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If you consider yourself a true thrill-seeker, your ears probably perk up whenever the self-proclaimed “Thrill Capital of the World” makes a big move.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, has officially kicked off vertical construction on its next major roller coaster. The park shared a sneak peek of the milestone in a teaser video across its social media channels, showing heavy construction cranes and equipment rolling onto the cleared site of the former Golden Bear Theater.

While Magic Mountain has kept the official ride details close to the chest, public construction permits filed last year reveal that the park is planning the world’s very first installation of a Vekoma Thrill Glider model.

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Related: Six Flags Great Adventure Announces Return of Fan-Favorite ‘Wild Ride’ for 2026

A Big Sigh of Relief for Southern California Coaster Fans

For local enthusiasts, seeing physical steel go vertical comes as a welcome relief after months of quiet site clearing. Theme park expert Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider notes that the prolonged development timeline had some fans wondering if the coaster had hit a wall.

“The slow pace of development for the ride fueled speculation that perhaps Six Flags was stepping away from the project,” Niles pointed out, explaining that after watching lengthy delays on nearby attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm’s MonteZOOMa overhaul and Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, “local fans have developed a heightened sense of skepticism about new local roller coaster projects.”

Thankfully, that waiting game is paying off across the region. With MonteZOOMa back in action, Fast & Furious in soft previews, and Magic Mountain officially raising steel, Southern California’s coaster renaissance is full steam ahead.

While Six Flags has not yet revealed the attraction’s official name, theme, or debut date, the company recently hinted that a formal announcement about the project is right around the corner. Already boasting a world-record lineup of 20 coasters, Magic Mountain’s latest addition is set to push that historic count even higher.

Related: Six Flags Is Turning ‘Final Destination’ Into a Maze—With a Gruesome Twist

Costco may not have brought its famous churros back to the food court, but the bakery is giving fans a delicious new reason to get excited. Think soft, buttery crumb cake, plenty of cinnamon sugar, and little bites of churro goodness tucked inside its famous muffins.

And the timing couldn’t be better. With back-to-school season underway, these make an easy grab for rushed mornings, a treat to toss in a lunchbox, or a snack to bring along to after-school practice.

Check them out in this August 13 Instagram from Rachel (@discovering_costco):

View this post on Instagram Costco’s New Crumb Cake Muffins Put a Churro-Inspired Twist on a Bakery Classic

Photo by Maury Page on Unsplash

The bakery’s new Crumb Cake Muffins are priced at $6.99 and sold in a pack of eight. It’s Costco item #2095472, which you can use to check availability at your local warehouse online or in the app. At about 87 cents each, they’re an affordable treat to keep around for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break.

They have a soft, moist cream cake base with a generous crumb topping, but the real surprise is what’s hiding inside. As Rachel points out in the video, churro bites appear right on the ingredient list. When she cuts one open, you can clearly see them distributed throughout the cake, along with a crunchy, churro-like layer baked into the bottom.

Related: Costco’s New Bakery Cake Is a Slice of Pure Bliss With Coffee

She notes that everyone in her household was a fan of the muffins and says they were even better when warmed up. They make a natural pairing with coffee or tea for breakfast, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside could just as easily turn one into dessert.

If you can’t or don’t want to finish all eight at once, you can store them in an airtight container and freeze them to enjoy later.

For anyone who’s been missing Costco’s food court churro, these muffins bring those cinnamon-sugar flavors to the bakery in an entirely new way, making this one late-summer find that’s a must-add to the cart.

Chick-fil-A is making it a little easier to satisfy a breakfast craving after the usual breakfast cutoff.

Starting Aug. 24, the fast-food chain is bringing its new Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches to restaurants nationwide, and unlike many breakfast items, the sandwich will be available beyond the morning hours.

The new menu item will come in two versions. During standard breakfast hours, from opening until 10:30 a.m., customers can order a breakfast-sized Chicken & Waffles Sandwich.

But once the breakfast menu ends, the larger entrée version will be available from 10:30 a.m. until close.

Both versions combine sweet and savory flavors, featuring a maple-flavored waffle, Chick-fil-A chicken filet, three strips of applewood-smoked bacon and honey butter spread. Each sandwich also comes with classic syrup, and customers can choose an Original, Spicy or Grilled chicken filet.

The Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches aren’t the only new additions coming to the menu this fall. Chick-fil-A is also introducing two limited-time S’mores-inspired drinks: the S’mores Milkshake and S’mores Frosted Coffee.

The S’mores Milkshake combines Chick-fil-A’s Icedream dessert with chocolate shortbread and graham cracker crumbles, marshmallow-flavored syrup and marshmallow-flavored whipped topping.

The S’mores Frosted Coffee mixes cold-brewed coffee with marshmallow-flavored syrup, Icedream, chocolate shortbread and graham cracker crumbles.

The new offerings are part of Chick-fil-A’s yearlong “Newstalgia” celebration, which is highlighting familiar flavors with new twists as the brand celebrates its 80-year heritage.

The Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches previously received a limited-time test in 2025, and Chick-fil-A says the response helped pave the way for their nationwide launch.

So, starting Aug. 24, you won’t have to make it to Chick-fil-A before 10:30 a.m. to get your chicken-and-waffles fix. 

RELATED: Costco Just Dropped a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit Dupe for Less Than $2

Jennifer Grey had to do something no actor wants to do: assure everyone she is, in fact, still alive. The Dirty Dancing star says she started getting calls from worried friends after Matthew Modine shared a seemingly ominous message about her on Instagram.

Modine posted the famous Irish blessing, “May the road rise up to meet you,” alongside a photo of Grey and the word “Sailing,” ending with, “Until we meet again.” His follow-up commentary may have only added to the confusion: “Not sure why people think this is about death. Think that’s more about you than the poem! Death is a consequence of life. Don’t worry about it.”

The heartfelt message apparently sounded a lot like a farewell to some followers, prompting Grey to jump into the comments with a very reasonable question for her Full Metal Jacket co-star: “Do you think I died?”

“Yo! @matthewmodine what are you doing here?! I’m getting calls from people who think I died,” Grey wrote. “What is the meaning of this post? Do you think I died?”

Modine seemed genuinely confused about why the poem would prompt anyone to assume Grey had died. “Sister — I have no idea how or why people assume that Irish poem or this lovely photo memory evokes thoughts of demise. Go figure,” he replied. “Hope you’re super duper.”

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It wasn’t just Grey’s friends who apparently interpreted the post as a farewell. One commenter wrote, “I was thinking the same,” while another admitted, “The way my heart stopped until I saw your proof of life comment.”

Thankfully, Grey is very much alive. The actress did, however, recently experience a loss when her mother, Jo Wilder, died in July at age 94. Grey revealed on Instagram that her mother died “on her own terms” on July 4, just one week after learning she had lung cancer. In a heartfelt post, she wrote that her mother “chose grace over fear,” adding that leaving the world with dignity “is an honor, not a tragedy.”

