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Busy days call for dependable shoes. If you’re looking for a pair that’s not quite a sneaker but that offers the same degree of comfort, Skechers Go Walk Now Eliana Shoes check all of the boxes. The slip-on style is so convenient that you can easily step right into them and go, making them a smart choice for errand runs, neighborhood strolls, and everything in between.

Right now is a great time to add them to your closet, too. Normally $70, they’re currently on sale at JCPenney for $42 in your choice of black or mauve. Springy and light, the shoes are designed to put a little bounce in your step and add a sporty touch to your look.

Skechers Go Walk Now Eliana Shoes, $42 (was $70) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

While all Skechers shoes are built for comfort first, they never skimp on style. With their sculpted silhouette and low-profile design, these are laid-back enough to wear with all of your off-duty outfits, from sundresses to jeans and hoodies. Because the mesh upper promotes airflow, you can wear them even on the hottest days and stay cool when you’re on the move.

The brand’s air-cooled Goga Mat insoles set them apart from conventional walking shoes, offering a spongy landing pad that feels similar to a yoga mat. A layer of cushioning foam provides greater energy return while supporting your feet whether you’re walking or standing for extended periods.

Related: Liz Claiborne’s Classic Hoop Earrings ‘Go Well With Everything,’ and They’re on Sale for $4

If they happen to get a little dirty while you’re out and about, no problem — you can safely toss these kicks in the washing machine. Allow them to air dry and they’ll look and feel as good as they did on day one! 

Shop More Deals

• RM Rebecca Minkoff Madison Crossbody Bag, $18 (was $60) at JCPenney
• Liz Claiborne Short-Sleeve Pajama Set, $25 (was $50) at JCPenney
• PUMA High-Neck Pullover, $46 (was $65) at JCPenney

Because there’s no need to worry about bending down to fiddle with laces, these Skechers Go Walk Now Eliana Shoes are a suitable option for anyone who prefers uncomplicated footwear. Snag them now while they’re on sale in the size and color of your choice at JCPenney!

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SPOILER ALERT! This article contains events from the Big Brother 28 live feeds that have yet to be aired on the television episodes. Please don’t read ahead if you prefer not to know competition winners and nominees ahead of time.

Last week, Big Brother 28 officially shifted into its next phase. The Age of the Toolshed had ended, as Kamu Kirk left Haley Thogmartin and Chuk Anyanwu out to dry. Angela Murray blew up on one of her closest friends in the house, increasing the tension even more. But Haley scuttled any plotting against her, making sure that “Chuk Time” wouldn’t last past 38 days. But, with the house structure completely rebuilt, it means that getting power is more important than ever.


Here’s everything you need to know about this week on Big Brother 28, including Head of Household and veto winners, nominees, and who is likely to go.

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Who is Head of Household on Big Brother 28 this week? Yash Patel Yash Patel on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

One of the biggest wildcards of the game takes power! Yash Patel is sitting pretty up in the HoH room this week, making it a hairy situation for quite a number of people in the house.

Who was nominated this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Friday to see who has been nominated for eviction this week.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’ Cast Includes Famous Relatives, Reality Stars and More Unexpected Connections

Who won the Veto this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Saturday to find out who won the Power of Veto this week.

Was the Veto used this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Monday to find out whether the Veto was used this week.

Who will be evicted this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Tuesday or Wednesday to find out who will be voted out this week.

Who won the “BB Time Capsule” vote this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Friday to find out who entered the BB Time Capsule this week, and if they received a power or punishment.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’s Lyric Medeiros Reacts to Last-Minute Vote Flip — And Who She’s Most Betrayed By (Exclusive)

Andy Cohen has officially entered his founding father era — at least according to the internet.

The Bravo host sparked a hilarious reaction after fans spotted an uncanny resemblance to George Washington in a recent image. A fan took a screenshot from last night’s Watch What Happens Live showing Andy with his full, luxurious hair and captioned it, “what in the martha washington.”

Fans flooded the post — and Andy’s response with an American flag emoji — with hilarious comments like, “four score and seven housewives ago” and “Four score and seven shotskis ago.”

Rather than reject the comparison, Cohen appeared to lean into the joke, giving fans even more reason to run with the unexpected resemblance. In fact, he took to his Instagram Story to post a photo of Washington atop his steed, sword drawn, with his own face superimposed over Washington’s. He captioned the image, “Regarding tonight’s George Washington comparison…”

Flip it around, Porsha Williams. #RHOA pic.twitter.com/jRNIdOpRFr

— Bravo (@BravoTV) August 10, 2026

Andy has been rocking longer locks lately, which many fans appear to love. One fan replied to Andy’s American flag response to the initial Threads post, writing, “LOOOOOVE YOUR LONG HAIR do not touch it!!”

Another person got a different angle of Andy, writing on Threads, “Andy, the hair is giving George Washington vibes tonight! Love it!” Others also questioned Cohen’s new look, with one fan asking, “Andy Cohen whats with George Washington hairdo?”

The latest meme isn’t the first time fans have clocked Andy as a founding father. A Bravo X post featuring Cohen hosting The Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion prompted one fan to comment, “Andy Cohen is starting to look like George Washington with that hair.”

Andy previously explained that his longer hairstyle is completely natural and that he plans to keep it. During a Call Her Daddy appearance, Cohen said he typically grows his hair out during the summer but decided to extend the look this year after losing some weight, noting that he felt the longer hair suited his slimmer face.

Fall may still be a few weeks away, but Planters isn’t waiting for cooler weather to start bringing its coziest flavors back to snack aisles.

The brand unveiled its Fall 2026 collection on Aug. 11, and this year’s lineup includes the return of a fan favorite, one brand-new seasonal flavor, and an expansion of its premium Special Reserve collection. Even better, you don’t have to wait until September to get your first taste. Two of the fall offerings are already available online, with additional retailers getting them this month.

Leading the lineup is the return of Planters Apple Cider Donut Cashews, a seasonal favorite that blends quintessential fall flavors in one snack. The 13-ounce bags feature kettle-roasted whole cashews flavored with apple and cinnamon for a sweet, warm take on the creamy nut.

Image via Planters

They’re available now on Amazon and at major retailers, including Kroger, select Albertsons and Safeway stores, with Publix and Ahold starting in mid-August.

Planters’ Maple Brown Sugar Almonds Are New for Fall 2026

There’s also something completely new to try this year. Planters Maple Brown Sugar Almonds combine roasted almonds with maple and brown sugar notes and a sweet, crunchy finish.

Image via Planters

The new flavor comes in a 15.25-ounce container and is also available now on Amazon, with the same broader retail rollout beginning in mid-August. Planters positions these for everything from cozy nights at home to fall gatherings and holiday entertaining, and it’s not difficult to imagine them making an appearance on a fall snack board.

“Fall is known for its iconic flavors, making it a powerful moment for premium snacking that captures the nostalgia and comfort of the season,” Planters marketing director Patrick Horbas said in announcing the collection.

And the fall releases don’t end there.

Planters is also expanding its Special Reserve Peanuts, sourced from a single Virginia grower and small-batch roasted and hand-salted. The 13-ounce size returns to Amazon on Aug. 18 for its third consecutive year, while a new 34-ounce shareable size will debut exclusively through Sam’s Club online in early October.

Image via Planters

Unlike the apple cider donut and maple brown sugar varieties, Special Reserve isn’t made to taste like fall. Instead, it’s the premium option in the collection and one that’s perfect for entertaining, especially with that new larger size arriving ahead of the holidays.

