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Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston is sharing his characteristically humble thoughts about The New York Times recently naming Breaking Bad as the top TV series of the 21st century yet.

As reported by People magazine, the 70-year-old actor was recently asked about the unique honor, with Breaking Bad topping other influential series like The Wire, Mad Men and Game of Thrones to take home the newspaper’s top spot on the list.

“I’m exceedingly proud of that,” Cranston said. “That’s something that’s voted on. That’s bestowed upon us as the collective who had something to do with that show.”

Among the most influential TV series of the past 20 years, Breaking Bad famously starred Cranston as Walter White, an ordinary high school science teacher who becomes a ruthless drug lord after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Debuting on AMC in 2008, the series came to an official conclusion in 2013.

Over the course of the series, Cranston and his fellow cast and crew on the show won a myriad of prestigious accolades, winning 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes and two Peabody Awards, among many others.

For his central role in the series, Cranston personally won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

“Breaking Bad was full of technical problem-solving — that was the chemical engine that fueled the ever-accelerating plot,” the newspaper wrote. “But what made the show incomparable was its humanistic moral investigation, centered on how Walter, a cancer-stricken nebbish with medical bills, descended into villainy. (Or, maybe, how the thrill and glory of criminal success uncloaked the villain always within him.)”

“Exquisitely performed, meticulously shot, Breaking Bad grew from its nerd-criminal premise into a sweeping American story of greed and hubris,” NYT continued. “Yes, there was a science to the show’s thrills and heartbreak. But above all, there was art.”

Nobody told Liam Neeson that Harvey Weinstein had recut his movie. He found out anyway, and he showed up.

That’s the story former studio marketing chief Gerry Rich tells in his new memoir, Chasing Hollywood: A Marketing Chief’s Lessons on Breaking Through, which comes out Tuesday, Oct. 13. Rich says he ended up standing right between them.

The movie was Ethan Frome, a period drama Miramax released on March 12, 1993. Neeson, now 74, starred alongside Patricia Arquette, with John Madden directing.

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According to Rich, Weinstein recut the film without telling Neeson, Arquette or Madden. Then he set up a screening to try to gain leverage, an advance look at the book reveals.

Neeson got wind of it and stormed into the screening at Robert De Niro‘s Tribeca Film Center.

“You don’t want to do this, Harvey!” he shouted, Rich writes.

“I do what I want. I’m a millionaire!” Weinstein yelled back.

Neeson looked at him “perplexed,” Rich writes, before firing back: “I’m a millionaire too. What does that matter? You don’t want to fight me.”

Nobody threw a punch. Cooler heads prevailed, with Rich helping keep the peace, according to the book.

The blowup made the gossip pages at the time, too. Weinstein told a New York gossip column back then that “tempers did flare,” but insisted, “If you think I’m stupid enough to shove Liam, I’m not.”

Related: Late Actress, a Beloved ’90s Icon, Would Have Been 63 Today

All that drama, and Ethan Frome came and went. It grossed $296,081 in North American theaters, according to box office records.

That same year, Neeson starred in Schindler’s List.

Rich ran marketing at studios including Columbia Pictures, Miramax, MGM, Paramount and United Artists, according to his publisher. He worked on The Crying Game, the James Bond films and Iron Man.

His book also takes readers along for some Jackass-era mischief with Johnny Knoxville and Drew Barrymore.

Weinstein, meanwhile, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Sept. 23.

Next: Michael Douglas Reveals He ‘Fell Very Hard’ for ‘Basic Instinct’ Co-Star He Considered Leaving His Wife For: ‘I Was Crazy About Her’

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With the holidays fast approaching, it’s a great time to give your home a deep clean and get it in prime condition for all your seasonal hosting plans. Organizing to keep your home streamlined and decluttered is an essential part of the process. If you currently have miscellaneous items sprawled around your home without a designated storage area, you may want to consider adding a storage cabinet or buffet to your living space. 

The ideal storage cabinet should seamlessly blend style and functionality, and pieces that lend themselves to the farmhouse aesthetic strike the perfect balance. There’s just something special about the farmhouse aesthetic — it can instantly make your home feel cozy and inviting while elevating the style of your living space. 

Looking to organize your home in a chic way this season? We rounded up three stylish and sleek farmhouse storage cabinets that you can use to organize your bathroom, living room, and every room in between. They’ll bring functionality to your living space while simultaneously sprucing it up. Read on to check out these cabinets that are on sale starting at just $67! 

Courtesy of Walmart

Boasting four drawers on one side and a tall cabinet on the other, this storage piece is a dream for organization in any room. Each drawer is 7.5 inches wide, 6 inches tall, and 9.5 inches deep, offering an ample amount of room to store everything from skincare products to miscellaneous trinkets and gadgets.

The side cabinet features a shelf, splitting it into two tiers. It’s ideal for stowing away larger and bulkier items like linens, cleaning supplies, and everything in between. The door of the cabinet is held secure by a magnetic closure, keeping everything inside safe. The structure is accented by vertical panels to really drive home the farmhouse charm.

This storage cabinet is made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and engineered wood, and several shoppers raved about how sturdy it is. Measuring a total of 32.5 inches tall, 21.5 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, this piece is ideal for both small and large spaces alike, according to reviewers. “It holds everything I need without having to display it,” one customer commented. “It fit perfectly into a small space.”

This freestanding cabinet is incredibly sturdy and customizable to the unique needs of your home. Made from engineered wood and divided into two sections, this piece features a roomy top drawer and larger storage area underneath behind two charming slatted doors. Inside, there’s an adjustable shelf that you can move between three positions, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Whether you use it for towels in the bathroom, pantry items in the kitchen, or cleaning supplies in the laundry room, this cabinet is an easy way to add stylish storage to any part of the house. Because it’s relatively compact — measuring 31.5 inches tall, about 24 inches wide, and about 12 inches deep — it won’t overwhelm small spaces, either. Shop it in gray, washed gray, white, black, and wood-tone hues.

