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Out of all of the playwrights that have ever existed, there is one who has left an especially sizable mark, and that’s William Shakespeare, the Bard himself. As History.com reported, he “has had more theatrical works performed than any other playwright” and is known as England’s national poet. He’s basically essential reading in most high schools, and his plays are performed all over the world. As the Poetry Foundation noted, even though he is known as a playwright, he first became famous for his poetry. Because of his some 39 plays and many sonnets and poems, there are so many famous lines you can pick from, but today’s quote of the day is maybe one of his most well-known and touches on living up to your potential no matter your lot in life. 

He wrote most of his known works from the early 1590s until around 1612, when he retired; he died a few years later in 1616, per History.com. The Globe Theater—where Shakespeare debuted a lot of productions of his plays as part-owner and writer for the company the Lord Chamberlain’s Men—opened in 1599 and continued until 1613, when the original theater burned down. Julius Caesar is thought to be the first play Shakespeare wrote for the Globe Theater in the spring of 1599. Other plays written to be performed at this theater include Hamlet, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, Othello, Macbeth and more. 

There is so much more we could say about Shakespeare, but he really is someone whose work speaks for itself. And today’s quote might be one of his most well-known sentiments left behind in his legacy.

Related: Quote of the Day: Franz Kafka on the Connection Between Happiness and Childlike Wonder

Quote of the Day by William Shakespeare

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“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”

This famous quote comes from Shakespeare’s play, Twelfth Night. According to the Australian theatre company Bell Shakespeare, the play was written around 1601-1602 and was performed publicly for the first time on Feb. 2, 1602, in London during Candlemas.

The play follows the story of twins, Viola and Sebastian, who are in a shipwreck and become separated. Viola has to disguise herself as a man (named Cesario) for survival, and both siblings think the other is dead. She goes to work for the house of the Duke Orsino and falls in love with him. Hijinks, misunderstandings and more ensue in this Shakespearean comedy.

The character Malvolio is the one who recites this iconic line in Act 2, scene 5; he is the head servant (steward) in Olivia’s household (Olivia is a noble lady of Illyria). He is snooty, self-righteous and looks down on others who have fun and drink. Because of this, others in the house play a prank on him by leaving a fake letter for him to find that is “written” by Olivia about her “love” for Malvolio. He finds the letter, falls for it, and reads it out loud. 

This quote is from the second part of the letter, where the writer of the note (who, again, he presumes is Olivia) wishes her “unknown beloved” would rise from his station to a higher one with power. He presumes she means that she wants him to live up to his full potential so that he can be head of her house when they get married (once again, under the lie that this letter is from Olivia). “She” writes: 

“If this fall into thy hand, revolve. In my
stars I am above thee, but be not afraid of greatness.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and
some have greatness thrust upon ’em. Thy fates open
their hands. Let thy blood and spirit embrace them.
And, to inure thyself to what thou art like to be, cast
thy humble slough and appear fresh.” 

Related: Quote of the Day: Philosopher Denis Diderot on How Passion Can ‘Elevate the Soul’

Deeper Meaning of William Shakespeare’s Quote—Living up to Your Potential

If you’ve ever seen The Lizzie McGuire movie, you might remember when Lizzie’s dad starts to recite this quote to her before she goes on to ruin her 8th-grade graduation (she says something like, “Great, my dad is going to quote a dead guy”). And then, you have She’s the Man, starring Amanda Bynes, which is a modern adaptation of Twelfth Night. In it, Duke Orsino (played by Channing Tatum) recites this line before they finish the Illyria vs. Cornwall soccer game and whoop their butts. 

Those are the most famous places I’ve ever heard this quote, but they’re also great examples of what this quote has gone on to mean for those who read it. It’s not remembered as a line from a fake love letter written to prank the high-strung steward. Instead, the quote has gone on to be a good reminder to live up to your potential. 

Taken out of context—or even read in the context of what Malvolio thinks it’s in, too—this quote is saying that while some are born with natural talent or into wealthy families, some can work up to it. You might not have been born with a silver spoon in your mouth, but you can work hard through education and perseverance to hoist yourself up to a “higher station” in life. Or just achieve your goals and make a better life for yourself than you were born into. And the last part of the quote—“some have greatness thrust upon ‘em”—is also saying that some people have to step into powerful roles because it’s their duty or it’s something being asked of them. 

This is all preceded by the line, “be not afraid of greatness,” which is also telling the reader that you shouldn’t be afraid of your potential. Don’t hold back from working and growing into who you were destined to be just because you’re scared of what it could lead to or mean. Or maybe you’re fearful of failure or the hard work it will take to get there. But Shakespeare is simply saying you shouldn’t be. 

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychoanalyst Karen Horney on Inner Strength and Taking Your Own Path Forward in Life

More Quotes from William Shakespeare

• “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.”
• “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
• “This above all: to thine own self be true,/And it must follow, as the night the day,/Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
• “All the world’s a stage,/And all the men and women merely players;/They have their exits and their entrances;/And one man in his time plays many parts,/His acts being seven ages.”
• “Words are easy, like the wind; faithful friends are hard to find.”
• “My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, or else my heart concealing it will break.”
• “Don’t waste your love on somebody who doesn’t value it.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Philosopher René Descartes on Why Brilliance Requires Action

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Layering is going to become your go-to fashion tip as we head into fall, so we’re already finding new ways to keep warm without compromising style. In the chillier months, you’ll want to find a go-to cardigan, whether it’s lightweight, cropped, or oversized. We’ve been particularly into the cropped look because it offers a nostalgic early 2000’s vibe, and this A.Jesdani Cropped Cardigan is the perfect find. It’s now 49% off at Walmart, and makes a great seasonal staple.

The cardigan originally cost $33, but has been reduced to as low as $17 in the sleek black colorway that matches with everything. The clothing piece is being sold in 12 total colors, spanning from a bright blue and summer-inspired yellow to a classic gray, which cost up to $23. We love the mustard color for autumn, because it adds fun color to your wardrobe without overpowering your entire outfit. 

A.Jesdani Cropped Cardigan, $17 (was $33) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The cardigan is available in sizes ranging from S to XXL, with shoppers noting that it runs true to size. If you do prefer the oversized look though and want to layer several pieces underneath the sweater, then you should consider sizing up. The ribbed material is made from 80% viscose and 20% nylon, so it’s stretchy too. Just note that the design is already cropped and has three-quarter sleeves, so the piece intentionally offers a “comfortably snug” and “super flattering” fit. 

A.Jesdani Cropped Cardigan, $17 (was $33) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Due to the delicate material, the cardigan should be hand washed or placed in the washer to prevent shrinkage (according to the care instructions). One shopper said that “it washed nicely without pilling,” adding that the quality is “fantastic.” With the style being “lightweight” and “soft,” several shoppers are purchasing multiple colors that can be rotated throughout the week. 

Reviewers are wearing this “perfect” cardigan over everything, from more upscale to casual outfits. You can throw it over dresses at formal gatherings or pair it with jeans and a T-shirt when the weather dips throughout the day. We think it would look great dressed up with accessories if your outfit is more simple, like hoop earrings and stacked necklaces. 

