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When it comes to serving your guests, presentation matters, and with the holidays fast approaching, you’ll want beautiful, durable serving pieces to make everything feel as special and elevated as possible. You know Martha Stewart has plenty to offer for hosting essentials, and the professional hostess with the mostess just dropped a gorgeous new ceramic floral cake stand at JCPenney for $39.99.

Martha Stewart’s Fine Ceramic Cake Plate is a pretty addition to your hosting staples, giving you a gorgeous spot to display everything from cakes and cookies to seasonal treats and desserts. The crisp white base, soft gray swirling floral design and vibrant pink flower accent make this cake plate an art piece in and of itself, while also serving as a functional serving dish. You really can’t go wrong with this in your hosting arsenal.

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Martha Stewart Fine Ceramic Cake Plate, $39.99 at JCPenney

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This cake stand is made of sturdy fine ceramic, adding an elegant touch while staying durable and built to last. Note that this cake stand is hand wash only, so avoid putting it in the dishwasher.

When you’re not using this cake stand to serve cupcakes and other tasty treats, you might want to keep it out on display. It’s too pretty to stow away! It would look beautiful on your kitchen counter or dining table.

You can purchase this charming floral cake stand from Martha Stewart at select JCPenney stores or on JCPenney.com. It retails for $39.99.

Other Martha Stewart Products to Explore

If you’re interested in other pieces from Martha Stewart, be sure to check out this gorgeous vintage-style side table that adds the perfect modern farmhouse touch to any space, this festive four-piece dessert plate set that’s made for holiday hosting, this charming 12-piece porcelain ceramic plate set that brings beautiful florals to any tablescape or this holiday-themed tidbit bowl set that’s a total must-have ahead of Christmastime.

Related: Costco’s Vibrant New 12-Piece Bone China Dinnerware Set Brings Festive Charm Home for the Holidays

Few meals hit the comfort food sweet spot quite like a big bowl of spaghetti. Whether you’re twirling noodles around your fork at a family dinner, whipping up a quick weeknight meal or recreating your favorite Italian restaurant dish at home, pasta has a way of making any meal feel a little more special. And with World Pasta Day arriving on Sunday, Oct. 25, there’s no better excuse to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved foods.

Of course, making spaghetti is easy. Making really good spaghetti? That’s where a few simple techniques can make all the difference. You might have a favorite jarred marinara, a treasured family recipe or a go-to combination of garlic and olive oil, but even the best ingredients can fall flat if the pasta itself isn’t cooked properly.

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Fortunately, you don’t need expensive equipment, hours in the kitchen or a passport stamped in Italy to make restaurant-quality spaghetti. A few pro chef pasta tricks can help you get perfectly al dente noodles, flavorful sauce and a silky finish that’ll make you want to go back for seconds. And some of the most common pasta cooking habits Americans swear by may actually be working against you.

To get the scoop on how to cook perfect spaghetti, I spoke with Chef R.C. Schroeder Jr., CEC, AAC, a culinary arts instructor at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin. With a career spanning restaurants, hotels and country clubs, along with culinary training from the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Schroeder knows a thing or two about making pasta shine. Here are some of his best chef-approved pasta tricks.

The ‘American’ Mistakes Ruining Your Spaghetti

Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

First up, let’s talk about the pasta cooking habits that deserve overdue retirement. If you’ve ever poured olive oil into a pot of boiling spaghetti water or followed the package directions down to the very last second, you might be surprised to learn that professional cooks approach things a little differently.

According to Chef Schroeder, one of the biggest misconceptions is that adding oil to the cooking water will keep spaghetti from sticking together. “Ultimately, this tends to be the first thing down the drain, does not prevent pasta from sticking and can even prevent sauce from sticking to the pasta,” he explains.

In other words, that glug of olive oil isn’t doing your pasta any favors. Instead, use a sufficiently large pot, stir the pasta as it cooks and give the strands enough room to move around.

Chef Schroeder also points to another common problem—overcooking the pasta. It’s easy to assume that softer noodles are better, but spaghetti that’s cooked too long can turn mushy, especially if you’re planning to toss it in a hot sauce before serving.

The good news is that you don’t need to overhaul your entire cooking routine. A few small adjustments can help you get a much better result without adding extra work or ingredients.

Trick 1: The Water Must Taste ‘Like the Sea‘

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You’ve probably heard the advice to salt pasta water until it tastes like the sea. It’s a classic kitchen expression, and Chef Schroeder follows that principle. “I was always taught to have salty water like the ocean,” he says.

Salt seasons the pasta as it cooks, giving the pasta flavor from the inside out. Without enough salt, even a delicious sauce may not be enough to make the finished dish taste balanced.

Exactly how much salt you need depends on the amount of water, the type of salt you’re using and your personal taste. Rather than relying on a universal measurement, season generously and adjust based on experience.

And remember, you don’t need oil in the pot. Properly salted water, enough room for the spaghetti and occasional stirring are a much better starting point.

Related: Ina Garten’s ‘Weeknight’ Autumn Pasta Uses One Brilliant Shortcut I’m Never Skipping Again

Trick 2: The ‘Al Dente’ Golden Rule (Pull It Out Early)

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Next comes the golden rule—cook your spaghetti al dente. The Italian phrase translates to “to the tooth,” describing pasta that’s tender but still offers a pleasant, slightly firm bite. It shouldn’t be crunchy in the middle, but it also shouldn’t collapse the moment you pick it up with a fork.

Package directions can be a helpful starting point, but Chef Schroeder recommends tasting the pasta rather than relying entirely on the clock. “Package directions are nice and usually get you in the ballpark,” he says. “However, the best way to truly know when the pasta is ready is to taste them.”

Here’s the trick: If you’re planning to finish your spaghetti in a skillet with sauce, drain it when it’s just shy of your preferred texture. The noodles will continue cooking in the hot sauce, giving them time to absorb flavor without becoming mush.

Chef Schroeder notes that package cooking times can produce pasta that’s technically done but not ideal for that final step. Pulling it out early gives you more control over the finished texture.

Trick 3: Marry the Pasta and the Sauce With ‘Liquid Gold’

Stefano Madrigali / Getty Images

If there’s one pasta cooking secret worth remembering, it’s this: Never pour all of your pasta water down the drain before you’ve considered whether you’ll need it.

That cloudy cooking liquid might not look particularly exciting, but it’s one of the easiest ways to give homemade spaghetti a silky, restaurant-quality finish.

As spaghetti cooks, it releases starch into the water. When you reserve some of that liquid and add it to your sauce, the starch helps the water and fat combine into a more cohesive mixture. The result is a sauce that clings to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

Chef Schroeder describes the process as a way to “thin and emulsify, or bring the sauce and pasta together into a cohesive dish.” To make it work, before draining your spaghetti, scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water. Transfer the slightly undercooked pasta directly into your warm sauce. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce for at least a minute, adding splashes of pasta water as needed. Continue tossing until the noodles are tender and coated in a glossy sauce.

This is one of the most useful techniques to learn if you want to know how to cook pasta like an Italian. Chef Schroeder recommends allowing the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce for at least a minute, or longer if needed. The extra time lets the flavors come together while the starch helps create that luscious coating.