Between apple cider donuts, maple brown sugar, and a premium peanut made for sharing, snack season is officially starting to taste like fall.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

As the seasons shift from summer to fall and the sun sets earlier, you might find yourself spending more time outdoors enjoying cooler evenings. Nights spent soaking up the fresh air deserve a majestic glow to set the mood. Garden lights are one of the best ways to illuminate patios, porches, and pathways post-sunset, and if you’re looking to refresh your home’s outdoor spaces, Amazon has a deal on a whimsical solar lantern worth checking out.

Now just $12, the Mumtop Hummingbird Solar Lantern is marked down from its usual $16 price. The lantern is available in 16 nature-inspired designs featuring butterflies, sunflowers, dragonflies, and other birds like cardinals, bluebirds, a peacock, and a flamingo, though prices vary by design. This simple patio upgrade doesn’t need cords or outlets to make outdoor evenings feel incredibly enchanting, with delicate lighting filtering through painted glass.

Mumtop Hummingbird Solar Lantern, From $12 (was $16) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Textured fused glass painted with colorful blue, green, and red shades creates the tubular globe of this lantern. The eye-catching design features a sweet-looking hummingbird sitting on a leafy tree branch, accented with a smaller flying hummingbird. Powered by a solar panel on the top of the lantern, 20 tiny LED lights inside cast a shimmering glow through the glass panes. The lights automatically turn on at dusk and shut off at sunrise.

Easy to hang by its handle, you can place the lantern on a shepherd’s hook, tree branch, pergola, or porch railing to illuminate outdoor spaces. You could also set it on any flat surface as a tabletop accent. The design is fully waterproof, so you shouldn’t have to worry about rain or dew destroying this lantern. 

Amazon shoppers couldn’t say enough about the “vibrant” design of this solar lantern and how it added “whimsy and warmth” to their outdoor spaces. “The stained glass hummingbird design is absolutely beautiful,” one reviewer said. Another shopper commented that it’s even “very pretty during the day” when it’s not illuminated. 

Shop More Deals

• Bliss Whisper Metal Hummingbird Solar Lantern, $9 (was $19) at Amazon
• Starsoul Dragonfly Solar Hot Air Balloon Lantern, $20 (was $26) at Amazon
• Homemory Butterfly Solar Hanging Lantern, $22 (was $27) at Amazon

Related: Walmart’s Solar-Powered Smart Bird Bath Turns Your Backyard Into a Nature ‘Sanctuary,’ and It’s 62% Off 

At just $12, the Mumtop Hummingbird Solar Lantern is a beautiful, simple, and affordable way to update your porch or patio ahead of fall. Add it to your Amazon cart now before the price goes back up!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week. 

A calendar reminder shouldn’t be the only reason someone remembers your birthday. For the people born in these four months, it never is. The date is already logged, the card is already picked out, and they’ve probably been thinking about your gift for weeks.

According to astrologers, this kind of built-in recall tends to come naturally to people with birthdays in January, July, September, and November. If you’ve got a friend born in one of these windows, don’t be surprised when they’re the first “Happy Birthday!” text in your inbox every single year. They show their love by consistently showing up for the big and little moments, unwavering in their devotion.

Which Birth Months Always Remember Birthdays? January — Reliable to the Core

Born under disciplined Capricorn or a forward-thinking Aquarius, you have a gift for making people feel like they matter enough to plan for. You don’t just remember birthdays. You recall what someone said they wanted months ago, then actually follow through. People trust you with the little things because you’ve never once let it slip. That kind of reliability is rare, and everyone in your life knows it.

July — Love That Never Switches Off

As an intuitive Cancer or a warm Leo, your love runs so deep that remembering someone’s birthday barely takes effort—you genuinely never stop thinking about the people you care about. You hold onto the small details because you hold onto the people themselves, fully and without reservation. Being loved by you feels like being truly seen, every single day of the year, not just on the one that’s marked on a calendar.

September — Thoughtful Down to the Detail

Whether you’re a meticulous Virgo or a balanced Libra, your thoughtfulness is the kind people brag about to their friends. You’re the one who remembers the offhand remark about a gift someone mentioned wanting weeks ago, then shows up with exactly that. It’s not just about getting the date right. You clearly listen, clearly care, and clearly put in the effort nobody asked you to. People feel genuinely cherished around you. As a mindful, attentive friend, you show up with acts of service, especially on someone’s special day.

November — All In, No Exceptions

As a deep Scorpio or a philosophical Sagittarius, once someone earns a place in your life, you hold onto them completely. Birthdays included. You don’t do performative gestures or empty “thinking of you” texts. You show up consistently or not at all. Feelings and devotion are black or white – all in, or nothing. That loyalty is exactly why the people who know you best consider themselves lucky. You make people feel like they truly matter, not just once a year, but always.

I travel with my whole family often, and one destination consistently works for trips that span kids, parents and grandparents: Walt Disney World Resort.

In the past 18 months, we’ve taken three multigenerational trips to Disney World — plus one on Disney Cruise Line — and all have been fantastic. But what I cherish most isn’t the rides or the character breakfasts; it’s the photos that capture all of us in one frame. Disney’s professional photography is unmatched, and having extended family together in beautiful images is a gift.

As a mom and journalist, I’m usually behind the lens, not in front of it. So on our first family trip to Disney World years ago, I bought Memory Maker, Disney’s all-inclusive digital photo package. I haven’t visited without it since.

Here’s what to know about the upgrade Disney travel advisors consistently call the best purchase for multigenerational families.

Related: I Ditched My iPhone for a ’90s-Style Disney Vacation—And My Kids Actually Loved It

What Is Disney Memory Maker? The author with her dad during a recent multigenerational trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Memory Maker is a product of Disney PhotoPass, the complimentary professional photography service available throughout the theme parks and resorts. Photographers are stationed at picturesque landmarks and character encounters, while automated cameras capture action shots on select rides. Every image links digitally to your My Disney Experience account, where it’s ready to view, download or buy.

Getting photos taken is completely free, and guests are encouraged to stop for as many photographers as they like. Memory Maker is what unlocks unlimited downloads of everything captured.

“Memory Maker is something I always recommend. The photographers are wonderful, the images are high-quality and you’ll have memories that will last forever,” says Matt Brandabur, a travel advisor with The Magic for Less Travel and founder of the podcast and website Adventures of a Disney Dad.

Related: The Charming Midwest Town That Inspired Walt Disney’s Main Street, U.S.A.

How Much Does It Cost? Disney’s Memory Maker photo package includes digital downloads of all images captured by PhotoPass photographers, including character encounters.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Pricing depends on timing and duration:

• $85 — Memory Maker One Day, for single-day visits
• $185 — 30 days of photos and videos, purchased at least three days before your trip
• $210 — The same 30-day option, purchased during or after your vacation

Add-on packages are also available for Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club members.

Buying the package is far more economical than purchasing photos individually, which cost $16.95 per digital download (or included when purchasing prints). Guests with Lightning Lane Multi Passes or the Premier Pass already get their attraction photos and videos included, but Brandabur says many still buy Memory Maker for the photo opportunities beyond the rides.

For something more exclusive, book a private 20-minute Capture Your Moment session with a Disney photographer for $99, at spots like Main Street, U.S.A., or EPCOT’s Germany and Italy pavilions.