As for the photo that sparked the confusion, Modine and Grey go way back. The image is from Wind, the 1992 sailing drama in which the pair played romantic leads. Modine starred as competitive yacht sailor Will Parker, while Grey portrayed Kate Bass, his former lover and sailing partner.

The time has come to get ready for another release of new books. As we close in on the end of the summer, the release numbers drop a little. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t something worth checking out!

Aug. 18, 2026, will bring fantasy, romantasy, adventure, and so much more. The seven picks are certainly going to keep you up all night, as you say “just one more chapter,” and you’ll find yourself wondering what’s next after you finish.

Courtesy of Berkley ‘Mutual Discord’ by Liana De la Rosa

We have to start with a romance that is going to have you questioning everything at first. After all, Mutual Discord by Liana De la Rosa has a romance that you would probably think shouldn’t happen. Sofia is a girl’s girl, and when she realizes that she’s falling for her best friend’s boyfriend, she has to keep things casual and step away.

So, why is she pulled to Alex? What secrets is this man keeping from everyone? Will Caitlin even understand as the truth comes out? If you’re worried about the cheating trope, please don’t! There are some storylines that will leave your jaw dropping to the floor, and Sofia is a smart and wonderful influencer whose heart really is in the right place.

Courtesy of Slowburn ‘The Poison Daughter’ by Sheila Masterson

When it comes to romantasy, The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson is where it’s at. Now, you may have already read it, or you may recognize it. That’s because this was self-published last year, but now it’s getting a new traditional release in hardback and audiobook! Plus, it’s being adapted into a series, so we can definitely not complain.

The Poison Daughter follows the story of a young girl who is able to kill with just a kiss, and that’s the way she prefers it. She’s even been used as a tool by her family to get rid of enemies. However, she’s thrown for a loop when one guy seems to be completely immune to her poison, and now she has to fight the growing feelings for him.

Courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers ‘The Glam Reaper’s Guide to Slaying’ by Bill Crisafi

For those who find graphic novels are more their thing, The Glam Reaper’s Guide to Slaying by Bill Crisafi is out this week. This is a lot of fun, but it’s also a non-fiction self-help book, which isn’t all that clear from the start. Putting graphic novel and self-help together is an ingenious way to tap into another market and really connect to people.

It’s not always easy to fight your inner demons. Sometimes, you just need someone to remind you about who you are, and that’s the Glam Reaper’s job. Glam moves from world to world, helping Miss Phillip, Orange Frog, and so much more. It’s time to shake off the negativity and slay.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Something About September’ by Julia McKay

Do you still need a cozy contemporary romance? It’s almost fall, so of course you do, and Something About September by Julia McKay is perfect for that. It has the second-chance love trope that is sure to draw you in, while also having a character deal with loss and grief.

Rebecca has just 30 days to fix up her late grandmother’s diner. There’s only one contractor in town who can do it: Cort Adams. Of course, the two have a history, as Cort rejected Rebecca’s advances a year ago, and she’s wanted to avoid him forever. Sometimes, life has other plans, and we get the forced proximity trope that allows for love to blossom.

Courtesy of Tor Books ‘Time to Play’ by Erin Ampersand

For those who adore the LitRPG genre, Time to Play by Erin Ampersand is the one to check out this week. It’s the story that Dungeon Crawler Carl author Matt Dinniman recommends, and it’s set to take you on a wild adventure. Yes, there is something wild happening to the planet; people enter a game, and one mom has to keep her kids safe.

It all starts as a normal day. A mom of three kids is just trying to keep her head above water, getting soccer uniforms ready and thinking about dinner. Well, then her cell phone goes dead, and suddenly a voice tells her (and others) that the planet has been selected. For what, exactly? A high-stakes intergalactic game that is just as terrifying as you would think. Now, Meghan needs to keep her kids safe and teach them how to fight — yes, even the toddler!

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster ‘Ideal Life’ by Evelyn Skye

When you want fantasy with some time travel, Ideal Life by Evelyn Skye will have you covered. This one is an interesting take on the “what if” trope. There are elements of Sliding Doors when you consider the ramifications of how Talia Morgan uses her newfound abilities, and it certainly leads to a lot of questions within the romance that is at the heart of the fantasy.

A glitch in Talia’s app leads to her whole dream and business crumbling overnight. However, when she wakes up with a mysterious watch, she has the chance to go back in time to prevent the glitch. What else can she do in 24 hours? What happens when you start rewriting the past? There are always consequences to actions.

Courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark ‘Better Than Revenge’ by Bea Fitzgerald

Finally, we have something for the mystery/thriller fans out there. Better Than Revenge by Bea Fitzgerald offers something perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo if it met Thelma and Louise. This is a story of a feud that consumes, and it brings up the question of just how far that feud can go.

Nadine and Harper have been rivals from the first day they met at drama school. That’s consumed their lives, with Nadine believing that she has finally done it when she beats out Harper in every single category for best actress. Only, winning doesn’t offer the closure Nadine needs, and she needs to understand why that is. Was there something more between them?

Related: 9 New Books You Cannot Afford to Sleep On Coming in August 2026

Weezer’s new movie has a surprising connection to Keanu Reeves.

Before Keanu Reeves was reportedly cast as their onscreen villain, Weezer and his band Dogstar had already crossed paths way back in 1992.

That’s when Weezer played their very first live show, opening for Dogstar in Los Angeles. Three decades later, the two bands even recreated that original gig at LA’s Lodge Room in 2024 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Weezer’s Blue Album. Now, that long history is reportedly getting a cinematic twist, as Weezer’s long-teased scripted movie, said to pit the band against Reeves’ Dogstar in a fictional rivalry, is finally finished and headed for release in 2027.

According to Louder Sound, guitarist Brian Bell confirmed the update while attending the LA premiere of Green Day’s new film, Nimrods. Asked by radio station Alt 98.7 whether Weezer had ever considered making their own movie, Bell didn’t hold back. “We already have,” he said. “I’m not supposed to talk about it. But yes, it’s in the can. It’s gonna be incredible. You’ll see it in 2027.”

The movie is reportedly a mockumentary that will star Keanu Reeves as the antagonist, with the story potentially revolving around a rivalry between Weezer and Reeves’ band, Dogstar. The film has been described as a cross between Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. And that’s where the story gets a little more interesting.

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It was first teased by frontman Rivers Cuomo during Weezer’s surprise appearance at Coachella in 2025, when he revealed that the band had been making a movie in Los Angeles. Reports have also linked Juliette Lewis, Eric André, Johnny Knoxville and Ben Schwartz to the project, although many details about the film are still being kept under wraps.

