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2007 Comedy That Revived an Iconic ’80s Power Ballad Became a Cult-Favorite Masterpiece
Last month at the Overlook Film Festival, Jorma Taconne, best known as one-third of The Lonely Island, premiered his latest directorial effort, Over Your Dead Body. In a recent interview with Collider, Taccone shared that his early work on Hot Rod still influences his filmmaking today.
That comment caught our attention — because it sent us right back to the Saturday Night Live spinoff movie, and one of its most surprising pop culture afterlives.
View this post on InstagramReleased in the summer of 2007 and co-starring Taccone with Lonely Islander Andy Samberg, the film follows a self-proclaimed stuntman’s attempt to raise money for his stepfather’s life-saving surgery by pulling off the biggest stunt of his lifetime. Bill Hader, Danny McBride, and Isla Fisher all co-star. The film is absurd, heartfelt, and completely offbeat — and over time, it’s earned its flowers as a comedy masterpiece.
One of the film’s most memorable moments comes near the climax when Samberg's Rod and his crew rally for an impromptu “feel-good” town parade that spirals into an almost apocalyptic riot. As the chaos unfolds, John Farnham’s 1986 power ballad, “You’re the Voice,” swells in the background, creating an iconic and humorous contrast between Farnham’s anthemic optimism and the sheer absurdity on the screen.
Released as a single in September 1986, “You’re the Voice” was included on the Australian singer’s Whispering Jackalbum and became a global hit, topping charts internationally. It has since experienced multiple waves of renewed attention, including a 1991 cover by Heart and a viral resurgence tied to a 2024 political campaign video, per Billboard.
But Hot Rod helped introduce the song to an entirely new generation. Thanks to the film’s long-running cult status, the moment has become one of its most enduring pop culture calling cards, turning an '80s power ballad into an unexpected comedy punchline.
Hot Rod’s soundtrack is full of era-spanning needed drops. From Europe’s "Danger on the Tracks" and "Cherokee" to Stacey Q’s "Two of Hearts" and Moving Pictures’ "Never" (also used in Footloose), it’s a stellar time capsule.
Hot Rod is streaming on Prime Video.
1972 Soft Rock Classic Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1
In 1972, Eagles released a song that perfectly captured the open-road spirit of 1970s California rock.
"Peaceful Easy Feeling" became one of the band’s signature early hits and eventually climbed into the Top 40. Though it never hit no. 1, it did begin to establish the Eagles as one of the defining groups of the decade.
Written by songwriter Jack Tempchin, the song was inspired by his experiences traveling through the American Southwest and spending time in San Diego's music scene. Its easygoing acoustic sound and reflective lyrics quickly connected with listeners looking for music that felt relaxed, emotional and escapist.
"Like all of the songs that I was doing at that time, it just came naturally," Tempchin told ASCAP. "I never imagined that it would be a hit song. I was playing a little gig and dreaming about every woman that I ran into at that point and I started writing in this coffeehouse when the girl I was supposed to go home with disappeared. I was sleeping on the floor of this little coffeehouse. Then I went back to San Diego and I saw a girl in a street fair and she had these turquoise earrings, so I just put her in the song. I just kept putting every girl I saw in the song. But the song is really about the fact that you don't find what you’re looking for until you give up and you don't need it anymore."
With its breezy harmonies and imagery of freedom and romance, the song became closely associated with road trips and the growing soft rock movement of the early 1970s.
At the time, the Eagles were still a relatively new band. Formed in Los Angeles by musicians including Glenn Frey and Don Henley, the group blended rock, folk and country influences into a polished sound that would soon dominate radio.
"I think the first thing we had in common was ambition," Frey told The New York Times of his first meeting with Henley. "We were looking to write songs with meanings and messages. That was the way we started."
"Peaceful Easy Feeling" became one of the key songs that helped define that identity.
Lead vocalist Randy Meisner delivered the song with a warmth and sincerity that perfectly matched its laid-back tone, while the band's harmonies became one of their trademark signatures.
Though the Eagles would later go on to release even bigger hits like Hotel California and Take It Easy, "Peaceful Easy Feeling" remained one of the group's most beloved early classics.
Over the decades, the song has endured as a staple of classic rock radio and nostalgic playlists, often evoking images of desert highways, sunsets and carefree road trips.
More than 50 years later, "Peaceful Easy Feeling" still lives up to its title, a timeless soft rock anthem built on simplicity, harmony and the feeling of freedom.
Related: 1971 Soft Rock Classic, Banned by Some Radio Stations, Became a No. 1 Hit
Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora Walk Daughter Ava Down the Aisle at Her Wedding
Actress Heather Locklear, 64, and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, 66, celebrated the marriage of their daughter Ava Sambora, 28, and her longtime boyfriendTyler Farrar this weekend. In a gorgeous moment caught in early photos, Ava's parents came together to walk her down the aisle together.
The spectacular outdoor wedding ceremony was held at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito, California on Saturday. Locklear's partner Lorenzo Lamas, 68, was also in attendance and sat alongside the mother of the bride during the ceremony.
Related: Richie Sambora Shares Touching Videos From His Daughter Ava's Wedding Reception
Early, exclusive photos from Backgrid and People mag give us so much to take in:
- Photo 1: Bride Ava Sambora and groom Tyler Farrar are all smiles as they head back down the aisle, officially wife and husband. Don't miss the bride's stunning strapless lace gown or her bouquet of white peonies.
- Photo 2: Sambora and Farrar share their first kiss as a married couple.
- Photo 3: Mom Heather Locklear with boyfriend Lorenzo Lamas, as well as dad Richie Sambora sit front row at the ceremony.
- Photo 4: Wearing elegant, head-to-toe black ensembles, Sambora and Locklear walk their daughter down the aisle together.
- Photo 5: Sambora, alongside daughter Ava, gives the camera a wave before the ceremony.
- Photo 6: The parents of the bride present their daughter to her husband-to-be.
Fans in the Instagram comments shared their excitement for the family:
- "Gorgeous bride. Heather & Richie with their daughter is priceless!!!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🥂🥂🥂🥂💞💞💞💞💞"
- "Ava is absolutely stunning. That smile says it all. The dress is incredible."
- "Glad both parents came together"
- "Beautiful dress! Congrats to them both and also to the proud parents, Richie and Heather!"
- "Congratulations, Ava🎉💐❤️ What a beautiful bride👰🎊🍾"
Commenters also got a tiny bit sidetracked, focusing in on the newer romance between Locklear and Lamas, who have been keeping their relationship mostly private:
- "Heather and Lorenzo 🔥"
- "Heather Locklear & Lorenzo Lamas are the ultimate '80s couple!"
- "Lorenzo holding Heathers purse says it all…."
- "So many beautiful people. Lorenzo Lamas. Good God. That man has aged well."
Related: Lorenzo Lamas Breaks Silence on Heather Locklear Marriage Proposal Rumors
Check out the early photos from Ava Sambora's marriage ceremony to Tyler Farrar:
View this post on InstagramHeather Locklear and Richie Sambora were married in December 17, 1994, and they welcomed their daughter, Ava, on October 4, 1997. After 11 years of marriage, Locklear filed for divorce in February 2006, and their divorce was finalized in April 2007.
Locklear and Lamas have reportedly been dating since last year and made their first public appearance together in April 2026.