“We splurged on a private session at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with our kids, and it was fantastic,” Brandabur says. “The PhotoPass photographers already know the best spots to get the fewest crowds in the shot, and they’re great at making it fun.”

Related: My Dad Hadn’t Been to Disney World Since the ’80s—So We Planned an ’80s-Style Nostalgic Trip Back

Why It’s a Multigenerational Game-Changer The author with her family during a multigenerational trip to Walt Disney World’s EPCOT.

Photo courtesy of Disney

You don’t need to seek out photographers at Disney World—they’re stationed along routes you’re already walking, making it easy to corral everyone for a quick family portrait. On a recent check of the app, there were 175 photo opportunities across the four theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and Disney resorts.

The photographers themselves are the real asset: well-practiced at photographing every age group and skilled at getting everyone in the family relaxed and camera-ready. “Magic Shots,” where characters or special effects are digitally added into the final images, are a particular hit with multigenerational groups.

“The special thing about Magic Shots is that the final photos truly are a surprise. Most of the time, you don’t know exactly what the photographers are creating, and it’s so much fun to see a character like Tinker Bell appear—or special effects like a spooky black-and-white image for Halloween. You’re sure to be surprised with new characters and effects every vacation,” says Hannah Anderson, a travel advisor with Dreams Unlimited Travel and co-host of the DIS Unlimited travel podcast.

And the photography opportunities extend beyond Walt Disney World; Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line have similar programs with all-inclusive photo packages. On Adventures by Disney trips, dedicated Adventure Guides take professional group and candid photos throughout each trip, which guests then receive as digital downloads at no extra cost.

Related: I Went on a Disney Cruise and Ditched My Phone for a 2000s-Style Vacation—Here’s What Happened

How to Use Disney Memory Maker View this post on Instagram

Look for PhotoPass photographers in bright green uniforms and nametags stationed throughout the parks. Scan your MagicBand, park ticket or a PhotoPass card to link each photo to your My Disney Experience account.

Guests can view all captured watermarked images within the app for free; removing the watermark and downloading full resolution requires either a Memory Maker package or an individual purchase.

To find lesser-known photo spots around the parks, open the My Disney Experience app, tap the map icon at the bottom and select the top filter menu. Scroll right and choose “PhotoPass” to view all photographer locations, schedules and photo examples.

But keep parade and fireworks timing in mind, says Lauren Reasoner, a former Disney PhotoPass cast member who estimates she took 175,000 photos during 10 months of working while in the Disney College Program.

“After sunset, it can be difficult to predict when photographers will be out due to parade times, and each day is different, so I’d recommend getting at least one round of photos taken before sunset. Photos at golden hour are gorgeous,” Reasoner says.

Seasonal props and celebrations add another layer of fun. Past examples include Women’s History Month photo ops honoring Disney Legends Mary Blair, Harriett Burns and Leota Toombs Thomas, Magic Shots with Encanto’s Luisa and The Incredibles’ Mrs. Incredible and Edna Mode, and commemorative shots marking the debut of the “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” nighttime parade.

Related: Disney Insiders Are Naming This the Best Character Spot in All of Disney World

Tips for Getting the Best Photos A screenshot of a map within the My Disney Experience app showing where Disney PhotoPass photographers can be found at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Screenshot courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort's My Disney Experience App

Ask the photographers for their favorite spots. “My all-time favorite spots for castle photos are in front of the flower gardens, to the right and left of the Partners statue,” Reasoner says.

Stay spontaneous. “You get the best value out of Memory Maker when you treat the photos as an impromptu experience rather than chasing a specific spot. It’s more fun that way,” Brandabur says.

Get closer to the castle for big groups. “The farther you are from the castle, the smaller it will be in a photo with a big family. For a family of five or more, I’d recommend any spot past Casey’s Corner,” Reasoner says.

Splurge on an all-new Signature Portrait Session for upscale resort photos. “A private 40-minute session with PhotoPass photographers at select Disney Resort hotels runs $399 and includes downloads and retouching,” Anderson says.

For the best photos that include Main Street U.S.A., aim to be about halfway down the street. “I’d recommend the spot across from Main Street Bakery,” Reasoner says.

Mind the light. “Bring sunglasses if it’s bright, but also consider returning to certain spots later in the day when trees provide shade,” Anderson says.

Let the moments happen. “If grandma and grandpa want a photo together and the grandkids aren’t cooperating, let them take it. It may end up being one of your favorite photos,” Brandabur says.

Related: The Disney Vacation Club Benefits Members Say Make It Worth Every Penny

It’s been 25 years since the Monkees lit up The Tonight Show with a rare live performance—and fans still remember it well.

In a newly resurfaced clip posted to the official Monkees YouTube and Instagram pages, band members Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Peter Tork are seen jamming guitars and singing the 1966 classic “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” with a full band accompanying them—and original bandmate Michael Nesmith noticeably absent.

“Decades after taking the world by storm, The Monkees proved they’ve still got that electric stage presence during this memorable 2001 performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” the caption to the Aug. 13 post read.

The high-energy performance took place on Aug. 21, 2001, on the NBC late-night show. Twenty-five years later, fans had plenty of memories of it.

“That is an awesome clip, Monkees reunited and did a tour, Davy, Peter and Micky played and sang all their hits!” one fan wrote on Instagram,

“They wanted the world to know that they can play instruments,” another fan wrote on YouTube.

“My very first teen band crush ❤️,” a third chimed in.

“Look at them playing their own instruments. Tell me again why they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?” another fan wanted to know.

“Wow. 25 years ago. Unbelievable to think Mr. Dolenz is the only one left. Cheers to my very first beloved band,” added another.

View this post on Instagram

Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, “Steppin’ Stone” was released on Nov. 12, 1966, and became one of The Monkees’ most beloved songs, a B-side that made its way up the charts, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1967.

In a TikTok  post in September 2025, Dolenz, the only surviving Monkees band member at age 81, wrote that “'(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone’” was one of the first Monkees songs that “really rocked on stage.”

NBC / Getty Images

Following their rockin’ rendition of the song on The Tonight Show 25 years ago, Dolenz, Jones and Tork sat down to talk to Leno.  Dolenz cracked jokes about the band members still rocking in their late 50s.

“They don’t throw panties anymore, they throw Depends,” Dolenz cracked of the band’s aging fanbase. “It’s been a long, long time,” he added of the band’s 35-year career. “When we were on tour, they didn’t have gold records, they were wood.”

The trio also recalled Jimi Hendrix as their opening act during a short-lived tour in 1967.

“It was a very interesting show,” Dolenz recalled. “He was incredible, of course, and a great musician but it was kind of strange. He’d be out there going you know, ‘Foxy Lady’ and [the crowd would scream] ‘We want Davy… Monkees, Monkees!’  Very embarrassing to say the least, in retrospect.”

Related: 1967 Monkees Classic Was So Good It Became a TV Show Theme Despite Never Charting

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

You actually don’t have to spend all of your life savings on furnishing your home. Making your living area look expensive is actually a lot easier than you think, if you count on retailers like Walmart and Amazon. We’re particularly into farmhouse-style and country-chic decor lately, because it can be styled effortlessly, as Walmart is selling the Tnuyoah Farmhouse Bedside Table Lamp Set for 44% off. 

The lamp set originally cost $90, but has been reduced to just $50 in the gray colorway during a clearance sale. The decor is marked as Walmart’s overall pick and is highly-rated, so we’re expecting it to sell out quickly. Snag yours while you can in three colors: gray, white, and black. The antique farmhouse-style lamp is being sold in a set of two, with the white hue being marked down to just $45. 

