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Mötley Crüe is bringing back a song fans haven’t heard live in decades after letting them help choose the setlist for the band’s upcoming Las Vegas residency. Nikki Sixx confirmed that “Take Me to the Top,” a track from the group’s 1981 debut album, Too Fast for Love, will be part of the lineup when the rock legends return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in March 2027.

The song’s return is already a win for longtime fans. Mötley Crüe hadn’t performed “Take Me to the Top” live since 1984 before bringing it back during its 2026 Return of the Carnival of Sins tour. The enthusiastic response helped inspire the band to continue giving fans a say in what they hear.

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The upcoming Carnival of Sins in Sin City residency will feature lead singer Vince Neil, bassist Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee and guitarist John 5. The eight-show run promises a mix of the band’s biggest hits and tracks that haven’t been played live in years.

Related: Janet Jackson, 60, Has Fans Convinced She’s Aging in Reverse After Stunning Red Carpet Appearance at Missy Elliott Tribute

Mötley Crüe Fans Helped Bring “Take Me to the Top” Back

Originally released on Too Fast for Love in 1981, “Take Me to the Top” is a deep cut from the band’s early days. Its return shows that longtime fans are still eager to hear more than the hits that have become rock-radio staples.

For a band with a catalog full of arena anthems, the fan vote offers a chance to revisit songs that might otherwise remain off the setlist. Sixx has also mentioned other fan favorites and deep cuts, including “On With the Show” and “Starry Eyes,” although neither has been confirmed for the 2027 residency.

Which Songs Could Mötley Crüe Play in Las Vegas?

The complete fan-voted setlist for the 2027 residency has not been announced. However, the band’s 2026 tour setlist offers a preview of what fans have recently heard live. It included:

• “Red Hot”
• “Louder Than Hell”
• “Wild Side”
• “Shout at the Devil”
• “Too Fast for Love”
• “Looks That Kill”
• “Too Young to Fall in Love”
• “Take Me to the Top”
• “Primal Scream”
• “Afraid”
• “Home Sweet Home”
• “Smokin’ in the Boys Room”
• “Live Wire”
• “Girls, Girls, Girls”
• “Dr. Feelgood”
• “Kickstart My Heart”

These songs are from the band’s 2026 tour, not a confirmed lineup for the 2027 residency. Fans will have to wait for the band to reveal which tracks make the final cut.

When Is Mötley Crüe’s Las Vegas Residency?

Mötley Crüe’s Carnival of Sins in Sin City residency will feature eight shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on March 19, 20, 24, 26, 27 and 31, followed by April 2 and 3, 2027.

A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, a Las Vegas organization supporting young people experiencing homelessness.

With “Take Me to the Top” confirmed, fans have at least one deep cut to look forward to. The remaining question is which other long-overlooked songs will make their way back to the stage.

Related: Taylor Swift’s Music Gave an Unlikely Fan Hope During 21 Years in Prison and Now His Story Is a New Documentary

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Today’s NYT Mini Crossword deals with a variety of topics, including popular football battle cries, Kris Kringle’s calling card, famous French landmarks, the sounds of autumn, and who you call when you need to haul something.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Monday, October 26, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, October 26, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Sound of fall leaves underfoot — HINT: Starts with the letter “C”

7 Across: Santa’s laugh — HINT: Ends with the letter “O“

8 Across: Hit film franchise with blue-skinned aliens known as Na’vi — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”

9 Across: Brain nerve cell — HINT: Starts with the letter “N”

10 Across: “Say ___!” (“Alright, I get it”) — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Action star Jackie — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

2 Down: Wander this way and that — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

3 Down: Big name in moving vans — HINT: Starts with the letter “U”

4 Down: ___-Dame Cathedral — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

5 Down: Complete pandemonium — HINT: Starts with the letter “C”

6 Down: “Hook ’em ___” (battle cry of the University of Texas) — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, October 26, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Sound of fall leaves underfoot — CRUNCH

7 Across: Santa’s laugh — HOHOHO

8 Across: Hit film franchise with blue-skinned aliens known as Na’vi — AVATAR

9 Across: Brain nerve cell — NEURON

10 Across: “Say ___!” (“Alright, I get it”) — LESS

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Action star Jackie — CHAN

2 Down: Wander this way and that — ROVE

3 Down: Big name in moving vans — UHAUL

4 Down: ___-Dame Cathedral — NOTRE

5 Down: Complete pandemonium — CHAOS

6 Down: “Hook ’em ___” (battle cry of the University of Texas) — HORNS

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Sunday, October 25, 2026

Detroit Lions broadcaster Dan Miller made an emotional return to the radio booth on Sunday, October 25, following the death of his wife, Cindy, earlier this month, and during a game dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, he found a meaningful way to honor her memory and leave fans with tears in the their eyes.

Miller, the longtime radio play-by-play announcer for the Lions, held up a Crucial Catch tribute card in honor of his late wife during Detroit’s game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. The moment came during the NFL’s annual Crucial Catch initiative, which raises awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.

“In Honor of Cindy Miller,” the sign read, while a visibly emotional Miller patted his chest.

In that moment, Miller’s colleagues appeared to also hold up signs bearing Cindy’s name, too, in a moving moment that quickly gained traction on social media.

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It was Miller’s first game back in the booth since Cindy died on October 10 at age 63 following a battle with cancer. The couple had been married for 33 years.

Miller had missed Detroit’s October 11 game against the Arizona Cardinals following Cindy’s death. In his absence, Detroit Tigers broadcaster Jason Benetti took over the radio call and shared a heartfelt message about his colleague and friend.

The Lions organization also rallied around Miller and his family. Following Detroit’s victory over Arizona, head coach Dan Campbell dedicated the team’s game ball to Miller, becoming emotional as he spoke about the loss. Quarterback Jared Goff also fought back tears while expressing his love and support for the longtime broadcaster.

Ahead of his return, Miller thanked the community for the outpouring of support his family had received, saying the messages, texts, emails and donations had helped lift them during an incredibly difficult time.

“I can’t express enough how much it has meant to me and my family and how healing it has been to me in my family as we work our way through this,” Miller said.

Since being introduced in John Carpenter‘s Halloween 48 years ago on Oct. 25, 1978, Michael Myers has become one of the most recognizable horror icons in cinema history. The movie, now considered one of the most influential films of its kind, changed the horror genre forever, and that terrifying white face mask donned by the serial killer was actually modeled after a beloved TV character: Star Trek‘s Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner.

During production of the film, Halloween‘s production designer, Tommy Lee Wallace, found the Captain Kirk mask along with a clown mask at a mask shop on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. Although the clown mask “was a better mask,” Carpenter told Deadline in 2014, it wasn’t creepy enough, so the production team ended up going with the Captain Kirk mask.

Despite the mask being modeled by Captain Kirk, Wallace revealed in the 2003 documentary Halloween: A Cut Above the Rest, that it “didn’t really look like anybody,” which made it the perfect choice for the filmmakers’ preference of something “pale” and “featureless.”

Wallace ended up customizing the mask by making some tweaks to it, including cutting the eyeholes to be larger, tearing off the eyebrows, poufing out the hair “so it looked demented and strange” and removing the sideburns. He also spray-painted the mask white, giving it a more ghostly appearance.

In 2021, Shatner, revealed his own take on the mask being modeled after his legendary character, and admitted he first thought it was a joke.

“I recognized it as the death mask they had made for me,” the actor explained in an interview for the YouTube channel Jake’s Takes (via The Hollywood Reporter). “They made a mask of my face on Star Trek out of clay so I would not have to be available for the prosthetics they would have to put on my face to look old or evil or whatever it was they were making me look like. So somewhere along the line, someone got that mask and made a mask of it for [the holiday] Halloween.”

On Halloween in 2025, Shatner also shared a cheeky post on X that featured a photo of the mask. “You can see if you add some make-up that the mask REALLY doesn’t look like me.Look at that neck! Have a wonderful Halloween to all those celebrating!” he wrote.

Since its release in 1978, Halloween has become a franchise that includes 13 films. The Myers mask, which has been altered into various versions over the years, is featured in all but one of them.