Just remember that a little pasta water goes a long way. Start with a splash, toss everything together and add more only if the sauce needs loosening. You want a smooth, cohesive finish, not watery spaghetti.

Related: The 9 Best Italian Groceries To Buy at Whole Foods (And 3 To Skip)

The Best Brands of Spaghetti to Buy at the Grocery Store

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Perfect technique matters, but the pasta you choose can also influence your final dish. While you don’t need to splurge on specialty noodles for every meal, it’s worth paying attention to quality when you’re shopping for spaghetti.

Chef Schroeder says De Cecco is one of his go-to boxed pasta brands. “I find the quality nice, and it works with a variety of sauces,” he says.

That’s a useful option to keep on your grocery list, especially if you want a dependable pantry staple for everything from a simple tomato sauce to a garlicky olive oil preparation.

Another option to look for is bronze die-cut pasta. During production, the pasta dough passes through a bronze die that helps create a rougher, more textured surface than the smoother finish of many conventional noodles. That slightly coarse texture gives the sauce more surface area to cling to, helping the finished dish feel better coated.

As Chef Schroeder explains, bronze die-cut pasta typically creates “a surface that accepts sauce and allows it to adhere to the pasta even better.”

You may be wondering if bronze die-cut pasta is worth the typically higher cost. If you love making pasta at home and want to experiment with the difference, absolutely give it a try. It’s especially appealing for dishes where the sauce is the star, although the cooking technique still matters more than the label alone.

For everyday spaghetti dinners, though, there’s no need to overthink your grocery run. A good-quality boxed spaghetti, properly salted water and a sauce finished with a splash of pasta water can deliver a seriously satisfying meal.

Simple 3-Ingredient Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

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Want to put these techniques to work for World Pasta Day? Spaghetti aglio e olio is a classic Italian dish made with spaghetti, garlic and olive oil. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet flavorful enough to feel like something you’d order at your favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant.

Technically, traditional versions often include a few additional finishing ingredients, such as parsley and red pepper flakes. However, the beauty of this dish is that its core ingredients do most of the heavy lifting.

Chef Schroeder’s biggest piece of advice for making it successfully is to be patient with the garlic. “Most people try to rush the garlic in the process of making spaghetti aglio e olio,” he says. “The garlic needs to be slow cooked 10 to 15 minutes and not allowed to burn or to color.”

That’s an important distinction. Garlic can go from fragrant and mellow to unpleasantly bitter in a hurry, so keep the heat low and give it time.

To make it, you’ll need 8 ounces of spaghetti, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Optional finishing ingredients include chopped fresh parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti, and cook until it’s just shy of al dente, following the package directions as a guide. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook slowly for about 10 to 15 minutes, keeping the heat low enough to prevent browning or burning. The garlic should become fragrant and tender.

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, and toss to coat. Pour in a small splash of reserved pasta water, and continue tossing over low heat for at least a minute, adding more water as needed to help the oil and starchy liquid emulsify into a light coating.

Taste and adjust the seasoning. If desired, finish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

For Chef Schroeder, the final step is about finding the right balance between the ingredients. “After that, it comes down to creating a balance between the oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes,” he explains. “Use a little bit of your pasta water to emulsify with the garlic oil.”

And there you have it—a simple, satisfying bowl of spaghetti that doesn’t require a complicated sauce or a long ingredient list.

Source:

• R.C. Schroeder Jr. CEC, AAC is a culinary arts and hospitality management instructor at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin. Chef Schroeder is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Stout and the Culinary Institute of America. He has spent his entire career in the restaurant and hospitality industry, serving in many capacities. He has spent the majority of that time in restaurants, hotels and country clubs. At Fox Valley Technical College, Chef Schroeder teaches Culinary Foundations, Culinary Applications, Short Order, Asian Cuisine, Latin American Cuisine, Culinary Competition, European Cuisine and Advanced Garde Manger.  

Related: I’m a Professional Chef, and This Retro Slow-Cooker Meal Is My Go-to Every Fall

A legendary rock song is getting a fresh look thanks to a new interview with one of the musicians behind it.

In an Oct. 19, 2026, chat with Guitar Player, Byrds founder Roger McGuinn revisited the making of “Mr. Tambourine Man,” the group’s 1965 hit cover of a Bob Dylan song that helped launch folk rock and revealed how unexpectedly Dylan reacted when he first heard their version. 

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The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1965. But the recording had a surprising secret: Although it became the Byrds’ breakthrough hit, McGuinn was the only band member who played an instrument on the track.

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The Byrds Turned Bob Dylan’s Folk Song Into a Rock Hit

Dylan’s original was a long, folk-style composition. McGuinn saw a way to make it work for radio by giving it a driving four-beat rhythm and the bright, chiming sound of his 12-string Rickenbacker guitar.

“I realized when I heard the Beatles that they were onto something—that anything with a four-four beat was going to be a hit,” McGuinn told the outlet. “So I rearranged ‘Mr. Tambourine Man.’” 

The change helped transform the song into a concise, electric folk-rock single at a time when Dylan himself was moving toward a louder rock sound.

Only One Byrd Played an Instrument on the Recording

Producer Terry Melcher reportedly thought the young band needed more studio experience to record the instrumental track. He brought in members of the Wrecking Crew, the Los Angeles session-musician collective behind countless pop hits.

Drummer Hal Blaine, bassist Larry Knechtel, guitarist Jerry Cole, and pianist Leon Russell supplied the backing, while McGuinn played the distinctive 12-string guitar part. McGuinn, David Crosby, and Gene Clark sang the vocals. 

The session musicians helped give the record its polished, propulsive sound, even as the Byrds’ harmonies and McGuinn’s guitar established the style that would become their trademark.

Bob Dylan Barely Recognized His Own Song

When the Byrds played their new arrangement for Dylan at a rehearsal, the result was so different from his original that he reportedly didn’t immediately recognize it.

“I remember I played the song, and Bob said, ‘What’s that?’ I said, ‘That’s one of your songs, man,’” McGuinn recalled. “He didn’t really recognize it, but he did like it and gave us his approval.” 

McGuinn stopped short, however, of claiming the Byrds inspired Dylan’s own electric turn. 

“Bob was already there,” he said, noting that Dylan had grown up playing rock and roll, too. 

The Hit Helped Launch Folk Rock

Released in June 1965, “Mr. Tambourine Man” reached the top of the charts before Dylan’s electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival later that summer became a defining moment in his career.

The Byrds’ hit helped show how folk songwriting could thrive in a rock arrangement and left a lasting mark on popular music.

Now, more than six decades later, its studio secret only adds to the story: One of the era’s defining band hits was built with a little help from some of Los Angeles’ most sought-after musicians.

Related: 1976 Country-Rock Hit, Featuring Future Grateful Dead and Tom Petty Legends, Named One of Soft Rock’s Top 5 One-Hit Wonders

This week’s episode of Saturday Night Live UK tackled the ongoing controversy around Thomas Markle Sr. being investigated for alleged possession of child pornography.