Tnuyoah Farmhouse Bedside Table Lamp Set, $50 (was $90) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Just note that the black offering features a different style, as it’s actually a candle warmer that doubles as an industrial lamp. You can purchase a singular black lamp for $31, or a set of two for $53. The white and gray lamps are 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 26 inches tall. Each lamp weighs 7.2 pounds and features a shade height of 9 inches, so you can move them to the appropriate spot by yourself. You’ll need a standard LED light and an outlet nearby to plug in the electric cord. 

What we really love about this lamp is the sculpted stand and linen lampshade that works for minimalist homes as well. You can easily place the set in the entryway, living room, bedroom, or virtually anywhere that could use extra lighting. There’s a rotary knob that allows you to turn the lamp on and off easily, so it’s perfect for a reading nook, too.

Shoppers described the lamps as “cute,” “quality,” and “beautiful,” adding that the “size is perfect for a small living room apartment.” The soft tones are intended to bring a warm vibe to every room, so you’ll feel much more cozy when they’re turned on at night, paired with your favorite candles and a good movie. 

Shop More Deals 

• Oneach Modern Table Lamp Set, $57 (was $110) at Walmart
• Ktaxon Sectional Sofa, $390 (was $795) at Walmart
• Amberspace Botanical Flowers, $50 (was $80) at Walmart

This farmhouse-inspired lamp set is the best way to upgrade your space effortlessly. Plus, it looks far more expensive than it costs. Shop the set now at Walmart, while it’s on clearance for up to 44% off! 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Soft’ and ‘Comfortable’ Summer Lounge Set Is Perfect for Errands, Walks, and Travel  

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As a partner in a romantic relationship, you may aim to be honest, kind and loyal. You might also prioritize intelligence, humor and cooperation. Yet another important value we can’t forget about in this conversation—for the sake of our relationships and their longevity, psychologists say—is appreciation. 

You might see yourself as an appreciative person, and that’s great. Maybe you’re consistent with your “thank you” responses and regularly give your partner affirmations. But what an “appreciative partner” looks like, according to psychologists, isn’t always so clear-cut. 

For example, do you say “thank you” every time your partner completes a basic house chore—and do you need to? Are those two words even enough? Plus, what does relationship appreciation look like in long-term relationships when you both have chore routines? Should you express gratitude when you don’t feel it or think it’s necessary? 

See? This topic is complex—and some of the experts’ responses may surprise you.

Ahead, psychologists answer those questions, share the one phrase appreciative partners avoid (warning: you might have said it, or at least thought it!) and explain how it destroys relationship gratitude. They also detail how the division of labor between long-term couples affects appreciation, list other phrases emotionally intelligent partners do and don’t use and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What Hobby Is Best for Couples—They All Said the Same Thing

The One Phrase Appreciative Partners Avoid: ‘That’s Just Your Job’

Appreciative partners would never say, “That’s just your job” when their partner does something helpful. As it turns out, that’s for two reasons. Let’s dive into “That’s just your job” relationship psychology.

First, it can hurt the partner it was aimed at, making them feel taken advantage of.

“When we say [this], we’re reducing the time, effort and heart into a partner’s daily actions down to simply an expectation as opposed to an expression of gratitude,” says Dr. Max Doshay, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and the co-founder and CEO of KMN Psych.

Second, it can hurt the relationship’s emotional bond.

“Instead of recognizing our partners’ contributions in a positive light, this statement causes those who provide support on a regular basis to begin seeing their efforts as obligations rather than expressions of love or appreciation,” he continues. 

An appreciative partner keeps their partner’s efforts visible. Saying “That’s just your job” sends the opposite message, according to Rod Mitchell, MC, MSc, a registered psychologist and founder of Emotions Therapy Calgary. It doesn’t benefit you, either.

“When we are appreciative toward our partners, we strengthen the sense that a decision was made,” he says. “The person on the receiving end often argues very little. They just simply stop showing up.”

Related: How To Spice up Your Marriage in 2026, a Relationship Expert Reveals

Why ‘That’s Just Your Job’ Destroys Relationship Gratitude, According to Psychologists

This phrase can also reduce future gratitude. 

“Over time, the couple may no longer recognize the daily efforts of one another,” Dr. Doshay says. That can cause increased resentment and decreased motivation to show support.

It’s all about realizing someone can have a “job,” and they chose to do it.

“‘That’s just your job’ turns your partner’s choice into a debt they owed you,” Mitchell explains.

He adds that gratitude isn’t always a feeling; it’s more about intentionally acknowledging your partner’s actions.

The Hidden Trap of Division of Labor in Long-Term Relationships

In relationships, each partner often has a “role” or certain household tasks to complete. You might have assumptions about what’s “yours” to do and what’s “theirs.”

“Most couples don’t formally negotiate how responsibilities will be assigned,” Mitchell says. “Instead, many divisions of labor occur by default… This then hardens into ‘how we do things’ in the relationship.’”

But here’s the thing: Creating that routine establishes a pattern, which makes habits less conscious and completed tasks less recognized. So, Dr. Doshay encourages people to be intentional about gratitude. 

“Taking time to express gratitude, even when those actions become repetitive or familiar, will help a couple maintain emotional closeness rather than allow routine to erode their appreciation,” he explains.

Otherwise, it’s easy to get caught in an unhappy thinking trap.

“We remember the one night that the trash didn’t get taken out more clearly than we remember the hundreds of nights it got taken out,” Mitchell adds. 

Related: 8 Phrases That Are Simple, Effective Ways To ‘Check In’ With Your Partner

What Appreciative Partners Say Instead—5 Expert-Approved  Alternatives

Wondering how to show appreciation in a relationship (when you don’t totally feel it)? Psychologists share examples.

• Instead of “You’re supposed to do that anyway,” say this instead: “You didn’t have to do that, and it made my day easier.”
• Instead of “This is what you signed up for,” say this instead: “You signed up years ago, and you still show up for me.”
• Instead of “Well, I work all day too,” say this instead: “Thanks for taking that off my plate.”
• Instead of “Anyone would have done the same,” say this instead: “I noticed the effort you put in, and it means a lot.”
• Instead of “That’s expected,” say this instead: “I’m grateful I can count on you. Thank you.”

4 Other Toxic Phrases That Signal a Lack of Relationship Appreciation

Ahead, psychologists share and explain more unappreciative phrases.

1. “I do everything around here” 

While you may feel as though you’re doing all the work, consider if that’s 100 percent true—especially with an absolutist statement like this one—and if it’s helpful.

“It negates your partner’s work rather than encouraging discussion or solutions,” Dr. Doshay says. “A statement that is overly broad (i.e., overwhelming) will limit the couple’s ability to resolve their issues collectively.”

2. “Must be nice”

Ever heard (or said) “It must be nice to have time to XYZ?” That’s another example. 

“This is sarcasm disguising itself as acknowledgement,” Mitchell says. “Your partner’s good moment turns into evidence against them.”

3. “What am I thanking you for?”

Hopefully, if you ask for a little appreciation, you’re never hit with this response. 

“Instead of viewing gratitude as a gesture of appreciation for all one has done perfectly, view it as an expression of acknowledgement for what he/she does with some level of effort and concern,” Dr. Doshay encourages.