Shop More Deals 

• Temofon Barrel Sweatpants, $16 (was $33) at Walmart
• Wiholl 2-Piece Set Sweatsuit, $20 (was $28) at Walmart
• Apsvo Sterling Silver-Plated Tennis Bracelet, $13 (was $110) at Walmart

This trendy cardigan is a bestseller, so you’ll want to add it to your seasonal collection before it’s out of stock. According to shoppers, it’ll become a staple piece in your wardrobe. Shop it now for as little as $17 at Walmart! 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Elegant’ $48 7-Piece Bed-in-a-Bag Comforter Set Is ‘Soft,’ ‘Cozy,’ and Available in 10 Colors

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.

Today’s Strands puzzle will have you busy completing task at work.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #906 on Wednesday, August 26.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “All in a day’s work.”

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: To-do list.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are seven theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• CH
• DU
• TA
• ER
• AS
• PR
• PA (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mixture of vertical and horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 26

Today’s Spangram answer on Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, is PARTOFTHEJOB.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Wednesday, August 26?

• CHORE
• DUTY
• TASK
• ERRAND
• ASSIGNMENT
• PROJECT
• SPANGRAM: PARTOFTHEJOB

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Book collectors, listen up! Your latest, drool-worthy edition hits shelves this fall.

The mastermind behind the gorgeous botanical 20th anniversary edition of Twilight is back to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first sequel to the hit series, New Moon, and fans of the smash sensation are positively “yearning” to get their hands on the “gorgeous” new book.

Maggie Enterrios, the illustrator behind the ethereal new cover, took to TikTok over the weekend to tease her latest creation after receiving an advanced copy of it in the mail. She showed off the smart design, which features bleeding heart vines wrapping around the novel’s name in gold foil, all done over a pastel blue background. 

The book also features golden edges with hidden illustrations of Bella or Edward when manipulated the right way, though Enterrios can’t take the credit for that design, as the whole thing was “a big team effort.”

New Moon pairs well with her original rendition, which features a pastel, pinky-purple cover with the same golden letters stamping the title, surrounded by apple blossoms—“for obvious reasons.”

Twilight is available now, while the newest addition to the anniversary collection is available this October — hopefully with the rest of the series to follow in years to come, as readers are “so beyond obsessed with both of them,” both for their physical appearance and for “the thoughtfulness of which florals” were chosen, which had one fan admitting, “I GASPED SO LOUD,” over the the “EXCELLENT AND UNDERRATED CHOICE” of the bleeding hearts.

@littlepatterns

I’m baaaaack! And you thought the Twilight 20th anniversary hoopla was winding down? Sorry, it’s eternal. And it’s time for New Moon. After covering Twilight in illustrated apple blossoms, it only felt right to make a botanical companion for book two. This time: bleeding hearts. Because really, has any flower ever been more aggressively New Moon? It’s so SAD. So YEARNING. Big thanks to Jenny Kimura for the design direction/virtual companionship, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (my fellow little), and, of course, the one and only Stephenie Meyer for her floral enthusiasm (and… you know… for writing this book). More in October! 🖤 #twilight #newmoon

♬ original sound – Maggie Enterrios

Other users flooded Enterrios’ comments with equally high praise.

“You did a fantastic job. One of the best book designs on my shelf,” one commended, while another exclaimed, “PICASSOOOO LOVE IT U ARE AMAZING.”

“OMGOODNESS!!! I’m SOOOO excited to collect this set!!! this is BEAUTIFUL!!” someone else gushed, as others declared, “This is very important to me,” and, “I WILL own these.”

“YEARNING to get my hands on one of these ❣️,” another affirmed, as a final agreed, “Omg!!!! I can’t wait. Your work is absolutely stunning.”

Naturally, fans are clamoring to see the rest of the series in Enterrios’ style, too, but as there’s not yet any word of what’s to come, the artist was left to tease, “A lady never tells,” while fans begged for confirmation that her versions of Eclipse and Breaking Dawn (and potentially even Midnight Sun and Life and Death) would be coming.

For now, fans will just have to continue to “PRAY they have [her] do the whole series!!!”

With two “just gorgeous” editions on her belt already, they “can’t wait to see what [she could] do with the rest of the series!”

What do you think; will you be hitting “add to cart”?

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers expressions meaning “there you have it,” words for a natural skill, things the letter “P” can represent, and words that can follow “key,” among other things.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1172 on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Wednesday, August 26, 2026 / New York Times

New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Wednesday’s puzzle, you’re not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I’ll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints About Today’s NYT Connections Categories on Wednesday, August 26

1. Aha!
2. Mad skillz.
3. Letter between O and Q.
4. Not a lock, but…

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today’s Connections Game Answers for Wednesday, August 26:

1. “THERE YOU HAVE IT”: BEHOLD, PRESTO, SHAZAM, VOILÀ
2. KNACK: FORTE, GIFT, STRENGTH, TALENT
3. WHAT “P” MIGHT STAND FOR: PAGE, PARK, PHOSPHORUS, PIANO
4. KEY ____: CHAIN, LARGO, LIME, SIGNATURE

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Today’s NYT Wordle answer is a male chicken raised for meat that has been altered before reaching maturity.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1894 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There are two vowels in today’s five-letter word.

What kind of letter does today’s Wordle start with?

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today’s Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today’s Wordle

A hint for today’s Wordle is: can refer to a rooster that has been castrated at a young age and fattened for eating.

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle Answer for #1894 on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, is CAPON.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn’t Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Live television gave him only a few seconds to decide whether to follow the plan.

Elvis Costello turns 72 today, Aug. 25, nearly 49 years after releasing his debut album and becoming one of rock’s most respected songwriters.

Born Declan MacManus in London in 1954, Costello initially pursued music while working as a computer operator. He recorded songs at home and struggled to interest publishers before Stiff Records accepted one of his demos. The label gave him his stage name, pairing Elvis Presley’s first name with his father’s former performing name.

Costello recorded his 1977 debut, My Aim Is True, with producer Nick Lowe and members of the American band Clover. The album introduced songs including “Alison” and “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes.” He soon formed the Attractions with Steve Nieve, Bruce Thomas and Pete Thomas.

His first appearance on Saturday Night Live came on Dec. 17, 1977, when he and the Attractions replaced the Sex Pistols. Costello was expected to perform “Less Than Zero,” but he stopped the band after only a few seconds.

“I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but there’s no reason to do this song here,” he announced before launching into “Radio Radio,” a song criticizing commercial broadcasting.

The unsanctioned switch was widely reported to have gotten Costello banned from the program until 1989, when he returned as a musical guest. SNL creator Lorne Michaels complicated that familiar story in 2025 by saying the show has never formally banned musical performers.

Costello’s career continued without interruption. With the Attractions, he released acclaimed albums including This Year’s Model and Armed Forces. He later worked with artists ranging from Paul McCartney to Burt Bacharach and Allen Toussaint, moving through rock, country, jazz and orchestral music.