Courtesy of Walmart

For those with a larger living space and room to spare, this buffet cabinet would make a lovely addition to your home. With X-shaped panels and a sleek silhouette, this cabinet proves that organizing can be chic and stylish. While the panels already lend themselves to the farmhouse aesthetic, certain styles of this cabinet also feature an exposed wood grain finish that adds an even more rustic look. 

This 55-inch-wide buffet cabinet offers a plethora of storage options, with three drawers at the top and three cabinets at the bottom. It’s made from engineered wood with a generous 275-pound weight capacity. You can use this buffet to create your dream coffee bar, or use it to hold appliances that are currently cluttering your countertops. However, this cabinet isn’t just limited to kitchen and dining room use. Shoppers mentioned that they use it in the living room as a TV console, craft room, and more! 

“It is very pretty and is perfect in my craft room,” one reviewer said, “It can hold supplies and can also be used as a workspace.”

Related: Walmart Is Selling ‘Adorable’ Pumpkin Pillows for Just $2 — No, That’s Not a Typo

Want to declutter and streamline your home in style? If so, don’t hesitate to head to Walmart and check out these gorgeous farmhouse cabinets that are currently on sale starting at just $67!

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.

Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn‘s adorable twin daughters, Charlie and Dolly, are so sweet getting ready for homecoming alongside their proud dad.

O’Connell, 52, played Vern Tessio in the beloved 1986 film Stand by Me, but his rise to stardom goes far beyond his childhood years. He found success in the cult-favorite sci-fi series Sliders, and hit the film world with Scream 2. One of his successful recent roles is as a panelist on the chat show The Talk. But despite all his roles in the entertainment world, O’Connell has made it clear that being a devoted dad to his 17-year-old twins, Charlie and Dolly, is his favorite role ever. In a sweet new photo alongside the dynamic duo, O’Connell smiled as they got ready to head to the big school dance.

“HOCO ’26 is for the dads too! Happy HOCO ladies!” O’Connell captioned the sweet photos, which showed Charlie and Dolly with a friend and another proud dad.

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Paul Archuleta / Getty Images

During his appearance last year on Kelly Ripa’s podcast, Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, O’Connell explained that while some parents supply their teen children with alcohol, that’s a no-go in his household.

“I saw some kids lying on my floor, and I was like, ‘Listen, are those kids okay? Is that fentanyl?’ And [his daughters] were like, ‘No. They just take edibles.’ And I was like, ‘Okay. I don’t wanna see it. I don’t wanna know about it’ because I am not one of those parents,” O’Connell shared. “There are parents in my neighborhood who supply these kids with booze, and I am not that parent, and I don’t adhere to that.”

O’Connell shared that the parents who do supply alcohol think it’s a safer way to protect their kids from getting it elsewhere. However, he’s not cool with it.

“Their thing is like, ‘Well, they’re gonna get the booze elsewhere, better that they get it here.’ But, I gotta tell you, I think these drunk parents just wanna party with these kids, and that’s another level of sick,” he continued.

Related: Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn’s 17-Year-Old Twins Are Shining in Their Senior Photos

If the thought of packing up for endless, carefree getaways whenever the mood strikes sounds like retirement heaven, a cruise line just gave travelers an irresistible way to escape the daily grind.

Margaritaville at Sea has officially introduced its 2027 Annual Cruise Membership, taking its popular “Paradise Pass” concept and supercharging it across the entire fleet through December 31, 2027.

Priced at $2,499 for two adults (and discounted to $1,999 for returning pass holders for a limited time), the pass unlocks unlimited eligible sailings of up to seven nights. When you do the math on standard vacation costs, taking just two or three long weekend sailings practically pays for the entire package—and everything after that is pure bonus ocean time. Even better: purchasing early activates benefits immediately, giving travelers up to 15 full months of spontaneous cruising.

Related: This Wallet-Friendly Cruise Is the Sun-Drenched, Good Vibes Escape We’ve Been Missing

Following the announcement on social media, fans immediately flooded the comment section to express their excitement for the multi-ship pass.

Longtime cruise enthusiasts chimed in, with one commenter sharing, “Yay! My husband and I have been waiting for this!” while another declared, “sign me up 😍😍😍😍.” Others began rallying travel buddies, tagging friends with notes like “@alice.l.howard let’s book a cruise,” while another user pointed out the content potential: “a florida girl with an annual cruise membership would be a very fun series 👀🌴.”

Previous versions of the pass were limited to single-ship escapes, but for the first time, this new pass unlocks the full three-ship lineup, giving travelers an expansive variety of homeports and Caribbean routes:

• Paradise (Port of Palm Beach): Perfect for breezy 3- to 5-night quick getaways heading over to Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, and Key West.
• Islander (Port Tampa Bay): Sailing out of Florida’s Gulf coast on 4- to 7-night adventures bound for Mexico and the Western Caribbean.
• Beachcomber (PortMiami & Galveston): Debuting in 2027 as the line’s newest flagship, the ship will operate out of PortMiami from January through September 2027 before repositioning to Galveston, Texas, in October 2027 for Western Caribbean and Central America sailings.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea’s Newest Ship Is the Ultimate ‘License to Chill’ for the Whole Family

The pass doesn’t just stick you in interior bunk rooms, either. Eligible bookings apply to stateroom tiers up to a Breezy Balcony, letting you soak in private ocean breezes with your morning coffee.

As with any unlimited travel program, standard cruise details apply: members are still responsible for port taxes, fees, gratuities, and onboard incidentals, and select holiday peak periods carry blackout dates.