Meanwhile, Dogstar is currently on its All In Now Tour, including a New York City show at Webster Hall on Aug. 19.

With Dogstar currently on the road, fans have plenty of opportunities to wonder whether Weezer might make a surprise appearance. The bands have already reunited onstage once. So a surprise Weezer cameo at a Dogstar show wouldn’t be the wildest twist in this three-decade friendship. 

As Elvis Presley fans gather at Graceland to mark the emotional conclusion of Elvis Week, one of the King’s most iconic former flames made a poignant pilgrimage back to the legendary Memphis estate.

Linda Thompson returned to the home where she once lived alongside Elvis Presley, describing her homecoming as a deeply “bittersweet” journey filled with cherished memories and enduring love for the late icon.

The songwriter and former actress was given special access to the rooms she and Presley lived in during her visit. Typically, those quarters are roped off to visitors, where fans can only stand on the perimeter of and look inside.

Stepping back into the private living quarters, where she helped design key areas of the mansion during their four-year relationship in the 1970s, Thompson reflected on the quiet, personal moments behind the public spectacle of Elvis’ fame.

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In a caption of an Instagram photo slideshow, Thompson wrote, “Elvis Week in Memphis at Graceland is both a celebratory occasion and a somber one. We remember the man who changed not only music, but so many of our lives as well.”

She said of the poignant pilgrimage, “Coming back to the home where I lived for 4 1/2 years with Elvis is bittersweet, with so many incredible memories. I am always honored to be here in the company of others who revere and love Elvis.”

The images captured Thompson standing in Graceland’s den, otherwise known as the Jungle Room. She also posed inside the kitchen, near the living room, the hallway leading to the upstairs suite, and the Meditation Garden.

There were also photos with singer Tony Orlando, Sweet Inspirations vocalist Estelle Brown, musician Larry Gatlin, Elvis historian Tom Brown, friend Jerry Schilling, and Linda’s brother Sam Thompson. They were guests during Elvis Week, recalling how their lives intersected with the King of Rock and Roll.

Fans were thrilled with Thompson’s intimate photos. They shared their remarks in the post’s comments section.

Tom Wargacki/WireImage

Tom Wargacki/WireImage

“The memories that must come to you when you are there. I get a lump in my throat visiting Graceland, so I can imagine it’s emotional for you. So, thanks for celebrating him with all of us!! Elvis left a beautiful legacy with his spirit and love. I’m very glad that you’re a part of celebrating his legacy – you were the lady of the manor at Graceland for many years.”

Another penned, “You make the occasion what it is, Linda!! You are such a big part of his life and legacy!! Thank you for your selfless generosity in sharing stories with the fans!!”

Thompson lived with Presley from 1972 through late 1976, for four and a half years. Per her book, A Little Thing Called Life: On Loving Elvis Presley, Bruce Jenner, and Songs in Between, she said she would always love the King of Rock and Roll.  

“I did not break up with him because I didn’t love him anymore. I’ll probably love him till the day I die,” she said, per The Commercial Appeal. “In fact, I’m sure I will.”

Thompson continued, “There’s always a place in my heart for him. But I wanted more for my life. I wanted to be a mother. Live a more normal life.”

Linda Thompson’s visit stood out as a clear highlight of Elvis Week, an annual celebration honoring Elvis Presley’s life and legacy at his iconic Graceland home. The memorial week culminates with the solemn candlelight vigil on August 16, marking 49 years since the music legend passed away at age 42.

Related: Elvis Presley’s Longtime Love Shares Rare Photos of Their Private Life Together

If there’s one question I get asked the most by people planning their first cruise it has to be:

Is it worth paying extra for a balcony?

After spending a lot of time on cruise ships, I can tell you that the answer isn’t automatically yes.

I love a balcony. Give me a cup of coffee, the ocean, a robe and nowhere I need to be for the next half hour and I’m very happy. I can just stare out at the sea and do nothing but decompress. But if I’m being completely honest I’ve also been on cruises where I’ve looked at that balcony with the chairs and table all set up for me on the last day and realized I barely used it.

So, I don’t think the real question is, “Is a balcony cabin worth it?” I think the real question should be:

How are you planning to spend your cruise?

For this cruise expert, that’s how I gauge what type of room I’ll be booking. The one thing that should determine whether you spend hundreds, or thousands, of dollars more for a balcony is HOW you vacation.

Is your cabin going to be your private retreat where you’ll spend time reading, relaxing and just spending time as a couple or just decompressing from your day to day, then YES, you should consider the upgrade.

For a lot of cruisers, their cabin is basically the place where you shower, change clothes and sleep before running back out to enjoy the ship. If that’s how you vacation, then keep your money. It’s really that simple.

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

Know what You’re Actually Paying For

Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty Images

Most of the major cruise ships offer some variation of four basic cabin types: interior cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony or veranda cabins, and suites.

An interior cabin generally doesn’t have a window. An ocean-view cabin gives you a window or porthole, but it doesn’t open. A traditional balcony cabin gives you a sliding glass door leading to your own outdoor space, usually with two chairs and a small table.

Look at the website before you choose, because different ships offer different balcony styles.

Bloomberg / Getty Images

For example, Royal Caribbean has some balcony cabins that face inward toward Central Park or the Boardwalk rather than out toward the ocean. To me it’s like having an apartment in the city, and personally I’m there for the ocean. If you love city life, then go for it.

Celebrity Cruises has traditional Veranda staterooms as well as Infinite Verandas on their Edge Class ships. Instead of stepping through a door onto a completely separate outdoor balcony, an Infinite Veranda incorporates that area into the room, with a floor-to-ceiling window that can lower to bring the outside in. They feel like a sunroom with the window closed and make the room feel larger, but they don’t have that “traditional” balcony feel.

Norwegian Cruise Line has more traditional balcony cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.

Personally, there’s something special about opening a door and physically stepping outside. I also like the added light that a balcony brings to the room. But I don’t ALWAYS book one, especially if I know there are no port days to enjoy it on my cruise.

Related: I Cruise Every Month—Here Are My Secrets to Scoring Luxury Cabins for Cheap

When a Balcony Is Absolutely Worth It

MWayOut / Getty Images

If I’m cruising in Alaska, I have to have a balcony.

If scenery and wildlife are a major part of the experience, it essentially becomes an excursion. Waking up to see the glaciers, whales, dolphins, and eagles flying overhead from your balcony is the reason you took the trip.

You don’t have to get dressed. You don’t have to go upstairs and compete for a spot along the railing. You don’t even have to take a shower. You can step outside with your coffee and watch exactly what you came for from your own private space.

For me, scenic itineraries are absolutely the deciding factor. Greece, Iceland the Mediterranean, Hawaii, the Norwegian fjords or any coastal cruises are on my must have a balcony list.

If seeing where you’re going is a major reason you’re taking the cruise, the balcony isn’t simply part of the room. It’s part of the trip.

