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Netflix's 'Little House on the Prairie' Showrunner Tries to Put Original Fans' Minds at Ease: 'Everyone on this Show Cares So Much'
Netflix's Little House on the Prairie remake is officially on the horizon, with many fans of the original series awaiting the new reboot with a mix of reluctance and eager excitement.
For all those still on the fence over the new remake of the landmark TV series, however, Netflix's Little House on the Prairie showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine has shared some words she hopes will put viewers' minds at ease.
According to People magazine, Sonnenshine specifically cited her personal love for Laura Ingalls Wilder's original novels and its subsequent NBC adaptation as the primary driving force for her work on Netflix's Little House on the Prairie remake, calling herself the "world’s biggest Little House fan.”
“I want people to know, first of all, everybody making this show cares about the books and bringing it to life and being as authentic as we can and bringing all those details to life that people love,” Sonnenshine said. “Everyone cares so much.”
“It really shaped my worldview as a person and an artist that a female author wrote the most important books in my life about a female character that made me feel like I could do anything,” the showrunner went on, referencing Wilder's semi-autobiographical novel series.
“I think it’ll bring both people who love the show, that already know they love this property, they already love Little House, but I also think that it will introduce Little House to a whole new group of people,” Sonnenshine continued.
In addition to these comments, Sonnenshine also provided some poignant clues as to what viewers might expect of the new series, specifically mentioning that the Netflix adaptation will root itself around the perspective of Laura, played by 11-year-old Alice Halsey in the new show and by Melissa Gilbert in the original NBC series.
“This series is basically told through the eyes of Laura, who’s taking all of us on this journey of discovery and joy and adventure,” Sonnenshine said.
Netflix's Little House on the Prairie premieres on the streaming platform on July 9.
‘An Infinite Love Story’ Brings an Eternal Love With a Space Race Backdrop
It’s beach read time, and that means you’re looking for a beautiful romance to read. Well, how about something much more, something that brings a story of an epic love? An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton is the summer read you need.
A romance involves a happily ever after. We read because we want to see the couples end up together. An Infinite Love Story is more than that, as it tells the story of an epic love that can traverse time and space. In a way, there’s a hint of romance that could potentially happen, but there’s something deeper and more profound, leaving you sitting with the story for days (and weeks) afterward.
An Infinite Love Story is set in 1968, at the height of the Space Race. Vivian cannot believe everything she’s hearing. NASA has lost contact with her husband’s spacecraft. Joe and the other two astronauts on board are believed to be dead.
However, Vivian can’t quite believe it. Something is telling her that her husband is still out there. Somewhere.
She can hear him on the squawk box, and items keep turning up in places where they can’t be. As she delves into the clues, she starts to realize that her husband’s love of science fiction may have something to do with it all. Is time travel possible? Does that sound crazy, like she’s a grieving widow, or is there some truth to it?
There was always a risk of An Infinite Love Story getting bogged down in some of the science of it all. After all, we have astronauts and NASA heavily involved in the story. As Viv starts to see a potential truth to the matter, she goes in search of a scientist who may be able to help, admitting that his book didn’t quite read well for her, but that she had enough questions to seek him out.
Even the discussions of space travel and the Space Race don’t make the story too scientifically heavy. There are mentions of events that happened in the past, and you get a sense of how people felt during the 1960s, but it just happens to be the backdrop of this gorgeous tale.
Courtesy of Penguin Random HouseThe strong part is seeing the story through Vivian’s eyes, and she’s not a scientist or a mathematician. She’s a journalist, helping to add a relatable and easy way into the story. The focus is on what she knows and understands, as she works out this mystery that confounds us all. Sure, there are plenty of theories that are thrown around, but they just add to the already beautiful love story.
This isn’t a romance. Don’t go into it thinking that there will be some magical happily ever after. And sure, that’s somewhat of a spoiler, but there is still a worthwhile and magnificent ending. In fact, I smiled and cried so much as we found out what likely happened to Joe and the other astronauts.
The focus is on Viv and Joe’s time together. We get to see how they met, how they fell in love, and how they struggled in their marriage. Love isn’t easy. Romance makes it look easy, because there is just the build-up to a couple getting together. What about afterward, though? With a romance, we can believe it to be a fairytale, but with an epic love story, we get the highs and lows, and Cleeton doesn’t miss a beat.
If you’ve watched the movie Ladder 49, you’ll get a sense of what An Infinite Love Story is offering. In that movie, we see the present day and keep flashing back to the life that led up to this moment. That’s what Cleeton offers us with this novel, taking us through the journey of the past with the hope of happiness and brightness at the end. I found myself holding out for a miracle at the end, even though I knew it likely wasn’t possible, but what we get is something far more profound.
As much as I would love to see what’s next for Vivian in this story, the conclusion is satisfying. It’s definitely one to put on a re-read list, and if you’re not sure what to read on an upcoming vacation, An Infinite Love Story is for you.
Related: Move Over Hockey Romance: This Sizzling Slow-Burn Takes Sports Romantasy to the Skies
Trump Brags He's No. 1 on TikTok, Ahead of Taylor Swift
Who is the number one celeb on TikTok right now? According to Donald Trump, he is. The president spoke to reporters on Monday, boasting that he’s more popular on the social media site than Taylor Swift.
During a press conference for his new ‘Trump Accounts,’ the commander in chief said, “Now there’s a thing called TikTok. Have you heard of it? I was watching a show this morning. Maria Bartiromo, she’s fantastic. And on her show, they were talking about the dangers of TikTok. And it’s Chinese. You know a whole thing with spying and what they’re doing with that.”
He continued, “Except it was announced about two days ago, the new numbers just came out. You know who the number one person is on TikTok by far? Trump. Me.”
The president continued his not-so-humble brag, noting that his TikTok rank is far above some of the most popular celebs, “I’m number one. Like Taylor Swift was number 11. I’m number one in TikTok by far.”
Trump addressed the dangers of TikTok and whether he buys into it, adding, “You know, I’m hearing about how they influence, they’re talking about their tremendous danger because there’s the influence, but if they influence so badly, I mean, I’m saying all things like I love our country, we got to stop communism, this and that, we’re going to do a lot of things.”