“In royal news, it’s been a big 24 hours for Meghan Markle, whose dad has been accused of being an alleged pedophile, in another pathetic attempt to win over the British public,” joked Weekend Update co-anchor Paddy Young.

Young joked further, “In 2025, Thomas Markle moved to the Philippines, in a sure sign of his innocence!”

The evidence in Markle Sr.’s case is reportedly based on pornographic materials found by his son Thomas Markle Jr., although Markle Sr. denied the allegations in a statement on Friday to the Daily Mail. “I’m shocked, I’m hurt, and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Markle Sr. said. “I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.”

Related: James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump Crashes ‘SNL UK’ Cold Open.

Meghan Markle herself released a statement on the controversy, claiming that she believes there is merit to the accusations and that she had already cut her father out of her life.

“I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them,” Markle wrote.

The Duchess of Sussex continued, “I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families. Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.”

Weekend Update co-anchor Ania Magliano used the media speculation around Markle’s father to remind viewers of the alleged sex crimes of someone much more closely linked to the royal family: Prince Andrew, who SNL mocked in their cold open two weeks earlier.

“If the allegations about Meghan Markle’s father are true, and he is a pedophile, there is a genuine chance Meghan could be considered royal,” Magliano joked.

Related: ‘SNL UK’ Offers Twisted Theory Behind Katie Zacharia Firing.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

For a lot of TV viewers, Dick Van Patten will always be Tom Bradford, the unflappable dad of eight on Eight Is Enough.

The show ran from 1977 to 1981, and Van Patten had been working since he was a child, starting on Broadway at seven years old. But the actor had a second act that many fans never saw coming.

In 1989, he co-founded Natural Balance Pet Foods after a lunch with the drummer from John Davidson’s talk show band, where the two animal lovers came up with the idea of a healthier dog food, according to the website Pet Food Industry.

According to Mesquite Local News, sales figures for the brand topped $100M in sales. Del Monte announced it would buy Natural Balance in May 2013 and completed the acquisition of 100% of the company on July 15, 2013.

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“My partner and I started Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989 with the intention of developing the finest, healthiest pet food on the market,” Van Patten said, per Pet Food Industry. “We wanted a pet food based on sound scientific principles and truth, not marketing hype. We did it! Not only for dogs and cats, but for large carnivores, such as lions, tigers, polar bears, and wolves in zoos and animal reserves worldwide!”

Additionally, Van Patten founded National Guide Dog Month. It launched in 2008 reported the Blind Veterans Association.

The website states, “The idea for this appreciation month came from actor Dick Van Patten, who was impressed by the great help he had observed service dogs perform to humans with certain ailments and disabilities. To further the cause, he also launched a fundraising initiative to benefit the animals who worked hard every day in service dog training schools.”

Van Patten’s love for animals was deeply rooted in his youth. Reflecting on his lifelong passion during an interview with Triad Today, the actor shared how his devotion to animal welfare began long before his Hollywood success, shaping the compassionate philosophy that would eventually lead him to revolutionize the pet food industry.

He shared, “I wanted to have my own pet shop when I was a kid. My father would take me every Saturday, and I would buy a different pet. Once I bought a baby alligator for a dollar. We kept it in the bathtub, but it got bigger and bigger, and finally nobody could take a bath. So my grandmother said, “Get rid of that alligator!” So I took it to the Central Park Zoo, and it’s probably still there today because alligators live for a long time.”

What started as a lifelong devotion to animal welfare grew into a true pioneer story in American business. Dick Van Patten’s vision in 1989 didn’t just launch a successful company; it changed the pet food industry forever by making high-quality, natural ingredients a national standard.

Related: In 1971, General Mills Put a Vampire and a Frankenstein-Style Creature in the Cereal Aisle; Decades Later, the Monster Cereals Return Every Fall for Halloween

Joy sure looks good on Andie MacDowell. The beloved actress, 68, has been flooded with praise and gratitude for posting a photo of herself make-up free, with her silver curls pulled back, as she enjoyed a day on a friend’s boat.

“OK, so I decided to put this picture up because it’s not a fashion picture it’s just me,” MacDowell captioned the photo, which has gone viral on Facebook. “There’s so much pressure to be extraordinary in my business… I’d rather be human.”

MacDowell’s candid pic of herself laughing with her arms in the air, wearing a striped long-sleeve top, jean shorts, and sandals, was posted less than a month after she dazzled at Paris Fashion Week, walking the runway and appearing all dolled-up as a longtime global ambassador for L’Oreal.

“It’s fabulous to get dressed up, have somebody do your hair your make up and get to walk on a stage with other absolutely divine Women,” MacDowell wrote on Saturday, October 17. “It’s important for all of us to feel that at any age we are participants, included and relevant”

“But I am most comfortable when I don’t have to make an effort,” the grandma of two admitted. “Here I am Make Up free Hair not done and a pair of cut offs on a boat with friends… Bruises and scars on my legs from my life well lived.”

“This is 68,” she continued. “The sunset that day was absolutely fabulous. My friend Paul took us out we saw dolphins and the sky kept changing colors. We had a little champagne and we snacked quite a bit”

MacDowell, whose four-season Hallmark Channel series The Way Home ended in June, concluded her message by writing, “I send you Love, hope, joy and the ability to be comfortable no matter where you go“

The Groundhog Day alum’s post has drawn over 7,000 comments, mostly from fans grateful for MacDowell’s transparency and encouragement to embrace the changes that come with the privilege of aging.

One fan wrote, “When people say gray hair ages a woman I reply well why would I want to look younger? At 72 I’ve had 2 knees replaced, rods in one arm from falling off a mountain and 2 grueling treatments for 2 different cancers. I’ve fought hard to get here!”

MacDowell wholeheartedly agreed, writing, “I was gonna write about that because the little knee that you see your foot their ankle that you see in the photograph is my friend who just had her hip replaced. She’s 61. This is aging and you’re so right. It’s stupid to fight for the right to have what I like to call Silver Hair… they would never say anything to a man.”

Age definitely isn’t slowing MacDowell down. This holiday season, she will appear in the Netflix movie Guarding Stars on November 18 and in Hallmark’s A Grand Biltmore Christmas on December 5.

A classic Western is riding back into the spotlight this October, with viewers now able to watch it for free. Nearly 80 years after William Boyd first brought Hopalong Cassidy to television, the pioneering series is streaming on Tubi.

But the story behind the cowboy’s rise to TV fame is almost as remarkable as the adventures themselves: Boyd once sold his ranch and mortgaged his car to keep his most famous character alive. And the gamble paid off.

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Long before Gunsmoke became a small-screen fixture, Boyd’s black-clad cowboy helped prove that movie Westerns could find a second life in American living rooms.

William Boyd Risked Everything to Save Hopalong Cassidy

Boyd played Hopalong Cassidy in 66 feature films between 1935 and 1948. When producer Harry Sherman stopped making the movies, the franchise appeared to be winding down. Boyd, however, saw an opportunity in television.

