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Very few music fans realize just how close ABBA came to disappearing completely before a single three-letter track saved the band from becoming known as a one-hit wonder.

ABBA captured global attention by winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Waterloo.” The win made them a shoo-in for instant stardom, but the Swedish quartet, made up of members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, quickly experienced a chart slump.

The momentum from “Waterloo” faded fast after the songs “Ring Ring” and “So Long” failed to make a dent on the charts. Needing a clear turnaround, the group pivoted and released “SOS.”

The one-word song became a hit. In the United States, it ranked No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to U Discover Music. The song topped the charts in Australia, Belgium, France, New Zealand, South Africa, and West Germany and peaked at No. 6 in the United Kingdom.

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The tune quickly became a fan favorite, gaining celebrity admirers such as The Who‘s Pete Townshend and Beatles founder John Lennon. The official ABBA website reported that Townshend once approached Ulvaeus to tell him that he believed that “SOS” was the best pop song ever written.

For Ulvaeus, “SOS” was the pivotal track where ABBA finally found their musical identity. It also scored a unique pop trivia milestone when manager Stig Anderson named the song. Because both ABBA and “SOS” are palindromes, it became the first hit single in history where both the artist and the song title spell the same thing backward and forward.

Additionally, Paste Magazine named the track one of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 1970s. They ranked the track at No. 21.

The publication wrote, “There’s a startling intensity to this song—like much of ABBA’s discography, it is particularly invested in the psychological trauma that comes from a failed love affair. It is not just that the love is over, but that the mental connection is wearing away.” It added, “Benny and Björn wrote the pop playbook, and ‘SOS’ is the first entry.”

Surprisingly, “SOS” also inspired the Sex Pistols’ anthem, “Pretty Vacant” from the 1977 LP Never Mind the Bullocks, reported Rolling Stone. Glen Matlock explained, “Malcolm [McLaren] came back [from New York] with fliers for the shows, and he brought back setlists, but none of these bands had made records at that stage.”

He continued, “One said ‘Blank Generation’, and that got me thinking about how there was nothing going on in London. There was a real air of despondency and desperation, so I came out with the idea of ‘Pretty Vacant.’”

Matlock concluded that he knew the song “needed a melodic thing, and I heard something on a record [‘SOS’] by a band called ABBA and it inspired the riff I needed. And I said, ‘Guys, I’ve got it.’”

In the end, “SOS” did so much more than rescue ABBA from a temporary slump. It handed four Swedish musicians their true artistic identity, proving to the world—and to themselves—that they were built to last far beyond a single contest stage.

Related: 1975 AM Radio Gold Song, Written on a Road Trip, Was a Career-Defining Hit For John Denver

If you’ve spent any time in an airport terminal lately, you’ve probably witnessed the shifting landscape of airline etiquette firsthand: passengers playing videos without headphones, rushers crowding the aisle the second the seatbelt sign chimes, and tense negotiations over middle-seat boundaries.

According to a nationally representative survey of more than 2,500 U.S. adults conducted by YouGov and commissioned by The Points Guy, flyer frustration has reached a boiling point. A full 42% of Americans say passenger etiquette has noticeably worsened over the past five years, with a majority (52%) placing the blame squarely on bad passenger behavior rather than crowded airline cabins.

Between viral debates and seatback showdowns, here is where American travelers actually stand on the biggest unwritten rules of the sky.

Related: A Points and Miles Expert Reveals Why 86% of Us Are Wasting Credit Card Points—and the Smarter Way to Book Europe for Less

1. Noise Is Public Enemy No. 1

Forget tight legroom—unfiltered noise is the fastest way to irritate an entire cabin. A leading 27% of respondents named loud talking or passengers playing music and videos without headphones as their single biggest annoyance, beating out seat recliners (21%) and barefoot flyers (8%). Whether scrolling social feeds, watching movies, or taking FaceTime calls in the gate area, using headphones remains the most critical basic courtesy.

2. The Middle-Seat Armrest “Rule” Is an Urban Legend

One of the most frequently cited pieces of flyer lore is that the passenger stuck in the middle seat is automatically entitled to both armrests. According to the data, almost no one actually follows that rule: only 11% of Americans believe the middle-seat flyer gets both armrests. Instead, 31% say armrests should be shared equally, while 20% believe the middle flyer gets priority but must still share.

Related: How to Score Elite Hotel Status in 2026 (Without the 50-Night Grind)

3. Reclining Is Fine—If You Follow the “Check-Behind” Rule

The long-running seatback recline war has a clear consensus: 51% of travelers agree it is completely acceptable to recline in economy, provided you glance behind you first. Only 10% believe passengers should never recline at all. The takeaway: reclining isn’t inherently rude, but slamming your seat back without warning someone who might have a hot drink or an open laptop on their tray table is.

4. Wait Your Turn to Deplane

If you are tempted to leap up and bolt toward the front the moment the wheels touch down, think twice. Nearly two-thirds of travelers (65%) state that deplaning strictly row-by-row from front to back is the only proper way to exit an aircraft. Only 10% consider it acceptable to dash forward when an opening appears.

Related: How to Book a Quick, Last-Minute ‘Points-Cation’ Without Getting Burned

5. It’s Fine to Ask for a Seat Swap (With One Catch)

Asking a seatmate to switch places isn’t considered bad manners by most flyers: 44% say asking to swap seats is not rude, compared to 34% who consider it bad etiquette. However, frequent flyers agree on the golden rule of swapping: you can ask to trade equal or better seats, but never expect another passenger to surrender a premium, extra-legroom, or window seat for a downgrade.

Related: 6 Airline Perks That Are Actually Worth the Money (and 2 to Skip)

The Baylen Out Loud Season 3 finale is just around the corner—and Baylen Dupree faced the possibility of a tic attack at her and Colin Dooley‘s wedding reception.

Ahead of the Aug. 25 finale, TLC shared a sneak peek with Parade of the bride, who lives with Tourette syndrome, struggling with what might be a sudden, severe onset of tics.

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The clip begins with Baylen punching the table, as her mother, Julie Dupree, marveled, “The flowers are out of control. I told Shannon, she totally made it you.” As the bride again punched the place setting, her mom casually moved back the plate, while Baylen followed suit by moving her glass further away.

“Baylen’s had minimal tics at the reception so far,” Colin told producers. “But I could definitely tell that Baylen is becoming a little bit overstimulated and overwhelmed right now.”

That’s when Baylen started banging her head on her plate and the table. As both Colin and Julie attempted to help cushion Baylen’s involuntary movements, they grew worried.

“Oh, God! OK,” Julie exclaimed. She then explained to producers, “Between the drinking and the overstimulation, Baylen’s tics seem to be amping up. Of course it’s a concern.”

‘Baylen Out Loud’: Baylen Faces Tic Attack at Her & Colin’s Wedding Reception (Exclusive Clip) (0:59)

Meanwhile, Baylen’s sister, Sammi Dupree (who also served as the maid of honor at the wedding, also felt overwhelmed at the wedding reception.

“I’m just gonna go outside and get a breath,” she told another woman at the table, who asked if Sammi wanted her to come and sit with her.

“Baylen seems to be on the verge of a possible tic attack,” Julie observed. “And now, on top of that, Sammi is through the roof with her anxiety. I hope we can make it through the rest of this night.”

Did Baylen experience a full-on tic attack at her wedding reception? Fans of the TLC series will have to tune in to find out.

Catch the Season 3 finale of Baylen Out Loud on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 9 p.m. ET on TLC, and streaming the next day on HBO Max.

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He may just be known as Miley Cyrus’ dad to the younger generation, but before his Disney Channel era, he was one of the biggest country stars in the 1990s.

Billy Ray Cyrus is celebrating his 65th birthday on Tuesday. Since his debut, Cyrus has released 17 studio albums and more than 50 singles. His biggest hit, “Achy Breaky Heart,” topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and became the best-selling single in 1992, and also made line dancing rise in popularity around the world.

In June, Cyrus released his first album since 2019, titled The Hill, which was co-produced by his son Braison and includes a collaboration with his daughter, Noah, who’s also a singer.

