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Liz Claiborne's $11 Ribbed Henley Tee Is So 'Flattering,’ One Shopper Bought 5 Colors
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Whether you are updating your workwear, adding to your weekend options, or looking for a reliable layering piece, a well-fitting, flattering shirt consistently delivers value and style for everyday wear. A good shirt that's simple, solid, and endlessly adaptable is a prized addition to any wardrobe.
The Liz Claiborne Short Sleeve Button Detail Henley Shirt is quickly becoming a top choice in the tee category. Available for $11 during JCPenney's Liz Claiborne flash sale (down from $34), it appeals to shoppers for its comfort, versatility, and affordability. Offered in ten colors and a full range of sizes, the Henley has earned repeat purchases and positive reviews from customers who appreciate its flattering fit and practicality. Make sure to apply the code LIZDEAL at checkout to lock in the lowest price.
Liz Claiborne Short Sleeve Button Detail Henley Shirt, From $11 (was $34) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenneyLiz Claiborne's take on the classic features a ribbed fabric that hugs in all the right places without clinging uncomfortably. The button-front detail adds a hint of polish, making it easy to dress up or down depending on the day's agenda.
This Henley shirt comes in sizes ranging from extra-small to XX-large, so shoppers of all shapes can find their match. The array of colors is equally impressive: choose from soft rose quartz, fresh green, timeless black, crisp white, and several other options. Many shoppers have returned for another shade after trying it on for the first time.
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Liz Claiborne Short Sleeve Button Detail Henley Shirt, From $11 (was $34) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenneyPair the bold blue with crisp white shorts for a classic summer look, or tuck a cabaret red tee into a denim skirt for brunch. The black and white versions provide endless styling potential, serving as the foundation for everything from casual streetwear to statement jackets. The layering potential makes this top especially great for late summer and early fall, when temperatures can quickly go from balmy to chilly.
The cut is what sets this shirt apart from standard T-shirts. It features elbow-length, fitted sleeves that offer a bit more coverage than cap sleeves, and a classic rounded neckline that complements the collarbone and frames the face. At 24 inches in length, it hits right at the hip for most, offering enough coverage to pair with jeans, trousers, or skirts.
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1974 Rock Hit, Hated by Randy Bachman's 1st Band, Was a 'Gift From the Songwriting Gods'
As just about anyone who's ever listened to classic rock radio can tell you, "Takin' Care of Business" was a definitely one of Bachman-Turner Overdrive's biggest hits. But according to Randy Bachman, he actually started writing the tune back when he was with the Guess Who...and his fellow band members weren't exactly enthusiastic about it.
In a new interview with Guitar Player, Bachman called "Takin' Care of Business" his "gift from the songwriting gods."
“That took me six or seven years to write,” he explained. “I started it about ’67 at Scepter Studios in New York, where the Guess Who were recording.”
"I was trying to write a song like the Beatles’ ‘Paperback Writer’ — a day in the life of a guy — rather than write a love song," Bachman continued. "In fact, I was actually writing about Stanley Greenberg, who was the son of Florence Greenberg, who owned Scepter Records. She managed the Shirelles and Dionne Warwick, and she wrote ’Soldier Boy.’"
According to Bachman, Stanley, who was the engineer, was also blind.
"And every day coming to work, he would wear a white button-down shirt, a tweed tie, tweed jacket, tweed pants and brogue shoes," Bachman recalled. "And this is in August in New York, when it’s 95 above and 95 humidity! We’re wearing ripped shirts, cut-off pants, ripped jeans and clogs, and he’s coming to work in a suit. We’d ask, ‘Stanley, why are you dressed this way? It’s so hot out there!’ He’d say, ‘I want to look like George Martin. I know this is what he wears.’"
Stanley inspired Bachman to write a song called "White Collar Man," because "he wore that white button-down shirt every day.” The engineer's description of his usual morning routine (alarm clock, train, working his "slavin' job") was worked into the lyrics: "I thought, Great! There’s a song!"
Before "White Collar Man" turned into "Takin' Care of Business," it sounded quite a bit different.
“Originally, when we got to the hook, the song stopped and we sang, ‘White Collar Man,’ the same as [sings] ‘Paperback Writer,'" Bachman said. "I played it for Burton Cummings [Guesss Who singer/keyboardist] who hated it. He said, ‘The verses are great — but "White Collar Man?" Gag me with a drumstick! I’m never gonna do this song. We’ll get sued by Lennon and McCartney. Let me change the hook.’ I said, ‘No, it’s my song. I’ll find the hook!"
The Guess Who never recorded "White Collar Man," which turned out to be a lucky thing a few years later for Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
“I’m driving to a gig one night,” Bachman said, "and this DJ on the radio, who I knew very well, says, ‘This is Daryl B on CFUN radio, takin’ care of business!’ I thought, What a song title!”
Once at the gig, Bachman learned that lead singer C.F. Turner had lost his voice and it was up to him to sing the last set. Because Bachman wasn't generally a singer, his repertoire was somewhat limited, and he wasn't sure what to play.
“And then a little light went on in my head,” he said. “I thought, This is your big chance for ‘White Collar Man!’ Put it together with the ‘takin’ care of business’ line you just heard on the radio. The band can’t say no — they are your hostage. I said to them, ‘Just play these three chords and follow me!’ And I started singing, ‘You get up every morning the alarm clock’s warning...’ And when I got to the hook, I started singing, ‘Takin’ Care of Business.’”
The band started singing along by the next chorus, so Bachman answered them with "Every day!" and "Every way!"