To secure the rights to the films and character, he reportedly spent $350,000—nearly $5 million in today’s money. According to a 1950 TIME profile, Boyd sold his ranch, mortgaged his automobile, and moved into a modest four-room bungalow in the Hollywood Hills to finance the gamble.

The deal involved years of negotiations and approximately 1,500 contracts. His wife, actress Grace Bradley Boyd, later told the Los Angeles Times about the financial strain, “We were… down to absolutely nothing.”

The Gamble Turned Hopalong Cassidy Into a TV Sensation

Boyd’s investment began paying off in 1948, when edited versions of the old movies aired on television. NBC eventually broadcast them nationally, and the response led to new half-hour episodes.

On June 24, 1949, Hopalong Cassidy became the first Western television series broadcast by a major U.S. network, helping open the door for the genre’s television boom.

The character’s popularity soon extended beyond the screen. More than 2,000 products reportedly carried his name or likeness, from lunch boxes and cowboy hats to toys and children’s clothing.

Translation: Boyd had transformed a fading movie franchise into a merchandising phenomenon.

Boyd’s Fame Cost Him Another Iconic Role

The catch was that audiences increasingly saw Boyd and Hopalong Cassidy as the same. Conscious of his young fans, Boyd portrayed Hoppy as a clean-living hero who avoided smoking and drinking and generally captured villains rather than killing them.

As The New York Times quoted him saying, “When you’ve got parents saying what a wonderful guy Hoppy is, what do you do? You have to be a wonderful guy.”

That image reportedly helped cost him another major opportunity. Boyd declined consideration for Moses in Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments, fearing audiences would struggle to see him as anyone other than Hoppy.

Why Hopalong Cassidy Still Matters

Boyd retired from the screen in 1953, but his legacy endures. By recognizing television’s potential and securing control of his character, he helped turn an old movie series into a lasting entertainment brand.

Now streaming free on Tubi, Hopalong Cassidy lets viewers revisit the cowboy who helped bring Westerns into American homes, and the star who risked nearly everything to keep him riding.

Related: 1999 Cult-Favorite TV Series Featured Van Halen, Rush, Styx—And Has the ‘Greatest Halloween Episode of All Time’

Rock icon Jack White is mourning the loss of a man who helped shape his life long before the future rock star ever picked up the guitar riffs that would make him famous.

White announced that his older brother Edward Gerard Gillis died on Oct. 23 after a battle with cancer. He was 60.

“The world lost a beautiful soul today,” White wrote in an emotional Instagram tribute to his brother. “My brother Edward Gerard Gillis has passed over to heaven this morning after having fought a tough battle against cancer.”

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White remembered Eddie as a “caring, funny and generous person that everybody loved,” as well as a devoted husband to his wife, Angie, and father to their two children, Amelia and Garrett.

But Gillis also played an important role in White’s musical life years before the White Stripes turned his younger brother into one of rock’s most recognizable guitarists.

“In his youth Eddie was the guitar player in the family when we were all growing up back when I was on drums only, and he was just great at the instrument,” White recalled.

The brothers even had opportunities to play together over the years, including one memorable performance for the Detroit Tigers during spring training in Florida.

White also credited his brother with teaching him some of life’s smaller lessons that stayed with him.

“He taught me so many wonderful and simple things over the years that I’ll never forget; how to string a guitar, how to fish on the Detroit river, how to drive a stick shift,” he wrote.

Gillis eventually became part of White’s Third Man Records operation as well. He managed the Third Man Pressing plant in Detroit for 10 years, where White said his brother pressed hundreds of thousands of records for other artists.

According to The Detroit News, Gillis didn’t have a background in record pressing or manufacturing when he was hired. Instead, White’s business partner and nephew Ben Blackwell said Gillis got the job because he knew how to lead people.

“He knew how to motivate people,” Blackwell told the outlet.

Away from the pressing machines, Gillis found another creative use for the plant’s materials, turning discarded vinyl into small sculptures and flowers. He had previously worked as a pastry chef, including jobs at the Ritz-Carlton and Beaumont Hospital.

White’s tribute concluded with a heartbreaking goodbye to the big brother who had been teaching him things since childhood.

“He was an amazing big brother to me and i just hate to see him leave, but I’m glad he is at peace,” White wrote. “God bless you Eddie.”

White, who rose to fame alongside Meg White in the White Stripes before launching a successful solo career and playing with the Raconteurs and the Dead Weather, has repeatedly been recognized as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. Rolling Stone has included him on multiple editions of its greatest guitarists rankings, placing him as high as No. 17.

Following White’s announcement, fans flooded his Instagram post with condolences, prayers and memories.

“Rest in Peace Sweet Uncle Eddie. What a loss,” one commenter wrote, adding, “now you have another angel watching over the family.”

Another told White, “You can tell by his smile he was kind, generous and loved people,” while offering prayers for the family.

“What a devastating year, Jack,” another fan wrote. “I am so deeply sorry for your losses.”

One commenter focused on the relationship White described between the brothers, writing, “It must have been great to have a big brother that cool and to have him show you stuff along the way.”

White ended his own remembrance with the simplest expression of what Gillis had meant to him.

“I was lucky to play music together with him at times throughout our lives,” he wrote.

Related: ’70s Rock Legend Mourns the Loss of Neil Young Guitarist He Kicked Out Right Before Fatal Overdose: ‘I Just Feel So Sad’

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Everyone loves receiving gifts around the holidays, but finding presents people will enjoy without going over budget can be a challenge. Fortunately, Macy’s just marked down a cozy gift that looks far more expensive than it is. The State of Day Boxed Sherpa Slippers are currently on sale for 60% off, bringing the price down to just $16 from $40. They come in a soft cashmere cream color and are available in sizes small through extra large.

The slippers are covered in soft sherpa fleece, giving them a super fluffy look that’s hard to resist when it’s cold out. They have a closed-toe design, rubber outsoles for indoor use, and a slip-on fit that makes them convenient to wear around the house. Plus, they already come in a box, so all you need is wrapping paper to make them gift-ready.

State of Day Boxed Sherpa Slippers, $16 (were $40) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

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Slippers might not be the most unexpected present, but people can start enjoying them as soon as they open the box. They’re also a good alternative when you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t need more decorations or another coffee mug. Whether they’re worn while making breakfast or relaxing after a long day, they’ll get plenty of use throughout the chillier months. And unlike gifts that might end up sitting in a drawer, these have a practical purpose beyond the holidays.

One reviewer called them the “most comfortable slippers ever,” while another shared, “They are so soft and fluffy.” Their plush feel also makes them a hit as gifts, with a third buyer describing them as “very cozy and cute” and “perfect for the holidays.”

Related: Ugg’s ‘Warm and Soft’ Tasman Slippers Are a Hug for Your Feet, and They’re 40% Off During the Final Hours of Prime Day

Another perk: if you’re shopping for a holiday gift exchange with a $20 spending limit, these slippers fit the budget perfectly. They’d also pair well with pajamas if you’re putting together a larger present. And since they come in a soft cream shade, you won’t have to worry as much about choosing a color that suits someone’s personal style.