So where exactly did Trump get these numbers? He told reporters, “I’m by far number one. It was sent to me by, you know, the list comes out. Number one. Number two. I’m number one by a lot. So I guess maybe, I don’t know, maybe they’re bad, maybe they’re not.”
Is Donald Trump really No. 1 on TikTok right now?If you’re wondering whether Donald Trump is indeed the number one TikTok creator, you’re about to be disappointed. According to recent stats (as of July 7) on Social Blade, Khabane “Khaby” Lame (a Senegalese-Italian social media content creator) is number one with 162.3 million followers. Charli D’Amelio is in the second spot with 159.1 million, and Mr. Beast is third with 129.1 million followers.
In comparison, the president has 16.7 million followers. While Trump’s following doesn’t rank anywhere near the top of the TikTok pack, neither does Taylor Swift’s. The recently married superstar has 33.5 million followers. Yes, that may seem like a lot. But compared to Khaby Lame’s 162.3 million, it’s almost insignificant.
Your Perfect Pet Match, Based on Birth Month
Finding the perfect pet to adopt can be challenging, even overwhelming. There’s so much to consider, such as your lifestyle habits and whether or not you're suited to a high-maintenance or low-maintenance pet. Most may immediately go for a cat or dog, but they may find a true soulmate in a different kind of pet. Luckily, you may find the perfect pet you were born to adopt, based on your birth month.
Each birth month has traits, attributes, and habits unique to it. Your birth month’s vibration aligns with a pet that mirrors your soul. This pet is perfectly aligned with your personality, lifestyle, and desired traits in a pet. Read on to find the pet that best matches your birth month's personality.
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The Pet You Were Born to Adopt, Based on Your Birth MonthCheck for the month you were born for pro insights.
January: Ant FarmJanuary has a lot going on, since this month is governed by the Saturnian signs, Capricorn and Aquarius. January deals with more karmic lessons than most. They’re tasked with immense responsibilities, obligations, and duties. The idea of caring for something else on top of professional matters and domestic tasks stresses January out. So, their ideal pet is an ant farm. January would ensure that the ant farm is properly enclosed and enriched, so January wouldn’t have to worry about their ant farm.
February: ChinchillaPeople born in February want an unusual pet that stands out. February is a mix of individualistic Aquarius and fantastical Pisces, so this birth month is drawn to exotic pets. The idea of having a pet nobody else has excites February. Of all the exotic animals to choose from, they’ll fall in love with their chinchilla. These tiny, fluffy rodents are undeniably adorable, especially given that they’re known for having bright personalities. February will be utterly enchanted with their self-assured, playful chinchilla.
March: Guinea PigMarch’s perfect pet matches their calm, dreamy energy. Those born during this month share Pisces’ easygoing attitude and Aries’ passion for animals. They love all types of pets, but the guinea pig has a special place in March’s heart. As if their squeaks aren’t cute enough, guinea pigs make fantastic pets. These tiny rodents are known for their sweet, gentle nature and big personalities. March will be endlessly entertained by their guinea pig’s antics. Guinea pigs mirror March’s liveliness, while also aligning with this birth month’s docile lifestyle.
April: Golden RetrieverThose born in April look for a pet that complements their lifestyle. April is home to excitable Aries and steady Taurus, so their pet should be the perfect mix of play and pleasure. They’ll find a life-long companion in a Golden Retriever. April will instantly fall for this pup’s sunny disposition. Golden Retrievers are beloved for their happy-go-lucky attitudes and unwavering loyalty. Whether they’re cuddling on the couch or going for a nice, long run, April’s life feels complete with their Golden Retriever.
May: RagdollMay’s ideal pet has a calm yet inquisitive disposition. May’s picky because their laidback Taurus attitude wants an easygoing pet while their curious Gemini mind looks for personality. A cat is the perfect happy medium of what May is looking for. While there are many cat breeds to choose from, the Ragdoll ticks off all of May’s boxes. Ragdolls have the placid temperament that May desires in a companionable pet; however, this cat breed still has their own quirks that will pique May’s interest.
RELATED: Which Kitten Breed Matches You, Based on Your Birth Month
June: TurtleWhat if June could share their pet with future generations? The idea of having a multi-generational family pet appeals to the Geminis and Cancers born during this month. Achieving this goal is easier than most think, because June can find a forever pet in a turtle. Not only will June’s children, and maybe even their grandchildren enjoy this pet, a turtle offers quiet companionship to those with this birth month. June will be tickled knowing their turtle will be their companion for decades to come.
July: Hermit CrabEveryone born in July looks for sensitivity in their ideal pet. July’s influenced by the luminary-rule zodiac signs, Cancer and Leo, so they want a pet that mirrors their passionate, temperamental heart. Interestingly, they’ll find a companion in the hermit crab. Hermit crabs, like all crabs, are deeply sensitive creatures. They have gentle souls and calm dispositions that perfectly align with the attributes July is looking for in a pet.
EXPLORE: Everyone Needs a Comfort Show — Here's Yours, Based on Your Birth Date
August: Betta FishAugust takes pet adoption seriously. Their Leo-like passion and Virgo-like astuteness wants to ensure that their pet is the perfect fit. August will take ample time researching all options, ultimately landing on the betta fish. This bright, tropical fish aligns with August’s vision of having a pet. August will stop at nothing to create the perfect environment for their betta fish to thrive. Plus, betta fish are known for having big personalities, so August could have ample fun teaching their betta fish simple tricks.
September: Dwarf HamsterPeople born in September are overjoyed to take care of their pet. The Virgo side of September inspires perfection, while the Libra side aligns with all things cute. Between these two zodiac signs, all September birthdays are impartial to tiny, adorable creatures. While they have many options to choose from, September will be drawn to the dwarf hamster. September will be completely enamored by the dwarf hamster’s stature, cuddly nature, and playful attitude.