Related: The Golden Rules of Stress-Free Cruising, According to a Lifelong Traveler

Sea Days Change the Equation Too

I also put a much higher value on a balcony when an itinerary includes several sea days.

On a port-intensive cruise, I might leave the ship at 8 a.m., spend the entire day exploring, return exhausted, have dinner, see a show, go to the casino and fall into bed.

How much balcony time am I really going to get?

Compare that with a transatlantic cruise where every day is a sea day. Suddenly that balcony has a job. It becomes my reading room. My lazy morning breakfast coffee spot.My quiet place. My escape from the crowded pool deck. And mostly it’s simply the place where I sit and do absolutely nothing. And on my vacation, I like doing nothing and relaxing.

I recently read a discussion among cruisers about paying $700 more for a balcony on a 13-night transatlantic. The consensus was that it was worth the upgrade, just because of the number of sea days. A lot said the extra private outdoor space was especially valuable on a longer sailing. But there were some who made the opposite argument. If they weren’t going to use the balcony, they’d rather put that $700 toward another cruise.

And that perfectly illustrates my point. There is no right or wrong answer.

It Goes Back to the Question of How You Want to Cruise

Anthony Devlin / Getty Images

This is where you have to be truthful with yourself. Not fantasy-vacation, I want to do what I see on Instagram kind of thing. Really think about what it is you’re looking to get out of your experience.

We all have an imaginary version of ourselves when we book a trip.

Imaginary Vacation—I get up early, order room service, sit peacefully on the balcony drinking coffee while watching the sunrise, reads three chapters of a novel and contemplate the meaning of life.

Real Vacation—I check the schedule they left in my stateroom the night before while getting dressed because there’s somewhere I want to be.

Which one are you?

If you love hanging around your cabin, a balcony can change your entire cruise experience. But if you’re out from breakfast until midnight, you may be spending hundreds of dollars on two chairs you rarely sit in.

Think about your habits before automatically upgrading to a balcony.

Couples May Appreciate It for a Completely Different Reason

I love my husband; I really do. But after 46 years of marriage, we each need “our space.” Cabins are small (even large cabins feel small). They get to feel smaller the longer the trip. Going out to the balcony and closing the door behind me, well…it keeps us happily cruising.

Barry Winiker / Getty Images

Sometimes an Inside Cabin Is the Smarter Choice

The obvious is that they’re less expensive. They’re wonderfully dark for sleeping (there’s a lot to be said for this if you wake up at the first sign of light). And if you spend almost no time in your room, why pay for something you aren’t going to use?

I’d much rather see someone book an inside cabin and take the cruise than decide cruising is too expensive because they think they have to have a balcony. You don’t. You have an entire ship to experience with a LOT of outdoor space.

There are open decks, lounges, pools, restaurants and observation areas. You can find a favorite chair overlooking the ocean and let the cruise line pay for your balcony.

An ocean-view cabin can be a good compromise as well. You get natural light and can see what’s happening outside without paying the full balcony premium. Ocean-view cabins generally cost less than balcony cabins, although pricing can vary by ship and sailing, and just like those balconies, some lines have small portholes while others look like a big picture window.

For the right itinerary, I’d happily take that savings and spend it somewhere else like specialty restaurants, the spa, excursions or another cruise!

So, Is a Balcony Cabin Worth It?

Bloomberg / Getty Images

Yes and no. Don’t book a balcony because someone told you that’s the “right” way to cruise. Don’t book an inside cabin simply because it’s cheaper. Simply decide what you want from your vacation and book the least expensive cabin that gives you the experience you’re looking for because that leaves more money for the thing I’m always thinking about before I’ve even finished unpacking after I cruise.

The next one.

Related: 7 Reasons You Should Book an Older Cruise Ship for Your Next Vacation, According to a Cruise Expert

Ted Danson is one of the most familiar faces in television, and his stunning daughter, Kate Danson, looks just like him.

Ted, 78, rose to stardom as Sam “Mayday” Malone on the beloved NBC comedy series Cheers. He later appeared on shows like Becker and The Good Place. But of all his roles, Danson favors being a dad. The TV favorite hit the red carpet with his wife, Mary Steenburgen, and his daughter Kate at the 28th Television Academy Hall of Fame ceremony at LA Live in Los Angeles. One look at Kate makes it clear that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree! Boasting the same height and facial structure as her father, Kate is absolutely stunning.

LISA O'CONNOR / Getty Images

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Danson Hit the Red Carpet With His Grandkids

Along with Steenburgen’s daughter, Lilly McDowell, Steenburgen and Danson recently headed to the red carpet premiere of the Apple TV+ pickleball film The Dink at The Atrium at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, California. But it was their three granddaughters who officially stole the show alongside their proud grandparents. 

Check out the sweet photo of the adorable crew below:

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Steenburgen’s Perspective on Parenting

Steenburgen and Danson have been married since 1995. The couple each has two children from previous marriages. While Steenburgen passed on one unnamed major role earlier in her career, she said it all worked out in the end because she ended up with Danson.

“The truth is, I don’t really feel I should have, because if I had done that, I might not have met Ted, and then Kate and Alexis wouldn’t be my stepdaughters,” Steenburgen said on an episode of The Daily Beast‘s “Obsessed” podcast. “All the ways that my life would be different are impossible to imagine.”

What’s Next for Ted Danson?

Danson is set to join Elizabeth Banks, Katey Sagal, and Rob Delaney in an untitled Apple TV+ series, Variety reported last month. Here’s a look at the official logline for the show.

“Fresh off a messy divorce, Heidi (Banks) sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids. But when she stumbles into coordinating her father’s (Danson) retirement community sexcapades, Heidi is forced into an unlikely alliance with his girlfriend’s perpetually single son,” it reads.

Now that sounds like a fun one!

Related: Remember Lilith From ‘Cheers’? Bebe Neuwirth, 67, Is Absolutely Stunning With Her Graying Hair

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If you deal with tired, achy feet, you know how important footwear with good arch support can be for staying comfortable throughout the day. With summer winding down, now is a great time to find a supportive pair that still looks cute — like this popular podiatrist-approved brand that’s on sale at Nordstrom Rack. 

Right now, the Vionic Ramsey Sandals are marked down from $130 to as low as $38 — up to 70% off. Known for its arch support, this strappy orthopedic sandal is built to keep you comfortable whether you’re running errands or out for a long walk. One Nordstrom Rack shopper said they were “very comfy” and “easy to slip on.” 

Vionic Ramsey Sandals, From $38 (was $130) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

Finding a sandal that’s comfortable on your feet yet stylish enough to pair with your favorite outfits isn’t always easy. These sandals check both boxes with its sleek design and adjustable hook-and-loop ankle strap that make them easy to slip on and off. 