For retirees, remote workers, and snowbirds with flexible calendars who can hop down to Florida or Texas on short notice, having a prepaid ticket to the islands in your back pocket makes chasing 5 o’clock somewhere simpler than ever.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea Is Going Big in 2028 With Brand-New Bucket-List Destinations

Anne Hathaway may have just finished promoting her new movie Verity, but during the press tour, she had another fictional universe on her mind: Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses.

During an interview with U.K. bookseller Waterstones, the actor revealed she’s read all of Maas’ books and is eagerly awaiting the next release, A Court of Splintered Harmony, which comes out on Oct. 27. But when the conversation turned to which ACOTAR character she’d want to portray onscreen, Hathaway had a surprising answer.

Related: Target Is Going All Out for the New ‘ACOTAR’ Book With Midnight Events and Exclusive Merch

“If I could—I don’t think that I should get cast and I don’t think that I would be great—but I would love to play Nesta,” Hathaway admitted. “The journey that she goes on, where she begins, the transformation, becoming a Valkyrie? I would love the training. But everything about me is wrong for the part.”

Before Hathaway arrived at Nesta Archeron, bossy older sister of main character Feyre Archeron, as her dream ACOTAR role, the actor was a bit stumped, asking the interviewer who she thought the Devil Wears Prada 2 actor should play.

“I think you would be an amazing Amarantha,” the interviewer said, to which Hathaway joked, “OK keeping me in the villain mold, thank you very much. I do love a red lip.”

Related: Target’s New ‘ACOTAR’ Displays Are Already Showing Up in Stores—and Fans Are Losing It

The interviewer also suggested the Weaver, a frightening immortal being who lives in a cottage in the woods in the series, as a role that would suit Hathaway.

“I’m learning a lot about how you think about me,” Hathaway said. “Here I was thinking, ‘What fairy am I beautiful enough to play?’ You’re just like the Weaver.”

“She’s like, the most beautiful one in it,” said the interviewer.

“The Weaver? I guess in my head, she’s not like, beautiful, she’s like old and her breath smells like time,” said Hathaway. “The Weaver’s a couple books back for me, I just ran through the Crescent City series, so the Weaver, I read the summer of 2025 and then consumed all of Crescent City after that. In my mind the Weaver has not much hair on her head and bad breath.”

When the interviewer says, “I’m panicking that I got this all wrong,” Hathaway is quick to smooth things over.

“I’m panicking that I just exposed myself as a lesser Sarah J. Maas fan, so we’re both in a panic. This interview is going great,” she laughed, leading the interviewer to realize they’d run out of time and had barely discussed Verity during the interview.

“That’s OK,” said Hathaway. “We’re talking about very important things… so I feel like this was a win, and we’re both slightly panicked that we’re about to get canceled by the Sarah J. Maas community so this interview went places.”

The 7UP holiday soda flavor that has flown off shelves year after year is officially back in stock.

Earlier this year and again last week, the Keurig Dr Pepper company reminded fans that its cult-favorite 7UP Shirley Temple would be returning this year, but it never specified its release. It only shared that it would be launching ahead of the upcoming 7UP Miami Vice flavor, which is set to launch as another limited-run flavor sometime in summer 2027.

Fast-forward to this morning, and the soft drink giant revealed when it should officially be on shelves in both Regular and Zero Sugar varieties.

Beginning today (Monday, Oct. 12), the nostalgia-inducing 7UP flavor is expected to be on shelves at stores big and small nationwide. And we’re told its return is due in part to fans’ overwhelmingly positive response.

Related: 7UP Is Now an Energy Drink Thanks to a First-Ever Collab

Those new to the soda, which launched in 2024 and is inspired by the beloved mocktail of the same name, should expect the crisp, refreshing taste of 7UP with sweet cherry and pomegranate flavors. Reviewers call it “better than the original.”

Those looking to stock up on the Shirley Temple flavor before it disappears again should be able to find the full-sugar and sugar-free versions at regular 7UP retailers (such as Costco, Target, Walmart, major grocery and convenience retailers), in 12 or 24-packs of 12-ounce cans and 10-packs of 7.5-ounce mini cans (except for the Zero Sugar, which is only available in full-size cans; prices may vary).

Next: Coca-Cola’s Fan-Favorite Holiday Flavor Is Officially Coming Back for the 2026 Season

Mariska Hargitay traded the streets of New York City for the soccer pitch this weekend, taking on a special new role with the U.S. Women’s National Team.

The Law & Order: SVU star served as Purina’s Honorary Captain when the USWNT faced Spain at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 10. Hargitay joined the team as part of an effort to raise awareness for domestic violence survivors and their pets during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Hargitay participated in the pre-match coin toss and met USWNT star Rose Lavelle during her appearance. She was also joined on the field by Cassidy, a 75-pound Golden Retriever and Pet Partners therapy dog, and Cassidy’s handler, Patrice “Pat” Eller.

Purina

Cassidy and Eller are part of a therapy team that provides support to children who may be called to testify in court, helping give them comfort during what can be an intimidating and difficult experience.

Hargitay’s appearance supported the Purple Leash Project, an initiative from Purina in partnership with nonprofit RedRover that works to help domestic violence survivors find safety without having to leave their pets behind.

According to Purina, only 20 percent of domestic violence shelters currently allow pets, while 48 percent of survivors delay leaving an abusive situation because they cannot bring their pets with them. The Purple Leash Project provides grants to help shelters create pet-friendly spaces, arrange pet housing, purchase supplies and cover necessary veterinary care.

“Seeing the Purple Leash Project take the field helped turn the stadium into a powerful show of support for survivors and the pets they love,” Hargitay said.

The actress added that she was “honored” to continue working with Purina during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and help draw attention to the need for more pet-friendly safe spaces where survivors and their animals can remain together.

Hargitay has long been an advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Her latest appearance brought that advocacy to an entirely different audience, putting the Purple Leash Project’s message in front of soccer fans.