Mark L. Walberg Says 'Not True' to 'Temptation Island' Bonfire Clips Rumor (Exclusive)
The Temptation Island Season 2 couples struggled to figure out their problems throughout the season. Luckily, Mark L. Walberg was there as host and gave them advice.
The stars reunited on a podcast to talk about the season. Parade interviewed Walberg, 63, on May 14. He talked about Netflix possibly having him host the reunions in the future, the claims the cast made about bonfire clips, and more.
Will Mark Walberg Ever Host the 'Temptation Island' Reunion?Mark L Walberg 'Temptation Island' Season 2 Interview (34:26)The season 2 couples reunited on The Viall Files podcast instead of getting a reunion episode on Netflix. Walberg hopes that changes.
"I believe it will," the host told Parade. Walberg isn't sure why it hasn't happened, but guesses the new-to-Netflix show had to prove itself first. Nick Viall hosted the reunion for free.
Related: ‘Temptation Island’ Reunion: Why Kaylee and Summit Didn’t Move in Together
"We'll see if they call me for next year," Walberg said. He later joked that he would be very different from Andy Cohen when it comes to arguments at the reunion.
"When we do reunions I have an ear piece and they have to say to me, 'Let it go. Let it go,'" he said. However, his first instinct is to get the cast to speak to each other like "adults."
Mikey Bivens claimed at the reunion that bonfire clips misrepresented him, and misled Sydney McGregor. She gave him another chance after filming because of that. Scarlett Bentley also told Reality Steve that the clips in the episodes aren't what she saw while filming. Walberg addressed this.
He Says Bonfire Clips in the Episodes Are the Same from Filming Malik Quisenberry, Summit Wallace, Kaylee Needham, Cole Mueller, Scarlett Bentley, Mark L. Walberg in 'Temptation Island'"It's not true," the host said. "No, it's not true." He has a theory why the cast members said that. "When you're under the lights in the stress of it and freaking out, and you watch a clip, what you think you saw and what you then see on the air," Walberg said before trailing off. That could affect their memories.
He admits things are edited for the episodes. "There was a moment this season where Summit[Wallace] goes in to kiss somebody at a [...] party game and the actual clip is he goes to kiss Mikey, but they cut it before that so it's misdirect," Walberg said as an example.
"Don't like that," the host said. But Walberg stands with production that most cases, the cast members aren't "getting clipped."
In the end, Walberg feels like Summit grew throughout the experience because he was open to his advice. He also noted that Mikey would ask him questions to better his relationship.
Temptation Island will return to Netflix for season 3. We'll have to wait and see if we get an official reunion with Walberg.
Related: ‘Temptation Island’: Will Sydney and Xzavier Date After the Reunion?
Best-Selling Author's Thriller, Heading to Netflix, Among Books With 'Best Twists' on Goodreads
It's the year of Freida McFadden, with the popular author continuing to thrill readers with her jaw-dropping plot twists. And it doesn't just stop at books. In December 2025, an adaptation of McFadden's New York Times best-seller, The Housemaid, hit theaters with an all-star cast that included Amanda Seyfried,Sydney Sweeney, and Brandon Sklenar.
The movie has received rave reviews and is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 73% critic score. It grossed $126.4 million at the box office against a modest $35 million budget. A sequel, based on the second novel in the series, The Housemaid is Watching, is slated for a December 2027 release. Per Variety, Sweeney will reprise her role as Millie Calloway, with Kirsten Dunst joining the cast.
While Freida fanatics have the second installment to look forward to, they'll also delight in knowing that it's not the only McFadden adaptation that's on the way. Never Lie, published in September 2022, is heading to Netflix.
The psychological thriller, which is among the books with the "best twists" on Goodreads, follows newlywed couple Tricia and Ethan, who are on the hunt for their perfect home. During a visit to a remote historic manor that was once the home of Dr. Adrienne Hale, a famous psychologist who mysteriously disappeared years earlier, the husband and wife find themselves trapped after a harsh winter storm takes hold.
Photo by Dia Dipasupil on Getty Images
In July 2024, The Hollywood Reporterrevealed that the streamer had won the rights to Never Lie, which is set to be developed and produced by Deadpool & Wolverine filmmaker Shawn Levy and his company, 21 Laps Entertainment. Levy will produce the project alongside his partners, Dan Levine and Dan Cohen.
The book has an average rating of 4.08 out of five on Goodreads, with readers praising the character development and suspenseful plotline.
"What a ride! I couldn’t put this book down until I read the last word. Edge of your seat suspense! A captivating psychological thriller that has twists and turns galore. I thought I had it figured out but I was so wrong," wrote Goodreads user Anovelqueen. "Very well written with an intricate plot and well developed characters. A must read."
On May 26, the writer drops her latest book, The Divorce.
Related: Best-Selling Author Reveals One Thing the ‘Off Campus’ Series Did Better Than the Books
Woman Drops Message in a Bottle and Sparks an Unexpected Friendship That Goes Viral
Twelve years ago, Anna Molinari was a 16-year-old boarding school student on a military scholarship, sailing across the Atlantic between the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. During a particularly slow and hot journey with no wind, one of the crew members had an idea: toss empty glass bottles into the Gulf Stream with messages inside. Molinari grabbed a bottle and wrote about what she'd learned on the trip and how she'd grown as a person. She threw it overboard with six others and never actually expected anyone to find it.
Months later, a handwritten letter showed up at her school. Her headmaster thought it was suspicious—fair point—but Molinari opened it anyway. The letter was from Sumner Mattingly, a 17-year-old offshore fisherman working for his family's fishing company, Albatross Fleet, in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. He explained that he'd suggested his crew chart the boat 27 miles away from their usual route, and there he spotted her bottle floating in the water. He found the message, connected to what she'd written, and decided to reach out.
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"He wrote that he resonated with everything I wrote in my letter," Molinari shares with People. "As someone who grew up on the ocean, he shared a lot of the same sentiments that I was feeling during my time living on the water."
Mattingly and Molinari stayed in touch through Facebook Messenger and Instagram. They planned to meet that summer since Mattingly didn't live far from Molinari's summer home in the Outer Banks. But Molinari's friends weren't thrilled about the idea. "Some were telling me, 'It feels a little creepy. You could get kidnapped,' all that stuff. I got too scared," she said. Still, when she turned 17 that year, she decided to go for it—"for the story" at least.
"I invited him over for dinner with my family," she recalls. And to everyone's surprise, Mattingly actually showed up. They sat down and talked for hours, comparing notes on their lives and trying to wrap their heads around the whole bottle situation.
Related: 3 Underrated Stops Along the Oregon Coast Between Portland and San Francisco
When the Story Went ViralEven after that first meeting, they stayed in touch through social media over the next several years. Molinari's job kept her busy and away from the Outer Banks, but the connection remained. Then, in 2023—nearly seven years after their initial meeting—Molinari decided to share their story on TikTok. The video absolutely exploded, gaining over 869,000 views almost overnight.
"We're so different," she says in the clip. "I think it's just really cool that two people from two completely different walks of life were able to connect like this. It's very much open-ended. There's no end by any means right now. For now, it's a reminder that these amazingly cool coincidences and surprises can still happen in life."