4. “At least I don’t…”

When you’re cleaning up after a partner, and they say something like, “At least I don’t leave my shoes out everywhere,” you might feel hurt.

“This is grading on a curve, where better-than-the-worst becomes the new standard,” Mitchell explains.

Related: Psychologists Warn: These 7 Defensive Phrases Are Red Flags in a Relationship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last but not least: Wondering when you don’t “need” to say thank you, or the best gracious phrase in relationships? 

Should you say thank you for basic household chores?

According to both psychologists, yes. Wondering why you should thank your partner for chores? It’s because completed chores indicate your partner has taken time out of their day to make your life easier. That’s meaningful. 

“Small gestures of gratitude are part of creating an overall positive and healthy emotional atmosphere,” Dr. Doshay says. 

He’s found couples that practice this “to be more emotionally connected,” and he says that connection “provides a strong foundation for building resilience into their relationship.” 

Mitchell emphasizes the importance of ensuring it’s not generic.

“A generic thank you can quickly fall into background noise,” he shares. “The act of gratitude needs to be about the specific action your partner took and what that action provided you with.”

For example, you might say, “Thank you for putting the kids to bed tonight. I got the twenty minutes I badly needed.”

What’s the single best phrase for relationship longevity?

“I thank you—I value you” is one of the strongest statements, according to Dr. Doshay. 

“It acknowledges the action and the individual who performed it, therefore acknowledging that the actions they perform have a purpose,” he explains. “A strong long-term relationship develops as a result of showing appreciation consistently for everyday occurrences, rather than great gestures.”

Also, Mitchell suggests saying, “You didn’t have to do that,” the opposite of “That’s just your job.” It shows that a choice was made and that the routine didn’t make your partner’s efforts disappear.

While you may think cleaning up the kitchen or giving you flowers is your partner’s “job,” don’t forget they actively chose to do it anyway. Improve your relationship’s emotional strength and keep it going with some gratitude.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What Happy Couples Over 50 Do Right—They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

• Dr. Max Doshay, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, as well as the co-founder and CEO of KMN Psych.
• Rod Mitchell, MC, MSc, is a registered psychologist and founder of Emotions Therapy Calgary.

If you are a fan of Disney’s classic thrill rides, get ready for a giant leap into the future of theme park engineering.

The Oriental Land Co., the owner and operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, has officially announced the name for its brand-new version of Space Mountain: Space Mountain Earthrise.

Set to open in 2027, the all-new attraction isn’t just getting a fresh coat of paint or a routine queue update. Disney completely demolished the original 1983 coaster infrastructure to build an entirely rebuilt, state-of-the-art indoor coaster from the ground up.

The result promise to be a high-speed, immersive cosmic voyage unlike any other Space Mountain installation across Disney’s global parks.

Related: Tokyo Disneyland Is Officially Building the Most Expensive Attraction in Disney History

View this post on Instagram A Storytelling Concept Unique to Japan

According to official details released by the park, the new name draws its inspiration directly from the awe-inspiring vision of looking back at our home planet from deep space.

“The ‘Earthrise’ in Space Mountain Earthrise refers to the sight of Earth from space as it rises from beyond the Moon’s beauty and preciousness of Earth as an unparalleled existence within the universe and is a concept unique to Japan among Space Mountain attractions at Disney theme parks worldwide,” the Oriental Land Co. shared in its official announcement.

Rather than focusing solely on sci-fi thrill elements, the attraction’s narrative aims to deliver a deeper emotional message. Through lighting, theatrical effects, and a brand-new cosmic storyline, riders will “explore the mysteries of the vast universe, and as they do, rediscover the beauty of our planet and be instilled with hope for tomorrow”.

Related: Disney World’s Carousel of Progress Closes Its Current Chapter After 30 Years

Upgraded Tech, On-Board Audio, and a Futuristic New Look

While classic Space Mountain installations at Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland previously lacked built-in seat audio, Space Mountain Earthrise will feature on-board audio systems built directly into the ride vehicles. Paired with cutting-edge lighting and immersive indoor soundscapes, the ride will create a fully synchronized sensory journey through space.

Theme park journalist Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider highlights, “the all-new version of Disney’s iconic indoor roller coaster will open next year and feature a different design from any previous installation of Space Mountain.”

Visually, the ride’s exterior architecture will shift away from stark futuristic geometry to embrace organic, curved shapes inspired by natural forms like plants and flowers.

Related: Planning a Trip to Disney? Which One?! Here Are 18 Major Differences Between Disney World and Disneyland

A Total Tomorrowland Transformation

The arrival of Space Mountain Earthrise is the crown jewel in a massive, multi-year overhaul of Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

Adjacent to the coaster, the park is constructing Tomorrowland Plaza, a brand-new central gathering space designed with kinetic lighting and night-time sound effects that seamlessly link the land’s classic attractions with its newest additions.

And the coaster isn’t the only major ride coming to the area. Next spring, the former Buzz Lightyear interactive dark ride will officially reopen as Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue. Marking the first-ever attraction themed to Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph franchise, the dark ride will invite guests to join Ralph and Vanellope on a high-stakes chase to eliminate King Candy’s “Sugar Bugs” before they ruin the game.

Whether you are planning an epic trip to Tokyo in 2027 or just love watching theme park history unfold, Space Mountain Earthrise is shaping up to set a whole new gold standard for Disney coasters worldwide.

Related: Disneyland to Retire Iconic Attractions to Comply with California’s New Statewide Regulations

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When it’s warm outside, there are three shoe styles you should always have at the ready: sandals, flip flops, and lightweight sneakers. Luckily, if you have none or just a few of those designs, we’re here to help. As avid shoppers, we’re constantly searching for new footwear deals at retailers like Nordstrom Rack. The Vionic Emma Flip Flop is now nearly 70% off, and it’ll be your go-to pair all summer long.

The footwear initially cost $125, but has been reduced to as low as $39 at Nordstrom Rack. You can shop for the shoe in four colors: black, tan, leopard print, and gold. The available sizes range from 5 to 13, including half sizes and medium and wide widths, and are described to be true to size. It’s recommended to wear the new shoes upon arrival for at least a few hours to break them in. This will allow them to customize to your foot’s shape and make them more comfortable in the long run.

Vionic Emma Flip Flop, From $39 (were $125) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

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The shoe design features a 1-inch heel with a 0.75-inch platform. There’s an adjustable strap with a classic hook-and-loop closure that will keep them secure during long wears. The side buckle is fairly large, adding to the shoe’s chunky style. The flip flop is made of a leather upper, textile lining, and rubber sole with slight traction so that you can wear them on more uneven terrain.

Vionic Emma Flip Flop, From $39 (were $125) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

What we love about this style is that it has a contoured footbed with arch support. The insole is additionally cushioned, making it shock-absorbent, and consists of a deep heel cup that provides stability on the bare foot (so you don’t have to wear socks with them to be ultra-comfy!). The new arrival is the kind of shoe that you can slip on at a moment’s notice, making it ideal for everything from running errands to family events.

Shoppers described the footwear as “very comfy,” “cute,” and “well-made” with “excellent” arch support. Another customer claimed that their “foot, hip, and back pain have been reduced,” ever since wearing these flip flops. Due to how comfortable they are, they’re also the perfect addition to your vacation wardrobe where you’ll be walking a lot. 

Related: Nordstrom Rack’s $25 Jelly Flats Are Trendy, Comfy, and Come in 9 Stylish Colors

These sandals are the kind of shoe that you can count on year after year. Shop for them at Nordstrom Rack while they’re up to 68% off before they sell out. 