Shop More Cozy Slipper Deals

• Charter Club Mule Slippers, $20 (were $40) at Macy’s
• Dearfoams Holiday Fur Slippers, $34 (were $42) at Macy’s
• State of Day Boxed Faux-Fur-Collar Clog Slippers, $16 (were $40) at Macy’s

Macy’s is calling the State of Day Boxed Sherpa Slippers one of its lowest-priced deals of the season, making now a great time to get a head start on holiday shopping. Grab the sizes you need while they’re marked down to just $16.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales twice a week.

The weekend is here again at last, and Saturday Night Live has been an end-of-the-week ritual for generations. So what’s in store this Saturday?

So far, Season 52 of SNL has featured three all-new episodes hosted by Jalen Brunson, Dakota Johnson and Shane Gillis. Last week, however, the series took the night off.

So what can fans expect from the iconic sketch show tonight?

Here’s everything you need to know before you tune in!

NBC / Getty Images

Is there a new episode of ‘SNL’ tonight?

Unfortunately, no. Studio 8H will be dark tonight, too.

Who is hosting next week and who is the musical guest?

SNL returns live on Oct. 31, when Obsession star Inde Navarrette makes her debut as host.

Navarrette, who recently nabbed roles in the new X-Men film and The Waffle House Index, will be joined by second-time musical guest Gracie Abrams. Abrams is promoting her latest album, Daughter from Hell.

NBC / Getty Images

What time does ‘SNL’ air?

SNL airs at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST.

Where can I watch ‘SNL’?

New episodes of SNL air live on NBC and Peacock on Saturdays (they’re available to stream later).

Related: Former ‘SNL’ Star Reveals Why She Was Relieved to Be Fired

According to birth-month astrology, those born in April or born in August may be astrologically aligned to create a remarkable life.

April-born individuals arrive during Aries season, when the Sun is exalted, or Taurus season, when Venus-ruled themes of pleasure, value, and stability take center stage. August-born individuals, meanwhile, are born during Leo season, when the Sun is in its domicile, or Virgo season, ruled by Mercury, the planet of intellect and discernment. These astrological influences point to a unique combination of ambition, confidence, and determination that can help them recognize their potential and pursue meaningful goals.

If you were born in one of the following months, you’re destined for a remarkable life.

Which Birth Months Are Destined for a Remarkable Life?

April and August stand out for their astrological associations with personal growth and achievement.

April

April-born individuals fall under Aries and Taurus, two zodiac signs associated with determination, ambition, and the ability to pursue meaningful goals. Mars rules Aries, the planet of action and courage, while Venus rules Taurus, the planet of values, pleasure, and attraction.

Aries is a cardinal fire sign known for its pioneering spirit. In astrology, Mars represents the drive to take initiative, face challenges, and pursue what you want without waiting for permission. April-born Aries individuals are inspired to take bold risks with brave hearts. Their willingness to act quickly on their ambitions opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Taurus, a fixed earth sign, approaches achievement intentionally. Rather than rushing to the next opportunity, Taurus is associated with patience, persistence, and the ability to build lasting stability. Their ruling planet, Venus, encourages an appreciation for quality and personal values, reminding this Earth sign that a remarkable life feels fulfilling within, not just impressive to others on the outside.

Together, Aries and Taurus represent the power of combining initiative with endurance. Whether you’re brave enough to start something new or determined enough to see a long-term goal through, people born in April remind us that remarkable accomplishments often begin with trusting ourselves.

August

If you were born in August, your star sign falls under Leo and Virgo. Astrologically, these zodiacs are associated with self-expression, intelligence, and purposeful achievement. Leo is ruled by the Sun, the center of our solar system and a symbol of vitality and identity. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet associated with communication, thought, and analytical ability.

Leo is a fixed fire sign that symbolizes confidence, creativity, and the desire to make a meaningful impact. Those born while the Sun transited this sign may feel called to share their talents, take the lead, or pursue a vision that reflects who they truly are. The Sun’s influence emphasizes their individuality and the importance of letting their gifts shine rather than shrinking themselves to fit others’ expectations.

Virgo, a mutable earth sign, brings a more analytical approach to personal growth. Associated with discernment, adaptability, and attention to detail, Virgo reminds us that achievement often comes from continually refining our skills. August-born Virgos may find fulfillment in solving problems, mastering their craft, or using their knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Although Leo and Virgo approach success differently, both signs emphasize the importance of recognizing and developing your natural abilities. Leo encourages you to believe in what makes you unique, while Virgo teaches you to put that potential into practice. Together, they illustrate how confidence and competence can help create a life that feels both remarkable and deeply rewarding.

Scrub Daddy was invented by Aaron Krause. He sold his first company, which created buffing pads, for three million dollars back in 2008. However, when he tried to include his hand scrubber, which is now one of the most famous cleaning products in the world, he was rejected.

“They carved [the sponge] out of the deal, and left it with me because it was so worthless,” Krause explained during an interview with Fortune.

For three years, the sponges were left in a box, unused. He didn’t pick them up again until his wife, Stephanie, asked him to clean their lawn furniture in 2011. He said that, when he realized how well the product worked, “I knew right away this was destined to be the best dishwashing tool in the world.”

Related: In 1912, Cleveland Candy Maker Clarence Crane Invented a Mint That Wouldn’t Melt in Summer; A Year Later He Sold Life Savers for $2,900

Krause patented his invention and started selling it in his friend’s local grocery stores. “He came to me after a couple of days and said, ‘I’ve never seen anything like it. We normally sell two or three sponges a day. You’re selling 200 to 300 in one of my stores. You need to go to every one of my stores and do that,’” he explained to Fortune.

Krause eventually sold the product on QVC, where many people became fans. Then he went on Shark Tank to pitch the product. According to Fortune, “He left with a $200,000 investment and 20% equity stake deal with entrepreneur and judge Lori Greiner.”

Related: 1967 Grammy-Winning Song, Based on a Real Love Affair With the Songwriter’s High School Sweetheart, Became a Hit 59 Years Ago

Scrub Daddy is now a household name. Since they have grown so popular, they sell more than just sponges. “We make sponges, but why don’t we make mops? Why don’t we make toilet cleaning products? Why don’t we make barbecue brushes?” Krause said. “We’re in the cleaning business now. We’re not just making sponges.”

Scrub Daddy products are available in fun shapes, inspired by Disney princesses, Star Wars characters, and Pixar fan favorites.

John Paul DeJoria knows what it means to start with almost nothing. Before he became a billionaire entrepreneur, he was living in his car and trying to get a new hair-care business off the ground.

In 1980, DeJoria, 82, teamed up with hairstylist Paul Mitchell to launch John Paul Mitchell Systems. The partners had big plans, but little money: After a hoped-for investor backed out, they pulled together just $700 to get started. DeJoria contributed $350, and for the first couple of weeks, he slept in his car while working to build the business.

DeJoria hit the road selling the company’s products directly to salons, knocking on doors and trying to persuade hairdressers to give the fledgling brand a chance.

The early days were far from glamorous, but the business gradually grew.

Today, Paul Mitchell products are sold around the world, and the company has expanded well beyond its original lineup of three hair-care products.