They are designed with Vionic’s Vio Motion technology, which includes built-in arch support to help encourage natural alignment. They also have shock-absorbing cushioning to help soften each step and a structured footbed that keeps your foot feeling grounded and supported.

Shoppers said the sandals live up to the hype. “Love these sandals,” one reviewer wrote, adding that they were “so comfortable” and had “lots of support.” Another said the sandals were “fashionable” and sold at a “great price.”

The sandals come in three versatile colors — black, cream, and tan. While prices vary by size and color, most sizes are currently marked down to under $70. The brand says the sandals run true to size in whole sizes only, so those who wear a half size should order up.

Shop More Deals

• Bali Jelly Flat, $15 (was $35) at Nordstrom Rack
• Skechers Swift-Fit Go Walk Flex Glimmer Up Sandals, From $32 (were $75) at Nordstrom Rack
• Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandals, $35 (were $50) at Nordstrom Rack

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Slipknot has confirmed the rumors: Sid Wilson is out. 

“Effective immediately, Slipknot will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson,” the post read. “We wish him the best in his future endeavors.” However, just as quickly as it appeared, the post vanished from the band’s account. But Knotfest, the festival founded by Slipknot, captured and reposted the same statement.

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The timing wasn’t exactly random. Rumors that Wilson had been pushed out first surfaced in late July, but guitarist Jim Root seemed to shut them down at the time, telling fans not to “believe everything you read” and to wait for more information. Turns out, the wait is over, and the rumors were right all along.

Since the deletion, Slipknot has gone silent. No follow-up, no clarification, nothing from Wilson either.

Fans, on the other hand, have plenty to say. Many jumped straight to the theory that the band is falling apart for good. “All hope is gone, all band is gone,” one fan wrote, while another put it more bluntly: “Just disband already.” One commenter tied it to the band’s history of lineup changes, writing that Slipknot has “had like 50 people in their band,” calling it a revolving door.

Others connected the news to Wilson’s personal life, pointing to his reported split from Kelly Osbourne earlier this year. “Wedding called off and fired in same year,” one fan wrote. “Must be something bad.” Not everyone was ready to assume the worst, though, one fan pushed back, asking simply, “What if he wanted to leave to do solo DJ stuff, or sort himself out?”

With no explanation from the band and the original post gone, most fans were left exactly where they started: confused. “It’s been deleted from their page!” one pointed out, while another asked point-blank, “Can someone explain what happened?”

For now, those questions remain unanswered.

While Debbie Harry of Blondie often wrote most of the band’s tracks with Chris Stein, in 1980 they landed a No.1 hit covering a track by the Paragons.

The Jamaican group may not be very well-known to fans, as they incorporated a ska and rocksteady sound into their music that would morph into reggae. Starting in the 1960s, the Paragons released several studio albums, with “The Tide is High” becoming one of their more recognizable successes.

Written and performed by Jamaican singer John Holt, the track was released on their On the Beach album with Duke Reid for his Treasure Isle label. The song gained attention in the UK and was popular in Jamaica, but failed to gain international recognition and enter the U.S. charts.

Thirteen years later, “The Tide is High” would get a new life during the rise of the new wave genre, when Harry and Stein heard the track on a compilation tape they bought in London. They felt it was too good a track not to record, especially as they were looking for a new edge to their sound for their album Autoamerican. The band made a few gender changes to the song’s original lyrics, and gave it more of a reggae style accompanied by horns and strings.

According to Smooth Radio, both Harry and Stein were huge fans of the ska revival that was happening in the early 1980s and even asked The Specials to do the backing vocals on the track. The English band ultimately rejected their offer. When Blondie finished the album, including “The Tide is High,” and handed it to their record label, they were reportedly indifferent to their bold take.

Blondie would prove them wrong as their cover of the Paragons’ track landed them at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and their fifth No. 1 hit on the UK singles chart. The track would also reach the same status in Canada and New Zealand and land in the Top 5 in multiple countries.

“All of our songs are part of a larger movement, so it’s virtually impossible to choose. All I can say is the only song I knew for sure was going to be a hit before we recorded it was ‘The Tide Is High,'” said Stein in 2022.

“The original was so fantastic. I knew what our position was at the time: If we had the ear of the public and if we did a successful version of this thing, it would be successful.”

Their cover of “The Tide is High” would also become a favorite of none other than John Lennon. His son, Sean Lennon, told Rolling Stone in 2006 that it was the one “modern song” he remembers his father constantly listening to amid his love for tracks from the 1940s.

“When I hear that song, I see my father, unshaven, his hair pulled back into a ponytail, dancing to and fro in a worn-out pair of denim shorts, with me at his feet, trying my best to coordinate tiny limbs,” he said.

Years later, the song entered the charts and became a No. 1 hit across Europe when covered by British girl group Atomic Kitten.

Related: 1968 Folk Song, Produced by Paul McCartney, Launched an 18-Year-Old Singer’s Career 

Long before it became a staple of 1960s pop music, the phrase that launched Tom Jones’ sultriest hit wasn’t written in a studio.

Instead, it was pulled straight from the playbook of one of cinema’s biggest playboys. While the singer initially had his doubts about taking on the track, the story behind its signature line proved to be as wild as the Hollywood social scene that inspired it.

The phrase “What’s New Pussycat” was lifted straight from actor Warren Beatty‘s phone calls, reported Medium. The outlet wrote, “[Warren] would wake up, day or night, and get on the phone, and call everyone he knew, starting each conversation (with a woman) with “’What’s new Pussycat?’”

Film producer Charles Feldman immediately claimed the line as the title for his upcoming film, loosely based on the actor’s romantic exploits. Beatty dropped out of the movie before filming began, but the 1965 screwball comedy, starring Peter O’Toole, Peter Sellers, and written by and starring Woody Allen, kept the famous title and was a big hit.

Warren Beatty/Bela Zola/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

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But Beatty learned a valuable lesson from his experiences with the film. He told Deadline, “I learned a big lesson, which was, you better be in charge. And that’s when I said, ‘OK, I’m going to do this Bonnie and Clyde thing, and I can only fire myself or walk out on myself, or whatever.”

Ultimately, What’s New Pussycat needed a soundtrack, and Burt Bacharach and Hal David were hired to pen the title track. Bacharach wanted Jones to sing the movie’s theme.

Speaking about “What’s New Pussycat,” Jones told Rolling Stone, he wasn’t initially sold on the tune. “When Burt convinced me to do that song, it took a while,” he explained.

Jones added, “He did say, ‘This is not a rhythm & blues song.’ Soul music had kicked in by then, and I wanted to do Wilson Pickett songs, Solomon Burke, Sam and Dave, and Otis Redding. But I wasn’t getting the songs.” 