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Country music legend Connie Smith is celebrating a milestone birthday.

The singer, whose unmistakable voice has been a fixture of traditional country music for more than six decades, turns 85 on Aug. 14.

Related: Lainey Wilson Announces Special ‘Guitar Pull’ Show With Surprise Guests

Longtime Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs famously introduced Smith as the “Rolls Royce of country singers,” and her remarkable career certainly backs up the lofty nickname.

Smith burst onto the country music scene in 1964 with her debut single, “Once a Day,” written by Bill Anderson. The song made history when it became the first debut single by a female country artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard country chart. Even more remarkably, it stayed there for eight weeks.

That eight-week run established a record for the longest stay at No. 1 by a female country artist that stood for nearly five decades, until Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” finally surpassed it in 2012.

Related: Ella Langley’s Record-Setting Year Continues With 3 Major Award Nominations

Connie Smith Was Discovered at a Talent Contest

Smith’s journey to Nashville began almost by accident.

In August 1963, the future star entered a talent contest at the Frontier Ranch country music park near Columbus, Ohio. She performed Jean Shepard’s “I Thought of You,” won the contest and took home a grand prize of five silver dollars.

Related: Last Surviving Member of The Monkees Releases New Music 60 Years After First No. 1 Hit

Country singer-songwriter Anderson happened to be one of the judges, and Smith’s voice immediately caught his attention.

“At first I thought they were playing a record and she was lip sync’ing it,” Anderson later recalled in for the 4-disc Smith retrospective box set Born to Sing.

The following year, Anderson helped Smith get to Nashville, where she performed on Ernest Tubb’s Midnite Jamboree. Loretta Lynn was impressed enough to introduce herself afterward and offer the newcomer some career advice.

Smith subsequently recorded demos of Anderson’s songs, which eventually reached legendary RCA producer Chet Atkins. After hearing her voice, Atkins offered her a recording contract. She signed with RCA Victor on June 24, 1964.

Less than a month later, Smith recorded “Once a Day.”

Related: Country Legend Teams Up With Lainey Wilson for Special Shows at Historic Theater

‘Once a Day’ Was Only the Beginning

Smith followed her historic debut with a remarkable string of country hits, including “Then and Only Then,” “Ain’t Had No Lovin’,” “Cincinnati, Ohio,” “I Never Once Stopped Loving You” and “Just One Time.” She ultimately scored another 19 top-10 country hits after “Once a Day.”

She also joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, beginning one of the longest associations in the institution’s history.

Related: Country Music Legend Announces 2026 Tour With Special Guest

But perhaps the best measure of Smith’s voice is what other legendary singers have said about it.

George Jones named Smith his favorite female singer, while Elvis Presley owned several of her albums and reportedly intended to record her version of “The Wonders You Perform.”

Dolly Parton offered an even more colorful assessment for the “Born to Sing” box set.

“You know, there’s really only three female singers in the world: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Connie Smith,” Parton said. “The rest of us are only pretending.”

Related: Ella Langley Leads Country Music to Billboard First That Has Never Happened Before

Smith’s accomplishments eventually earned her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. She has also received 11 Grammy nominations and was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time, with the outlet praising the “overwhelming power and elegance of her rafter-rattling” voice.

And Smith hasn’t simply become a figure from country’s past. In 2021, she released The Cry of the Heart, her first album of new material in a decade, followed in 2024 by Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches.

More than 60 years after “Once a Day” made country music history, the “Rolls-Royce of country singers” remains one of the genre’s most celebrated voices.

Related: Grand Ole Opry’s Only Female Canadian Member Turns 58

The youngest one in curls has turned 65.

Susan Olsen, the actress who played Cindy Brady on The Brady Bunch, celebrated her milestone 65th birthday on August 14. Olsen played the pigtail-wearing youngest Brady kid from 1969 to 1974 on the original ABC sitcom, later reprising the role on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, The Brady Girls Get Married, and The Bradys. At the height of the show’s fame, she hit the road with her TV siblings for a musical act and lent her voice to The Brady Kids animated series.

“I remember everything [about being cast on The Brady Bunch],” Olsen said during an appearance on The Barn. “It was the third day after my seventh birthday, we were celebrating it in Las Vegas, and we came home early so I could go on this audition because I wanted a series. I wanted to be a series regular and have a steady job, and so my agent called and said, ‘This is a good enough opportunity maybe you should come back early.’ So we did.”

Olsen recalled walking into the audition room, where show creator Sherwood Schwartz, an executive producer and a director, all sang happy birthday to her.

“And I thought, ‘Oh these are very nice people,’” Olsen shared. “And I remember we did not audition, none of us actually read a script, we never had to prove our acting chops. We just had to be interesting kids. And I found out later that that was part of the genius of the show was that Sherwood resisted the network [against stereotypes].”

“I think I can speak for everyone, we had a very positive experience,” Olsen added of her five seasons on The Brady Bunch.

Before being cast on The Brady Bunch at age seven, Olsen appeared in small roles in episodes of Ironside, Julia, Gunsmoke, and the 1969 Elvis Presley movie The Trouble With Girls. The latter role became her proudest acting moment.

“I was in an Elvis movie in a cameo,” she said in an interview with The Age, per MeTV. “I was going to have a bigger role, but at the last moment, they thought I was too young…But I got to meet the King. It beat being in The Brady Bunch.”

In her scene in the Elvis movie, Olsen auditions for a musical number while other kids impatiently wait for their turn. Among them is Family Affair star Anissa Jones, whose Buffy character inspired Olsen’s signature hairstyle on The Brady Bunch.

Olsen later told The Social Club Live that she loved Cindy Brady’s pigtails at first “because they made me look like Buffy on Family Affair and I really liked her.”

But Olsen went through great pains to get the Buffy/Brady look. She had to sleep with curlers in her hair and also underwent regular hair bleaching treatments to be as blonde as her Brady sisters Maureen McCormick and Eve Plumb.

RELATED: Eve Plumb Opens Up About One of Her Saddest TV Roles

By the time The Brady Bunch ended its run, Olsen was 12 years old and ready to leave the tattling Cindy character behind.

“To some extent, I felt guilt, because I’d been praying for the show to be canceled,” she admitted on Billy Corgan’s The Magnificent Others podcast. “It’s bad enough to go through your awkward stage and to feel really ugly, but doing it on national TV is not something I wanted to do.”

Olsen struggled with being typecast after The Brady Bunch and stepped away from acting as an adult. She later studied graphic design, co-hosted a radio show, and today teaches acting and short filmmaking at a performing arts school.

“Fame was the one part I didn’t like,” she admitted to Fox News Digital of her childhood career on The Brady Bunch. “I loved the work. I loved my castmates. I really loved the industry. I really liked what I did. I was a kid who wanted a job. But fame to me was silly. Just really, really ridiculous. It was like fool’s gold.”

Related: ‘Family Affair’ Star Says Show Almost Moved to ABC Before ‘The Brady Bunch’ Took Over

In 1979, glam rockers The Sweet recorded a song that was rejected for a movie soundtrack—only to later become another band’s final hit.

The song, “Yesterday’s Hero,” was written by Dominic Bugatti and Frank Musker for the movie of the same name. It featured lyrics about going from a hero to a rejected relic of the past.