Ray Nicholson, 34, is getting candid about having famed actor Jack Nicholson as a father.

During an October 2026 interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Ray, who has starred in films like Smile 2 and Licorice Pizza, was asked if he ever felt “pressure” about being the child of an iconic, Academy Award-winning actor.

“Yeah, I mean, there’s certainly a lot of pressure that I felt, but a lot of that is in my head, you know. So, I think a lot of it has just been finding grace with the cards that I was dealt,” said Ray during the October 2026 interview.

He went on to say that he uses that internal pressure “for something positive.”

“I am who I am. I’m never going to be anybody else, and I can’t be any more or less than what that is. So, I think I found a way to have grace with who I am and who my dad is and what my life has been,” continued the Adults actor, whose mother is model Rebecca Broussard.

Ray Nicholson Shared Advice His Famous Father Gave Him

While speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Ray said he hopes that he’s able to make a positive impact upon fans of his work, like his father has done throughout his five-decade career in the entertainment industry.

“I want people to say that I was one of their favorite actors, you know, and that I made their day better when they watch me, you know, that’s what I want to do. Ultimately, the entertainment business is the service industry,” said Ray. “I think, you know, we’re here to make people’s lives better. So, if I can do that and people smile like I smile when I watch my dad, I would have achieved something.”

Ray also shared that his father imparted the acting advice to stay true to oneself in a March 2025 interview with ExtraTV.

“I think that the most important thing is that I find my way. You know, he came up at a completely different time than I did. Filmmakers are different. Everything’s different. But I think that to thine own self be true is the most important thing, you know, and that’s what he left with me, is just whatever it is, be true to yourself,” said Ray to ExtraTV.

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If your social media feed has been taken over by bows, ribbons and all things coquette, you’re not alone. The flirty, ultra-feminine aesthetic has moved from fashion to home decor, inspiring everything from bow-shaped mirrors to ribbon-trimmed bedding. 

Now you can bring a little romantic charm to your living room or bedroom with Walmart’s Home Decor Collection Velvet Bow Decorative Pillow. Priced at $14, this affordable accent adds a playful finishing touch without requiring a full room makeover.

Walmart’s Home Decor Collection Velvet Bow Pillow, From $14 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

What makes this find especially appealing is that it isn’t limited to the pastel pink you usually see with coquette decor. The 14-by-20-inch oblong pillow features a soft velvet finish with bow details at each end, and it comes in six colors: blush, brown wool, dark brown, gold, green and greystone. 

That means you can embrace the coquette trend whether your aesthetic is sweet and girly or more understated and sophisticated. Blush delivers a classic romantic look, while gold adds a touch of glam. Green brings a rich, unexpected pop of color, and the brown and greystone shades are perfect for anyone who wants a subtle nod to the trend without going full ballerina-core. Each pillow is sold separately, so you can mix and match shades to create your own combination.

Walmart’s Home Decor Collection Velvet Bow Pillow, From $14 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The coquette aesthetic is all about romantic details, soft textures and a little vintage-inspired whimsy. Bows have become one of its most recognizable signatures, showing up everywhere from hair accessories and handbags to holiday decorations and home furnishings. The look has been especially visible on TikTok, where creators share dreamy bedroom tours and pink decor that makes everyday spaces feel more personal. Shoppers are embracing bows on pillows, bedding, mirrors, and even shelves. 

“It’s so cute and soft, and the velvet texture is definitely my favorite,” one shopper said. The gold color also gives it such a fancy and elegant look. It’s the perfect little touch to make any space feel more beautiful!”

Related: Drew Barrymore’s ‘Beautiful’ $15 Stoneware Flower Mugs Will Brighten Up Your Morning Coffee

The best part is that you don’t need to redecorate an entire room to get the look. Try placing the blush pillow on a cream-colored bed with ruffled bedding for a romantic, cottage-inspired feel. If 

your style leans more modern, a dark brown or greystone version can add texture to a neutral sofa without making the space feel overly sweet. 

The green and gold options would also look lovely mixed with velvet cushions, patterned throw pillows or a cozy knit blanket. Think of the bow as a little fashion accessory for your furniture: it adds personality without committing you to a whole new aesthetic.

Made from 100% polyester Dutch velvet, the pillow measures 14 by 20 inches, making it a handy lumbar accent for a bed, sofa or favorite reading chair. Designed for decorative use, it should be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth when needed. Walmart shoppers have also praised the soft feel and ‘elegant and fancy’ appearance, with the pillow earning a 4.7-star rating on the listing. 

“It’s so cute and soft, and the velvet texture is definitely my favorite,” one shopper stated. “It’s the perfect little touch to make any space feel more beautiful!”

Shop More Deals

• Whale Flotilla 3-Piece Pink Patchwork Floral Comforter Set, $36 (was $62) at Walmart
• Regency Heights Fuzzy Pink 3-Piece Ribbed Comforter Set, $54 (was $140) at Walmart
• Home Decor Collection Bow Scalloped Accent Lamp, $15 at Walmart

At just $13, this Home Decor Collection velvet bow pillow is an easy way to experiment with one of TikTok’s most recognizable decor trends. Whether you’re a devoted bow girl or simply want to add a little softness and character to your space, the six color options make this a particularly versatile find.

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If your Christmas cookie ambitions tend to outgrow your kitchen equipment, Aldi has a baking find that might just save your holiday season. This new cookie-baking essential is designed for bakers who dream big, whether that means whipping up dozens of sugar cookies for a holiday party, making gingerbread men for the neighborhood kids or baking enough chocolate chip cookies to keep Santa happy and the cookie jar full.

The Crofton Mega Cookie Sheet stands out for its generous size, giving home bakers more room to work with when the holiday baking list starts getting out of hand. Instead of juggling multiple smaller pans or baking batch after batch while your family keeps sampling the finished cookies, you can tackle Christmas baking more efficiently.

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Crofton Mega Cookie Sheet, Gold, $12.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Best of all, this oversized baking essential costs just $12.99, making it a sweet deal for anyone gearing up for a season of festive treats. And honestly, anything that makes holiday baking a little less chaotic deserves a spot on my kitchen wish list.

I’m all for making the most of a baking day, especially when the to-do list includes several cookie recipes, a batch of brownies and maybe a few treats to package up for friends and family. Having a larger baking surface can be especially helpful when you’re preparing goodies for cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings and need to get more done in less time.

The included wire rack is another useful bonus. A rack helps elevate baked goods for cooling, which is especially handy when you’re making cookies that need a little time to set before you start decorating. It can also help with other kitchen tasks, depending on the rack’s design and intended use.

Related: Aldi’s $9 Holiday Sheet Sets Come in 7 Adorable Prints for the Coziest Christmas

A Budget-Friendly Find for Your Christmas Cookie Era

Of course, you’ll still want to check the pan’s dimensions against your oven before bringing it home. A mega baking sheet is only mega helpful if it actually fits.

I love a kitchen find that does more than look cute on a shelf, and this one has plenty of potential for busy home bakers. If your holiday plans involve filling tins with homemade treats or turning your kitchen into a full-blown Christmas cookie factory, this piece might be worth adding to your shopping list.

Related: This Aldi Glass Food Storage Set Is a Caraway Lookalike for Only $17

In 1927, Dorothy Gerber was facing a tedious problem familiar to parents feeding babies solid food: She was repeatedly straining food by hand for her 7-month-old daughter, Sally.

Eventually, she had enough.

Her frustration helped spark an idea that would grow into Gerber, one of the most recognizable baby food brands in America. Eighty years later, Nestlé agreed to buy Gerber for $5.5 billion.

According to Gerber’s official site, the idea began in the Gerber family’s kitchen.

Following the advice of Sally’s pediatrician, Dorothy began hand-straining fruits and vegetables for her daughter during the summer of 1927. Preparing the baby’s food was a laborious process, so Dorothy suggested that her husband Dan Gerber give it a try.

He soon discovered just how much work was involved. But Dan had something most parents didn’t: access to a canning company.

The Gerber family operated the Fremont Canning Company in Fremont, Mich., where it produced canned fruits and vegetables. Dorothy pointed out that the same equipment used by the family business could make the process of preparing strained food considerably easier.