“I gave [Braison] the reins, and he really did a masterful job, with the right blends, the right harmonies. It’s not over-produced. Other than the saving of my Dad’s voice from a 1998 answering machine, that’s about how high-tech this album goes. There is no AI,” Cyrus told Americana Highways over the summer. “There is nothing else brought in. If anything, it’s the most imperfect album I’ve ever released.”

Braison Cyrus, Noah Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus pose for a portrait backstage during the 2026 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 24, 2026 in Indio, California.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Stagecoach

Billy Ray Cyrus’ beginnings

Cyrus was born on Aug 25, 1961, in Flatwood, Kentucky, to Ruth Ann and Ron Cyrus, a former steelworker who became a politician and served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1975 to 1996. He grew up around music, specifically bluegrass and gospel. While a student at Georgetown College, he attended a Neil Diamond concert and realized that he wanted to become a musician. He dropped out of college and started playing in a band called Sly Dog in 1980.

In his early beginnings, Cyrus struggled and suffered many hardships, including living in his neighbor’s car before signing to PlyGram/Mercury in 1990 and opening for Reba McEntire. Afterward, he started writing and recording music for his debut album, Some Gave All, which became an instant chart and sales success upon its release in 1992.

The album debuted at the top spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, the Billboard 200, as well as multiple charts in Canada and around the world. The most successful song, “Achy Breaky Heart,” also came with a successful music video, which caused line dancing to become mainstream. In addition, the songs “She’s Not Cryin’,” “Could’ve Been Me” and “Wher’m I Gonna Live” also placed on different charts.

A year later, Cyrus released his follow-up, It Won’t Be the Last, which also had three singles make the Top 40 on different charts. After the success of that, he released his third album, Storm in the Heartland, which was successful, but did not hit top spots like his predecessors. Storm in the Heartland ended up being Cyrus’ last album with PolyGram, which shut down in 1995. He was transferred to Mercury Nashville and released three more studio albums before transitioning into Christian music and acting in the early 2000s.

Cyrus’ transition from music to acting

Cyrus recorded two Christian albums: Time Flies and The Other Side, both in 2003. In the early 2000s, Cyrus started acting. In 2001, he appeared in Mulholland Drive as Gene and starred as David Lynch in the TV series Doc. From 2006 to 2011, he played Robby Ray Stewart, the father of his real-life daughter Miley Cyrus, in the hit Disney Channel series Hannah Montana.

Though in 2011 he told GQ that he wished the show never happened, and the magazine ran a headline saying that the show destroyed his family, Cyrus cleared up the accusation in another interview with ABC News that “he hated [the headline] cause that’s not what [he] meant.”

“I hated it because I love Hannah Montana. I love Disney; I love the show. I love the entertainment we’ve been able to make,” Cyrus cleared up. He also explained that he did the GQ interview in the middle of a divorce and it was conducted “at a bad time.”

“I did that interview with GQ two weeks before Christmas in the midst of a divorce, separated from my family,” he explained. “It was a mess. Surrounded in darkness. GQ, the writer, photographer, showed up. And I kind of learned this: that doing an interview when you’re mad is a whole lot like going to the grocery store when you’re hungry. It’s not a real good idea.”

Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus at the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures’ “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both World Concert” on January 17, 2008 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

Eric Charbonneau/WireImage

After Hannah Montana ended in 2011, he continued his music career. After releasing a string of albums, his resurgance came back in 2019 when he appeared on a remixed version of Lil Nas X’s hit song, “Old Town Road,” which was crowned the top spot on the Hot 100 for almost 20 weeks. In an interview with Business Insider in 2020, Cyrus revealed that Lil Nas X, who was 19 years old at the time, didn’t know Cyrus was originally a country singer and only knew him from Hannah Montana.

“So really, if I hadn’t done Hannah Montana, I’d have never met Lil Nas X. He would have never known I was on the planet,” Cyrus continued, explaining earlier that he had many doubts about doing the show because he didn’t want to derail his music career. “So you really can’t question God’s plan.”

Billy Ray Cyrus performs onstage during the 2019 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Field on April 28, 2019 in Indio, California.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach

What is Cyrus doing now?

As Cyrus celebrates his 65th birthday, the legendary musician and actor has been focused on promoting his most recent project, The Hill, and spending time with his girlfriend, actress Elizabeth Hurley. A deluxe version of The Hill is set to be released on Oct. 23.

“As Miley referenced when she got her Hollywood Star, ‘As my dad always says, every skyscraper begins with a jackhammer,'” Cyrus told Americana Highway. “Remember, it’s not the force of the jackhammer that busts up the concrete; it’s the repetition. That’s the thing. You keep on keepin’ on. Hopefully, first of all, you do what you do because you love it. And if you don’t, find something new to do, because life’s too short.”

Related: Billy Ray Cyrus Reacts to Major Update on ‘Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special’

British glam rock band Hello had a small stint of fame in the 1970s thanks to Russell Ballard‘s “New York Groove,” but it would become an American classic that to KISS lead guitarist Ace Frehley.

Ballard was better known at the time as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Argent, formed by Zombies member Rod Argent. Beyond the band, Ballard had his own collection of tracks he created and produced for other bands in the ’70s and ’80s. One of them was for Hello, who had a few well-known tracks, like “You Move Me” and “New York Groove.”

The 1975 was all over the UK when it was released by Hell as part of their Keep Us Off the Streets album. It went to No. 9 on the UK charts and did well in Germany. According to Louder AAA, Ballard explains that he had just finished producing Roger Daltrey’s solo album, Ride A Rock Horse. He had it cut in London until Daltrey suggested going to New York, as “people say Bob Ludwig’s cuts are louder at Sterling Sound.”

“While I was sitting on the plane I got out a pen and paper and started thinking of the phrase ‘back in the New York groove’. That’d be a good title for a song, I reckoned; the whole idea of someone going back to New York and singing about the experience,” he explained.

When Ballard returned to London, Hello’s manager asked if he had any tracks for the band, seeing as he had worked with them for their debut single and other hit tracks. Ballard mentioned having the title to “New York Groove,” and the band recorded it in just five hours in a studio in London.

Three years later, in 1978, Frehley of KISS released his first self-titled solo album. His cover of “New York Groove” was an immediate success upon release, landing at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and gaining popularity overseas. His album was released to coincide with the rest of the band’s solo works, but it was Frehley’s cover that outshone all of them.

“A lot of people think I wrote New York Groove. It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve wrote the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it, ha-ha-hargh!” said Frehley.

The guitarist would go on to explain that they decided to record the track after realizing the album needed a more commercial song, and did it while recording overdubs in Manhattan. While a majority of the album was done in Connecticut, “New York Groove” was instead done in a studio above Radio City Music Hall, where Frehley got a show from the Rockettes.

“It was kinda cool because the Rockettes – the dancers who perform at Radio City – used to sun themselves on the roof. The studio was right there off the stairway. These beautiful, semi-naked girls were constantly walking into the studio and checking out what was going on. So that was quite a nice recording environment.”

When it came to the success of the song, Frehly admits he didn’t feel like he got “one over on the other guys.” He was happy that the track did so well, and it was something that simply happened by luck.

Related: 1979 Soft Rock Song, Nearly Shelved by Steve Forbert, Is Still a Breakthrough Hit 47 Years Later

Few actors are as closely identified with a single character as Sean Connery was with James Bond. The Scottish actor, who died in 2020 at 90, would have celebrated his 96th birthday on Aug. 25.

Connery didn’t simply play Bond. He helped define what the character would become on the big screen, bringing a combination of danger, sophistication, humor and physicality to Ian Fleming’s secret agent that would influence every actor who followed.

Born Aug. 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Connery grew up in a working-class family and left school as a teenager. Before becoming an international movie star, he worked a series of jobs (including as a milkman and a coffin polisher) and served in the Royal Navy.

Acting eventually offered him a different path.

Connery began appearing in small theatrical productions and television roles during the 1950s, gradually building a reputation as a promising young actor. But his life changed dramatically when he was cast as James Bond in 1962’s Dr. No.