TikTok users went wild for the story. Comments ranged from "They have 2 options: get married or write a book about their story from both perspectives" to "Girl this is a Nicholas Sparks book. We need the happy ending." The internet was invested.
@annamo_1 ♬ âm thanh gốc - Anna Molinari What Happened After the Viral MomentThe TikTok success sparked a real-life reunion. Molinari reached out to Mattingly and asked him if he would take her entire family—her mom, sister, grandmother, her mom's best friend, and her friend's daughter—out fishing on his boat in Cape Hatteras. The trip was chaotic (most of the women got seasick), but it happened. And it was meaningful.
"I believe this was Sumner's first-ever all-female fishing trip, and it didn't disappoint," Molinari tells People. She also brought him something special: a replacement letter that revisited themes from her teenage self while reflecting on fate and their unlikely connection.
@annamo.1Today he took us out on the exact boat he was on when he found my bottle, the Albatross III. Life is crazy fr #messageinabottle #storytime
♬ original sound - Anna MolinariToday, the pair remains friends and chat on the phone occasionally. Mattingly has apparently even taken her dad and uncles out fishing, too. As to why she made this reunion so public, the now fashion designer and content creator told People, “As adults, we get so caught up in reality and find ourselves just trying to get by. I wanted to share the story because it reminds me of how unserious life actually is, how small the world is, and how you really never know what will happen in life.”
1972 Classic Film With Career-Defining Soundtrack Ranked Among ‘Best Movie Soundtracks’ of All Time
While there are countless legendary soundtracks in cinema history, it is a rare feat for one to outperform the film it is featured in. That is exactly what happened with this 1972 crime drama, whose soundtrack famously out-grossed the movie itself.
In 2024, Rolling Stone ranked the 101 greatest movie soundtracks of all time, compiling a list of cinema’s finest scores. Ranked among classics such as Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction at No. 7 and John Badham's 1977 film Saturday Night Fever at No. 5, Gordon Parks Jr. secured the No. 6 spot with Super Fly.
Released in the U.S. on August 4, 1972, Super Fly was a massive box office hit. Upon its release, the film grossed over $30 million against a budget of only $500,000, famously knocking Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather out of the No. 1 box office spot and quickly becoming one of the most profitable independent films of its era.
Actors Julius Harris and Ron O'Neal in a scene from the Warner Bros. movie "Super Fly" circa 1972.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Super Fly follows "Youngblood" Priest, a highly intelligent drug dealer in New York City on a quest for one final score to secure his retirement and escape the streets. The film's unparalleled success was largely attributed to its revolutionary portrayal of a Black protagonist breaking out of traditional Hollywood stereotypes, as well as its electrifying soundtrack, completely created by R&B star Curtis Mayfield.
Mayfield was originally hired to have his band, The Impressions, cameo in a nightclub scene. However, after reading through the script, he was commissioned by Parks Jr. to score the entire project. The R&B star went on to write, perform and produce a nine-track album that was released a few weeks before Super Fly premiered, serving as excellent advertising for the film.
The album was a massive success, with two tracks, "Freddie's Dead" and "Superfly," reaching the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. The record itself peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard LP chart for four consecutive weeks, marking the first and only time Mayfield achieved that feat with a solo project.
Aside from its chart dominance, the soundtrack also experienced significant commercial success. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 2 million copies in the globally. Its top-ten singles also each sold over 1 million copies, notably outselling the ticket sales of the film it was advertising.
Over five decades after its release, Mayfield's groundbreaking soundtrack remains relevant. The album is widely praised as a masterpiece of 1970s soul and funk, credited with helping to pioneer the "concept album" and considered one of the greatest works in music history.
Classic Romance Ranked No. 1 First Kiss Scene in TV History
Over 30 years after it first aired, Ross and Rachel’s unforgettable first kiss on Friends is still considered television romance at its peak.
MsMojo ranked the iconic moment No. 1 on its list of the greatest first kiss scenes in TV history, praising the emotional payoff after an entire season of “will they or won’t they” tension between Ross Geller and Rachel Green.
The scene came during season 2’s “The One Where Ross Finds Out” after months of romantic frustration, bad timing and unresolved feelings between the two characters played by David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston.
“While we’ll never forget the kiss that commenced Chandler and Monica’s relationship, the road to Ross and Rachel’s first kiss was an emotional roller coaster,” MsMojo said while revisiting the moment.
The scene unfolds after Rachel accidentally reveals her feelings for Ross in a drunken late-night phone message. After a heated confrontation inside Central Perk, Ross storms out before suddenly returning moments later. Rachel unlocks the café door and the two finally kiss in one of the most famous romantic moments in sitcom history.
The moment became so iconic that Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane later reflected on the scene in an interview with the Television Academy, revealing they intentionally treated the sequence differently from the show’s usual comedic style.
“We had some insanely funny writers in that room who probably could have pitched 20 more jokes,” Crane said. “But we were probably insisting—as we occasionally did—‘This is a no-joke zone.’”
Kauffman added that the creative team never worried viewers would reject the emotional shift because audiences were already deeply invested in the characters and their relationship.
The creators also credited Schwimmer and Aniston’s chemistry for helping elevate the scene beyond a standard sitcom romance moment.
“I remember also thinking, in that last scene, it’s really hot,” Crane recalled. “Our show does a lot of romance but, for want of a better word, it’s rarely sexy.”
Part of the scene’s enduring popularity comes from how carefully the series built toward the payoff. Ross’s feelings for Rachel were established in the pilot episode, but the writers spent more than a full season delaying the inevitable relationship with mistimed confessions, jealousy and other romantic obstacles.
“The biggest challenge was keeping them apart,” Crane said.
Entertainment Weekly later ranked Ross and Rachel among the greatest TV couples of all time, calling them “the most enduring TV love story of the past 30 years.”
The relationship would continue generating drama for years afterward through breakups, reconciliations and the endlessly debated “we were on a break” storyline. But for many fans, that first kiss remains the emotional high point of the entire romance.
Even decades later, viewers continue revisiting the scene online and rediscovering it through streaming, proving some TV moments never really lose their magic.
Amazon’s Portable Fans Are Summer’s Coolest Accessory, and They’re on Sale Starting at $13
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Portable fans are quickly becoming one of the most practical and trendy accessories for summer 2026. As temperatures continue to rise, shoppers are turning to wearable and small compact fans that they can slip in and out of their bags while they are on the go. What once felt like a niche gadget has now become an essential. From fans that clip onto strollers to wearable options, Amazon has no shortage of styles to choose from.
One standout pick? The Jisulife 3-in-1 Handheld Mini Fan has racked up more than 70,000 positive reviews on Amazon, thanks to its lightweight design and functionality. Reviewers loved that it can work as not only a handheld fan but a flashlight and portable charger all in one device.
Jisulife Portable Neck Fan, $27 (was $34) at Amazon Shop at AmazonIf you are heading to a theme park this summer on vacation, this popular portable neck fan might be just the thing. The fan offers hands-free cooling and comes in a handful of colors. According to the brand, its rechargeable batteries can hold a charge for around 4-16 hours.
One reviewer wrote, “I live in South Florida, where the weather is generally pleasant, but I still use this fan for walking, riding my bicycle, and even at work.” Since it’s easy to wear around your neck, it’s a great option for nearly any activity.