Fans can also support the initiative through a limited-edition soccer scarf created by Purina in partnership with U.S. Soccer. One hundred percent of each purchase is donated to RedRover to support the Purple Leash Project.

Since its launch, the Purple Leash Project has provided nearly 70 grants totaling more than $2.2 million across more than 30 states. Purina says its goal is to help provide 1 million safe nights for domestic violence survivors and their pets by the end of 2030.

Related: ‘Law & Order: SVU’s’ Mariska Hargitay Has Found Her ‘Soul Sister’ and Fans Are Losing It

While many horror movies deliver short-lived scares that quickly fade, a special few succeed by burning themselves into viewers’ brains. Director Scott Derrickson’s hit film, Sinister, is one of those unforgettable nightmares. The film premiered in theaters 14 years ago today, but after all this time, it has not lost its ability to get viewers’ hearts pumping.

The movie stars Ethan Hawke as a true-crime writer who researches the murders that took place at his new home. After discovering a series of snuff films hidden in the house, he and his family find themselves threatened by a supernatural entity.

The film came out seven years after Derrickson directed The Exorcism of Emily Rose, another horror movie considered one of cinema’s scariest by the Chicago Film Critics Association. Sinister is also one of many horror classics produced by Blumhouse, which also gave the world Insidious, Paranormal Activity, Get Out, and Obsession.

Though it’s not as iconic as films like Psycho, The Exorcist, or The Shining, scientists have ranked Sinister as the most frightening film ever made. In a 2020 study conducted by Broadband Choices, 50 participants watched over 100 hours of scary movies while researchers tracked their heart rates. The study found the average heart rate peaked at 86 BPM while watching Sinister.

Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment

Sinister gets under viewers’ skin with its frightening atmosphere, narrative, and musical score. Although the movie relies heavily on jump scares, it features some of the most terrifying moments in modern horror. It adds frightening realism with its grainy, home movie-style footage of families getting brutally murdered. Who can forget watching that video with the lawnmower?

Sinister made $82.5 million in theaters on a $3 million budget, according to Box Office Mojo. It also holds a 64% “Fresh” rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie led to a sequel, Sinister 2, though the follow-up failed to match the original’s terrifying success.

As the back and forth continues between Kelly Clarkson and the Brooklyn art store she was reportedly refused service from, fans are sharing some surprising new opinions about the entire incident.

Above all else, most casual observers are jumping in to criticize Clarkson about the whole affair, calling Clarkson out of touch and spoiled compared to the average person.

On one Instagram post reporting on the incident, several users shared their negative appraisal of the incident and Clarkson in particular.

“Not being able to buy a $15k porcelain bird while the world is literally starving is sounding like ‘my steak is too juicy and my lobster is too buttery,'” one account said.

“Entitled celebrities hate being told no,” another user wrote.

“Wow, what a struggle in life!” a third account said. “This will make her a better person with courage and integrity.”

On Facebook, several other users similarly slammed Clarkson for her behavior.

“She loves using generative AI so who cares?” one Facebook user said, referencing Clarkson’s controversial acceptance of AI in the entertainment industry. “She’s rich and doesn’t care about anyone else but herself.”

“Somebody give this woman a cause worth fighting for,” another account wrote. “Maybe destroying rude minimum wage workers is just the best cause she can come up with.”

These comments come amidst Clarkson’s ongoing showdown with a Brooklyn art store that allegedly refused to sell her a singing bird she attempted to purchase, with Clarkson saying the store’s staff “looked at [her] as if I couldn’t afford it.”

“The negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop,” the store, Art of Play, later responded to Clarkson’s claims (via Entertainment Weekly). “At Art of Play whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome.”

“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” the store continued. “It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity. We’re going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday.”

Reacting to the store’s response, Clarkson doubled down on her criticisms around the shop, calling them “not only rude, but liars.”

“I love small businesses and know they are important and I always support them, but you don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business,” Clarkson fired back.

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If your front porch could use a little love before Thanksgiving, you don’t have to go all out with decor to make it feel more welcoming. Sometimes something as simple as swapping out your old doormat can make a difference, especially when it has a beautiful braided design like this one from Joanna Gaines‘ home decor collection. And right now, the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Braided Doormat is on clearance at Target for just $21, down from $25, making it the perfect time to snag one.

This rectangular doormat measures 18 by 30 inches and features a textured braided pattern in natural brown tones, with a slightly scalloped edge for a charming, vintage-inspired look. It’s made of 100% coir, which is a natural fiber derived from coconut husks, and has a latex backing to keep it from budging. As a bonus, its thick, high-pile surface catches dirt and debris from shoes before they make it inside, and you can just shake out the mat whenever it needs cleaning.

Courtesy of Target

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now’s a great time to give your entryway a little seasonal refresh. Unlike doormats covered in pumpkins or holiday greetings, this one has a timeless design that you won’t feel the need to pack away once November ends. Plus, it’s a practical addition when everyone’s tracking fallen leaves onto your porch.

One shopper called it “so pretty,” while another wrote, “It feels very durable and has a rougher finish, which will help with mud and dirt.” Someone else described it as “high-quality” and “gorgeous,” noting that the neutral color pairs well with just about everything.  Another reviewer mentioned, “The size of this mat is perfect for a garage entrance.”

Related: Walmart’s ‘Adorable’ $11 Fall Doormat Gives Your Porch an Easy Autumn Refresh

For a cute fall setup, you could place the doormat in front of your door with a couple of pumpkins and a seasonal wreath. Then once Thanksgiving is over, you could swap the pumpkins for mini Christmas trees or festive greenery without having to change the mat itself. It would also look great on a covered porch alongside a wooden bench or a few potted mums.