Sean Connery Becomes James Bond

When Dr. No arrived in theaters, audiences were introduced to a version of Bond who was stylish but dangerous, effortlessly charming but capable of startling violence.

Connery returned as 007 in From Russia with Love in 1963, followed by Goldfinger in 1964. The latter became a cultural phenomenon, helping turn Bond into one of cinema’s biggest franchises.

Connery continued with Thunderball in 1965 and You Only Live Twice in 1967. Although he had become synonymous with the role, the relentless attention surrounding Bond began to wear on him.

He temporarily stepped away from the character after You Only Live Twice, only to return for Diamonds Are Forever in 1971.

But Connery was determined not to let Bond define his entire career.

Beyond 007

After leaving Bond behind, Connery demonstrated that his talents extended far beyond the spy franchise.

He appeared in films including The Man Who Would Be King, A Bridge Too Far and The Name of the Rose. In 1983, he returned to the Bond world one final time in Never Say Never Again, an independently produced film outside the official Eon Productions series.

Then came one of the most acclaimed performances of his career.

In 1987’s The Untouchables, Connery played Irish-American police officer Jim Malone opposite Kevin Costner. His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Connery followed that success with roles in major films including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October and The Rock. In each, he brought the same commanding screen presence that had made him an international star decades earlier.

A Legacy Bigger Than James Bond

Although generations of actors have portrayed 007, Connery’s interpretation remains the benchmark against which many Bond performances are measured.

His Bond was polished without being soft, funny without becoming a caricature and intimidating without losing his charisma. That balance helped transform Fleming’s literary character into a cinematic icon.

Connery officially retired from acting in the early 2000s, although he occasionally lent his voice to projects afterward. He spent his later years largely away from the spotlight.

He died in the Bahamas on Oct. 31, 2020, at age 90.

More than six decades after he first introduced movie audiences to James Bond, Connery’s influence on popular culture remains unmistakable. The character has changed with the times, but the image of 007 in a tuxedo, delivering a dry quip before confronting danger, still owes an enormous debt to the Scottish actor who made the role his own.

On what would have been Sean Connery’s 96th birthday, his legacy is not simply that he was the first cinematic James Bond.

It is that he made audiences believe there could only ever be one.

RELATED: ‘Frankenstein’ Was Almost Completely Different Before Boris Karloff Was Cast

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If there is one thing Dolly Parton knows, it is how to turn everyday moments into something special. Now, her unmistakable charm is gracing kitchen sinks across America, thanks to the Dolly Parton Pink Guitar Long Handle Bottle Brush. 

Priced at just $8 on Amazon, this whimsical cleaning tool is delighting shoppers with its playful design and practical utility, quickly becoming a kitchen favorite for fans and gift-givers alike.

Dolly Parton Pink Guitar Long Handle Bottle Brush, From $8 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The Dolly Parton bottle brush transforms dish duty into a miniature performance, bringing a dash of country glam to your countertop. Shaped like a bright pink acoustic guitar and adorned with Dolly’s signature logo, the brush feels right at home in any music lover’s kitchen. 

The long handle makes cleaning bottles, tall glasses, and coffee mugs easy, reaching those tricky spots without a struggle. Whether you are rinsing out a thermos or scrubbing a champagne flute, this brush gets the job done with a little flair.

Built for daily use, the brush features a sturdy handle and a durable pink sponge that stands up to heavy scrubbing. It also includes a hanging rope to help the sponge dry quickly. 

The packaging itself is a treat, with a pink gingham backer card and sparkling rhinestone accents that make it instantly gift-ready. It is a clever option for housewarming gifts, birthdays, bachelorette parties in Nashville, or surprising the Dolly devotee in your life.

Reviews have quickly praised the product’s blend of fun and function. “Any Dolly lover would love this bottle brush,” one shopper noted. “It is made well.”

Another shopper called it a “super cute addition to my kitchen and perfect gift for a Dolly fan,” while a third appreciated that it “dries quickly.” “I like this far better than I ever thought I would,” they added. “Perfect for my glass coffee mugs.”

Shop More Deals

• Dolly Parton Ceramic Utensil Holder, $20 (was $22) 
• KitchenAid Classic Cutting Board with Non-Slip Edges, $13 at Amazon
• Dolly Parton Slotted Spatula with Butterfly Shaped Slots, $9 (was $10) at Amazon

Related: Dolly Parton’s Leakproof Insulated Mug Pays Tribute to a Music Icon While Keeping Coffee Piping Hot

In a world where small joys matter, the $8 Dolly Parton bottle brush is a cheerful reminder that a touch of Dolly can make even the most routine chores feel a little more like a hit show. Snag it for under $10 while it’s still in stock!

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Football fans are a passionate bunch. Just think back to the last time you watched a National Football League (NFL) game at your favorite brewpub on Sunday or when you hosted a Super Bowl watch party and your favorite team was playing.

Now think of those iconic rivalries, fan traditions, and more taking to the international stage. While 2026 won’t be the first time teams take each other on outside of the United States, it’s the first time the NFL International Games will be played in seven countries and feature a record-breaking nine games. 

“The NFL’s global expansion is fueling a new era of sports tourism, with fans traveling farther and building international trips around marquee events. NFL International Games are bigger than football. They give host cities a global stage to showcase their culture and pride. In partnership with the NFL, we create hospitality experiences that connect the energy of the game with the identity of each destination, driving record-breaking results year after year,” said Paul Caine, President of On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL. 

This year, the NFL International Games kick off on September 10 in Melbourne, Australia, where the San Francisco 49ers will take on the LA Rams. But throughout the regular season, the NFL will head to plenty of other places, including France, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and England. Even better, each of these games is being played in a destination you can make an entire trip out of, whether that’s through official ticket packages that include events and transportation, or just exploring a new city on your own. 

If you’re thinking about getting tickets to one of these games, or already booked your tickets and looking for suggestions on where to stay and what to do outside of the game, keep reading. 

Melbourne, Australia on September 10, 2026 Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. LA Rams The AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank is a centrally located hotel for game day and beyond.

AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank

If you’re thinking about flying halfway around the world to Melbourne, Australia, for the NFL game between the 49ers and the Rams, there are things you need to know. According to Kayak, this is the priciest NFL game to attend. Flights average about $1,188 per person, with a three-night hotel adding to the cost, totaling about $1,900 to get to the city and have a place to sleep. But it could be worth the splurge if you really want to make a vacation out of an NFL game. 

Consider staying at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, which is close to the beach and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the NFL game is being held. The hotel is about a 30-minute tram ride from the stadium. Between touchdowns and exploring Melbourne, you can enjoy the hotel’s spacious infinity pool overlooking the city. 

Some destinations not to miss while enjoying your sports-themed vacation include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the beach town of St Kilda, and enjoying local coffee shops since the city is known as Australia’s coffee capital. 

Related: 9 Bucket-List Sporting Events to Plan Your 2026 Summer Vacation Around

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, on September 27, 2026 Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys The hotel pool is a great spot to relax between the football game and exploring the city.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

When the Ravens take on the Cowboys in September, there’s no better place to call home than at the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort. The property is the only beachfront resort in the city, making it a must-stay. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary shuttles to Leblon Beach for those who want to spend a day in the sand. The hotel is about 30 minutes from Maracanã Stadium by car. 

While you’re in Rio, be sure to ride the cable car up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and take in the sights and sounds of Copacabana Beach. 

London, England, on October 4 and 11, 2026 Matchup: Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders, then Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Fans can see two NFL games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.

Friendly Planet

The London games may be the best travel deal of them all because you could link two or three games together in one trip. While this could be better for flights, the tradeoff is that hotels are more expensive.

Consider staying at The Stafford London. The hotel is located in the heart of St. James, with Tube stations just around the corner. While the ride on the Tube to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium takes about 40 minutes both ways, it’s worth it for a hotel right in the middle of one of London’s best neighborhoods. Besides plenty of dining and drinking options, you’re within walking distance to some of London’s best tourist attractions, like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to experience an NFL game in London, Global tour operator Friendly Planet is offering a five-day small group trip to London when the Eagles and Jaguars face off on October 11. The package includes round-trip airfare, all ground transportation, three nights in a nearby hotel, four meals, tickets to the game, and plenty of time to explore the city on your own. 

