Parade

In 1983, Thomas Dolby ruled MTV with “She Blinded Me With Science.”

The synth-heavy song, from the English musician’s album The Golden Age of Wireless, featured a robotic keyboard riff, theatrical vocals and an offbeat, mad scientist vibe.

Not only did the song soar to No. 5 on the  Billboard Hot 100, but it made Dolby a video star. VH1 ranked “She Blinded Me With Science” among the Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 1980s, but fans knew it was far from it. For Dolby, there was so much more than one quirky classic.

Dolby, 67, recently appeared on the Dr. Music podcast, where he looked back on how "She Blinded Me With Science” defined his career.

“I never really saw myself as a mainstream artist,” Dolby shared in July 2026. “I think ‘She Blinded Me with Science’ was sort of a flash in the pan, really. It was just a wacky idea that I had, and soon as I came up with the title and this idea for the MTV video, I sort of thought, ‘Okay, that's got to be a hit.’ But I never really set out in my career, you know, to sell lots of records or get in the charts.”

RELATED:Rock Duet Became the Biggest Hit Ever for Both Artists

In the interview, Dolby noted that while he aspired to be “one of those kind of marginal artists,” he felt blessed by his early hit.

“I feel very fortunate in retrospect, you know, to have had a big hit like ‘Science,’ because it opened a lot of doors for me, collaborations with other artists, productions, playing keyboards and so on,” he continued. “But it also meant that a lot of music fans sort of made that discovery of my quieter, more introspective music, like the music on The Flat Earth or Astronauts & Heretics, and many of them stuck with that, and those are the songs they talk about… that they fanboy over and it's not actually the radio hits.”

Early in his career, Dolby saw the effect that music videos had on record sales. In an interview published by the  Ocean County Register, he recalled the early 1980s time period that saw the launch of MTV.

“Music videos were sort of new and exciting,” he shared, noting that it became “a different way to consume music,” and it didn’t even matter the genre.

Dolby noted that he quickly became aware that “music videos were becoming a sort of backdoor to chart success,” and that it inspired him.

“And this is like showing a bull a red flag because I’d always wanted to be a filmmaker,” he revealed. “I came up with the title ‘She Blinded Me With Science,’ and it sounded like a hit to me just from the title. I didn’t have the words or the song yet, but I started sketching out a storyboard for the video.”

“So I ran home over the weekend and whipped off the song, got it done,” he added. “And when they heard it, especially when the American record company heard it, they said, ‘Well, this is the hit we’ve been missing.’”

RELATED: 1982 Power Ballad Written by Rock Legends Became Iconic Band’s Only Top 40  Hit

Dolby released five studio albums between 1983 and 2011, and fans were drawn to many songs beyond "Science,” such as “Hyperactive,” “One of Our Submarines,” and “Europa and the Pirate Twins.”

Still more than 40 years after the release of the song, Dolby appears fine with “She Blinded Me with Science” as his career-defining hit.

As he told Why This Song, Dolby knew he had something special based on the title alone. "The moment I came up with that title, I thought ‘hit,’” he said. “And I really had no right to believe that I was capable of making a worldwide hit. But hey presto, I got it done and it happened for me. And uh I think I’m very grateful, you know, to have had that moment in time.”

Dolby continues to perform, with U.S. tour dates scheduled through August 2026.

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Summer is peak blockbuster movie season, and several highly anticipated titles have already started hitting theaters for summer 2026, including Minions & Monsters and Toy Story 5. Still, The Odyssey is arguably the most buzz-worthy release of the season, if not the year. With many moviegoers eagerly awaiting the film, Parade enlisted the help of a few librarians to put together a list of 11 epic and captivating books like The Odyssey.

The movie hit theaters on July 17 and features a star-studded cast of actors, ranging from Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway to Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o and many more. In a recent interview with Parade, Damon called the film the "hardest thing" he's ever done as an actor.

“And that’s what made it so, so great to work on, was—you were working as hard as you ever had, but you realized that every single person around you was, too. And so it was really fun to be a part of that group,” he said.

The Odyssey is an epic onscreen adaptation of Homer's Greek epic poem, which has been considered a classic for nearly 3,000 years. Whether you've been a fan of the iconic piece of literature for years or you read it for the first time recently, the list of books below will help fuel your love for adventurous literature.

Related: The 44 Best Greek Mythology Books of All Time, According to Librarians

What Is ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer?

Whether The Odyssey was required reading in your school or not, you've likely heard of the iconic Greek epic poem.

Alyssa Ebaugh, a children’s services librarian at Worcester Public Library, says the poem follows Odysseus, a warrior in the Trojan War and the King of Ithaca. In the story, he makes his way home after fighting in said war.

"The Odyssey is often discussed in conjunction with The Iliad, the epic poem recounting the Trojan War," she tells Parade. "Both of these works were originally recounted orally and played significant roles in the culture and education of ancient Greece."

Alicia Rogers, a tween services librarian at Worcester Public Library, says The Odyssey "serves as the ultimate example of the hero's journey."

"This literary framework follows a protagonist leaving their ordinary world, facing tests and trials and returning home with new wisdom," she states.

Adam Vorobok, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, says Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey is his favorite version.

"Its language is direct and concise, but still carries the rhythmical meter of the original Greek version," he explains. "Also, it is refreshing to have eliminated some of the biases toward the female characters that often arise in the male translation."

Ebaugh also appreciates this particular translation and says Daniel Mendelsohn’s translation is great if you're looking for a version that "maintains the musical and metaphorical qualities of the original."

Related: Librarians Say These 11 ‘Unforgettable’ Books Are Perfect for Fans of ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’

What Should I Read After ‘The Odyssey’?

Once you're done reading The Odyssey, you may feel inclined to dive into some other stories with a similar vibe. The librarians we polled said several other classic titles go hand-in-hand with the iconic title.

Emily McCarthy, a One City, One Library Branch library assistant with the Worcester Public Library, recommends reading Oedipus Tyrannusby Sophocles.

"Similar to The Odyssey, this play is shaped by the gods and fate. But there are no monsters to defeat, and there are no physical feats. Instead, there are only the psychological trials of knowledge itself," she says. "Oedipus has spent his entire life trying to outrun a prophecy he cannot escape. And the lesson of who you truly are comes at a devastating cost."

Keith Good, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, suggests reading Ulyssesby James Joyce.

"Though I fully admit James Joyce is not for everyone, Ulysses is a masterwork of modernist literature, built around one endlessly fascinating day in Dublin, with each chapter relating directly to one of Odysseus' travails," he says.

Ebaugh says The Iliadby Homer is "an essential read when trying to fully understand The Odyssey."

"Virgil’s The Aeneid is another epic that is an interesting read after reading The Iliad and The Odyssey," she says. "Virgil positions himself as Rome’s equivalent to Homer and tells the story of the foundation of Rome beginning with the fall of Troy."

Related: 17 Books Like ‘Harry Potter,’ According to Librarians

The 7 Best Greek Mythology Retellings and Adaptations 1. 'The Penelopiad' by Margaret Atwood

Amazon

Beth Schreiber, an adult services librarian at Worcester Public Library, suggests reading this book that shares stories about Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, "through the eyes of the 12 maids hanged for disloyalty to Odysseus in his absence."

Vorobok shares that The Penelopiad is full of "sentences that are so impactful," much like Atwood's other books.

"Giving the 12 hanged maids a voice is chilling, infuriating and yet necessary," he says.

2. 'Wrath Goddess Sing' by Maya Deane

Amazon

"This book begins with the moment in The Iliad when Achilles is dressed as a woman, but then veers into the idea of 'What if Achilles was a trans woman?' It's boldly important in today's world and utterly fascinating," Vorobok states.

In the book, Achilles has left home to live as a woman with the transgender priestesses of Great Mother Aphrodite.

"When Odysseus comes to recruit the 'prince' Achilles for a war against the Hittites, she prepares to die rather than fight as a man. However, her divine mother, Athena, intervenes, transforming her body into the woman’s body she always longed for, and promises her everything: glory, power, fame, victory in war and, most importantly, a child born of her own body," the book description reads.

3. 'A Touch of Darkness' by Scarlett St. Clair

Amazon

McCarthy says this book is great for readers who love a good romance.

"If you are looking for a darker, more mature mythology retelling, then A Touch of Darkness might be for you. Much like The Odyssey, Scarlett St. Clair’s novel explores how love endures. This reimagining of the classic Hades and Persephone myth looks at familiar gods through a contemporary lens," she states.

In the book, Persephone (aka the goddess of spring) meets Hades (the god of the dead and the King of the underworld). When Persephone presents Hades with a tempting bargain, she enters a contract with some tricky terms.

"Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. The bet does more than expose Persephone's failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—a love that is both captivating and forbidden," the book description reads.

Related: 56 Best Sad Books That Will Definitely Make You Cry, According to Librarians

4. 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan

Amazon

McCarthy says this book is great for introducing young readers to the world of Greek mythology.

"While targeted toward a younger audience, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief captures the sense of adventure, wit and resilience that The Odyssey establishes. Readers will recognize many of the same monsters and gods, but with a modern twist," she shares.

In the book, Percy Jackson and his friends have 10 days to "find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus," per the book description.

"But to succeed in his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves," the description reads.

5. 'Sweetbitter Song' by Rosie Hewlett 

Amazon

Steph Cooper, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, enjoys this mythological tale that's set thousands of years ago.

"It's told with a modern voice that explores war, survival and forbidden love. It presents a sapphic reinterpretation of the legendary events in The Odyssey," she says.

The book follows Melantho and Penelope, a slave and a Spartan princess who form a strong friendship. When the Spartan royals express their disapproval of the bond, the two women are "torn apart," per the book description.

"Years later, their paths cross once again upon the rocky shores of Ithaca, where Melantho is sent to serve Princess Penelope and her new husband, Prince Odysseus. Embittered by life as a slave, Melantho is determined to keep her distance. But, once again, the two women find themselves drawn to one other, pulled by the echo of their friendship, and something far stronger they are too afraid to name," the description reads.

6. 'Ariadne' by Jennifer Saint

Amazon

"I've always been fascinated by the Minotaur, so this daring novel about Ariadne and Phaedra sheds new insights into the tale I had grown up with," Vorobok shares.

In the book, princess Ariadne is the sister of the Minotaur, a monster who craves blood sacrifice. Athens' prince, Theseus, intends to conquer the Minotaur, and Ariadne goes along with the plan.

"Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?" the book description reads.

7. 'Circe' by Madeline Miller

Amazon

Good calls this book "a gorgeous and moving reimagination of the life of Circe, the witch famous for turning Odysseus' men into swine."

In the book, Circe seeks friendship with mortals, then discovers she has the power to "transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves," per the book description.

When Zeus banishes Circe to a deserted island, her power grows, and she meets some famous mythological figures, including the Minotaur, Daedalus, Icarus and Odysseus.

"But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love," the book description reads.

Related: 27 Books Like ‘ACOTAR,’ According to Librarians

2 Epic Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books Like ‘The Odyssey’8. 'A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation' by Pablo Cartaya

Amazon

Rogers calls this a "realistic novel that includes aspects of fantasy." It's best for readers ages 8 to 12.

"Mourning the loss of his father, 13-year-old Gonzalo reluctantly joins his distant grandfather, Alberto—a famous fantasy author—on a 10-day book tour road trip from California to Florida," she explains. "As they visit Alberto’s old friends and uncover stories from his past, Gonzalo gains the courage to face his grief before returning home."

Throughout the book, Gonzalo and Alberto "slay demons, real and imagined; confront old stories to write new ones; and learn what it truly means to show up for your family," the book description reads.

9. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien

Amazon

McCarthy calls this iconic book series an "epic of fellowship and sacrifice"

"Frodo’s adventure across Middle-earth to Mt. Doom makes Lord of the Rings a contemporary epic," she explains. "What makes Lord of the Rings a contemporary to The Odyssey is that it is not about simply reaching your destination, but what is endured in the journey, and who you are when you finally return home."

If you fall for the book series, it was also adapted into a blockbuster movie series.

Related: Librarians Say These 10 ‘Hidden Gem’ Books Are the Funniest Things You’ll Read All Year

2 Non-Western Epic Masterpieces You Need To Read10. 'African Trilogy' series by Chinua Achebe

Amazon

Victoria Thompson, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, highly recommends this book trilogy that follows several generations of leaders of a fictional Nigerian village "as it buckles and contorts beneath the pressure of Western imperialism."

"The first book, Things Fall Apart, was an assigned book in one of my high school classes, and when I returned to it a few years ago I was really surprised to discover how much of the story and visuals had stuck with me all that time," she says.

11. 'I Am a Cat' by Natsume Soseki

Amazon

Vorobok calls this "witty" book a "masterpiece" and says it's "full of insight and charm."

"It comments on everything from marriage, suicide, philosophy, baseball and the influence of Western culture on Japanese society," he shares.

Per the description, the novel "satirizes the foolishness of upper-middle-class Japanese society during the Meiji era."

"With acerbic wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a world-weary stray kitten who comments on the follies and foibles of the people around him," it reads.

Up Next:

Related: 11 Books Like 'Little House on the Prairie' for Kids and Adults, According to Librarians

Sources:

• Steph Cooper is a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library.
• Alyssa Ebaugh is a children’s services librarian at Worcester Public Library.
• Keith Good is a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library.
• Emily McCarthy is a One City, One Library Branch library assistant at Worcester Public Library.
• Alicia Rogers is a tween services librarian at Worcester Public Library.
• Beth Schreiber is an adult services librarian at Worcester Public Library.
• Victoria Thompson is a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library.
• Adam Vorobok is a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library.

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If you're ever in doubt when decorating your home, turn to Drew Barrymore's collection. The television personality has a slew of amazing pieces that will upgrade your living space on a budget, and they're available at Walmart. We scoured Walmart's deals section for the best sales on everything from bookcases to cabinets, and luckily, the Beautiful Drew Side Table is just over 27% off right now. 

The table originally cost $128, but has been reduced to just $93 during a limited-time rollback deal. The piece is being sold in black and warm honey, with the black lending to a more modern design, while the warm honey is perfect for those who have farmhouse-style, bohemian, cottagecore interior decor. The table is 18 inches wide, 18 inches long, and 22.25 inches tall. 

Beautiful Drew Side Table, $93 (was $115) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Due to the dimensions, this side table is perfect for those who want to fill small spaces. The design features a classic round top that you can place beverages, lamps, and other decorations on. The open lower shelf is perfect for books, blankets, and other miscellaneous items that you want to display in your living room. The piece weighs 55.1 pounds, so you may want another set of hands to help you maneuver it.

The unique attribute that this side table offers is that it has floor levelers that you can adjust for the perfect placement. It can hold a maximum of 100 pounds and is fully made of wood, so it's recommended that you wipe it clean with a soft damp cloth to ensure that it keeps its quality. This is primarily an indoor side table — avoiding placing it outdoors is advised as to not tarnish the wood with outdoor elements. 

Related: Walmart's 'Comfy' $20 Strappy Slip-in Sandals 'Pack Easily and Go With Everything'

You will have to put the side table together upon arrival, but shoppers said that it was "easy" to assemble, but it's an easier project with two people to help stabilize it. Customers further described the table as "absolutely beautiful," "very sturdy," and "good quality." Some reviewers even used the piece as a night stand, as it sits elegantly on a thick rug or hardwood flooring.  

Shop More Deals 

• Edx Full Length Mirror, $37 (was $80) at Walmart
• Moyiko Eyelet Tank Top, $15 (was $27) at Walmart
• Toyoso Area Rug, $39 (was $60) at Walmart

There's something about Drew Barrymore's collection that will add a simple elegance to your home, no matter the piece. This stunning mid-century side table will easily bring a chic and warm tone to your space. Make sure to add it to your cart while it's on sale for under $100 at Walmart! 

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Tensions were at an all-time high ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's long-awaited reunion with King Charles III last week, with the planned meeting in danger of falling through at any moment.

But after a 'nightmare' week for Prince Harry—which included a claim by Harry's team that he would be staying at Buckingham Palace followed by a statement by the palace that he would not in fact be staying, the costly loss of a court case against Associated Newspapers, and the denial of taxpayer funded 24/7 police protection for Harry and his family—the meeting finally happened.

Charles and Queen Camilla received Harry, Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for tea at Highgrove House on the express condition that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not to leak any details of their meeting to the press.

This meant that Harry and Meghan did not secure the coveted 'money shot': a picture of their children with their grandfather the king, which would have given their image in the US a much needed boost.

However it looks as though the Sussexes may have their eye on something much more significant than a sweet snap of the British monarch with his American grandchildren.

A friend of Harry and Meghan's told Alison Boshoff at the Daily Mail that they are "seeking to reverse Megxit" more than six years after the couple's bombshell announcement that they would be stepping away from their roles as senior working members of the royal family and relocating to North America.

Related: Meghan Markle Prayed For These Two Things On Her First Visit To Princess Diana’s Grave

"It seems that a return to the UK is being contemplated in some form and that the couple’s holiday home in Portugal will be used as a staging post back to Britain," Boshoff wrote.

She said that a friend of Harry's feels that the duke has started to feel "unwelcome" in the US and that the "American dream might not be all that it was cracked up to be."

Meghan, apparently, agrees with this sentiment and is "all for rekindling with and reconnecting with Harry’s English side."

Despite successes like their Netflix deal, Meghan reportedly feels that their star power is "dwindling" and that her popularity is fading with former supporters like Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, leaving her feeling like an "outcast."

Another source, whom Boshoff describes as "less sympathetic to the Sussexes", appears to hint at a cooling of relations between Harry and Meghan themselves.

"I don’t think [Harry] ever wanted to be estranged from his family," they said, adding, "I think when he was madly in love with Meghan he could be blind enough to choose her.

"Now things are different, and the veil is lifting."

Earlier this week People magazine—which is known to be the Sussexes' preferred mouthpiece—published a report in which a source close to Meghan said there was a "lot of sadness" on the duchess's part with regard to how her and Harry's week in the UK unfolded.

Related: Kate Middleton Debuted Summer’s Most Surprising New Nail Trend At Wimbledon

She was noticeably absent from her husband's side as he carried out a series of charity engagements.

Another source close to the couple said that Meghan would have felt "humiliated" as the back-and-forth between Harry's team and the palace unfolded ahead of their return to the UK.

Royal biographer Russell Myers told People, "What was billed as a big homecoming—not only for Harry but potentially for Meghan too—turned into a nightmare.

"It was further evidence of the fractiousness of Harry’s relationship with the institution.” 

So with that in mind, can there be any real rapprochement between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family? Can they really "reverse Megxit" and begin to spend more time in the UK as semi-working royals, adopting the half-in half-out role that was so firmly rejected by the late Queen Elizabeth II?

Even if Harry manages to heal the relationship between himself and his father, there is no sign of a thawing of the ice between him and his brother and future king Prince William.

Not to mention Harry's relationship with his stepmother Queen Camilla, who was described by Harry in his memoir Spare as a "villain" who "left bodies in the streets."

Fiercely loyal to Charles, she apparently "dropped everything" in order to be by her husband's side during the meeting with Harry and Meghan.

“She is a non-negotiable part of Charles’s life,” royal author Cathering Mayer told People. “There is no reconciliation with him without her."

Next, Did You Know The Romantic But Creepy Name of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s House in Montecito?

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If you are a beauty lover, you probably love to keep your prettiest products, such as your go-to perfume, daily makeup brushes, serum bottles and other essentials, on display in your bathroom. Plus, this makes everything a bit easier to grab, especially when you are in a hurry. Well, Anthropologie has the most whimsical solution for all of your bathroom toiletry storage needs with this beautiful wood apothecary cabinet.

How charming is Anthropologie's Heather Wood Apothecary Bathroom Cabinet? It honestly looks like something you would see in a Parisian boutique. The solid ash bathroom cabinet has a dark brown stain that feels super elevated and sophisticated. With its gold hardware and accents, this beautiful cabinet is a pretty upgrade for organizing your toiletries. The flower knob on the door is also such a cute touch!

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Heather Wood Apothecary Bathroom Cabinet, Dark Brown, $348 at Anthropologie

Anthropologie

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Because the cabinet's glass door allows you to peer inside at the cabinet's two shelves, this cabinet almost functions like a tiny museum for all of your makeup, perfumes and other beauty products. And, of course, the best part of this apothecary bathroom cabinet is the French phrase engraved at the very top: "Cabinet De Curiosities" or "Cabinet of Curiosities."

For dimensions, this rectangular apothecary cabinet measures 20.35 inches in height, 13.5 inches in width and 5.75 inches in depth. This makes it a particularly good size for a smaller bathroom. Hanging hardware is included, so you can easily hang this on your bathroom wall.

Related: Anthropologie's Pretty Capiz Vanity Mirror 'Feels Light, Elegant and Timeless'

Overall, customers love this cabinet, giving it an average rating of 3.6 stars on Anthropologie.com. Shoppers did say the cabinet is smaller than anticipated, but still love it for its whimsical and sturdy design.

"This fragrance cabinet is the perfect whimsical storage solution for a small-space bathroom. Adorable!" wrote one fan in a five-star review on Anthropologie.com.

"This cabinet is so gorgeous and whimsical. I was able to put it up in about 15 minutes with no help. I wish it was not quite as dark as stain, but that's my own personal preference," said another shopper in a five-star review on Anthropologie's website.

You can order this beautiful wood apothecary cabinet on Anthropologie.com. It retails for $348. Some assembly is required. Instructions are included.

Related: Martha Stewart's Chic 8-Piece Drawer Organizer Set Brings a Touch of Elegance to Home Organization

For most people, the ideal retirement plan involves a house with a yard, a settled routine, and finally staying put. But a growing movement of digital nomads and early retirees are completely flipping the status quo, trading mortgages and utility bills for a life entirely spent on the open ocean.

Meet Libby Rome, a 52-year-old former corporate IT consultant who officially retired in April 2026 after a 30-year career. While many people dream of taking a single cruise a year, Rome and her husband have been living full-time on cruise ships for the past three years. By leaning into financial independence strategies and capitalizing on specific cruise loyalty systems, she manages a life of continuous global travel on an annual budget of less than $40,000.

Here, in her own words, is exactly how she walked away from traditional housing, navigates healthcare at sea, handles the unique lifestyle constraints of a cabin, and maintains her low-cost voyage around the world.

Related: I’ve Been on 20+ Cruises—These 6 Are the Most Exciting for Active Travelers at Any Age

1. Trading Hotel Life for the Open Ocean

Libby Rome

Long before she ever set foot on a cruise ship as a permanent resident, Rome was already well-practiced in the art of extreme minimalism. Her transition to full-time travel began out of sheer operational necessity when international corporate relocations forced her to reevaluate her relationship with physical possessions.

"I’ve been a nomad actually for 16 years," Rome says. "16 years ago, because I had a house and a car and everything, I sold it all and I went down to two suitcases because I had a job in London. So I went so minimalist and so nomadic and then started loving it and loved the freedom of it to where I never wanted to go back to having a house and chores and errands."