October: LovebirdsOctober understands how important companionship is, even for their pet. Although all October Libras and Scorpios want to be their pet’s number one, they know their pet deserves a buddy outside them. Adopting a pair of lovebirds is the perfect solution. October can adore their pretty lovebirds, while feeling rest-assured that their pair of lovebirds are thriving together. Watching their lovebirds interact and play might even reignite a flame in October’s own romantic heart.
November: SnakeAside from those born in November, there are very few people who willingly adopt reptiles. November’s not afraid of anything thanks to being a mix of taboo Scorpio and daring Sagittarius. They’re more likely to adopt a creepy-crawly pet that would scare most. Luckily, November sees the beauty and charm in owning a snake. Snakes aren’t meant for everyone, but November will be won over by their unique features and personality. November cannot help but feel affection for their slithering companion.
December: HorseOf course, December would be impartial to having a luxurious, high-maintenance pet. They have Sagittarius’ bigger-and-better attitude and Capricorn’s high expectations, so all December birthdays have specific desires for their ideal pet. Thankfully, a horse will fit their needs. Having a horse as a pet is extremely bougie. From riding their horse to potentially entering high-profile competitions, being a horse parent aligns with December’s thirst for adventure and desire for a status-worthy pet.
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Country Icon's Albums Suddenly Climbing the Charts After Emotional Farewell Concert
Just over a week after bringing his touring career to a close, Alan Jackson is climbing the charts once again.
The country legend has placed two albums back on the Billboard 200 for the chart dated July 11. 34 Number Ones re-enters at No. 169, while The Greatest Hits Collection returns at No. 181. Both albums have also re-entered Billboard's Top Country Albums chart, with 34 Number Ones at No. 36 and The Greatest Hits Collection at No. 39.
The renewed interest follows Jackson's emotional farewell concert, Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale, on June 27 at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. Billed as his final touring performance, the sold-out show celebrated one of country music's most enduring careers, with appearances from Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, George Strait, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, Jon Pardi, Lee Ann Womack and many more.
Despite living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects his balance and mobility, Jackson delivered a hit-filled set that reminded fans why he became one of country music's defining voices. "It's overwhelming," he told the crowd before joking, "I won't spend too much time on that last show stuff… I'm not dead!"
The evening featured many of Jackson's signature songs, including "Gone Country," "Livin' on Love," "Remember When," "Chattahoochee," "Don't Rock the Jukebox," "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." One of the night's biggest surprises came when George Strait joined him onstage for "Designated Drink" and "Murder on Music Row." NBC is expected to air the concert later this year.
The two returning albums span virtually Jackson's entire hitmaking career.
Released in 2010 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his debut album, 34 Number Ones collects every one of Jackson's chart-topping country singles through "Country Boy," along with several additional tracks, including his duet with Zac Brown Band on "As She's Walking Away." The collection originally peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard 200 and No. 7 on the Top Country Albums chart and has since been certified Gold by the RIAA.
Meanwhile, The Greatest Hits Collection, released in 1995, became one of the biggest-selling albums of Jackson's career. The compilation gathered favorites from his first four studio albums while introducing two new songs, "Tall, Tall Trees" and "I'll Try," both of which became No. 1 country hits. The album reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200, topped the Top Country Albums chart and has been certified 6× Platinum in the United States.
Jackson's chart resurgence underscores the lasting impact of a career that has produced more than 60 million albums sold worldwide and helped define modern country music. While Last Call marked the end of his touring days, the renewed interest in his catalog suggests fans are still eager to revisit the songs that made him one of the genre's most beloved artists.
Related: What Disease Does Alan Jackson Have? Inside the Country Star’s Health Battle
Tilda Swinton’s Stunning Blonde Daughter Joins Her at Paris Fashion Week in a Rare Public Outing
Tilda Swinton is known for making a statement with her quirky style, but it's her stunning blonde daughter who caught lots of attention at Paris Fashion Week.
Swinton, 65, is known for diverse film roles ranging from We Need to Talk About Kevin to Moonrise Kingdom. Beloved for her ability to transform herself dramatically for a role, the movie icon is also adored for her unique sense of style. But in a new appearance at the Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026/2027 show as part of Paris Fashion Week, the star caught the attention of fans and followers for another reason: Her stunning daughter, Honor Swinton Byrne, was by her side.
Byrne, 28, looked stunning in Chanel alongside her stylish mom. Sporting oversized glasses and a chic black outfit, the rising star will likely be a famous face on your television screens soon. (More on that below!)
Check out some stunning shots below of the mother-daughter duo at Chanel:
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty Images
Jacopo Raule / Getty Images
Tilda Swinton and Her Daughter Are Very CloseBack in 2022, Byrne spoke about her close relationship with her mother.
"My mum and I are best friends and soulmates; we have the same mannerisms," she told The Guardian.
What's Next for Honor Swinton Byrne?Byrne is a rising star in her own right. While she's already appeared in The Crown, she's headed to another series soon. Last year, Variety reported that Byrne is headed to HBO and Sky’s upcoming legal thriller series War alongside Celia Imrie and Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed. Dominic West and Sienna Miller lead the series.
“Two of London’s most prestigious rival firms, Cathcarts and Taylor & Byrne, as they go head-to-head in the divorce case of the century,” the series' plot description reads. “Each side is certain they’ll win. But as the case spirals and loyalties fracture, reputations are on the line, and everyone’s playing to win. This is just the beginning — Season 1’s explosive case is the first in an anthology of headline-making legal battles.”
Related: Heidi Klum, 52, and Daughter Leni Klum, 21, Are Gorgeous in Gowns on the Red Carpet
In 1970, Elvis Presley Walked Onstage in a Bold New Look—56 Years Later, It Still Defines His Legacy
The music world thought they knew exactly what to expect from Elvis Presley until the moment he walked onto a Las Vegas stage in 1970 and permanently rewrote the rules of pop culture fashion.
His longtime costume designer, Bill Belew, told Elvis Australia he was working on incorporating a new look into the entertainer's wardrobe in the early 1970s. Belew was tapped to design costumes beginning with the entertainer's '69 Special.