Still, Jones recognized a golden opportunity: the song’s playful swagger fit his rising sex symbol image like a glove. Throwing his full vocal power behind the track, he recalled his mindset going into the studio: “I thought, ‘I’m going to punch the s*** out of it on ‘What’s New Pussycat?'”

He continued, “Burt said, ‘That’s what I want. It’s a crazy song for a crazy film. I have to have a voice of authority.’ It’s sort of a backhanded compliment: ‘I’ve got to have you, but this is the song,'” he says with a laugh.

The gamble paid off. “What’s New Pussycat?” exploded into a top-three hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It remained on the chart for 12 weeks and remains a Tom Jones classic.

Related: 1968’s Controversial Classic, Written in Two Hours, Remains One of Tom Jones’ Most Beloved Songs

In 1968, Jimmy Webb was only 22 when Glen Campbell released a song that would become one of the most celebrated recordings of the era.

Nearly six decades later, Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” has earned praise from countless musicians and critics. But perhaps no endorsement carries quite as much weight as one attributed to Bob Dylan: “The greatest song ever written.”

Related: Rock Icons Jimmy Webb & Joe Walsh Deliver Once-in-a-Lifetime ‘Wichita Lineman’ Duet — Fans Say ‘Chills’

On Aug. 15, Webb, the legendary songwriter behind “Wichita Lineman,” “MacArthur Park,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Up, Up and Away” and “Galveston,” turns 80.

It’s another milestone in an extraordinary career that began when Webb was barely out of his teens.

Bob Dylan Called ‘Wichita Lineman’ the Greatest Song Ever Written

Released by Campbell in 1968, “Wichita Lineman” became one of Webb’s signature compositions, despite being something of an unfinished song.

In his book “The Wichita Lineman: Searching in the Sun for the World’s Greatest Unfinished Song,” author Dylan Jones explores the mystery that has surrounded the song for decades.

Jones writes that as he grew older, he discovered he was hardly alone in his fascination with the recording. Dozens of people he knew loved it, while others seemed every bit as obsessed with it as he was.

Related: Jimmy Webb, Legendary Songwriter of ‘Wichita Lineman.’ Just Released a New Song That’s Bringing Fans to Tears

“Bob Dylan once even said it was the greatest song ever written,” Jones writes.

Jones also spoke with music journalist Mark Ellen, who pointed to the song’s mysterious, unresolved quality as part of its appeal. Webb had sent Campbell a rough version of the composition, and Campbell recorded it without waiting for Webb to finish it.

The unusual structure only added to its mystique. Jones notes that the song doesn’t conform neatly to the traditional verse-chorus-bridge construction, yet it connected with listeners anyway.

The recording sold more than a million copies, and in 2019, “Wichita Lineman” was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.

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

Jimmy Webb Was Just 14 When He Discovered Glen Campbell’s Music

The partnership between Webb and Campbell had an almost storybook beginning.

Webb grew up in Oklahoma in a religious family. His father was a Baptist minister, and Webb learned piano and organ as a child, playing in church while his father accompanied him on guitar and his mother on accordion.

Then, in 1961, 14-year-old Webb bought his first record: Campbell’s “Turn Around, Look at Me.”

Webb was captivated by Campbell’s voice. Within just a few years, the teenager who had bought Campbell’s record would meet the singer and eventually provide him with some of the most important songs of his career.

Related: 1977 Glen Campbell Hit Went to No. 1 49 Years Ago Today

Their first meeting wasn’t exactly sentimental, however.

Webb later recalled in an interview with The Tennessean that when he arrived at the recording session with his hair in a Beatles-inspired style, Campbell took one look at the young songwriter and told him he needed to get a haircut.

“I was a hippie, with long hair, blue jeans and a T-shirt, and he looked very crisp. All of his clothes were ironed and his hair looked beautiful. He was fiddling with his guitar and ignoring me … I stuck my hand right in his face and said, ‘Mr. Campbell, I’m Jimmy Webb.’ He looked up at me and said, ‘When are you going to get a haircut?'” Webb recalled.

The two nevertheless developed a close friendship, with Webb eventually describing Campbell as being like a “big brother.”

“When it came to friendship Glen was the real deal. He spoke my name from ten thousand stages. He was my big brother, my protector, my co-culprit, my John crying in the wilderness. Nobody liked a Jimmy Webb song as much as Glen,” said Webb when Campbell died in 2017.

Related: Paul McCartney’s No. 1 Duet Partner Swooped In to Outbid Him For The Beatles’ Catalog For $47.5 Million 41 Years Ago Today

Jimmy Webb Penned Other Huge Hits Beyond ‘Wichita Lineman’

Webb wrote songs for The 5th Dimension, including “Up, Up and Away,” which won the Grammy for Song of the Year. Campbell turned “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” into a major hit, while Richard Harris took Webb’s sprawling “MacArthur Park” to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Webb was just 21 when he won Song of the Year. His songwriting résumé would eventually include platinum-selling songs such as “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” “Worst That Could Happen,” “All I Know” and “Highwayman,” alongside collaborations with artists ranging from Linda Ronstadt and Art Garfunkel to The Supremes and The Highwaymen.

His honors have been just as extraordinary. Webb has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he remains the only person to have won Grammy Awards for music, lyrics and orchestration.

At 80, Webb has spent more than six decades proving his father both right and wrong. Songwriting may have brought its share of heartbreak, but it also gave Webb a body of work that has endured for generations, including one mysterious song about a solitary lineman that Bob Dylan reportedly considered the greatest ever written.

Related: 1968 Rock Hit, Voted the ‘Worst Song in Modern History,’ Went to No. 1 Twice

In the mid-1960s, The Monkees were one of TV’s biggest musical groups, with multiple No. 1 hits penned by songwriting duo Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. But they weren’t the only TV stars to record music by the hitmakers. A few years after The Monkees TV show ended, another sitcom star recorded a pop song by the songwriting duo—and it became a Christmas classic.

The song, titled “Lem, the Orphan Reindeer,” was recorded by Kathy Garver, the 23-year-old actress who played Cissy Davis on the CBS sitcom Family Affair. Garver’s one-off single was released at the height of the show’s popularity in 1969.

The song told the story of a lost orphan reindeer rescued by Santa Claus, and it featured spoken-word verses by Garver accompanied by a children’s chorus. The Aquarian Records single also included the B-side  “Opus Lem.”

“Lem” was no “Last Train to Clarksville” or “Steppin’ Stone,” but it was a cute novelty hit for the 1969 holiday season.

At the time, Garver even made an appearance on American Bandstand to promote the song, and she brought along a stuffed reindeer toy for host Dick Clark’s young daughter.

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

In 2023, Garver, now 80, appeared on Jeff Dwoskin’s Classic Conversations, where she shared the backstory on her “spoken word classic.”