“And then — boom — it hit me: This is a classic!” Bachman said.
He was right, of course. "Takin' Care of Business" was released as a single from Bachman-Turner Overdrive II, in January 1974, eventually peaking at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August and spending 20 weeks on the chart overall.
1967 Motown Song, Written by Smokey Robinson, Launched a Young Band’s Career
Before The Beat had a hit of their own, they were hooked on a Motown classic. “Tears of a Clown,” first recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1967, was one of the songs the young Birmingham band loved to play in rehearsal. Eventually, it became their breakthrough single.
Written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Henry Cosby, “Tears of a Clown” appeared on the Miracles’ 1967 album Make It Happen. It was released as a single in 1970 and reached No. 1 on both the U.K. Singles Chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Nearly a decade later, The Beat put their own spin on the song, transforming the soul record into a ska-infused 2 Tone hit.
The Beat formed in Birmingham in late 1978 around singer-guitarist Dave Wakeling, guitarist Andy Cox, bassist David Steele and drummer Everett Morton. The young group drew from punk, reggae, ska and New Wave as they worked to develop their sound.
They played their first show on March 31, 1979, at the Mattador Club, opening for the Dum Dum Boyz. Their teenage frontman, Ranking Roger, was impressed by what he heard and soon signed on as a co-singer and toaster.
Early on, though, the band sometimes had trouble keeping their own songs on track. In rehearsal, the musicians could head off in different directions and lose the groove. Morton suggested they try a song everyone already knew and could play together.
They settled on “Tears of a Clown.” Wakeling later explained that the song gave them something to come back to, so they’d play it between their own material.
“We'd play ‘Tears Of A Clown,’ then we'd play ‘Mirror in the Bathroom,’ then we'd play ‘Tears Of A Clown,’” he recalled to Songacts. “We'd practiced that song more than any of the others because it was our magnet, our training model for all the other tunes.”
As The Beat began playing more shows, “Tears of a Clown” became a regular part of their set. The band took virtually any gig they could get, playing punk and reggae shows as well as pubs and working men's clubs.
The Motown cover was always a hit with crowds. “Sometimes the punky songs went well, sometimes the reggae songs went well,” Wakeling recalled. “But everywhere we went, every time, ‘Tears Of A Clown’ always went down fantastic.”
The Beat's growing reputation caught the attention of Jerry Dammers of The Specials and the emerging 2 Tone movement.
When The Beat had the opportunity to release their first single, they wanted to use “Mirror in the Bathroom,” one of their own songs. However, things got complicated by the band’s contract.
Rather than compromise on the song, the band chose the track they already knew worked with audiences. “We said, ‘We'll do ‘Tears Of A Clown’ then,’” Wakeling recalled. “Because that always goes down great.”
The Beat released “Tears of a Clown” as their debut single on 2 Tone Records in November 1979. The song caught on pretty quickly, making the U.K. Singles Chart in December and climbing all the way to No. 6.
The song became a Christmas party and jukebox favorite. Just months after their first gig, The Beat were on Top of the Pops. “Whether it was a Factory mess hall, grannies with kids around their knees, or a bunch of punks, ‘Tears Of A Clown’ always brought the house down,” Wakeling told Quietus.
The success gave The Beat the push they needed to focus on their own songwriting. Their follow-up, “Hands Off...She's Mine,” came out in February 1980. It reached No. 9 in the U.K. and topped the charts in Ireland.
Related: 1961 Pop Hit Launched 14-Year-Old Helen Shapiro’s Singing Career
‘The Challenge’ Star Reilly Smedley Reveals the Misunderstood Rule That Sent Her Home (Exclusive)
The Challenge Season 42 is here! Throughout the season, Parade.com will speak with the challengers who were eliminated from Cutthroat.
Reilly Smedley was eager not to let history repeat itself. After a solid start three years ago on Big Brother, her game quickly petered out, leading to her becoming the second boot. Getting another shot at reality TV, she was eager to prove herself and make up for all those sleepless nights of wondering "what if?"
Unfortunately, Reilly would continue to feel blue about her prospects when she was put on the blue team, a hodgepodge of rookies and contentious vets. When the first women's elimination came around, she was easily thrown in, feeling her team was seeing her as "disposable." But, for what it's worth, she was proving her mettle in the sand, outpacing fellow rookie Deb Chubb for most of the cardio/puzzle challenge. But, yet again, her prospects of making it far rolled away like an errant colored ball. Deb came from behind to sneak out a victory, and Reilly, yet again, finished as a second boot.
Read on for our full interview with Reilly. New episodes of The Challenge: Cutthroat drop Wednesdays on Paramount+.
Related: 'The Challenge’ Star Nelson Thomas Speaks Out on Historic Return After Amputation: ‘This Comeback is Everything’ (Exclusive)
We need to start with the elimination. It seemed like you were ahead for most of the challenge. But then, for whatever reason, Deb came from behind to win. I know that there was talk about your team and other people giving you advice about where to go. So what exactly happened?
So, other than blacking out during that entire elimination, it is so much more intense than people realize. You're sitting on your couch and you're watching. You're like, "Oh, I would have done that and that." When you're in there, it is war. And also on top of that, it's one of those ones where your team has a better view of this puzzle than you, and they can kind of calculate the moves you're supposed to make from a bird's-eye view. So it's one of those ones where you can lean on your team. Like Cara said in the episode, you're kind of the motor, and they're the voice of reason.
