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Home security pricing usually starts with one number: the monthly monitoring fee.

That number matters, but it doesn’t always tell you what you’ll actually pay over the life of the system. Equipment, installation and optional services can raise the total, while long-term contracts may add substantial costs if you cancel early.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends reviewing the installation price, monitoring fee, contract length, warranty and cancellation terms before signing a home security agreement.

As we’ll see below, many home security companies offer both month-to-month self-setup plans and professionally installed systems with different contract requirements. This makes it especially important to compare the full price rather than a single advertised rate.

If you want to see what a system would cost for your home, ADT offers free quotes based on the equipment, monitoring and installation options you choose.

What Hidden Fees Do Home Security Companies Charge?

Common home security costs beyond the advertised monitoring rate include installation, equipment financing, extended warranties, video plans, permit fees and early termination charges. Some companies may also increase monitoring prices after the first year.

Here’s what to look for:

Cost to Check

When It Applies

What to Ask

Installation

Professionally installed systems

Is installation included in the quote?

Equipment

Most systems

Is equipment purchased, financed or leased?

Financing fees

Financed equipment

Is there an APR or an upfront financing charge?

Video service

Systems with cameras

Is cloud recording included in the monitoring plan?

Extended warranty

Optional protection plans

What does the standard warranty already cover?

Permit/false-alarm fees

Depends on location

Does my city require registration?

Early termination

Contract systems

What will I owe if I cancel early?

1. Professional Installation Fees

Professional installation removes much of the setup work, but it may add to the initial cost.

ADT states that service and installation charges vary based on system configuration, equipment and services selected, which is pretty standard for most home security systems. Promotions sometimes reduce installation costs, so the amount shown in an advertisement may not reflect every configuration. Always ask for the installed price in writing before agreeing to the system.

2. Equipment and Financing Costs

Security equipment can be purchased upfront or financed, depending on the provider and plan. Some companies like ADT offer financing as low as 0% APR for eligible customers with approved credit. However, others may charge one-time financing fees.

While financing makes a larger system easier to budget for, it’s also important to note that the equipment payment is usually separate from the monitoring charge.

3. Video Storage and Camera Plan Charges

Cameras often change the monthly price.

Some security plans include live viewing but charge more for recording, event history or other video features. ADT’s current self-setup Pro-Protect with video plan is listed at $34.99 per month and includes professional monitoring, live video, camera motion alerts and 30-day event history.

By comparison, ADT’s basic Pro-Protect plan without video starts at $24.99 per month. Before adding cameras, check whether the monitoring tier you’re considering includes the recording history you want.

4. Early Termination Fees

Some professionally monitored home security systems require a multiyear agreement, and canceling before the contract ends may trigger an early termination fee. The amount varies by provider and contract, so check the cancellation terms before signing. Pay particular attention to:

• Contract length
• How the termination fee is calculated
• Whether moving affects the agreement
• Any trial or cancellation period

If flexibility matters, compare long-term contracts with month-to-month monitoring options before choosing a system.

If you’re comparing equipment packages, an ADT free quote can show the upfront price and available financing before you decide which setup fits your budget.

5. Extended Warranty or Service Plan Fees

Some companies offer optional coverage beyond the standard equipment warranty. But before adding any service plan, compare what it covers against the manufacturer’s included warranty.

ADT’s Quality Service Plan, or QSP, is an extended limited warranty available for an additional fee. Current ADT terms list QSP starting at $8 per month for essential product protection on qualifying systems.

6. Alarm Permit and False-Alarm Fees

These charges may come from your local government rather than the security company. The FTC recommends contacting local police and fire departments to ask whether an alarm system must be registered and whether registration carries a fee.

Some municipalities also fine homeowners after repeated false alarms. ADT notes that fees and penalties vary depending on location and number of offenses. For peace of mind, check local requirements before activation to prevent an unexpected bill later.

7. Monitoring Price Increases

Home security monitoring rates may change over time, especially after an introductory period or initial contract term. Before signing, ask whether the quoted monthly price is fixed and, if so, for how long. The contract should also explain how future price changes are handled and whether customers receive advance notice.

A low introductory rate can still be a good value, but comparing the longer-term monitoring cost gives you a more accurate picture of what the system will cost over several years.

How Do You Avoid Unexpected Home Security Costs?

Start with the total price rather than the promotional monthly rate.

Ask for equipment, installation and monitoring costs separately. Confirm whether video features require a higher plan, check local permit requirements and read the cancellation section before agreeing to a long-term contract.

The FTC also recommends making sure every promise from the salesperson appears in the written agreement. This will give you something to refer to if (or when) you receive an unexpected bill.

ADT offers free home security quotes that let homeowners compare equipment, monitoring and installation options before committing to a system. Getting those costs in front of you makes it easier to compare the real price rather than the advertised starting rate.

Krispy Kreme’s new Apple Cider Original Glazed doughnut goes on sale Thursday, Sept. 10. The dough is made with apple cider and spiced with cinnamon, then finished with the chain’s signature glaze.

There is a deal attached and it has a short fuse. From Sept. 10 through Sept. 13, buy any dozen at regular price and a dozen Apple Cider Original Glazed doughnuts costs $5, per the company, at participating shops.

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Four Days Is the Deal, Not the Doughnut

“How long will these run?” one commenter asked under the announcement. The answer has two parts, and most of the coverage is only giving one.

The four days belong to the $5 offer. The doughnut itself arrives Thursday and stays for what Krispy Kreme calls a limited time, with no end date attached to it.

View this post on Instagram The Other Half of the Announcement

“Where are the football donuts this year????” another commenter wrote.

They are in the Fall & Football Dozen, out the same day, a fixed box rather than a pick-your-own. It holds four football-shaped doughnuts filled with white Kreme and finished with icing laces, three pumpkin spice cake doughnuts, two maple cheesecake doughnuts with graham crunch and a maple drizzle, and three plain Original Glazed.

The two launches are meant to be read together. Fall rituals, said chief product and brand officer Alison Holder, mean “apple cider, game day, watch parties.”

The Comments Are a Petition

Plenty of people want it. Plenty of others used the announcement to lobby for something else. One asked for the raised pumpkin glazed back. One wanted pineapple, in all caps. One said they were unfollowing to protect a diet.

The loudest ask was for the doughnut that came right before this one. “I thought we had something special. Bring Blueberry Glazed Back,” a commenter wrote, signing off with a lol. They meant the Original Glazed Blueberry the chain ran in July.

Both sit inside the autumn collection Krispy Kreme began rolling out in August, and this year has also brought a Girl Scouts drop and a Pokémon collaboration.

Legendary actor Henry Winkler felt like he was “treading water” before finally deciding to try therapy at age 70.

“I was pretty good at either figuring things out or making it or smoothing things out in my mind or rationalizing and I just couldn’t do it anymore,” Winkler, 80, told Graham Bensinger during the Wednesday, September 9, episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger. “I needed to now empty myself out of all of the rancid garbage I had allowed to infiltrate.”

The Happy Days star went on to share that it was his children — daughter Zoe and son Max — who’s opinions ultimately led him to seek professional help.

According to Winkler, therapy has allowed him to be more relaxed, present and confident.

“I was out of balance. I was out of my f—ing mind,” he shared, adding that therapy has made him a “much better actor.” “I could not have done Barry if I did not have therapy. It
opened me up…I couldn’t because I didn’t have a connection to the depth.”

He went on to land the role of Gene Cousineau in the HBO series in 2018, at age 72.

“I have become a better actor. I have,” he told Entertainment Weekly in 2023 of his Emmy Award-winning role. “I’m getting closer to the actor I dreamt about being when I was doing the Fonz. Some of my idols in acting are Jack Nicholson and Anthony Hopkins, where there’s no distance between their soul and their character. You can’t even put a sheet of paper between the two. There is something so magnificent about that. And I have been working to try to get there.

Joy Behar reached an exciting career milestone on Tuesday.

During The View’s 30th season premiere on Tuesday, co-host Whoopi Goldberg announced that Behar has hosted the show for 28 of its 30 seasons, making her the longest-running female host of an American talk show. Behar joined the daytime talk show program when it debuted on ABC in 1997, but took a two-year break from August 2013 to September 2015.

“All I can say is that I was here when the show was in black and white,” Behar joked.

The milestone of Behar was celebrated on the show by the other co-hosts: Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro.

Anya Taylor-Joy was a guest on The View on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

LOU ROCCO/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images

While on set for the season premiere, Behar spoke with Entertainment Tonight, telling the outlet that she had only learned that day that she had hosted more seasons of an American talk show than any other woman. “That’s crazy” were her first words.

“To be on the air longer than Regis Philbin or the Jolly Green Giant,” Behar continued. “There’s something wrong with that.”