Costello and the Attractions entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. He has received 15 Grammy nominations and won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Look Now in 2020.

He remains active onstage and has more performances scheduled for September. A five-CD 49th-anniversary edition of My Aim Is True, featuring 52 previously unreleased recordings, is due Oct. 2.

Nearly five decades after his rebellious SNL appearance, Costello is still following his own setlist.

Related: ’70s Music Legend, Nicknamed ‘Metal God,’ Turns 75 Today

Walking is one of the absolute best activities you can do for your health. When it’s done regularly, walking can lower blood pressure, prevent or help with joint stiffness, lower the risk of dementia, support your mental health and even help you sleep better.

But sometimes, it’s not possible to walk outside. The weather may be too hot, cold or rainy to go on a walk. If you don’t have a treadmill or access to a gym, you may think inclement weather means missing out on your daily walk. But according to a personal trainer and two physical therapists we talked to, there’s a walking workout you can do entirely inside—and the benefits are pretty noteworthy.

Related: This Is the Absolute Best Walking Workout for People Over 50, According to Physical Therapists

The health benefits of this indoor walking workout include improved balance and stability, enhanced cognitive function and a lower risk of falls. It also reduces anxiety and depression. The best part is that anyone of any age can do it, it doesn’t require any equipment and it’s completely free.

Here, the experts reveal the walking workout many people overlook, what the benefits are and how to do it safely at home.

Related: This One Change Will Make Your Walks More Effective, According to Personal Trainers

The Walking Workout You Can Do Indoors

While traditional walking workouts require a decent amount of space (unless you’re on a treadmill), tai chi walking is a slower, more mindful form of walking that has many scientifically proven benefits. Raymond Li, NASM, CPT, a personal trainer and tai chi teacher at Manhattan Tai Chi, says that tai chi walking can be done just as easily indoors as it can outdoors. “In many cases, indoor practice is actually ideal, especially for beginners or older adults,” he says.

Tai chi walking isn’t about the space it’s done in; it’s about the practice. “While practicing outdoors can feel refreshing and offers a connection to nature, the essence of tai chi walking is not about the location. It’s about awareness, balance and quality of movement. Those can be trained anywhere,” Li says.

Related: Here’s Exactly What Your Walking Gait Can Tell You About Your Health

Li says that one of the biggest misconceptions about tai chi walking is that it requires a lot of space. But he emphasizes that this isn’t true. “A small space—such as a living room, hallway, community center or studio can work well. Even taking just a few slow, mindful steps forward and backward can be very effective. In traditional Chinese martial arts, including tai chi, there is a saying: ‘You should be able to practice and apply your martial art even in a space no bigger than where an ox lies down,’” he says.

Unlike traditional walking exercises, which emphasize speed, distance or both, Li says that tai chi walking is not focused on how far you walk. Instead, it’s about how you shift your weight, place your feet, maintain your posture and how aware you are during movement.

The Benefits of Tai Chi Indoor Walking

Regie Tiu, PT, a physical therapist and founder of Restore Plus Physical Therapy in Long Island City, New York, says that the benefits of tai chi indoor walking are the same as doing it outside. This includes improving balance and stability (which in turn helps reduce the risk of falls), strengthening core and leg muscles, reducing joint strain and supporting cognitive health.

“Tai chi walking indoors and outdoors have similar benefits and they overlap a lot. The slow movement and weight shifting work the muscles and improve balance, whether it’s done indoors or outdoors,” Tiu says. 

He says that the main way that outdoor and indoor tai chi differ is the surface. “For people doing it in the park, the ground is not perfectly even, and sometimes there is wind that can move them a little bit. People will have to make small corrections to maintain their balance, which is something that they don’t have to do when doing it indoors,” he says. For this reason, the balance benefits may be slightly more when doing tai chi outdoors.

Physical therapist and Out Wellness founder Dr. Syd Young, DPT, PT, adds to this, saying that doing tai chi outside has the additional benefits of being in nature and being exposed to sunlight. But doing tai chi indoors offers its own advantages, Dr. Young says, which include a controlled, predictable surface that’s ideal for beginners and no weather barrier. “I tell clients the best version is both: indoors for daily skill-building, outdoors when conditions allow,” Dr. Young says.

One 2017 scientific study found that tai chi improved cognitive function in healthy older adults more than brisk walking did. Researchers found that tai chi particularly benefitted executive functioning, which are skills the brain uses to plan, focus attention, remember instructions or juggle multiple tasks.

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How To Do Tai Chi Walking Indoors

If you’ve never tried tai chi walking before, it can be helpful to watch some online tutorials, such as this one, about how to do it safely and properly. 

When finding a place inside your home to try tai chi indoor walking, Li says to find a stable surface that isn’t slippery and is free of obstacles. Dr. Young says this too, saying, “Clear the path of throw rugs, cords, clutter and pets—home hazards are a meaningful contributor to falls in older adults. Make sure lighting is good and position yourself within arm’s reach of a countertop or sturdy furniture for the first few weeks. Pay attention to the floor surface: Slick tile or hardwood demands more caution than carpet.”

For your first several times trying it, Dr. Young says to keep sessions short. “Slow walking is surprisingly fatiguing, and fatigue is when form and balance slip,” they say.

All three experts say that tai chi indoor walking can be done barefoot, in grippy socks or in shoes. “Doing it barefoot has the advantage of getting sensory feedback on the feet.  The intrinsic muscles of the foot can also help with stability,” Tiu says. 

But for adults with certain conditions like neuropathy, diabetic foot or numbness, Tiu says that doing tai chi walking barefoot increases the fall risk because hardwood floors or tiles can be slippery if you are doing it barefoot. “Grippy socks or shoes will prevent someone from accidentally slipping,” he says.

Li says that wearing supportive shoes for tai chi indoor walking is beneficial in its own ways, and can be especially helpful for senior adults. “Supportive shoes can provide better stability, cushioning, arch support and give sensitive feet protection,” he says. If you struggle with balance, he says that wearing supportive shoes when doing tai chi walking is the safest bet.

“Indoor tai chi walking removes nearly every excuse we tell ourselves. No equipment, no class fee, no weather, no driving. You only need a hallway and a few unhurried minutes,” Dr. Young says. There’s certainly no reason not to give it a try, and doing it regularly can help support your body as you age. 

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 4 Longevity Experts What the Best Habits Are for Living Longer and They All Said the Same Thing

Sources

• Huston, P. and McFarlane, B. (2016). Health benefits of tai chi. Canadian Family Physician. 62(11):881-890.
• Raymond Li, NASM, CPT, personal trainer and tai chi teacher at Manhattan Tai Chi.
• Regie Tiu, PT, physical therapist and founder of Restore Plus Physical Therapy in Long Island City, New York.
• Dr. Syd Young, DPT, PT, physical therapist and Out Wellness founder. 
• Ji, Z., Li, A., Feng, T., et al. (2017). The benefits of Tai Chi and brisk walking for cognitive function and fitness in older adults. PeerJ. doi: 10.7717/peerj.3943.