Related: World Cup Fever Is Turning These 4 Viral Soccer Nations Into the Year’s Hottest Travel Destinations

London, England, on October 18, 2026 Matchup: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars With close proximity to Wembley Stadium, Hilton London Wembley is ideal for sports fans.

Hilton

While the first two London games are being held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the final game of the series is at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, where the Texans and Jaguars will face off. Between the excitement of the division rivalry and exploring London, make your home at the Hilton London Wembley. The hotel is just an eight-minute walk to the stadium, making game day easier. 

Even better, the hotel is just a short walk from Wembley Park Station, where you can hop on the London Underground to the city’s best tourist attractions such as the British Museum or a show at the West End. 

Paris, France, on October 25 2026 Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints The Hilton Paris Opera is centrally located for game day and city exploration.

Hilton

A trip to Paris is always a good idea, but add on an NFL game, and you’ve got a great trip ahead. Stay in the heart of Paris at the Hilton Paris Opera, a stunning 1889 building that exudes Parisian charm. I’ve been lucky enough to stay here, and it’s a convenient spot for all the major tourist attractions, like the Eiffel Tower just 15 minutes away, and the Louvre and Montmartre within a short distance. Even better, just outside of the hotel is a metro station, which can get you within a few minutes’ walk to Stade de France.

Madrid, Spain, on November 8, 2026 Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons NFL fans can get more out of their international game trips with packages from On Location.

On Location

If getting to one of the European NFL games is on your travel must-dos this year, Madrid may be the best option. It has the cheapest average airfare of the five European destinations, at about $785, and hotels are on the cheaper side at around $262 per night. 

There are plenty of budget-friendly hotel options in Madrid like the AC Hotel Aitana, which is just a short walk to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, making game day easy. On the other hand, travelers looking for an upscale option in the heart of the city will love Rosewood Villa Magna. The 154-room hotel is right in the middle of Madrid’s Salamanca district, known for its shopping and dining, plus easy access to local landmarks. Even better for those attending the game, the property is just 15 minutes from Bernabéu Stadium via public transportation. 

Related: The One City You Should Visit Before It Gets Overrun by Tourists, According to Experts

Munich, Germany, on November 15, 2026 Matchup: New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions The Charles Hotel is a luxurious home base for NFL fans in Munich.

The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

If you’re looking for an easy way to bundle flights, hotels, game day tickets, and more, On Location has you covered. The hospitality provider offers a range of ticket and travel packages, from single-day packages that include a ticket to the Munich game, an Oktoberfest rally, and public transportation, all the way to packages that include flights, four nights at a luxury hotel, round-trip transportation from the airport and game, and plenty of fun before and after the game. 

Football fans who want to have more freedom with their trip have plenty of hotel options near the stadium, but one that stands out is The Charles Hotel. Each of the property’s accommodations was recently redesigned and is inspired by Munich’s Old Botanical Gardens. Even better, if you’re traveling with a large group, the property offers multi-bedroom suites, so everyone can stay together but have their own space. The Charles Hotel is a five-minute walk from the main train station. Then it’s just about 20 minutes by train to Allianz Arena. 

Related: 5 ‘Secret’ European Islands to Add to Your Bucket List

Mexico City, Mexico, on November 22, 2026

Matchup: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers

Right in the heart of Mexico City is a hotel with plenty of history.

Hilton

According to Kayak, this is the cheapest game of the nine international NFL games to attend. The average airfare to the city is just $494, and hotels average about $223 per night. One great place to make your home base is Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton. The property is housed in a historic building dating back over 100 years in the heart of downtown Mexico City. The art-centric hotel features more than 100 pieces from local artists, plus an outdoor rooftop pool, four restaurants, an expansive vinyl collection, a mini-cinema, and more right at your fingertips. The hotel is about a 40-minute drive to the Estadio Banorte, where the Vikings will take on the 49ers. 

While there are plenty of things to do in the city, you must visit Handshake Speakeasy, which was named one of North America’s 50 best bars. It’s about three miles from the hotel, but worth the taxi or ride-share fee. Drinks can take about two days to fully craft, making each cocktail special and worth savoring. 

Related: I’m an ‘Experiences’ Writer—You Can’t Miss These 9 Bucket-List Sporting Events This Summer

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Seeing as we spend roughly a third of our lives in bed—that fact alone feels like a pretty good argument for making the place where we sleep a little nicer. Not too nice, mind you. This is still the spot where snacks disappear, pets (when permitted) take over the blankets and “I’ll just lie down for five minutes” turns into a two-hour nap. But a bed can be both hardworking and good-looking, and sometimes all it takes is a new comforter to remind you of that.

You don’t need to repaint the bedroom, rearrange the furniture or even become the kind of person who owns a decorative ladder for folded blankets (but, seriously, I love those). A fresh comforter can do plenty of heavy lifting on its own, bringing in a new color, pattern or texture while making the whole room feel more like the sanctuary you deserve.

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SVÄMNIL Comforter Set, $99.99–$119.99 at IKEA

IKEA

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That’s part of the appeal of IKEA’s latest comforter set—the SVÄMNIL. It’s an easy bedroom update that doesn’t require a full-scale commitment to a new aesthetic. Swap it onto the bed, fluff it up, add a couple of pillows, and the next thing you know, the room looks like you’ve been making thoughtful decorating decisions all along.

Related: World Market’s Acacia Wood Scalloped Lazy Susan Is the Prettiest Kitchen Upgrade

The chenille diamond pattern of this comforter brings a little boho character to the bed, with its raised texture giving the set a relaxed look. Plus, it adds some visual interest without making the room feel like you’ve gone all-in on a theme, which is probably for the best unless you’re also prepared to start collecting macramé. Meanwhile, the fluffy filling gives the comforter a soft, inviting loft that makes the bed look wonderfully sinkable—and delivers that cozy, warm feeling you want when it’s time to call it a night.

You’ll also be pleased to know that this set includes a comforter and two coordinating shams. It’s available in either full/queen or king sizing, with the smaller size costing $99.99 and the larger King size priced at $119.99.

The best way to keep white linens bright is by washing them separately. It’s tempting to toss everything into one load and call it a day, but darker fabrics can leave white linens looking dingy over time. Wash whites in the warmest water the care label allows, and don’t overstuff the machine—your sheets and comforter need room to actually get clean. For an extra brightening boost, oxygen bleach can help without being as harsh as chlorine bleach.

Related: Martha Stewart’s 3-Piece Quilt Set Brings a Calming Sage Green to Your Bedroom

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Back-to-school mornings are hectic enough without hunting for a missing sneaker or tripping over shoes by the door. With kids needing different pairs for class, sports, gym, and everyday wear, their shoe collections can pile up quickly. A spacious shoe rack, however, can help keep all those pairs organized and easy to grab when it’s time to head out the door.

Right now, Walmart shoppers can snag the Costway 6-Piece Stackable Shoe Rack for $122, down from $199. The set includes six two-tier shelves, adding up to 12 tiers total and giving you plenty of space to keep shoes neatly organized and easy to grab. 

Costway 6-Piece Stackable Shoe Rack, $122 (was $199) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The stackable design makes this shoe rack a versatile pick for closets, bedrooms, entryways, and other areas that could use some extra organization. You can stack the shelves together for a taller storage setup or arrange them separately to create storage wherever you need it most.

Each rack is 31 inches wide, giving you plenty of horizontal storage. While the shelves are designed for shoes, they can easily be used to organize folded clothes, backpacks, handbags, or accessories. The shoe rack comes in four colors — black, brown, rustic brown, and white — so you can choose the option that works best with your existing decor.

Don’t need six shelves? Walmart also has a smaller, three-piece version available for as low as $60. But if you’re trying to organize footwear for the whole family, the six-piece set gives you considerably more storage to work with.

