to May 2024.

    While real returns, meaning the growth in purchasing power, are under pressure, the golden rules for a comfortable retirement remain simple: spend less, save more, and keep investing.

    The post Is your super balance growing fast enough to keep up with rising living costs? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • The US is upgrading its fighter fleets in Japan, boosting its Pacific airpower with the newest jets

    A US Air Force F-35A fighter jet flies across a blue key with some smoke surrounding the edges of the plane.
    The US is sending F-35 stealth fighters and upgraded F-15EX strike fighters to its forward-bases n Japan.

    • The US is revamping the aircraft at its bases in Japan, the Pentagon announced.
    • Dozens of F-35s will replace older aircraft, marking a significant upgrade.
    • The boost comes as the US reassesses how its airpower would fare in a conflict with China.

    US airpower in the Pacific is about to get a major upgrade, as the Pentagon announced it will be replacing aircraft at some bases in Japan with dozens of F-35 stealth fighters.

    The move comes as the US looks at the lethality and survivability of its Pacific aircraft and airfields in a potential conflict with China.

    The US Department of Defense released information on its new modernization plan for aircraft based in Japan on Wednesday, noting that the effort will take several years and reflect "over $10 billion of capability investments to enhance the US-Japan alliance, bolster regional deterrence, and strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

    As part of the plan, the Air Force will replace almost 50 F-15Cs and F-15Ds at Kadena Air Base with 36 F-15EX Eagle II strike fighters. And at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, the number of F-35Bs jump jets — capable of takeoffs from short runways and amphibious assault ships — will be "modified" to further support the US' modernization plan, the press release said.

    Perhaps most notably, the US Air Force's presence at Misawa Air Base is getting revamped with 48 F-35A stealth fighters replacing the current 36 F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters, "leading to greater tactical aircraft capacity and capability," the release added.

    A US Air Force fighter aircraft F-35 performs aerobatic maneuvers on the second day of the Aero India 2023 at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, Tuesday on Feb. 14, 2023.
    A US Air Force fighter aircraft F-35 performs aerobatic maneuvers on the second day of the Aero India 2023 at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India.

    Such a move would be a jump forward for the US' airpower in Japan, bringing fifth-generation fighter jets to bases directly in the line of potential conflict with China, adding to the capabilities of the F-22 Raptor fleet at Kadena.

    It also signals, as the Pentagon's release said, "The Department's plan to station the Joint Force's most advanced tactical aircraft in Japan demonstrates the ironclad US commitment to the defense of Japan and both countries' shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

    It's the most recent sign of how the US and Japan are working together to deter a clash with China.

    Back in May, DoD announced the two were jointly developing a defense system to counter hypersonic missiles, which are thought to be nearly impossible for current missile-defense systems to defeat. China, as well as Russia, boast hypersonic missiles in their arsenals; the US is currently working on one of its own.

    An F-35 fighter jet flies above a white, cloudy background. In the foreground, a ship's refueling section frames the photo.
    A Norwegian F-35 Lightning II receives fuel from a Maine Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker over the Arctic Circle.

    The US is also working on shoring up its bases in the Pacific against a potential Chinese missile strike, which could feature a massive bombardment that renders US and Japanese aircraft, airfields, and command and control centers useless.

    A recent Congressional letter to the Air Force and Navy's top leaders said the US isn't doing enough to protect its Pacific forces from such an attack. Back in May, 13 members of Congress pointed out glaring vulnerabilities in the Pacific, demanding immediate changes.

    "With its current strike capabilities," the lawmakers wrote, "China can attack all US bases in the region, targeting US service members from Okinawa to those on US territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands."

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • I visited Disney World’s high-end campsite. Each one-bedroom cabin sleeps up to 6 adults, and golf carts are everywhere.

    golf cart ouside of a cabin at Disney World next to author Carly Caramanna smiling in front of Fort Wilderness artwork
    The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are colorful, rustic, and a little modern.

    • The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort offers a high-end twist on camping. 
    • The Disney World property consists of 500-square-foot cabins that sleep up to six. 
    • The one-bedroom cabins are about $550 a night and have full kitchens, patios, and other perks.

    On Monday, Disney World opened the first phase of The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, a luxurious twist on traditional camping.