One of Elvis Presley‘s most iconic songs was later turned into a country chart-topper, thanks to Willie Nelson and Leon Russell.

More than 20 years after the King of Rock and Roll released his breakout hit “Heartbreak Hotel,” Nelson and Russell turned the song into a No. 1 hit on the country music charts.

The outlaw country pioneer recorded “Heartbreak Hotel” with Russell in 1979 as part of their collaborative album, One for the Road. Their cover version ended up climbing to the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, spending a week at No. 1 that September.

“Heartbreak Hotel” became one of Nelson’s many country chart-toppers in the ’70s, along with other hits like “Blue Skies,” “Georgia On My Mind,” “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,” “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” and more.

It even earned Nelson and Russell a Grammy nomination for Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals in 1980.

But long before the two country legends released their reimagined version of “Heartbreak Hotel”, Elvis had dominated the pop charts with the same song over two decades earlier.

Released in 1956, the rock and roll classic became Elvis’ first major pop No. 1 hit on the Billboard charts. Though the Hot 100 chart didn’t exist at the time, “Heartbreak Hotel” spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the “Top 100” list (later rebranded as the Hot 100), which combined data from key predecessor charts including Best Sellers in Stores and Most Played By Juke Box and Disk Jockey.

“Heartbreak Hotel” wasn’t the only song from Elvis’ catalog that Nelson would later lend his voice to, as he also covered “Always on My Mind” in 1982, a decade after Elvis helped put the song on the map.

Nelson’s rendition rose to No. 1 on the country charts and reached No. 5 on the Hot 100, and it even earned the country crooner a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1983.

Related: 1960 Jukebox Hit, One of Elvis Presley’s Biggest-Selling Singles, Began a 5-Week Run at No. 1 66 Years Ago Today

Heavy metal would sound very different without his unmistakable voice.

Rob Halford turns 75 today, Aug. 25, more than five decades after joining Judas Priest and becoming one of the most recognizable singers in rock. Fans began calling him the “Metal God” in recognition of his powerful voice, commanding stage presence and devotion to the genre.

Halford told Kerrang! the nickname came directly from his audience: “It was the fans who started that… It means a lot to me, and when I get ready for work, that’s what I’m turning into.”

Born in England in 1951, Halford grew up near Birmingham and discovered his singing ability as a child. His path into Judas Priest came through his sister Sue, who was dating bassist Ian Hill when the group needed a new vocalist. She recommended her brother, leading Halford to audition and join the band in 1973.

Halford made his recording debut with Judas Priest on 1974’s Rocka Rolla. The group developed its heavier sound across albums including Sad Wings of Destiny and Stained Class before reaching a much larger audience with British Steel in 1980.

That album included “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight” and “Metal Gods.” The last title became especially fitting for Halford, whose powerful high notes, leather clothing and commanding stage presence made him one of heavy metal’s most identifiable performers.

Halford also helped make leather jackets, studs and motorcycles part of metal’s visual identity. His vocals and the band’s twin-guitar attack influenced generations of musicians who followed.

He left Judas Priest in 1992 and worked with Fight, 2wo and his solo band Halford before reuniting with Priest in 2003. The group later won a Grammy for its live performance of “Dissident Aggressor” and entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Halford’s impact extends beyond his music. He publicly came out as gay during an unplanned comment in a 1998 MTV interview. He later recalled fearing the announcement could end his career, but said he instead received supportive messages from gay metal fans who finally felt represented.

Judas Priest released its latest album, Invincible Shield, in 2024. The band’s documentary, The Ballad of Judas Priest, had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026.

At 75, Halford continues to live up to the name his fans gave him.

Related: ’60s Rock Legend From Kentucky Turns 85 Today

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When you need to add extra storage to your home, the best solutions are the ones that look as pretty as they perform. Whether you’re trying to corral an overflowing pile of books, display plants and collectibles, or simply want to take advantage of unused vertical space, the right bookcase can bring both function and style to your home. We found one gorgeous farmhouse-style option at Home Depot that’s been generously marked down, letting you organize your space for 47% less. 

Normally priced at $268, the Bestier Tall 5-Shelf Arched Bookcase is now on sale for $144. With this deal, you can save nearly $125 on a sleek yet substantial piece of furniture with ample space to store all the odds and ends around your place that deserve designated shelf space. The rustic natural oak version is already sold out, but it’s still available in a polished black finish, so you can add extra organization to your entryway, living room, bedroom, or any other spot around your home.

Bestier Tall 5-Shelf Arched Bookcase, $144 (was $268) at Home Depot

Courtesy of Home Depot

Shop at Home Depot

Measuring 76 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 15 inches deep, this bookcase’s open-front design offers five spacious shelves with plenty of room to store books, display knick-knacks, house plants, prop up framed photos, or place baskets to stow away your kid’s toys. Made of warp-resistant manufactured wood, it has a durable laminate finish, so you could even use the piece for extra bathroom storage without worrying about it getting ruined by a steamy shower.

Shoppers said this bookcase’s arched design has “an elegant, classy presence while still feeling modern and stylish” in any room. “The rounded top gives it a castle-like flair,” a reviewer said, noting that it even reminded them of designs from The Lord of the Rings. Assembling this bookcase was so simple that, according to one customer, it was “almost therapeutic, like putting together a puzzle and very stress-relieving.”

Shop More Deals

• Bestier 2-Door Base Open Shelf Arched Bookcase, $224 (was $393) at Home Depot
• Caphaus Bamboo 6-Shelf Open Bookcase, $70 (was $105) at Home Depot
• Byblight Eulas Arched Bookcase With Drawers, $187 (was $233) at Home Depot

Related: Home Depot’s Elegant Arched 4-Shelf Farmhouse Bookcase With Adjustable Shelves Is Nearly $200 Off Right Now

For timeless character and practical storage in one sub-$150 piece of furniture, it’s hard to beat the Bestier Tall 5-Shelf Arched Bookcase. Snag it now at Home Depot to save 47% while you still can. 

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The Grass Roots’ “Let’s Live for Today” is one of the quintessential anthems of the Summer of Love era. One of the defining songs of the 1960s, it reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold more than two million copies. But its connection to a modern-day sitcom is transporting fans back in time to listen once again, this time with the band’s surprising guitarist in mind.

Released in 1967, the Grass Roots’ version of “Let’s Live for Today” became a major hit, but some fans may not realize that the song’s recognizable guitar work was played by none other than actor Creed Bratton, who would later portray the character Creed on NBC’s The Office.

Before The Office, Creed Bratton Was a Rock Star @unitedfront_

As mentioned in this scene from the hit TV show ‘The Office’, Creed Bratton was actually the lead guitarist for the psychedelic folk-rock band The Grass Roots before becoming an actor. He joined the group in the late 1960s during its run of chart success and helped cement the band’s place in classic rock history with hits like Midnight Confessions, Temptation Eyes, and Let’s Live for Today as seen in this live performance from 1967. When The Office premiered in 2005, producers didn’t ask him to play a fictional character, they asked him to play an exaggerated version of himself. The result was Creed Bratton, the mysterious quality assurance employee whose bizarre one-liners and questionable past became some of the show’s funniest running gags. #theoffice #creedbratton #actor #music #tvshow

♬ original sound – unitedfront.archive

Fans of the popular Steve Carell-starring sitcom might notice a serious case of life imitating art. In this case, art is imitating Creed Bratton’s life.