So I'm listening to them. I am busting my ass, Mike. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I'm like, "I'm gonna throw up." But honestly, Deb was absolutely killing it. Props to Deb for pulling out the win. But I think I did have the lead most of the time. I don't know if the episode really showed that enough, but I did feel like I was really ahead. I felt like I was getting somewhere. I felt the win. You know, I felt myself being able to pull it out. But there was one move where I moved a purple ball into a blue lane, which created 20 more steps for me when I could have done something else. It was nobody's fault. I should have recognized that on my own. But we're in the heat of the moment. I am exhausted mentally, physically.
So I didn't realize that was the wrong move because I was just being told what to do at that point. And it's my fault for obviously not doing it myself. But when you're in the moment and people are telling you what to do and they're confident, I'm like, "Okay, I'm gonna follow that because they can see it better than me." So it ended up being you know a huge mistake, and I think that's what cost me the win.
On top of that, the black ball! Oh, I'll never live it down. When we were doing instructions, I was like, "Okay, I'm just clarifying with everyone every step we make, every move we make, everything goes from the top right?" And I swear on my life, they said, "From the top." Maybe I was just nervous and not thinking. But I didn't know you could go down the stairs and put the black ball on the bottom of anyone's row. So that's I think those two moves completely messed me up. Because Deb had already given the black ball to me, so if I had known the rule and gone under one of her stacks, I would have won. But congrats to Deb. It was a tough one. It was so hard. Oh my god, I love her.
Let's talk about what got you into that elimination in the first place. Your team was entirely disqualified from the daily because of making noise. Talk me through all the fallout that happened as you all were trying to figure out who to blame.
I mean, again, the episodes are so edited that you don't see the three hours of us sitting there waiting in the lobby for us to go on our turn. I mean, I felt terrible for Cara. I feel horrible that she's getting this flack because I love Cara. And I know what it feels like to have a full-blown panic attack. I saw her. She was not faking that. And that's why we were sitting there with her encouraging her, like, "Come on, you can do it! You're a superhero. It's gonna be okay." But no one understands how panic feels until you're in that position. So I felt terrible for Cara. But I think that was just one of those things out of my control.
On top of that, Keanu was sick, Anna Leigh was sick. A lot of people actually were sick. And I think that's just being in another country, different food, different air, different everything. We're exhausted; none of us are sleeping. We're completely deprived of normal life. We're under duress. The pressure's on for our team; we already lost Cedric. We obviously are not the strongest team by a landslide. I mean, Jesus! My God, it sucked.
I think in the moment, I was trying so hard because I have a freak memory. I might not have the biggest biceps in the room, but I have a freak memory. I'm a bartender. I'm one of those people that will remember something from 2004, okay? I was telling my team during that entire preparation, "I have such a good memory. I remember. I'll remember everything. I'll go twice if we have to because we're down a person. I don't care. I'll do it." And I'm not afraid of heights. I'm not afraid of anything. I will jump out of a plane; I have [before .] And so I was like, "This one's ours to win. I got this for us. I'm gonna do whatever I can to help us win." And when we got up there, and I heard "DQ'd," I'm like, "F—k! This is actually the one that I could have really helped us out. And I didn't do anything."
So when we're sitting there and there's about to be a fist fight with Nelly and Brad, they're looking at me like I did it. I'm like, "No, I am the first person who's probably gonna go into that arena if we lose this. So there is no chance on earth I am gonna lose this for us." And they were looking at me. I think everyone was just in a panic and pissed off and embarrassed, and I get that. But the accusation was so crazy. I just had to wait till the episode started for people to realize I didn't open my mouth. I didn't even breathe, I wanted that so bad. You guys also didn't see after I was crying with my sunglasses on on the bus. I'm like, "F—k this. I literally had this one." That was really frustrating.
At one point, Keanu says that he wanted to try to protect you and Anna Leigh from you going into elimination. Who were you working with by the time you left the game?
I mean, it's hard. So the difference between Big Brother and The Challenge is that for the most part, Big Brother is mainly a group of people who have never met each other before and never done this experience before, so you can make your own alliances and you're coming into it fresh like everybody else. The Challenge, these people have been there for 1000 years and they've been doing it together forever. They've seen each other get married and they all have kids. It's so different socially and that has a major impact. I mean, you saw Cara's best friends were on Orange, so those are the people she leaned on.
When I walked in, I knew I wanted to work with Cedric. I love Cedric. He's the best. I'm so sad about his elimination. It sucks he had to go out early, but like I was mainly gonna lean on Cedric. I was gonna lean on Anna Leigh because I had met her before, and Keanu. Those are the people that I knew the most obviously. Of course I wanted to go in and make my own connections and I think I did. Honestly that was another reason I was so sad to get eliminated early, because I really loved the cast. I loved all the vets. There's not one person I didn't love; I really wish I had more time with them. It's like your first day at summer camp, you're gonna lean on people that you have some sort of bond or connection with, some sort of similarity with. And that was predominantly Keanu, Anna Leigh, and Cedric. So I mean, it was nice to have someone on another team who was looking out for me.
In honor of the infamous "S—t They Should Have Shown" episode of the old-school days of The Challenge, what's one moment from your time on the show that you wish you had made the edit?
I mean, there's so many moments. With so much happening, you can't include everything. But I kind of got the loser edit! I just looked like I didn't talk to anybody. I looked like I didn't speak. In my Big Brother experience, I was first HoH and made this huge onion alliance, and it was just a f—king mess. And I didn't want to do that when I got to The Challenge. I wanted to socialize. I wanted to be friends.