    Fort Wilderness is one of the Orlando theme park's original lodging options, but the older log cabins have now been replaced with new, colorful ones. (Earlier this year, people could buy the old builds for just under $50,000 a pop.)

    Although the property is surrounded by nature and has rustic decor, it also has modern touches and upscale amenities. Plus, it's just a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom.

    Each cabin is about 500 square feet, with one bedroom and one full bathroom. The space sleeps up to six and prices vary but are typically over $500 a night.

    As a member of the media, I toured The Cabins before they opened to the public. Here's a look inside.

    The Cabins property is located at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
    fort wilderness welcome sign
    Disney's Fort Wilderness has a campsite.

    The colorful new cabins are located at Fort Wilderness, a 750-acre property that's been open since the 1970s.

    The outdoorsy resort is home to a more basic campsite, a lodge, five eateries, two pools, and a range of outdoor activities.

    Golf-cart rentals are the easiest way to get around the property.
    Golf cart parked outside of cabin
    Golf carts can be spotted throughout the resort.

    Visitors can explore the Fort Wilderness property on foot, by shuttle, or by personal golf cart. The preferred way to get around the large property seems to be by golf carts, which can be rented for $70 a day.

    They can be parked right outside of a cabin and at desired locations, like pools and restaurants. Each cabin is also equipped with an on-site electrical-vehicle charging station.

    The cabins are nestled in residential-like streets.
    Exterior of cabin at Fort Wilderness with steps leading up to it
    The rows of cabins resemble a charming residential neighborhood.

    The cabins are located along a set of streets near the front of the resort. Each has a personal grill and parking space on its property.

    Aside from color, the cabins look mostly the same on the outside.
    Wood patio chair with Mickey Mouse shape carved in top
    The Cabins bring a refreshed glamping-style offering to Disney World.

    Each cabin's private patio has views of the surrounding woodlands and is furnished with a dining table and chairs complete with Mickey Mouse detailing.

    Inside, the cabins have rustic but modern designs.
    Couch with artwork above it and ottoman in front of it
    The entryway leads into the large common space.

    The cabin's main room includes a full kitchen, dining table, living room, and sitting area.

    The living room has a TV, sitting area, and a couch that's also a queen-size Murphy bed.

    Each kitchen has modern finishes.
    Kitchen  with stove, window, microwave
    The kitchen is fully equipped and features modern appliances.

    Although the cabins have a rustic style, they have modern appliances, including a dishwasher, large refrigerator, full-size oven, microwave, and coffee maker.

    The kitchens also come with dishware and other essentials needed for preparing food.

    The cabin's main focal point is the floor-to-ceiling windows.
    View of balcony through glass doors of Fort Wilderness cabin
    The windows can let in natural light.

    The main living room overlooks the trees and patio through large floor-to-ceiling windows.

    A queen bed and a bunk bed take up most of the bedroom.
    Bed with bunk beds next to it at Disney Fort Wilderness resort
    The cabin's overall vibe is a modern twist on a wilderness theme.

    The main bedroom sleeps up to four with a queen bed and a bunk bed. It has a large TV and storage, including an armoire and drawers below the bunk bed.

    The cabin's main bathroom is spacious.
    Bathroom sink with mirror with lit-up edges above it
    The bathroom has a modern feel.

    The bathroom has a large walk-in shower, closet space, sink, toilet, and lit-up mirror.

    Most, but not all, cabins also have a split sink.
    Backlit mirror above sink
    Many cabins have two bathroom sinks.

    For convenience, most cabins have a second sink and vanity located outside the bathroom, making it possible for multiple people to get ready at the same time.

    Disney also uses this split design on its cruise ships.

    Artwork carries the theme throughout the space.
    Chip and Dale etched onto wood on wall
    The décor is inspired by camping traditions.

    Artwork throughout the space honors camping traditions, like canoeing and archery. Guests will also find characters like Chip 'n' Dale and nods to Disney World's opening year, 1971.

    Disney Easter eggs are scattered around the cabin, too.
    River Country postcard
    River Country was a water park.

    The cabin contains fascinating Disney Easter eggs, like a nod to the former River Country, a water park near Fort Wilderness that closed in 2001.

    Guests at The Cabins have access to a range of on-site activities and the theme parks.
    Horseback riding at Disney
    Horseback riding costs extra.