The Sweet’s demo wasn’t what the filmmakers were looking for, so it was scrapped. The track wasn’t released until years later, when band member Andy Scott compiled rare songs from his personal archives for the compilation album Platinum Rare Vol. 1.

In the liner notes for the album, Scott recalled, “Around the time of the Water’s Edge album we were asked to record this song for a possible use in a film of the same name. However once the song was recorded it was decided that our version was too heavy (which now seems hard to believe) and the film’s producers eventually used the original demo by Paul Nicholas, who also starred  in the film.”

When fans finally heard the long-lost song, they discovered another surprising connection: it shared the same melody as the 1979 Babys hit, “Back on My Feet Again.”

The Babys version, which featured completely different lyrics, appeared on the 1980 album Union Jacks, but it almost didn’t make the cut.

In an interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Babys singer John Waite admitted he hated the vibe of the original song.

“We had written all of the songs for the record and we thought we had a great record,” he recalled. “There was a song that the record company insisted on us doing called ‘Yesterday’s Hero.’ It was really a song about being a failure. I don’t know what the f— they were thinking.”

Waite revealed that he repeatedly refused to record the song despite pressure from the record company’s A&R man.

“I kept saying ‘no,’” he shared. “Producer Keith Olsen kept making excuses for me. The band cut the track when I wasn’t there, as they were trying to appease the record company.  I kept telling them that I was not singing that song. I was not going to sing those lyrics, as they were a piece of s—.”

Waite finally decided to come up with new, more empowering lyrics as a way to solve the conflict.

“On the last day of recording…I sat down in my dressing room and I wrote ‘Back on My Feet Again,’” he said. “I wrote the lyric out and I sang over the top of this other song with a completely different melody and a whole new set of words on it. The next day I came in and put the ‘Hey babe, I’m back on my feet again.  Here I am…’  Everyone was really speechless.  They had cut this song that wasn’t that good and now we had this.“

While the record company “still didn’t like it,” “Back on My Feet Again” reached No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming The Babys’ final top 40 hit.

Waite explained his frustration with the record company in a 2014 interview. “We did Union Jacks and that had ‘Back On My Feet Again,’ which was also a gigantic single and, again, Chrysalis turned around and said the album didn’t sell,” he recalled. “So, we really felt like we were done – there was no future.”

The Babys split in 1981, after the release of the album On the Edge.

Related: 1979 Soft Rock Classic Inspired the Opening Line of No. 1 Hit Breakup Anthem Five Years Later

If your late-summer travel plans include a trip to Central Pennsylvania for a mix of chocolate and roller coasters, make sure you carve out a few minutes for one very specific, very sentimental stop.

Hersheypark recently dropped news that sent a wave of nostalgia through theme park lovers everywhere: Tidal Force, the massive 100-foot-tall splash-down flume ride that has been soaking parkgoers since May 1994, is officially making its final voyage on Monday, September 7, 2026. That means fans have just a few weeks left to experience the classic attraction before it docks permanently.

“When a vessel takes its last voyage, we believe it deserves a proper send-off,” Hersheypark shared in its official announcement. “After 32 years of making the biggest splashes Hersheypark has seen, the final tide goes out on Tidal Force at the end of the 2026 summer season. We invite you to spend the entire summer making tidal waves before we dock the boats permanently on September 7.”

For over three decades, the $4 million attraction was the ultimate way to cool off during peak July and August heat. Riders were hauled up a steep 100-foot incline before plunging downhill at speeds topping 50 miles per hour into a lake, creating a towering, wall-of-water wave that drenched riders and bystanders alike.

Across social media, theme park enthusiasts and Central Pennsylvania locals have been sharing emotional tributes and fond memories of the legendary attraction—and the reaction proves just how deeply this ride will be missed.

Related: Popular Disney Attraction Officially Shutting Down After 27 Years

“I Still Have My Commemorative Towel” View this post on Instagram

For locals who grew up in the shadow of the park, Tidal Force wasn’t just a ride—it was a childhood milestone.

One Hershey native shared a touching video on Instagram featuring a rainbow stretching over the ride’s structure, reflecting on three decades of memories: “I’ve lived in Hershey my whole life, and I was one of the first people to ever ride Tidal Force when it opened in May of 1994. They handed out commemorative towels that day. I still have mine.”

Others recalled the sheer power of the ride’s famous splash zone on the exit bridge. In the ride’s early years, bystanders stood completely exposed to the elements until the wave was so intense that the park eventually added protective glass.

Another fan shared vintage footage standing in the splash zone, captioning it: “This video was back when you could stand on the bridge—and question all your life choices in 3 seconds flat.”

Related: This Amusement Park Just Ranked No. 1 for Daredevils, According to a New Study

A Dying Breed of Classic Water Rides View this post on Instagram

Theme park enthusiasts are also lamenting the closure of what many consider one of the last great classic “shoot-the-chutes” splash boats in the country.

“It’s crazy because it’s one flume ride that lives up to its name,” one commenter noted on Instagram. “I remember the first time I saw the splash it made, I was thoroughly impressed!” Another fan echoed the sentiment, writing, “We need more of these splash boat rides!”

While Hersheypark officials haven’t revealed what will eventually replace Tidal Force on its prime piece of real estate, public relations manager Amanda Polyak noted that the park is “always planning and exploring ways to enhance the guest experience” and will share future plans when appropriate.

With Labor Day around the corner, time is quickly running out. If you want to catch one last tidal wave—or stand on the bridge to get soaked one final time—make sure to head to Hersheypark before September 7 marks the end of an era.

Related: 120-Year-Old Theme Park Once Called One of the Best Parks in the Country Might Remain Closed for Summer Season

The 1925 novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald has long been considered one of the “Great American Classics” and a literary masterpiece. Despite being a tragic novel, the story very much focuses on the titular character Jay Gatsby’s desperation to reconcile with his love, Daisy Buchanan. Because of this and other factors, Collider recently listed the novel at the top spot on their list of the “Best Romance Books of the 20th Century” among the likes of A Farewell to Arms and Gone with the Wind.

In 1922, Fitzgerald began working on this third novel, desperate to create something that was epic and intricate. Following the birth of his only child, Fitzgerald and his family relocated to Long Island. There, he was surrounded by some of New York’s wealthiest established families. This old money background served as serious inspiration for his novel.

Fitzgerald submitted his nearly finalized version of the manuscript in October of 1924. His editor, Maxwell Perkins, provided significant feedback on what needed to be changed in the book, and Fitzgerald credited him with enabling him to write “the perfect manuscript.” The final version of The Great Gatsby was submitted in February of 1925 and went on to be published in April of that same year.

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During Fitzgerald’s lifetime, The Great Gatsby was a commercial failure, and upon his passing in 1940, it was essentially in obscurity. During World War II, the novel was one selected for distribution among the US military, resulting in 155,000 copies being sent out over the next several years. By 1944, a full-scale revival in interest in Fitzgerald’s novels was occurring.

Come 1960, over 35 years after the initial publication, The Great Gatsby was steadily selling 100,000 copies per year. This led The New York Times to declare the book was a “masterpiece of the 20th century.” By the 2000s, the novel was in several schools’ curricula, and many literary critics were calling it one of the greatest novels ever written. Exactly what Fitzgerald had dreamed of, just long after his passing.

The Great Gatsby is available wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling Classic Novel, Written By a 21-Year-Old, Became a ‘Most Loved Book’

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Summer is flying by fast, which means that autumn will be here before we know it. That means it’s almost time to snuggle up on the couch while watching festive fall movies and sipping on your favorite seasonal drink. You’ll need a comfy blanket to keep you warm as the chill comes through, and this Amazon throw is the perfect pick. The best part? It’s on sale for up to 38% off. 