At the time Behar took this job in 1997, she was also up for a sitcom, but ended up accepting The View because she wanted to stay in New York City instead of moving to Los Angeles, and knew that Barbara Walters (who passed away in late December 2022) was running the program. 30 years later, The View still remains a popular program due to the unfiltered and hot-topic debates discussed on the panel.

The American TV host and comedian was born and raised in New York City, specifically in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn. She attended Queens College for her undergraduate degree and received her MA in English Education from Stony Brook University. Throughout the 1970s, Behar worked as a high school teacher on Long Island.

Behar’s career in television started in the 1980s when she became a receptionist and then a producer on Good Morning America. She eventually started performing stand-up on the morning television program, as well as brief stunts on different variety shows. In the early 1990s, Behar hosted a talk show on 77 WABC radio in New York City before becoming an original panelist and co-host of The View.

“It seems like a long time of my life that I dedicated to this show, but it’s great,” Behar said. “It gave me a wonderful seat at the table to express my particular views to the country. I mean, it’s a privilege.”

Season 30 of The View is filmed in New York City and airs on weekdays at 11 am ET on ABC. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+.

Related: ‘The View’ Finally Reveals Its Season 29 Premiere Date

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Marathon season is nearly in full swing, with October and November bringing some of the busiest months for long-distance races. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just getting started, a reliable pair of running shoes can make a big difference during all those training miles. And if you prefer to run outside, a road-to-trail pair can be especially useful, letting you comfortably switch between pavement, gravel, and trails as your route changes.

One option worth checking out is the Women’s ProMorph Trail Running Sneakers. Right now, select styles are on sale for $40 off at Merrell, bringing the price down from $160 to just $120. That’s a solid opportunity to pick up a versatile pair before marathon training ramps up, especially if you don’t want to be limited to one type of terrain.

Women’s ProMorph Trail Running Sneakers, From $120 (was $160) at Merrell 

Courtesy of Merrell

Shop at Merrell

The sneakers come in sizes 5 through 11, including half sizes, and certain colorways are available in a wide width. Merrell notes that they run small, so you may want to consider sizing up when choosing your size. There are nine colors available overall, although the $40 discount only applies to select colorways, so be sure to check the specific style before purchasing.

What makes these shoes particularly useful is their road-to-trail design. They’re built for pavement and everyday roads but have enough grip to handle gravel and trails with moderate obstacles and debris. The combination of Merrell’s FloatPro+ cushioning in the midsole and a Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole gives you a balance of softness underfoot and traction on changing surfaces. In other words, you can head out on a route that starts on pavement and turns onto a trail without needing to change shoes halfway through.

The breathable mesh upper and lining helps keep your feet cool, while lightweight cushioning provides support without feeling bulky. A 6-millimeter heel-to-toe drop and flexible midsole make the shoes comfortable for longer runs, while the 2.2-millimeter lugs provide reliable grip on roads and moderate trails.

Related: Shoppers With Plantar Fasciitis Walked Miles in Merrell’s Sneakers — Still 40% Off Post-Labor Day

There are also several sustainability-focused details built into the design. The laces and breathable mesh lining are made from 100% recycled materials, while the removable footbed uses 50% recycled EVA foam and has a recycled mesh cover. Not only are the sneakers vegan-friendly, but the footbed is treated with Cleansport NXT for natural odor control.

With nearly 50 five-star reviews, shoppers have highlighted how comfortable and dependable the shoes are for running and everyday wear. One shopper shared, “It’s a great shoe for road-to-trail transitions. They hold up well after 50-plus miles of running.” Another reviewer wrote, “They’re comfy on the road, but grippy when needed. They have great arch support as well.”

Shop More Deals

• Women’s Moab 3 Ready Zip, $100 (was $145) at Merrell
• Women’s Relaxed Hoody, $45 (was $90) at Merrell
• Women’s Terran 4 Slide, $50 (was $100) at Merrell

For a comfortable and supportive pair you can reach for when your route takes you from roads to trails and everywhere in between, the Women’s ProMorph Trail Running Sneakers are a versatile choice. And with Merrell’s current $40 discount on select styles, you can grab a pair for $120 just in time for marathon season. 

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.

Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant alum Jenelle Evans recently revealed a major health update. The former MTV reality star shared her recent struggle in an Instagram video earlier this week, explaining why she had recently been hospitalized. 

“I found out some news. It’s not great news. But it’s some news. Long story short, I had an injury April 2026 that led to knee surgery on my left knee. After I recovered from my knee surgery, I noticed my leg was not getting better. And I was later diagnosed with CRPS. This is complex regional pain syndrome.”

Evans continued, “The doctor who performed my surgery confirmed the CRPS and sent me to a pain management clinic. I went there about two weeks ago, and he tried giving me a steroid injection in my lower back. Which wasn’t the best idea because I have been in excruciating pain ever since. Which led me to go to the hospital.”

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The 34-year-old went on, explaining, “The symptoms I was experiencing that led me to the hospital were extreme lower back pain, middle back pain, my neck’s hurting. I’m literally in pain from the base of my skull to my tailbone. And it is every single day. Every day. On top of my leg pain.”

She added, “Back in 2022, I don’t know if you guys remember, but I talked a lot on my page about how I had a cyst on my spine. And this is called a syrinx, and it’s filled with CSF fluid. Basically, if it gets too big, I could go paralyzed, and they basically said, ‘Keep an eye on it. Let us know if you feel any symptoms.’ Well, now I feel like I have symptoms. So at the hospital I got my results back. And it said that cyst in my spine has gotten bigger, and it literally went from two millimeters in 2022 to almost four millimeters now. Which, if you know anything about that, it can affect your spine; it can affect your nervous system. On top of my syrinx getting bigger, there’s also another cyst. Not in my spinal cord but next to it.”

While Evans is still in serious pain and hasn’t received treatment for the cysts, she goes on to say, “I’m guessing my doctor is probably going to refer me to a neurologist and a neurosurgeon about this.”

In a gut-wrenching admission, Evans tells her viewers, “I am literally watching everyone’s lives go past, and I am watching everybody having a great summer, a great holiday, Labor Day weekend, and I am stuck in the house, and if I try to leave I am in too much pain…This is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever been through in my life.”

Syringomyelia, a rare condition that causes cysts to form in the spine, affects about one in every 18,000 people in the U.S., according to the American Syringomyelia & Chiari Alliance Project. The Mayo Clinic notes that while sometimes a syrinx is the result of a condition that pushes brain tissue into the spinal canal, it could also have other causes, including spinal cord injuries, scarring in the spinal cord, or tumors. In some cases, there is no known cause.

In September 1964, the Bond movie of all Bond movies made its world premiere in London. Regarded these days as the best of the bunch, 007: Goldfinger was first to home in on the franchise’s now-familiar formula, offering more gadgets, flashier spectacle, smarter humor, and a killer theme song.

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Directed by Guy Hamilton, Goldfinger boasts an unshakable 99% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated movie in the 27-film series that spans more than six decades, a dozen directors, and several Bonds. More broadly, it’s also been named one of the greatest thrillers of all time, landing at No. 71 on the American Film Institute’s definitive list. That’s good. Really good.

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Much of the film’s success is owed to its dapper star.

Riding the momentum of the global praise spawned by 1962’s Dr. No and 1963’s From Russia With Love, Sean Connery hit peak charm, confidence, and physical presence in Goldfinger. As the man behind the wheel of the newly introduced Aston Martin DB5, Connery transformed Bond from Ian Fleming‘s standard literary spy into a tech-forward cultural icon, all while masterfully delivering witty one-liners and sporting Conduit Cut three-piece suits.

The film’s music was another major player.

The title track for Goldfinger, performed by Dame Shirley Bassey, helped set the template for the modern James Bond theme song, shifting from previous instrumental motifs to bombastic pop theatricality that artists from Tina Turner and Adele to Duran Duran and Billie Eilish would later follow.

Composed by John Barry, “Goldfinger” is a massive orchestral masterpiece with an oxygen-depriving final note only someone with Bassey’s vocals could pull off. Hamilton initially instructed him to come up with a “dirty and gritty” theme song.

“It’s a song about a villain,” Barry told NPR’s Fresh Air in 1999. “Songs about villains are very rare. And then I thought of Kurt Weill’s ‘Mack the Knife,’ which is the definitive song about a villain. So I got my head on right, sat down, and wrote this rather strange melody based on the word Goldfinger as the opening line. And then I thought, Well, who can write the lyrics to this?”

He called on Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, the duo behind the songbook of the 1961 musical Stop the World, I Want to Get Off, to pen the lyrics and Bassey to sing them: “Shirley has this one thing,” he said, “she has such conviction about what she does.”

According to Abbey Road, Bassey’s recording session went all night, with the singer reportedly having to sing the song repeatedly to get the performance Barry wanted. Reports also shared that the famously gigantic final note nearly did her in.