Long before Bratton was making unsettling confessions on The Office, he was a working musician who played with the Grass Roots during the band’s late-1960s heyday. Bratton played on the 1967 album Let’s Live for Today alongside bandmates Rob Grill, Warren Entner and Rick Coonce.

And yes, that means the man many fans know as the strange, deadpan Creed from The Office was once a genuine rock guitarist during one of the most exciting periods in American music.

Creed Bratton’s Real Life Inspired The Office @celfoindustries

1968 interview with The Office’s Creed Bratton and his cool band The Grass Roots #theoffice #creedbratton #thegrassroots #60s

♬ original sound – Celfo Music Industries

Creed Bratton’s musical past is even more charming because the fictional Creed on The Office was also supposedly a former member of the ’60s folk-rock band the Grass Roots.

Writers took a very real part of the actor’s life and used it as inspiration for one of the character’s more hilarious—and questionable—admissions.

It was one of those details that made Creed’s character even more fun. How much of what he said was actually true? In Bratton’s case, at least one of Creed’s wild claims had a surprising amount of truth behind it.

Bratton remained with the Grass Roots until 1969, when his frustration over the band’s recording process contributed to his departure. He then pursued acting while continuing to work as a musician.

Related: 1977 Hit With an Uncredited Joe Walsh Guitar Solo Became an Andy Gibb No. 1 Hit

Then The Office Changed Everything

Eventually, The Office changed everything.

Like many cast members on the beloved mockumentary, Bratton initially appeared as a background character, but his oddball, deadpan persona became a standout. He eventually became an integral part of the regular Dunder Mifflin crew.

Fans of The Office often delight in knowing everything about the show, from behind-the-scenes casting choices to famous bloopers. But Creed Bratton’s real-life origin story is one of the most surprising pieces of The Office lore.

It’s not just that Creed Bratton was an actor who had musical aspirations. Bratton the musician achieved monumental success with the Grass Roots and was part of creating one of the defining songs of the late 1960s.

Revisiting “Let’s Live for Today” knowing that a future star of The Office played the song’s guitar makes the classic sound entirely fresh and new.

Related: Eddie Van Halen Secretly Played This Iconic Guitar Solo on a Michael Jackson Classic

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Eat your vegetables. Sleep. Exercise. Manage stress. See your doctor for regular check-ups. Despite what you hear about supplement stacking and other “trendy” hacks, these core healthy habits are among the true pillars of longevity. But even unhealthy habits can go haywire and cause literal pain and no gain.

“We have a saying: Everything in moderation is good,” states Dr. Maryam Own, MD, an academic rheumatologist at Northwell Health in New York and assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. “If you take it to any extreme, that’s usually not good for your health.”

“Take it to an extreme” is particularly bad for your joints, which are the places where two or more bones meet, such as your ankles, fingers, knees, hips and shoulders.

“They are remarkably engineered structures that allow us to bend, walk, reach, grip and basically do everything that makes us mobile and independent,” explains Dr. Elaine Husni, MD, a Cleveland Clinic rheumatologist.

Still, even “remarkably engineered structures” can decline with age. The CDC estimates that more than 50 million people in the U.S. live with arthritis and expects that number to grow as we live longer.

“Our joints accumulate decades of use, prior injuries, changes in muscle strength and sometimes osteoarthritis,” Dr. Husni explains. “Aging also changes cartilage, bone, tendons and the muscles that support our joints.”

Still, she emphasizes that “joint pain is not simply an inevitable consequence of getting older.” Maintaining the right healthy habits can go a long way toward reducing joint pain. However, this one “healthy” habit may actually worsen joint pain if you do too much of it.

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This ‘Healthy’ Habit Could Actually Worsen Joint Pain, Rheumatologists Say

Rheumatologists warn that overexercising/overtraining is a “healthy” habit that can worsen joint pain. Put simply: “Your body needs both activity and recovery to get stronger,” Dr. Husni notes. “Movement is medicine, but even medicine has a dose.”

That dose will vary based on several factors, including your current fitness level.

“Overexercising is doing more exercise than your body currently has the capacity to recover from—too much intensity, duration, frequency or all three,” Dr. Husni says. “Repeated stress without adequate recovery can irritate muscles, tendons, bursae and structures around the joint.”

That’s why Dr. Husni often tells patients, “Your joints like movement; they just don’t necessarily like surprises.”

Dr. Own has also seen another kind of overexercising during her career as a rheumatologist: Overdoing an exercise to the point of poor form. For instance, say a personal trainer instructs you to do a squat.

“If you’re overdoing that squat, you could hurt your knee,” she explains. “So, we always recommend that people keep their squats up to 90 degrees and not bend too low for that purpose.”

In other words, “lower” in a squat does not mean getting “stronger.” But it could cause joint pain.

To be clear, the right amount of exercise can really add up for your joint health—in a good way. Research suggests that safe exercise can decrease joint pain in people with knee arthritis, for instance. The problem is when people overtrain.

Dr. Husni sees these classic overexercising mistakes worsen joint pain:

• Suddenly doubling your mileage
• Exercising intensely every day without recovery
• Repeatedly training the same muscle groups
• Jumping into a high-intensity program after months of inactivity is a “weekend warrior”

“Sometimes the motivation is admirable—training for an event, trying to lose weight or simply thinking, ‘If 30 minutes is good, three hours must be better,'” Dr. Husni states. “Unfortunately, our tissues don’t always agree with that math.”

She says that signs of overexercise include:

• Persistent or worsening joint pain
• Swelling, pain that changes how you walk or move
• Declining performance, unusual fatigue
• Pain that does not settle with recovery

“Normal muscle soreness usually improves,” Dr. Husni says. “A particularly useful rule is that if yesterday’s workout is repeatedly interfering with today’s normal activities, you may need to modify the dose.”

Related: We Asked 3 Doctors What Habit Matters Most for Longevity—They All Said the Same Thing

But Wait—What Happens if You Overstretch?

Think stretching a lot will offset the effects of overexercising on the joints? Think again. In fact, Dr. Husni advises against overstretching—period. “Over-stretching means repeatedly forcing a muscle or joint beyond its comfortable range,” she explains. “That can irritate muscles, tendons or ligaments rather than improve flexibility.”

The biggest red flag for overstretching is sharp pain during stretching. Other clues include:

• Pain afterward
• New swelling
• Bruising
• Weakness
• A joint that feels unusually unstable

“A good stretch should leave you feeling looser, not injured,” Dr. Husni says.

Related: Want To Prevent Back Pain Over 50? Do This One Simple Exercise Every Day

Try These Healthier Movement Approaches for Joints

Rheumatologists don’t advise against exercising or stretching—quite the opposite. The point is to warm up, recover and gradually increase your load as your body allows. They shared how to exercise and stretch without worsening joint pain.