Walmart shoppers gave the shoe rack high marks for its durable construction and easy assembly. One shopper called the medium-density fiberboard shelves “sturdy,” adding they were “perfect for shoe storage.” 

Shop More Deals

• Way to Celebrate Halloween Sleepshirt Top and Socks Set, $12 at Walmart
• No Boundaries Cotton Twill Barn Jacket, $20 at Walmart
• Exclusivo Mezcla Floral Comforter Set, From $36 (was $56) at Walmart

Related: Mary Janes Are a Fall Staple, and This ‘Classic’ Pair Is ‘Incredibly Comfortable’ for Plantar Fasciitis

At just $122, the six-piece Costway Stackable Shoe Rack is an easy way to tackle shoe clutter for the entire family.  Since the sale will only last for a limited time, interested shoppers shouldgrab one in their preferred color while it’s still in stock!

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Steve Forbert was in his mid-20’s when he released the soft rock track “Romeo’s Tune” that captured hearts with lyrics about fading away in the company of your lover.

In the late 70’s, Forbert released his second studio album, Jackrabbit Slim, which included “Romeo’s Tune” as the lead single. The track would become the young singer’s biggest hit and a one-hit wonder that landed at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 13 on the Adult Contemporary chart. While it stayed on the charts for 19 weeks, it would gain international recognition in 1980. It made its way to the charts in Canada, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and South Africa.

“Romeo’s Tune” was almost left unreleased, only because Forbert couldn’t develop a perfect version of the track. It was originally written for his debut album, Alive on Arrival, but he felt it was too much of a love song for the album’s overall concept. The track was shelved, as Forbert also wasn’t satisfied with what he had created and felt it wasn’t the hit he knew it could be.

“‘Romeo’s Tune’ was almost finished in Mississippi for Alive on Arrival. That album took on a bit of an autobiographical concept in my mind. Here’s a guy from Mississippi, going down to Laurel, goes to the big city, goes through some changes. And really I think that to have recorded ‘Romeo’s Tune’ and stuck it in the middle of all that would have been too heavy of a love song detour. And it wasn’t finished. I thought it was finished,” he explained to SongFacts.

The singer went on to add that he instead began playing it during live shows, and even one fan told him it was a hit track. Forbert honestly believed the song could be a hit, but struggled to get it right. He banded together with some musicians and producer Steve Bergh to develop a demo, and “we took a shot at it. It was weird. It wasn’t the right rhythm.”

Forbert continued to get a positive reaction when he played the track live, and it felt right. It wasn’t until his manager, Linda Stein, recommended that it “needed another verse,” and he recalls being in Paris when he came up with “Let me see you smiling back at me, hold me tight in love, and love is free.”

By the time they started working on the second album, they decided to try “Romeo’s Tune” again while in Nashville, and it “didn’t feel like we got it” despite the record label knowing it was a hit. They tried again in New York City to no luck, until they returned to Nashville.

“Let’s go back to Nashville. So we did. I think we got in a different drummer, Roger Clark, whose playing I’m very fond of. He even played on Strange Names and New Sensations a few years ago. And we got it right away. I mean, the first day was like, Right, this is the right band, and this is all happening. When all the musicians came into the room and listened to the playback, everybody said, That’s it, that’s the version we’ve been looking for. I think it was the third take that day,” explained the singer.

Related: 1972 Country Rock Ballad, Written by Shel Silverstein, Is Still a Hit Breakup Song 54 Years Later

Vivian Campbell, the legendary rock guitarist known for his work with everyone from Dio to Def Leppard, is celebrating his birthday. The rock icon turns 64 on August 25, the same day fellow hard rock legends Gene Simmons of KISS and Rob Halford of Judas Priest turn 77 and 75, respectively.

Campbell was born in Belfast, Ireland, on Aug. 25, 1962, per the official Def Leppard website. Known for playing for DIO and Whitesnake in the 1980s, he rocked MTV at age 20 in music videos such as ”Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark,” the latter of which featured him in an iconic streetside jam with bassist Jimmy Bain. He also appeared in Hear ’n Aid’s “Stars” video as well as Whitesnake’s iconic “Still of the Night,” “Is This Love,” and “Here I Go Again” videos.

Campbell first joined Def Leppard for their Adrenalize tour in 1992, following the death of original guitarist Steve Clark, and remains in the band today. In addition, Campbell has played with Thin Lizzy, Lou Gramm, and more.

Music Radar once ranked Campbell among the top 15 best rock guitarists in the world, on a list that included his Def Leppard bandmate Phil Collen, as well as Slash, Joe Satriani, Tom Morello and Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell.

Campbell has been credited as co-writer on songs such as “Rainbow in the Dark” and “The Last in Line” for DIO, as well as the Def Leppard tracks “Slang” and “Work It Out.”

Campbell once admitted he didn’t consider his two-year tenure with Whitesnake to be part of his career,

“I don’t really think of Whitesnake as being part of my career because I never got to write any new songs with them,” he told Chronicle Live in an interview. “I was with them just under two years for one very, very long tour. We went in to start making a new record, but things didn’t work out for one reason or another.”

He also noted that Whitesnake guitarist Adrian Vandenberg “didn’t want” him in the band.

“It was nothing personal. He didn’t want any other guitar player there, he wanted to be a solo guitar player in Whitesnake,” Campbell explained.

In the same interview, Campbell singled out his five-month stint with Thin Lizzy as “one of the highlights“ of his career.

Ebet Roberts / Getty Images

Of his 34 years with Def Leppard, Campbell once told WXBO’s The Pat Show he was a fan long before he joined the band.

“It was Joe [Elliott] who called me about a year or so after Steve had passed away,” he shared. “And he said, you know, the band had finished the Adrenalize album, and they had decided that they wanted to continue as a five-piece band.”

“They knew I could play guitar. I played three albums and toured with DIO. I’d been in Whitesnake for about a year and a half, you know. They knew what I could do,” he added. “It’s not every day you get a call and the opportunity to join one of the world’s biggest bands. …. And, you know, here we are, it’s obviously working out.”

Campbell recently told El Salvador’s Radio YSKL FM he plans to tour with Def Leppard this fall despite undergoing cancer treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. “I’m certainly not slowing down,” he told the station, per Paste magazine. “I think you have to keep moving forward.”

More than 40 years after finding fame as a guitar god, Campbell remains grateful for his career.

“My work, for a big part, defines who I am, it always has,” he once told Cryptic Rock in an interview. “It has always brought me great joy. I’ve always felt very privileged to be able to do this. That’s all I ever wanted to do with my life, was play guitar in a rock band, and I got to do it with many great rock bands.”

Related: ‘80s Rockers to Play Songs for the First Time in 30 Years During 2026 Shows

In 1975, the Outlaws announced themselves to the world with their self-titled debut album, a gold-selling record that helped establish the Florida band as one of the defining names of Southern rock. But guitarist and singer Henry Paul, who celebrates his 77th birthday on Aug. 25, didn’t begin his musical journey dreaming of Southern rock stardom.

His hero was Bob Dylan.

“Bob Dylan was everything to me,” Paul told Washington Life in a 2013 interview, recalling just how deeply Dylan’s music affected him as a young man. “I was one of those nut cases that absolutely flipped over his work.”

Born Aug. 25, 1949, in Kingston, New York, Paul spent part of his childhood on a farm in nearby Hurley before moving with his mother and sisters to the Tampa, Florida, area after his parents divorced. By 17, he was playing folk festivals and coffeehouses, but New York soon beckoned again.

Paul returned north and landed in Greenwich Village in 1969, retracing the footsteps of Dylan while playing music and trying to break into the business. He later remembered playing legendary Village venues including the Gaslight and Folk City and struggling to get by while pursuing his ambition.

“I was never in bands or anything in high school,” Paul told Washington Life. “I was more of a folk singer.”

That would soon change.

From Bob Dylan to the Outlaws

An opportunity brought Paul back to Tampa in 1971, where he put together a band called Sienna. Despite having little experience performing with a band in front of a large audience, Paul quickly discovered that the stage suited him.