• Gorilla Grip Door Mat, $20 (was $35) at Target
• Personalization Mall Bone-Jour Halloween Doormat, $20 (was $40) at Target
• Personalization Mall Happy Fall Y’all Doormat, $20 (was $40) at Target

If you’ve been meaning to replace that worn-out doormat by your front door, this is a great excuse to finally do it. The Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Braided Doormat is an easy upgrade that can make a difference, and who doesn’t love finding a Joanna Gaines piece on clearance? Get one from Target before the price goes back up.

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.

How many times have you sat down on the couch after a grueling week, picked up a book or turned on a movie and immediately felt an overwhelming wave of restlessness? Instead of settling into a state of calm, your brain kicks into overdrive. You start mentally cataloging every unread email, every unfinished chore and every potential task you should be tackling instead. Before you know it, you are standing back up, folding laundry or checking your work calendar, telling yourself, “I just can’t relax.”

If that scenario feels painfully familiar, you are far from alone. In today’s hyper-connected, high-pressure world, the inability to unwind is often brushed off as a simple character trait, a high-achieving work ethic or just the reality of a busy life. But mental health experts warn that constant internal friction is frequently something much deeper: high-functioning anxiety.

Unlike classic manifestations of anxiety that might cause someone to withdraw, freeze or struggle with day-to-day responsibilities, high-functioning anxiety often looks like success on the outside. You get things done, meet your deadlines, maintain your relationships and likely appear remarkably composed to everyone around you. Yet underneath that poised exterior is a relentless engine of worry, perfectionism and fear. When your nervous system is stuck in drive, sitting still feels less like a reward and more like a threat.

Understanding why your brain resists downtime is the first step toward reclaiming your peace. Here is why the phrase “I can’t relax” is such a major red flag, along with expert-backed strategies to help you break the cycle of constant “doing.”

Related: 6 Subtle Traits of People Who Often Catastrophize, According to Psychologists

When you live with high-functioning anxiety, your productivity isn’t always fueled by motivation—it is often fueled by fear. You might worry that if you slow down, even for a moment, the ball will drop, your flaws will be exposed or failure will catch up with you.

“This is a reflection of high-functioning anxiety because the part of you that must be ‘doing’ something never quite turns off. It’s like there’s a checklist running in your mind that keeps you in a state of vigilance, making true relaxation feel impossible,” psychologist Dr. Patricia Dixon explained to Parade in a previous article about high-functioning anxiety.

Related: Is There a Danger To Watching Too Many True Crime Docs? Psychologists Say It Could Be an Insidious Form of ‘Numbing’

This hypervigilance creates a cycle where busyness becomes a defense mechanism. Staying active keeps you distracted from the uncomfortable physical and emotional sensations of anxiety. When you finally pause, those suppressed anxious thoughts surface all at once. Your mind interprets that sudden stillness as uncomfortable, driving you right back to action to regain control. Over time, this constant state of fight-or-flight takes a heavy toll, leading to mental exhaustion, physical tension and eventual burnout.

Related: An Organizational Psychologist Is Begging High-Achievers To Adopt ‘The 10% Buffer’ Mindset

If you are tired of feeling like your brain won’t allow you to take a break, psychologists recommend shifting away from constant doing and adopting gentle, intentional practices to retrain your nervous system.

If sitting on the couch feels uncomfortable or unproductive, stop forcing yourself into passive rest right away. Instead, engage in “active recovery” activities that absorb just enough mental energy to keep your mind anchored without causing stress.

Try taking a mindful walk without headphones, doing light stretching, gardening or engaging in a simple tactile hobby like coloring or cooking. This bridges the gap between hyper-productivity and complete stillness, giving your brain a chance to downshift gradually.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Go Quiet When You’re Upset, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Instead of fighting the anxious thoughts that crop up the moment you sit down, practice noticing them without jumping into action.

When your brain tells you, “You should be cleaning the kitchen,” acknowledge the thought like a passing cloud rather than an urgent directive. Tell yourself, “I notice my mind is trying to find something to do, but right now, my job is to rest.”

Allowing anxious feelings to exist without instantly trying to fix or soothe them helps break the illusion that worry equals safety.

Related: Adopting This One Simple Phrase Can Prevent ‘High Achiever Burnout,’ According to Career Experts

If your mind tends to use downtime to rehearse worst-case scenarios, set aside 10 to 15 minutes earlier in the day—a block of time specifically designated as “worry time.” Write down every stressor, task and fear on a piece of paper. When those same worries pop up later in the evening while you are trying to relax, remind yourself that you have already addressed them during your designated window and can return to them tomorrow.

Related: Dr. Deepika Chopra Reveals: ‘Worry Time’ Actually Helps ‘Resolve’ Anxiety

By challenging the urge to constantly produce, you teach your mind a vital lesson: you don’t have to be doing something to be worthy, safe and secure. Real relaxation is a skill—and with time and practice, your nervous system can learn to feel safe in the quiet moments.

Adapted from Parade’s “If You Can Relate to These 9 Phrases, You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety, According to a Psychologist” by Morgan McMurrin

Up Next:

Related: These 7 ‘Bad’ Habits Actually Signal Strong Self-Awareness, Psychologist Says

• Dr. Patricia Dixon is a psychologist as well as a speaker, author and relationship and self-improvement expert.

If you have a cruise booked on a Carnival “Fun Ship” over the coming weeks, what you find on your evening dining table might look a whole lot fresher.

Overhauling a cruise line’s main dining room menu is no small feat—especially when catering to thousands of hungry guests every single evening across dozens of vessels. But Carnival Cruise Line’s fleetwide rollout of its latest evening dinner menus is now entering its home stretch, and brand ambassador John Heald took to social media to give eager cruisers a transparent look at where the refreshed culinary offerings stand right now.

“The latest dinner menus in the dining room have been brilliantly received and tremendously enjoyed by so many,” Heald shared, noting that guest curiosity around ship-by-ship timing prompted him to publish the full operational schedule.