It turned out that other parents were interested, too.

After workers at the plant began requesting samples for their own babies, the Gerbers recognized that Dorothy’s problem was hardly unique. The company began researching the possibility of producing baby food commercially, and by 1928, Gerber was selling strained foods including peas, prunes, carrots and spinach.

But Gerber needed a way to introduce the new products to American families.

That same year, the company held a contest seeking an image of a baby for an advertising campaign. Artist Dorothy Hope Smith submitted a simple charcoal sketch of a baby’s face, intending to finish it if her entry was selected.

Instead, judges wanted the sketch exactly as it was. The drawing became the famous Gerber Baby, eventually serving as the company’s official trademark and becoming one of the most recognizable images in American advertising.

Meanwhile, the food itself was spreading quickly.

What had begun as one mother’s attempt to make feeding her daughter easier developed into a booming business as commercially prepared baby food offered parents an alternative to cooking and straining fruits and vegetables themselves.

Within years, Gerber baby food was being sold across the country.

The company changed hands over the decades. Gerber became part of pharmaceutical company Sandoz in 1994, which later merged with Ciba-Geigy to create Novartis.

Then came an enormous deal.

In April 2007, Nestlé announced that it had agreed to acquire Gerber from Novartis for $5.5 billion.

The acquisition gave Nestlé the leading position in the U.S. baby food market and added one of America’s most familiar food brands to the Swiss company’s enormous portfolio.

It was a remarkable outcome for an idea born 80 years earlier from an ordinary household chore. Dorothy Gerber wasn’t trying to create a multibillion-dollar brand when she began straining food for Sally. She was a mother looking for an easier way to feed her baby.

But Gerber isn’t the only legacy that still carries her name.

In 2000, Dorothy’s daughter Gay Gerber Cummings and her husband Peter Cummings were approached about supporting an effort that would give children in Northern Michigan the opportunity to study stringed instruments at no charge during the school day.

They accepted the challenge, and the Dorothy Gerber Strings Program was created in her honor.

Since then, the program has expanded to offer music education to children from age 4 through their senior year of high school across Charlevoix, Emmet and Antrim counties. Its offerings include in-school string classes, individual lessons, the Suzuki Method, summer music programs and the Dorothy Gerber Youth Orchestra.

Nearly a century after Dorothy’s frustration over straining food for her baby helped launch Gerber, her name is still associated with children, although in a very different way.

What began with a mother trying to make mealtime easier ultimately became a household name worth billions. Today, the Dorothy Gerber name is also helping a new generation of children learn to play violin, viola, cello and bass.

Related: In 1921, a Minneapolis Flour Company Invented ‘Betty Crocker’ to Answer Customers’ Letters; by 1945, Fortune Named Her America’s Second-Most Famous Woman After Eleanor Roosevelt

Law & Order: SVU is bringing back a familiar face – and no, it’s not Christopher Meloni we’re talking about, although he is returning to his role as Elliot Stabler on the show’s 600th episode, which airs Nov. 12.

Rather, this returning former series regular is on the other side of the law. Stephanie March, who played prosecutor Alexandra Cabot for eight seasons on the NBC series, will return for the ninth episode of this season, Season 28. The airdate has yet to be revealed as has the reason for Cabot’s return, the Hollywood Reporter announced.

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The last time March appeared on SVU was in Season 19’s 19th episode titled “Sunk Cost Fallacy,” making it eight years since her last appearance. In that episode, she came into contact with Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) in Cabot’s new job aiding abuse victims to escape their abusers.

March began her run as assistant district attorney Cabot in 2000 and played the role for three seasons. She exited the series early in Season 5 after her character was seemingly murdered, but later it was revealed that she was in WITSEC after attempting to convict a ruthless gang member for rape. 

She then reprised her role in Seasons 6, 10, 11 and 13.

In addition to Hargitay, SVU also stars Ice-T as Sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, Peter Scanavino as Assistant District Attorney Dominick “Sonny” Carisi Jr., Kelli Giddish as Sergeant Amanda Rollins, Kevin Kane as Detective Terry Bruno, Aimé Donna Kelly as Captain Renee Curry, and Corey Cott as Detective Jake Griffin.

March’s current acting credits include Harlan Coben’s Shelter for Prime Video, The CW’s Naomi and the feature film Origin.

Law & Order: SVU airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, Christopher Meloni Returning to Law & Order: SVU — Here’s Everything We Know

While Paul Linke is largely remembered for his role as Officer Arthur “Grossie” Grossman on CHiPs, he originally wasn’t a fan of the series, which ended after six seasons in 1983.

During a January 2026 interview on the Gruesome Hertzogg Podcast, Linke noted that he didn’t appear on CHiPs, which starred Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox as California Highway Patrol officers Francis Llewelyn “Ponch” Poncherello and Jon Baker, until Season 1, Episode 11. According to Linke, he watched one of the show’s earliest episodes and wasn’t impressed.

“I turned it on sort of mid-stream. And [Wilcox] and Erik had a scene where they were directing traffic. And Erik was talking about how much he loved junk food, and Jon was talking about how much he liked health food, and I went, ‘Oh my god, this show is awful.’ And within a week I was on it. It was so bizarre,” said the actor, now 78.

He explained that the show’s casting director, Gary Shaffer, had taken interest in him because of his role as Deputy Frank in the 1976 film, Moving Violation.

“I played a funny cop in it, and the casting director remembered me from that movie and brought me in,” explained Linke.

Paul Linke Revealed How He Found Out He Was Cast on ‘CHiPs’

In an October 2026 interview on That’s Classic, Linke said his father, Richard O. “Dick” Linke, who was Andy Griffith‘s manager, let him know that Shaffer wanted to meet with him for a show. When Linke “contacted Gary Shaffer,” he wasn’t told anything about the project.

“No name of the show or really anything,” recalled the actor.

Instead, he was just told to take a meeting at an office in MGM Studios, where he was introduced to “about 10 people,” including “Rick Rosner, who was the creator of CHiPs.” While he wasn’t given a script to audition with, he was able to show off his personality and humor, charming the room.

Linke also said he found out he secured the role after a CHiPs script was mailed to his home address.

“The script comes, and I open it. And on the title page, you know, CHiPs episode, title, episode number, under it, asterisk, it says ‘The part of Vincent is now Gross and will be played by Paul Linke,'” said Linke during the October 2026 interview.

After spending nearly three decades writing Jack Reacher, author Lee Child is officially stepping away from the bestselling thriller series.

The author created the former Army military police investigator in 1997’s Killing Floor, launching one of the biggest thriller franchises of the modern era. It is a well-known fact that all the recent Reacher novels have been co-written by Child and his brother, Andrew, as part of a planned transition. However, Child has now confirmed that Andrew is writing the novels independently.

While speaking in an interview with Collider, the celebrated author explained that he no longer sees manuscripts before they’re finished. Instead, he reads each completed book when the publisher does, saying the series’ improvisational writing style makes it feel right to give Andrew full creative ownership.

Lee Child and Tom Cruise

“He’s very secret, and I think that’s fair enough. When I was doing it, I hated showing anybody anything, and I generally wouldn’t, because the style that I had and that Andrew’s continued is completely improvised. There’s no plan, there’s no long-term view. You can’t say, ‘This is what it’s going to be.’ We don’t know. It’ll be what it is, and until it’s finished, I don’t really know what it is or what it’s about,” Child told the outlet.

The change does not mean Child is leaving the Reacher universe altogether. He remains involved with Prime Video’s hit series starring Alan Ritchson, which has helped introduce the character to an even wider audience after the earlier Tom Cruise films.

However, the novelist made it clear that saying goodbye to a character like Reacher was always the point.

Child said, “People think that’s weird, that I’ve given away this character, but the entire point of writing is to give away the character. You want the reader, first of all, to own it, and for the character to live as a reality in the reader’s mind. That’s the whole point. You want to give it away, and then you give it away to movies or television or whatever.”

The character has become much bigger than the author who created him. Across more than 30 novels, the wandering former military investigator has earned a reputation for his sharp instincts, imposing presence and unwavering sense of justice.