    Guests at The Cabins have access to Fort Wilderness's complimentary on-site activities, such as the pools, fireside sing-a-longs, and nature trails. Fishing excursions, archery, and horseback riding are available for an added cost.

    Plus, the property is home to the popular Hoop-Dee Musical Revue dinner show.

    Although the resort feels removed, it has private boat transportation to Magic Kingdom and complimentary shuttle service to other parks and Disney Springs.

    Overall, the property combines the great outdoors with some Disney luxury.
    Fort Wilderness artwork on wall
    The Cabins are a glamping option for people visiting Disney World.

    Overall, with so much to do on-site and space to dine around the property (and within each cabin), this wilderness-inspired retreat is especially perfect for an untraditional Disney vacation.

    The new cabins are available to book, but the property is still a work in progress. Once the full project is complete, the property is set to have 350 freestanding cabins.

    The Cabins is also a Disney Vacation Club property, so members of that timeshare program can cash in points at this resort and receive priority bookings.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • The 10 best movies on Netflix in July

    The Sweetest Things Sony
    "The Sweetest Thing."

    • There are some must-see movies on Netflix in July.
    • "Uncle Buck," "The Sweetest Thing," "Easy A," and "Back to the Future" are all on the streamer.
    • There's also the Netflix original, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."

    Here are the movies you should not miss this month on Netflix.

    "American Psycho" (July 1)
    american psycho
    Christian Bale in "American Psycho."

    Christian Bale gives a tour-de-force performance as Patrick Bateman, the main focus of Bret Easton Ellis' novel that looks at a shallow investment banker with a psychotic alter ego.

    "Back to the Future" (July 1)
    Back to the Future
    (L-R) Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox in "Back to the Future."

    It's one of the greatest adventure movies of all time.

    Michael J. Fox plays a kid who accidentally gets sent back in time and must help his parents fall in love or he has no future to go back to.

    The visionary direction by Robert Zemeckis, the fantastic chemistry between Fox and Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown, the amazing score by Alan Silvestri — this is the closest thing to a perfect blockbuster movie.

    And make a night of it and watch the sequels, which are also available.

    "Big Daddy" (July 1)
    big daddy sprouse sandler
    Adam Sandler in "Big Daddy."

    A year after his hugely successful comedy "The Waterboy," Adam Sandler returned with this movie in which he plays a guy who, after being dumped by his girlfriend for being unmotivated, tries to prove her wrong by becoming the guardian of a boy who is left on his doorstep.

    Let's just say he's not the best influence for the kid.

    "Call Me by Your Name" (July 1)
    Call Me By Your Name movie
    (L-R) Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Armie Hammer in "Call Me By Your Name."

    Watch the movie that showcased to all of us the incredible talents of Timothée Chalamet. Here he plays a teen spending his summer in Italy who forms a love affair with his father's intern (Armie Hammer).

    "Easy A" (July 1)
    emma stone easy a
    Emma Stone in "Easy A."

    This just keeps climbing the charts for us as one of the best high school movies in recent memory. Emma Stone plays a clean-cut student who suddenly finds herself the center of attention after rumors spread about her being a floozy. But in reality, all she's doing is allowing guys to pay her to say they have hooked up with her.

    "Magic Mike XXL" (July 1)
    Magic Mike
    Channing Tatum and Amber Heard in "Magic Mike XXL."

    Marking the second movie in this trilogy, you could argue that it's the best of the three.

    Most of the original cast returns, as Mike (Channing Tatum) takes the gang on a road trip to Myrtle Beach for one final performance for the ladies.

    "The Sweetest Thing" (July 1)
    the sweetest thing
    (L-R) Christina Applegate and Cameron Diaz in "The Sweetest Thing."

    In one of the most unappreciated rom-coms of the early 2000s, Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair play three friends who are all in search of love in different ways.

    Diaz's character, Christina, thinks she's found the one, played by Thomas Jane. But when she discovers he's left town, she and her friends set out to track him down.

    It leads to a wild trip filled with laughs and self-discovery.

    "Uncle Buck" (July 1)
    uncle buck universal
    John Candy in "Uncle Buck."

    This wholesome John Hughes classic stars John Candy as a laid-back bachelor who spends his days at the races or bowling. Suddenly, his brother reluctantly asks him to babysit his rebellious kids, forcing him to become more responsible.