When Sienna eventually fell apart, Paul joined forces with musicians including Hughie Thomasson, Monte Yoho, Frank O’Keefe and Billy Jones. The group adopted a familiar name from Thomasson, Yoho and O’Keefe’s past: the Outlaws.

The band built a following around Tampa with its combination of country influences, rock muscle and original material. An important early supporter was Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd, who helped bring the group to the attention of people in the music industry. Eventually, Clive Davis came to see the Outlaws perform and signed them to Arista Records.

The band’s 1975 debut featured what would become two of its signature songs, “There Goes Another Love Song” and the nearly 10-minute “Green Grass and High Tides.” “There Goes Another Love Song” reached No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100, with Paul contributing guitar and vocals to the recording.

Related: 1963 Bob Dylan Song, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Went to No. 1 For Beloved Folk Trio

Paul remained for 1976’s Lady in Waiting and 1977’s Hurry Sundown, but his first run with the Outlaws ended painfully that year.

“I was forced out of the band so to speak, by Hughie and Billy, and of course I was crushed,” Paul told Washington Life. “I was very, very, very, very hurt. It was devastating because I’d put so much in to it. I was the front man and well, it was kinda beating them down.

“But when a band goes from becoming a struggling club act to a more recognizable national musical entity, fame and fortune have a way of contaminating the experience of any band. I wish we had known more about how to communicate with one another rather than build up resentments and overreact. But I love those guys and have a deep respect and admiration for ‘em.”

Rather than ending his career, however, the split opened another chapter.

Henry Paul Reinvented Himself Again and Again

Paul formed the Henry Paul Band, whose 1979 debut Grey Ghost included a title track dedicated to his late friend Ronnie Van Zant. The group released several albums before Paul reunited with Thomasson in the Outlaws in the 1980s.

Then Paul reinvented himself once again.

After leaving the Outlaws in 1989, he headed toward country music and co-founded BlackHawk in 1991 with Van Stephenson and Dave Robbins. The trio’s harmony-heavy sound found an audience during country’s enormous 1990s boom, with songs including “Goodbye Says It All,” “Every Once in a While,” “I’m Not Strong Enough to Say No” and “Like There Ain’t No Yesterday.”

BlackHawk’s 1998 single “There You Have It” became the group’s only crossover entry on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 41 while climbing to No. 4 on Billboard’s country chart.

Paul ultimately found a way to keep both sides of his musical life alive, continuing to perform with BlackHawk while also returning to lead the Outlaws following Thomasson’s death in 2007.

By 2020, Paul’s life had even circled back to his rural beginnings. He told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he was living on a farm outside Nashville, where he spent the pandemic off the road cutting hay, tending a garden and recording music in a home studio.

The touring eventually returned, and so did Paul. More than half a century after that young Dylan devotee went looking for his place in music, he remains connected to the Southern rock and country worlds he helped shape.

Related: ’70s Singer-Songwriter, Covered by Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt and Willie Nelson, Turns 74

For years, one of the biggest points of friction for JetBlue’s premium travelers was that buying a lie-flat Mint ticket didn’t guarantee entry into an airport lounge.

That changes this week.

Coinciding with the official ribbon-cutting of its brand-new BlueHouse Boston lounge at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C on Thursday, JetBlue is officially extending complimentary BlueHouse lounge access to all departing passengers booked on confirmed Mint and Mint Flex fares across both domestic and international routes.

The move instantly upgrades the value proposition of flying Mint out of JetBlue’s primary hubs at Boston Logan and New York-JFK, bringing the carrier’s ground hospitality in line with legacy business-class products.

“Our customers choose Mint for an elevated travel experience, and we want to give them more ways to shape that experience around what matters to them,” said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. “BlueHouse remains a signature benefit for our most loyal customers, while access through eligible Mint fares gives customers another way to make their journey even more rewarding.”

Related: Delta Just Opened a Second Luxury Lounge at LAX—and It’s Surprisingly Cozy

The Fine Print: Mint Access Rules and the New ‘Mint Base’ Fare

JetBlue

While Mint travelers now have a guaranteed clubhouse before takeoff, JetBlue is also restructuring how premium tickets are sold:

• Mint & Mint Flex: Include full, complimentary BlueHouse lounge access within three hours of departure, advance seat selection, and zero change or cancellation fees. Mint guests can accompany ticket holders for $39 each.
• The Coming ‘Mint Base’ Fare: In the coming weeks, JetBlue will debut an unbundled, lower-cost Mint Base tier. Designed for budget-conscious premium travelers, Mint Base will not include BlueHouse access or complimentary advance seat selection, and change fees will apply.
• Elites and Cardholders: Mosaic 4 members and JetBlue Premier Cardmembers continue to receive complimentary entry with one free guest (plus $39 for extra guests). Mosaic 3 members can buy one-time day passes for $59, while Mosaic 1–2 and JetBlue Plus/Business cardholders can purchase access for $79, subject to capacity.

Related: JetBlue Joins ‘Basic Premium’ Trend With Cheaper First-Class Options

Inside BlueHouse Boston: A High-End, Local Clubhouse Inside “The Dugout” at JetBlue’s new BlueHouse lounge in Boston, complete with nostalgic sports décor and playful lounge seating.

JetBlue

For travelers passing through Boston Logan’s Terminal C, the space itself feels less like an airport waiting area and more like a stylish, residential New England retreat.

Spanning 12,000 square feet, the lounge is packed with thoughtful local design touches, including Nantucket-blue slatted woodwork, warm copper accents, and 60 curated pieces of artwork (including two pieces created by JetBlue crewmembers and Duck Tour illustrations in the restrooms).

Key spaces travelers will discover include:

• The Neighborhood Bar: The social centerpiece of the lounge, anchored by custom lighting designed to sync with the colors of Boston’s famous Berkeley Building weather beacon.
• The Library Workspace: A quiet productivity room with green banker lamps and study tables modeled directly after the historic Boston Public Library.
• The Dugout: A playful sports lounge showcasing regional memorabilia, alongside a replica Green Monster wall complete with authentic baseball dents.
• The Candy Closet: A hidden confectionery nook curated by Madeleine’s Candy Shop where guests can pack custom carry-on candy bags.
• A Richard Scarry Original: A custom wall mural celebrating the beloved Boston-born author and illustrator’s Busy World, complete with a miniature JetBlue plane.

On the culinary side, the lounge favors fresh, locally inspired cooking. Mornings feature made-to-order smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and avocado toast layered with generous chunks of real avocado, paired with single-origin pour-overs and espresso from Massachusetts roaster George Howell Coffee.

Later in the day, the menu transitions to North Shore roast beef sliders, fresh crab and shrimp rolls, craft beers from Brookline’s The Publick House, and craft cocktails designed by Jackson Cannon of Boston cocktail lounge Equal Measure.

“BlueHouse Boston is designed to feel like a warm, stylish New England home—welcoming, comfortable and full of details that spark inspiration and nostalgia,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president of marketing and brand at JetBlue. “From the local partnerships and artwork to the playful surprises throughout the space, we wanted customers to feel connected to Boston just like JetBlue.”

Related: I Toured JetBlue’s New BlueHouse Lounge at Boston Logan—Here’s a Look Inside the Cozy, Locally Inspired Space

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Few kitchen annoyances are as persistent as opening a cabinet full of food containers only to realize that half the lids have gone missing (again). If you’re in need of some new ones that are easier to keep track of, the Rachael Ray Leak-Proof Stacking 10-Piece Food Storage Set is on sale for just $28 at Wayfair right now, down from $80.

The set is made up of 10 BPA-free containers with 10 matching turquoise lids in a mix of square and rectangular shapes. The containers are designed to stack easily when they’re full and nest together when they’re empty, while the locking lids have silicone seals to help prevent leaks. As an added bonus, they’re also freezer-safe, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe.