1. Warm up before asking your body for its maximum flexibility

You may stretch as the first part of your warm-up, but Dr. Husni doesn’t recommend it, especially if you have joint pain.

“A few minutes of walking or gentle movement can prepare the muscles before deeper stretching,” Dr. Husni says. “And don’t assume stretching harder prevents injuries—the evidence that pre-exercise static stretching prevents injury is actually limited.”

2. Stretch gently, regularly and within a comfortable range

Instead of trying to stretch like a TikTok ballerina, stretch like you.

“Move until you feel mild tension rather than pain, hold the position without bouncing and breathe normally,” Dr. Husni advises. “Consistency matters more than seeing how far you can push yourself in one session.”

3. Build gradually and consistently

Marathoners were not built in a day—and you don’t even need to be one to get the numerous benefits of exercise.

“Choose something sustainable—walking, cycling, swimming, resistance training or another activity you enjoy—and increase the amount gradually rather than going from zero to hero over one weekend,” Dr. Husni says.

Besides, Dr. Husni says low-impact aerobic activities, like brisk walking, are joint-friendly.

4. Honor your limits, but don’t limit yourself

Dr. Own says you don’t have to measure yourself by age when you’re trying to define what overtraining and stretching too much mean to you —it’s “just a number.”

“If you’re very healthy, you go to the gym regularly and nothing is hurting you, then that’s the right amount of exercise for you, even if you’re in your 70s and 80s,” she notes.

5. Seek help

If you’re concerned about exercising, stretching and joint pain, it can help to get personalized professional advice.

“It doesn’t hurt to see a sports medicine doctor or a rheumatologist, especially if you’ve been doing the same thing for years and now something feels a little worse,” Dr. Own notes.

Up Next:

Related: This Simple Daily Stretch Could Add Years to Your Life, Trainers Say

Sources:

• Arthritis in Adults Age 18 and Older: United States, 2022. CDC.
• Dr. Maryam Own, MD, an academic rheumatologist at Northwell Health in New York and assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
• Dr. Elaine Husni, MD, a Cleveland Clinic rheumatologist
• Effects of exercise on knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Musculoskeletal Care.

Billy Joel, the iconic rock star best known as the “Piano Man,” is mourning the loss of legendary country queen Dolly Parton.

The award-winning singer died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer in Nashville, Tennessee.

Amid the grief felt by fans and fellow artists, the ’70s singer-songwriter shared an emotional tribute to the late musician, highlighting her lasting legacy in the industry.

In an Instagram post, Joel expressed how Parton’s impact spanned generations.

“Today we have lost a legend. Dolly Parton has transcended time and become one of those iconic artists who is known for just being Dolly, beyond a specific song or moment in time. I was one of the lucky ones whose music she covered,” he said, accompanied by a photo of his family at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Dolly Parton performs with a guitar in 1976.

David Redfern/Redferns

Moreover, his lengthy message also spotlighted his family’s personal connection to the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and her advocacy beyond music.

“Our family visited Dollywood last year. Our children looked up to her and knew her music. The love for Dolly spanned generations. Her work in acknowledging endometriosis before most people knew what it was, and her philanthropic efforts have been inspirational to our family and our foundation. We will miss her and her presence on this earth, but we will reap all the rewards of her life dedicated to making it a better place. Love, The Joel Family,” the post reads.

View this post on Instagram

Joel’s Instagram post received praise from the public, with many noting how “lovely” and heartfelt his message was. 

At the same time, many are also mourning the loss of Parton, who was a beloved icon in the music industry.

“What a beautiful post from one legend to another @billyjoel,” one wrote.

“Beautifully written…. We will always love Dolly. Truly a legend and this loss has hit me to my core,” a follower said.

“One legend to another. Beautiful tribute,” another echoed.

“Ty for mentioning Endo awareness as one of Dolly’s lifelong achievements,” a commenter added.

Joel and Parton never recorded a song together, but the late country star covered some of the rock icon’s tracks.

The “Jolene” hitmaker released her rendition of “Travelin’ Prayer” in 1999 as part of her album The Grass Is Blue.

As for “The Entertainer,” she performed it on her variety show Dolly in 1976 and later recorded her rendition as part of her 2023 rock album Rockstar.

Related: Legendary ‘70s Singer, Who Once Turned Down the Rock Hall, Gets Message From Khloe Kardashian

Chris Stapleton may be best known for towering No. 1 hits like “Starting Over” and “White Horse,” but one of his most beloved songs was never actually pushed to radio as an official single. That track is “Whiskey and You,” a raw, heartfelt heartbreak ballad featured on his record-breaking 2015 debut album Traveller. 

Lainey Wilson recently covered the track, sharing an acoustic performance of it on social media as a special token of appreciation for having recently toured with Stapleton. Over the weekend, the “Watermelon Moonshine” hitmaker, 34, wrapped up her opening slot on select dates of the eight-time CMA Male Vocalist of the Year winner’s All-American Road Show Tour.

View this post on Instagram

“What a run. 💛 Nobody can do it like @chrisstapleton, and I got to see it every night of tour,” Wilson captioned her video on Instagram, also sharing her appreciation for Stapleton’s wife, Morgane Stapleton, who sings backup harmonies in her husband’s band. “Thank you, Chris and Morgane for having us along for the ride. 🚌💨”

RELATED: 1982 No. 1 Country Classic, Made Famous by Willie Nelson, Reimagined by 19 Year Old Phenomenon

Stripping down the instrumentation, Wilson put a unique, distinctive female spin on the song, pouring raw emotion into its lyrics about coping with heartbreak through alcohol. Those who heard the rendition immediately flooded the comments section of the post to praise Wilson’s acoustic rendition. 

“@laineywilson can take a diamond and somehow make it even more beautiful,” one person wrote, while another follower added, “You’ve got to release that. Wow.”

RELATED: 1969 Hit, Reimagined by Reba McEntire Decades Later, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’

A third fan wrote, “@laineywilson Love you and love it when you sing acoustic songs! 🥰.”

Co-written by Stapleton and Lee Thomas Miller, “Whiskey and You” boasts a rich history. It was first recorded by Tim McGraw for his ninth studio album, 2007’s Let It Go, though it was never released to radio. 

Rock-turned-country artist Aaron Lewis later featured a cover on his 2016 album Sinner.

Despite “Whiskey and You” never becoming a radio single for any of these artists, the song’s emotional weight made it a standout standard in Stapleton’s catalog, earning an Academy of Country Music (ACM) award nomination for Song of the Year in 2018.  

Related: 2009 No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs of All Time,’ Reimagined as a Duet With Megan Moroney

Alice Cooper’s 1972 hit “School’s Out” has earned another place among rock music’s most remembered songs. 

The track was ranked at No. 55 on Amazon Music‘s “100 Greatest Classic Rock Songs,” a playlist curated by the streaming service as its picks for the best-ever classic rock songs.