Child has long embraced the idea that Reacher belongs to readers as much as he belongs to him. That philosophy has helped the franchise evolve across books, blockbuster films and Prime Video’s acclaimed series.

With Andrew now steering the novels and the television universe continuing to expand, Reacher’s next chapter looks set to continue even as its original creator steps back from the writing desk.

Related: Can You Visit Taylor Sheridan’s Four Sixes Ranch?

Related: Martha Stewart’s Cookware and Home Decor Must-Haves Get Heavy Way Day Discounts

Related: Ethan Hawke Explains How the ‘Before’ Trilogy Made Its Dialogue Feel So Real

Related: John Carpenter Reveals The Movie That Inspired Him To Become a Filmmaker

A middle name can be the place where parents take a little more creative liberty. It can honor family, bring a meaningful tradition into the name, add rhythm to a longer first name or simply provide a beautiful surprise between the first and last.

Choosing a particular initial can make that search much easier, too. If you’re drawn to the letter ‘N,’ there’s an especially broad mix to consider: familiar classics such as Naomi and Nicholas, sleek modern choices such as Nova and Nash, international favorites such as Niamh and Naveen, and distinctive options with literary, mythological and nature connections.

The latest baby-name data from the Social Security Administration—while specifically covering first names, not middle names—offers a useful window into the monikers American parents are choosing for their children today. In 2025, Liam and Olivia remained the top-ranked boy and girl names nationally.

For the selections below, these 100 ‘N’ middle names bring together established favorites, vintage choices, international names and more unexpected possibilities.

Related: Oh Boy! These 250 Middle Names for Boys Are at the Top of Our List

Popular N Middle Names for Girls

Luis Becerra Fotografo, Canva

1. Nadia — A Western form of the Slavic Nadya, this elegant name ultimately comes from Nadezhda, meaning “hope.” Its polished sound makes it an easy fit between both short and long first names.
2. Naomi — With Hebrew roots, Naomi means “my pleasantness” and is the name of Ruth’s mother-in-law in the Old Testament. It has biblical depth without feeling dated.
3. Natalie — This English and European classic comes from the Latin natalis, relating to birth or a birthday, and came to be associated with Christmas. It has a familiar sound with a graceful, feminine finish.
4. Nora — Used across many European languages, Nora is traditionally a short form of Honora or Eleanor. Its long literary history includes Henrik Ibsen’s heroine in A Doll’s House.
5. Noelle — The English form of the French Noëlle, this name is associated with Noël, the French word for Christmas. It brings a subtle seasonal connection without sounding overtly festive.
6. Niamh — Roughly pronounced “Neev,” this Irish name is traditionally connected with the Old Irish word for brightness or radiance. In Irish mythology, Niamh of the Golden Hair is a figure associated with the Otherworld.
7. Nova — From the Latin word for “new,” Nova also has a celestial association: A nova is a star that suddenly becomes much brighter. It feels modern while having an ancient linguistic root.
8. Nia — Nia has several cultural uses and no universally accepted etymology. In Welsh, it’s associated with brightness or radiance, while in Swahili, it’s associated with “purpose.”
9. Nina — Nina has independent histories in several languages, so its meaning depends on the tradition. In Russian, it has a long-standing history as a given name, while Hebrew usage can connect it with “great-granddaughter.”
10. Nola — This vintage-sounding English name has an uncertain etymology; it may be a feminine form of Noll, with later influence from Lola. That uncertainty gives it an appealingly distinctive quality.
11. Nadira — Used in Arabic, Nadira is the feminine form of Nadir and is associated with the idea of something rare or precious. Its formal sound makes it particularly striking as a middle name.
12. Naila — This Arabic name is the feminine form of Nail and is traditionally associated with someone who attains or achieves a goal. It has a soft sound with a quietly strong meaning.
13. Nalini — From Sanskrit, Nalini means “lotus,” making it a graceful botanical choice with deep roots in Indian languages and naming traditions.
14. Namita — Used in several Indian languages, Namita comes from Sanskrit and is connected with the idea of being bowed, bent or humble. The meaning gives this melodic name a gentle quality.
15. Namrata — A Sanskrit-derived name used in India and Nepal, Namrata refers to humility or bowing. It offers a meaningful virtue name with a distinctly South Asian heritage.
16. Nandini — From Sanskrit, Nandini is connected with ideas of joy and delight. In Hindu tradition, Nandini is associated with the divine cow of the sage Vasishtha.
17. Navya — A Sanskrit name associated with “new,” “young” or “fresh,” Navya has a bright, contemporary sound. It’s a natural choice for parents drawn to names with a sense of renewal.
18. Nitya — With Sanskrit roots, Nitya means “eternal,” “constant” or “everlasting.” Its compact shape gives it a modern feel despite its ancient linguistic history.
19. Nisha — This Indian name comes from the Sanskrit niśā, meaning “night.” It has a simple, lyrical sound and an atmospheric meaning that works beautifully in the middle spot.
20. Neela — From Sanskrit, Neela is associated with the color blue. The name has a calm, jewel-toned quality and can bring a subtle nature or color reference to a full name.
21. Neha — Common in India, Neha is associated with Sanskrit and is often interpreted as “love,” “affection” or “tenderness.” The precise historical derivation has some variation, but its affectionate associations are well established.
22. Nava — Nava has several independent uses across languages. In Hebrew, it’s associated with beauty or pleasantness, while in Sanskrit-related usage, it can connect with ideas of newness, giving the short name more than one cultural path.
23. Noor — An Arabic name meaning “light,” Noor is used for both girls and boys in a number of cultures. Its simple spelling and luminous meaning make it especially appealing as a middle name.
24. Nawal — An Arabic name associated with a gift, favor or blessing, Nawal has a soft, elegant sound. It adds an international touch without being difficult to pronounce.
25. Nasrin — Used in Persian and related naming traditions, Nasrin refers to the wild rose. The botanical connection gives this otherwise sophisticated name a delicate natural image.