Related: Carnival Announces a Massive Overhaul to Onboard Dining—Here’s What’s Changing

The menu refresh is part of Carnival Cruise Line’s sweeping culinary revolution, “The Next Course”. The fleetwide program aims to elevate guest dining across all vessels by introducing upgraded menu offerings, enhanced convenience, and faster multi-course options like Express Dining.

Highlighted by Carnival President Christine Duffy, the program represents a major investment in guest satisfaction: “Our approach to dining combined with our team’s amazing service is a driving force behind Carnival’s success,” Duffy shared. “Our latest culinary adventure marks a bold step forward to give guests an unforgettable experience with a variety of new vibrant flavors fleetwide.”

If you’re packing your bags for an upcoming voyage, the vast majority of the fleet has already made the switch. The 18 ships currently plating the updated dinner menus include:

• Carnival Magic
• Mardi Gras
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Vista
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Breeze

Related: Carnival’s Next Ship Blends Vintage Hollywood Glam with High-Seas Thrills—Here’s Your First Look

For the remaining vessels awaiting the culinary upgrade, Carnival has mapped out launch dates through late November:

• Carnival Valor: October 17, 2026
• Carnival Horizon: October 18, 2026
• Carnival Paradise: November 5, 2026
• Carnival Freedom: November 7, 2026
• Carnival Legend: November 29, 2026

(Note: While these dates represent the current rollout plan, Carnival points out that operational adjustments can occur).

For passengers sailing aboard Carnival Radiance, Carnival Firenze, or any of the Carnival Australia ships, debut dates remain officially to be announced, with updates expected as schedules are finalized.

Beyond sharing the timeline, Heald offered a candid nod to the logistical heavy lifting behind the scenes.

“Personally, I love the new dinner menus. As always when it comes to food there are subjective opinions,” Heald noted. “I would love to share with you what our Culinary Team have as their per person per day food budget to spend. I can’t, obviously, but if I did I think most of you would be gobsmacked at what that dollar figure is and how they manage to provide such a huge variety of excellent food choices for thousands of us to enjoy every day.”

Whether you find yourself digging into savory braised meats, fresh seafood, or the line’s legendary warm chocolate melting cake, checking your ship’s launch date means you can step into the dining room knowing exactly what culinary lineup awaits.

Related: Carnival Is Putting Its Newest Mega-Ship on Short Sailings Out of a Surging Drive-To Port

Doomscrolling during breakfast? Krusteaz says don’t.

The top-ranked brand of boxed pancake and cornbread mixes is on the side of those who still believe phone use at the table is not only bad manners, but a bad habit that needs to be kicked before it harms your health and it’s enticing those willing to put their phone on pause with a limited-run of phone safes—and a year’s worth of the brand’s Buttermilk Complete Pancake Mix.

Much more secure than “do not disturb” mode, the Krusteaz Pancake Pause Box aims to “serve up more quality meal moments” by offering a dedicated space to literally lock your phone up until the meal is over.

“As our lives become more intertwined with technology, people are craving opportunities to go offline and connect in real life,” Andy Heily, president & CEO of The Krusteaz Company,” explained in a statement. “That’s what the weekend breakfast feeling is all about—slowing down over a stack of pancakes and spending time with the people you care about.”

Related: Toll House Just Launched Its First Advent Calendar in 88 Years

Heily added that the company’s Pancake Pause Box makes it easy to “tune out the digital noise and tune into the conversations and connections that happen naturally around the breakfast table,” because if your phone isn’t accessible in front of you, surely you’re not going to care about who’s DMing you.

Krusteaz

And because you can’t put a price on peace, Krusteaz is making its Pancake Pause Box (and the bulk delivery of pancake mix) available for absolutely free. Getting one, well, that might not be easy, because let’s be real, this sweepstakes is worthwhile for the eight boxes of 32-ounce buttermilk pancake mixes alone.

Those interested in reclaiming quiet time at the table will have to fill out a form on the official sweepstakes website beginning on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 12:00 p.m. EST. Krusteaz warns that you better act fast if you really want it, because the drop is only available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis and winners will be contacted once the giveaway has ended. You may as well set that alarm now!

Next: Pillsbury Fans Are Sold on New Elf Cinnamon Rolls: ‘Sounds Like the Coziest Fall Combo’

Shane Gillis’ Saturday Night Live appearance landed the comedian in hot water with fans. Not only did he drop the “f-bomb” during a “Green Eggs and Ham” sketch, but he also sparked a major backlash after using some harsh language to describe women at the gym. And now Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy is publicly calling him out. 

During a bit on going to the gym, Gillis joked, “I haven’t been to the gym in so long I didn’t know women just dressed like whores now. Look, I’m sorry, there’s no other way to describe…Have you seen it? I’ve seen it. The shorts? Have you seen the shorts?” 

On Sunday night, Levy posted a pointed response on his Instagram Reels to Gillis’ SNL monologue, saying, “Women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them whores. It makes the men calling them whores misogynists. There’s a difference there.”

NBC / Getty Images

He continued, “I’m speechless that something like that can exist on live national television, and to be perfectly honest, more men need to be standing up in opposition to it because it’s complacency that has created the environment with which women are sexually assaulted, and it’s a “conversation” as opposed to a crime.”

The actor added, “Men need to be defending women more. This is not a women’s issue; this is an everybody issue. Because the more that men objectify women in the media, the more that other men see them as objects and treat them as objects. They are not objects. They are superior human beings to men. And I’m sorry if this gets me in trouble with the Internet.”

Fans flocked to Levy’s post, and no, he did not get “in trouble with the Internet.” Instead, the comments supported his position. Jersey Shore’s Jenni “JWoww” Farley responded with a string of clapping hands emojis, while others added their take on Gillis’ supposed joke: “Thank you! Did SNL know what was in his monologue? If so, Lorne Michaels should be held accountable. That line didn’t happen in a vacuum,” and  “Truly tone def episode of SNL given the Cornell discussion, like what?”