Rachael Ray Leak-Proof Stacking 10-Piece Food Storage Set, $28 (was $80) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

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There are plenty of ways to use these versatile containers. You could grab a smaller one for fruit, dressing, or snacks, then reach for a taller size for pasta, vegetables, or leftovers. Since the containers are clear, it’s easy to see what’s inside before something gets forgotten in the back of the fridge, and the nesting design helps them take up less room once they’re empty. They can also work beyond the kitchen for small toys, collectibles, craft supplies, or other knickknacks.

One shopper said the “turquoise color is beautiful,” while another called the set “very sturdy” and noted that it “holds a lot of food!” A third shared, “They store nicely and are easy to clean.” And if you prep individual meals or snacks ahead of time, another reviewer called the smaller containers “perfect for portion control.”

Related: Walmart’s Portable Cooktop Adds 2 Extra Burners to Tiny Kitchens, and It’s Nearly 50% Off

The airtight seals help keep food fresh and prevent drips, which makes the containers handy for everything from meal prep and packed lunches to picnics and road trips. They also feature measurement markings on the sides that are useful for portioning ingredients, and since the set only uses two lid shapes, finding the right match should be a breeze.

Shop More Deals

• LocknLock 10-Piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set, $46 (was $100) at Wayfair
• Prep & Savour Billie-Lea Rice Food Storage Container, $26 (was $35) at Wayfair
• Latitude Run 24-Piece Glass Storage Containers, $34 (was $59) at Wayfair

If you’ve been searching for a reliable food storage set that’s easy to move from the freezer to the microwave and then into the dishwasher when you’re done, this under-$30 find is worth grabbing. Be sure to scoop up the Rachael Ray Leak-Proof Stacking 10-Piece Food Storage Set from Wayfair while it’s still 65% off.

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.

The room held 300 people.

Neil Diamond climbed onto the stage to introduce the 23-year-old English piano player nobody in America had heard of, and opened by admitting he had never introduced anyone before. “Please be kind to me,” he told the crowd. Then he sat down and watched with everyone else. That was 56 years ago today, at the Troubadour in West Hollywood on Aug. 25, 1970, and it was Elton John’s first performance in the United States.

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The label had packed those 300 seats with people who mattered. Quincy Jones was there. So were Leon Russell, Gordon Lightfoot, Mike Love of the Beach Boys and Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night. Micky Dolenz was there too, and later told Parade he turned up at the afterparty to find John leaning on a refrigerator wearing the identical Warhol Marilyn T-shirt.

He Opened Alone at the Piano

John started solo with “Your Song,” then brought on Nigel Olsson on drums and Dee Murray on bass for a set that ran through “Sixty Years On,” “Border Song,” “Take Me to the Pilot” and “Burn Down the Mission.” He played the club’s house piano, the same one Laura Nyro had sat at two weeks earlier. Rolling Stone later put the run on its list of the 50 greatest concerts of the last 50 years.

The Review Opened With One Word

Two days later Robert Hilburn’s notice ran in the Los Angeles Times. The first word was “Rejoice.” Hilburn wrote that John would become one of rock’s biggest and most important stars, and John has credited the review with launching him ever since.

The Whole Week Paid $500

That was the fee for the whole six-night run.

Folk songwriter David Ackles was also on the bill, and John said afterward he had been startled to find himself headlining above him. By late January “Your Song” had climbed to No. 8 on the Hot 100. Five years after that he was scoring No. 1 hits like “Philadelphia Freedom”.

Few artists in rock history have reinvented themselves as brilliantly or as often as Elvis Costello.

From the furious, punk-rock energy of “Pump It Up” to the heartbreaking vulnerability of “Alison,” the London-born icon was known as the poet of post-punk rock. As Costello hits a major milestone and turns 72, we’re looking back at how he grew into one of the most celebrated and prolific songwriters of his generation.

According to Britannica, Costello was born on August 25, 1954, as Declan Patrick McManus in London, England. The outlet reported the musician was called an “angry young man” for his “snarky, often political, whip-smart lyrics.”

He began his career in the early 1970s in a country rock band, using the name D.P. Costello, an homage to his great-grandmother’s maiden name. After befriending Nick Lowe, he adopted the stage name Elvis Costello as a homage to the King of Rock and Roll.

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In 1977, Lowe produced Costello’s first album, My Aim Is True. The LP contained the songs “Alison,” “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes,” and “Watching the Detectives,” which was added to the US release as the last track on side one.

Shortly thereafter, Costello formed his backing band, The Attractions whose members included Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas, and Bruce Thomas. The band churned out hits such as “This Year’s Girl,” “Lip Service,” “Black and White World,” “Radio Radio” and “Oliver’s Army.”

In 1979, Costello was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards. However, he lost the award to the disco group A Taste of Honey. Other nominees in the category included The Cars, Toto, and Chris Rea.

In the decades after, Costello switched gears from a more raw style of music to a more layered and eclectic sound. He incorporated jazz, classical, country, and traditional pop into his ever-expanding repertoire.

In an interview with The Talks, Costello said of his success, ” I am fortunate to do the job I do because it allows me to play! And when I don’t remember to do it, when I start to intellectualize it or become fearful, that’s when it stops being fun.”

He continued, “There’s many, many beautiful guitar players; I’m not one of them. I know that. With singers as well; I’m not a beautiful singer, but I can sing from the heart. My voice changes with time and experience, for better and for worse.”

“I have people that I’ve played with for a very long time. We are connected by our common understanding of what we’re doing, all the experiences we’ve had over the years… And most of all, there’s a friendship between us which allows us to do it without having to explain everything with a huge long manifesto. It has a lot to do with the trust I’m able to place in them to do our work,” Costello concluded.

Elvis Costello was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019.

Related: ‘Best Drummer of All Time’ Turns 86 Today

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Stainless steel continues to define modern kitchens with its clean lines and lasting durability, and many shoppers see investing in quality utensils as more than convenience. It is about building a space that feels intentional and efficient, and makes cooking worry-free. 

One set is quickly becoming a favorite among shoppers seeking both form and function. The ReaNea 13-Piece Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils Set with Caddy, now available for just $24 at Walmart, is earning rave reviews for its comprehensive set and is quickly becoming a staple for shoppers who value performance, durability, and a touch of shine on their countertop.

ReaNea 13-Piece Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils Set with Caddy,  $24 (was $41) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Crafted from high-grade stainless steel, each tool in the collection boasts a brilliant mirror finish and resists rust and everyday wear. The sturdy construction means these utensils can handle the rigors of daily cooking, from stirring hearty stews to tossing pasta or flipping pancakes. With a balanced design, the handles feel substantial and comfortable, making meal prep a pleasure rather than a chore.

The 13-piece set includes everything a modern kitchen needs: a ladle, skimmer, slotted turner, pasta server, cooking spoon, potato masher, egg whisk, slotted spoon, cooking tongs, flat turner, flexible spatula, basting brush, and a matching utensil holder to keep everything organized. The included caddy streamlines storage and keeps the tools within arm’s reach, so your countertop still looks polished.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Leakproof Insulated Mug Pays Tribute to a Music Icon While Keeping Coffee Piping Hot

Ease of maintenance is another reason shoppers are raving about this set. The stainless steel is dishwasher-safe and cleans up easily with a gentle wipe, retaining its signature shine wash after wash. 

Shoppers mentioned that the “stunning” yet “rugged” set is “easy to use and clean,” noting that they use it “with an iron skillet and stainless steel pots and pans with great results.”

Another praised its versatility, calling it “the perfect housewarming gift” for new homeowners or newlyweds. 

“Really great set,” one shopper stated. “The handles are rounded, so they are more comfortable than others I’ve used. The [holder] fits a few more utensils that I already had.”

“Stainless steel for that price!” one shopper said. “It comes with a display to put the silverware in. It’s the best. I also bought it as a gift, and they loved it!”

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• Fvkrnyz Faux Rattan Serving Tray, $18 (was $26) at Walmart 

Stainless steel remains a timeless choice for its durability, cleanliness, and unmistakably modern aesthetic, and this $24 Walmart 13-piece kitchen utensil set is one to beat. Grab your set for a practical, stylish solution that makes everyday meal prep a little more enjoyable in one polished package.

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.