Jisulife 3-in-1 Handheld Mini Fan, $18 at Amazon Shop at AmazonThe Jisulife 3-in-1 fan is well loved for a reason. This compact handheld fan folds down easily and doubles as both a flashlight and portable charger. Its lightweight design and functionality can't be beat — plus, it's under $20. The portable size makes it easy to throw into a small purse, beach bag or carry-on if you’re headed to a warm weather vacation. According to most reviews, the fan can last for hours on a single charge depending on the speed setting you use.
Tunise Portable Handheld Fan, $13 at Amazon Shop at AmazonDon’t be fooled by the affordable price point, this fan brings a lot of value. With multiple speed settings, a rechargeable battery and a digital display to let you know your battery charge in real time you would never expect this fan to be under $15.
The fan comes in a handful of colors and has an attachable rope for hands-free use. One reviewer shared, “Because of frequent hot flashes, I have purchased multiple portable fans. This is the best so far. One important factor for me is noise: this fan is very quiet, yet powerful.”
PlayhHot Portable Handheld Turbo Fan, $17 (was $20) at Amazon Shop at AmazonDesigned with turbo-style airflow, this compact fan delivers a powerful breeze without sacrificing portability. With multiple speed settings and an ergonomic handheld design, it brings serious cooling performance wherever you go. Reviewers especially loved its strong airflow on extremely hot days, making it a standout choice for summer outings.
Shop More Deals- Hotsales Clip-On Portable Fan, $18 (was $29) at Amazon
- JISULIFE Handheld Portable Turbo Fan, $22 at Amazon
- Aecooly Mighty Portable Handheld Fan, $12 (was $13) at Amazon
As the summer months quickly approach and temperatures start to rise, picking up a few portable fans will be a purchase that you won’t regret.
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1981 Timeless Anthem Inspired by Janis Joplin Became One of Rock’s First No. 1 Hits
On this day in 1981, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' "The Waiting" held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s newly created Rock Top Tracks chart (later renamed Mainstream Rock).
Released on April 20 as the lead single from the band’s fourth studio album, Hard Promises (dropped May 5), the song quickly climbed to the top and stayed there for four weeks. And even though the track about waiting didn’t wait very long to see success, writing it took weeks of trial, frustration, and persistence.
View this post on InstagramAccording to Peter Bogdanovich’s 2007 documentary, Runnin’ Down a Dream, Petty wanted a song with “a little lick from the beginning.” Strumming the chord progression, he said, “I did that for weeks … and then, finally, I hit, The waiting is the hardest part / Every day, you get one more yard / You take it on faith, you take it to the heart / The waiting is the hardest part. I’d get to that, and then I’d go, ‘Now what?’ You eat dinner, you come back, sit down, pick up the guitar. People start banging on the wall. ‘Don’t play that anymore!’”
As for the lyrics, Petty credited another music legend, Janis Joplin, with sparking the initial idea. Years before, Joplin famously said, “I love being onstage, and everything else is just waiting.” It’s that line that Petty credits for inspiring “The Waiting.”
“I got it from the Janis Joplin quote,” he told Paul Zollo in the book Conversations with Tom Petty. “That’s where it stuck in my mind.”
One of rock’s first and greatest hits, the track was categorized by Rolling Stone as the pinnacle of the band's signature "golden twang" era — a nod to the guitar tones, optimistic lyrics, and sing-along chorus. Meanwhile, American Songwriter called it “one of the best call-and-response moments of the Heartbreakers’ entire catalog (and there’s a lot of ’em).”
It was so worth the wait.
Related: 1981 ‘Tense’ Collaboration Named One of the Greatest Classic Rock Team-Ups of All Time
'Downton Abbey' Fans, Rejoice: PBS Is Re-Airing All 3 Seasons
Downton Abbey is returning to PBS! The popular drama series is returning for an encore presentation. The first three seasons are set to air in 2026, while the final three seasons will air in 2027. Here's everything you need to know about the encore presentation of Downton Abbey including how and when to watch.
What is Downton Abbey about?Created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park), Downton Abbey depicts the lives of the noble Crawley family and the staff who serve them, set at their Edwardian country house in 1912.
Related: Know A Downton Abbey Superfan? Shop 24 Gifts They'll Be Ecstatic to Open
When did 'Downton Abbey' originally premiere?Downton Abbey originally premiered on PBS back in 2011.
How many seasons are there of 'Downton Abbey'?There are six seasons of Downton Abbey and three movies.
Related: The Crawleys Are Back One Last Time — How to Stream ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’
Who's in the cast of 'Downton Abbey'? Hugh Bonneville as Lord GranthamMASTERPIECE PBS
Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Countess of GranthamMASTERPIECE PBS
Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Crawley, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley and Jessica Brown Findlay as Lady Sybil CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary CrawleyLaura Carmichael as Lady Edith CrawleyJessica Brown Findlay as Lady Sybil Crawley Maggie Smith as the Dowager CountessMASTERPIECE PBS
Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Dan Stevens as Matthew CrawleyAllen Leech as Tom Branson Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes and Siobhan Finneran as O'BrienMASTERPIECE PBS
Jim Carter as Mr. CarsonPhyllis Logan as Mrs. HughesSiobhan Finneran as Miss O'BrienRob James-Collier as Thomas BarrowBrendan Coyle as Mr. BatesJoanne Froggatt as AnnaKevin Doyle as Mr. MolesleyLesley Nicol as Mrs. PatmoreSophie McShera as DaisyWhen does the encore presentation of Season 1 of 'Downton Abbey' begin?The encore presentation of Season 1 of Downton Abbey airs Sundays beginning May 17 at 10 p.m. ET on PBS and runs through June 7.
When does the encore presentation of Season 2 of 'Downton Abbey' begin?The encore presentation of Season 2 of Downton Abbey airs Sundays beginning June 14 at 10 p.m. ET on PBS and runs through July 26.
When does the encore presentation of Season 3 of 'Downton Abbey' begin?The encore presentation of Season 3 of Downton Abbey airs Sundays beginning Aug. 2 at 10 p.m. ET on PBS and runs through Sept. 3.
Check out images from the first two seasons of 'Downton Abbey'Take a look at some select images from the first two seasons of Downton Abbey in the gallery below.
Downton AbbeyMASTERPIECE PBS Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Dan Steven as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Hugh Bonneville as Lord GranthamMASTERPIECE PBS
Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Zoe Boyle as Lavinia SwireMASTERPIECE PBS
Iain Glen as Sir Richard Carlisle, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Dan Stevens as Matthew CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Countess of GranthamMASTERPIECE PBS
Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Countess of GranthamMASTERPIECE PBS
MASTERPIECE PBS
Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham and Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Countess of GranthamMASTERPIECE PBS
Hugh Bonneville as Lord GranthamMASTERPIECE PBS
Hugh Bonneville as Lord GranthamMASTERPIECE PBS
Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes and Siobhan Finneran as O'BrienMASTERPIECE PBS
Joanne Forggatt as Anna and Amy Nuttall as EthelMASTERPIECE PBS
Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Crawley, Jessica Brown Findlay as Lady Sybil Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Crawley, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley and Jessica Brown Findlay as Lady Sybil CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Maggie Smith as the Dowager CountessMASTERPIECE PBS
Maggie Smith as the Dowager CountessMASTERPIECE PBS
Maggie Smith as the Dowager CountessMASTERPIECE PBS
Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary CrawleyMASTERPIECE PBS
Costco Members Avoid These Days to Shop — and It's Not Just the Weekend
Wholesale shopping on the wrong day is becoming so dreaded that memes have gone viral about the trend.