“Not sure why I was surprised, but I literally gasped when he said that,” another commenter replied. But the shock didn’t end there. Others continued to praise Levy’s stand-up statement, writing, “This is an EVERYBODY issue. Thank you for saying it louder for those in the back!” and “THIS. Thank you!”

As of now, Gillis has not responded to the backlash or Levy’s criticism.

In the late 1980s, three musicians came together in Montreal, built a following and recorded a collection of songs before life took them in different directions. Nearly four decades later, A Different Brand of Noise is making up for lost time.

The alt-rock trio has released its second album Far More Than Conversation, which is available now on major streaming platforms. The nine-song record is led by the new single “Who Dares.”

Guitarist Robert Ranaldi and bassist Ken Ashdown were already experienced musicians when a chance encounter on a Montreal street rekindled their friendship. Ranaldi had played with Secret Act and Man and Things, while Ashdown had been part of This “Blue Piano” and Ulysses Underwood.

The pair teamed up with drummer Gonzo to form A Different Brand of Noise, quickly developing a following through live shows around Montreal.

In late 1987, the group recorded a demo using an analog four-track. Those recordings eventually circulated as the bootleg Up, Tight and received attention from Montreal’s campus and alternative radio stations.

But after roughly a year and a half together, the musicians went their separate ways as university and steady jobs took priority. Ten songs they had created together remained officially unreleased for decades.

Ranaldi eventually moved to New York, while Ashdown settled in Roberts Creek, British Columbia, and Gonzo stayed in Montreal.

Then the pandemic unexpectedly brought the band back together.

Ashdown contacted his former bandmates, and the trio decided to revisit the music they had made decades earlier. With the members living in different places, they began relearning songs from old rehearsal cassettes and teaching themselves audio production and Logic Pro.

For three years, they traded files remotely until they had completed 19 songs. The first 10 were released on A Different Brand of Noise’s 2025 debut album, Blurry.

Now the remaining nine make up Far More Than Conversation, an album the band describes as exploring everything from sex and drugs to what it calls “incipient societal collapse.”

The lead single “Who Dares” takes aim at income inequality and consumerism, while “Do the Poor” was inspired by a conversation overheard among wealthy teenagers. The latter song ends with members of the Sunshine Coast Children’s Choir.

Other tracks have more personal origins. “Designs” traces its beginnings to what the band describes as a mushroom-fueled afternoon, while “She’s the One” was written in honor of Ranaldi’s childhood sweetheart.

“Pleasure Signs,” “Falling Down Again II” and “Time Will Tell,” meanwhile, nod to the band’s musical influences and the sense of optimism that has survived the decades since the three musicians first played together.

Despite their unlikely reunion and two albums in two years, A Different Brand of Noise isn’t hitting the road just yet. The members are continuing to balance music with careers outside the industry, including work in labor relations and behavioral neuroscience.

For a band that once left 10 songs sitting unheard for decades, however, simply making music together again is quite the second act.

Related: Legendary ’70s Rock Band Gets Major New Recognition 54 Years After Their Debut

In 1976, 10cc’s “The Things We Do for Love” climbed the charts. Fifty years later, the AM radio favorite remains one of the band’s most memorable songs and a yacht rock classic.

Written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman ahead of the album Deceptive Bends, the playful track features a breezy pop-rock melody and a catchy chorus celebrating the silly things people do in the name of love. But the song could have had a much darker meaning.

Speaking with Songfacts in an interview, Gouldman, 80, recalled, “I wrote that song with Eric Stewart. When we started writing that, we had some of the music and he wanted to write a song about suicide. I told him that was not a good idea and fortunately he agreed.”

“He came up with the title ‘The Things We Do For Love,’ which is very up and a great title really. What are the things we do for love? What do you do? What should we do for love?” Gouldman continued.

In an October 2026 interview with PRS for Music, Gouldman revealed that lyrically the song was based on Stewart’s real-life experience of trying to find a pay phone so he could call his partner.

“You’ve got to write [about] what you know, even if it’s disguised,” Gouldman explained. “What you’ve experienced, either good or bad, can really inform your writing, rather than pure fantasy. That’s why there are so many love songs that people adore. We’ve all fallen in and out of love.”

“With a song like ‘The Things We Do For Love’ one of us would start something, then the other would get an idea for the next part,” he added. “Things would happen quickly, which is always a good sign. I remember when we started writing the song that Eric wanted to write the lyrics about a suicide. I said that wasn’t a good idea as the music sounded so upbeat [for that theme], so we changed it.’

RELATED: 1977 No. 1 Soft Rock Hit Became a Career-Defining Classic

“The Things We Do for Love” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it wasn’t a hit in everyone’s mind. Former 10cc band member Kevin Godley hated the song.

“I don’t think Kevin or [former 10cc guitarist] Lol [Creme] would have recorded it.” Gouldman told Rock Cellar magazine. “I know Kevin didn’t like it. Kevin and I, by the way, have always kept in touch with each other and have remained friends, and we’ve recorded together since they left. But he hated it, he absolutely hated it! But we wrote the song and the record’s great. We obviously thought it was good because we wouldn’t have recorded it otherwise.”

Five decades after its release, “The Things We Do for Love” remains a soft rock classic, a fan favorite from a simpler era that has stood the test of time.

Related: Daryl Hall Once Slammed the ‘Yacht Rock’ Label

Eminem is catching heat from fans after teaming up with Kid Rock on a new song, with some critics bringing up the rapper’s famous “line in the sand” declaration as the midterm elections approach.

The Detroit rappers will reunite on “7 Sins,” a track from Kid Rock’s upcoming Christian album, Halfway 2 Jesus, scheduled for release Oct. 17. The collaboration has sparked debate because the longtime friends have publicly expressed opposing political views, with Kid Rock supporting President Donald Trump and Eminem backing Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

On Eminem’s recent Instagram post, which had nothing to do with the collab, fans questioned why he would work with Kid Rock, whose political views have become a point of contention for some of the rapper’s listeners.