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Dolly Parton has put her country stamp on everything from cookware and dinnerware to decor and drinkware, and her collections make it clear that hosting is more fun when the table has a flair and personality. Between the playful prints, charming details, and pieces that practically beg to be passed around, her home goods bring a bit of the country star’s signature magic to the meals that gather everyone in the kitchen.

The latest Dolly find we’ve come across is small enough to tuck into a cabinet, but it’s ready to spread its wings when company comes over. The Dolly Parton Butterfly-Shaped Cutting Board is just $10 at Amazon, swapping the usual rectangle for a beautiful butterfly shape that gives cheese, crackers, and fruit a much more playful place to land.

Dolly Parton Butterfly-Shaped Cutting Board, $10 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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A charcuterie board shaped like a butterfly already earns points for presentation, but the four built-in compartments make this one especially useful for entertaining. The 11-by-9-inch bamboo board traces the insect’s entire silhouette, from the pointed upper wings to the softly rounded lower wings, with small cut-ins defining the body at the center. Rather than simply carving a butterfly outline into a flat board, each wing is recessed to create its own serving section, with raised borders helping prevent smaller bites from migrating across the board.

Those four individually carved pockets also make it easy to build a spread without having to fuss over arranging everything just so. Fill one wing with cubes or slices of cheese, another with crackers, and use the lower sections for fruit, nuts, olives, chocolates, or other small bites. There’s even a little pink Dolly signature and butterfly printed inside one of the upper wings, adding a recognizable detail for superfans.

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• Dolly Parton Spatula and Whisk Set, $15 at Amazon
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The bamboo construction of this serving board brings some practicality beyond its looks. The renewable material is durable yet gentle on knife blades, so the board can pull double duty for light food prep before becoming part of the presentation. Its compact footprint also makes it a great decor piece, placed flat on a kitchen island or leaning up against a backsplash. To keep it looking its best, hand-wash it with warm water and mild detergent and lay it out to dry. 

Related: Dolly Parton’s Sweet $14 Ceramic Bud Vase Is a Country-Chic Way to Show Off Fresh-Cut Flowers

For $10, the Dolly Parton Butterfly-Shaped Cutting Board is an easy way to bring a little extra personality to your next snack spread. Shop it at Amazon now!

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In childhood, it’s generally seen as totally normal to be anxious about meeting new people. Trying out for a team, going to a new school building or simply showing up in a classroom without knowing many other students can all be intimidating experiences.

But even into adulthood, this anxiety can follow us as we long to be well-liked and accepted by our peers. You might feel nervous before starting a new job, going to your first book club meeting or double-dating with a couple you haven’t met before. And the nerves might not go away even as you spend more time in these settings or with these same individuals.

Patricia Faison Hewlin, PhD, award-winning behavioral scientist and author of the new book Staying True to You: Unlock the Power of Your Middle Self and Live with Confidence, Integrity, and Peace of Mind (on sale August 25), understands this desire to fit in even more than most, as she’s spent more than 25 years researching authenticity vs. conformity.

“My passion for researching authenticity versus conformity began during my days as a bank leader,” she tells Parade. “I worked with colleagues who struggled to be authentic, from those fearing they’d be passed over for promotion if they spoke about how much parenting was important to them, to those holding political views different from senior leadership. I recall a colleague who said to me, ‘I feel like I’m living a lie, conforming to what they want us to do, but I disagree.’ On the personal side, very few leaders looked like me. I struggled to fit in and trying to blend in was tiring.”

When Dr. Hewlin returned to NYU for her PhD in organizational behavior, she developed the concept of “facades of conformity,” which, as she explains, “captures the pressure people feel to suppress their true values and pretend to embrace their organization’s norms.”

“In my twenty years of global research across contexts from Wall Street to the Broadway stage, and public school classrooms, at least 30% of employees report hiding that they are conforming in uncomfortable ways to survive and succeed professionally and personally,” she reveals. “It is crucial for people to understand facades of conformity because my research shows they create an unsettling dissonance that leaves individuals emotionally exhausted and disengaged.”

Being inauthentic on a regular basis impacts individuals more than they—along with the people around them—might realize.

“Organizational leaders must note that when employees feel forced to create facades, they are far more likely to quit,” she stresses. “By understanding this dynamic, we can begin to address mental health and reduce burnout within and outside of the workplace.”

But part of addressing mental health and this dynamic does not include simply saying, “Just be yourself.” Dr. Hewlin tells Parade why that’s actually terrible advice, and what to do instead.

Related: 11 Common Behaviors of Authentic People—and One Thing They *Never* Do, According to Therapists

Penguin Random House

Why Is ‘Just Be Yourself’ Actually Terrible Advice?

Being told to “just be yourself” might sound encouraging for a second, but it tends to oversimplify a complex dynamic.

“Most people I’ve talked to about authenticity recall that growing up, ‘just be yourself’ was one of the most frequently given pieces of advice (particularly in the U.S.), but we were not given any instructions for navigating the many twists, turns and disasters that happen when we are ‘being ourselves,'” Dr. Hewlin explains.

She adds, “Full and unfiltered authenticity—or bringing our ‘whole self’ into every context without taking into account the room (i.e., the people, our relationships with those people, the potential risks and rewards), or without taking account of our own values and objectives, can create a boomerang effect of feeling dissatisfied, or even less seen.”

Related: People Who Struggle With Self-Awareness Often Display These 8 Behaviors, Psychologists Say

What To Say Instead of ‘Just Be Yourself’

According to Dr. Hewlin, instead of telling people to “just be yourself,” she recommends: “Be your empowered self.”

“We are empowered when we understand how to strike an intentional balance between expressing our individuality and making necessary contextual adjustments,” she tells Parade. “Now with that said, in some places with some people we can be fully authentic and that is wonderful when that happens, but in many situations, we must read the room.”

How to be your empowered self

Here, Dr. Hewlin gives advice that she also shares in her book:

• Identify and shuffle your “deck of values”: As we begin to know and understand our values, we see can see them as suits in a deck of cards, intentionally select and “play” the specific core values that fit the immediate environment. 
• Practice self-regulation alongside self-expression: It is a nimble interplay between expressing your perspective and regulating your authenticity in ways that protect your personal integrity while building relationships and avoiding weaponizing our authenticity. 
• Set your conformity thresholds: Determine in advance how much contextual adjustment you can comfortably make before it feels disempowering, allowing you to make intentional concessions rather than suppressing yourself out of fear. 
• Make room for others (authenticity as a group project): Recognize that your self-expression impacts the room; intentionally step back (“decenter” yourself) to create space for others to express their authentic values as well. 

Related: 135 Deep Shadow Work Prompts To Help With Self-Awareness, Self-Compassion and Authenticity

A More Helpful Way To Think About Authenticity

Some of us might feel like we take on different roles depending on who we are in our families, work places and friendships. So, how should we think about authenticity within these various roles?

“First and foremost, recognize that expressing our ‘full-on’ authentic selves in every context is almost always unrealistic and often ineffective,” Dr. Hewlin begins. “Second, see authenticity as relational, meaning our self-expression impacts others and requires us to make room for their authenticity as well. When we can see authenticity within this lens, then we can understand that authenticity and conformity are not mutually exclusive but often coexist at work and in personal relationships.”

She points to an example she’s shared in her book, about Anne and Peter, explaining, “Anne prioritized values that protected her husband’s ability to self-advocate after he suffered a serious injury. Discovering that her authentic approach to his medical care was leading efforts that overpowered Peter, she learned to open space for him to reclaim his voice while keeping their relationship grounded in mutual respect.”

“When we are in the middle self, we understand that some values are more important than others for building relationships,” Dr. Hewlin continues. “Again, it’s about the intentionality of playing to values that are most relevant and most important in a given relationship or context.”

Up Next:

Related: 6 Ways We Sabotage Our Own Authenticity Without Realizing It

Source:

Matthew Scott, YellowBelly Photo Ltd

• Patricia Faison Hewlin, PhD, award-winning behavioral scientist and author of Staying True to You: Unlock the Power of Your Middle Self and Live with Confidence, Integrity, and Peace of Mind.