For over a decade, that nomadic freedom meant splitting her time between traditional vacation rentals and various hotels. However, as accommodation costs began to climb steadily across the globe, she noticed the value proposition shifting. Moving constantly also required booking frequent regional flights, which added logistics and stress to her everyday routine. It was during a 2019 vacation that she and her husband realized a better alternative was floating right in front of them.

"It started becoming kind of obvious that cruising might be a good path for us..." Rome explains. "One of the things about hotel life is that it also required some flights... and a lot of times the cheaper hotels are near the airport or some highway or it just wasn't as nice. And cruising, I found, could give me that at about the same price as hotel life, without the car and the mortgage and the insurance... [and] give me a chance to get rid of the flights and have a lot of fun and free entertainment."

Today, the couple avoids the frantic pace of changing ships every week, opting instead to book consecutive voyages on the exact same vessel. This summer, they have settled into a highly comfortable rhythm aboard Princess Cruises'Sky Princess, a strategy that lets them unpack just once while waking up in a completely new destination every morning.

"I prefer to just take it easy and have a stress-free life, so we pick like this ship I'm on now, the Sky Princess, run through," Rome says. "One of the reasons we like it is that it's not just a loop around the same places over and over again—the itinerary actually rarely repeats. It's not a world cruise, which would be lovely, but those are very expensive."

Related: 10 Best Free Caribbean Beaches Worth Skipping Cruise Excursions For

2. The Financial Strategy and the Casino Loophole

Libby Rome

Living full-time on a premier cruise liner sounds like an extravagance reserved exclusively for multi-millionaires, but Rome managed to finance the lifestyle through aggressive saving and a deep understanding of cruise line loyalty programs. By mapping out her early retirement using the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) method, she was able to build a bridge to cover the gap years between leaving her corporate desk and finally accessing her long-term retirement accounts.

"I was able to get the cost so low with the cruising that I was able to save half my salary over the last four and a half years," Rome notes. "I've been saving for retirement my whole life, so 30-year career? I have a nice retirement fund to rely on, but I'm still too early for that at age 52. But I want it to be done sooner rather than later. So that's why I did the FIRE method. Keeping those costs low allowed me to have enough in my account to last me during that gap time until my retirement funds set in. I officially saved enough to do the math to show I have enough to last until I'm 59 and a half at this point, using a 4% interest. I can take 4% out and live on that."

The absolute secret weapon to keeping her ongoing travel expenses under $40,000 a year, however, comes down to how she leverages cruise line casino tracking programs. While most casual vacationers view the ship’s casino as a quick place to lose twenty dollars, Rome recognized that the algorithms managing guest offers could be optimized for long-term housing. After making a strict, calculated initial bankroll investment of $2,000, she unlocked an ongoing loop of complimentary cruise offers that she has been riding ever since.

"I use their casino program," Rome reveals. "A lot of people will go and gamble and then they'll win one free cruise, but the way Princess works... is you can use this basic loophole—and so myself and a few other people I know out there... are basically living on cruise ships for free because of this program. My overall annual budget's less than 40,000."

Once you trigger for their offers, then you go online on the princess.com website and you log in and all of the cruises are free. Now by free, I mean, you have to pay port fees and taxes and a two hundred dollar per person deposit, which comes back to you as on board credit, which then can be gambled with if you want. We do gamble a couple of times a year, but we gamble only with on board credit, not our own cash anymore. So we made an initial investment to gamble, but ever since then we've been doing it completely using the credit that we already have on board. It was about a $2,000 bankroll."

Related: :The Handbag That Can Make or Break Your Cruise (And It's Under $20 on Amazon)

3. Managing Diet, Discipline, and Type 1 Diabetes

Libby Rome

While a week-long cruise vacation is usually celebrated as an all-you-can-eat hall pass, living on a ship full-time requires an intense level of daily structure. Without strict boundaries, the endless availability of soft-serve ice cream, 24-hour room service, and poolside bars can quickly become a detriment to both physical well-being and personal finance.

"Discipline is definitely required on a cruise ship for both of those reasons: the activity and also gambling, also drinking, also food," Rome admits. "If you have an addictive personality, you could totally get swept up into any of those. The food was definitely a challenge for me and gained some weight at the beginning, but I have a system now and I'm very disciplined and I feel good about that. I have my regular diet: I go and get my salad every day for lunch and I go and get my steamed vegetables. I always have my little system, my little routine."

That strict routine isn't just about weight management—it's a critical component of how she stays healthy while managing Type 1 diabetes on the high seas. To ensure she always has access to life-saving medical supplies, Rome treats the ship’s home port as her temporary medical headquarters, building her cruise calendar around 90-day maintenance blocks.

"Actually, I have type one diabetes," Rome shares. "And so that adds some complications. I need my medical supplies regularly, so at first I was definitely challenged a lot, but it's one of the things that kind of made me cruise around one general port. For the last couple years I've mostly been around Fort Lauderdale—that's where my doctor was. On cruise turnaround days, I have my medical appointments, my dentist appointments, everything on those days. There was a CVS right there that was walkable from the cruise ship, so I would go and pick up my medical supplies every 90 days as well."

While the ships carry highly capable medical teams to handle standard issues, Rome has managed to successfully navigate her three years at sea without ever needing to check into the onboard infirmary for an emergency.

"Fortunately, in these last three years of full-time cruising, I've not had any medical emergencies, and I've never gone to the medical center except for once when I asked them to hold my insulin because I had too much to carry," she says. "In general, I store my insulin in my little refrigerator in the room and I have my medical supplies always. It adds weight to my backpack that I carry now, but it's worth it to live."

Related: Everyone Told Me To Stay Away From This Affordable Cruise—I Didn't Listen and LOVED It

4. Navigating Community, Tiny Spaces, and Life at Sea

Libby Rome

Choosing a nomadic life means walking away from geographic communities like local neighborhood groups, bowling leagues, and routine neighborhood block parties. While some critics assume that full-time cruising must be an incredibly isolating experience, Rome notes that her social circle hasn't vanished—it has simply adapted to a global framework.

"I would say that my community is just different now," Rome says. "One of my communities, for example, is called Go With Less—it's a Facebook group that I belong to that is, they get together regularly all over the world. So this group, you know, and I've met a number of them already. One of the events that Princess has every cruise is called the 'most traveled guest event' where they invite the most traveled guests on the ship and to all have dinner, and it seems that basically you're seeing the same people over and over again. So you get to know the other people who are like almost living on cruise ships, you know, and just traveling so extensively."

Of course, the transient nature of a cruise means that many friendships are naturally short-lived. Passengers board, connect over dinner for seven days, and then disappear at the next turnaround port. To thrive in this environment, Rome relies heavily on her strongest personal connection, while using modern tech to stay intimately involved with family back on land.

"I don't have my bowling league anymore. And I don't have my scrapbooking retreats anymore," Rome notes. "If you wanted to be really social, I guess it would be kind of sad that people are so fleeting… I've met people and connected, but then I'll probably never see them again… It's pros and cons. I'm not lonely because I'm with my husband, who is my best friend, and he's like, if I got to do anything in the whole world, what I'd want to do is spend time with him."

There are physical constraints to consider, too. To maintain her lean budget, Rome and her husband purposely opt for interior staterooms rather than sprawling balcony suites. Living in a compact room without a window means managing limited square footage, dealing with notoriously sluggish satellite Wi-Fi, and relying entirely on the ship's infrastructure for basic chores. Fortunately, hitting top-tier elite status with the cruise line unlocks complimentary perks that make tiny-living feel like a luxury hotel stay.

"We're mostly in inside cabins, and we don't mind, but it would be nicer of course to have a balcony or... a bigger suite—a separate room with a living room," Rome says. "The space is kind of small, but it's still worth it. The Wi-Fi is so slow... that's very frustrating... One of the lovely benefits of Princess also is that once you become Elite, you get free laundry service. So I put it in a bag whenever my clothes get dirty and then it comes back all clean and hung or in a bag and all folded... And then my husband jokes all the time that his favorite way to do dishes is to order room service and then just kind of put it aside for the person to pick up."

As she looks ahead to future chapters, Rome has no immediate plans to drop anchor or return to a standard suburban life. For her, the massive collection of worldly experiences easily outweighs the comforts of a traditional retirement.

"Wherever I am at the end, if I lose my mobility or whatever's happening, all I will do is say, 'Well, what a great life I've led,'" Rome says. "I can't possibly imagine having regrets because my life has been so full and so rich."  

To follow along with her cruise ship adventures, find Libby Rome on YouTube
and Instagram @LibbyRome, or catch her on TikTok @Libby.Rome.

Related: I Take Over 10 Cruises a Year—Here Are My Secrets to Getting Free Drinks on Board

K-dramas may have introduced millions of viewers to the world of Asian television, but they're far from the only addictive series worth binge-watching. Chinese dramas—or C-dramas—have exploded in popularity thanks to their swoon-worthy romances, epic historical fantasies, gripping mysteries and beautifully produced modern stories.

C-Dramas tend to run longer than K-Dramas. Ten to 16 episodes are the norm for K-Dramas while C-Dramas are usually 24-40 episodes). Whether you're looking for a sweeping costume drama, a feel-good romantic comedy, a thrilling revenge tale or an emotional slow-burn love story, there's a C-drama for every mood. From Netflix favorites to hidden gems streaming on Viki, iQIYI and YouTube, these are 38 of the very best Chinese dramas to add to your watchlist next. There are a few series that are less than 20 episodes, so look for those to whet your whistle.

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The Best C-Dramas To Watch Now1. 'Pursuit of Jade' (2025) Pursuit of Jade

Pursuit of Jade

Starring Zhang Linghe, Tian Xiwei
Available on Netflix, iQIYi
No. of Episodes: 40

Based on a popular webtoon, Pursuit of Jade follows Fan Changyu (Tian), a butcher's daughter after she finds an injured nobleman (Zhang) in a snowstorm. As she nurses him back to health, both of them find themselves in dire straits. He must keep his identity hidden until he weeds out the killer, while she must marry before her gambling good-for-nothing uncle lays claim to her family home. The scenario leads to a marriage of convenience that later evolves into genuine love. Part of what I liked about this series is that the female lead character is no shrinking violet waiting to be rescued. She makes her own path, is the breadwinner in the marriage (before discovering her husband is actually a nobleman and a warrior) and even knows how to fight the bad guys better than the bad guys do! The series is both funny and romantic with a palpable chemistry between the two leads.

Fun Fact: Despite her small stature, Tian is noted for her physical strength. Even at 5'6" and around 100 lbs., it's Tian who actually carried the 6'3", 160 lb. Zhang on her back in the opening scenes where her character discovers him in the snow. Most viewers thought it done through wires and harnesses or a stunt double, but Zhang said in an interview that he never would have believed a small woman like her would be able to carry him, much less run with him like she does in those scenes!

2. 'Love for You' (2026)

Starring Song Weilong
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 32

In the 1990s, teenagers Chen Yi (Song) and Miao Jing (Zhang) met due to their parents, initially getting off to a rocky start. However, Miao Jing's kindness eventually softens Chen Yi's attitude towards her. Chen Yi and Miao Jing's relationship deepens after Chen Yi's father dies and Miao Jing's mother disappears, leaving the two to rely only on each other. Miao Jing eventually confesses her feelings for Chen Yi, but he pushes her away after he gets tangled up as a crime witness, urging her to leave their city. Years later, Chen Yi runs a billiards hall in their hometown, while Miao Jing returns for a work assignment. But when Chen Yi suspects that Miao Jing's boss is involved in smuggling, he vows to protect her – and stay by her side. This drama was adapted from the web novel "Ye Gou Gu Tou" by Xiu Tu Cheng.