None of my conversations with anyone are really shown in there. And it sucks because I do think I was doing well socially. I had other people from other teams telling me how well I was doing socially, and I do think that that would have saved me if the if the nomination setup was different. Because I do think that I at least began to do really well, connecting with other people as opposed to just my own team and just my own alliance. So it sucks.
I do wish that more of my personality was shown. I wish that more of my conversations were shown because I really thought I was off to a good start. It just sucks how it all kind of happened in the vote situation. I wish more of my physical capabilities were shown. I wish that I was there longer to show that I'm not physically incapable. I am a very strong, determined person. And I don't know what the second boot fricking curse is, but I'm tired of it! I want another chance. I want another chance to go back there and rewrite the narrative because I know what I can do. I have to sit with this one too, and it sucks. So I wish I got to show more of me.
You spoke about the trauma you experienced after Big Brother, saying you haven't slept right since, knowing you could do better. How are you leaving this experience?
So when I left, we do our confessionals after it's already over. So I was doing that at 1:00 A.M. I was disheveled. I had been bawling my eyes out. I looked like a crazy person in this interview. I had barely a half hour after that. I was covered in sweat. I had blood on my arm. I was covered in dirt. I was so defeated in that interview and so exhausted. When I left, I was like, "Not again. This cannot be my fricking story. I cannot be the professional second boot." It's kind of funny, but it's not. It's embarrassing because I know how good I can be, and I know how badly I want it.
And for it to happen again, when I was so close. I'm telling you, it was so close to working. I was I went into that elimination so locked and so focused. I was nervous and I was scared. But I knew, I was like, "I have to win this. I have to rewrite the story."
So I think I'm handling it better than I did my Big Brother one because that was my first experience and it was such an intense experience. This time around, I'm just hungry for more. I really am. I'm hungry to go back and get another chance. I'm gonna freaking get my ass in the gym. I'm gonna be curling the dumbbells. I'm gonna be training. It's so hard to train for something like this. But now I know what I need to do, and it's a learning lesson.
It's not one of those things where I'm gonna sit in a pile of my own tears and drool and like feel bad for myself. It's one of those things where I hope that they saw enough of me to let me back in there and f—king do it right. I wasn't in the right mental or physical place when I was there. I was going through stuff at home, which I don't really need to harp on, but I just wasn't in the right place for it. And now I just see what it could be and I see what I missed out on. I want to change. I want to rewrite the narrative. So I, I have a better mindset about it now. I'm motivated. I'm angry. I want to go back.
1995 Silverchair Rock Song, Written by 15-Year-Olds, Is Still a Powerful Hit 31 Years Later
When Silverchair burst onto the international rock scene in the mid-1990s, many listeners focused on one thing: the band's age.
But the Australian trio quickly proved it was far more than a group of talented teenagers. One of the clearest examples was "Pure Massacre," a powerful anti-war song the members wrote when they were just 15 years old. Released in 1995, the track remains one of Silverchair's most enduring recordings more than three decades later.
The song showcased an unexpected level of maturity.
Written by Daniel Johns and Ben Gillies while they were still in high school, "Pure Massacre" tackled the devastating human cost of war rather than the personal themes many expected from musicians their age. Its thoughtful lyrics and haunting melody demonstrated that Silverchair possessed songwriting ambitions well beyond the grunge sound with which they were often associated.
The recording became an early standout.
Appearing on the band's debut album, Frogstomp, "Pure Massacre" was released as the record's second single. Built around heavy guitar riffs, dynamic shifts and Johns' emotionally charged vocal performance, the song further established Silverchair as one of the most exciting new rock acts to emerge from Australia.
"At that point, we were doing music because we just love the sounds and music we were making, and we were having a ball doing it," Gillies told Artist Waves. "We were just making these songs and we didn’t have any preconceptions about what the band was going to do. I remember going to Dan's house when were young and we'd talk about being the biggest band in the world. We were definitely ambitious, there's no doubt. But when you are 13 and 14 years-old, you don’t actually think that stuff is going to happen."
Its success helped cement the band's remarkable breakthrough.
Frogstomp was a hit in Australia went on to achieve international success, while "Pure Massacre" became one of the album's signature tracks. Alongside hits such as "Tomorrow" and "Israel's Son," it introduced audiences to a band whose songwriting depth belied its members' youth.
"It sounds exactly like we sounded," Johns told Diffuser in 2015. "There was no big American producer calling the shots behind the desk and telling us to do this, this and this. It was literally this guy, Kevin Shirley, who was a great producer, just saying, “I want it to sound like you guys, but I want it to sound really [expletive] loud and I want the guitars really [expletive] loud.” So to me, I was like, [expletive] yeah! The songwriting might not be genius, but I think sonically, the performances are really good. It’s really honest; it’s just three Australian kids thrashing it out in the studio and that's exactly how it sounds.
The song has continued to resonate with fans over the years.
Although Silverchair would later expand its sound through increasingly ambitious albums, "Pure Massacre" remains a staple of the band's legacy. Its anti-war message, combined with its powerful musical arrangement, has helped the song retain its emotional impact for successive generations of listeners.
Thirty-one years after its release, "Pure Massacre" continues to stand as one of Silverchair's defining achievements. Written by three teenagers who were only beginning their musical journey, the 1995 rocker remains a powerful reminder that great songwriting isn't measured by age, but by the ability to connect with people long after the music is first heard.
Related: 1966 Rock Song, With 17-Year-Old Singer of the Spencer Davis Group, Became a No. 1 Hit
Trump Family Pic From Bedminster Golf Tournament Sparks Backlash Amid AI-Editing Accusations
Eric Trump posted a series of family pics on Instagram following the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster over the weekend. And while Trump family fans applauded the photos, critics had a few comments of their own.