    With a premise that could easily have gone down the wacky comedy road, Hughes's genius is that he kept the movie grounded and layered, leading to laughs but also a movie with a lot of heart that stays with you.

    "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" (July 3)
    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."
    Eddie Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."

    Decades after the third movie, the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise gets a "Top Gun: Maverick"-like relaunch with hat tips to the first two movies and a lot of R-rated laughs from Eddie Murphy.

    "Bad Boys" (July 8)
    bad boys
    (L-R) Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in "Bad Boys."

    If you are looking for some more Will Smith and Martin Lawrence comedy after watching "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" in theaters, revisit the original movie. The 1995 movie introduces the duo as the wackiest detectives in The Magic City. Along with the comedy/action talents of Smith and Lawrence, there's also Michael Bay coming into his own as an action director. "Bad Boys II" is also available.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • 14 easy cookout foods you can make in a slow cooker this 4th of July weekend

    pulled pork sandwiches
    Pulled-pork sandwiches are an easy dish to make in a slow cooker.

    • If you're entertaining this Fourth of July weekend, set-it-and-forget-it dishes can be a lifesaver.
    • From ribs to pulled pork, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for summer gatherings.
    • You can also make sides like potato salad and dips in a slow cooker.

    From mouthwatering barbecue ribs to savory pulled-pork sandwiches, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for any Fourth of July cookout.

    Many of the cookout foods on this list are meatless, which might be good options this year amid rising grocery store costs. According to The Progressive Farmer, beef prices have risen 32% over the past five years due to inflation, making this summer barbecue season the priciest one in recent memory. 

    And, while grilling certainly captures the spirit of the holiday, slow cookers can make preparing sides and meats for all your guests a breeze.

    Here are 14 easy cookout foods you can make in a slow cooker this Fourth of July weekend.

    For your Fourth of July cookout this year, try making the potato salad using your slow cooker.
    a bowl of potato salad with mustard and dill
    Potato salad.

    You might not know that you can parboil potatoes in a slow cooker. To do so, chop and cover the potatoes with water, a little salt and pepper, and butter and cook them until they're fork-tender, usually about six hours on low.

    Then, mix the dressing for your potato salad as you normally would, such as mayonnaise, dill, whole grain mustard, and a splash of red wine vinegar. 

    You can also make a German-style potato salad with bacon, light dressing, and baby potatoes.

    Dips, such as this spinach-and-artichoke dip, are also easily made in a slow cooker.
    spinach and artichoke dip in a slow cooker
    Spinach-and-artichoke dip.

    "I love to make spinach-and-artichoke dip in my slow cooker," Chungah Rhee, the author of the blog Damn Delicious, told Business Insider. 

    "You can just free up so much of your time by using a slow cooker and hang out with your guests instead of laboring in the kitchen," Rhee continued. "Especially for side dishes or dips. You put it all together, set the time and it comes out ready to go."

    This set-it-and-forget-it corn-and-jalapeño dip is creamy and easy to make.
    corn and jalapeno dip in a white bowl with bacon on top
    Corn-and-jalapeño dip.

    "Another favorite of mine is this corn-and-jalapeño dip," Rhee told Insider. 

     

    Buffalo-chicken dip is another quick and easy favorite you can make in a slow cooker.
    slow cooker buffalo chicken dip
    Slow cooker Buffalo-chicken dip.

    One of the benefits of making a slow-cooker Buffalo-chicken dip, like this recipe on Rhee's blog — or any other side dish in a slow cooker — is that it can be prepared well ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat.

    Rhee's advice for someone using a slow cooker for the first time for entertaining is actually to start out with a dip or side dish. 

    "If for some reason it doesn't turn out, because we all know that can happen using an appliance for the first time, it's not detrimental to your dinner party being a success," she said.

    Queso can serve a whole party when made in a slow cooker.
    slow cooker queso
    Slow cooker queso with red onion, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.

    This creamy queso dip from Martha Stewart uses ingredients like American cheese and pepper jack cheese, a can of evaporated milk, diced tomatoes with chilies, sliced jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro. 

    Brisket is perfect for feeding a larger family and can easily be made in a slow cooker.
    cut beef brisket on a plate
    Beef brisket.