3. 'Overdo' (2026)

Starring Zhang Linghe, Wang Churan
Available on IQIYI
No. of Episodes: 33

In Republican-era Shanghai, Murong Qingyi (Zhang), the young son of a warlord, suffers years of abuse from his adoptive father after being mistakenly switched at birth. While fleeing as a teenager, he is rescued by Ren Susu (Wang), but the encounter brings catastrophe upon her family. Years later, the two meet again and gradually fall in love. However, to save others, Ren Susu fakes her death and disappears, leaving Murong Qingyi devastated. Three years later, Ren Susu returns, engaged to become Murong Qingyi’s future sister-in-law. The reunited pair is no longer the people they once were. One is consumed by resentment over what he believes to be a betrayal, while the other carries a pain she cannot bring herself to reveal. As they test and challenge one another, love and hatred become deeply intertwined. Just as misunderstandings begin to unravel, and their feelings rekindle, the nation is plunged into crisis. Determined to fight a powerful enemy even at the cost of their own lives, Murong Qingyi and Ren Susu step into the storm together. Where will fate ultimately lead them?

Related: These 33 K-Dramas and C-Dramas Are Worth Losing Sleep Over

4. 'A Princess Royal' (2024)

Starring Zhang Linghe, Zhao Jinmai
Available on Netflix, Viki, Youku
No. of Episodes: 40

In this bittersweet romance, a princess and her husband's long and loveless marriage ends in betrayal, but when they both wake up back when they were 18, they realize they have a chance to start life over and make different choices. When the two realize they both have memories of their previous existence, they decide to work together to figure out why they fell apart.

Zhang is the "it" boy in Chinese entertainment these days. His catwalk during a New Year's Eve gala this year nearly broke the internet, amassing over 40 million views within a 24-hour period. The man literally walked down a runway.

5. 'Only for Love' (2023)

Starring Dylan Wang, Bai Lu
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 36

Determined to land a front-page story, reporter Zheng Shu Yi (Bai Lu) does everything she can to score an interview with the country’s most talked about CEO, Shi Yan (Dylan Wang). With plans to invest in several promising startups, Shi Yan agrees to an interview with Shu Yi, but only if she writes about the local startups that have so far gone without notice. Meeting time and time again, the working relationship between Shu Yi and Shi Yan grows into something more. Could this spark between them be the first bloom of love? Directed by Guo Hu, this is a 2023 Chinese romantic drama series.

6. 'If Voice Had Memory' (2021)

Starring Wei Zhe Ming, Pan Meiye
Available on Mango TV, YouTube
No. of Episodes: 32

Wei Zhe Ming, who also goes by Miles Wei, won over fans in supporting roles (Only for Love) and now plays the lead in several series. Also known as "If Sound Had Memory," this series follows Yu Luxi (Meiye), a cheerful girl with a unique vocal talent, and Lin Nan (Wei), a workplace elite who is secretly a legendary dubbing master named "Mai Da". The two join forces to pursue their dreams in the voice acting world, ultimately uncovering hidden secrets and falling in love.

7. 'Mr. Bad' (2022)

Starring
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

Upon making a wish, aspiring writer Nan Xing (Shen Yue) accidentally summons Xiao Wudi (Chen Zhe Yuan), a ferocious and cunning villain from her own book. Wudi resolves to stay in the real world to fulfill all of Nan Xing's wishes - even becoming her neighbor and tackling matters of the heart. But when Wudi begins to fall for his lovesick creator, things get complicated. Can a villainous figment of her imagination actually become Nan Xing's hero or will “Mr. Bad” live up to his name?

8. 'How Dare You!?' (2026)

Starring
Available on iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 32

Ordinary office worker Wang Cuihua unexpectedly finds herself transported into a cliché "brain-dead transmigration novel," becoming the cannon fodder villainess Yu Wanyin. To escape her doomed fate of being eliminated by the original transmigrated heroine Xie Yonger, Yu Wanyin takes a different path by clinging to another major villain in the book, the tyrannical male character Xiahou Dan. To her surprise, the tyrant turns out to be a transmigrator too. Now a duo of villainous outsiders stranded in a fictional world, they form a strategic alliance to survive against all odds. However, the original transmigrated heroine Xie Yonger sees herself as the chosen one and swiftly allies with the book’s original male lead, Xiahou Bo, putting herself in direct opposition to the villain duo. With a palace battle of transmigrated minds and the scheming of the true male lead closing in, can this villain team defy fate and rewrite their ending?

9. 'The Romance Between Tiger and Rose' (2020)

Starring
Available on Viki, Apple TV
No. of Episodes: 32

Aspiring screenwriter Chen Xiao Qian (Zhao Lu Si) is struggling to get her TV series off the ground. The male lead is kicking up a fuss about her script, leading her to worry that the series will never reach viewers’ screens. Suddenly, she is dragged into the pages of her own screenplay, where she becomes the Third Princess, a lowly minor character with a terrible reputation… and a drastically short lifespan! Fortunately, she knows that her killer will be Prince Han Shuo (Ding Yu Xi) and Xiao Qian uses her “insider knowledge” to rewrite the character’s fate to ensure she survives. Can she cheat death and reverse her TV show’s fortunes? And could this messy situation inadvertently lead her to love?

10. 'The Best Thing' (2026)

Starring Zhang Linghe, Xu Ruohan
Available on iQIYI, Prime Video
No. of Episodes: 28

The story follows Shen Xifan (Xu), a dedicated workaholic and hotel housekeeping manager, who suffers from insomnia and migraines due to her high-intensity job. Seeking relief, she turns to traditional Chinese medicine and meets the gentle and refined doctor, He Suye (Zhang). However, her busy schedule often causes her to forget to pick up her prescriptions, much to He Suye’s frustration. What starts as a mere doctor-patient relationship takes an unexpected turn when they realize they live in the same neighborhood. Through a series of chance encounters, their feelings gradually blossom. Having experienced a painful first love, Shen Xifan is cautious, while He Suye, abandoned by his first love, has since closed off his heart. As Shen Xifan slowly approaches him, their awkward yet endearing interactions lead He Suye to rediscover the meaning of love, eventually making him the one to pursue her instead. Meanwhile, He Suye’s dedication to traditional Chinese medicine inspires Shen Xifan to find her true aspirations.

Related: Loved ‘Pursuit of Jade’? Check Out Zhang Linghe’s Next C-Drama, ‘Overdo’

11. 'Twelve Letters' (2025)

Starring
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 12

Despite hardships in life, Tang Yi Xun (Zhou Yi Ran) and Ye Hai Tang (Wang Ying Lu) have built a sweet, solid romance together. However, their relationship seems to have an end date, as Hai Tang disappears, leaving only unanswered questions behind. As Yi Xun searches for answers, he encounters a mailbox with a mysterious letter sent from Hai Tang. Yi Xun writes back, re-opening a line of communication between them. But Yi Xun soon learns that Hai Tang is separated by more than just distance, as they are also somehow separated by time. Can they ever find a way back together?

Related: Netflix Just Dropped an Action-Packed K-Drama That’s Perfect for Weekend Binging - Check out 'Agent Kim Reactivated'

12. 'Never-Ending Summer' (2026)

Starring Bao Shang'en, Daniel Zhou
Available on iQIYI, Mango TV
No. of Episodes: 29

In this romantic drama series, the tenacious honor student Zhou Wan (Bao) wants to save her severely-ill grandmother. Failing to get help from her mother who abandoned her, she approaches her mother's step-son, the unruly Lu Xixiao (Zhou), in an attempt to raise money from her mother. After graduation, romance brews between the two who become each other's rock, but the cruel reality shatters their glorious summer of youth, as misunderstandings drive them apart. Ten years later, they reunite in the workplace. Unable to forget his past heartbreak, Lu repeatedly lashes out at Zhou, only to find that his love for her has never changed. A factory accident brings them together, and their brave and sincere hearts ensure they never part again.

13. 'Love in the Clouds' (2025)

Starring Hou Minghao, Lu Yuxiao
Available on Netflix, Viki, Youku
No. of Episodes: 36

My people love their historical/fantasy dramas. There are probably more costumes and props in Chinese entertainment studios for such series than there are for modern day series. In Love in the Clouds, Ming Yi (Lu) is a ruthless war goddess, who assumes a new identity after being poisoned. Under disguise, she gets close to thief Ji Bozai (Hou) and what starts off as a game of deceit turns into a deep romance.

14. 'Lighter and Princess' (2022)

Starring Zhang Jing Yi, Arthur Chen
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 36

As a computer programming ace, Li Xun (Chen) tends to see life as a computer program. Aloof to life, he also sees love as an emotion that's beyond his understanding. But his world unexpectedly changes when he meets Zhu Yun (Zhang), an innocent and grounded lady that only sees Li Xun as a troublemaker. Despite their differences, the two are drawn to each other and sweet romance begins to blossom, until a life-altering incident threatens to tear them apart forever.

15. 'The Legend of Rosy Clouds'

Starring Li Yitong, Joseph Zang
Available on iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 36

Fan Yun (Li), a fallen noblewoman, who allies with Qi Zheng (Zeng), a cunning city lord, to navigate political schemes in the Nine Cities. Together, they overcome power struggles, defy outdated conventions, and champion the people's welfare, developing trust and love.

16. 'Love Me Love My Voice'

Starring Ye Zhou, Tan Jian Ci
Available on iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 33

Not only is is the art or narration and voiceover featured in this series, but keep an eye out for some great recipes to try at home! Music-loving college senior Gu Sheng (Ye) has amassed an impressive online following by posting her work as the historical musician Sheng Sheng Man. Yet, sharing her music with the world is only one small part of her dream. Hoping to one day work with voice dubbing master Qiang Qing Ci (Tan), Gu Sheng’s greatest wish comes true when fate brings Mo Qing Cheng, the man behind the voice of Qing Ci, into her life. With a voice that constantly stirs her heartstrings, how long will it take for Gu Sheng to fall for Qing Cheng completely?

17. 'Shine on Me' (2025)

Starring Zhao Jin Main, Song Weilong
Available on iQIYI, Viki
No. of Episodes: 36

During university, Nie Xi Guang (Zhao) has a crush on an aloof but brilliant top student, but unfortunately, her feelings are unreturned. Upon graduation, she tries to forget about her one-sided love as she enters the workforce, where she meets Lin Yu Sen (Song), a former surgeon who pivoted to working in the solar energy industry after an injury ended his medical career. While their personalities initially cause some misunderstandings, Yu Sen is consistently drawn to Xi Guang's warm personality, standing by her side with unconditional support. Xi Guang, in turn, begins to let go of her past regrets as she learns to embrace where her life is now and reciprocates Yu Sen's affection.

Related: Why C-Drama Fans Are Excited for Song Weilong’s ‘Love for You’

18. 'Admist a Snowstorm of Love'

Starring Zhao Jinmai, Wu Lei
Available on Viki, Netflix
No. of Episodes: 30

Former professional snooker Lin Yi Yang (Wu) met the popular nine-ball player Yin Guo (Zhao) on a rare snowstorm night. With the help of Yin Guo's cousin, they got to know each other. Yin Guo's appearance changed his life; he fell in love with her.

19. 'Begin Again' (2020)

Starring Zhou You Tong, Gong Jun
Available on Viki, iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 35

Furniture firm CEO Lu Fang Ning (Zhou) is approaching 30 – and, under pressure from her family, agrees to marry. She fixes her sights on the handsome surgeon Ling Rui (Gong), and convinces him to tie the knot with her. But she soon finds that married life isn’t quite what she had hoped for. Cracks begin to appear in the already-frail relationship. But as she starts to mull divorce, Fang Ning suddenly finds herself falling for Ling Rui. Is it too late for love? Or can romance help them save their marriage?