Donald Trump’s son shared two posts on Instagram earlier this week, both with several snapshots from the golf tournament—including photos of the players, his wife (Lara Trump), his children (eight-year-old Eric “Luke” Trump and six-year-old Carolina Trump), and the President.
Why did critics slam Trump’s golf tournament photos from Bedminster?Eagle-eyed critics noticed a few out-of-place images in the pics. Most notably, what seemed to be a foot behind Luke’s head. And that led to an AI accusation.
View this post on Instagram“Pic 3 is AI generated! There’s even a fifth foot behind the kids,” wrote one commenter, while another added, “Nice try with the AI photo of your dad and the kids. There’s a foot behind the boy and the whole left side is messed up.”
The backlash continued on a second post, which also included the same questionable image. “The pic with the kids is AI,” noted one commenter. Others wrote, “What in the AI-slop he** is that second picture?” and “Needing to make AI pictures of your father with your children is so, so sad.”
View this post on InstagramTrump (Eric, that is) did not respond to the AI accusations or reply to the comments.
While critics continued to pick apart Eric’s allegedly doctored photos, no one mentioned AI images on his wife’s post from the same day. Lara also shared a carousel of the kiddos, her father-in-law, and the family’s “Last weekend of the summer.” She even included a second version of the photo in question.
Like her husband’s pic, Lara’s slightly closer-up shot also has a noticeable object behind her son's ear. But it doesn’t look like her followers (or anyone else who happened to see the post) cared. Even though there were anti-Trump comments about her carousel, the criticism focused on her FIL and not her photos.
View this post on InstagramLara’s potential AI flub may have flown under the radar this time, but her World Cup photo fail did not. The mom-of-two was busted using an editing app and actually admitted the guffaw. She added the pic on her Instagram Stories, writing, “When AI takes over…the app I used to fit this in the frame changed my nails and made Carolina’s straw SOOO long.”
1967 Rock Song by The Action, Lost for Nearly 3 Decades, Became a Movie Soundtrack Hit
When psychedelic rock fans hear “Brain” by The Action, they instantly love it. A cult masterpiece mentioned in the same breath as The Zombies' "Changes" and The Byrds' "Eight Miles High," the late-'60s British freakbeat classic is a no-brainer for great needle drops.
So, it’s wild to think the song was shelved for 28 years.
One of the most famous “what if” stories of the 1960s British music scene, “Brain” is the unfortunate tale of a legendary band evolving behind closed doors but unable to share their music with the world because of bad industry timing and shifting musical goals.
According to Pitchfork, The Action—consisting of vocalist Reg King, guitarists Alan King and Pete Watson (later replaced by Martin Stone), bassist Mike Evans, and drummer Roger Powell—were heroes of the underground Mod scene in London at the time. Famous for selling out clubs, they were signed by Beatles producer George Martin, but despite critical acclaim, they couldn’t land a chart hit.
So, they went with plan B.
They expanded their lineup to include multi-instrumentalist Ian Whiteman. And in late 1967 and early 1968, they hunkered down in IBC Studios to record a load of raw material. It’s during these sessions that “Brain” was born.
Related: 1967 Rock Hit Featured in a Manson-Inspired Movie Ranked Greatest Needle Drop Ever
"The highlight of the compilation … is the transcendent, rock-splendor of 'Brain,'" Pitchfork wrote. "Reg King shouts, barely able to contain himself, 'Take your brain / It's time to go / You don't have long to go!' over a wah-wah fueled pound that would make Thunderclap Newman proud. … 'Brain' alone dwarfs most neo-psych bands entire catalogs. Classic."
The track, an experimental psychedelic groove elevated by swirling guitars, jazzy drums, and powerhouse vocals, became part of the demo the band used to secure an album deal. But they kept getting the door shut in their faces again and again, with labels repeatedly passing.
That struggle eventually led to the band’s fracturing, with King pursuing a solo career and the others rebranding as Azoth and later Mighty Baby. This confluence of events resulted in the abandonment of the master tapes, completely lost to the nature of the beast.
That is, until 1995, when indie archival label Dig The Fuzz Records dug up the demo and released it to the public on a limited-run vinyl EP, appropriately titled Brain (The Lost Recordings 1967/68). A few years later, Rolled Gold, the full set of demos remastered under the intended title, followed.
When music fans and experts finally heard “Brain,” they were stunned. The general consensus is that if “Brain” and the rest of the tracks had been finished in time and released back in the '60s, they’d be universally celebrated and given the same respect as The Zombies, The Byrds, and The Small Faces.
In the ’90s, the song bypassed mainstream charts and became a cult favorite with underground groups, mod revivalists, and psychedelic collectors. Over the years, however, the track found an unlikely second life, as a favorite for movie soundtracks, no less.
The first time the song appears on the big screen is in 2009's Observe & Report, a dark comedy written and directed by Jody Hill, and starring Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, and Ray Liotta. Considered a sleeper hit, the film follows an increasingly unhinged mall security guard on a mission to bring a flasher terrorizing the shopping center to justice. The Action’s menacing psychedelic groove feels almost tailor-made for the movie’s bleak comic world.
Fast-forward 17 years, and “Brain” is back on the big screen.
The song closes Tony, A24’s new film about a 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain, played by Dominic Sessa, during the formative summer he spent working in a Provincetown restaurant. Directed by Matt Johnson, the movie isn’t a traditional biopic; rather, it’s a fictionalized coming-of-age story about a guy who would become one of America’s most recognizable culinary voices.