But hair care was only the beginning.

In 1989, DeJoria co-founded Patrón Spirits Company, helping turn premium tequila into another major business venture. The brand was acquired by Bacardi in 2018 in a deal valued at $5.1 billion, marking another extraordinary chapter in his career.

DeJoria has also made philanthropy a central part of his work.

His family’s JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation supports causes involving people, animals and the environment. He also founded Grow Appalachia, a program focused on helping families grow their own food and improve food security.

For DeJoria, it began with a small investment, a willingness to hear “no” and the determination to keep knocking on the next door. His path from sleeping in a car to building businesses known around the world is a reminder that success rarely arrives overnight.

RELATED: Jack in the Box Restocks Sold-Out ‘Simpsons’ Collectible Cups Ahead of Oct. 26

In 1912, Milton S. Hershey was well known as the chocolate manufacturer behind one of America’s most famous candy brands. He was also one of many wealthy businessmen eager to sail on the Titanic on its maiden voyage that April. But a last-minute change of travel plans sent him aboard another ship—and kept him off the doomed ocean liner.

Hershey often traveled with his wife, Kitty, and in December 1911 the couple spent time in Nice, France. For their trip back to the United States, the 54-year-old Hershey’s Chocolate magnate booked tickets on the new luxury ship the RMS Titanic. Hershey wrote a check for a $300 deposit to White Star Line, which was reportedly a deposit toward his first-class stateroom on the new ship, according to Smithsonian magazine.

But the Hersheys never boarded the Titanic. Called back to the U.S. to deal with business matters, Hershey took an earlier trip home on the German liner Amerika, arriving in New York City on Saturday, April 6, 1912, per Penn-Live Patriot News. He was home safe in Hershey, Pa., the next day.  Eight days after Hershey’s early arrival home, the Titanic struck an iceberg during its maiden voyage and sank into the North Atlantic, killing over 1,500 people on April 15, 1912.

While Hershey was safely back in Pennsylvania, his wife remained in Europe with a friend. News of the Titanic tragedy soon reached her, prompting her to send a postcard to her mother. According to a post on the Milton Hershey School website, Kitty wrote, “Just heard of sinking of the big steamer. How thankful I am God directs to safety in our travels.”

Milton Hershey also spoke about his near miss. The Hershey Community Archives shared a passage from the April 18, 1912, edition of the Lancaster New Era which read: “Mr. Milton Hershey of Hershey, Pa., the chocolate manufacturer, was in Lancaster on Wednesday and told his friends of the narrow escape he made from having taken passage on the Titanic. It was his intention to sail on the great liner originally, but finding that it would reach New York later than he desired to land he booked on the German Liner Amerika, which arrived several days ago.”

After dodging the Titanic, Hershey would go on to expand his chocolate business and develop the surrounding town in his name. He lived until 1945.

Nearly 115 years after the Titanic tragedy, Hershey’s check associated with the doomed voyage is preserved by the Hershey Community Archives— a small but important historical document tied to one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.

Related: In 1932, Frank Mars Pushed His Son Out of the Family Candy Business; 9 Years Later, Forrest Mars Created M&M’s With the Son of Hershey’s President

Miley Cyrus told Awkwafina that they have very similar voices.

In a recent interview with Brut, the 38-year-old actress, born Nora Lum, spoke about her unique voice.

The interviewer asked her, “You have a really cool voice. How would you describe it?”

“You know it’s a contentious; that’s a contentious opinion. Growing up, not a lot of people thought it was cool,” Awkwafina recalled.

She looked back at a time as a kid when people would have strange reactions to her voice.

“I was just telling them when I was like seven, I’d answer the phone, and people would be like, ‘What was that?’ They couldn’t tell if I was like an old man or what,” she continued.

The interviewer shared that she thinks the actress “sounds like Miley Cyrus.”

The Crazy Rich Asians star told a story of when she met the pop star.

“She actually told me that. She was like, ‘You know, we sound alike, right?’ And I was like, ‘I would love to sound like you.'”

Awkwafina appeared in the interview with Jake Johnson, with whom she is co-starring in the new stop-motion animated film Wildwood.

Johnson ended the interview telling her, “I think you’ve got a great voice.”

Wildwood is now in theaters.

When The Maze Runner arrived in theaters in 2014, it introduced audiences to a mysterious world where a group of teenage boys lived inside a massive maze with no memory of how they got there. Dylan O’Brien stars as Thomas, a newcomer whose arrival begins to unravel the secrets of the Glade and the powerful organization controlling the experiment.

Based on James Dashner’s bestselling young adult novels, the Maze Runner film series grew into a trilogy spanning deadly trials, a devastated world and a desperate fight against WCKD. Each installment builds directly on the previous one, following Thomas and his friends as they struggle to survive and uncover the truth.

If you’re planning a marathon or returning to the series after a few years, the viewing order is straightforward. Here’s how to watch every Maze Runner movie in order, from Thomas’s first steps into the maze to the conclusion of his story.

WARNING: Potential spoilers ahead!

Related: We Ranked the 104 Best Science Fiction Movies of All Time

How many Maze Runner movies are there? “The Maze Runner”

20th Century Fox

There are three released Maze Runner movies, all directed by Wes Ball and starring Dylan O’Brien as Thomas. The trilogy began with The Maze Runner in 2014, continued with Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials in 2015 and concluded with Maze Runner: The Death Cure in 2018.

The films follow one continuous storyline, so there’s no need to rearrange them into a different chronological order. Watching them by release date also preserves the mysteries and revelations as they were originally presented.

Related: How To Watch the Marvel Movies in Order of Story

How To Watch the Maze Runner Movies in Order Kaya Scodelario and Dylan O’Brien in “The Maze Runner”

20th Century Fox

1. The Maze Runner (2014)

Dylan O’Brien stars as Thomas, a teenager who wakes up in a grassy clearing called the Glade with no memory of his past. He finds himself among a group of boys trapped by towering walls that surround a vast, ever-changing maze filled with deadly creatures. As Thomas learns the rules of this strange community, he begins to question whether playing it safe is the only way to survive.

Wes Ball’s adaptation of James Dashner’s novel builds an effective mystery around its eerie setting, with tense maze sequences and a likable young cast helping the film stand out from other dystopian YA adaptations. Some of its world-building is frustratingly vague, but the central premise gives the adventure a strong hook.

Related: How To Watch All the X-Men Movies in Chronological Order (And by Release Date)

Alexander Flores, Dylan O’Brien and Jacob Lofland in “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials”

20th Century Fox

2. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)

After escaping the maze, Thomas and his fellow Gladers find themselves in a devastated world known as the Scorch, where they must navigate dangerous terrain while trying to understand the motives of WCKD, the organization behind their ordeal. With new allies and threats around every corner, Thomas struggles to work out whom he can trust as the group searches for a way forward.

The sequel expands the franchise’s post-apocalyptic world and delivers more chases, action and unsettling imagery. However, its relentless pace leaves less room for the mystery and character development that made the first film compelling, making this an entertaining but less focused middle chapter.