“Too bad you sold out and teamed up with kid rock,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “So disappointed you’re doing collab with kid rock 😢 😔”

Others directly referenced Eminem’s 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards cypher, in which he delivered a pointed message to fans who supported Trump, rapping that he was “drawing in the sand a line” and declaring, “you’re either for or against.”

“WHY????? Kid Rock really??? Didn’t you tell fans ‘I’m drawing in the sand a line, you’re either for or against’?” one Instagram user asked.

Another commenter defended the collaboration, writing, “Because he can, and for this exact reason. To show that you can maintain friendships despite political differences. They’ve been friends for over 30 years.”

Kid Rock is opening up about his collaboration with Eminem on his new Christian album, Halfway 2 Jesus, according to The Detroit News. In the album’s foreword, obtained by Complex, Rock praised his longtime friend and said he hoped their ability to maintain a friendship despite political differences would set an example for others.

The pair previously collaborated on “F— Off,” from Kid Rock’s 1998 album Devil Without a Cause. Kid Rock also appeared in Eminem’s 2013 “Berzerk” music video.

With the Nov. 3 midterm elections just 22 days away, the collaboration has reignited questions among fans about whether personal friendships can survive deep political disagreements. Eminem has not publicly addressed the latest criticism.

Brandi Glanville is mourning a devastating family loss as she continues to navigate her own ongoing health struggles.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, 53, announced on Saturday, Oct. 10, that her father, Guy Glanville, had died. He was 77.

“My dad died, I’m gutted I hate this life right now,” Brandi wrote on X, adding a broken heart emoji.

Glanville did not share additional details about her father’s death, and his cause of death has not been publicly announced.

The loss comes months after Glanville revealed that her father had been hospitalized in a cardiac unit for nearly two weeks. In a May 25 post on X, she shared that he had been in the hospital for 13 days and asked followers to pray for him.

“Been completely off the grid,” she wrote at the time, according to Entertainment Weekly, adding that she and her father were both “medical mysteries.”

Glanville has also been dealing with a prolonged health battle of her own. The reality star has spent years searching for answers to a mysterious condition that she says has affected her face and neck. She has described symptoms including facial changes and painful lumps, and has spoken publicly about the frustration of undergoing treatments without finding lasting relief.

Earlier in October, Glanville revealed on her Unfiltered podcast that she was preparing for exploratory surgery as she continued seeking answers about her condition.

The timing of her father’s death adds another difficult chapter to an already challenging period for the reality star.

Glanville and her father had a complicated relationship over the years. The two appeared together on Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars Family Edition in 2018, where they discussed their strained relationship. Although they initially left the experience on good terms, Glanville later said they stopped speaking again after the show aired. Their relationship eventually improved, and Guy publicly defended his daughter amid her conflicts with fellow reality stars.

Following Glanville’s announcement, former Real Housewives of New York City star Sonja Morgan offered her support, writing, “So sorry you are going through this Brandi. Sending love and strength.”

Glanville has not shared further details about her father’s passing. As she grieves, messages of support from friends and fans continue to arrive.

RELATED: Rihanna Says She Has Enough Unreleased Music for 17 Albums

On Sunday, October 11, John Stamos cautioned fans in a social media post that Beach Boys co-founder and singer Mike Love was “facing serious health challenges” but insisted on appearing at the iconic band’s scheduled Nashville concert at Ryman Auditorium. Despite Stamos’ warning, fans weren’t prepared to see Love looking so frail.

The night before, he’d gingerly led Love to take a seat at center stage for the iconic band’s first concert since July, at Cincinnati’s PNC Pavilion. Love remained seated throughout the show, and Stamos told the audience that although the band encouraged Love to stay home, he insisted on attending.

“It’s what he loves the most,” Stamos said. “He loves the audience. He loves the music. He knows how important it is to all of you. We’re all here to support him and give him as much love as we can.”

The band opened, as usual, with “Do It Again,” per Rolling Stone, which reported that guitarist Brian Eichenberger sang lead instead of Love, who did manage to tell the crowd, “Thank you for showing up,” but remained nearly motionless for much of the night.

Next the music icon’s son and longtime bandmate Christian Love, sang lead on “Surfin’ Safari.” Love remained slumped in his seat throughout the concert, but only occasionally sang along, barely moving his lips.

As video began to circulate online, fans were stunned to see Love looking so ill. One wrote on YouTube, “I saw Mike on May 30 and thought he was in rough shape, but this is really shocking. They say he’s recovering from bronchitis and Covid, but clearly he’s sick with something more serious.”

“This is painful,” another commented. “I keep thinking of all the shows I saw in the mid 80s and how energetic Mike and the rest of the BB’s were. Time waits for no one.”

The same was true at the Beach Boys’ concert at Ryman, with Love bravely showing up again, holding court at center stage. A touching video shows the band assisting Love at the end of the concert, as Queen’s We Are the Champions plays in the background, to stand up with his arms raised in victory as the crowd gave him a rousing standing ovation.

“This is heartbreaking,” someone wrote on another post from the weekend. “Mike has given enough so he may need to retire I’m not his biggest fan but HE was a member of the Beach Boys and I’ve listened to them the majority of my life. I wish him nothing but the BEST 💔”

Stamos, who’s played on and off with the Beach Boys since the ’90s, wrote in his Sunday post, “I’ve played with Mike for 41 years. I never imagined how deeply it would affect me to see someone larger than life face something so human and fragile.”

He continued, “Maybe the hardest part of loving someone is becoming so accustomed to the miracle of having them there that you forget it’s a miracle at all.”

The Beach Boys have a couple of shows scheduled for the remainder of 2026, but it’s not known if Love will be able to appear.