“There was a funny moment when J.B. told her, ’That last note isn’t long enough. You’ve got to keep going on it,’” guitarist Vic Flick told Guitar Player. “So Shirley slipped behind a studio partition, took her bra off, and threw it over the top of the partition. She said, ‘OK, let’s take this last note again.’”

But it was all worth it. The theme song was a hit.

Earning both awards recognition and chart success, the song reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, with the soundtrack climbing all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It spent three weeks at the top and 70 total weeks on the chart.

The song also earned Barry his first Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television). He’d later win for his musical contributions to films including Midnight Cowboy, Out of Africa, and Dances With Wolves.

“Goldfinger” also went on to inspire more than 20 cover versions, with notable renditions from Blondie in 1977 and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers in 2009. More importantly, though, Bassey and Barry’s signature hit set the template for the huge, brassy Bond themes that followed, essentially making the Bond song almost as important as Bond himself.

Revisiting Goldfinger is more poignant now than ever, as the franchise is preparing to write its next chapter. Following Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond, the identity of the next 007 has yet to be officially announced. However, recent comments from Slow Horses star Gary Oldman suggest the decision may already have been made.

Whoever eventually inherits the role will have a daunting task of stepping into a character whose cinematic legacy was forever changed when Connery arrived in Goldfinger.

Related: 1982 Ballad, Immortalized in a Jake Gyllenhaal Cult Classic, Became a Cross-Generational Hit

Brach’s is celebrating candy corn season with a decidedly unexpected new product: Ode to Candy Corn, its first-ever fragrance. The eau de parfum will be available through two limited-time drops this fall. In a press release, Brach’s described Ode to Candy Corn as being “inspired by the unmistakable taste of Brach’s candy corn.”

Nothing says fall quite like the arrival of candy corn on grocery-store shelves. According to market research firm Circana, candy corn is one of the first seasonal purchases consumers make each fall, with 17% of sales completed before Labor Day and half completed before October. Circana also identifies Brach’s as the No. 1 candy corn brand in the country, making the brand a natural fit for a candy-corn-inspired fragrance.

What Does Brach’s Candy Corn Fragrance Smell Like?

According to Brach’s, Ode to Candy Corn is a blend of creamy vanilla, spun sugar and honey designed to capture the sweet aroma of freshly opened candy corn. Spun sugar typically brings cotton candy and other sweet, light fragrances to mind, while honey is known for its sweet, slightly floral character. Creamy vanilla adds a richer note, reminiscent of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or custard.

Brach’s Ode to Candy Corn fragrance comes with a bag of Classic Candy Corn.

Brach's

How To Get Brach’s First-Ever Candy Corn Fragrance

This limited-edition scent from Brach’s will be available twice over the fall season. Sold in a 1.7-ounce spray bottle, Ode to Candy Corn will cost $22 and will be available only while supplies last. The fragrance’s first drop takes place on the first day of fall, Sept. 22, with a second opportunity to purchase coming on Oct. 1. Both drops are scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, so readers interested in the limited-edition fragrance should visit CandyCornSeason.com shortly before each release.

The Candy Corn Fragrance Comes With a Sweet Bonus

While the scent of candy corn in perfume form may be motivation enough for fans of the tri-colored treat, there’s an additional perk to purchasing a bottle of Ode to Candy Corn. Each bottle of the sweet fragrance comes in a box that includes a bag of Brach’s Classic Candy Corn. 

“Candy Corn is the true marker of fall and Team Candy Corn is passionate about their fandom, so this year, Brach’s is giving them a new way to express their love for the iconic treat,” Kelly Peyser, director of Brach’s and seasonal marketing at Ferrara Candy Company, said in a press release. “With Ode to Candy Corn, we’ve transformed the unmistakable flavor of Brach’s Classic Candy Corn into a wearable fragrance that truly captures the sweetness, warmth, and nostalgia that makes this time of year so special.”

It’s a common misconception that just because someone is a professionally trained chef that means they spend an exorbitant amount of money on groceries. Sure, they might splurge on artisanal mushrooms and have a pantry full of various oils and spices, but realistically, most chefs are happy to shop at the supermarket just like the rest of us. Especially when you consider how expensive groceries can be today, more and more cooks of all skill levels are finding savvy ways to save without skimping on quality. And what better way to get both than by shopping at Aldi?

Despite their esteem, even professional chefs know that the budget-friendly grocery chain is a hotbed of high-quality goods you can keep stocked in your pantry at a fraction of the price of other retailers. Whether it’s a unique bronze-cut pasta or an exceptional olive oil, there’s a lot more to Aldi than first meets the eye.

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With that in mind, we went straight to two chefs to find out which seven Aldi pantry staples they swear by so that you can cook like an elite chef too. You might just be surprised by their picks. Read on to find out which chef-approved Aldi items to add to your grocery list this week. 

Related: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

Aldi Pantry Staples Chefs Swear By

Antoni M Lubek / Shutterstock.com

Aldi’s pantry finds are pretty impressive, so for a quick guide to help you figure out what’s worth taking up space in your cart, we caught up with Chef Dennis Littley of Ask Chef Dennis and Homebody Eats‘ recipe developer Chef Jessica Mode to compile a list of the main Aldi pantry staples you need in your kitchen. Here are the seven Aldi items that pro chefs keep on hand.

1. Specially Selected Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Aldi

Chief among any chef’s arsenal is a bottle of really good olive oil. It’s an essential ingredient in a variety of dishes and salad dressings, great as a finishing oil for soups or grilled meats, and perfect for serving up with crusty bread. But if you’ve taken a gander at premium EVOO prices lately, you might be inclined to reach for a cheaper alternative that ends up being just OK.

Luckily, Aldi’s Specially Selected Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a beautiful expression of a mid-range olive oil that won’t set you back more than $13, and both Littley and Mode recommend using it in your kitchen. “A good extra-virgin olive oil is one of the most useful things you can keep in the pantry,” Littley says.

Mode agrees. “While you always want to taste-test a bottle of oil to confirm that it’s high-quality, this one has many of the traits I look for, including a harvest date and a certification label that it was produced and bottled in Sicily,” she says.

2. Aldi Canned Beans

Aldi

If you have a can of beans, you’ve got a meal—or at least the beginnings of one. You’d be hard-pressed to find a pantry staple more essential than a can of the protein-packed vegetable, and Aldi has some of the best prices if you’re looking to stock up.

“Beans are inexpensive, versatile and an easy way to make a meal more substantial,” Littley says. He likes “keeping a few varieties in the pantry because you can use them for soups, chili, salads, side dishes and plenty of other quick meals.”

Whether you’re in the market for kidney or navy beans, garbanzos or another variety, Littley agrees that if you’re stopping at Aldi, make sure you grab at least a few cans. And looking ahead to holiday season, the wallet-conscious retailer almost always drops prices on canned goods down to practically pennies.

3. Priano and Specially Selected Dried Pasta

Aldi

Another undisputed pantry heavy hitter is an array of dried pastas, and Aldi might as well be a pastaficio. Not only does it have the usual shapes like spaghetti and rigatoni, but you’ll also find fusilloni, lumaconi and a variety of other seasonal shapes you can’t find anywhere else. Not to mention that most of their pasta is bronze-cut, and every pro chef knows that bronze-cut is better for clinging onto sauce.

Both Littley and Mode recommend Aldi’s Priano brand, with Mode specifically mentioning chitarra as her go-to pick. “Aldi’s version is bronze-cut, which is the gold standard for dried pasta since it leaves the surface rough and allows the sauce to grip better,” she says.

4. Chef’s Cupboard Breadcrumbs

Aldi

Breadcrumbs are indispensable in the kitchen when you’re looking to amp up the texture of a dish or fry up something crispy. They’re cheap and require virtually zero prep, and Aldi has a variety of options in stock for all your culinary needs.

Littley prefers the panko variety and says he likes “keeping panko breadcrumbs in the pantry because they’re an easy way to add a crispy texture to foods without making things complicated.” He likes to use breadcrumbs in his easy Chicken Milanese recipe.

5. Baker’s Corner Dark Chocolate Morsels

Aldi

Even if you aren’t the kind of person who finds themselves sneaking bites of chocolate in between prep for dinner (guilty as charged), having a stash of chocolate morsels on hand is kind of a non-negotiable.

Not only do they make a great snack when you need a sugar rush, but according to Mode, Aldi’s Baker’s Corner Dark Chocolate Morsels are perfect for all your baking needs. “These morsels are great because they are larger than the average chocolate chip, creating puddles of chocolate. They’re my favorite to use on chocolate chip cookies,” she says.

6. Happy Harvest Canned Tomatoes

Aldi

Although we’ll stand 10 toes down on the opinion that fresh tomatoes are best during a very short window of time right at the tail end of summer, Aldi’s Happy Harvest canned tomatoes are a versatile and delicious pantry staple that you can lean on when those precious ruby red gems fatefully go out of season.