And again, the song choice is perfection.
As the film comes to a close, King’s voice rises over the music, repeating the lyrics, "Remember me, remember me,” making for both a reflective closure to a film about a figure who will always be remembered and also an eerie cry from a band who spent years trying to get people to listen. Maybe, they finally will.
Related: 1966 Love Song, Made Famous by Judy Collins, Launched a Future Rock Legend’s Career
1991 Rock Ballad, 8 Years in the Making by Guns N’ Roses, Is Still a Masterpiece 35 Years Later
Over three decades after it first came out, the impactful Guns N' Roses ballad called "November Rain" is still a true rock masterpiece.
The song might've missed the top spot on music charts, but it made its mark on the world of classic rock music. It was released on the album Use Your Illusion I in 1991 before it came out as a single the next year.
But it took a long time for the song to come together. Written by Axl Rose, he first started the song a couple of years before Guns N' Roses was even formed. In an old interview with Spin magazine, Tracii Guns of L.A. Guns, who helped form Guns N' Roses in the 1980s, talked about how the song was first started.
He said, "I remember, when we were doing that EP for L.A. Guns, like '83? He was playing 'November Rain' -- and it was called 'November Rain' … you know, on piano ... It was the only thing he knew how to play."
Guns noted how confident Rose was in the song's potential, adding that he would say, "Someday this song is gonna be really cool." Rose would apparently play the song on the piano wherever they went when he had a moment. Guns would always ask him when he would finish it.
Related: ’60s Music Legend, Nicknamed "The Madman Flautist," Turns 79
At the time, Rose wasn't sure about what direction to go with "November Rain," but eventually, it all came together. By 1986, about a year after Guns N' Roses was formed, the band had an 18-minute demo of the song done. Over the next few years, they worked it down to a runtime of about nine minutes, still including Slash's memorable guitar solo.
"November Rain" was finally officially released in 1991, and it was worth all the time and effort. The song was very successful, and after it was released as a single, it peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 3. Until Taylor Swift released her extended version of "All Too Well," it was the longest song to make it into the Top 10 on the U.S. music chart.
Related: 1999 Rock Song, 30 Years in the Making for Santana, Became a 12-Week No. 1 Hit
Walmart's 7-Piece Comforter Set Is 'Soft' and 'Beautiful' With Handy Side Pockets for Books, E-Readers, and More
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If you've been looking for some new bedding to use through the end of summer and into fall, Walmart has a bestselling option on sale for up to 45% off right now. The Amberspace 7-Piece Comforter Set delivers a full bedding refresh in one neat package, and it has a clean, cozy quilted design that will complement any style of decor.
Right now, the queen-sized bedding is available at varying markdowns, depending on color: While the deep brown and olive green styles have the best discount at $50, down from $90, the beige and sage green shades are on sale for the lowest price at just $40, down from $60. You can also shop it in blue-gray, dark green, and deep purple, and it comes in full, oversized queen, king, California king, and oversized king sizes as well.
Amberspace 7-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $60) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe sophisticated set comes with a comforter, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, two pillowcases, and two pillow shams, providing an elegant, fully coordinated look that will add style to any room. Made of ultra-soft microfiber material, each piece is breathable, gentle against the skin, and smooth to the touch, offering a lightweight feel that's suitable for the end of summer yet cozy enough for the cooler fall months. The fabric is also Oeko-Tex certified, making it a safe and reliable option for everyday use.
The plush comforter has a pillowy, cloud-filled with a sleek quilted design that elevates any room, no matter whether your personal style leans trendy or traditionalist. The flat sheet has "convenient" hidden pockets on both sides that are ideal for storing remotes, magazines, and other items. Maintenance is also simple: The entire set is machine-washable, allowing for easy care.
The seven-piece comforter set has earned high praise from Walmart shoppers, with over 175 five-star ratings. Multiple reviewers praised the "soft" and "cozy" fabric, while others highlighted the "beautiful," rich color options. One buyer praised the secure fit, writing, "The sheets have deep pockets that go completely over the corners of the bed and actually stay on the bed."
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If you're looking for a cute and comfy bedding set to refresh your room ahead of fall, this seven-piece comforter set is worth a closer look. It's versatile enough to use through multiple seasons, and it comes in a variety of pretty colors to suit anyone's home. Grab one while it's still on sale for up to 45% off at Walmart.
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Andy Cohen Defends 'Real Housewives' MAGA Stars, Fans Fire Back
Bravo’s Andy Cohen just made headlines for defending the MAGA Real Housewives. But don’t mistake the Watch What Happens Live host’s statements as support for Donald Trump.
Over the weekend, Cohen hosted a Q&A on Threads. When one fan asked, “Why so many MAGA women? I can’t watch OC anymore because of them,” Cohen responded, “If we didn’t showcase people with different POV’s there would be no show. Also, it’s a show about the women and their relationships, not about politics.” So basically, it’s a reality show about wealthy women and not a pre-election debate.
Even though Andy provided a reasonable, impartial answer, some fans just weren’t having it. Cue the controversy.
TV personalities Kelly Dodd and Vicki Gunvalson. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)The original poster added, “I’m finding that I can no longer watch housewives interact and get joy from it when I know they’re MAGA and actively voting against my rights and those I love. Just like I can’t go to aKid Rock concert or buy a Cybertruck.” But don’t worry, the angsty answer wasn’t directed at Cohen. The commenter continued, “You’re awesome Andy! Thank you for bringing us so much joy over these many years!”