20. 'The First Frost' (2025)

Starring Zhang Rounan, Bai Jingting
Available on Netflix
No. of Episodes: 32

Two former high school classmates accidentally run into each other at a bar six years later, both pretending not to recognize the other because of their awkward parting. Due to circumstances, the two end up sharing an apartment and are compelled to face their past when Yifan (Zhang)—triggered by stress and trauma—begins to sleepwalk again and finds herself in her roommate's room one night.

21. 'Embrace Love'

Starring Zong Yuan Yuan, Zhang Chao, Deng Kai
Available on Youku, YouTube
No. of Episodes: 20

Yan Mo (Zong), a female star living in the future world, unexpectedly developed a rare blood disease. The only person who could save her was Gu Yanzhi (Zhang), a talented scientist living in modern times. In order to get Gu Yanzhi's blood, Yan Mo traveled to modern times and tried every means to approach Gu Yanzhi, only to find that to obtain qualified blood, an emotional factor must be produced in Gu Yanzhi's body. However, in the process of "instructing" Gu Yanzhi to love, Yan Mo and Gu Yanzhi were attracted to each other, which changed their fate and triggered the butterfly effect.

22. 'Falling into Your Smile' (2021)

Starring Cheng Xiao, Xu Kai
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 31

In the ultra-competitive world of e-sports, the all-male team, ZGDX, is second to none. But when their star player suffers a career-halting injury, team captain Lu Si Cheng (Xu) is forced to search for a replacement. Si Cheng’s quest to find the best ultimately leads him to Tong Yao (Cheng) an amateur gamer with exceptional skills. Convinced that adding the first female player to his team would boost their PR, Si Cheng makes Tong Yao the team’s trainee. While fans of the team aren’t sure how they feel about the new addition, the members of ZGDX slowly warm up to her, though none quite as much as Si Cheng. Will sparks of romance ignite in their future?

23. 'Hello, Mr. Gu' (2021)

Starring Yan Zhi Chao, Chen Jing Ke
Available on Viki, YouTube
No. of Episodes: 30

Zhou Jian Qing (Yan) was raised like a princess, but when her wealthy family falls on hard times, her fairy tale life collapses. Unsure of her next move, Jian Qing follows fate and crosses path with Gu Nan Zhou (Chen), a successful CEO with a debilitating fear of crowds. Forced into a scandalous situation, Jiang Qing and Nan Zhou agree that a contract marriage is their only way out. Despite their initial animosity, they begin to find comfort in their married life. As they navigate their unconventional relationship, Jian Qing and Nan Zhou wonder if real love might be on the horizon.

24. 'My Piggy Boss' (2024)

Starring: Bubble Zhu, Lu Dongxu
Available on: iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 12

My Piggy Boss is just so darn cute! In this adorable shortform rom-com, an assistant at a Christmas lights factory discovers her boss turns into a pig at night. No, not a male chauvinist pig, but a literal pig. It seems his family was cursed by an evil alien pig (yes, that's right) after a butcher in his family slaughtered too many pigs. If the young CEO doesn't receive his true love's kiss by his 27th birthday, he will become a pig forever!

Despite his abrasive demeanor, the assistant is determined to help him find his true love—even if that person might be her. There are some laugh out loud moments, like when she's bathing the pig before she knows its her boss—or how her roommate offers the pig some pork fried rice. And of course, the instances where the character is looking at the pig, but viewers see the actor standing in for it.

Check out this fun clip where Yang Xiaozhu (Bubble Zhu) discovers the pig for the first time and takes him home. She goes to bed with the pig, but wakes next to her naked boss (Lu) instead.

25. 'You Are My Fateful Love' (2026)

Starring Zheng He Hui Zi, Wei Zhe Ming
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 30

In need of a life change, Ruan Yu (Zheng) decides to give up her stable career and pivot to writing full time, drawing on her own past experiences and publishing novels online. While she begins to gain popularity, she starts to receive comments that accuse her of plagiarism. Ruan Yu decides to defend herself and hires an intellectual property lawyer to assist her. But to her surprise, the attorney is someone she's met before: Xu Huai Song (Wei), her crush from high school… and the inspiration behind her story's love interest. As they spend more time together working on her case, old feelings begin to resurface – and Ruan Yu might end up writing herself a love story in real life in the process.

26. 'Ancient Bracelet' (2026)

Starring Fan Xiao Dong, Zeng You Zhen
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

All seems well in the relationship between Wuyue tribe healer Wu Zhao Li (Zeng) and Puluo Kingdom ruler Ying Du (Fan) – until he betrays her love and trust by slaughtering her people. Through a mysterious time-reversing bracelet, Zhao Li and Ying Du's spirits are bound across three lifetimes, leaving Zhao Li stuck with no choice but to fix the issues between her and Ying Du. However, an additional twist complicates their already-troubled relationship: unbeknownst to Zhao Li, she's actually descended from a goddess, and a heavenly law bans deities from falling in love. Can Zhao Li overcome these challenges and make things right, or has she been doomed by fate?

27. 'Sweet Teeth' (2021)

Starring Wu Xuzn Yi, Bi Wen Jun
Available on iQIYI, Viki
No. of Episodes: 22

In this adorable series, Ai Jing Chu (Bi) seems to have it all: a thriving dental practice, a prestigious teaching position, and the title of "most handsome man on campus." However, university librarian Zeng Li (Wu) isn't impressed, especially after a past misunderstanding. Unfortunately, she’s forced to see Jing Chu as her new orthodontist. Zeng Li tries to avoid him, but their frequent encounters stir unexpected emotions. As she begins to see beyond his “perfect” exterior, Zeng Li discovers that there might be more to Jing Chu than she initially thought.

28. 'The Way You Shine' (2023)

Starring Puff Kuo, Fancy Fan
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

Zhou Xin Xing’s (Kuo) dreams of running a French patisserie crumbled along with her first marriage. She ends up taking a job at dessert store Les Années Lentes, where she meets Xia Tian Yu (Fan), a reluctant heir with a hidden warmth beneath his icy exterior. As they join forces to win a prestigious dessert competition, sparks fly in and out of the kitchen. But with romantic rivals lurking and family expectations looming, can this unlikely duo find their sweet ending? Or will their budding romance melt under pressure?

29, 'Unforgettable Love' (2021)

Starring Hu Yi Xuan, Wei Zhe Ming, Lennon Sun
Available on Viki, YouTube
No. of Episodes: 24

In this family-oriented rom-com with an incredibly adorable child actor, powerful CEO He Qiao Yan (Wei) is clueless about raising his son, Xiao Bao (Sun). Desperate for help, Qiao Yan hires child psychologist Qin Yi Yue (Hu) as the boy’s “contract mother." Yi Yue agrees to Qiao Yan’s request but things take a complicated turn when Qiao Yan develops feelings for Yi Yue. Will his romantic ineptitude ruin his chances of winning Yi Yue’s heart?

30. 'Speed and Love' (2025)

Starring Esther Yu, He Yu
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 29

When she was a child, Jiang Mu (Yu) lived a charmed life in the shadow of her loving and gifted older brother Jin Zhao (He). But when she was just nine years old, their young lives fell apart. Her parents divorced, with Jin Zhao and their father moving away to Thailand. A decade later, Jiang Mu learns that the brother she once loved was actually adopted. Jiang Mu decides to continue her studies abroad in Thailand as she tries to reconnect with her father and Jin Zhao. To her utter surprise, Jin Zhao’s life has gone off in a very different direction: he is now a streetwise racing driver who also doubles as an underground martial arts fighter. Jiang Mu is a complete outsider in this strange, high-octane world. But her desire to reconcile with Jin Zhao burns bright, leaving her undeterred.

31. 'Love Game in Eastern Fantasy' (2024)

Starring Esther Yu, Ding Yu Xi
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 32

Ling Miao Miao (Yu) unexpectedly finds herself transported into the world of a fantasy novel called "Chasing Demons" as a villainous supporting character. To escape and return to the real world, she must complete a series of tasks – including winning the heart of Mu Sheng (Ding), the female lead's adoptive brother with a possessive love for her. Teaming up with expert demon catchers, they battle creatures, level up, and gradually work to dissolve an age-old animosity between humans and demons. As Miao Miao and Mu Sheng grow closer, can they rewrite their stories in favor of redemption… and possibly even romance?

32. 'Derailment' (2022)

Starring Liu Hao Cun, Lin Yi
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 30

Rich heiress Jiang Xiao Yuan (Liu) finds herself in a parallel universe after an accident, now living as a rural-town woman in the big city. Qi Lian (Lin) claims to know and love her, but he senses something is off. Can they uncover the secrets of the accident and return to normal? Will their journey lead to love?

33. 'Starlit Bloom' (2025)

Starring Song Yi Shan, Ke Chun
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

Gu Liu Su (Song), the founder of an up-and-coming jewelry brand, is famously meticulous, serious, and careful in all aspects of her professional and private life. But an uncharacteristic and unplanned one-night encounter with Lu Xing Chen (Ke), the free-spirited heir to a large family business, leads to enormous confusion. Things go from bad to worse when her firm unwittingly hires Xing Chen to become Liu Su’s new personal secretary, leading to bitterness and hostility. But as they begin to work together, Xing Chen notices a warm side of Liu Su’s personality that she keeps hidden beneath her calculating exterior, while Liu Su is stunned to discover that Xing Chen has a genuine talent for design. Could their animosity give way to respect – or even love?

34. 'Lady Revenger Returns from the Fire' (2024)

Starring Xu Lu, Wei Zheming
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

Once the gentle heiress of the Luo family, Luo Ai Lian (Xu) is plunged into destitution after a sudden disaster takes everything from her. Despite being forced into a life of hardship, Ai Lian perseveres, eventually rising from the ashes of her former life as Shen Dan Qing, a woman as skilled in martial arts as she is in literature. With plans to exact revenge on her enemies, Dan Qing embarks on a perilous journey, where she soon meets General Xu (Wei), a man on a quest for lost treasure. Traveling side-by-side, will the two questing heroes find what their hearts most desire?

35. 'Dusk Love' (2024)

Starring An Yong Chang, Dai Gao Zheng
Available on WeTV
No. of Episodes: 24

Jian Mo Ran (Chang), the heir to Jian Corporation, intends to establish her own brand, Yunee, and strategically approaches male model Huo Jin Yan (Zheng) to act as her boyfriend. Believing his background as an 18th-tier model makes him easy to manipulate, she is surprised when he turns the tables. Unknown to Jian Mo Ran, Huo Jin Yan is also the CEO of Vandi Corporation and has harbored a secret crush on her since their school days. Upon returning to their homeland, he gets close to Jian Mo Ran under the guise of a model living near her home. While appearing to make things difficult for her publicly, he covertly assists her with various work matters. Jian Yi Cheng, Jian Mo Ran’s cousin by marriage, harbors strong feelings for her and employs all means necessary to win her affection, especially with the appearance of Huo Jin Yan.

36. 'When Destiny Brings the Demon' (2025)

Starring Wang Yinglu, Arthur Chen
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 33

Modern-day office drone Zou Yan (Wang) accidentally stumbles into the world of cultivation and wakes up as Liao Tingyan, a disciple of the Qinggutian Sect. She’s soon selected to serve the reclusive Grandmaster Sima Jiao (Chen), a powerful cultivator who’s been secretly sealed inside a mountain for 500 years. Twisted by isolation and rage, he’s cold, hot-tempered, and bent on revenge. Liao Tingyan doesn’t know that “her” original identity is a demonic assassin. But to his surprise, she shows no ill will, no ambition, and no desire at all. Her nature fascinates him. Thus begins an unlikely romance between a villainous immortal and a healing-type “slacker,” a connection that defies fate and spans lifetimes.