Related: 75 Most Popular Baby Names in France Right Now

Unique and Uncommon N Middle Names for Girls

26. Nazanin — A Persian name traditionally associated with someone lovely, delicate or beloved. It has an ornate sound while remaining recognizable in Persian-speaking cultures.
27. Nahid — A Persian name with ancient roots, Nahid is the modern Persian form of Anahita and is also the Persian name for the planet Venus. Its celestial connection makes it an especially distinctive choice.
28. Nefertiti — This famous ancient Egyptian name is generally understood as meaning something like “the beautiful one has come,” though transliteration and interpretation of ancient Egyptian names can vary. Queen Nefertiti makes it an unmistakably historic choice.
29. Nefertari — An ancient Egyptian royal name associated with Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II. Its precise ancient interpretation is more complex than the simplified glosses often given online, but its royal history is well documented.
30. Nerissa — Shakespeare used Nerissa for a character in The Merchant of Venice, and the name is built from the Greek sea-associated name Nereus. It has a literary, oceanic quality.
31. Nerine — In Greek mythology, the Nereids were sea nymphs, and Nerine is also the name of a flowering plant. That combination gives this uncommon choice both mythological and botanical appeal.
32. Narcissa — The feminine form of Narcissus, this ancient name ultimately connects with the Greek mythological figure and the narcissus flower. Its floral association gives a softer dimension to an otherwise dramatic classic.
33. Nkosazana — From Xhosa, Nkosazana means “princess.” It brings a regal meaning and a strong South African linguistic heritage to the middle-name position.
34. Nneka — An Igbo name meaning “mother is greater,” Nneka is traditionally connected with honoring motherhood and family. Its compact sound makes it surprisingly versatile in a longer full name.
35. Nnenna — In Igbo, Nnenna means “father’s mother” and can be given in honor of a paternal grandmother. It is especially meaningful for families looking for a name with a built-in ancestral connection.
36. Nokuthula — This Zulu name is derived from ukuthula, meaning “peace” or “calm.” It has a substantial, lyrical sound and a particularly serene meaning.
37. Nomusa — Used in Ndebele, Nomusa means “merciful.” It is an uncommon virtue name with a warm, generous meaning.
38. Nonhlanhla — A Zulu name derived from inhlanhla, meaning “luck” or “good fortune.” Its distinctive sound makes it a memorable middle-name choice.
39. Nonkululeko — Used in Zulu and Xhosa, this name incorporates the word inkululeko, meaning “freedom.” It carries a powerful idea while offering a strikingly uncommon N beginning.
40. Nosipho — A Zulu and Xhosa name built around isipho, meaning “gift.” It can be especially fitting for a child whose arrival is being celebrated as a long-awaited blessing.
41. Ngozi — In Igbo, Ngozi means “blessing.” Short, energetic and culturally rich, it has the kind of strong rhythm that can balance a longer first name.
42. Nkiruka — This Igbo name means “that to come is greater,” giving it an optimistic, forward-looking meaning. It is distinctive without relying on an invented spelling.
43. Nefeli — The modern Greek form of Nephele, this name is associated with “cloud” and a cloud nymph in Greek mythology. Its airy imagery gives it a particularly dreamy middle-name quality.
44. Nuala — An Irish form of Fionnuala, Nuala is traditionally connected with fionn, “fair” or “white,” and guala, “shoulder.” In Irish mythology, Fionnuala is one of the Children of Lir, transformed into a swan.
45. Nuria — Best known in Catalonia through Our Lady of Núria, a Marian title associated with a sanctuary in the Pyrenees. The deeper etymology of the place name is uncertain, so claims of a single definitive meaning are best treated cautiously.
46. Nox — Meaning “night” in Latin, Nox was the Roman goddess of the night and counterpart of the Greek Nyx. Short and dramatic, it has a distinctly modern sound despite its ancient roots.
47. Nahla — An Arabic name often associated with a drink or first drink of water; some sources give additional associations, including “honeybee.” The precise gloss varies by reference, but its Arabic heritage is well established.
48. Nancy — Originally an English diminutive of Ann or Anne, Nancy ultimately shares the Hebrew-derived meaning “grace” associated with Hannah/Anna. Its vintage familiarity makes it an easy way to add personality without going too far outside the mainstream.
49. Norma — The name was used and popularized for the heroine of Felice Romani’s 1831 opera Norma and may have been influenced by the Latin norma, “rule” or “standard.” Its vintage sound has a distinctly literary and operatic history.
50. Nona — From Latin nonus, meaning “ninth,” Nona was historically used as a name for a ninth-born child. It also has an ancient Roman and later English history, giving the short name an unexpectedly old pedigree.

Related: 100 ‘L’ Middle Names That Add a Soft, Stylish Finish to a Baby’s Name

Popular ‘N’ Middle Names for Boys

Catherine Delahaye / Getty Images

51. Nathaniel — A Biblical name from Hebrew meaning “God has given,” Nathaniel appears in the New Testament and has been used in English since the Protestant Reformation. Its formal three-syllable shape works particularly well with shorter first names.
52. Nicholas — From the Greek Nikolaos, Nicholas means “victory of the people”. Saint Nicholas also helped inspire the later figure of Santa Claus.
53. Nolan — An Irish surname-name derived from Ó Nualláin, itself connected with the personal name Nuallán. It has become a familiar American first name while retaining its surname-style edge.
54. Noah — The Biblical name comes from Hebrew and means “rest” or “repose.” The Old Testament Noah is the builder of the Ark, making this one of the most recognizable N names with ancient roots.
55. Noel — The English form of the French Noël, Noel means “Christmas.” It has long been used for children born around the holiday and works particularly well as a concise, polished middle name.
56. Niall — The traditional Irish form of Neil, Niall has a disputed etymology. Proposed connections include an Old Irish element associated with “hero” or “passion,” while another theory connects it with “cloud,” so no single meaning is certain.
57. Nestor — From Ancient Greek, Nestor is the name of the wise king of Pylos in Homer’s Iliad. Its exact ancient etymology is uncertain, but its classical literary association gives it a distinguished feel.
58. Neville — Originally an English surname derived from a place name meaning “new town” in Norman French, Neville became a given name in Britain and elsewhere. Its vintage surname quality feels tailored rather than trendy.
59. Newton — An English surname-name originally derived from place names meaning “new town.” Its association with physicist Isaac Newton gives it an intellectual historical connection.
60. Norman — From an Old Germanic name meaning “Northman” or “Norseman,” Norman also became an English surname and given name. It has a sturdy vintage quality that is unexpected in the middle position.
61. Norbert — Built from Germanic elements meaning “north” and “bright,” Norbert was the name of an 11th-century German saint. It has a strong old-world character without being overly familiar.
62. Nigel — Nigel developed from the medieval Latinized form Nigellus of Neil and was later associated with the Latin niger, “black.” Its long English history gives the name a classic, slightly formal feel.
63. Nicodemus — From the Greek Nikodemos, Nicodemus means “victory of the people.” In the New Testament, Nicodemus is the Pharisee who helps with Jesus’ burial.
64. Nicanor — This Ancient Greek name combines elements meaning “victory” and “man,” giving it the sense of “victorious man.” It also appears in the New Testament among the original seven deacons.
65. Nixon — An English surname meaning “son of Nick,” Nixon has a modern surname-name feel. Its historical association with former U.S. president Richard Nixon makes it a recognizable, distinctly American choice.
66. Noble — Taken directly from the English word and also used from an English surname, Noble conveys the idea of being noble or high-born. As a middle name, it has a clean, word-name simplicity.
67. Nelson — An English surname meaning “son of Neil,” Nelson became a given name in part through the fame of Admiral Horatio Nelson. It also has strong international usage, including in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking communities.
68. Naiche — An Apache name meaning “mischief maker,” Naiche was borne by a 19th-century Chiricahua Apache chief, the son of Cochise. Its history makes this a particularly distinctive choice.
69. Nakoa — A Hawaiian name formed from nā, “the” in the plural, and koa, associated with warriors and bravery; it is commonly rendered “the warriors” or “the brave ones.”
70. Nash — An English surname derived from the Middle English phrase atten ash, meaning “at the ash tree.” It has a compact, contemporary sound with a subtle nature connection.
71. North — This English word name refers to the cardinal direction. Its clean, one-syllable shape gives it a modern surname-name quality that works especially well after a traditional first name.
72. Noam — A Hebrew name meaning “pleasantness” or “delight,” Noam has traditional roots and is widely used in Israel. Its sound is simple and contemporary despite its ancient origin.
73. Nadav — From Hebrew, Nadav is associated with the idea of generosity or willingness and appears as a Biblical name. It has a compact sound with substantial historical roots.
74. Nabil — An Arabic name meaning “noble,” Nabil has been used throughout the Arabic-speaking world and beyond. Its straightforward meaning makes it particularly fitting in the middle position.
75. Nasir — From Arabic, Nasir is associated with a helper, supporter or one who gives victory. Its strong consonant sounds give it presence without making it overly long.