“I always like having canned tomatoes on hand because they can serve as the base for a sauce, soup, stew or an easy weeknight dinner,” Littley says. “They’re one of those pantry staples that can save you when you haven’t planned dinner ahead of time.”

7. Priano Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Aldi

In addition to all the other pantry staples worth having on hand in the kitchen, Aldi’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a hidden gem you’ll be glad you added to your cart. It’s tangy and intensely fruity, with a slightly musky aroma that works well in a variety of dishes.

Mode says it’s “perfect for making vinaigrette dressings or marinades.” For her, it’s such a great find because “this product is actually from Italy. Shoppers know this because of the IGP label on the bottle, indicating the authenticity of the product being produced in the region of Modena.”

Related: The 9 Best Red Wines Under $25, According to Wine Experts

Other Aldi Pantry Staples Chefs Use

With so many chef-approved finds littering the shelves at Aldi, it’s kind of impossible to stop at just seven. Luckily, we’ve gathered just a few more so you can round out your grocery list and grab everything you need to make dinner like the pros.

1. Simply Nature Organic Chicken Broth

Aldi

Chicken broth is another pantry non-negotiable, and Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Chicken Broth is a pretty solid option. It’s definitely not the same as spending hours making your own from scratch, but to be honest, most store-bought chicken broth is all the same anyway. And if that’s the case, you might as well save a little cash on it if you can.

2. Northern Catch Smoked Oysters

Aldi

If you’re not in your tinned fish era like everyone else seems to be, you might just need to find the gateway tin that’ll kick-start your obsession. While you can (and should) consider Fishwife now that it’s on Aldi shelves for a limited time, Aldi’s own private label Northern Catch Smoked Oysters are a great place to start. 

They’re far enough out there to push you out of your comfort zone, and who knows, you might just end up liking them. Pro chefs love these tasty tinned mollusks as a quick and flavorful addition to a bowl of pasta or by themselves on top of toast. Aldi also sells a version with red chili pepper if you like a little more heat.

3. Southern Grove Shelled Pistachios

Aldi

Pistachios are one of those little luxuries that most people know cost more than more standard nuts, but they’re willing to shell out (pun intended) the extra cash anyway. They’re rich and buttery, seamlessly finding their way into desserts or savory dishes with equal success, but does that endless versatility mean they have to cost more? Aldi sure doesn’t think so.

While they’re definitely not as cheap as pecans or peanuts, Aldi’s Southern Grove Shelled Pistachios clock in at about $1 or $2 less than you might spend at other retailers, which is cash you can put toward other items in your shopping cart.

4. Specially Selected Pasta Sauce

Aldi

If you’re stocking up on pasta, you might as well throw some sauce in the cart too, and of course Aldi’s jarred options are pretty much on par with the fresh stuff. Although chefs of all skill levels agree that you can’t really pick a bad one, for the most part they reach for the budget-friendly retailer’s Specially Selected Premium Marinara Sauce and often laud it as a dupe for Rao’s. And although you’ll find both brands on the shelves, Aldi’s private-label option costs nearly half as much. 

Recipes Using Aldi Pantry Staples

After you’ve stocked your pantry with all these chef-approved staples, you might be looking for ideas for what to do with them. Sure, you can just heat up pasta sauce and spoon it over spaghetti noodles, but why not use a few extra ingredients and make a pasta bake or amp up your beans?

If you need a little inspo, we’ve rounded up a few recipes below that you can make with some of the ingredients from your Aldi pantry staples run.

1. Chef Chris Valdes’ Cuban Black Beans

Courtesy Chris Valdes

Just because you’re already taking the time to make authentic ropa vieja doesn’t mean you have to make the beans completely from scratch too. Instead, you can just pop open a can of black beans from Aldi and make Chef Chris Valdes’ quick and easy Cuban Black Beans. No one even has to be the wiser.

2. Dolly Parton’s Chicken Cobbler

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

Leave it to Dolly to give us a comforting and delicious recipe chock-full of pantry staples that you can whip up in no time. Her hearty chicken cobbler is rich and easy to throw together, and, just like the Iron Butterfly herself, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. What better way to remember her than by adding this homey Southern dish to your dinner rotation? 

3. Reese Witherspoon’s Grandma’s Corn Salad

Courtesy Kenn C. Bivins

You can’t get any easier than using canned corn to make a quick and easy salad, and Reese Witherspoon’s grandma, Dorothea, knows a thing or two about making a good one. Dorothea’s corn salad is bright and punchy, perfect for these last few days of summer. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with pantry staples that you can pick up for pennies on the dollar at Aldi, so we call that a major win.

Sources:

• Dennis Littley, better known as Chef Dennis, is a classically trained chef, culinary educator and founder of Ask Chef Dennis, a top-30 U.S. food blog that reaches more than 2 million readers and 1 million social media followers each month. His extensive career spanning over 45 years makes him a trusted voice for home cooks everywhere.

• Jessica Mode is a culinary instructor and pastry chef in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as a recipe developer for Homebody Eats. She personally shops at Aldi at least once a week, and after going to culinary school in Italy, she has some pretty strong opinions about what to keep in your pantry to make easy weeknight cooking and weekend entertaining accessible and possible.

Related: The 23 Best Dolly Parton Recipes You’ll Want to Make on Repeat

Judge Judy Sheindlin is best known for her smarts and sass on the bench (don’t you dare pee on her leg and tell her it’s raining!), but at home, she’s an adoring wife, mom and grandma.

The diminutive-but-still-damn-intimidating Sheindlin took the bench in the absolutely iconic Judge Judy for 25 years, followed by Judy Justice on Amazon Prime Video, is hanging up the robe for good to enjoy her hard-earned retirement with her family.

Sheindlin has been married twice and has a big, loving brood that includes her husband, five adult children and 13 grandchildren. Get to know Judge Judy’s husband Jerry Sheindlin and her kids, including the one who will take up her gavel when she’s done.

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How many husbands did Judy Sheindlin have?

Sheindlin has had two husbands and two divorces, but has been married three times. If that math is confusing, it’s because she divorced her second husband, then re-married him later!

Who is Judge Judy’s first husband?

Sheindlin married her first husband, Ronald Levy, in 1964. At the time, Sheindlin was a college graduate getting ready to take her bar exam.

“My first husband is a lovely, lovely man but he always viewed my job as a hobby and there came a time where I resented that,” she explained to FOX News’ OBJECTified (via nine.au). “It was time for me to get married. I was 20, almost 21, so I became a mom.”

Sheindlin and Levy had two children, and in 1976, bored with her life and resentful that she sidelined her career to start a family, she divorced Levy.

Related: 13 Funny Judge Judy Quotes: ‘Um Is Not an Answer!’

What happened with Judge Judy and her husband? Judy and Jerry Sheindlin

Amanda Edwards / Getty Images

After her divorce from Levy, Judy met Jerry Sheindlin in a bar.

“I just finished trying a murder case as a defense lawyer. She was a prosecutor,” Jerry recalled to the Los Angeles Times. “There was a reporter from the New York Post there at the bar, and I was speaking to him about the case. Judy came walking in and put her finger in my face and said, ‘And who is this?’ I said, ‘Lady, get your finger out of my face.’ We’ve been together ever since.”

At the time, Jerry had been separated from his first wife for several years, but hadn’t yet filed for divorce. After dating for a year, Judy put her foot down and gave him an ultimatum: Marry her or GTFO, essentially.

“I actually had to drag him to the altar,” she admitted in the book What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life. “He had no intention of divorcing his wife, even though they had been separated for three or four years. After we were together for about a year, I said, ‘I want to see your divorce in the newspaper or don’t bother calling again.'”

Jerry concurred, “I said, ‘I’m not going to do that.’ So she whipped out a calendar and said, ‘Pick a date. Now.'”

They tied the knot in 1978, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing since then.

Why did Judge Judy leave her husband?

“He irritated me. And then he dared me.”

That’s how Judy put it when Access Hollywood asked her about her brief split from Jerry.

Judy left Jerry for about a year in 1990, finding him insufficiently supportive when she was mourning the loss of her father, with whom she was extremely close.

“She said to me, ‘If you can’t maneuver this, I’m going to divorce you,’ ” Jerry said in What Makes a Marriage Last. “And I said, ‘Oh, yeah? I dare you.’ And the next day I got divorce papers. The next day. So, that was the end of that.”

After they each dated around for a few months, they began to miss each other.

“I don’t know what he figured, but I went out with a couple of people, but I figured out [men are] all the same,” she said. “[At least] mine had hair.”

The pair remarried in 1991 and have been together ever since.

Related: Before She Was Famous, Judge Judy Took This Rock Star to Court

Who are Judge Judy’s children? Judge Judy Sheindlin poses with husband Jerry Sheindlin and their kids at her Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony on Feb. 14, 2006.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Judy and Jerry Sheindlin’s blended family consists of five adult children.