"I would go to Costco on a Saturday with you" is just one example — imagine being so infatuated love with someone that you'd commit to this ominous day of shopping with them.
Costco members are well aware that weekend days are particularly brutal in terms of crowded parking lots and equally crowded aisles — not to mention those endless checkout lines.
Most Americans are busy with everything else in their lives Monday through Friday, so why not plan ahead and capitalize a presumably emptier warehouse during the workweek?
Apparently, that's not always the case. As Allrecipes pointed out, members have taken to social media to warn others that weekdays can be equally risky in terms of time consumption.
"The parking lot was insane. The had someone out there directing traffic," a Redditor once posted about their Monday visit, to which another user weighed in, "People think they are sneaky and can beat the crowds by coming on Friday or Monday, but they are generally still fairly busy days (and the stores aren't staffed as heavily as they are on the weekend)."
So, there you have it. Mondays might see a heavy pour-in due to members (who had too busy a weekend) stocking up for the rest of the week, while Fridays are probably when shoppers are loading up for getaways or mini-vacations.
In other Costco news, the company recently made headlines after leaning heavily into water-related summer gear. A viral wellness tool athletes swear by just quietly landed in warehouses only: the LifeTrend Classic Cold Plunge Tub with Chiller.
Designed to support athletic recovery and boost energy, this cold plunge is not your average Costco find—it brings a science-backed wellness practice into your home with an easy-to-use design you’ll want to hop into every day.
View this post on Instagram‘70s Rock Legend Shares Difficult Health Update as He Plans to ‘Pull Back’ on Touring
Iconic ‘70s rocker Ritchie Blackmore built his career on life on the road. But now, the legendary guitarist says even traveling short distances has become a serious challenge.
In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock shared on Sunday, May 17, the legendary Deep Purple and Rainbow guitarist revealed that a frightening bout of vertigo forced the cancellation of several recent Blackmore's Night shows and has left him reconsidering future travel plans altogether.
“I woke up one morning when we were on tour and I had what is called vertigo,” Blackmore explained. “I don't recommend it to anybody. It was the worst thing I've ever been involved with.”
The 81-year-old musician described the episode as so severe that he lost control of his balance and feared something far more serious was happening. “You think your whole world is ending right there,” he said.
Blackmore explained that the condition returned shortly after he arrived back home, leading him to rethink the physical demands of touring at his age. “I've found that at my age, being 150, that you know, it's time to kind of pull back on touring,” he admitted. “I do not like traveling anymore.”
According to Blackmore, even traveling long distances now affects his equilibrium, something he believes may connect back to childhood motion sickness and anxiety surrounding travel.
The latest update comes after Blackmore previously revealed additional health struggles, including debilitating ocular migraines, chronic back issues, and even a heart attack he reportedly suffered around 2023.
But despite the setbacks, Blackmore made it clear that he has no desire to stop performing completely. Instead, he hopes to continue playing shows much closer to home on Long Island. “I want to be on stage. I want to play,” he said. “But I want to play within the radius of, like, 30 miles or 40 miles.”
Aldi's $15 Patio Rug Is Giving High-End Cabana Vibes
If you haven't already noticed, yellow and white stripes instantly make life feel a little more fabulous. Maybe it's because the combo has been serving poolside cabana chic for generations, or maybe it's because it screams sunshine and vacation all at once. Either way, those cheerful stripes have serious main-character summer energy. They call to mind vintage beach clubs and dreamy seaside escapes.
Thankfully, you don't actually need a luxury resort membership or a Hamptons address to steal the look. These days, bringing that same sunny, classic cabana vibe home is a whole lot more doable and way more budget-friendly. A pop of yellow and white can instantly brighten up a porch, patio or even an indoor space, making everything feel fresher and happier. If your summer aesthetic is somewhere between "backyard oasis" and "stylish coastal getaway," this timeless stripe pattern really does understand the assignment.
Kirkton House 5' x 7' Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug - Yellow Stripes, $14.99 at AldiAldi
Aldi has been dropping super cute indoor/outdoor rugs all spring season long to help get our patios and porches ready for warm-weather lounging, and the Kirkton House 5' x 7' Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug in yellow stripes is one of the latest additions to the mix.
A five-by-seven-foot outdoor rug is kind of that sweet-spot size because it's big enough to make a patio or porch feel pulled together, but not so massive that it completely takes over the space. Depending on the square footage of your spot, it can be perfect for anchoring a small seating area, fitting nicely under a couple of chairs and a coffee table, or adding some personality beneath a bistro set.
I could go on about all the great Aldi Finds available, but let me share a few highlights. For starters, I'm stocking up on the four-pack of lidded tumblers, perfect for summer sipping outdoors. (Those lids will keep the bugs out of your iced coffee.) And speaking of pests, the bug-repellant fans are epic for keeping insects at bay while you're trying to dine al fresco. But the true pièce de résistance just might be the portable hammock chair that makes outdoor lounging oh-so-easy. You'll be relaxing in your yard in no time.
Related: This Uno x Vrbo Collab Is the Getaway Game Night Dreams Are Made Of
Goodbye, Crunches and Sit-Ups—This Is the Move Pilates Instructors Use To Sculpt Deep Core Muscles
When it comes to ab exercises, a lot of people focus on the rectus abdominis, which is science speak for six-pack abs. While there’s no shame in wanting a toned stomach, true ab strength means having a strong deep core too.
The “deep core” is located beneath the six-pack muscles and helps stabilize the body. If you struggle with maintaining good posture for an extended period of time, that’s a sign that you could benefit from strengthening your deep core. Having a strong deep core makes it easier to maintain good posture and can prevent or reduce lower back pain.
Related: Abs of Steel! Here Are 8 of the Best Core-Defining Workouts You Can Do at Home
“In Pilates, the deep core muscles are known as ‘the powerhouse.’ The powerhouse is more than just your abs. It is a coordinated system that includes your abdominals, back muscles, glutes and pelvic floor,” says Erica Walters, NCPT,a level-three certified Pilates instructor and the owner of Pilates Fit Studio in Kentucky.
Walters explains that a strong deep core creates stability, which allows arms and legs to move with strength, control and grace. “Without a connected center, your arms and legs are working in isolation. With a connected center, every movement becomes more powerful and more efficient,” she tells Parade.
Lauren King, NCPT, a Pilates instructor at Strong Pilates Commack in Commack, New York, adds to this, saying that a well-functioning deep core supports posture, helps distribute load through the spine and allows the body to move with better control and coordination. “Its main role is stabilization. These muscles activate to control and support movement, which is how the core functions in everyday activities,” she says.
Want to strengthen your deep core? There’s a Pilates move that’s more effective than crunches.
Related: Here's How Often You Actually Have to Work Out Your Abs To See Results—and the Best Moves to Try
raquel arocena torres/Getty Images
Is Pilates a Good Workout for Strengthening the Deep Core?If you want to strengthen your deep core, Walters and King both say that Pilates is a great workout to do regularly. “Rather than isolating the core, Pilates integrates it into full-body movement. This helps build strength that carries over into daily life,” King says.