Ultimately, jumpsuits gave Elvis the freedom to pull off his signature karate-inspired kicks and energetic dance moves without worrying about his costume shifting or coming undone onstage. What started as a practical solution soon evolved one of the most iconic looks in music history.
According to a post by Graceland's official Instagram, it was in 1970 that Presley first began wearing jumpsuits. They would "become one of his most recognizable stage looks."
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View this post on InstagramFans responded to the post with excitement. They reminisced about the legendary jumpsuits they remember most from his concerts.
"The fringe suit!! Love the pic," wrote one fan. "One of my all-time favorite photos, featuring one of the most beautiful jumpsuits ever worn in Las Vegas. It’s amazing to see all those fringes fluttering as he moved on stage. Fantastic!!!!" exclaimed a second Instagram user.
"Elvis forever," declared a third follower. "Each time I see a pic or hear a song of Elvis, a droplet of blood oozes outta my heart and onto my lap!" a fourth admirer penned.
Belew told Elvis Australia that he was first approached by Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, to design Presley's wardrobe for his first series of Vegas shows. The jumpsuits were designed not only to look good under the stage lights, but also to be most comfortable.
"Having worked on the stage in New York it's quite different. But the lighting there was still in its early stages. And we found that the color that worked the best was white. It allowed them to change the colors on him, whereas black would absorb all the color."
"And it was hard to highlight him. And we experimented with blue, which was one of his favorite colors. Red. But it just ended up that white was the best thing and, of course, you know, you want the star to be the person, you know, and not the wardrobe."
Belew designed around 75 jumpsuits for the King of Rock and Roll throughout the 1970s. Just like fans, Presley had his favorites.
"I know he liked the dragon suit. I know he liked the peacock. He liked the leopard. And, of course, I think possibly his favorite was always the Aloha Hawaii suit, the American eagle, you know."
The last jumpsuit Elvis Presley wore on stage was the famous Mexican Sundial jumpsuit. He wore it during his final concert on June 26, 1977, at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. He died almost two months later, on August 16, at 42.
Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $65 Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is 'Perfect for Tiny Bathrooms'
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With summer hosting season officially in full swing, it's the perfect time to make sure your home is looking its best. If you want an easy and stylish way to declutter your space, Walmart's top-rated Homfa Bathroom Cabinet ticks all the right boxes. It features multiple tiers of adjustable shelving and a simple, modern design that's versatile enough to complement any home.
Originally $115, the versatile two-door cabinet is now on sale for just $65. It comes in a classic all-white colorway accented with black knobs, making it neutral enough to easily blend in with a range of decor from farmhouse to minimalist.
Homfa Bathroom Cabinet, $65 (was $115) at Walmart Shop at WalmartAt 22.8 inches long, 11.6 inches wide, and 31.7 inches high, the cabinet is just the right size to help you make the most of your space, whether you're using it as bathroom or laundry storage, a kitchen pantry, an entryway table, or an accent piece in your living room. It features two adjustable shelves that are sturdy enough to hold towels, toiletries, shoes, snacks, spice jars, and more. The double doors keep your items tucked away and secure, while the round knobs allow for effortless opening and closing.
Made from high-quality medium-density fiberboard, the cabinet is waterproof, heat-resistant, and peel-resistant, so you can easily swap out or reorganize your items as necessary without having to worry about scratches or nicks. It comes with all of the required hardware and detailed setup instructions, making assembly simple and hassle-free.
The freestanding cabinet has earned plenty of praise from Walmart shoppers, who called it "beautiful" and "sturdy." Multiple reviewers highlighted its spacious interior, with one noting it offers "lots of storage" and another saying it's "perfect to hide clutter." Others said its compact build is ideal for small spaces, calling it "perfect for tiny bathrooms."
Related: Walmart's 'Sturdy' $115 Coastal-Style Storage Cabinet 'Holds a Lot' and 'Looks Expensive'
Make this year's spring organizing a little easier, and add some stylish storage space to your home with this versatile two-door cabinet. Grab one while it's still on flash sale for just $65 at Walmart.
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1982 Survivor Anthem Inspired by a Funky 1980s Queen Hit That Nearly Appeared In Rocky III
In 1982, Survivor had their first No. 1 single with "Eye Of The Tiger", but they owe their biggest hit to Queen's 1980 hit single, “Another One Bites The Dust”.
The song was written for Rocky III and has become synonymous not just with the franchise but with sporting achievements in general.
Stallone himself personally reached out to Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan, asking them to write something for the third film in the Rocky franchise. According to The Guardian, Stallone told the band, “I want something for the kids. Something street, something with a pulse. Can you help me out?”
When the musicians initially saw the film, the Queen track was being used as a placeholder.
“When we got the initial rough cut of the movie, the scene that ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ appears in was cut to ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ by Queen,” Peterik explained per American Songwriter. “Frankie and I are watching this. The punches are being thrown, and we’re going, ‘Holy c---, this is working like a charm.’”
How Survivor Tried To Make A Song In The Spirit Of Queen ClassicBut Queen would not give Stallone and the movie publishing rights to their classic song. Which is why Survivor had to step in and make an anthemic song for that iconic movie moment. The band were inspired by Queen and wanted to make a track in the spirit of "Another One Bites The Dust."
“Frankie and I looked at each other and went, ‘Man, this is going to be tough to beat,’” Peterik recalled. “We had the spirit of, ‘We’ve got to try to top this.’ I started doing that now-famous dead string guitar riff and started slashing those chords to the punches we saw on the screen, and the whole song took shape in the next three days.”
How 'Eye Of The Tiger' Was WrittenPeterik credits Sullivan with writing the lines that helped flesh out the entire song.
“Frankie came in with the lines, ‘Back on the street, doin’ time, taking chances,” Peterik explained. “I loved those lines immediately, and suggested, ‘Rising up, back on the street, did my time, took my chances,’ to make it fit with the storyline. And to make the rhythm of the words fit the music I was hearing in my head. That was certainly the lyrical spark that got the song started.”