Gregory Everett Sheindlin

Gregory Everett Sheindlin (far right above) is Jerry’s eldest son with his ex-wife Suzanne. Gregory was born in September 1964. He graduated from State University of New York Albany and then from his father’s alma mater, Brooklyn Law School. He worked as a prosecutor before transitioning to insurance law and has his own firm. He and his wife, Laurie Pila, share two children.

Jamie Gail Hartwright

Judy and ex Levy’s eldest child is their daughter Jamie Gail Hartwright. A spitting image of her famous mom (in the above photo, she is directly to Judy’s right), Hartwright is married to a police officer in Massachusetts and has a son, but eschews the spotlight in general.

Jonathan Sheindlin

Jerry and Suzanne’s son Jonathan Sheindlin (third from right in the above photo) is an ophthalmologist practicing in Brooklyn and assistant professor for the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Adam Levy Judge Judy Sheindlin’s son Adam Levy

New York Daily News Archive / Getty Images

Adam Levy is Judy’s most high-profile child. She and Ronald welcomed Adam in October 1968, and he followed them into a legal career: He graduated from Hofstra University with a law degree in 1992 and became Putnam County, N.Y. District Attorney in 2007.

Levy’s live-in personal trainer was accused of rape in 2013 and acquitted, E! News reported, after which the Putnam County Sheriff Donald Smith falsely accused Levy of influencing the court’s decision. Levy sued for defamation and won a $150,000 settlement (and a clear name).

“Today, Adam Levy has won his hard fought battle for his integrity, his honesty, his reputation, his honor,” Judy said in a statement (via the New York Post). “Most of all he won his battle for the truth.”

In 2022, Levy became one of a panel of judges in the show Tribunal on Amazon’s Prime Video service. Judy was a producer on the project. His own show, Adam’s Law, premieres Sept. 14, 2026.

Levy is the father of Judy’s most famous granddaughter, Sarah Rose, who served as her clerk on Judy Justice.

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Related: The Gavel Is Staying in the Family! Judge Judy’s Son Adam Levy Is Getting His Own Courtroom Show

Nicole Sheindlin Nicole Sheindlin, Judge Judy Sheindlin and Jerry Sheindlin

Amanda Edwards / Getty Images

Nicole Sheindlin is Jerry and Suzanne’s youngest daughter, born in November 1968.

She met Judy when she was around 8 years old and liked her immediately.

She told Westchester Magazine, “It sounds strange to say, especially since I was so young, but we had an instant connection. I liked the way she spoke to me so honestly. What you see is what you get with her. She not only became my stepmother but my biggest cheerleader and mentor.”

She added, “She’s always direct, which to some can seem off-putting, like when you’re a kid and she tells you that what you’re wearing looks horrible! I’ve always appreciated her way with words and the fact that I have someone so straightforward in my life.”

Nicole initially planned to study art, but pivoted to study law and specialized in criminal law at New York Law School, where she said Judy helped tutor and mentor her. After graduation, she worked for the Legal Aid Society in criminal defense for 15 years. In 2007, she founded the nonprofit Her Honor Mentoring and launched her own private practice firm with her husband David.

Does Judge Judy have any biological children?

Adam Levy and Jamie Hartwright are Judy’s biological children. She shares them with ex-husband Ronald Levy.

Does Judge Judy have a son that is also a judge? Judge Adam Levy on Tribunal Justice

Michael Becker/Amazon Frevee

Indeed! Her son Adam Levy is a judge and has his own show, Adam’s Law, on Amazon Prime Video.

How many of Judge Judy’s children are lawyers?

Three of Judy’s kids are lawyers: Gregory Everett Sheindlin, Nicole Sheindlin and Adam Levy. Her granddaughter, Sarah Rose, also has a law degree.

Related: What Is Judge Judy’s Net Worth (2026)? All About the TV Star’s Massive Fortune

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If you’re researching Andersen windows because your current windows are drafty, difficult to operate or showing signs of age, the frame material deserves more attention than it usually gets. Glass performance matters, but the material surrounding that glass affects durability, maintenance, thermal performance and how the window holds up through years of seasonal changes.

One material you’ll encounter frequently is Fibrex®, Andersen’s proprietary composite. It is used in Andersen and Renewal by Andersen products, but it is not simply another type of vinyl window frame.

For homeowners considering replacement, the useful question is straightforward: What exactly is Fibrex, and does its construction justify choosing it over other window materials?

Need help assessing older windows? Renewal by Andersen offers a free consultation to review your existing windows and replacement options.

What Is Andersen Fibrex Composite Material?

Andersen Fibrex is a composite material made from 40 percent reclaimed wood fiber and 60 percent thermoplastic polymer by weight. Much of the wood fiber comes from Andersen’s own manufacturing processes. The two materials are fused together to create a rigid composite designed for window and door frames.

Unlike conventional wood, Fibrex does not require routine painting or staining. And unlike vinyl, Andersen says the composite maintains its rigidity across temperature changes and is twice as strong as vinyl in its testing.

That distinction is critical because a window is part of the home’s exterior envelope. The frame has to maintain its shape while the glass, seals, hardware and surrounding wall assembly deal with heat, cold, moisture and wind.

How Fibrex Is Made

The wood component is not there simply for appearance. Andersen describes Fibrex as a structural composite in which polymer surrounds and fills the wood fibers. The resulting material is extruded into window components and engineered for dimensional stability.

Andersen has used Fibrex in its products for more than three decades, and the company says the material was developed and patented in the early 1990s.

What Are the Main Advantages of Fibrex Windows?

Fibrex combines some characteristics associated with wood and vinyl while avoiding several maintenance issues associated with each.

Feature

Fibrex

Wood

Vinyl

Reclaimed wood content

40% by weight

Varies

Typically none

Routine painting required

No

Usually

No

Resistance to rot

High

Requires protection

High

Dimensional stability

High

Can expand and contract

Can expand with temperature

Thermal performance

Strong

Strong

Strong

Maintenance

Low

Higher

Low

Material-specific durability claims

Designed for long-term stability

Depends on species and maintenance

Depends on formulation and construction

Andersen says its Fibrex material is resistant to rot, is twice as strong as vinyl and blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum. Those are manufacturer claims based on specified testing, rather than a universal performance rating for every window configuration.

A window’s overall performance does not come from its frame material alone. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends evaluating the complete window, including U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, air leakage, glazing, spacers and installation.

Durability Is the Strongest Case for Fibrex

Fibrex’s low-maintenance characteristics are appealing, but its dimensional stability is arguably more relevant to long-term window performance.

Windows experience repeated temperature changes. A frame that remains stable helps the window maintain its intended geometry and supports the performance of seals and moving components.

Renewal by Andersen has also reported testing six window units removed from a Minnesota home after more than 30 years of service. The company says the windows remained operational after that exposure. That is company-reported evidence, not a guarantee that every installation will last the same amount of time.

Are There Disadvantages to Andersen Fibrex?

Fibrex is not automatically the right choice for every homeowner. The principal drawback is that material performance is only one part of the replacement-window decision.

Higher Upfront Cost

Composite windows generally compete at a higher price point than basic vinyl products. Renewal by Andersen itself acknowledges that Fibrex can cost more initially than vinyl while positioning the material around durability and long-term performance.

For a homeowner replacing a large number of windows, that difference can become substantial.

Fibrex Does Not Eliminate Installation Problems

A premium frame cannot compensate for poor installation. The Department of Energy notes that even energy-efficient windows can remain drafty or develop moisture problems if they are improperly installed.

This is especially relevant when an older window already has water damage, deteriorated framing or air leakage around the opening.

If you’re seeing drafts, interior moisture, damaged frames or windows that no longer operate correctly, a professional assessment from Renewal by Andersen can prevent a material decision from becoming an installation problem.

Condensation Does Not Automatically Mean a Defective Window

Condensation deserves careful diagnosis. The EPA explains that moisture forms when warm, humid air contacts a cold surface, and prolonged moisture can contribute to biological growth. Indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent is generally recommended.

Replacing windows may improve condensation resistance, but it does not solve every moisture problem. Ventilation, indoor humidity, insulation and air leakage also need to be considered.

How Durable Are Andersen Fibrex Windows Over Time?

Fibrex is engineered for long-term use, with resistance to common deterioration associated with painted exterior materials. Renewal by Andersen states that its Fibrex products are warranted against problems including cracking, corrosion, peeling and related material failures, subject to the terms of the applicable warranty.

The company’s published warranty information lists 20 years for standard glass and Fibrex material, along with separate coverage periods for installation and certain components. Warranty terms can vary by product and should be reviewed before purchase.

Renewal by Andersen’s leadership has described the company’s approach this way: “Customers know that they can trust us, that they will be treated well, and that we stand behind our products.”

That is a company perspective, not independent certification. Homeowners should weigh it alongside product specifications, warranty terms, installation practices and the condition of the existing window opening.