Patricia Clarkson and Kaya Scodelario in “Maze Runner: The Death Cure”

20th Century Fox

3. Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

In the trilogy’s final installment, Thomas embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue captured friends from the Last City, a heavily fortified stronghold controlled by WCKD. As the organization continues its search for a cure to the deadly virus ravaging the population, Thomas faces difficult choices about loyalty, sacrifice and how far he is willing to go to protect the people he loves.

The Death Cure delivers large-scale action, elaborate set pieces and a more emotional focus on the friendships at the heart of the series. Its lengthy runtime and familiar action-movie conventions occasionally weigh it down, but it provides a satisfying sense of scale for the trilogy’s conclusion.

Related: How To Watch the Alien Movies in Order, Including the Alien vs. Predator Crossovers

Should you watch the Maze Runner movies in release order?

Watch the films in release order: The Maze Runner (2014), Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) and Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018). The movies follow one continuous story, with each sequel picking up after the previous installment. There are no released prequel movies to place before the original, so the release order is also the correct order for following Thomas’s story.

Do you need to read the Maze Runner books first?

No. The movies tell a complete story without requiring viewers to read James Dashner’s novels beforehand. The films adapt the central trilogy—The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure—while making changes to characters, events and plot details along the way. Reading the books can provide more background on Thomas and WCKD, but it isn’t necessary to follow the movies.

Dashner also wrote two prequel novels, The Kill Order and The Fever Code, which explore events before the original story. They have not been adapted into released films, so they don’t change the viewing order for the movie trilogy.

Related: How To Watch All the James Bond Movies in Order

Which movie is Maze Runner 3?

The third movie in the Maze Runner franchise is Maze Runner: The Death Cure, the final installment in the original trilogy. The film follows Thomas as he leads a mission to rescue his friends from WCKD, the organization behind the deadly experiments that began in the first movie. Based on James Dashner’s third novel, The Death Cure brings Thomas’s story to a close with a large-scale confrontation over WCKD’s search for a cure to the virus devastating the world.

What comes after The Death Cure?

Maze Runner: The Death Cure concludes the three-film story centered on Thomas. Although the novels’ universe continues beyond the original trilogy, there is no fourth Maze Runner movie to watch after it. For anyone following Thomas’s cinematic journey, The Death Cure is the final installment.

Related: How To Watch All of the Mission: Impossible Movies in Order

Will there be a Maze Runner reboot?

TheWrap reported in 2024 that a Maze Runner reboot was in development at 20th Century Studios. Screenwriter Jack Paglen is in talks to write the film, with original trilogy director Wes Ball attached as a producer.

Despite being described as a reboot, the project is reportedly envisioned as a continuation of the franchise rather than a remake or direct sequel, potentially following new characters in the world of the Glade.

Why didn’t they make Maze Runner 4?

The original Maze Runner film series ended with Maze Runner: The Death Cure, which adapted the third and final book in James Dashner’s main trilogy. Rather than split the finale into multiple movies or continue Thomas’ story indefinitely, the filmmakers brought the central storyline to a close. The franchise also faced creative and commercial challenges as the sequels received less favorable reviews than the first film.

That said, the franchise was not abandoned entirely. In 2024, TheWrap reported that 20th Century Studios was developing a new film with screenwriter Jack Paglen and original director Wes Ball attached as a producer. The project is described as a continuation set in the same world rather than a direct sequel or remake.

Are The Maze Runner movies based on books?

Yes. All three Maze Runner movies are based on the young adult science fiction novels by James Dashner. The original film, The Maze Runner, adapts the first book, published in 2009, while Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials and Maze Runner: The Death Cure adapt the second and third novels, respectively.

Dashner’s five-book series also includes the prequels The Kill Order and The Fever Code, which explore the world’s history beyond the main trilogy. There is also a sequel book series called The Maze Cutter, along with companion books.

The movies follow the central storyline of the first three books but make changes in adapting the story for the screen.

Related: Inspire Your Inner Sleuth With the 17 Best Murder Mystery Movies of All Time

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

In 1972, guitarist and songwriter Danny Whitten died of a drug overdose at just 29 years old, cutting short the career of a musician who had played an integral role in Neil Young’s early work with Crazy Horse.

More than 50 years later, Three Dog Night founder Danny Hutton still remembers a painful encounter with Whitten not long before his death.

Speaking with Rolling Stone, Hutton, 84, revealed that Whitten had once even been under consideration to become the third singer in Three Dog Night.

“Danny was also a guy I was thinking of as a possible third singer for Three Dog Night,” Hutton said. “When I lived in Laurel Canyon, the Rockets lived up the street. They became Crazy Horse.”

Hutton ultimately decided Whitten wasn’t the right fit for the group but remembered him warmly, saying, “He wasn’t quite the tenor we needed, but he was the sweetheart.”

The two remained in each other’s orbit as Whitten’s career took off with Crazy Horse. Hutton recalled visiting Whitten and his bandmates around the time they had finished “Cinnamon Girl,” the 1969 Neil Young song featuring Whitten on guitar and vocals.

But Whitten’s growing heroin addiction eventually took a devastating toll.

“I just feel so sad for Danny,” Hutton told Rolling Stone. “Danny really got into heroin.”

Hutton then recalled an incident at his home that left him angry with his friend.

“And then after a party at my house, my guitar was missing, and he sold it,” Hutton said. “I left a scathing note to him. I was sad angry. Then he went out and OD’d.”

Whitten died on Nov. 18, 1972, after ingesting a combination of diazepam and alcohol. Earlier that day, Young had dismissed him from rehearsals for his upcoming tour because Whitten was struggling to keep up with the band. Young gave him $50 and a plane ticket back to Los Angeles. Whitten died later that night.

Related: Beloved ’70s Singer, Who Sang With Linda Ronstadt and Neil Young, Was All But Forgotten After Her Death at 45

Hutton told Rolling Stone that the timing of Whitten’s death left him with lingering guilt of his own.

“He died right after I kicked him out of the house,” Hutton said. “I felt really horrible. He was a sweet guy.”

Whitten’s addiction also became intertwined with one of Young’s most haunting songs, “The Needle and the Damage Done.” Young wrote the song as he watched heroin addiction destroy musicians around him, including his friend and Crazy Horse bandmate.

Whitten had been a key part of Crazy Horse’s early history. After Young left Buffalo Springfield, he began playing with Whitten, Billy Talbot and Ralph Molina, who had previously performed together in the Rockets. The musicians became Crazy Horse and backed Young on the 1969 album Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere.

Whitten sang alongside Young on “Cinnamon Girl” and shared lead guitar duties with him on “Down by the River” and “Cowgirl in the Sand.” He was also a songwriter in his own right, penning “I Don’t Want to Talk About It,” which was later famously recorded by Rod Stewart.

Young carried his own guilt over Whitten’s death for years. He later recalled for Michael Heatley’s book “Neil Young: In His Own Words” that Whitten had been unable to keep up during rehearsals on the day he died and told him to return to Los Angeles. Young said learning of Whitten’s death that night “blew my mind” and left him feeling tremendously guilty.