He added that they completed most of the song in the same day. “At the end of the day, the music was about 80 percent complete. And the lyric about 30 percent,” Peterik says.
“Over the next few days, I worked hard on the lyrics, remembering pieces of movie dialogue like, ‘Went the distance,’ referring to the central phrase of the first Rocky movie,” he explained.
The Hidden AmEx Travel Perk That Unlocks Summer’s Most Gatekept Beach Towns
Taking a trip to the most coveted beach towns on the East Coast during peak summer usually requires the logistical strategy of a military general.
Between the entirely sold-out boutique hotels and the cutthroat digital race for a prime dinner table, trying to plan a spontaneous weekend escape to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, or the Hamptons can feel less like a vacation and more like a high-stress second job.
For anyone currently plotting a late-summer getaway—or simply mapping out a future coastal road trip—American Express is aggressively expanding its travel ecosystem to act as a built-in fixer for these exact vacation headaches.
By expanding its luxury partnerships across the most exclusive waterfront hotspots from Maine down to the Outer Banks, the brand is essentially opening up a back-door pass to the summer's most gatekept destinations.
Related: This Viral Travel Credit Card Trick Can Instantly Save You $500 On Your Next Hotel Stay
View this post on InstagramA massive driver behind this summer push is a dramatic shift in how we travel. According to recent data from Amex, more than 75% of Millennial and Gen Z travelers now plan entire itineraries around tracking down a specific, viral food experience.
To tap into that destination-dining obsession, the brand is bringing back Camp Rubirosa, presented by Resy, to East Hampton following a sold-out run last season. Securing a table for this permanent summer outpost of Manhattan’s cult-favorite Italian restaurant is easily one of the most competitive sport-status tasks on the East End right now, but Platinum Card members are being handed dedicated, priority booking windows through Platinum Nights by Resy for key weekends in July and August.
Over in Montauk, they’ve even locked down an ultra-exclusive "From Tide to Table" culinary experience with legendary chef Eric Ripert, pairing world-class seafood with an immersive oyster farming day trip.
But the real strategy for anyone looking to escape the heavy Hamptons traffic is navigating the historic, breezy charm of New England instead.
Amex has quietly woven its Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection perks into the properties that define these historic coastal communities. Booking a stay through their portal triggers a massive list of built-in sanity savers—like guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkouts, automatic room upgrades, and a $100 property credit to use on spa treatments or waterfront sunset cocktails.
The expanded regional lineup reads like a luxury coastal bucket list, making it remarkably easy to piece together a high-end itinerary on short notice. Up on Martha's Vineyard, you can bypass the standard booking headaches to land a room overlooking Edgartown Harbor at the historic Harbor View Hotel or head over to the relaxed, beachside lawns of the Winnetu Oceanside Resort.
Related: Why The 'Fluxury' Trend Is The Smartest New Way To Travel This Summer
Over on Nantucket, the perks extend to iconic mainstays like the White Elephant, the deeply romanticThe Wauwinet, and The Nantucket Hotel and Resort.
If your compass points toward Cape Cod or the rugged rocky coast of Maine, the premium footprint covers everything from the grand, oceanfront Chatham Bars Inn Resort & Spa in Chatham to the serene, marsh-front beauty of Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth.
They've even locked down prime beach real estate further down the Atlantic seaboard, stretching from the historic, design-forward Congress Hall in Cape May and the trendy Asbury Ocean Club in Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore, all the way down to the upscale The Sanderling in Duck.
Whether you're loading up a weekender bag to catch the next ferry or simply looking for a clever way to leverage your credit card points for a premium upgrade, it's a brilliant reminder of how a few built-in perks can instantly transform a notoriously stressful, over-booked beach town into a smooth, zero-stress vacation paradise.
Related: Your Summer Glamping Trip Can Now Earn You American Airlines Miles
Jean Smart Cheers on 'Hacks' Co-Star Meg Stalter in Heartwarming Show of Support for Broadway Debut
In an impressive show of support for her former Hacks co-star, Jean Smart appeared by Meg Stalter's side during the latter's recent debut on Broadway as part of the universally acclaimed comedy play, Oh, Mary!
Replacing SNL alum Maya Rudolph in the title role, the 35-year-old Stalter officially made her debut on the Great White Way of Broadway this past Monday, July 6.
According to People magazine, Smart appeared during the show's after-party, posing with Stalter in celebration of her first foray into New York City's premier theater district.
Right now, Stalter is set to remain at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre until September 12 in the lead role of Oh, Mary! A fictionalized exploration of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, the play offers a far more comedic interpretation of historical events than viewers might expect, earning continued renown among critics and theater attendees.
“When I first met [Oh, Mary! playwright] Cole Escola, they said, ‘I thought I was too old to feel this excited and giddy about a new friend,’ and that’s exactly how I felt when I met Mary Todd Lincoln for the first time,” Stalter explained of her interest in the role. “I’ve never seen myself in a character the way I see myself in Mary.”
Earlier in her career, Stalter also became known for her breakout role on Hacks, in which she portrayed chaotic assistant-turned-surprisingly competent PR co-president Kayla Schaeffer.
Making her initial appearance on the show back in season 3, Stalter enjoyed a successful run on Hacks until the show's conclusion earlier this year. Of course, Smart herself also enjoyed incredible success in the lead role of veteran Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance, winning four consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for her role on the show.
In addition, Smart also caught the attention of fans for her recent return to Broadway after a 25 year absence from the New York stage. Earlier this year, the 74-year-old appeared in Jamie Wax's Call Me Izzy, leading to widespread renown among critics for her role in the show.
1953 Classic & Banned Novel's First Draft Was Written in Just 9 Days
There are some strange and surprising stories about some of the greatest classic books, and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is no different.
A challenged and banned book all about book burning and banning was initially written in just nine days. Well, the first draft was, as Bradbury was on limited time due to the way he had to write it.
Now, we imagine authors sitting at computers and working away with Microsoft Word or Google Docs. There seems to be a plethora of time, but that wasn’t the case in the 1950s when Bradbury was working on his dystopian masterpiece.