New Windows From Renewal by Andersen

Renewal by Andersen

Professional window replacement from Renewal by Andersen can help you save money on your utility bills.

Get a Quote Now

Is Fibrex Better Than Vinyl for Andersen Windows?

For homeowners comparing materials, Fibrex makes the strongest case when long-term frame stability and low maintenance matter more than achieving the lowest possible upfront price.

Vinyl remains a legitimate replacement window material, and the right choice depends on the product’s complete performance ratings, installation, climate, design requirements and budget. For a homeowner whose existing windows are failing, the first step is therefore not necessarily choosing Fibrex. It is determining whether the windows need repair, partial replacement or full replacement—and whether problems originate in the window itself or the surrounding wall assembly.

Renewal by Andersen’s process includes an assessment and detailed measurements before replacement windows are ordered.

If your windows are showing persistent drafts, damaged frames, moisture problems or difficult operation, schedule a free consultation with Renewal by Andersen to have the existing windows evaluated and receive a replacement estimate. That gives you a concrete basis for deciding whether Fibrex makes sense for your home rather than choosing a material based on marketing claims alone.

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The summer to fall transition is arguably one of the most frustrating times to dress because the weather is constantly changing throughout the day. That’s why it’s important to start with breathable clothing in the event that it’s hot, and then stack on layers when the chillier breeze starts kicking in. Thanks to Walmart, you can start with the LSLJS Cotton-Linen Pants while they’re nearly 15% off.

The pants initially cost $7, but have been reduced to just $6 in the light blue colorway during a clearance sale. The bottoms are being sold in 17 total colors, ranging from a traditional black hue that you can match with anything to a burnt orange color that’s perfect for adding a pop of color to your outfit. Prices vary by color and size, but you won’t pay more than $7 for these pants no matter what.

LSLJS Cotton-Linen Pants, From $6 (were $7) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The available sizes range from small to XXXL, with customers noting that they run small and recommending sizing up. “The material does stretch as the day goes on, but you’ll still need to order a larger size,” one reviewer recommended. The fit predictor and size guide should help you determine which size is best for you. 

The pants are made from 60% cotton and 40% linen, so they’re inherently comfortable and soft to the touch. The “breathable” material is also perfect for the in-between seasons because you won’t overheat in them. However, you can also keep warm in this sweater when needed with thick sweaters and closed-toed shoes with socks. 

LSLJS Cotton-Linen Pants, From $6 (was $7) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The pants feature a straight leg style that falls right around the ankle, so you can wear them with virtually any shoe. Consider pairing them with chunky sneakers for a cool street style look or sandals to achieve a beachy vibe. The two side pockets can easily hold your phone and small miscellaneous items when you want to go hands-free. We particularly love the elastic waist that offers comfort all day long. 

You can place the pants in the washer, but it’s recommended to hang dry them. Customers noted that if you use the dryer, it’s very likely they will shrink. Other than that small detail, shoppers said that the pants are “great-quality,” “lightweight,” and offer a “flattering fit.” The beauty of this style is that you can dress them up or down for any occasion!  

Shop More Deals 

• Celebrity Pink Layered Cami and Long Sleeve Henley Set, $8 (was $20) at Walmart
• Ecetana Fuzzy Slippers, $11 (was $17) at Walmart
• Dr. Scholl’s Webster Loafers, $55 (was $80) at Walmart

Reviewers are shopping for these classy cotton-linen pants in multiple colors thanks to the unbelievable price. We don’t expect this bestselling style to be fully in stock for long though, so add them to your cart for just $6 at Walmart while you can! 

Related: Walmart’s Roomy Pop-Up Tent Provides Plenty of Shade for Backyard Parties, and It’s Nearly 80% Off

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The earliest Van Halen recording anybody will be able to buy officially was cut in 1974, in an eye doctor’s house, by a band still hunting for shows.

It is called “Glitter.” It has never had an official release. In November, 52 years later, it finally gets one on a 7-inch picture disc.

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The Tape Was a Sales Pitch

The band recorded it live with Mark Stone, their first bassist, at the home of Dr. Nathan Roth, a prominent Pasadena ophthalmologist who happened to be David Lee Roth‘s father. The tapes then went out to club bookers around Los Angeles. Nobody made them to be heard by the public. They were made to get somebody to say yes.

Bootleggers got to it first. “Glitter” has been circulating for decades, and it turned up in 1998 on Roth’s own website, next to another song from the same session. None of that was official. This is.

What You Have to Buy to Hear It

The disc is packaged with Van Halen, an anthology Alex Van Halen wrote, published by Genesis Publications in a run of 1,500. The 350-copy Deluxe edition is already fully subscribed. What is left is the Collector edition, 1,150 copies at £345, about $525.

Every copy is signed by Alex. The box holds replicas of three guitar picks Eddie Van Halen used on stage, plus a keychain and six art postcards. The flip side of the disc is Alex talking.

Alex Has Had a Week

Five days before any of this came out, on Sept. 4, the Netherlands made him a Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion, an honor King Willem I created in 1815. The ceremony was in Nijmegen, the Dutch city where he and Eddie spent most of their childhood before the family left for California.

While he was there they had him sign Nijmegen’s Book of the City. Bruce Springsteen signed it before him.

There are some kitchen hacks that make you wonder how you missed them for so long, and this viral popcorn trick is absolutely one of them. After nearly 20 years working in food media, I like to think I’ve seen just about every clever kitchen shortcut there is, but this one stopped me mid-scroll.

This leads me to chef and recipe developer Kelly Senyei, the creator behind @justataste, who I’ve known for the better part of my 20 years working in the industry. We go all the way back to my days producing her cooking segments at The Rachael Ray Show, so I’ve had a front-row seat to just how creative she is in the kitchen.

These days, I love following along for her innovative and family-friendly recipes, smart entertaining ideas and the kind of kitchen tips that make life easier. She’s also a mom of four, so she understands that the best hacks aren’t just clever, they have to work in a real, busy kitchen. I’m not the only one who finds her work deliciously appealing, given her newsletter has over 100,000 subscribers!

So when I saw Kelly using a salad spinner to butter popcorn evenly, I immediately stopped scrolling and shot her a DM.

The idea is wildly simple: Put freshly popped popcorn into the basket of a salad spinner, drizzle melted butter over the top, add your seasonings and give it a few spins. Instead of ending up with a handful of drenched pieces and an entire layer of dry popcorn underneath, the spinning action helps distribute everything throughout the bowl.

As someone who has spent years unsuccessfully trying to toss butter through a giant bowl of popcorn without half of it landing on the counter and the other half ending up soggy, I needed to know if this one was going to be my new favorite way to get the perfect popcorn.

Naturally, I put it to the test.

Related: The ‘World’s Best’ Way to Make Buttered Popcorn, According to Andrew Zimmern (and His Son)

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The Viral Salad Spinner Popcorn Hack, Explained

The salad spinner popcorn hack actually came out of a very relatable family tradition: movie night.

“We do ‘movie night’ once a week at our house, which includes my four kids picking their favorite candy to accompany a giant bowl of buttered popcorn,” Senyei tells Parade.

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One night, she wanted to make a cinnamon-sugar version inspired by her oldest son’s love of churros. The problem was figuring out how to get the butter, cinnamon and sugar onto all of the popcorn instead of just a few lucky kernels.

“I tried shaking it in a bag, I tried tossing it in a giant bowl… and then I realized my salad spinner was the answer all along,” Senyei says.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The method couldn’t be simpler:

1. Add freshly popped popcorn to the basket of a clean salad spinner.
2. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
3. Add salt or your seasoning of choice.
4. Put on the lid and give the spinner a few good spins.
5. Transfer the popcorn to a serving bowl or, depending on your spinner, eat it straight from the bowl.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

“It keeps the kernels moving while the centrifugal force pulls the melted butter, plus any assorted toppings, in all directions,” Senyei explains.

It’s essentially tossing your popcorn for you, and doing it much more efficiently than a spoon ever could.

Related: 23 Must-Buy Aldi Snacks, According to a Superfan

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Why It Works: The Science of Avoiding Soggy Popcorn

Anyone who has tried pouring melted butter directly onto popcorn knows the problem: the popcorn underneath your pour gets absolutely saturated while most of the bowl stays completely dry.

And adding more butter usually doesn’t solve it… It just creates more soggy popcorn.

“A salad spinner is basically a popcorn tumbler in disguise,” Senyei says. “The inner perforated basket lets you pour melted butter right over the popcorn, then a few spins toss every piece so it’s evenly coated.”

The movement is what makes this viral trick different from simply tossing popcorn in a bowl. As the basket spins, the popcorn continuously moves while the butter gets dispersed over a larger surface area.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

And there’s another clever benefit to those holes in the spinner basket.

“The holes also let any excess butter and loose salt fall away instead of pooling,” Senyei explains.

That means you’re less likely to find that sad layer of butter-soaked popcorn sitting at the bottom.