“We were rehearsing with him and he just couldn’t cut it. He couldn’t remember anything. He was too out of it. Too far gone. I had to tell him to go back to L.A. ‘It’s not happening, man. You’re not together enough.’ He just said, ‘I’ve got nowhere else to go, man. How am I gonna tell my friends?’ And he split. That night the coroner called me and told me he’d died. That blew my mind. F–king blew my mind. I loved Danny. I felt responsible,” said Young.

For Hutton, however, the memory that has endured is simpler and more personal: a talented musician and friend whose life ended far too soon.

“I just feel so sad for Danny,” he said.

Related: Last Surviving Original Member of Iconic ’70s Band Three Dog Night Turns 84

Before she married into the royal family, Meghan Markle counted French designer Roland Mouret as both a go-to designer and a friend. She wore one of his designs the day before her 2018 wedding. His new memoir now talks about the moment that friendship was tested, and the detail at its center involves Kate’s team at the palace.

I Am Roland Mouret: The Butcher’s Boy Who Dressed the World arrived October 22 from Quercus. Mouret did not write it himself. He chose novelist Tom Connolly to tell the story in his voice. The 352-page book traces his path from a butcher’s son in the Pyrenees to the designer behind the Galaxy dress. It also covers childhood bullying and a past cocaine addiction. Mouret has said the book is not about fashion but an intimate account of his life.

Mouret says he first met Meghan in a hotel while she was still starring on Suits. When her relationship with Prince Harry became public, he writes, a member of his team who had sent clothes for her tried to be efficient. That staffer contacted Kate’s stylist at Kensington Palace to ask for Meghan’s dresses back.

Related: Howard Stern Warns ABC of “Hell to Pay” Over Jimmy Kimmel

According to the book, Meghan phoned him, upset. Mouret recalls her saying, “You’ve embarrassed me!” He writes that he apologized and explained the employee had made an innocent mistake, but that she said she could never wear his designs again. The published excerpt ends with her reply, “I think I should come and see you,” without making clear what followed.

Meghan has not shared her version. A spokesperson for her declined to comment on Mouret’s claims, and the private exchange has not been independently confirmed. The account also does not suggest Kate was personally involved or knew about the request.

The rift did not keep his work out of her closet. In February 2026, Meghan wore a navy Roland Mouret dress from her royal years in promotional photos for her As Ever lifestyle brand.

The memoir also weighs in on the wider royal family. Of Meghan and Harry, the book says, “She is an actress, he has a chip on his shoulder,” and calls it sad when a family splits. Kate, by contrast, is praised for being good at her role because she does not want to star but is willing to take responsibility. Mouret has dressed the Princess of Wales for years, including a cream design she wore to Peter Phillips’ wedding in June 2026.

Early reviews describe Mouret as frank but also forgiving about the actors, royals and celebrity clients he dressed over more than three decades. That group includes Victoria Beckham, whom he mentored. The Meghan episode shows how closely royal fashion is watched, down to which palace office receives a request about a rack of dresses.

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Long before Sundance became shorthand for independent film, it was a struggling ski area in Utah’s Provo Canyon, and Robert Redford was one of its neighbors.

In 1961, Redford and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, bought two acres near the small-scale Timp Haven ski resort and built a house there. He considered the land a refuge from Hollywood. “Other people have analysis. I have Utah,” he would say, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

This was very early in his acting career, but Redford already knew that he’d need somewhere to go to escape the hustle and bustle of the movie industry. Fast forward to 1969, and Redford decided to expand his land holdings in Utah and bought the entire Timp Haven ski resort.

By this time, Redford was about 33 years old, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid had just been released that September. It was arguably his big break, giving Redford the funds and freedom to start up an unexpected project with the resort.

He bought Timp Haven and renamed it after the character who had made him a star, calling it the Sundance Mountain Resort. Because of the resort’s lower elevation, it had a shorter ski season, and so Redford thought to rejuvenate the area by making it enticing to Hollywood.

The Sundance Institute became his way to attract filmmakers, directors, actors, and more to the area. Redford formally launched the Institute in 1981, beginning with a Filmmakers Lab program held at the resort.

As for the well-known Sundance Film Festival, it actually began in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1978 as the Utah/US Film Festival, with Redford as its main founder. It moved to Park City in 1981 and was renamed US Film and Video Festival. It wasn’t until 1984 that the Sundance Institute started running the festival, and it was finally renamed the Sundance Film Festival in 1991.

In the years since, both the Sundance Film Festival and Redford’s Sundance Mountain Resort have grown exponentially, and Utah has become a hot-spot destination for people in the entertainment industry and regular travelers.

Related: 1967 Paul Newman Movie, With a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Ranked Among “Best Movies of All Time“

Then on Dec. 11, 2020, more than 50 years after his initial land purchase, Redford announced he was selling the resort to two real estate investment firms, Broadreach Capital Partners and Cedar Capital Partners. The price was never disclosed. By then, the property covered more than 2,600 acres, including 1,845 acres of restricted land.

The deal included the creation of a 300-acre nature preserve called the Redford Family Elk Meadows Preserve at the base of Mount Timpanogos. It did not affect the Sundance Institute, the Sundance Film Festival, the Sundance Catalog, Sundance TV, or the Redford Center, a nonprofit that supports environmental and social justice filmmaking.

The resort agreed to keep hosting Institute and Redford Center events.

Related: George Lucas Gave Up $500,000 in Directing Fees to Keep ‘Star Wars’ Merchandising Rights. In 2012, He Sold Lucasfilm to Disney for $4.05 Billion

To millions of fans, Lady Gaga has been “Mother Monster” for years, the fierce protector of her devoted Little Monsters. Now that she’s a mom herself, one of her dancers says the nickname fits her better than ever.

Michael Dameski, 30, who danced in Gaga’s “Abracadabra” music video and on her Mayhem Ball world tour, spoke with People at the Dancers Against Cancer Industry Dance Awards in Los Angeles this week. He called the pop star “the hardest worker I think I’ve ever encountered in my life,” adding that watching her work ethic up close inspired him and that he’s grateful for the experience. 

Dameski has seen Gaga’s protective side firsthand. During a Mayhem Ball stop at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Dec. 13, 2025, Gaga abruptly halted her performance after Dameski slipped off a rain-soaked stage. She rushed to the edge to check on him and stopped the music. Later, she paused the show again to make sure the dancers had better grip on their shoes. Dameski reassured fans on Instagram afterward that he was OK and grateful to have finished the year’s last show.

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That kind of care is exactly what Dameski highlighted when discussing Gaga’s newest role. The singer, 40, welcomed her first child with fiancé Michael Polansky in June. “I think, for me, it’s just the way she just would treat us [on tour and set] – with so much care and love,” he told People excusively. “I really see [motherhood] for her and I’m really excited for her.”

It’s been a banner year for Gaga. Her album Mayhem arrived in March 2025, the tour she co-produced with Polansky wrapped at Madison Square Garden in April, and her daughter arrived just two months later.

For the dancers who spent months by her side, the analogy makes sense. The same Gaga who works harder than anyone in the room also stops everything when one of her own goes down. Mother Monster, it turns out, was practice for the real thing.