Released more than five decades ago, “School’s Out” became one of the biggest songs connected to the original Alice Cooper band. It was released on April 26, 1972, as the only single from the band’s fifth studio album of the same name.

The song became Alice Cooper’s biggest international hit and is widely known as one of the group’s signature songs. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 3 in Canada, No. 2 in Ireland and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed at the top for three weeks.

Portrait of American rock singer Alice Cooper in London, England in March 1974.

Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images

Its success did not stop with the charts. In 2015, “School’s Out” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 

Alice Cooper’s ‘School’s Out’ Became a Last-Day-of-School Anthem

The idea behind “School’s Out” came from a simple question: what are the greatest three minutes of your life?

Cooper explained his answer by comparing two exciting moments of the year. One was Christmas morning. The other was the final minutes before school ended for summer.

“There’s two times during the year. One is Christmas morning, when you’re just getting ready to open the presents. The greed factor is right there. The next one is the last three minutes of the last day of school when you’re sitting there and it’s like a slow fuse burning. I said, ‘If we can catch that three minutes in a song, it’s going to be so big.’”

Years later, Cooper again explained the idea behind the song.

“At the same time, everybody hated school. We thought, if you can capture the last three minutes of the last day of school before summer vacation, that would be a joyous song.”

The band also looked to another famous rock anthem for inspiration. During an appearance on Rock & Roll High School with Pete Ganbarg, Cooper spoke about the influence of The Who’s 1965 hit “My Generation.”

“We understood what an anthem was after hearing ‘My Generation,’” he said.

Cooper explained why he believed songs like that could last for generations, saying it is “an anthem because 100 years from now, a 16-year-old kid hears that song and goes ‘Oh, he’s talking about me!’”

That same idea helped shape “School’s Out.” Its message about escaping school for summer was easy for young listeners to understand and sing along with.

The song also included the childhood rhyme, “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks,” while children contributed some of the vocals. It ended with the sound of a school bell fading away.

A major part of “School’s Out” was its opening guitar riff, created by guitarist Glen Buxton. Producer Bob Ezrin recalled being called to hear the new idea.

“Shep [Gordon, Alice’s manager] called me and said: ‘I think you need to come out here immediately, because they’ve come out with this really great riff and want to do a single called School’s Out,‘”

Ezrin told Classic Rock, per Louder, that when he arrived at the rehearsal studio, the main pieces of the song were already taking shape.

“So I got to the rehearsal studio, and Glen had that fantastic riff. They’d not yet quite developed the ‘No more pencils, no more books’ section, but the riff was there and the germ for the chorus was there, and the whole thing came together in an afternoon.”

Over the years, “School’s Out” has continued to receive recognition from major music lists. It was ranked No. 326 on Rolling Stone‘s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and was placed at No. 3 on The Guardian‘s list of the 20 best glam-rock songs of all time.

The 1972 hit also appeared in films and television, including Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Dazed and Confused, Scream, The Simpsons and Family Guy. In 2004, Cooper appeared as himself when the song was used in a Staples back-to-school television commercial.

Related: 1976 No. 1 Hit by Chicago Ranked Among ‘Greatest Soft Rock Songs’ of All Time

Some of the most beautiful songs in history have been inspired by real-life romance…and some tell more than one love story at a time. In the case of what David Crosby once called the best song he ever wrote, three different women inspired the lyrics (along with a medieval legend).

Released on Crosby, Stills & Nash, the group’s 1969 eponymous debut album, “Guinnevere” has three different verses, with each one seemingly about Guinnevere (the mythical object of King Arthur and Lancelot’s affection). In fact, each verse has to do with a separate woman, all ex-lovers of Crosby.

“That is a very unusual song, it’s in a very strange tuning with strange time signatures,” Crosby explained in a 2008 interview with Rolling Stone.

“It’s about three women that I loved,” Crosby continued. “One of whom was Christine Hinton, the girl who got killed who was my girlfriend, and one of whom was Joni Mitchell and the other one is somebody that I can’t tell. It might be my best song.”

According to The Independent, the “other one” is widely believed to be Nancy Ross, who was dating Gram Parsons when Crosby “stole” her at a party.

Like Crosby, Mitchell also took inspiration from the pair’s relationship to write a song: “That Song About the Midway,” which she decided to play for her former flame at a party at Monkee Peter Tork‘s house.

As author David Browne wrote in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: The Wild, Definitive Saga of Rock’s Greatest Supergroup, Crosby started seeing an old girlfriend when he and Mitchell started having problems. When she found out, Mitchell was not pleased.

Sulfiati Magnuson / Getty Images

“Joni was very angry and said, ‘I’ve got a new song,'” Crosby told Browne, before launching into “That Song About the Midway” (which included references to cheating).

“It was a very ‘Goodbye David’ song,” Crosby added. “She sang it while looking right at me, like, ‘Did you get it? I’m really mad at you.’ And then she sang it again. Just to make sure.”

While it’s not clear what Mitchell thought about “Guinnevere,” plenty of critics and fans have agreed with Crosby’s assessment. Earlier this year, Far Out‘s Jordan Potter called it the “greatest song David Crosby ever wrote.” And following Crosby’s death in 2023 at the age of 81, SPIN ranked “Guinnevere” at #2 on a list of the late musician’s “10 Best Songs.”

Related: 1971 Soft Rock Hit, Rumored to Be About an Affair With James Taylor, Was Actually Inspired by a 24-Year-Old Cook

Not many singers manage to have a #1 hit at just 16 years old, but Lesley Gore was in a class of her own. Not only did she top the U.S. charts with “It’s My Party” in 1963 when she was a junior in high school, but she followed that impressive accomplishment with ten more Billboard Top 40 hits…and one of them, “You Don’t Own Me,” turned into a timeless feminist anthem.

Gore, a New Jersey native, was discovered as a teen while taking vocal lessons in New York.

“One day, instead of my lesson, the piano player and I went into a studio right in the building and we put down some demos, just piano/voice,” Gore recalled in a 2005 interview with AfterEllen.

“Those demos got to Quincy Jones through an agent by the name of Joe Glaser who was very friendly with Irving Green, who was president of Mercury, and Quincy was working at Mercury and Irving put my demos on his desk. He listened to them, he called me, and we started to record.”

Gore “had just turned 16” when she recorded the demos, and she “was still 16 when we cut ‘It’s My Party.’ In May of that year I turned 17.”

The massive success of “It’s My Party” instantly catapulted Gore to a level of fame she wasn’t quite prepared to deal with, especially given her age.

“It was very difficult, to be honest with you,” Gore said. “You have to take into account that this was a long time ago, and we didn’t have things like answering machines, OK? So when the disc jockey on WINS or WNCA, which was a big station here in New York, would say, ‘That was Lesley Gore, the sweetie pie from Tenafly,’ well, people just came to Tenafly. You know, I’d wake up and there were people camped out on the grass.”