The temperature of the butter also matters. Senyei recommends melting it until it is “just bubbling, not browned,” which helps it coat the kernels without the liquid and fat separating.

And season right away.

“Salt or season while the popcorn is still hot and glossy from the butter, since that’s when it actually sticks,” she says.

Related: I Tried 15 Different Brands of Potato Chips and Found a New Favorite

The Taste Test: Is the Cleanup Actually Worth It?

Of course, the biggest question with any kitchen hack is whether the result is good enough to justify dirtying another gadget.

According to Senyei, cleanup is actually one of the reasons she loves this method.

“That’s the best part. It’s a one-bowl trick,” she tells Parade. “Depending on your type of salad spinner, the basket usually separates from the main container, and mine is also dishwasher-safe, so it’s a swift toss into the dishwasher or a quick scrub with hot, soapy water.”

I have to agree; after trying this one out, I could not believe how little of a mess this was to clean up and how incredibly well-coated my popcorn was.

Related: The Clever Popcorn Recipe Fans Call ‘Truly Genius’

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

3 More Ways to Butter Popcorn Like a Movie Theater

Even if you don’t have a salad spinner handy, there are a few tricks that can help you figure out how to butter popcorn evenly without turning it soggy.

1. Add butter in layers

Instead of filling an entire bowl with popcorn and pouring all of your butter over the top, add popcorn in batches. Drizzle a little butter and seasoning over each layer as you build the bowl. You’ll get much better distribution without having to drown the popcorn at the top.

2. Season while it’s hot

Whatever method you use, timing matters.

“Salt or season while the popcorn is still hot and glossy from the butter,” Senyei recommends, “since that’s when it actually sticks.”

Waiting until the popcorn cools usually means your Parmesan, spices or salt end up at the bottom of the bowl instead of on the kernels.

3. Go beyond butter and salt

Once you’ve figured out the best way to butter popcorn, the salad spinner also opens the door to all kinds of seasonings.

Senyei’s personal favorite is a cacio e pepe-inspired combination of grated Parmesan and black pepper. She also recommends dry herbs, Ranch seasoning powder or “a light coating of butter and hot honey.”

“There’s no wrong way to season and spin kernels!” she adds.

And considering this whole hack was born from an attempt to make churro-inspired cinnamon-sugar popcorn, I’d say dessert popcorn deserves a spot in the rotation too.

This is one of those rare kitchen hacks that’s actually as practical as it is clever. If you make popcorn often, the salad spinner trick is absolutely worth trying and once you see how evenly it coats every kernel, you may never go back to pouring butter straight from the bowl…I know I won’t!

Up Next:

Related: I Tried the Viral Blueberry Grilled Cheese and It’s Basically a Charcuterie Board in Sandwich Form

Source:

• Kelly Senyei, chef, recipe developer and the creator behind @justataste

Iconic Happy Days star Henry Winkler has been a working actor for more than fifty years, and has no interest in slowing down.

During the Wednesday, September 9, episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger, Winkler, 80, revealed the real reason he refuses to retire.

“I was talking to your daughter Zoe yesterday. She said, ‘Honestly, I think my dad believes that if he stops working, he will die,'” Bensinger told the Night Shift star.

According to Winkler, however, it’s less about dying and more about slowing down.

“I think I have thought, not about dying necessarily, because I really love being on this Earth. I think about withering,” Winkler said. “I think about just dehydrating into a prune. I think I would just wither in the fall in the dark in a cemetery on a tree, the last leaf blowing.”

Winkler, who got his first big break on the 1970s sitcom as Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, said, “I love my job.”

“I’m just in heaven when I’m working,” he added.

Over the next five decades, Winkler—who turns 81 in October—went on to star in iconic films such as The Waterboy, and Scream, and televisions shows like Barry and Arrested Development. Winkler has won three Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards throughout his storied career.

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With summer coming to an end, there’s a world of outfit ideas to explore as we welcome cooler weather. And while you likely still have a handful of solid wardrobe staples to dust off for fall and winter, your local Uniqlo is doling out a stream of elevated everyday basics worth checking out. 

Our favorite pick of the bunch? The Jersey Easy Work Pants are currently on sale for $40 and are perfect for just about any occasion. Featuring a relaxed silhouette and available in a range of versatile neutral colors, it’s a reliable workwear upgrade you’ll find yourself slipping into time and time again.

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Jersey Easy Work Pants, $39.90 at Uniqlo

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Available both in store and online while supplies last, Uniqlo’s Jersey Easy Work Pants come from a long line of everyday staples, offering clean lines, a roomy fit and that ability to be dressed up or down in a pinch. At $39.90 per pair, you can currently choose from olive, black, beige and navy colorways, each ready to elevate any outfit with ease. 

Featuring a moderately relaxed fit and rounded barrel legs that hit at the ankle, these casual pants are ideal for wearing around the house, running errands, tackling home improvement projects and more. Made from a breathable cotton jersey fabric blend and equipped with an adjustable elastic waistband, they’re also extremely comfortable and designed for all-day wear. Even better, they’re available in unisex sizing, so anyone can enjoy this comfy pair.

Related: Old Navy’s $35 Men’s Fall Button-Down Has a Throwback Oxford Fit

The Unisex Fit Is a Hit With Shoppers

Uniqlo

“These pants are easily my new favorite,” one shopper raved in a review while giving the pants a “10/10” and commending them for being moderately baggy, but not too baggy.

“Best unisex pants ever,” another shopper chimed in. “As a woman with no proportion whatsoever, these pants are magical.” They also praised the pants’ deep pockets, calling them a “bonus” alongside the perfect fit. 

“The color is clean, the fit is comfortable and they look good with pretty much anything,” a third shopper said. “Definitely one of my favorite pairs of pants, and I’d recommend them to anyone.”

Complete with tapered ankles, crisp fabric that maintains a stylish shape and traditional baker’s pockets on the thighs and buttocks, these pants truly check all the boxes for quality design and a comfortable fit. And with sizes XS through XXXL available in store and online, you should have no problem finding the perfect fit when snatching up your favorite color.

Just don’t wait too long to grab a pair, as this sale ends Sept. 10 and it’s only a matter of time before shoppers snatch up all available sizes. While you’re there, if you need some ideas for what to style them with, check out Uniqlo’s Windproof Stand Blouson for chilly-weather days and Uniqlo’s Crew Neck T-Shirt to layer underneath it.

Related: Costco’s 1,400-Piece Lego Set Brings an Iconic 2001 Fairy Tale Comedy to Life

Jinger Duggar and Joy-Anna Duggar announced a major career move five years after TLC’s Counting On was canceled.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the sisters and former 19 Kids and Counting stars revealed their new podcast, Call Your Sister.

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“Well, guys, we have some pretty life-altering conversations on the phone. Like, literally life-altering,” Jinger, 32, teased in a video posted via Instagram, while sitting next to Joy-Anna, 28. “For one, this studio is a different color. It’s very blue. We added some accents behind us because, drumroll, we’re starting Call Your Sister podcast!”

She added, “And, y’all, that’s not even the biggest news. That’s huge news. But we have such exciting news that we’re sharing here on the pod. And what is it, Joy?”

The clip cut off as Joy-Anna looked knowingly at the camera (spoiler alert: she’s pregnant with baby No. 4).

Jinger and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, launched The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast in July 2024. However, in recent months, Jeremy has appeared less frequently, and Joy-Anna has filled his spot.

“He’s just in a very busy season of life, working a full-time job. He’s also, like, trying to finish his Doctor of Ministry degree and also starting a Bible study, doing a ton of things,” Jinger explained on the first episode of Call Your Sister. “Since he’s in such a busy season, he’s going to be the producer of this podcast and help us out a little bit.”

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Jinger, Joy-Anna, their 17 siblings, and their parents, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, starred in the TLC series 19 Kids and Counting from 2008 to 2015. The Duggar kids then starred in a spinoff, Counting On, from 2015 until the show was canceled in 2021 amid multiple scandals.

Today, Jinger is a mom of three: Felicity, 8, Evangeline, 5, and Finnegan, 1. Joy-Anna and her husband, Austin Forsyth, meanwhile, have three kids, Gideon, 8, Evelyn, 6, and Gunner, 3, with a fourth child on the way.

Next: Jill Duggar Asks for Prayers Amid Major Family Update

Will Simone Biles be coming back to gymnastics?

The Olympic gymnast was in attendance at the 2026 US Open in New York City on Tuesday, where she praised Serena Williams on her return to tennis. This got many wondering if Biles is planning a return herself, especially since her teammate, Suni Lee, announced her return to gymnastics on July 14, after two years away.

“She is so incredible,” Biles told People when asked about Williams’ comeback and whether that influenced her feelings about competing in the future.