“I had come out with a record called ‘Lem, the Orphan Reindeer,’ my first and last record, and it was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. If you remember, they were the Monkees and ‘The Last Train to Clarksville’ and they had just a whole repertory, and fabulous, fabulous songs. And they wrote this special little ditty.”

“So my manager is managing Tommy and Bobby and they wrote this song, and we went to the recording studio to record the song, oh boy, I was ready,” Garver continued. “Now I had sung all my life. I was an Ethel Meglin kiddie starting when I was three years old. … I learned to sing and I learned to dance, and I had done lots of singing performances. So we got into the recording studio and music begins… and they said, ‘Wait wait, you’re off key.’ What? So they decided that perhaps I could make this a spoken word classic. Actually, I call it one of the first rap songs. So I spoke … and in the back I have a whole chorus of children singing on key.”

While Garver’s recording career was short-lived, she has enjoyed revisting “Lem, the Orphan Reindeer” over the years.

In 2024, Garver re-recorded the song with guitarist and singer Chuck Harter and shared the recording on her Facebook page.

Related: 1968 Monkees Song, Written by a Future Music Legend, Still Sounds Unlike Anything Else 58 Years Later

If you’ve ever strolled through EPCOT during a food festival with a warm plate of pretzel bread pudding in one hand and a wine glass in the other, you already know the unwritten Disney park rule: when high-top cocktail tables are full, the nearest flat-topped trash can instantly becomes your dining table.

Now, that quirky, long-standing theme park ritual is about to look very different.

Walt Disney World has officially announced a high-tech modernization of its famous waste bins, gradually replacing the classic, flat-topped models with new solar-powered compacting units. While the upgrade is designed to make life easier for cast members and keep the parks spotless, Disney foodies across social media are in a good-natured panic about where they are going to balance their festival snacks.

Related: Disney Just Revealed Its Fall Lineup—And The Magic Starts Sooner Than You Think

“Same Magic, Smarter Can” View this post on Instagram

In an announcement shared on the Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook page, the resort introduced the updated models under the banner: “Same magic. Smarter can. These next generation Disney trash cans are designed to support the incredible work cast members do every day, helping keep the parks sparkling and ready for unforgettable memories.”

According to Disney, these new units use solar energy to automatically compact waste, allowing them to hold significantly more garbage throughout crowded park days. That means fewer overflowing bins during peak rush hours and less heavy lifting for custodial staff, freeing up team members to focus on guest service.

After piloting the smart bins in select areas of the resort last year, Disney confirmed to The Washington Post that the updated models are gradually rolling out across more park areas in the coming months.

Related: EPCOT Food & Wine Festival: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

“Yeah, But Where Am I Supposed to Eat?”

While the eco-friendly functionality makes total sense, longtime visitors were quick to point out the unintended casualty of the redesign: the curved, sloped roofs on the new compacting models mean no more setting down food trays.

As People reported, the reaction from fans across social media was swift, funny, and deeply relatable for anyone who has ever snacked their way around World Showcase:

“Not flat on top, so no more eating on trash cans. Hope they install more tables especially in Epcot during festivals,” one commenter noted.

Another park regular jokingly chimed in, “Yeah but where am I supposed to eat? Y’all are going to have to install more tables now!”

One fan even proposed a creative compromise to keep both cast members and hungry parkgoers happy: “They should seal the doors of the old trash cans and leave them around Epcot to be used strictly as tables!!! Win/win!! Epcot needs more tables. I don’t mind standing to snack around the world but I need something to set my food on!!”

While Disney continues rolling out the sleeker, smarter bins across the property, one thing is certain: festival-goers heading to EPCOT this season might want to keep a sharp eye out for open park benches—or get ready to master the delicate art of eating on the move.

Related: D23’s Star-Studded Disney Princess Concert Performances Are a Must-Watch for ’90s Disney Fans

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Want to give your bedroom a little refresh? One of the easiest ways to change up the aesthetic of your space is a matching comforter set. It’ll make your room appear put-together with its cohesive look and takes the guesswork out of styling separate bedding pieces from different brands and retailers. If you want to get your hands on one, Walmart carries a ton of gorgeous comforter sets that’ll transform your bed into a cozy oasis without requiring you to splurge.

One option that we love is Walmart’s bestselling Dhole 7-Piece Seersucker Comforter Set. Right now, you can score it on sale for nearly 50% off! Normally retailing for $66, the queen-size comforter set is now marked down between $34 and $39, with prices varying by color. You can snag this set in beige, black, gray, light gray, green, navy, orange, and white. 

Dhole 7-Piece Seersucker Queen Comforter Set, From $34 (was $66) at Walmart

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This comforter set is also available in four other sizes, which are also on sale. The twin set starts at $32, the full set starts at $36, the king set starts at $41, and the California king set starts at $43. The full, queen, king, and California sets include two pillowcases, two pillow shams, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and one comforter, while the twin set only comes with one pillowcase and one pillow sham.

Featuring seersucker fabric, this comforter set will bring a subtle touch of vintage-inspired charm into your bedroom. The comforter and pillow shams have a gridded puckered design, creating a crinkled texture that gives the fabric some depth and dimension. They’ll instantly elevate the aesthetic of your room, making it feel elegant yet cozy. 

While the top of the comforter has a gauzy appearance, the underside, along with the rest of the pieces in the set, boasts a smooth and sleek texture. Made of polyester microfiber, the fabric is double brushed, giving it a velvet-like feel that’s soft and luxe against the skin. The comforter is also filled with polyester microfiber, which is a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to down, as it mimics the fluffy, airy feel of feathers to deliver a cloud-like layer. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin and allergies. 

Dhole 7-Piece Seersucker Queen Comforter Set, From $34 (was $66) at Walmart

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This comforter may be thicker than a quilt or a throw blanket, but it’s still lightweight for all-season use. It’s breathable and promotes airflow, helping prevent you from overheating on those warm summer nights. However, it still delivers warmth and can keep you cozy when temperatures start to drop. 

“The fabric is soft, incredibly smooth, and silky with a cool-to-the-touch feel,” one reviewer commented. “It’s lightweight enough for warmer months while still comfortable during cooler seasons, so it’s truly a great all-season comforter.” The same reviewer also mentioned that the seersucker fabric “makes the bed feel more stylish”

Designed to stay in place, the fitted sheet features 360-degree elastic and deep pockets that can fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick. The comforter has an oversized fit that’ll elegantly drape over the sides of your bed. For reference, the queen comforter measures 98 inches by 98 inches, and a standard queen mattress is only 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. 

Thanks to the polyester material, this comforter set is easy to care for. Whenever it needs a refresh, you can toss it into the washing machine in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry it on low afterward. Reviewers noted that it washes well without fading or pilling. 