Related: 125 Modern Baby Names for Boys and Girls

Strong and Distinctive N Middle Names for Boys

76. Nadir — An Arabic name meaning “rare” or “precious,” Nadir has an elegant, understated quality. In astronomy, “nadir” also refers to the point directly below an observer, giving the word a second layer of meaning.
77. Naveen — From Sanskrit, Naveen means “new,” “fresh” or “young.” Widely used in South Asia, it brings a bright, contemporary meaning to a traditional name.
78. Navid — A Persian name meaning “good news” or “glad tidings,” Navid has an optimistic meaning and a sleek two-syllable sound.
79. Nikhil — A Sanskrit-derived name meaning “complete,” “whole” or “entire,” Nikhil is widely used in India. Its concise pronunciation gives it a polished middle-name rhythm.
80. Nirav — Used in India and derived from Sanskrit, Nirav is associated with quietness or silence. Its understated meaning and smooth sound make it a refined choice.
81. Nitin — A traditional Indian name with Sanskrit roots, Nitin is associated with the idea of guidance, right conduct or a master of the proper path. Its compact form works naturally between longer names.
82. Naman — From Sanskrit, Naman is connected with bowing, salutation or homage. It has a meaningful, respectful quality without sounding formal.
83. Nakul — In the Mahabharata, Nakul is one of the five Pandava brothers. The Sanskrit name is also associated with the mongoose, giving this classic Indian name an unusual nature connection.
84. Nilesh — A Sanskrit-derived Indian name traditionally associated with “lord of the blue,” a title connected with deities such as Shiva or Krishna in different naming traditions. Its lyrical sound makes it distinctive in English-speaking settings.
85. Niranjan — From Sanskrit, Niranjan is associated with being spotless, pure or without blemish and is used as an epithet in Hindu traditions. Its long form gives a shorter first name a stately finish.
86. Nehemiah — A Biblical Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh comforts,” Nehemiah was the leader associated with rebuilding Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. It combines a substantial history with a hopeful meaning.
87. Nahum — Meaning “comfort” or “consolation” in Hebrew, Nahum is the name of one of the minor prophets of the Old Testament. Its short, distinctive sound gives it a quietly vintage feel.
88. Nissim — A Hebrew name meaning “miracles,” Nissim is traditionally associated with miraculous events or blessings. It is especially familiar in Jewish naming traditions and makes a meaningful middle-name choice.
89. Nnamdi — In Igbo, Nnamdi means “my father is alive” and can be given in a family context honoring an ancestor. It carries a strong heritage connection and a memorable sound.
90. Nkosana — From Xhosa, Nkosana means “prince.” The regal meaning gives this uncommon South African name an especially strong middle-name presence.
91. Nkosinathi — A Zulu name meaning “the king is with us,” Nkosinathi has a substantial, rhythmic quality. Its meaning gives it a spiritual and protective dimension.
92. Nkruma — Used in Akan naming traditions, Nkruma refers to a ninth-born child. It offers an uncommon way to connect the name itself with birth order and family history.
93. Ndubuisi — This Igbo name means “life is foremost.” Its substantial meaning and distinctive sound make it particularly memorable as a middle name.
94. Nhamo — A Shona name meaning “misfortune” or “disaster,” Nhamo reflects the traditional practice of names expressing the circumstances surrounding a child’s birth. Its meaning is not conventionally celebratory in English, so it may be most meaningful for families connected to the culture and naming tradition.
95. Nkanyezi — From Zulu, Nkanyezi comes from inkanyezi, meaning “star.” The celestial meaning and strong consonants give it a memorable balance of softness and strength.
96. Nkazimulo — A Zulu name meaning “glory” or “brightness,” Nkazimulo has an uplifting meaning and a distinctive multi-syllable rhythm.
97. Nchimunya — Used in Tonga and traditionally given to a child who shares the same gender as older siblings, Nchimunya comes from a word meaning “same.” It is a culturally specific choice with an unusual and meaningful story.
98. Nereus — From Greek, Nereus is associated with the sea and was the name of a primordial sea god in Greek mythology. The name also appears briefly in the New Testament and has an unusually strong classical pedigree.
99. Neo — In Tswana, Neo means “gift,” from a word meaning “to give.” The name is also familiar internationally through popular culture, but its African linguistic origin gives it a deeper meaning beyond that association.
100. Naaman — A Biblical Hebrew name associated with pleasantness or graciousness, Naaman appears in the Old Testament in the story of a Syrian military commander healed of leprosy. It has an uncommon sound while remaining firmly rooted in Biblical tradition.

Related: 260 Old-Fashioned Baby Names That Are Making a Major Comeback

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.

Every holiday season, the sound of a ringing bell outside a grocery store means one thing: the Salvation Army’s red kettles are back. But the tradition started with a single crab pot on a San Francisco waterfront more than a century ago.

In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee set out to provide a free Christmas dinner for 1,000 of San Francisco’s poorest residents. There was just one problem: he had to find a way to pay for it.

Then McFee remembered something from his days as a sailor. In Liverpool, England, he had seen a large iron pot, known as “Simpson’s Pot,” where passersby tossed in coins to help the poor.

So McFee got permission from city authorities and set up a crab pot on a tripod at the Oakland ferry landing, at the foot of Market Street. Beside it, he called out to passengers to “Keep the Pot Boiling!” Donations poured in, and he soon had enough to feed the city’s needy at Christmas.

The idea caught on quickly. By Christmas 1895, about 30 Salvation Army locations along the West Coast were using collection kettles, and the idea soon spread east to Boston. In 1898, the New York World newspaper called the kettles the newest and most novel way to collect money.

By 1901, kettle donations in New York City paid for a huge sit-down Christmas dinner at Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years.

Today, McFee’s idea has become one of the most familiar sights of the season. Volunteers ring bells beside red kettles outside businesses across the country, encouraging shoppers to drop in what they can.

The annual campaign kicks off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas. During the 2024 season alone, red kettles across the country raised $99,474,124 in just 28 days.

That money doesn’t only help at the holidays. The Salvation Army says the donations support families year-round, helping it serve more than 27 million people in America each year. In many areas, every dollar dropped into a kettle stays in the community where it was given.

More than 130 years after McFee hung his crab pot by the water, the bells are still ringing.

Actor Jamie Farr famously portrayed the fashionable M*A*S*H character Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger for 11 years, until the show’s final and 11th season, which ended in 1983.

MeTV.com reported that Farr felt anxious about the decision to have Klinger lessen his dress-wearing during the show’s eighth season.

“I was actually pretty nervous when they said they were going to make Klinger the company clerk and cut back quite a bit on the dress jokes,” said the actor, now 92, during a 1981 The Gazette interview, per MeTV.com. “It meant more responsibility and we were all anxious that maybe the audiences wouldn’t go for me out of dresses.”

He clarified that the situation ended up working for his character.

“But like everything else on M*A*S*H, it worked out fine. Klinger still gets into a dress once in awhile, but because it’s less frequent, the impact is greater,” said Farr.

‘M*A*S*H’ Creator Larry Gelbart Shared Insight Into How Jamie Farr Landed the Role of Klinger

In a 1998 interview with the Television Academy Foundation, the creator of M*A*S*H, Larry Gelbart, shared that Farr was immediately thought of to play Klinger. When writing a script for a season 1 episode, he described the character wearing “a uniform of a WAAC Woman’s Auxiliary Corps, which was a World War II unit.”

“He wore a cap and a smart little jacket and a khaki skirt and those great hairy legs and high heels. And turned on his heels and walked away,” recalled Gelbart.

Gelbart said that the show’s executive producer, Gene Reynolds, suggested Farr, who had made guest appearances in I Dream of Jeannie and The Andy Griffith Show, for the part.

He said, however, that when Farr auditioned for the role, he was “misdirected” and didn’t understand that Klinger wore dresses to try to “get out of the army,” not because he wanted to.

“So Gene went back and redirected it and got what was intended. And the rest, I’m sure, is history in Jamie Farr’s family,” said Gelbart, who died at the age of 81 in 2009.

It’s great for a child to have clear, established rules and a solid after-school routine, but going to a grandparent’s house can be a little different from home. Bedtime might be later, dessert might come before dinner or extra TV time might be on the menu. Usually, small discrepancies in rules are pretty harmless and often what make a grandparent-grandchild relationship so special. But when are these behaviors considered boundary-crossing and undermine parental authority? A licensed family psychologist says that while having different rules at a grandparent’s house is sometimes not an issue, there are certain lines that shouldn’t be crossed.

While grandparents don’t necessarily have to follow every parental rule to a T, it’s important to have conversations about boundaries and respect. After all, certain situations can create confusion during a child’s upbringing if spending time at a grandparent’s house is radically different from home.

From openly contradicting a parent’s authority to asking children to ignore reasonable requests, some grandparent behavior can create tension, erode trust and create anxiety for a child over time. The real question to ask is: how can grandparents maintain a sense of fun at their house and enjoy a close relationship with grandchildren without overstepping?

Licensed psychologist Dr. Crystal Saidi, PsyD, breaks all of this down for us below and includes the biggest line that should never be crossed.

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists the One Thing Grandkids Need Most From Their Grandparents—They All Said the Same Thing

Can Grandparents Have Different Rules? The ‘Line You Shouldn’t Cross’

In short, Dr. Saidi says that different rules aren’t actually a bad thing at all if your child is visiting grandparents.