He used a coin-operated typewriter in the basement of UCLA’s Powell Library. In just nine days, he was able to create the first draft, and at the rate of 10c for 30 minutes of use, it cost him $9.30. He wrote ferociously to complete that first draft, writing 25,000 words in that time, and yes, he had to keep dropping dimes into the typewriter to keep it running!
Bradbury said in a 2018 interview, “So, exhilarated, I got a bag of dimes and settled into the room, and in nine days I spent $9.80 and wrote my story; in other words, it was a dime novel.”
Now, it wasn’t because he didn’t have a typewriter at home. Like so many other authors, he needed solitude, and he couldn’t get that with a newborn daughter at home. The distractions put him off, so he chose to pay to use a typewriter, leading to a classic that focuses on how a totalitarian government can take over and limit access to information.
Being in the library was also exciting to him, especially due to the irony of the book itself. He was surrounded by literature, and he was able to run up and down the stairs to grab books and pull quotes from them. He shared, “Imagine what it was like to be writing a book about book burning and doing it in a library where the passions of all those authors, living and dead, surrounded me.”
The irony didn’t stop there. It has faced a long history of intermittent bans and challenges, ever since it was first published in 1953. One of those involved the censoring of curse words by publisher Ballantine Books in 1967 so that it could be published in schools, but this was without Bradbury’s permission, and he later demanded that the original version be restored.
Most recently, the Elizabeth School District in Colorado restricted Fahrenheit 451 in 2025, requiring parental permission to read the novella. A federal judge intervened to make it accessible to all.
Three Beloved Horror Icons Look Nothing Like You Remember in This Unexpected New Release
Horror fans are getting an unexpected treat this Halloween season, and it has nothing to do with jump scares.
Instead, three of the genre's most recognizable villains are trading terror for teddy bears.
Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween has unveiled a new line of officially licensed Teddy Terrors collectibles, reimagining some of horror's most infamous characters as plush keepsakes designed for collectors. While the villains may be known for haunting moviegoers, their latest look is far more cuddly than creepy.
Leading the lineup is Pennywise from It, transformed into a chocolate-brown teddy bear wearing the killer clown's signature gray costume. The plush even includes a removable Pennywise mask, giving fans the option to display the collectible with or without the iconic face.
Also joining the collection is Ghost Face, the masked slasher from the Scream franchise. The plush features a golden teddy bear dressed in Ghost Face's unmistakable black cloak, complete with a removable mask that instantly makes the character recognizable to horror fans.
Rounding out the trio is Art the Clown, the terrifying antagonist from the Terrifier films. The silent killer has been recreated in teddy bear form with his familiar black-and-white clown costume and a removable clown mask, making for perhaps the most unexpected transformation of the bunch.
The collectibles reflect a growing trend among horror fans, who have increasingly embraced nostalgic merchandise that celebrates classic characters in playful new ways. Rather than simply displaying posters or movie replicas, collectors are adding stylized figures, plush toys and other unexpected memorabilia inspired by their favorite franchises.
Each Teddy Terrors plush is officially licensed and priced at $49.99.
The collection launches July 7 through Spirit Halloween's online store while supplies last, and given the popularity of limited-edition horror collectibles, fans may not want to wait too long before adding one—or all three—to their shelves.
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Prince Harry Loses Major Tabloid Lawsuit, But the Royal Feud Is Far From Finished
Prince Harry’s long-running, highly public war against the British tabloid press just suffered its most bruising defeat yet.
On Tuesday, a London High Court judge dismissed a privacy lawsuit brought by the Duke of Sussex and a roster of co-claimants, including rock legend Elton John and actress Elizabeth Hurley. The group had accused Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the powerful publisher behind The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday, of running a systemic, decades-long operation of unlawful information gathering.
Harry and his fellow litigants claimed ANL hired private investigators to bug homes, intercept private voicemails, hack phones, and trick bank officials into handing over protected financial data.
ANL dug in, calling the accusations "preposterous" and maintaining that its reporters dug up stories using old-fashioned journalism, legitimate inside sources, and royal aides.
On Tuesday, the court agreed with the publisher. Mr. Justice Nicklin handed down the written judgment remotely, ending this chapter of Harry’s legal crusade without a word spoken in court.
While his legal team processed the legal defeat, the Duke was out on the pavement in London, attending a charity event. Dressed in a sharp suit, Harry smiled and waved to crowds of onlookers, a contrast to the legal ramifications landing in his lawyers' inboxes.
For Harry, the fight is personal. He has spent the last several years launching multiple legal offensives against the UK media, an industry he blames for the paparazzi that followed his mother, Princess Diana, and the atmosphere that eventually drove him, wife Meghan Markle and son Prince Archie to flee to California. He vowed to make reforming the British press his life's work.
Tuesday's ruling proves that the crusade faces a steep uphill battle. British privacy laws carry exceptionally high burdens of proof, and ANL’s legal team successfully argued that the claims lacked sufficient merit to prove the information was gathered unlawfully, with the judge noting the stories could realistically have come from legitimate sources.
The ruling is a victory for Associated Newspapers, which has argued that Harry's legal campaign is an infringement on free speech. Harry’s legal team has already hinted at an appeal, ensuring this royal feud with the press will continue.
Simone Biles Shuts Down Question About Taylor Swift Wedding Invite With One Perfect Response
Simone Biles isn't letting strangers on the internet decide who belongs onTaylor Swift's wedding guest list.
After attending Swift and Travis Kelce's star-studded wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 3 with her husband, Jonathan Owens, the Olympic gymnast found herself responding to one fan who questioned why she had been invited in the first place.
Sharing a carousel of photos from the celebration, Biles wrote, "The perfect love story, followed by the perfect nighTT."
While many fans celebrated the glamorous snapshots, one commenter asked, "When has Simone Biles and Taylor Swift even spoken to each other?😂"
Biles wasted no time shutting down the speculation: "Remember this, I only show y’all what I want y’all to know," she replied.
View this post on InstagramOthers were more focused on the 29-year-old’s stunning gown, which was a deep red and featured gem-like accents all over.