37. Road to Success (2026)

Starring Esther Yu, Chen Jing Ke
Available on iQIYI, Viki
No. of Episodes: 22

In this fun sports-themed series, Lin Wan Xing (Esther Yu) takes a break from her PhD program and returns to her hometown of Hongjing, where she takes a job as a high school sports equipment manager. There, she's tasked with bringing the school's disgraced soccer team to victory. Wan Xing's only hope lies in soccer coach Wang Fa (Chen Jing Ke), who gave up a prestigious job in Britain and ended up in Hongjing, renting out space in a property owned by Wan Xing's family. With Wang Fa's help, the team is able to win, and Wan Xing convinces Wang Fa to become the team's coach full-time. Wang Fa and Wan Xing make an unlikely duo, but they gradually open up to each other as they spend more time together, leading to personal growth and a budding romance.

38. 'The Wonder Woman' (2020)

Starring Aviss Zhong, Wes Lo
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 18

Du Ai Sha (Zhong), a fierce marketing ace, has fought her way to the top through unwavering determination and strategic thinking. Her workplace rival, Yi Feiyang (Lo), matches her skill with his own problem-solving prowess, creating a competitive dynamic that electrifies their professional environment. When unexpected challenges arise, Ai Sha and Feiyang are compelled to collaborate, discovering their complementary talents and gradually transforming their rivalry into a potential romantic connection. As they navigate complex professional obstacles together, their initial antagonism begins to soften, revealing a deeper understanding and attraction.

Next, These 33 K-Dramas and C-Dramas Are Worth Losing Sleep Over

Long before her name became synonymous with one of sports' biggest scandals, Tonya Harding achieved a feat no American woman had accomplished before. In 1991, the figure skater made history by landing a triple Axel in competition—a milestone that cemented her place as one of the sport's greatest technical pioneers.

While the attack on Nancy Kerrigan has overshadowed nearly every aspect of Harding's legacy, her impact on women's figure skating remains undeniable. Harding was the first American woman—and only the second woman in history—to successfully land a triple Axel in international competition.

She also became the first woman to complete the jump in a short program and the first to land it in combination, pushing the technical boundaries of the sport years ahead of her peers. More than three decades later, her athletic achievements remain among the most remarkable—and least remembered—chapters of figure skating history.

But instead of being remembered for her accomplishments on ice, Harding's name became synonymous with the 1994 attack on Kerrigan while practicing in Detroit, Michigan, weeks before the Winter Olympics. Investigators later linked the assault to Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and his associates. Harding denied involvement but pleaded guilty to hindering the investigation, receiving probation, a fine, community service, and a lifetime ban from competitive skating.

Years later, Harding reflected on her image and the impact the fallout had on her. “I do care. I mean, I care, but I don’t care,” Harding told ABC News in 2017. “The most important people are my family and my closest friends. Everybody else’s opinions don’t matter. So my motto is, ‘Take care of me, so I can take care of my family.’”

She added, “The media had me convicted of doing something wrong before I had even done anything at all, before I had talked to anyone, before I get out of bed. I'm always the bad person. Is it a challenge from the Lord to see how far I can be pushed until I break and become nothing?”

But during the interview, Harding admitted, “I did, however, overhear them talking about stuff,” referring to the attack on Kerigan. “They were talking about skating and saying, ‘Well, maybe somebody should be taken out so [Harding] can make it.'”

Ricky Skaggscelebrates a career that helped revive traditional bluegrass and country music.

The musician, who has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than five decades, turns 72 on July 18, 2026. Born Rickie Lee Skaggs in Cordell, Kentucky, the musician started his career at the ripe age of five, when bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe invited a young Skaggs to perform with him. By age six, he was regularly performing on stage and, at seven, landed a TV appearance on the Flatt & Scruggs' variety show.

"Some of my earliest memories are of singing around the house with my mom. She was always singing to the radio, and I started harmonizing with her when I was four or five years old. That really sparked my dad’s excitement," he said in a 2026 interview with Gospel Music Association. "He was a welder working up in Ohio and brought me home a mandolin from a pawnshop. I woke up to it in my bed—I just loved the sound right away. I’m so thankful he bought something that fit my little five-year-old body."

Skaggs achieved mainstream fame in the early 1980s with his third, and debut major label album, Waitin' for the Sun to Shine. The record was released in May 1981 and immediately became a hit, with two of its singles soaring to the No. 1 spot on the charts. "Crying My Heart Out Over You" was Skaggs' first-ever chart-topping hit, taking first place on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, while "I Don't Care" reached the top spot shortly after.

The album defined a new era of music, ushering in the neotraditional country movement. His unique style paid off, as Skaggs has won an impressive 15 Grammy Awards over the course of his career. He won his first Grammy Award in 1983 for Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Fireball," and most recently, in 2016, for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

In 2018, Skaggs was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 2020, he received the National Medal of Arts.

Related: '70s Rocker, Ranked Among 'Greatest Drummers of All Time,' Turns 74

The upcoming Emmy Award telecast is making some changes, and people are not happy.

This year, the Television Academy are moving five major categories out of the main broadcast. The changes are part of an effort to make the show shorter, more streamlined, and more entertaining.

According to Variety, the awards body is moving five categories from this year's Primetime Emmy Awards broadcast on September 14. They will be hosted by Mariska Hargitay, the first woman in 15 years.

The categories being moved are writing for a variety series, both supporting actor and actress in a limited/anthology series or movie, directing for a limited series/anthology or movie and writing for a limited series/anthology or movie. Instead, you can watch them at the Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies on September 5 and September 6.

Previous winners of these awards have included Beef, The White Lotusand Adolescence. This means under the new rules, audiences would have missed speeches from the likes of Jennifer Coolidge.

TV Academy chair Cris Abrego told Variety that he hopes moving the awards will create more time for musical performances, comedic bits, and unexpected acceptance speeches. “We’re really excited to flex more creativity into the show,” he said.

“This is not new, but the Academy’s always been committed to delivering an Emmy telecast that celebrates television, and also creating the best possible viewing experience," the chair added. "But it needs time, and that’s where we really want to find time to create an incredible night of entertainment that celebrates all of the Emmy winners.”

Katherine LaNasa and Noah Wyle, winners of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and Lead Actor in a Drama Series for "The Pitt," pose in the press room during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

When asked why he chose these five categories to shift, Abrego said the plan was to spread them out across different disciplines. “There’s no perfect solution because every category obviously represents extraordinary work, but we really wanted just to take an approach to be as balanced and as equitable as possible,” he said.

“So then, what we really did was rather than concentrating on the change in one discipline or one peer group, it’s a small number of categories across the performances, writing and directing,” he explained.

Related: 'The Pitt' Leads 2026 Emmy Nominations—See the Complete List of Nominees

This decision by the TV Academy has caused controversy within the industry. The DGA, SAG-AFTRA and the WGA issued a joint statement expressing their displeasure at moving five categories off the NBC telecast: “The Emmys exist to celebrate the best of television and the artists who are central to bringing these stories to life."

The statement continued: "The decision to eliminate these categories from the prime-time broadcast devalues the contributions of the talented people the Academy is meant to honor. An awards show dedicated to recognizing excellence should not reduce recognition for the artists whose work gives it meaning.”

Next Best Picture called the changes a mistake. "If the goal is to leave more time for memorable moments in the broadcast, it feels counterintuitive to skip five passionate speeches that mean a great deal to the newly minted Emmy winners and to those who are fans of the winning shows."

Related: 2026 Emmy Awards Outstanding Reality Competition Program Nominees Revealed, and One Fan-Favorite Was Snubbed

Costco members know one of the best stops in the warehouse is the bakery section.

There's always a little something to satisfy whatever you're craving, and the generous portions mean there's plenty to share, or enjoy for a few days if you'd rather keep it all to yourself.

The latest crowd-pleaser at the bakery is a returning pie that's perfect for summer celebrations while also delivering an early slice of fall. With plenty of retailers already rolling out Halloween decorations, its timing couldn't feel more fitting.

The Kirkland Signature Apple Berry Pie puts a twist on the classic apple pie by combining apples with strawberries and raspberries, all tucked inside a flaky pie crust finished with a sprinkle of sugar.

If you typically find yourself struggling to pick between apple, strawberry, or raspberry pie, it’s the ideal choice, bringing all three flavors together in one dessert that's hard to resist.

TheKitchn's food editor summed it up simply: "If you see this pie at your Costco, don't hesitate. Just buy it."

Parade’s writers (and off-the-clock taste-testers) were fully in agreement, calling it “perfectly sweet” and “so good.”

“I feel like apple pie can sometimes be too sweet, and berries can sometimes be too tart, but it hit the right balance,” one expressed.

One shopper on Reddit wrote, "Been eating on one all week. Going back to get another one this weekend."

"OMG!!! it was delish!!!!!" another commented, while someone else added, "I had it and loved it! I only got apple and strawberry out of it. Those are already my 2 favorite pies. It wasn’t too sweet imo."

“Definitely sweet and so good we're on our third!” someone else noted. 

Others felt differently, saying the sweetness turned them off, writing, "IMO too sweet (and I like sweet), also tastes mostly of strawberry and apple, no discernable [sic] taste of raspberry despite it being listed as an ingredient."

“Sweet and delicious when served warm, I'm serving it with a sorbet or milder ice cream,” one chimed in, which our Parade editor was fully on board with. 

Weighing in at a hefty 76 ounces and priced at $15.99, it's an easy choice for feeding a crowd at summer cookouts, parties, and other seasonal gatherings.

Its return also comes as a cyclosporiasis outbreak, an intestinal illness that can cause diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue, has been reported across 34 states, making baked desserts an appealing option for anyone looking to avoid certain fresh produce.

The CDC believes the outbreak is tied to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms supplied to Taco Bell, but the parasite can spread through contaminated food or water and has been previously linked to foods such as basil, cilantro, stawberries and raspberries.

Because thorough heating is the only way to kill it, the return of Costco's baked Apple Berry Pie comes at the most opportune moment if you want to enjoy your fruits without worry.

Related: Costco's Most-Anticipated Food Court Item Is Finally Available Nationwide

For Terry Chambers, turning 71 looks a lot like turning 21.

The founding XTC drummer celebrates his birthday on July 18 by returning to Swindon's Town Gardens Bowl with EXTC. The performance comes exactly 50 years after he played the same venue with XTC on his 21st birthday.

The occasion also brings new attention to a musician and band that never received the recognition many believed they deserved. For XTC, being misunderstood has often meant being underappreciated. Its talent and influence earned admiration from critics and fellow musicians, but its mainstream fame never reached the same level, especially after the band stopped touring in 1982.

Much of the band's talent was showcased on the drums. Born in Swindon in 1955, Chambers began drumming at 14. He met Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding through the city's local music scene and joined them after an early jam session. The group performed under the names Star Park and Helium Kidz before becoming XTC in 1975.

After signing with Virgin Records, XTC released its debut album, White Music, in 1978. Its commercial breakthrough came the following year with "Making Plans for Nigel" from Drums and Wires. Chambers gave the song its mechanical feel by moving the main rhythm from the hi-hat to the floor tom, creating a drum part that became one of its most recognizable features.

XTC continued gaining ground with Black Sea before reaching its commercial peak with English Settlement in 1982. The album climbed to No. 5 in the U.K., while "Senses Working Overtime" became the band's only Top 10 single. It was the closest XTC's popularity came to matching its growing critical reputation, and Chambers had played on all five albums that brought the group to that point, according to Official Charts.

That momentum changed when frontman Andy Partridge suffered a nervous breakdown and XTC permanently stopped touring. The band continued recording for years, but without concerts to promote its music, it lost a major opportunity to reach new listeners. The decision also left fans wondering how much bigger XTC could have become if it had stayed on the road.