“Children will learn that different environments have different rules, just as they do at school or other people’s homes,” she explains. “The important thing to remember is that different rules shouldn’t mean disregarding the parent’s authority or risking the child’s safety.”

She says that smaller rules are safe to bend, such as a later bedtime, a little extra screen time or a special treat after dinner at a grandparent’s home.

“It only becomes a problem if the different rules undermine important parenting decisions, create risks or teach children that rules can be ignored if someone else is in charge,” she warns.

And the uncrossable line? “Safety,” Dr. Saidi states.

“Anything that undermines safety or respect for parental authority,” she continues. “Some examples could be ignoring a food allergy, using physical punishment or exposing children to unsafe situations.”

Related: Family Psychologists Reveal What Grandkids Remember Most About Their Grandparents 

Harmless Spoiling vs. Unhealthy Boundary-Crossing: What’s Okay?

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Smaller indulgences like the ones Dr. Saidi listed above are considered harmless spoiling. Giving a child extra sweets, allowing them extra play time or little privileges they may not get to enjoy at home as much are totally okay for children as long as they don’t undermine parental authority. On the other hand, it’s important for grandparents to have a clear understanding of at-home rules and where the line is.

“Boundary-crossing is when a grandparent knowingly disregards an important parental decision or rule,” she explains.

To give an example, the psychologist says that if you’ve established a strict “no screen time after dinner” rule, then this is a case when a grandparent shouldn’t undermine this at their house. It would only be appropriate to allow a little extra screen time if it’s already allowed after dinner.

4 Signs Grandparents Have Crossed the Line, According to a Family Psychologist 1. They repeatedly disregard safety rules

As Dr. Saidi mentioned above, there are certain lines you just don’t cross, and safety rules are a big one to take seriously.

“Ignoring allergies, car seat requirements or medication instructions are all dangerous to the child and put them at risk,” she adds. “Safety rules cannot be negotiable.”

2. Undermining parents in front of the child

Undermining parental authority in front of a child is a big no-no, according to Dr. Saidi.

“Doing this in front of the child can put them in the middle of adult conflicts and erode parental authority,” she explains.

If grandparents do this, it can suggest that the parent’s decision is unreasonable. These types of interactions can create confusion about boundaries and teach children that rules can be bent with the right adult.

3. Encouraging deception

Encouraging secrecy and dishonesty at a grandparent’s house isn’t good for a child’s moral development at baseline, but it also sets a bad precedent with parents.

“Asking a child to hide something from their parents can damage trust,” Dr. Saidi notes. “Children should feel safe telling their parents everything.”

This can also put children in an uncomfortable position and, over time, could create unnecessary guilt, anxiety and confusion about who they can trust.

4. Refusing to respect reasonable boundaries

Dr. Saidi says that this is a big one. Proper boundaries should always be respected—even if grandparents disagree.

“Occasional misunderstandings can happen, but repeatedly ignoring a parent’s explicit request suggests a deeper issue with respect and trust,” she states.

While it’s normal for grandparents and parents to have different opinions about raising children, ignoring boundaries can then make parents feel that their role and judgment aren’t being respected.

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists What Fall Activity Is Best for Grandparents and Grandkids—They All Said the Same Thing

How To Set Boundaries with Grandparents Without Causing a Family Feud

Setting boundaries with grandparents isn’t always easy, but Dr. Saidi says there are ways to go about it without creating tension within the family.

“It helps to lead with appreciation, then being clear about the boundaries and expectations,” she explains. “For example, saying, ‘Thank you so much for making their visits special. We are OK with occasional treats, but please make sure to be mindful of their allergies.'” 

If there are ever disagreements, she also says there’s something important to remember.

“Talk privately and not in front of the child,” she stresses. “I would also add to focus on the behavior itself and not their character. For example, saying, ‘When we ask you not to do something, and it happens anyway, it makes it harder for us to feel comfortable leaving her with you’ is better than saying, ‘You never listen or respect us!'”

The same applies if there needs to be a discussion about boundaries and rules. Leading with love and appreciation is key, but communicate to them that you’re not comfortable with important rules being disregarded.

Up Next:

Related: Family Psychologists Reveal What Grandkids Remember Most About Their Grandparents

Source:

• Dr. Crystal Saidi, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks in Irvine, CA.

If you’ve gone through shows like C-Dramas The Early Spring and Irreplaceable or K-Dramas My Bias, My Boss or Filing for Love and are yearning for more, take a look at Nine to Six, a new workplace romance K-Drama coming to Prime Video.

Here’s everything we know so far about Nine to Six.

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What is Nine to Six about?

Kang Yi-ji (Park Min-young) is a rational workaholic and senior manager at an automobile company. She has long pushed romance and marriage to the bottom of her list, believing they are little more than the result of hormonal reactions. Her perfectly ordered life begins to shift when she meets Han Sun-woo (Yook Sung Jae), a warm-hearted and sincere intern whose true passion lies in jewelry design, and Park Hyun-tae (Go Soo), an ideal boss who holds her in high regard for her competence.

Is Nine to Six based on other material?

Nine to Six is based on the hit Chinese television series, The Rational Life.

When does Nine to Six premiere?

Nine to Six premieres on Wednesday, Nov. 25 with episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Where can I watch Nine to Six?

Nine to Six will stream exclusively in the U.S. on Prime Video.

How many episodes are there in Nine to Six?

There are 12 episodes in Nine to Six.

Who’s in the cast of Nine to Six? Yook Sung-jae, Park Min-young Park Min-young as Kang Yi-Ji

Kang Yi-Ji is a rational, driven senior legal manager at Chronic Motors who views love and marriage as mere chemical reactions.

Park Min-young is a well-recognized and popular South Korean actress. She has starred in several successful series including City Hunter with Lee Min-Ho, Healer with Ji Chang-wook, and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? with Park Seo-joon. Other credits include Confidence Queen, Marry My Husband, and Her Private Life.

Related: Netflix’s New K-Drama ‘Take Charge of My Heart’ Pairs a CEO With a Dying Artificial Heart and the One Woman Who Can Recharge It

Yook Sung-jae as Han Sun-woo

Han Sun-woo is a warm-hearted, multi-talented junior intern and law school graduate with a background in jewelry design.

Yook Sung-jae is a singer/actor who also goes by Sungjae. He is a member of the band, BtoB. As an actor, Yook has starred in such series as Mystic Pop-Up Bar, The Haunted Palace, and The Golden Spoon.

Go Soo as Park Hyun-tae

Park Hyun-tae is the capable division head and general manager who serves as the senior figure in the love triangle.

Go Soo has worked nearly three decades in the entertainment industry in both film and television. He is best known for his roles in Will it Snow This Christmas?, Green Rose, and Piano.

Related: These 47 K-Dramas Are Worth Losing Sleep Over

Is there a trailer for Nine to Six?

Currently, there is no trailer for Nine to Six, but check back here for updates!

Next, Your Next K-Drama Watch? Nam Ji-hyun’s ‘Make Me Tingle’ Takes Opposites-Attract Romance Into Awkward Territory

Taylor Swift may be one of the biggest names in music, but even she can’t get everything she wants. At least not when it comes to trademarking her own album title. The singer has hit another roadblock in her attempt to trademark The Life of a Showgirl, and this time, it’s the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office standing in her way.

According to Bloomberg Law, the latest development emerged in September 2026, after the agency issued a second, non-final refusal of Swift’s application.

And there’s another showgirl at the center of the story. Her name is Maren Wade, a Las Vegas performer who has used the name Confessions of a Showgirl for years. Wade owns a federal trademark registration dating back to 2015 and argues that Swift’s branding could create confusion with her own.

In March 2026, Wade filed a lawsuit against Swift and companies associated with the singer, alleging trademark infringement, according to ABC News.

But Swift’s legal team sees things very differently. In court filings, her attorneys have argued that the idea of consumers confusing a global pop star’s album with a Las Vegas performer’s work is “absurd.” They also maintain that the album title is protected by the First Amendment, according to Variety.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Wade, meanwhile, argues that Swift’s enormous popularity has made it harder for audiences to distinguish her original brand from the singer’s much bigger commercial operation.