She explains that Pilates focuses on control, alignment and breath, which helps engage the deeper stabilizing muscles, including the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor.
Classic Pilates was literally designed to strengthen the deep core. “The system uses your own bodyweight along with spring resistance on the apparatus to build deep, connected strength,” Walters shares.
Scientific research shows that practicing Pilates regularly can truly strengthen the deep core. In a 2025 scientific study published in the journal Medicina, one group of healthy adults did Pilates three times a week for six weeks. A second group did aerobic-based exercises three times a week for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, the Pilates group had a significant improvement in core strength, which was measured through muscle thickness, contraction timing and contraction ratios.
A 2023 scientific review published in the journal Healthcare also found that doing Pilates regularly can strengthen the deep core and can help improve lower back pain too.
Related: Sit-Ups Are So Yesterday! These 6 Exercises Will Target and Flatten Your Lower Abs
The Best Pilates Move for a Stronger Deep Core, According to InstructorsWalters' favorite move for strengthening the deep core is called “the hundred,” and it can be done using a mat—no reformer needed.
“'The hundred' demands that your ‘powerhouse’ hold your entire body in position while your arms move independently. It is a masterclass in connected strength,” she says. Here’s how to do it:
The Hundred- Lie on your back and hug your knees to your chest.
- Lift your head and shoulders, thinking only of moving the thoracic spine (the part of the spine spanning from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage). This is important to avoid straining your neck.
- Extend your arms long by your sides, hovering just above the mat. Then, extend your legs to a 45-degree angle.
- Begin pumping your arms vigorously up and down. Inhale for five counts, exhale for five counts. That is one set of 10. Repeat 10 times to reach 100.
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2 Other Expert-Backed Pilates Moves for Sculpting Your Deep CoreAnother deep core-strengthening move that Walter recommends? It's called “the teaser.” This move can also be done on a mat and does not require a reformer.
“‘The teaser’ asks the ‘powerhouse’ to control the entire body, folding and unfolding from the center. There is nowhere to hide,” she says. Here’s how to do it:
The Teaser- Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Begin by working only the upper body: Roll up and down three times, articulating through the spine.
- Add the lower body by lifting one leg at a time, pressing into the standing leg for stability, and rolling up and down three times on each side.
- From there, you can build on to the move to make it even more challenging. To do this, lie on your back with your legs extended at a 45-degree angle. Roll your upper body up to meet your legs in the V shape, then roll only your upper body back down while your legs stay in place. Repeat three times.
And one of King’s favorite Pilates moves for strengthening the deep core is the “dead bug.” This exercise move (which doesn’t require a reformer) strengthens the deep core without putting pressure on the spine or neck.
“The goal is to keep your spine stable throughout the movement. This trains the core to resist movement while the limbs are in motion, which is key for building stability and control,” King tells Parade.
Dead Bug- Lie on your back with your arms reaching toward the ceiling and your knees in a tabletop position.
- Slowly extend one arm and the opposite leg away from the body, then return to center and alternate sides. Do 10 reps per side.
To really benefit from these deep core moves, King recommends doing them three to four times a week. She says that in a few weeks, you’ll notice a difference in how you feel. For example, it will be easier to maintain good posture for a longer period of time.
Having a strong core is more than about looking good. It’s about being able to move easily and avoid pain as we age. Once you start integrating deep core strength into your workout routine, you’ll notice a difference in how you feel, making it well worth the effort.
Up Next:
Related: 7 Simple Wall Pilates Exercises for Lean, Sculpted Arms After 50
Sources:- Chang, W. D., Lin, H. Y. and Lai, P. T. (2015). Core strength training for patients with chronic back pain. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 27(3):619-622.
- Erica Walters, NCPT, level-three certified Pilates instructor and the owner of Pilates Fit Studio in Kentucky
- Lauren King, NCPT, Pilates instructor at Strong Pilates Commack in Commack, New York.
- Lee, K. (2025). Effects of Core Stability Training on Deep Stabilizing Muscle Function and Neuromuscular Control.Medicina. 61(3):364.
- Franks, J., Thwaites, C. and Morris, M. E. (2023). Pilates to Improve Core Muscle Activation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.Healthcare. 11(10):1404.
This Popular '90s Toy Was Pulled From Shelves After Causing More Than 150 Injuries
If you grew up in the 1990s, there’s a good chance you either owned a Sky Dancers doll—or got smacked by one.
The spinning fairy toys became one of the decade’s biggest crazes after launching in 1994 by Galoob Toys. Marketed as magical dolls that could gracefully fly through the air, Sky Dancers quickly became a must-have toy for kids everywhere. But behind the fun was a toy that eventually became infamous for being surprisingly dangerous.
The dolls worked by placing them feet-first into a launcher and pulling a cord that sent them spinning upward like tiny helicopters. In commercials, they floated gently into kids’ hands. In real life? The results were often far less elegant.
The toy became such a phenomenon that it expanded into its own animated television series in 1997, which ran for 27 episodes and introduced kids to the fantasy world behind the fairies. The brand also branched into books and video games as the craze continued to grow.
But by June 2000, the toys were officially recalled after mounting injury reports tied to their unpredictable flight patterns. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Galoob received roughly 150 reports involving injuries to both children and adults. The incidents included scratched corneas, temporary blindness, broken teeth, facial cuts requiring stitches, a mild concussion, and even a broken rib.
READ MORE: The ’70s Toy That Changed Playtime Forever Was Secretly Just Corn Syrup — and It Just Turned 50
The CPSC later announced that Galoob agreed to pay a $400,000 civil penalty related to allegations that the company failed to report the defects and injuries in a timely manner. Roughly 8.9 million Sky Dancers were recalled nationwide after being sold between 1994 and 2000 for anywhere between $8 and $25.
Ironically, the toys’ unpredictability became part of their lasting reputation. One reviewer called the doll “tools of war,” and even recalled using them during childhood fights because they were especially effective as a weapon.
If you want to get your hands on these whimsical weapons, head on over to eBay, where retailers are selling the dolls for $50-$100 a piece.
Every Ina Garten Cookbook Ranked from Worst to Best by a Superfan
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There are celebrity cookbooks, and then there are Ina Garten cookbooks. The kind that end up splattered with olive oil, stained with chicken stock, and permanently open to her meatloaf recipe on your kitchen counter. As someone who cooks constantly, hosts often and craves recipes that fit in for real life, I’ve spent years making my way through the Barefoot Contessa universe one roast chicken, one chocolate cake, and one giant bowl of pasta at a time.
What makes Ina different is that her recipes deliver that rare combination of comfort and elegance. Her food feels aspirational without being impossible. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight chicken dish, a make-ahead dessert for company, or a stunning tres leches cake that tastes like it came from a bakery, her books are packed with the kinds of recipes people actually want to eat. And more importantly? As someone who's professionally read cookbooks for most of her career, you can always count on an Ina recipe to be top notch and work out perfectly.
For this list, I ranked every Ina Garten cookbook I’ve cooked from in order from least essential to absolute must-own. Some books shine because they’re perfect for entertaining. Others earn a permanent place in the kitchen because they make dinner easier for busy families. And a few contain what I genuinely think are some of the best recipes Ina has ever written.