“i can’t seem to pick my jaw up off the ground,” her sisterAdria Biles wrote.
“There are so many optical illusions in that gown - like it’s an AI-generated image. Absolute magic. You both look so perfectly stunning. Always pushing the limits beyond,” another noted.
“This look is everythingggggg!! 🔥” said another.
Owens, 30, shared even more photos from the evening on his Instagram, writing, "What a night ❤️ So grateful to be able to witness such a beautiful ceremony with so many amazing people. We love to celebrate love, a night we’ll truly never forget 🤞🏽 Congratulations to the couple!!! #T&T."
Biles recently suffered a severe medical scareThe wedding marked one of Biles' first public outings following a frightening health scare just weeks earlier. In June, the gymnast revealed she had experienced "a serious medical emergency" that "could have ended very differently." After sharing vacation photos from Belize, some social media users criticized her for traveling so soon. Biles didn't shy away from responding then, either.
"Ugh these comments make me sad. a little over two weeks ago, I experienced a serious medical emergency that could have ended very differently, and this trip has been part of allowing myself to heal & appreciate being here," she wrote, later adding to another commenter, "I don't owe you anything but have you ever heard of non alcoholic drinks."
Related: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Wedding Featured Performances by Two Music Legends
Why Ryan Seacrest Revoked His RSVP to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Wedding
Ryan Seacrest had to revoke his "yes" RSVP to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Madison Square Garden wedding.
TheWheel of Fortunehost, 51, revealed on the Monday, July 6, episode of On Air with Ryan Seacrest that while he was initially meant to be in attendance as the Grammy-winning artist and NFL player said their "I dos" on Friday, July 3, he had to cancel due to a work commitment.
"Travis and Taylor got married, and I had to keep a secret from you," Seacrest admitted to co-hosts Tanya Rad and Sisanie Villaclara. "I had to keep a secret. It was a confidential invitation to everybody that was invited. And so when you were doing your reports about the wedding, I was just on the inside screaming, on the outside very composed."
He continued, "I RSVP’d to go, and then Disney hired me to do the Fourth of July 250 special on the 3rd and the 4th, and so I had to cancel."
While Villaclara joked that Seacrest's invitation was a "waste," he countered, "It wasn’t a waste. I was actually really excited."
"I was kind of torn," he continued. "I went through the minutes, I couldn’t have done both. And the actual wedding was in the afternoon. I went through the minutes! But I was so honored and thrilled to be invited."
After his initial RSVP, Seacrest revealed that he even ran into Swift and Kelce at dinner, where they cryptically discussed "the event" and he confirmed that he would be there to celebrate with him.
View this post on Instagram"I RSVP’d ‘yes,’ I saw them a couple of weeks later to confirm, then I had to cancel," the American Idolhost lamented. "But I really had no choice. That’s part of my job at Disney, to do these things, so..."
While Seacrest couldn't be there to witness the couple's nuptials in person, he made sure to wish them well, adding, "We give them a shoutout on the show."
40 Years Ago Today, David Lee Roth Stepped Out of Van Halen’s Shadow With a Bold Solo Debut
On July 7, 1986, David Lee Roth released his breakout solo album, Eat ‘Em and Smile. Two years after his unceremonious exit from Van Halen and a year after a quickie EP release (Crazy From the Heat), the singer’s solo album debut soared to No. 4 on Billboard’s 200 album chart and spawned two hit singles, "Yankee Rose” and “Goin’ Crazy.”
Forty years later, Roth’s dynamic debut remains an iconic moment in rock history and one that fans still remember fondly as they celebrate its anniversary milestone.
On Instagram, one fan described the album as “pure ‘80s fun” and recalled the “crazy” MTV music videos that accompanied it.
“The album was bittersweet for me because I loved Van Halen. David came through big time with this album and created his own mini genre. I developed a new level of respect for him as an artist. Happy anniversary to this classic,” another fan wrote.
“An album that greatly inspired us,” added another. ”Dave put that band together like he was assembling the Avengers, and came out with an absolute 10/10 album.”
RELATED: 1982 Power Ballad Written by Rock Legends Became Iconic Band’s Only Top 40 Hit
Roth’s solo band featured an all-star lineup with guitarist Steve Vai, bass player Billy Sheehan, and drummer Gregg Bissonette.
The first single, “Yankee Rose” features a major trick, with Vai “talking” to Roth via his guitar before the former Van Halen frontman announces his return with, “Guess who's back in circulation / Well, I don't know what you may have heard.”
In addition to “Yankee Rose” and “Goin’ Crazy,” the track list includes “Shyboy,” "I'm Easy,” "Ladies' Nite in Buffalo?,” “Tobacco Road,” "Elephant Gun," “Big Trouble,” "Bump and Grind,” and “That's Life,” a cover of the Frank Sinatra classic.
Roth talked about the theme for Eat ‘Em and Smile in a vintage interview posted by Songkick.
“Got the brand new album Eat ‘Em and Smile,” he shared in the 1986 interview. “Woo, that can mean five, six different things and they're probably all banned but that's America, man, that's what it's all about. It's like it's an attitude, Eat ‘Em and Smile. It’s both positive and it's aggressive, and I don't know, maybe it's a lifestyle.”
As for the band formed for the album, Vai told Guitar World the foursome had unbelievable chemistry and dodged comparisons to Roth’s former bandmates, most notably guitar legend Eddie Van Halen.
“My mindset was simply to contribute something authentic, be myself and let that speak for itself, ” he shared. “Once the album came out and we hit the road, the reception was fantastic. I didn’t feel the backlash people warned me about. I think fans realize you can’t replace Edward; you can only bring your own voice.”
“He was a handful in the best possible way,” Vai added of Roth. "Working with him was like being strapped to a rocket made of charisma and fueled by tequila.”
'The Odyssey' Gets First Round of Reviews – Critics Are Raving About the Hottest Movie of the Summer
After months of avid anticipation from mainstream audience members, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has officially arrived, launching its first premier screening for a limited lineup of critics.