Although the 29-year-old gymnast has not made an official announcement, unlike Lee, Biles has been thinking of a return to the Olympics, as the 2028 Summer Games will be hosted in Los Angeles a little less than two years from now. Every now and then, she posts videos on her social media accounts swinging on the bars or practicing flips on the floor.

“No breaking news tonight!!!” she jokingly told the magazine when asked.

Simone Biles on the Blue Carpet during Day Ten of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 in Flushing, NY.

Michael Mooney/USTA via Getty Images

Back in April, Biles told CNN Sports that competing in the 2028 Olympic Games was “50-50” and was not ruling out the option. It all depends on where her mental health is. She is currently on a break from gymnastics to allow her body to recover, and revealed that she hoped to return to Pilates and yoga soon.

“Mental health plays a big role in [coming back] because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape. I can get myself in shape. We believe in that ability. We’re really thankful that I’m still healthy,” she told CNN. “Mental is a huge thing, and it’s a lot of dedication because the road’s not easy. It’s long, but it’s still work.”

Biles revolutionized the conversation around athletes’ mental health during the 2021 Tokyo Games, where she experienced “the twisties”, which is when a gymnast loses spatial awareness mid-air, making many of her stunts dangerous and life-threatening. As a result, she pulled out of the team and individual finals competitions, stating that her mind and body were not aligned and she dealt with an immense amount of stress.

“Walking away from the Olympic Games was a win in itself,” Biles said months later at the Simmons Leadership Conference in 2022. “I know a lot of people thought I failed because they expected me to go out with five or six medals, but walking out of it was my biggest win.”

Biles returned for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver, as well as led Team USA to win gold in the women’s artistic team final.

Simone Biles of Team United States poses with her Paris 2024 Olympic medals following the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Floor Exercise Final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 05, 2024 in Paris, France.

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Biles also told People that she would love for Williams to give her advice on handling a comeback, as well as the opportunity to play tennis with her. Williams, 44 and a mother of two, stepped away from the sport in 2022 to focus on her family and business ventures. She made her long-awaited comeback this summer at the Queen’s Club in London.

“I mean, she’s the GOAT. Why not?” Biles said when asked about training with Williams. “Her, Coco [Gauff], I feel like would both give me a run for my money because I cannot play tennis at all, but I feel like the vibes would be overall great.”

Related: Simone Biles and Her NFL Husband Look ‘So Cute’ in New Photos

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Seasonal transitions offer the perfect opportunity to give your home a little refresh. As we gradually head toward fall, it’s time to replace all your summer decor with autumnal motifs like colorful leaves, plaid patterns, earthy tones, and pumpkin everything. By just adding a few of these pieces, it can make all the difference and instantly make your home feel fall-ready, filling it with warm and cozy vibes. 

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Summer ☀️ to fall 🍂 apartment transformation #falldecor #apartmentdecor #fallinspo #fallaesthetic #hobbylobby

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If you’re looking to embrace the upcoming season, this Yastouay Pumpkin Wreath at Walmart is a fabulous choice, and it’s currently on sale for 43% off! Normally retailing for $40, it’s now marked down to just $23 for a limited time with a flash deal. For the same sale price, you can score this wreath in a gorgeous daisy style. This wreath is also available in three more styles, including a eucalyptus version and two rose and dahlia options, which are currently on sale at a higher price. Those normally range from $40 to $60, but they’re now on sale between $30 and $38.

Yastouay Pumpkin Wreath, From $23 (was $40) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Every element of this wreath oozes fall-ready vibes. It features white pumpkins, berry clusters, and realistic frosted pinecones. The rest of the wreath is filled with gorgeous maple leaves layered on top of a bed of twigs, giving it density and lushness. Shoppers attested to this, noting that it looks “full.” 

Boasting off-white, orange, brown, and green hues, the combination of leaves, berries, and pinecones gives this piece a warm pop of color. The nature-inspired design and muted earthy tones have a rustic feel, lending themselves to the farmhouse aesthetic. Reviewers loved the appearance of this wreath, describing it as “absolutely beautiful” and “gorgeous.” One customer commented that it showcased “beautiful fall colors.” 

If you prefer something with more of a cottagecore feel, opt for the daisy style instead. It’s adorned with dainty daisies, chrysanthemums, lavender, and leaves in vibrant red, orange, and yellow tones. 

Yastouay Daisy Wreath, From $23 (was $40) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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With a 20-inch diameter, this wreath makes a statement wherever you place it. Hung on your front door, it’ll make your home feel welcoming. However, you don’t have to go the traditional route. You can also hang it on top of your mantel or use it as a centerpiece on your dining table. If you want to get creative, you could also use it to frame your favorite fall candle. 

Unlike most wreaths that are only visible during the day, this one boasts built-in lights, illuminating it when it gets dark outside. It’ll make your home feel extra inviting, delivering a warm and cozy glow. The lights are battery-powered and require three AA batteries, which you can grab here.

Designed for long-term use, this wreath is made of durable plastic. It’s fade-resistant, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. While natural materials would give it natural charm, the plastic makes it easy to care for, as it doesn’t require watering and can’t rot. Whenever you want to give it a refresh, all you have to do is dust it off. 

Shop More Deals 

• Yastouay 2-Pack of Fall Garlands, From $20 (was $36) at Walmart
• Iceant 2-Pack of Pumpkin Throw Pillow Covers, From $14 (was $33) at Walmart
• Aonewoe Fall Door Mat, From $14 (was $18) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s ‘Cute’ $17 Fall Doormat Comes in 3 ‘Vibrant’ Designs to Get Your Home Ready for the Season 

If you’re tired of muggy weather and the blazing sun, and ready to welcome fall with open arms, be sure to snag the Yastouay Pumpkin Wreath at Walmart while it’s on sale for just $23! Be sure to hurry because it’ll only be available at this fabulous price for a limited time. 

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Some songs don’t just remind you of a place. They make you want to go there.

More than half a century after America released “Ventura Highway,” the opening notes can still conjure an almost irresistible image: sunshine, an open road and somewhere better waiting just beyond the horizon.

Released in 1972 on the band’s second album, Homecoming, “Ventura Highway,” written and sung by Dewey Bunnell, became another major hit for America following the phenomenal success of “A Horse With No Name.” The song climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Easy Listening chart, helping cement the young trio as one of the defining bands of the era.

Its inspiration reached back nearly a decade.

As a seventh grader in 1963, Bunnell was traveling with his family along the California coast when their station wagon got a flat tire. While his father changed it, Bunnell noticed a road sign for Ventura and watched clouds drifting above the coastline with his brother. The memory stayed with him. Years later, living outside London and searching for material for America’s follow-up album, that long-ago California afternoon resurfaced.

Strangely, there was no actual “Ventura Highway,” as Bunnell explained in a 2020 interview with American Songwriter.

“We took that coast road. Call it what you want, Highway One, Highway 101, Pacific Coast Highway. I dubbed it Ventura Highway. Because I’ve seen that name in my mind’s eye. Ventura. It was on the freeway signs,” said Bunnell. “I spent a lot of time staring at the ocean and up at that freeway sign that said Ventura. That image just somehow stuck with me, and that’s what I pulled out as a lyric option for that song.”

But “Ventura Highway” is bigger than the memory that inspired it. Bunnell fashioned the song as a kind of conversation between someone rooted in place and a younger person yearning to leave. It was a “go west young man” invitation toward sunshine, freedom and possibility. When listening, you might as well be seated next to young Bunnell in the back seat, head hanging out the window, hair flying in the wind.

And then there are those guitars.

The song’s instantly recognizable opening hook grew out of two harmonized guitar parts played by Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek over Bunnell’s chords. Bright, intricate and seemingly weightless, the interlocking acoustic guitars give “Ventura Highway” its sense of forward motion before Bunnell even begins to sing.

And that sound has traveled remarkably well.

In 2001, Janet Jackson’s “Someone to Call My Lover” sampled the famous “Ventura Highway” guitar riff, introducing it to another generation. Her producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, had grown up listening to America on Top 40 radio, and Bunnell later credited Jackson’s hit with giving America’s music a new boost.

“Ventura Highway” remains a staple of classic rock radio. It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll hear it eventually in rotation. The song has inspired a string of exceptional covers since its inception and remains one of the band’s most recognizable recordings. To date “Ventura Highway” boasts nearly 500 million streams on Spotify.

Perhaps the best explanation for its longevity comes from Bunnell himself.

“I really believe that ‘Ventura Highway’ has the most lasting power of all my songs,” he said in an interview years after its release. “It’s not just the words, the song and the track have a certain fresh, vibrant, optimistic quality that I can still respond to.”

And the world agrees.

Fifty-four years after its release, “Ventura Highway” still doesn’t sound like a song about getting somewhere. It sounds like the exhilarating possibility of leaving, and believing something wonderful might be waiting down the road.

Related: 1969 Rock Song, Recorded on Abbey Road, Is Still a Generational Hit 57 Years Later