    "Brisket is a natural partner for the slow cooker, as a gentle braise renders it meltingly tender," Kim Laidlaw writes in her cookbook, "Everyday Slow Cooking: Modern Recipes for Delicious Meals."

    Laidlaw's recipe for slow-cooked braised brisket includes garlic, onion, dry red wine, carrot, and chicken or beef stock, with a chimichurri sauce.

    Pulled-pork sliders are another great way to use your slow cooker for a cookout.
    pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw on a plate
    Pulled pork sandwiches with barbecue sauce and coleslaw.

    One of the best ways to use braised and slow-cooked pork shoulder is to make pulled-pork sliders, like this Damn Delicious recipe, with all that tender meat.

    To elevate the dish, top the meat with barbecue sauce and slaw before sandwiching it between two fluffy brioche buns or potato rolls. You can also use the carnitas to make tacos.

    You can also make barbecue ribs in a slow cooker.
    barbecue ribs on a serving platter
    Barbecue ribs.

    Nothing screams an end-of-summer cookout like sauce-covered ribs, like Laidlaw's recipe as shared on Cooking by the Book. After cooking them in the slow cooker, place them on a baking sheet in your oven and broil them until they're slightly crispy.

    To save space on your grill, you can also make slow-cooked sausages and beer brats in the slow cooker.
    bratwurst sausage with sauerkraut and dijon mustard on a bun
    Bratwurst with sauerkraut and Dijon mustard on a bun.

    Brats with onions, peppers, and garlic simmered in the slow cooker with beer — like this recipe by The Magical Slow Cooker — are one way to use your slow cooker on the Fourth of July.

    Top your brats with a bit of sauerkraut and put them on buns for a delicious summer dish.

    Mac and cheese can also easily be made in a slow cooker.
    a wooden spoon of finished mac and cheese
    A spoonful of Martha Stewart's slow cooker mac and cheese.

    If you're looking to add some carbs to your menu, look no further than a piping hot pot of mac and cheese. Martha Stewart's recipe for mac and cheese in a slow cooker calls for evaporated milk, three kinds of cheese, and homemade breadcrumbs.

    Garlic-and-herb mushrooms are a delicious side dish but can also be used as a burger topping.
    garlic herb mushrooms in a black slow cooker
    Garlic-and-herb mushrooms.

    "The recipe for slow-cooker garlic-herb mushrooms is divine and so easy," Rhee said. "Mushrooms made in a slow cooker are truly the best."

    Shredded Buffalo chicken goes great on top of salads.
    shredded buffalo chicken with lime wedge
    Shredded buffalo chicken.

    One of the best — and easiest — ways to use your Crock-Pot or slow cooker is by making shredded Buffalo chicken, such as this recipe by The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Add seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker and cover with your preferred Buffalo sauce. Then add a splash of ranch dressing and a cube of butter, toss your chicken breasts in the mixture to coat fully, and cook until the chicken is shreddable. You can use it for Buffalo-chicken sliders, salads, or tacos.

    You can even make Buffalo or barbecue chicken wings using a slow cooker.
    slow cooker buffalo wings
    Slow cooker Buffalo wings.

    You can make any style of wings in a slow cooker, from Asian-style to barbecue and Buffalo wings. Add your wings to the slow cooker, add in your sauce of choice, toss to combine, and let them cook for a couple of hours on high.

    To make them crisp up, add a cornstarch and water mixture to your slow cooker. After they're cooked through, broil them for a few minutes in the oven.

    Meatballs make a great appetizer for guests and don't require cooking over a hot stove.
    meatballs and sauce in a white slow cooker
    Meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker.

    Meatballs make the perfect appetizer for parties big and small and are easy to make in a slow cooker. 

    Place your seasoned, raw meatballs into the slow cooker, top with sauce, and let the slow cooker finish them off, says one recipe by Spend With Pennies. Serve them on their own with toothpicks or stuff them inside toasted sub rolls for a meatball sandwich.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Eddie Murphy improvised one of the funniest lines in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ in a scene with his real-life daughter

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."
    Bria Murphy (far left) and Eddie Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."

    • One of Eddie Murphy's funniest lines in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" was improvised.
    • In the scene, Murphy's daughter Bria plays a police officer who arrests him.
    • Director Mark Molloy told Business Insider that Murphy's improv skills enhanced the movie's humor.