And if the early reaction is any indication, Nolan's latest epic has been well worth the wait.
With the initial response to the film overwhelmingly positive, many critics called The Odyssey a surefire Oscar contender, praising its scope, creative vision, ensemble cast and altogether breathtaking visuals.
“A filmmaking feast,” deemed Collider (via Variety). “A grand and gripping rendition of Homer’s epic, and one that feels uniquely Christopher Nolan. It’s sincerely hard to imagine any other filmmaker on the planet being able to bring that source material to screen with this much scale, scope and heart.”
"Matt Damon leads with grit, while Tom Holland brings the sensitivity and heart…," agreed Variety. "It’s another hit for Nolan, one his die-hards will digest for decades to come.”
"Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is flawless filmmaking, every inch as epic as you'd expect," added another critic. "Leading a stellar cast, Matt Damon gives Odysseus everything in a career-best powerhouse performance. Robert Pattinson is outstanding as Antinous and John Leguizamo's Eumaeus is sublime."
Nolan's sprawling follow-up to the equally well-received Oppenheimer, The Odyssey follows the ancient Greek warrior Odysseus (Damon) as he ventures home from a decade-long stint in the Trojan War. Crossing the sea, he encounters all manner of gods, monsters and other enigmatic figures who hamper his journey, all the while his son (Holland) tries to stop his mother (Anne Hathaway) from taking on a conniving new suitor (Pattinson).
Featuring a massive ensemble cast that includes Damon, Holland, Hathaway, Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, Travis Scott and Elliot Page, The Odyssey arrives in theaters nationwide on July 17, giving viewers plenty of reason to celebrate this summer season.
'General Hospital' EP Explains Ryan Paevey's Exit, Reveals Cassius' Fate
Ryan Paevey is once again bidding General Hospital farewell.
The actor's most recent exit from the ABC soap opera came during the Monday, July 6, episode, as the fate of his character, Cassius Faison, was revealed following a dramatic shootout that killed Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
While Cassius was initially presumed dead in the shootout, it was revealed in Monday's episode that he was alive and in World Security Bureau custody, with his final scene ending with a job offer from Z (John Oliver).
“Ryan’s return was always planned as a short-term arc,” executive producer Frank Valentini told TV Insider of Paevey's exit. “He did incredible work, and we loved having him back.”
As for where the show left Cassius at the end of his recent arc, Valentini teased, "The door is always open for him to return."
Paevey first joined General Hospital in 2013 as the heroic detective Nathan West, who was shot dead in the line of duty back in 2018. When Paevey returned to the daytime drama almost a decade later, it was as Nathan's previously unknown twin brother, Cassius.
"We started talking a little bit about what he had in the works for story, and would I be willing to come back for a little bit?" Paevey recalled to TV Insider of his decision to return in 2025. "The initial conversations were about really short periods of time, and I was like, ‘OK, well, look, if we’re going to do this, let’s really do it. I don’t want to come back for three weeks and be a ghost.’"
Paevey was also solidly against doing a "resurrection story" for Nathan, leading to the Cassius twin arc.
"This was the role I came back to play," Paevey told Soap Opera Digest in April 2026. "Cassius is basically Nathan turned on his heels. He has to be similar enough to Nathan that it’s feasible, that it’s believable that people were fooled. He looks like Nathan, he kind of sounds like Nathan—the camouflage is viable, so to speak. I mean, we are twins. But there are some differences."
Martha Stewart's 'Luxe' Linen-Blend Blackout Curtains Are an Easy Way to Filter Out the Summer Sun
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A quick home upgrade can instantly make a room feel more inviting. If you're looking to change up the light in your living space, check out Martha Stewart's Westchester Blackout Curtains. They're one of those unexpectedly impactful home finds, especially now that they're just $71 with the code BARBEQUE at JCPenney.
These "luxe" panels do more than block out early morning sunlight or nosy neighbors. They also "brighten a room," according to shoppers, with their soft linen touch and understated elegance. Shop them while they're on sale and create a cozy, welcoming space that feels like a retreat.
Martha Stewart Westchester Grommet Top Blackout Curtains, From $71 (was $95) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenneyThese curtains have a casual, contemporary vibe, finished with a subtle linen texture that feels breezy yet sophisticated. Available in classic solids like white, linen, or natural with a delicate floral print, they're designed to work with almost any decor style.
The 50-inch width provides generous coverage, and the length options (84, 95, or 108 inches tall) will fit all standard window sizes. The sleek nickel grommets add a modern touch and make them easy to slide open and closed.
These curtains are more than just pretty drapes though. The blackout lining is a game-changer, blocking out light, noise, and drafts to enhance sleep quality and create a cozy, restful space. Whether you're a late sleeper, a movie marathoner, or just want to keep your room cool and private, these panels deliver serious comfort.
Reviewers raved about how well they darkened the room and helped with temperature control, calling them equally "durable" and "beautiful." One even described it as "absolutely perfect," noting the "quality fabric" and "gorgeous" look.
Installation is a breeze thanks to the grommet-top construction. Just slide them onto your curtain rod. Because each panel is sold separately, you can customize your window coverage to fit anything from a cozy nook to a grand living room bay window.
They're easy to care for. Made from a blend of 93% polyester and 7% linen, these panels are machine washable, so you can keep them looking fresh and new without the hassle of dry cleaning. The durable woven fabric drapes beautifully, holding its shape and color through countless washes.
With their chic look, practical features, and glowing reviews, these Martha Stewart curtains offer an affordable way to enjoy luxury and comfort. At $71 a panel, they deliver the kind of cozy, luxe upgrade you'll notice every single day, especially when you wake up to a perfectly dark, peaceful room (or finally get that afternoon nap you've been craving).
Shop More Deals- Martha Stewart Charlemont 12-Piece Cookware Set, $71 (was $79) at Walmart
- Martha Stewart Hampton Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug, $61 (was $76) at Walmart
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Ready to add a dash of Martha Stewart-approved comfort and style to your space? These $71 blackout curtains are a great finishing touch to any room, so grab yours while they're on sale!
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