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Related: Walmart’s 7-Piece Comforter Set Is ‘Soft’ and ‘Beautiful’ With Handy Side Pockets for Books, E-Readers, and More

A seamless blend of style and comfort, the Dhole 7-Piece Seersucker Comforter Set might just be the refresh your bed needs. Don’t hesitate to head to Walmart and snag it while it’s on sale starting at just $34 for the queen set! 

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Kobe clocked in for another shift on a construction site in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, expecting nothing more than a normal day of work and a bit of extra cash. What he walked into instead was the surprise of his lifetime.

The 18-year-old student and his crew were demolishing a building on Van Langenhovestraat, laying groundwork for a new sewerage pipe, when they hit something unexpected bricked into the cellar wall. At first, it didn’t even register as anything special. “At first I thought they were €1 coins,” Kobe said. But the deeper they dug, the more kept turning up, and it quickly became clear this was something much bigger.

By the time they finished counting, the haul added up to roughly €9 million, or around $10 million, all bricked into a wall no one had touched in who knows how long.

Now here’s the big question: what would you do if it were you?

For a lot of people, the answer might be simple. Nine million euros is the kind of money most people dream of, and the temptation to just walk away with it is real. Kobe admitted his crew thought about it too, if only for a second.

But once it sank in just how much gold they were actually looking at, keeping it quietly stopped feeling possible. “It’s simply too much money,” Kobe said. “You can’t keep that hidden.”

Site manager Mario had a similar reaction once the shock wore off. “It was a strange feeling,” he said, adding that in 33 years in construction, he’d never seen anything like it.

So instead of pocketing a fortune, Kobe and his coworkers called the police. The gold is now being held at a secure location while investigators try to figure out how it ended up hidden there in the first place.

Whatever happens next, Kobe’s already got a story he’ll be telling for the rest of his life, and he’s not the only one on that site who will be.

Judy Garland was only 17 when she played Dorothy Gale in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, but her performance of “Over the Rainbow” would become much more than a memorable movie moment. 

The song helped launch Garland’s music career and later became the signature song that followed her for decades.

Written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg, “Over the Rainbow” was created for The Wizard of Oz, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical fantasy that introduced Garland to audiences around the world in one of her most famous roles.

Garland’s version of the song quickly became closely linked with her name. The ballad won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became one of the most recognized songs associated with classic Hollywood.

American actress and singer Judy Garland (1922 – 1969) as Dorothy Gale in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, 1939.

Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

For Garland, the song was also an important step in a career that would span movies, records and live performances.

She had already been performing for years before The Wizard of Oz. Born Frances Ethel Gumm in 1922, Garland first appeared on stage when she was just two years old, per RR Auction. She performed with her older sisters as part of the Gumm Sisters, a family vaudeville act.

In 1935, when she was 13, she signed with MGM. She soon began appearing in movies and recording music. Her early recording career included “(Dear Mr. Gable) You Made Me Love You,” which helped bring attention to her voice.

But “Over the Rainbow” gave Garland a song that would stay with her for the rest of her career.

In The Wizard of Oz, Garland sings “Over the Rainbow” as Dorothy dreams about finding a place far away from her troubles in Kansas.

The song appears early in the movie, after Dorothy struggles to make the adults around her understand her problems. She walks away with her dog, Toto, and imagines a place where there is no trouble.

The emotional scene helped show another side of Garland’s talent. She was not simply acting as Dorothy. She was also using her voice to express the character’s hopes and feelings.

The song was nearly removed from the movie. The studio reportedly felt that a slow ballad so early in the story could slow down the film. The producer and director, however, pushed for the song to remain.

That decision became an important part of movie and music history.

Garland recorded the song for MGM in 1938, with an arrangement by Murray Cutter. She later recorded it for Decca in 1939. The Decca recording became part of a four-record The Wizard of Oz album.

Interestingly, the commercially released Decca version was not the exact recording heard in the movie. The film version was not released on a soundtrack album until 1956, when MGM issued The Wizard of Oz soundtrack to coincide with the movie’s television premiere.

“Over the Rainbow” became the foundation of Garland’s music career, which eventually included 11 studio albums released between 1939 and 1962.

Her recording career continued long after her years as a young MGM star. She recorded songs from movies, worked with major arrangers and later became known for powerful live performances.

According to uDiscover Music, her career included major songs such as “The Trolley Song,” “Get Happy,” “The Man That Got Away” and “That’s Entertainment!” But “Over the Rainbow” remained the song most strongly connected to her name.

Garland’s live performances became another major part of her legacy. Her 1962 album Judy at Carnegie Hall captured one of her most famous concert appearances and earned her Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Solo Vocal Performance, Female.

In 1981, Garland’s original 1939 Decca recording of “Over the Rainbow” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2017, it was selected for the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

The song has also appeared on major lists recognizing important American music. The American Film Institute named it the best movie song on its AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs list.

More than eight decades after The Wizard of Oz premiered, “Over the Rainbow” remains closely tied to Judy Garland’s name. What began as a song for a 17-year-old actress playing a Kansas farm girl became the defining recording of a performer whose career lasted more than four decades.

Related: 1942 Classic Named Greatest Romance Movie of All Time, One Spot Ahead of ‘Titanic’

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For anyone looking for sandals that are stylish but can still keep up with a full day of walking, the Clarks’ Mira Mabel Sandals are worth checking out. Whether you’re exploring a new city, sightseeing on vacation, or squeezing in a few more summer adventures, these sandals are designed with all-day comfort in mind.

Right now, they’re on sale at Amazon for as low as $48, down 50% from the usual $95 price. Part of Clarks’ Cloudsteppers line, these sandals feature a plush foam footbed for cushioned comfort from morning to night. One shopper called them “perfect for vacationing,” while another said they were “super comfortable” to wear. 

Clarks’ Mira Mabel Sandals, From $48 (was $95) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Instead of traditional buckles, these sandals feature elastic lacing and a toggle bungee lacing system that lets you adjust the fit with a quick pull. Its fisherman-style silhouette is casual and easy to style, and pairs easily with shorts, sundresses, jeans, and more

They come in four versatile colors: black, cream, navy, and teal, so you should be able to find an option that complements your wardrobe. Prices vary by size and color, but every option is currently under $77, with the lowest-priced pairs starting at $48. That means you can pick up a pair for considerably less than the usual $95 price. 

Shoppers say they’re especially well-suited for busy days. One reviewer wore the sandals on vacation and said they remained “comfortable all day,” even when their feet began to swell. Another said they helped “prevent blisters” while hiking, and a third praised their “stylish” look and called them a “great value for money.” 

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Related: Shoppers Walked Miles in Clarks’ Floral Flip-Flops With ‘Terrific Arch Support’

For as low as $48, the Clarks’ Mira Mabel Sandals are a comfortable, versatile pick you can wear through the rest of summer and into fall. If a pair of supportive, everyday sandals are on your list, now’s a great time to grab a pair for less.

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