    Netflix's "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is filled with laughs, but there's one joke in particular that was a family affair.

    At the end of an action sequence in which Murphy's character Axel Foley is being chased while driving a police meter maid cart, Foley crashes on Rodeo Drive and is quickly apprehended by two female police officers. While being cuffed, Foley tells the officer it's "very embarrassing" what's happening. The officer, played by Murphy's eldest daughter Bria, responds, "You should have thought about that before your little joy ride."

    Bria Murphy in a cop uniform
    Bria Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."

    But what Foley is embarrassed about is being thrown into their unusually small squad car. "Ya'll are the LEGO cops," Foley says.

    It's a line that director Mark Molloy told Business Insider was completely improvised by Murphy.

    "That's all Eddie," Molloy said.

    Small police car
    That is a small police car.

    Molloy, who is making his feature directing debut with "Axel F," said that Murphy improvised several times, but it was often nothing more than little one-liners.

    "He likes to get it on the page first," Molloy said. "We have to have something on the page first that really works, and then Eddie is going to take it from there."

    Molloy said other improvisations from Murphy happened during the helicopter scene with costar Joseph Gordon Levitt and between Murphy and a valet played by comic Affion Crockett.

    But how did Muphy's daughter end up playing one of the police officers?

    Bria Murphy standing next to Eddie Murphy
    Bria and Eddie Murphy at the world premiere of "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."

    "Eddie mentioned that his daughter would love to be involved," Molloy said. "And there was talk that it was going to be for another role, but I told him, 'If she's going to be involved, I have the perfect role for her.' I think she should arrest you!' So he gets arrested by his daughter."

    Bria, 34, is Murphy's eldest daughter from his marriage with ex-wife Nicole Mitchell. Bria has previously starred in movies "The Perfect Match" (2016) and "Amateur Night" (2016).

    "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is now streaming on Netflix.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Travis Kelce says he told himself ‘don’t drop the baby’ while carrying Taylor Swift onstage at the Eras Tour

    Taylor Swift is joined onstage by Travis Kelce during The Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London.
    Taylor Swift is joined onstage by Travis Kelce during The Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London.

    • Travis Kelce broke down his Eras Tour appearance on his podcast, "New Heights."
    • Kelce revealed that joining his girlfriend Taylor Swift onstage was originally his idea.
    • He said he had an "absolute blast," though he was focused on keeping Swift safe during their skit. 

    Taylor Swift fans were thrilled when she invited her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, to share the stage at her concert — but according to Kelce, Swifties have him to thank for the idea.

    The football star gushed about his June 23 debut on the Eras Tour stage on the latest episode of his podcast "New Heights," which he cohosts with his brother, Jason Kelce.

    "I initially mentioned it to Tay. I was like, 'How funny would it be if I just rolled out on one of the bikes during the "1989" album, that era,'" he explained. (Travis is a noted fan of "Blank Space," one of several hit singles from Swift's fifth studio album.)

    "She started laughing. She was like, 'Would you seriously be up for doing something like that?'" Travis continued. "I was just like, 'What? I would love to do that. Are you kidding me?' I've seen the show enough — might as well put me to work here."

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rklWEuuzq1c?feature=oembed&w=560&h=315]

    But Swift found a different way to slot him in. During the last of her three sold-out shows in London, Travis joined two backup dancers, Kameron Saunders and Jan Ravnik, for a skit that takes place during "The Tortured Poets Department" segment.

    Travis was tasked with carrying Swift's limp body across the stage for a theatrical costume change.

    "There was no bike in case I ran into somebody else or hit one of the dancers or anything," Travis said. "It was the safest option."

    In fact, Travis said his biggest concern onstage was Swift's safety.

    "The one thing I told myself is, 'Do not drop the baby. Do not drop Taylor on your way over to this damn couch,'" he said. "Get her to the couch safely."

    Travis even recalled advice from his former coach, Eric Bieniemy, who helped lead the Kansas City Chiefs to two Super Bowl victories.

    "Coach Bieniemy always used to say, 'That ball has our dreams, goals, and aspirations,'" Travis said. "You do not drop that ball."

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tf8r7OGM-w?feature=oembed&w=560&h=315]

    "It's such a fun, playful part of the show," he continued. "It was the perfect area or perfect time for me to go up there, just be a ham, have some fun — not only with her, Kam, and Jan, but the crowd, and really try and get everybody excited for the rest of the show. It was awesome. I had an absolute blast."