If you’ve ever wondered which Ina Garten cookbooks stand out the most, or which ones are worth pulling back off the shelf, this ranking is for you.
Related: 25 Classic Ina Garten Recipes To Make All the Time
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
Ina Garten is best known for approachable luxury cooking: recipes that feel elevated and comforting at the same time. Through her long-running Barefoot Contessa television series, bestselling cookbooks and signature Hamptons entertaining style, she became one of the most trusted home cooks in America.
Her recipes often rely on simple techniques, high-quality ingredients, and thoughtful entertaining shortcuts. She’s especially beloved for roast chicken, easy dinner party menus, decadent desserts, foolproof cocktails and make-ahead dishes that remove stress from hosting.
Related: I Tried Ina Garten’s Potato Galette and It’s the Perfect Easy but Elegant Brunch Dish
Ina Garten's Cookbooks in OrderIna Garten has published more than a dozen cookbooks over the years, each reflecting a different era of her signature comfort-food cooking style. Here's a list of her impressive list of books:
- The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook (1999)
- Barefoot Contessa Parties! (2001)
- Barefoot Contessa Family Style (2002)
- Barefoot in Paris (2004)
- Barefoot Contessa at Home (2006)
- Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics (2008)
- Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That? (2010)
- Barefoot Contessa Foolproof (2012)
- Make It Ahead (2014)
- Cooking for Jeffrey (2016)
- Cook Like a Pro (2018)
- Modern Comfort Food (2020)
- Go-To Dinners (2022)
Related: I Made Ina Garten’s Signature Challah
How I've Tested and Ranked These CookbooksI ranked these books based on how often I realistically cook from them as a busy mom, food creator and someone who genuinely loves hosting people at home. I prioritized books with dependable weeknight dinners, make-ahead recipes, crowd-pleasing desserts, entertaining value, and recipes that consistently work without requiring overly fussy techniques.
I also considered how memorable each cookbook feels. Some Ina books contain iconic recipes that became permanent staples in my kitchen, while others feel more transitional or repetitive compared to stronger entries later in her career.
Related: Ina Garten Delivers the Roast Chicken of Your Dreams in This Super Simple Recipe
Every Ina Garten Cookbook Ranked From Worst to Best by a Superfan13. Barefoot Contessa Parties! (2001)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This book is undeniably charming, but compared to Ina’s later work, it feels the most dated. The entertaining inspiration is still lovely, but some menus feel very early-2000s dinner party in a way that doesn’t translate as seamlessly today.
That said, it’s still worth flipping through for anyone who loves old-school hostess energy. It's a great read for an Ina super-fan; you can see the beginnings of the effortless entertaining style that would later define her brand.
Related: The Easy Pasta Dish Ina Garten Loves to Make After a Busy Day of Recipe Testing
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
Ina’s first cookbook deserves respect purely for introducing the world to her cooking philosophy. It laid the groundwork for everything that followed. Compared to the polish and practicality of her later books, this one feels less refined. It’s more of an origin story than a cookbook I regularly reach for on busy weeknights. The food photography from 1999 is a feat of its own...so nostalgic! A true queen listing a recipe for a fresh fruit platter.
11. Barefoot in Paris (2004)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This book is romantic and transportive, and if you love Parisian cooking, it has some beautiful recipes. But it leans more aspirational than practical for the every day cook. I love that it explores her love for French cuisine and her times in France, but I tend to revisit it more for inspiration than actual dinner planning. The recipes are elegant, but not necessarily the ones I turn to when I need dependable family meals or easy entertaining shortcuts.
Related: I Made Ina Garten’s Famous Flag Cake, and It’s So Much Easier Than It Looks
10. Barefoot Contessa Family Style (2002)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This book has warmth and heart, and you can feel Ina leaning into comforting meals meant for sharing. But compared to her newer books, many of the recipes feel heavier and less streamlined. It’s cozy, but not quite as essential as the books where her recipe development became more modern and efficient.
One of my go-tos from this book is her Chicken Stew with Biscuits, where it's all served in a casserole dish and topped with homemade biscuits. I think Ina would appreciate that I've cooked this but topped it with store bought for an easy weeknight meal.
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
There’s a comforting simplicity to this cookbook that makes it very approachable. It feels like the blueprint for the Ina many people know and love. While I enjoy it, I don’t return to it quite as often because later books sharpened the balance between elegance and ease even more successfully.
8. Cook Like a Pro (2018)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This book is incredibly useful if you genuinely want to become a stronger home cook. Ina breaks down techniques in a very accessible way. It’s more instructional than cozy, though, which is why it ranks slightly lower for me personally. I admire it more than I emotionally crave cooking from it.
This book has one of my all time favorite Ina recipes in it, her Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Louis. That is a recipe to keep on hand for an easy entertaining moment!
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This book contains some truly classic Ina recipes and feels very reliable overall. It’s especially good for newer home cooks who want confidence-building recipes. The strength here is consistency. Nearly everything feels approachable, comforting, and polished without being intimidating. The pomegranate cosmopolitans from this book are my go-to for a pretty and refreshing cocktail.
6. Barefoot Contessa Foolproof (2012)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
The title says it all. This is one of Ina’s most dependable books for recipes that work every single time. It’s especially strong for entertaining because many dishes feel elevated while still being low-stress. There’s a practicality to this cookbook that makes it incredibly useful. I frequently make her play on the famous Nick & Toni's pasta dish, Penne alla Vecchia Bettola. It's a quick, easy and crowd pleasing pasta dish that comes together in under 20 minutes...truly foolproof!
5. Cooking for Jeffrey (2016)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
There’s something especially personal and warm about this cookbook. If you read her memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, you have heard her entire love story with Jeffrey, so reading this again after hearing about all their ups and downs as a couple, feels especially intimate. The book is inviting and the recipes strike a great balance between cozy and special occasion-worthy. Who can't related to cooking special meals for the person you love the most?
4. Modern Comfort Food (2020)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This book arrived at exactly the right moment, and the recipes reflect that deeply comforting energy. It’s filled with cozy, satisfying meals that still feel elevated enough for company. This is one of the books I’d most recommend to busy families because the recipes feel modern, comforting and realistic for everyday cooking.
3. Make It Ahead (2014)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
Well before meal prepping was a trend you saw on TikTok, Ina showed us how it's done. This book is cookbook gold, especially if you entertain regularly. Ina’s make-ahead strategies genuinely reduce stress, and the recipes still taste fresh and thoughtful.
This is one of the smartest cookbooks she’s ever written because it understands how people actually cook for gatherings in real life. Her Overnight Belgium Waffles are what I make on Christmas Eve in order for a smooth and cozy Christmas morning.
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This is the Ina cookbook I probably relate to most at this stage of life. The recipes are practical without sacrificing flavor or that signature Barefoot Contessa polish. The Chicken in a Pot with Orzo is genuinely spectacular and comes out beautifully every time. I also learned how to make a proper omelet from this book, and Ina’s Gruyère omelet is exquisite in its simplicity. This book understands modern home cooking in a way that feels deeply useful.
1. Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That? (2010)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This is peak Ina Garten for me. Every recipe feels designed to make life easier while still delivering maximum payoff. As a busy mom who still loves feeding people beautiful food, this is the book I return to constantly. It’s practical, unfussy and filled with recipes that feel impressive without being exhausting.