Other comments echoed the tone of the initial question, “Andy, MAGA personalities are not entertaining…What is the point of having diverse POV’s when those POV’s are extremely harmful?” and, “They definitely talk about politics Andy especially when Kelly was on the cast wearing MAGA hats.”
Of course, some of the commenters backed up Cohen: “Thank you Andy! 100 percent agree. The differences are interesting as their alikes. Please don’t change a thang!” and, “These shows are my escape from politics, which we all need with the way politics is mentally and emotionally abusing us these days. I’m sick and tired of being so angry and sad at the same time. The housewives and Bravo let me forget about that a couple times a week. I’m grateful for it!”
Which Real Housewives are MAGA supporters?As one of the commenters pointed out, ex-Real Housewives of Orange County cast member Kelly Dodd is an outspoken Trump supporter. But she’s not the only one. The OG of the OC, Vicki Gunvalson, and Gretchen Rossi have both expressed support for the President. Likewise, RHONY’sRamona Singer and RHONJ’sSiggy Flicker have also publicly appeared to back the Republican party/Trump.
Vicki Gunvalson and Andy Cohen. (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images)While Andy may have given the MAGA housewives the benefit of the doubt, he’s far from conservative. In March, Cohen bashed the President while speaking about the administration on his SiriusXM show, ‘Radio Andy.’ Of course, that wasn’t the first time.
Back in 2016, Cohen revealed (on ‘Radio Andy’) that he stopped hosting the Trump Miss Universe pageant in 2013 after the host country, Russia, passed a law discriminating against the LGBTQ community. After Page Six broke the news, Trump claimed he had never offered Cohen the job.
At the time, Cohen said, “I’m not rooting against him. I want him to succeed because if he succeeds, our country succeeds…but if he f***s with my civil liberties, that’s when I’m gonna have a problem. That’s where I’m at. And I just don’t want him to be a bigot, and I want them to take his Twitter away.”
Hobby Lobby's 'Charming' Home Accent Adds Modern Rustic Style to Cozy Spaces
The problem with window shopping is that eventually, you’re going to make a purchase. And while you can’t always control your shopping urges every time they come up, you can control where you shop to make sure you’re scoring the best deals possible.
Which brings us to Hobby Lobby and its unbeatably priced Lift-Top Coffee Table. Currently on sale for just $107.09, this versatile accent table brings a stylish touch and a world of functionality to your home. If ever there was a time to turn window shopping into the real deal, this would be it.
Lift-Top Coffee Table, $107.09 at Hobby Lobby Lift-Top Coffee Table, top openNormally priced at $153 but currently 30 percent off while supplies last, the Lift-Top Coffee Table is a great example of the elevated finds you can come across on any given Hobby Lobby shopping trip. Designed to bring a modern industrial feel to your home that blends easily with a wide range of decor styles, it features a dark wood-grain construction paired with sleek black metal accents for a clean, well-put-together look.
Unlike a standard coffee table, however, this one features a clever lift-top surface that reveals hidden storage inside and doubles as an elevated desk when you’re working from the couch. Complete with three small cubical openings on the bottom level for placing faux plants, decorative pieces or farmhouse-inspired baskets, it doesn’t just add a dark wood element to the room but also offers ample space for creative storage and organization.
Related: Aldi's Rustic $10 Acacia Stand Adds Farmhouse Charm to Your Kitchen
Everything You Need to Know Before You BuyWhile the reviews are still pouring in, the table has already earned itself a five-star rating, with one shopper calling it a “charming coffee table” and praising its prompt delivery and easy assembly. Best of all, they said it “looks perfect in our living room,” which is all anyone could want after pulling the trigger on such a substantial piece.
As for its overall footprint, the table stands 19.25 inches tall, 47.13 inches wide and 28.25 inches deep, giving it a commanding presence that can work just as well in a small apartment as it can in a larger living space. And when the tabletop is extended, it reaches a height of 24.38 inches, making it even more convenient for everything from working on your laptop to getting a closer look at a puzzle you’ve been putting together.
If you’re already eyeing it up for yourself, keep in mind that some assembly is required. However, a screwdriver and two Allen wrenches are provided to help you put it together. Also take note that it’s intended for indoor use only and has a weight limit of 33 pounds when the top is extended. Otherwise, don’t wait too long to add this piece to your collection. It’s only a matter of time before everyone snatches it up while the price is right.
For more home upgrade inspiration, check out the Karma Home 2-Pack Rope Table Lamps Set at Marshall’s and the Trudeau Bloom 2-Pack Nesting Serving Bowls at Costco.
Related: Hobby Lobby's Rustic $42 Accent Table Is So Popular, One Shopper Bought Four
49-Year-Old Songwriter Has Written More Hits Than You Probably Realize
Hillary Lindsey has spent decades behind some of country music's biggest hits, and now the acclaimed songwriter is celebrating a major milestone of her own.
Lindsey, one of Nashville's most respected songwriters, turns 49 on Aug. 11, 2026. Over the course of her career, she has helped write songs recorded by some of the biggest names in country and pop music, including Carrie Underwood, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan.
But Lindsey's résumé goes well beyond the names attached to her songs.
She earned her first No. 1 hit in 2002 with McBride's "Blessed," according to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. A few years later, she helped write one of Underwood's signature songs, "Jesus, Take the Wheel," alongside Brett James and Gordie Sampson.
The song became a major career moment for Underwood, 43, and earned Lindsey and her co-writers the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Lindsey later won the same Grammy for Little Big Town's "Girl Crush," which she co-wrote with Lori McKenna and Liz Rose.