The dispute has also created an unusual situation for Swift, who is known for fiercely protecting her intellectual property. Her company, TAS Rights Management, has accumulated more than 160 trademark registrations, covering everything from album titles to phrases associated with her career, according to Bloomberg Law.

So, does the government’s latest refusal mean Swift has to change her album’s name? Not necessarily. The September decision was a second non-final refusal, meaning the trademark application has encountered another obstacle but hasn’t received a final determination. It also doesn’t automatically prevent Swift from continuing to use the album title.

For now, the singer can keep calling her album The Life of a Showgirl. Whether she can secure the trademark protection she wants remains a separate question. And in an unusual twist, one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers is finding that owning a name isn’t quite as simple as making it famous. As Swift is discovering, they’re two very different challenges.

While The Andy Griffith Show actress Betty Lynn played Don Knotts‘ on-screen love interest, Thelma Lou, she was actually interested in the show’s star, Andy Griffith.

MeTV.com reported that Lynn, who appeared in five seasons of the show’s eight-season run, shared she had a fondness for Griffith in a 2012 CNN interview, following the actor’s death at 86.

“Yeah, I really loved Andy. I really did. I had a little crush on him when I first got on the show,” said Lynn, who first appeared as Thelma Lou during Season 1, Episode 22, which premiered in 1961, per IMDb.

She clarified that she quelled any romantic feelings for Griffith out of respect for his marriage to his first wife, Barbara Griffith, whom he divorced in 1972.

“But, he was married. So I got over that pretty quickly,” said the late actress, who died in 2021 at the age of 95. “Anyway, he couldn’t have been sweeter to me.”

Betty Lynn Spoke Highly of Working on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ & Her Friendship With Andy Griffith

In a different 2012 interview, Lynn shared how much she enjoyed acting on The Andy Griffith Show.

“Just the atmosphere, I couldn’t wait if they called me. See, I wasn’t on contract to them, but if they called for me to possibly do a show, I couldn’t wait to go. I just love being on it,” said Lynn.

She also remembered Griffith being “so warm” and “fun” while filming The Andy Griffith Show episodes. In addition, Lynn shared that she and Griffith remained friendly after she left the show in 1966.

“I really cared a lot about Andy. And it wasn’t like just somebody you had worked with that you did a show or two, and that was it, you know. I really felt close to him. And I’ve kept in touch,” said Lynn during the 2012 interview.

The man, the myth, the legend—Orville Redenbacher was more than the face on your go-to snack when it was time to turn down the lights and turn on the tube.

Best known for his namesake popcorn, Redenbacher resided in the popular vacation town of Coronado, California—just across the unmissable bridge from downtown San Diego.

The Coronado Historical Association counts him among the famous residents of the beachfront Coronado Shores. Apparently, even the popcorn business comes with the possibility of an ocean view.

And his local connection extends to a French restaurant that first opened in 1974.

Related: In 1923, a diner opened in Andy Griffith’s hometown serving 10-cent hot dogs; more than 100 years later, it’s still open

Chez Loma occupies the historic Carey-Hizar House, a Victorian home dating to around 1889, within walking distance of the Hotel del Coronado and the beach. More than 50 years after opening, the bistro still gives visitors a reason to wander off Orange Avenue and pull up a chair.

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Redenbacher reportedly had his own preferred corner of the place. A dining review published by SanDiegoRestaurants.com describes its enclosed front patio as a “favorite haunt” of the late popcorn magnate.

Of course, the bow tie and glasses weren’t the whole business plan. According to the brand’s history, Redenbacher and business partner Charles Bowman perfected their popcorn hybrid in 1965, developing the light, fluffy kernels that helped make his name a pantry staple.

Related: In 2022, Trevor Noah traveled to India saying he loved curry; locals’ confused reactions left him questioning everything he knew about the dish

The restaurant’s longevity hasn’t come without interruptions. In February 2020, SanDiegoVille reported that Chez Loma had abruptly closed, then updated its story after ownership said it would reopen.

Following a pandemic shutdown, Coronado Times reported that the bistro reopened on June 4 that year.

Today, Chez Loma serves French onion soup with Gruyère and puff pastry, steak frites with peppercorn sauce, and crème brûlée among its early-bird dessert options.

White linens and the old house set the atmosphere; the nearby shoreline makes it easy to work dinner into a beach day, with a stroll past historic mansions along the way.

Related: Whoopi Goldberg’s Favorite Meal Is Still Served at This ‘Greasy Spoon’ Diner Where She Worked as a Dishwasher Over 40 Years Ago

Prefer two wheels? Coronado’s bike routes wind through historic neighborhoods and along the waterfront, giving you plenty to explore before dinner at 1132 Loma Avenue.

Pop in for happy hour Tuesday through Friday in the bar area, and take a look at the front patio—reportedly a favorite spot of Redenbacher’s to dine in.

What Redenbacher ordered remains a mystery, but recent Google reviewers offer a few leads, praising the beef Wellington, French onion soup and burgers.

In 1979, David Tran fled Vietnam aboard a freighter named the Huey Fong, leaving behind his home and much of his former life. Just one year later, he was selling homemade hot sauce out of a van in Los Angeles, hoping to build a future for himself and his family.

That modest operation would eventually become Huy Fong Foods, the company behind one of America’s most recognizable condiments: the green-capped bottle of sriracha adorned with a rooster. Tran earned approximately $2,300 in his first month of business in 1980. Decades later, his company had grown into an enterprise generating more than $150 million in annual revenue.

The journey began long before Tran arrived in California.

Born in Vietnam to a family of Chinese ancestry, Tran had already developed an interest in making hot sauces while living in his home country. After fleeing Vietnam, he eventually settled in Los Angeles, where he discovered a demand for the spicy condiments he knew from home.

His first customers were primarily Asian restaurants and grocery stores in Southern California. Tran delivered bottles himself in a blue Chevrolet van, gradually building a loyal following without the help of traditional advertising.

“I made this sauce for the Asian community,” Tran told The New York Times. “I knew, after the Vietnamese resettled here, that they would want their hot sauce for their pho, but I wanted something that I could sell to more than just the Vietnamese.”

The sauce’s distinctive packaging soon became part of its identity. Its clear bottle, bright green cap, and rooster logo made it instantly recognizable. The rooster was a personal touch: Tran was born in 1945, the Year of the Rooster.

As demand increased, so did the size of his operation.

By 1987, Huy Fong Foods had expanded into a larger facility in Rosemead, California. In 2010, the company opened a massive manufacturing plant in Irwindale, where it produced its signature sriracha alongside other popular chili sauces.

Remarkably, Tran built the business largely through word of mouth, refusing to spend money on conventional advertising or sell the company to outside investors. His approach was straightforward: make a quality hot sauce that ordinary customers could afford.

By 2022, Huy Fong Foods was generating more than $150 million annually, and in 2023, Forbes estimated Tran and his family’s fortune at approximately $1 billion.

“I could use less expensive ingredients or promote my products to make more money,” Tran told Forbes. “But no—my goal is always to try to make a rich man’s hot sauce at a poor man’s price.”

The company’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Disputes with a longtime pepper supplier and subsequent chili shortages disrupted production, leaving fans scrambling to find bottles of the famous sauce. Nevertheless, Tran’s creation has become a fixture in restaurants, grocery stores, and home kitchens around the world.

More than four decades after he began selling hot sauce from his van, Huy Fong Foods remains a family-owned business, with Tran’s children involved in its leadership.

“My American Dream was never to become a billionaire,” he said in that LA Times interview. “We started this because we like fresh, spicy chili sauce.”

What began as a refugee’s effort to support his family has grown into an international success story, proving that a simple recipe, a memorable bottle, and an unwavering commitment to quality can create a billion-dollar legacy.

Related: In 1988, Tom Selleck paid about $5 million for a 63-acre Ventura County ranch once owned by Dean Martin; its avocado trees nearly died in a drought but still yield a small crop