“Or they’d show up in town and someone would say ‘Where does Lesley live?’ and they’d go, ‘Oh, up the hill, then you make a left over there and it’s the third house on the right,'” she continued. “And it was the same thing with the telephone. People got on the phone and said, ‘Give me Gore in Tenafly.’ So we were getting phone calls that we didn’t even understand half the time. So I was really thrown into it, and those things are, how shall I say, double-edged swords. There’s a lot of positive but there’s a lot of negative and you need to find a way to balance it out.”

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

One thing Gore learned quickly was that the record industry has “always been a man’s world.”

“It’s always been a patriarchal situation, and it always puts women, not necessarily down, but certainly on a lower rung,” she explained. Perhaps fittingly, “You Don’t Own Me,” recorded when Gore was 17, addressed women’s rights in a manner few pop songs dared to attempt in the ’60s:

You don’t own me
I’m not just one of your many toys
You don’t own me
Don’t say I can’t go with other boys

And don’t tell me what to do
Don’t tell me what to say
And please, when I go out with you
Don’t put me on display

“You know, ‘You Don’t Own Me’ is a very powerful song: Don’t abuse me, don’t misuse me,” Gore explained.

“It comes from the same place. It’s the ‘don’t’ folder,” she added. “The interesting thing about ‘You Don’t Own Me’ is that it was written by two men, John Madera and Dave White, and they played me this song on guitar live at a hotel up in the Catskills in 1964 on a Saturday afternoon. And I had these guys come back to New York on Monday and meet with Quincy and me and play him the song and he fell in love with it. So you never know where these things are going to come from, but when I heard that song I knew I had to sing it.”

Related: 1960 No. 1 Hit, Written by 17-Year-Old Carole King, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’

“You Don’t Own Me” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Feb. 1, 1964, where it stayed for three weeks (“I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles kept Gore from reaching the top spot).

Years later, Gore called “You Don’t Own Me” her signature work, according to the BBC.

“After some 40 years, I still close my show with that song because I can’t find anything stronger, to be honest with you,” she said. “It’s a song that just kind of grows every time you do it.”

Over the years, “You Don’t Own Me” has become a cross-generational song of empowerment. It was used in a 2012 PSA asking women to vote and saw another resurgence during the #MeToo movement. (It also provided one of the most memorable moments in the classic 1996 comedy First Wives Club, thanks to Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler.) Gore re-recorded “You Don’t Own Me” for her final album, Ever More, in 2005; that same year, she came out as gay and introduced Lois Sasson as her longtime partner.

Gore died in 2015 at the age of 68. In her obituary, the New York Times praised “You Don’t Own Me” as “indelibly defiant,” adding, “Ms. Gore made herself the voice of teenage girls aggrieved by fickle boyfriends, moving quickly from tearful self-pity to fierce self-assertion.”

Related: 1969 Rock Classic, Written by the ‘Female Bob Dylan,’ Spent 14 Weeks on the Charts

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Never underestimate the impact of cute jewelry. Sometimes it’s all that you need to complete your outfit, especially during the cozy fall months when everything starts to feel more festive. Once the air turns crisp and your favorite coffee flavor makes its annual comeback, it’s only natural that you may want to give your wardrobe the autumn treatment, too.

This year, the Kendra Scott Pumpkin Necklace is making that so easy to do. It’s truly the most charming of seasonal accessories, instantly injecting your look with a pop of orange while adding a whimsical finishing touch to any cool-weather outfit. At just $34 for the gold version and $38 for the silver variety, it’s also a steal for a fun necklace that feels less costumey and more like a playful accent that you’ll look forward to wearing every year.

Kendra Scott Pumpkin Necklace, from $34 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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True to the Kendra Scott aesthetic, it features an eye-catching orange mother-of-pearl stone that commands attention thanks to the juicy color alone. The iridescent finish tempers the bold hue, giving it an elegant, pearlescent quality that makes it feel far more sophisticated than the usual pumpkin-themed jewelry. 

Both metal options add brilliant shine to the design. The 14-karat yellow gold over brass adds warmth to the spice-toned pendant, while the rhodium over brass option gives the pendant a more contemporary vibe. Whether you gravitate more to the gold or silver version, you can effortlessly weave it into your fall wardrobe. They’ll look right at home with jeans and sweaters, but can also add a playful pop of fall spirit to a little black dress or other dressier outfits.

With a 17-inch linked chain, it makes a statement without feeling overpowering. The pendant is subtle at just under half an inch long, giving you an easy way to celebrate the season without veering into heavily costumey territory. It’s so discreet, in fact, that you could easily wear it to the office or with a more conservative outfit. And with a toggle closure, it’s especially quick to slip on and head out the door.

A shopper described the piece as “very cute, festive, and minimalistic,” and added that the color is the “perfect shade of orange, not too bright, not too light, not too dark.” Another reviewer praised the necklace’s “dainty” and “really cute” look.

Shop More Deals

• Kendra Scott Daphne Enamel Earrings, $39 (was $98) at Amazon
• Kendra Scott Elaina Adjustable Bracelet, $48 (was $60) at Amazon
• Michael Kors Nolita Crossbody Bag, $74 (was $180) at Amazon

Related: Taylor Swift’s Favorite Kendra Scott Drop Earrings Are on Sale for Just $43 at Amazon

It’s rare to come across themed jewelry that feels as versatile as this, but you don’t need to reserve the Kendra Scott Pumpkin Necklace strictly for Halloween. Whether you’re wearing it to brunch, a night out, a spooky gathering, or the office, you’ll love the hint of color it adds to your look. Don’t miss it while it’s available at Amazon in your preferred metal.

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The Empire State Building went pink for Dolly Parton on Tuesday night.

The lights came up at 9:25 and held for a full hour, until 10:25, hours after she died at 80 at her home in Nashville. Anyone in Midtown who looked up got a pink tower and a reason to stop walking.

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The Building Called It a ‘Pink Sparkle’

That was its own phrase, posted before the lights went up. It called Parton “a global cultural icon whose seven-decade career reached generations of fans,” and pointed to the Imagination Library, which has put hundreds of millions of books into children’s hands.

It never explained why the lights came up at 9:25 rather than 9. Say the time out loud and it lands close to 9 to 5.

View this post on Instagram What New York Said

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called her “an irreplaceable champion of the working class.” City Council Speaker Julie Menin pointed to the Imagination Library and to the million dollars Parton put toward COVID-19 vaccine research. Gov. Kathy Hochul called her a once-in-a-generation talent. Sen. Chuck Schumer wrote that “all of America is mourning this monumental loss.”

The Song That Hour Belongs To

“9 to 5” came out in November 1980 as the lead single from her album 9 to 5 and Other Odd Jobs, written for the film of the same name. It went to No. 1 on the Hot 100 that February and held two weeks, the first and only time Parton topped the all-genre chart on her own. It topped the country and adult contemporary charts in the same run, won two Grammys and took an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

It is a song about clocking in for somebody else, sung by a woman who spent her whole career making sure she owned her own work.

A pink tower over Midtown on the night she died, lit at 9:25, held for exactly one hour, and then let go.

Related: Dolly Parton Refused a Rock Legend in 1974: ‘I Had to Keep That Copyright in My Pocket’