For a limited time only, the sage green Bedsure Fleece Checkered Throw Blanket is on sale for $15. That’s an impressive 50% discount for a find with over 8,300 perfect five-star reviews. 

Bedsure Fleece Checkered Throw Blanket, From $15 (was $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The blanket is “lightweight” enough to use in the summer, but will still keep you “cozy” in the colder months, according to shoppers. We recommend snagging it for fall, since shoppers said it’s so “soft” and “fluffy” that it “feels like you’re wrapped in a cloud.” 

The checkered design adds to the decor of your bedroom or living room, too. It would make a great gift for a college student or any homebody. 

While the blanket is available in eight different sizes, the 50-inch by 60-inch throw version will net you the best deal starting at $15. The rest of the size options increase in price as the sizes increase, so be sure to check the product listing so you can make sure you get the size you want.

There are also a wide variety of 27 colors available. The shades on sale include sage green, pink, chocolate, and olive green. The throw is made from polyester, and it’s machine washable for easy maintenance.

Related: Amazon’s ‘Rustic’ $19 Vase Looks Like It Belongs in a Grand European Estate

Hurry and shop this sale before it ends! Grab the Bedsure Fleece Checkered Throw Blanket while it’s as low as $15 at Amazon to prepare your home for crisp fall weather. 

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It may still be summer, but Walmart is already making it tempting to start decorating for fall. The Tetou LED Fall Maple Tree Table Lamp is a bestselling seasonal accent that’s currently $17, down from $33. It’s designed to look like a mini maple tree covered in orange and red leaves, and it boasts the prettiest little lights.

The tree measures 4 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and 20 inches tall, making it compact enough for a tabletop or mantel. It’s made from plastic and has 24 LED lights scattered throughout the colorful leaves. The branches are adjustable, so you can bend and arrange them, and it can be used indoors or in a covered outdoor space. It also requires three AA batteries, which aren’t included.

Tetou LED Fall Maple Tree Table Lamp, $17 (was $33) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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If you want fall decor that can stay out for months, this little tree is an easy piece to work into your space from September through Thanksgiving (or beyond). The glowing lights give it a cozier look at night, while the maple leaves keep it seasonal without tying it to a specific holiday, unlike some other spooky season pieces. At 20 inches tall, it stands out enough without taking up much room, and the battery-operated design makes it easy to place almost anywhere.

“This little tree is absolutely adorable,” one reviewer wrote, adding, “It’s compact enough to sit on a table and add a touch of autumn to your home or workplace.” Another person called it a “very cute tree” and said “the warm white LED lights are vibrant,” while a third appreciated its size and called it the “perfect fall decoration.”

Related: Walmart’s ‘Beautiful’ $17 Sunflower Basket Wreath Is the Perfect Summer-to-Fall Decor Find

The adjustable branches make this cute piece of decor especially practical since you can reshape the tree after unpacking it and customize how full or compact it looks. They also help make it easier to fit on narrower surfaces. And since it works as decor both lit and unlit, you can leave it on display during the day and switch on the LEDs at night for a cozier look.

Shop More Deals

• Lyacmy 6-Foot Fall Leaves Garland, $26 (was $52) at Walmart
• Ffenyan Halloween Porch Goose, $8 (was $14) at Walmart
• Lyacmy 22-Inch Sunflower and Pumpkins Wreath, $27 (was $53) at Walmart

You don’t need boxes of pumpkins and garlands to make your home look ready for fall. The Tetou LED Fall Maple Tree Table Lamp adds just enough color and glow to give a room a seasonal update, and now is the perfect time to get ahead of the autumn decorating game. Be sure to grab one of these adorable trees while the $17 deal is still live at Walmart.

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The Rolling Stones’ 1968 classic “Street Fighting Man” is once again being recognized as one of classic rock’s greatest protest songs, nearly six decades after it first captured the unrest of its time.

The song was ranked No. 9 on Collider’s recent list of “The 10 Greatest Protest Songs in Classic Rock.” Released during a year filled with protests, political tension and clashes between demonstrators and police, the track became one of the Rolling Stones’ most controversial recordings.

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Street Fighting Man” was shaped by the social unrest of 1968. Jagger drew inspiration from protests in London and the growing unrest in France and the United States. The song later became closely linked to the violence surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

The Rolling Stones taken in the 1960s, from left to right, Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts.

Photo by King Collection/Avalon/Getty Images

Its message was strong enough to worry American radio stations. Several stations refused to play the record, fearing its political themes could encourage more violence. The song reached only No. 48 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, a much weaker result than many of the Stones’ other singles.

Yet its commercial performance did not define its lasting impact.

Today, “Street Fighting Man” remains one of the best-known protest songs from the Rolling Stones’ classic period and a key track from their 1968 album Beggars Banquet.

The story behind “Street Fighting Man” began before the final lyrics were written.

Keith Richards had already developed much of the music in 1966 or 1967. He wanted a dry and sharp guitar sound, which he achieved by recording an acoustic guitar directly into an early cassette recorder. The rough recording method created the distorted sound that became an important part of the finished track.

The song later changed direction when Mick Jagger began writing lyrics influenced by the political unrest around him.

Jagger had attended a large anti-war demonstration at London’s Grosvenor Square in March 1968, per Far Out Magazine. He also watched events unfold in France, where student protests grew into wider civil unrest, and followed the demonstrations connected to the Vietnam War in America.

The song’s famous line about what a poor boy can do except sing in a rock and roll band captures that feeling. The narrator appears interested in the unrest but also recognizes that he is far removed from the center of the action.

The recording itself also helped create its unusual character. Richards played acoustic guitars and bass, while Charlie Watts supplied the drums. Brian Jones added sitar and tamboura, giving the track an Indian musical flavor. Nicky Hopkins played piano, and Dave Mason contributed shehnai.

The timing of the release added another layer of controversy.

“Street Fighting Man” arrived in the United States in August 1968, shortly after violent confrontations between police and protesters during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Radio programmers were concerned that the song’s subject matter could add to the tension.

As a result, several U.S. stations declined to play it.

The controversy affected its chart performance. While the Rolling Stones had already scored major American success, “Street Fighting Man” stopped at No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song performed better in several other markets, reaching No. 4 in Switzerland, No. 5 in the Netherlands, No. 7 in Austria and Germany, and No. 9 in Sweden. It eventually reached No. 21 on the U.K. singles chart when it was released there in 1971.

Despite the weak U.S. chart result, critics praised the song.

Its reputation continued to grow after its original release. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed “Street Fighting Man” at No. 287 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Pitchfork later ranked it No. 62 among the best songs of the 1960s.

Keith Richards has also spoken warmly about the recording, per uDiscover Music. Reflecting on the finished track years later, he described the moment of hearing the master as a special experience, saying, “That’s where the vision met reality.”

But Mick Jagger has had a more complicated relationship with the song.

In a 1995 interview, Jagger questioned whether “Street Fighting Man” still had meaning for modern audiences. He said, “I’m not sure if it really has any resonance for the present day. I don’t really like it that much. I thought it was a very good thing at the time.”

For Jagger, “Street Fighting Man” was closely tied to the political atmosphere of 1968. For listeners, however, the song continued to live beyond that moment.

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