It was also the main reason Chambers left during the recording of Mummer. "The whole point for me as to being in a band was to play live," he said in an interview. "Playing live was more important than recording."

Chambers moved to Australia, started a family and briefly played with the rock band Dragon before stepping away from the music business for nearly three decades. He returned to England in 2016 and later reunited with Moulding in TC&I, which released the EP Great Aspirations in 2017.

Still eager to perform, Chambers formed EXTC in 2020 to bring XTC's music back to live audiences. The group has since toured internationally, giving fans the chance to hear songs that the original band stopped performing more than 40 years ago.

His July 18 show does more than mark another birthday. It puts Chambers back where he was half a century ago, behind the drums and playing XTC songs for a hometown crowd.

Related: '70s Rock Legend, Nicknamed 'The Wild Man,' Turns 78

On July 18, Martha Reeves celebrates her 85th birthday, marking more than six decades since her unmistakable voice helped define the sound of Motown. As the powerhouse lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, Reeves fronted a remarkable run of classics, including "Heat Wave," "Nowhere to Run," "Jimmy Mack" and the enduring anthem "Dancing in the Street."

More recently, the Recording Academy dubbed Reeves the "Queen of Motown" while celebrating her remarkable legacy. That recognition came in 2024, when Reeves was honored with a long-awaited star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Speaking later that day at the GRAMMY Museum, the Motown icon admitted she was still taking it all in.

"I'm gonna try to calm down. I've been excited all day," Reeves said after receiving one of Hollywood's highest honors.

The ceremony reunited her with Motown legends Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, a reminder of the extraordinary company she kept during one of popular music's greatest eras.

Reeves' musical journey began long before Motown. Raised in a deeply musical household, she said she fell in love with singing almost as soon as she could talk.

"I prayed to be a singer from as early as I can remember," Reeves recalled in an interview with the "Music is My Life" podcast. "I always wanted to sound as good as my dad, or as good as my mom."

That dream led her to Hitsville U.S.A., where she famously showed up without an appointment after Motown executive William "Mickey" Stevenson invited her to visit. Instead of sending her away, he had her answer the phones. Before long, she was recording demo vocals, working alongside a young Marvin Gaye and eventually stepping into the spotlight herself.

Her breakthrough came with "Come and Get These Memories," but it was 1964's "Dancing in the Street" that transformed Martha and the Vandellas into international stars. While the song became associated with the Civil Rights Movement, Reeves has long insisted that wasn't what she was singing about.

"It was never intended to be a theme song for a riot," she said. "That wasn't in my spirit." Instead, she explained the song came from childhood block parties in Detroit, where neighbors would literally dance together in the street on Saturday nights.

Reeves also credited Motown founder Gordy with creating an environment unlike any other in popular music. Artists attended etiquette classes, choreography sessions and vocal training, while the legendary Funk Brothers provided the unmistakable sound behind the hits.

"He was a very concerned leader," Reeves said of Gordy. "He didn't just make records off of you and make money, he wanted to develop your character."

That attention to detail helped produce a catalog that continues to resonate generations later. Reeves has spent decades performing those songs around the world, and she's never measured her success by sales figures alone.

"I wasn't counting million-sellers or money," she said. "I was counting hit records and appearances and the wonderful fans that came with the music."

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Reeves No. 151 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, writing, "Diana Ross and the Supremes were sweet, but Martha and the Vandellas were powerful, starting with their lead singer." The magazine praised Reeves' "gleeful, girlish, gritty voice" that "cut straight through the airy harmonies of her group mates," adding that on classics like "Heat Wave," "Dancing in the Street" and "Nowhere to Run," she "sang pop hits with deep soul, or made soul records that popped like corn, as well as anyone."

The honors have continued throughout her career. Reeves and Martha and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003. She later surprised many fans by serving on the Detroit City Council from 2005 to 2009 before returning full-time to performing.

Even into her 80s, Reeves has shown no signs of slowing down. In 2026, she announced Searching, her first new album in 22 years, proving that one of rock's most powerful voices is still making new music at 85.

Related: One of Music's 'Most Mysterious' Voices Turns 87 Today

Returning to the United States may be back on the table for Rosie O'Donnell, as the comedian says she misses living near her children.

The 64-year-old moved to Ireland with her youngest child in early 2025, citing the political climate following Donald Trump's re-election, a desire to provide a safer environment for her non-binary child, and the loss of her Malibu home in a devastating fire.

Now, after her son Blake welcomed a baby boy in March, O'Donnell says she's reconsidering a move home to be closer to her growing family.

“I sold everything before I left, and so I’m hoping to get a place in New Jersey near my kids so that I could, when I’m home, we can have a home base here as well. You know? So I’m planning on doing that,” she said on the  Work in Progress podcast.

“It feels good and familiar. It also feels very loud. I feel a little bit more anxiety,” she said. “Sometimes, the days, New York wins. You know? New York is a beast, right? And that’s where I’m staying and where I’m doing the show.”

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While she's looking to spend more time in the U.S., O'Donnell said moving out of the country was the right decision. “I am so much calmer for it,” she reflected. “I can’t tell you the difference that it makes for my mental health and my happiness level. Because it’s very, very hard to experience joy when you’re in the thick of the [Jeffrey] Epstein library; when you’re in the thick of that young boy who was left on the island by friends; that you can’t believe what the Supreme Court is doing, and doing boldly in front of everyone. Is he going to let us have elections? That’s my big question.”

O'Donnell admits that the move “really does depend on what happens politically in the country and if I feel mentally healthy enough to battle those demons.”

She added, “Some days I feel very strong and other days I feel like, ‘Oh boy, this is a lot.’ You know? [Trump], like, bombards you. He’s always doing something. You can’t even watch the soccer game — he ruins everything, in my opinion.”

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If your bedroom could use a refresh but you don't know where to start, opt for a new duvet cover. A simple bedding swap can make a surprisingly big difference in how your bedroom looks and feels. The right duvet cover can add texture and color to your space, giving it an elevated look without replacing your bedroom decor.

The new Honeycomb Cotton Duvet Cover & Sham Set, part of the latest limited-edition Parachute for Target collection, is the perfect pick for your new bedding. The textured duvet cover and sham set has a boutique hotel-inspired look that feels effortlessly elevated.

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The duvet cover at Target features a honeycomb cotton weave on the front, creating a subtle raised texture that adds visual interest. Inspired by European hotels tucked away from the crowds, the design blends minimalist style with comfortable details.

Parachute Honeycomb Cotton Duvet Cover & Sham Set, $111.75 at Target

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Available in Petal (a soft earthy pink), Cove (a deeper blue), Parchment (a warm cream) and classic White, the Target duvet set works well with a variety of bedroom styles. The muted colors pair easily with linen sheets, neutral pillows or layered blankets for a cozy look.

The 100 percent cotton duvet cover is designed to provide breathable comfort year-round. The textured front gives the bedding a more dimensional appearance, while the back uses smooth plain-woven cotton for a softer feel against your skin. Several shoppers say the duvet has a comfortable weight that works in every season, making it a practical option for anyone who tends to swap bedding throughout the year.

Related: Target's New Disney Tee Has the Most Relatable Message for Movie Lovers

Of course, like any cotton bedding, experiences can vary. Some reviewers reported pilling after washing, so shoppers may want to follow the care instructions closely. Parachute recommends washing the duvet cover on a gentle cycle with cold water and tumble drying on low to help maintain the fabric.

The Parachute for Target collection brings the luxury bedding brand's signature relaxed aesthetic to a more accessible price point. The Honeycomb Cotton Duvet Cover & Sham Set normally costs $169.99 for the king/California king size, but it's currently marked down to $126.75. The full/queen size is also on sale for $111.75.

Give your bedroom a boutique hotel makeover without spending a fortune on designer bedding with this duvet set from Target. The bedding adds just enough pattern and personality to make your room look styled while keeping a calm, cozy look.

Related: Target's Cutesy New Stoneware Mugs Are Perfect for Astrology Lovers

In 1983, a comedy film took moviegoers on the ultimate summer road trip.

The film, National Lampoon’s Vacation, was a box office smash following its release on July 29, 1983. More than 50 years later, fans still regard it as the perfect summer comedy film.

Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid, Dana Barron and Anthony Michael Hall, with a Christie Brinkleycameo (credited as The Girl in the Ferrari) thrown in for good measure, Vacation follows the Chicago-based Griswold family on a cross-country trip to an amusement park. There are plenty of setbacks along the way, but the biggest comes at the end. (Let’s just say Marty Moose gets a punch in the nose by Chase’s character, patriarch Clark Griswold).

Chase once said he never had more fun making a movie.

“I play a dad, and I'm doing my darndest to keep that family happy on that trip and to have as much fun as I can,” he said in a 1983 interview. "[It’s] certainly the most fun I've had making a movie. We shot [in] very beautiful locations all through Utah and Arizona and Colorado and parts of Jersey City and I'd say it was the most fun I've ever had.”

He also noted that there was “a sizable amount of improvisation” in the comedy film penned by John Hughes.

At the time of its release, aNew York Times review praised Vacation with, “How far does the four-square, straight-arrow Clark W. Griswold family travel in National Lampoon's Vacation? Far enough for some fast, funny satire, and not so far out that the humor turns sloppy. …The result is a confident humor and throwaway style that helps sustain the laughs - of which there are quite a few.”

Fast forward to 2026, and Marie Claire ranked Vacation as one of the best summer movies of all time, noting that a rewatch is in order every year.

“Is it even officially summer if you haven’t yet busted out National Lampoon’s Vacation?” the outlet asked. “Chronicling the misadventures of the Griswold family as they pack up their station wagon for a cross-country trip to the elusive Walley World of patriarch Clark’s childhood, this is pure calamity over 2,000 miles.”

RELATED: 1984 Hit Film, Written in Two Days, Ranked Among ‘Best Romantic Comedies of All Time’

National Lampoon’s Vacation grossed over $60 million at the box office, per Box Office Mojo, and was successful enough to warrant multiple sequels. In 1985, European Vacation was released, followed by Christmas Vacation(1989), Vegas Vacation (1997), Christmas Vacation 2 (2003), and Vacation (2015).

Chase, now 82, has always had a soft spot for the Vacation movies. In 2019, he told The Los Angeles Daily News he especially loved doing physical comedy in the films for the movie franchise.

Related: 1970 Hit Film, Nominated for Rare Academy Award, Ranked Among 'Best Movies of All Time'

The astrological community is abuzz with news about a rare celestial alignment, the Barbault Basket, set to occur in late July, and four zodiac signs are expected to feel its effects the most. This planetary configuration is significant and will have lasting power for years, peaking between July 19 and 21, 2026. According to astrologers, the following four zodiac signs will be most impacted by the Barbault Basket. Unlike most astrological alignments that repeat over time, this one has never been seen before, leaving professional astrologers intrigued by its potential implications.

What The Cradle Or Barbault’s Basket Means In Astrology

First identified by the French astrologer André Barbault—who successfully predicted the 2020 pandemic and other major world events, such as the fall of the Soviet Union—this rare alignment is called “The Cradle” or “Barbault’s Basket.” Featuring four outer planets—Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—aligning at four degrees of the zodiac sign they currently occupy, this rare shape in the sky serves as the container for brand-new incoming energies into our world. Barbault himself called it “the most beneficial astrological configuration of the century.”

Decoding the meaning of Barbault’s Basket is complex due to these four planets forming a total of six alignments (mostly positive) with one another. Together, they are expected to unleash waves of creative visions, revolutionary ideas, technological advancements, evolutionary leaps of consciousness, and irreversible spiritual awakenings. While The Cradle itself peaks at the end of July, its effects are expected to take effect between 2026 and 2028 as “a splendid relaunch of civilization.” 