I cooked from this book recently for cookbook club, which reminded me just how strong it is front to back. The Tate’s Bake Shop cookie icebox cake alone earns it a top ranking, it’s the kind of no-bake dessert people think took hours, yet it’s incredibly simple to throw together. If I could only keep one Ina cookbook on my shelf, this would be it.
No one understands the intersection of comfort, elegance, and real-life cooking quite like Ina Garten. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, feeding your family on a busy weeknight, or looking for a dessert that guarantees compliments, there’s an Ina cookbook for every kind of cook. But the best ones, the books you reach for again and again, are the ones that make hosting feel easier, dinner feel special, and cooking feel joyful instead of stressful. And that’s exactly why her recipes have remained staples in so many kitchens for decades...and why everyone is excited for fall 2026 when her next cookbook is released...Simply Ina!
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Related: The 12 Best Italian Cookbooks, According to an Award-Winning Chef
Beloved 2000s Animated Film, Which Made Oscars History, Ranked Among 'Best Movies' of All Time
There's something even more magical about a movie that'll make you feel all of the things in a few hours or less. And that's exactly what one of Pixar's most beloved animated films will do. From tears of laughter to tears of joy, this fan-favorite is an emotional rollercoaster — and it's considered to be one of the best films in cinematic history.
Up was directed by Pixar royalty, Pete Docter, who is also the mastermind filmmaker behind other 2000s and 2010s animated movies like Monsters Inc., Inside Out, and Soul. The movie follows the story of Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower who is aiming to get to South America to fulfill his promise to his late wife. However, Carl discovers a young stowaway, a Boy Scout named Russell, who accidentally ended aboard the flying home.
At the time of its release in May 2009, the film achieved a major milestone after it was nominated for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Picture, only the second movie in history to be under consideration for the Oscar, following Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
Up went on to win two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.
Today, the renowned movie is still considered to be one of the greatest animated movies in history, and is among Rotten Tomatoes' 300 Best Movies Movies of All Time. Placing at number 39 in the list, it has received a Tomatometer score of 98% and rave reviews from some of the best film critics in the industry.
"Up is buoyant with thrills and spills, yet it's anchored, quite movingly, in the acceptance of mortality. This rollercoaster ride will leave everyone on an up." The Independent's Anthony Quinn wrote.
"If it had lived up to its golden first five minutes, Up would have been the film of the decade," Empire Magazine critic, Ian Freer, wrote. "As it is, it remains the best animated flick of 2009, a funny, moving, beautifully made argument that dreamers can move mountains."
Per Empire, in 2023, Carl's story continued with a short titled Carl’s Date, which was played in theaters at the start of Pixar's Elemental, which was also directed by Docter.
Related: 1995 Film, Once Banned in Malaysia, Is Climbing the Charts 31 Years Later
J.Crew Brought Back Its Best-Selling Accessory From 1998 and It's Just as Chic Today
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When it comes to fashion, classics are classics for a reason. They're the pieces that somehow manage to feel familiar, functional and effortlessly chic all at once. These are the kind of staples that don't just survive trend cycles, but outlast them. And there really is something comforting about a true classic. Maybe it's the nostalgia factor or the reliability, or maybe it's just knowing that some things really do deserve a permanent spot in our closets.
Of course, not every comeback deserves applause. Some resurrected trends definitely have us collectively asking, "Wait. We're doing this again? Seriously?" especially if you lived through the first round and didn't love it. But every now and then, a beloved piece returns, and it just makes sense. That's when fashion nostalgia really hits its sweet spot.
1998 Large Montauk Tote in Stripe, $148 at J.CrewJ.Crew
Shop It!Bringing back an iconic bestseller like J.Crew's 1998 Montauk Tote isn't about chasing trends; it's about revisiting something people loved in the first place. It feels a little like reconnecting with an old favorite that still gets the job done.
The large version that's shown above retails for $149 and comes in three different colorways: natural navy stripe, natural crimson and natural navy. It's made from sturdy cotton canvas, making it perfect for a variety of situations, whether you're headed to the beach, running errands, or packing for a weekend away.
Related: Old Navy's Darling Mini Dress Is a Springtime Must-Have
The roomy size (12 ½ inches high, 26 ½ inches wide and eight inches deep) means there's plenty of space for all your essentials and then some. Meanwhile, the 9 ½-inch handle drop makes it easy to sling over your shoulder and go. It's practical, versatile and has that throw-it-all-in-and-look-great kind of vibe.
Just know that this tote is only available online, so you'll have to order it and have it shipped, rather than popping into a J.Crew store to buy it. That said, it definitely feels like one of those special finds worth snagging before it's gone.
If you want to make things even preppier, J.Crew offers the option of adding a monogram for $10. Hey, that's insurance that no one in your house can borrow it for extended periods, right? Those initials mark your territory.
Walmart's 'Very Comfortable' 3-Piece Rocking Patio Set 'Looks Adorable' Anywhere, and It's Only $100
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With the arrival of warmer days and longer evenings, many of us are turning our attention outdoors, looking for ways to make our patios, porches, or balconies more inviting. If you're hoping to refresh your outdoor space without breaking the bank, Walmart's flash deal on the Walsunny 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set is worth a closer look.
Normally priced at $170, this highly-rated bistro set now starts at just $100, a sunny deal that combines modern style, comfort, and unbeatable price. Prices vary slightly by hue, but all are currently under $110, so you'll score a great deal no matter what.
Walsunny 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, From $100 (was $170) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe Walsunny patio set includes two rocking chairs and a sleek, three-legged round coffee table, creating a cozy spot for morning coffee, evening chats, or simply soaking up the sun. The gentle rocking motion of the chairs makes it easy to unwind after a busy day. Adjustable feet on the table help you keep it balanced on uneven decking or patio stones.
The chairs are constructed with breathable and lightweight textilene fabric, which is cooler and more flexible than traditional rattan, especially on hot days. Unlike some heavier patio furniture, these pieces are easy to rearrange, making them a practical choice for those who like to switch up their outdoor setup.
With a nearly perfect rating, this set is praised not only for its comfort and looks but also for its value. Whether you're looking to create a restful reading nook with ergonomic handrails, a conversation space for entertaining friends, or simply a comfortable spot to enjoy the outdoors, this rocking chair patio set offers an affordable and stylish solution.
Shoppers praised the set's comfort and aesthetics, noting that it's "very comfortable" and "a good-looking set." The combination of style and coziness makes it a popular pick for anyone wanting to upgrade their outdoor living space.
"They look adorable on my porch!" one shopper said, echoing the sentiment of many who have added the set to their homes.
Reviewers mentioned that it is "easy to put together," thanks to clear instructions and the included hardware, and that it's "very well made," making the process hassle-free even for those with little assembly experience.
Once assembled, the set's modern design and three neutral color options (black, light gray, and white) blend seamlessly with a wide variety of outdoor decor styles. The high-quality, rust-resistant steel ensures the set stands up to the elements and remains sturdy for years to come.
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With this flash deal on a bestselling Walmart patio set, you can revamp your outdoor living area for just $100 and make the most of every sunny day this season. Snap it up before the sale ends!
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