    Travis also praised Swift as a "true showman" and said it was "an honor" being onstage with her and her dancers — especially because Saunders' brother, Khalen Saunders, is a top NFL player and Travis' former teammate.

    "I was up there with three professionals," Travis said. "You can do no wrong when Taylor's onstage. She's the best to do it."

    Although Jason teased his brother, saying he could've ruined the show, Travis said he was pleased with his performance — and, more importantly, so was his girlfriend.

    "I didn't disappoint Taylor, so that's all that really matters," he said. "That was my No. 1 goal: Do not fuck this up. Do not drop Taylor, do not fuck this up."

    Travis wooed Swift last summer by giving her a shout-out on "New Heights," a move that Swift later described as "metal as hell."

    The two began dating shortly after and quickly got serious, with Swift appearing at several NFL games to support the Chiefs.

    "When you say a relationship is public, that means I'm going to see him do what he loves, we're showing up for each other, other people are there and we don't care," Swift told Time. "The opposite of that is you have to go to an extreme amount of effort to make sure no one knows that you're seeing someone. And we're just proud of each other."

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Are Woodside shares a better buy than rival Santos?

    Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.

    Keen-eyed investors will have noted Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares curling off their 3-month lows at the end of June. After a difficult past year of trade, the ASX energy stock has now clipped a 4% gain in the past month.

    Many investors may wonder how Woodside compares to some of its ASX energy peers, particularly its competitor Santos Ltd (ASX: STO). As of today, Woodside shares trade at $29.06 per share, while Santos shares are priced at $7.68 per share.

    Brokers rate both Woodside and Santos as potential buys in the energy sector. But which stock might be the better investment? Let’s take a look.

    Why consider Woodside shares?

    Woodside shares have faced a challenging past year, dropping 16% into the red. However, some experts see this as a buying opportunity.

    Bell Potter recently suggested that Woodside shares could be “pretty good buying at these levels,” even projecting a potential rise above $30 in the next three to five months.

    The firm highlights a seasonal trend where investors shift into underperforming stocks in July, potentially boosting Woodside’s price.

    Analysts are also optimistic about Woodside’s major growth projects like the Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 developments. Morgans rates Woodside a buy with a price target of $36.00 per share, implying a 24% upside.

    Goldman Sachs, while maintaining a neutral rating on the stock, further acknowledges Woodside’s stable project pipeline.

    “Key projects are progressing well”, it said in a February note, “with Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 expected to deliver the first LNG cargo in 2026.”

    Additionally, Woodside’s trailing dividend yield currently stands at 7.43%, with the last dividend being $2.16 per share.

    Is Santos a stronger buy?

    Santos shares have performed better than Woodside shares over the past year, up 0.79%.

    Despite the relative gains, investors have valued the company at a lower multiple compared to Woodside shares.

    Santos trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.85 times, cheaper relative to Woodside’s P/E of 22.30 times. This says investors are paying $11.85 for every $1 of Santos’ earnings versus $22.30 for Woodside.

    Additionally, Santos offers a trailing dividend yield of 3.67% with its trailing payout of 40 cents per share.

    Goldman Sachs reinstated Santos as a buy with a price target of $8.35 in February. It forecasts 10% annual production growth over the next 3 years, which it says could translate into growth in market value.

    It expects 2024 “to be the trough for Santos production and earnings”, as it sees startup at its Barossa and Pikka sites throughout 2025-2026.

    Goldman sees Santos trading at a significant valuation discount (it was at 0.8 times its net asset value in the February note). Its price target could provide an upside of around 7.7% from current levels.

    The bottom line

    The consensus among analysts is that both stocks have potential upsides. CommSec rates both Santos and Woodside shares as a buy based on the consensus rating of analyst estimates. Meanwhile, Goldman’s buy rating on Santos is backed by expectations of robust production growth offsetting global gas price weakness.

    Both Woodside and Santos have their strengths. Woodside offers a higher dividend yield and promising long-term projects. Santos, on the other hand, appears to be trading at a more attractive valuation with significant production growth expected in the coming years. As always, remember to conduct your own due diligence.

    The post Are Woodside shares a better buy than rival Santos? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Santos Limited right now?

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.