The Four Zodiacs Most Affected By The Rare 2026 Cradle

Check for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.

Aquarius: You'll Feel Empowered To Free Yourself

The end of November marked an important shift when Pluto—the planet of transformation—entered your sign for the first time since 1798. You’ve been asked to go within to reflect on the fears and holdbacks that prevent you from stepping into your most powerful version. As three other planets harmonize with Pluto in late July and beyond, you’ll get an impressive amount of celestial help to take a big leap in consciousness.  During late July and over the next two years, you may notice your intuition experiencing an irreversible awakening. Between 2026 and 2028, your creativity will skyrocket, helping you find solutions to even the most complex problems. This brilliant strategic intelligence may empower you to the point where you feel compelled to break free from any situations or habits that feel soul-trapping. In moments of peace, when attuning to your inner voice, you’ll be able to feel your way through information that normally wouldn't be available to you. 

Leo: You'll Create A New Life Based On A Strong Foundation

The rare cradle alignment of 2026 is a game-changer for you, Leo! With these four planets activating a new way of seeing the world around you, you’ll be inspired to look within more deeply. You may be inspired to examine your foundation and perhaps make considerable changes in how you organize your life. The habits and practices that no longer feel aligned will dissolve into the ethers, making room for a new life philosophy. Your relationships play a big role, too. Socially, you may be attracted to more authentic connections. Those who seem eccentric and liberated may open their doors to you. Their unconventional approach to the outside world may have you questioning your own. As far as personal relationships go, less is more. Your newfound attitude is bound to attract those whose personality is deep, magnetic, and charismatic—they are meant to reflect your emerging power. 

Gemini: Your Mind Becomes The Catalyst For Your Awakening

The Barbault’s Basket forming in late July brings you spiritual awakening, Gemini. Interactions with your community may lead you to wake up to previously buried truths about the world and your place in it. Your mind is set to be electrified, delivering nuggets of wisdom in the form of visions and inner knowings, developing keen intuition. With your astrological communication, education, and advanced knowledge sector activated with passion and stimulation, you may decide to dive into a project or subject that fascinates you. Your ability to focus will be strong, making this an ideal time to devote yourself to study or self-expression. As you share what you’re unraveling about the world, you’re also meant to empower others. 

Aries: Your Approach To Your Environment Experiences A Revamp

Life hasn’t been quite the same since the beginning of 2026, when Neptune—the planet of magic and spirituality—entered your sign. Ever since, there has been a softening in your approach to life, which, at times, has been confusing. The rare 2026 cradle offers an awakening to the planet of intuition’s gifts. As the world begins to move at a rapid speed, you may notice yourself slowing down more to check in with your intuition before taking big leaps and risks. This is not like you, as an impulsive fire sign—but it is offering deeper, more integrated healing.  With this new approach to life, there’s also a desire to enjoy it more. The hustle culture that was once interesting to you may now fade into the background more. With Barbault’s Basket harmonizing many planets in the sky, a part of you wants to do less and enjoy life more, felt through 2026 and beyond. 

If you're a big literary nerd or a movie buff, your travel bucket list is probably heavily influenced by "set-jetting"—the growing trend of traveling to the stunning real-world settings of the stories you love. And with the massive, star-studded movie adaptation of The Odyssey hitting theaters today, July 17, a whole new wave of travelers is looking at the Mediterranean and dreaming of an epic adventure.

Tapping directly into this "set-jetting" trend, EF Go Ahead Tours has officially announced the launch of an incredible new 12-day small-group itinerary: "Footsteps of the Odyssey in Greece: Kefalonia, Ithaca & Corfu."

While many Greece vacation packages hit the highlights of the mainland ruins or the crowded beaches of Mykonos and Santorini, this custom route takes a totally different path. It dives deep into the Ionian Sea—the literal, fabled waters Odysseus spent a decade trying to cross—and visits six different Ionian Islands to trace the legendary path home from the Trojan War.

Related: The "Sicilian Summer" Trend Is Huge—But These 4 Greek Islands Are Half the Price

Walking in the Footsteps of Odysseus

EF

The logic behind the tour is simple: instead of just reading about or watching the myth on a massive theater screen, you get to experience the actual geology and history that inspired Western storytelling for the last three millennia.

According to Lael Kassis, Vice President of Market Innovation and Development at EF Go Ahead Tours, the surging interest in the classic tale makes it the perfect moment to elevate a standard vacation into a literal epic:

"Travel has always been one of the most powerful ways to bring stories to life. With renewed interest in The Odyssey, we're transforming an iconic, timeless literary tale into an EPIC adventure. This journey gives travelers the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Odysseus—from the legendary Ionian Islands to the ancient sites of the mainland—while deepening their understanding of the history, mythology, archaeology, and cultural traditions that have shaped Greece for thousands of years."

Related: This Mediterranean Country Has More of the World's Best Beaches Than Any Other

From the Oracle of the Dead to a Homeric Feast

EF

To keep the trip from feeling like a dry history lecture, the itinerary is packed with specific "Odyssey Moments" that map directly to the verses of the epic poem.

The trip kicks off at Cape Sounion, standing at the dramatic clifftop Temple of Poseidon. It's a fitting place to start, considering it was the absolute last landmark Odysseus would have seen on his way to Troy, and the first territory he'd look for on his return. From there, the tour heads into the islands, including a boat ride through the turquoise subterranean waters of Lake Melissani (the sacred cavern of the nymphs).

The real highlight for purists, though, is setting foot on Ithaki, the actual island homeland of Ithaca. A guided Homeric walking tour connects the local topography to Homer's specific descriptions, taking you right to the Bay of Dexia where Odysseus finally washed ashore after his 20-year absence.

Related: These Are the 7 Best Greek Islands to Visit, According to Samantha Brown

EF

You’ll even venture to the Necromanteion of Acheron, an ancient oracle of the dead sitting right on the banks of the River Acheron, which mythology marks as the exact location where Odysseus descended into the underworld to consult with spirits.

The whole 12-day journey wraps up exactly how the book does: with a specially curated Homeric Farewell Feast drawing on ancient Greek culinary traditions to celebrate a successful voyage home.

The initial departures are scheduled to head out for the first time on June 26, 2027, with prices starting at $4,499 per person, which covers your tour director, handpicked boutique hotels, and dedicated entrance fees. If you've been sitting at home waiting for a sign to finally plan that dream Mediterranean getaway, consider this your official call to adventure.

Related: We’re Living Vicariously Through These First Photos of Royal Caribbean's Stunning New Beach Club in Greece

Released in 1977, Paul Davis' "I Go Crazy" quietly became one of the biggest soft rock success stories of the decade.

The heartfelt ballad spent an extraordinary 40 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, one of the longest chart runs of the era, and peaked at No. 7. Its enduring popularity transformed the deeply emotional love song into one of the defining soft rock anthems of the late 1970s.

Unlike many of the era's dramatic breakup songs, "I Go Crazy" tells a more restrained story.

Written by Davis, the song follows a chance encounter between two former lovers who have moved on with their lives. As the narrator insists he's doing just fine, it's clear his emotions tell a different story. That quiet tension, paired with Davis' understated vocal performance, gave the ballad an authenticity that resonated with listeners.

"I don't write a lot of songs," Davis told Classic Bands. "Generally, I record everything I write. If I'm gonna cut ten songs, I don't have fifteen or sixteen songs to choose from. I'd be lucky if I have eight, because I take a long time to write. If I think of a ballad idea, I spend a lot of time on it."

Radio audiences embraced "I Go Crazy" almost immediately.

Its warm piano, gentle acoustic guitar and polished production made it a natural fit for both Top 40 and adult contemporary radio. Its remarkable 40-week stay on the Hot 100 ultimately proved even more impressive than hitting No. 1, allowing it to outlast many songs that reached higher chart positions.

The song also became Davis' signature recording.

Although he would later enjoy additional hits, including "Sweet Life," "Cool Night" and the No. 1 country-pop duet "You're Still New to Me" with Marie Osmond, "I Go Crazy" remains the song most closely associated with his career. It showcased his ability to blend pop, country and soft rock influences into songs that felt both intimate and universally relatable.

Over the years, "I Go Crazy" has remained a favorite on classic hits and soft rock radio stations. Its timeless arrangement has helped it avoid feeling tied to any one musical trend, while its honest portrayal of lingering heartbreak continues to connect with new generations of listeners.

"There's something magical and inspirational about the discovery of what was the beginning of rock 'n' roll," Davis said. "The songs were simple. They weren't real complicated. All of them didn't deal in real heavy thoughts either. It was just fun back then, and much simpler, easier to understand."

More than five decades after its release, the ballad remains one of the defining love songs of the 1970s. What began as a simple story about seeing an old flame again ultimately became one of soft rock's most enduring anthems, proving that sometimes the quietest songs leave the biggest impression.

Related: 1970 Classic Ballad, Written by a 17-Year-Old, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

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If you love a good summer cookout, Target shoppers have found something you will want to add to your grocery list. Backyard grillers are buzzing about Gleezy Premium Double Smoked Beef Brisket Hot Dogs, calling them a big upgrade for the backyard grill. These jumbo links take everything you already like about a classic hot dog and elevate the flavor with premium ingredients.

Customers say these gourmet brisket links offer a thick, deeply smoky taste that makes them a hit for family gatherings. Sure, they cost a bit more than your average pack, but fans insist the rich flavor justifies the price. It is a simple way to bring a more gourmet, smokehouse vibe to a casual weekend lunch or a quick weeknight dinner.

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The Secret Behind the Brisket Flavor

Target

So, what is actually inside the package that makes these links different? It comes down to the meat. Gleezy uses premium beef, including real brisket cuts and skips the artificial fillers you often find in cheaper brands.

They are double-smoked, which gives them a rich, savory base and a campfire aroma right out of the package. Instead of just salting the meat, they season it with a blend of brown sugar, garlic, molasses, and paprika.

This creates a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile that tastes as if it came from a real smokehouse. Plus, at a fifth of a pound each, these dogs are thick and substantial. They hold their shape perfectly on the grates and won't shrivel up when they hit the heat.

Related: 5 Best Produce Items To Buy at Trader Joe's (and 4 To Skip)

The Best Way to Level Up Your Next Cookout

Because these links come fully cooked, they are incredibly easy to handle on the grill. Heating them over hot charcoal browns the outside beautifully, keeping all those rich brisket juices locked inside.

If the weather keeps you indoors, you can toss them into a hot cast-iron skillet or an air fryer. They still get that nice, crispy outer texture that makes your mouth water.

Best of all, their size solves the common problem of getting too much bun and not enough meat. These dogs fill out a bun from end to end, so every bite is perfectly balanced. That extra thickness also means they can easily support heavy toppings like chili, melted cheddar, spicy slaw or caramelized onions without the bun falling apart.

What Do Target Shoppers Think?

With a 4.4-star average rating on Target.com, these premium hot dogs are generally well-liked. One shopper said it's a "big step up from a normal hot dog" and that they're on their third purchase.

Another went even further, saying that it's "the best tasting hot dog I've ever had," noting that they are definitely pricey but "worth it." Customers love how hearty each link is, making each hot dog a filling option for lunch or dinner.

While a few shoppers found the flavor profile a bit too salty, most appreciate the rich flavor punch. As one fan put it, the hot dogs have a "firm meaty texture" that turns out "juicy and delicious with a touch of smoke."

If you want to upgrade your next backyard barbecue, these premium brisket links are an easy way to do it. They give you that rich, hearty, smokehouse flavor without making you spend all day standing over a smoker. Next time you're prepping for a cookout, you can grab a pack of Gleezy hot dogs in the Target meat aisle.

Related: Target Shoppers Say These Gut-Friendly Drinks Are 'So Good' and 'Refreshing'