Lindsey's work has also crossed well beyond traditional country music.
She co-wrote songs recorded by Lady Gaga, 40, including "Always Remember Us This Way" and "I'll Never Love Again" from A Star Is Born. "I'll Never Love Again" went on to win a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Her songwriting credits also include Keith Urban's "Blue Ain't Your Color," Little Big Town's "Girl Crush," Sara Evans' "A Little Bit Stronger" and numerous other country hits. The Songwriters Hall of Fame currently credits Lindsey with 27 No. 1 songs.
Lindsey's career has earned her some of Nashville's highest honors, too. She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022 and has received multiple ACM and CMA honors for her songwriting.
For a songwriter who has spent so much of her career helping other artists create career-defining moments, Lindsey's 49th birthday is a fitting reminder of just how much music has come from behind the scenes.
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George and Amal Clooney Seen With Twins In Rare Photo After Being Forced to Flee Home
George and Amal Clooney are back in Lake Como with their children following a frightening few weeks.
The couple made a rare public appearance with their 9-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, on Monday, August 10, when the family attended a fundraising dinner benefiting the Clooney Foundation for Justice at Villa Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy.
According to photos obtained by Hola!, the foursome arrived by boat, with George wearing a light gray suit and Amal opting for a black midi dress with embroidered flowers. Their rarely seen children dressed up for the occasion as well: Ella wore a gold dress, while Alexander coordinated with his dad in a light-colored blazer.
The event may also explain a celebrity sighting that had fans scratching their heads just days earlier. Emma Watson was photographed arriving at George and Amal's famous Lake Como villa on Saturday, August 8. At the time, the unexpected connection between the Harry Potter star and the Clooneys prompted plenty of speculation online.
But with the Clooney Foundation for Justice fundraiser taking place just two days later, Watson's visit may not have been quite so random after all. Like Amal, Watson has spent years advocating for human rights and gender equality. The actress previously served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and helped launch the organization's HeForShe campaign, which encourages men and boys to join the fight for gender equality.
It's unclear whether Watson's visit was connected to the Monday gathering or whether she attended any of the foundation's events.
READ MORE: George Clooney and Wife Amal Face Devastating Uncertainty as They’re Forced to Flee Home
The family appearance also comes less than two weeks after George, Amal, and the twins were forced to evacuate their home in Brignoles, France, as wildfires threatened the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
At the time, the couple admitted they didn't know whether their property would survive the fires but made clear that their biggest concern was their community. “As we evacuate Brignoles we want to emphasise 2 things, first we hope you and the people of our city are safe and second that Amal and I are committed to making sure that whatever happens to our village, we are part of this community and we’ll be part of making it whole,” they wrote in a letter to Brignoles Mayor Didier Brémond.
Vera Bradley’s Quilted Mini Backpack ‘Holds All the Essentials’ for Travel and Errands, Now 50% Off at Amazon
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When it comes to comfort and practicality, backpacks are the optimal bag choice. Unlike purses, they offer more than enough space for your daily essentials and keep the weight balanced on your shoulders. However, a standard-size backpack isn’t always the most stylish and can be pretty bulky for everyday activities. Mini backpacks are a fantastic alternative, adding a chic accent to any outfit while allowing you to conveniently go about your day hands-free.
Whether you’re strolling through the farmer’s market, sightseeing on vacation, or spending the day at an amusement park, this Vera Bradley Premium Cotton Mini Banbury Backpack ensures that you stay prepared and look stylish for any outing. Right now, you can score it on sale at Amazon for a whopping 50% off. Normally retailing for $70, it’s now marked down to just $35 in three styles. This backpack is also on sale in four other designs under $40, plus three more versions ranging from $42 to $62.
Vera Bradley Premium Cotton Mini Banbury Backpack, From $35 (was $70) at Amazon Shop at AmazonAs practical as a backpack and as stylish as a purse, this bag gives you the best of both worlds. Measuring 7 inches wide, 9 inches tall, and 5 inches deep, it offers just the right amount of space for your on-the-go essentials without becoming too bulky. For size reference, a reviewer said that they were able to fit a phone, wallet, small water bottle, and snack into their backpack.
@verabradleyFits everything you need with plenty of room to spare✨ #VeraBradley #BoldandInspired #WhatsinmyBag #MiniBackpack
♬ 4EVER - ♪Designed to keep your belongings organized so you can find everything with ease, this mini backpack has pockets galore. The front of the bag is equipped with a zippered compartment, where you can stash smaller items like lip gloss, cash, and a set of keys. For additional storage, the interior of the main compartment boasts a small zippered pocket. Behind the bag, you’ll find a concealed slip pocket, which is ideal for your phone, wallet, or any other important items that you want to keep from getting stolen.
This backpack is equipped with two adjustable straps that measure 37 inches long at full length. You can tailor the straps depending on your preference, whether you want the bag to sit high on your back or by your waist. The straps are padded, and shoppers raved about how comfortable they are on their shoulders. This backpack also has a top with a 2-inch drop so you can hang it up on a coat rack or wall hook.
Vera Bradley Premium Cotton Mini Banbury Backpack, From $35 (was $70) at Amazon Shop at AmazonGiving this some texture and dimension, the fabric is quilted with a trendy diamond design in vibrant, eye-catching patterns that make a statement. You can choose from ornate botanical patterns, whimsical floral designs, paisley prints, and more.
Amazon shoppers loved everything about this bag. They described the patterns as “fun," “super cute,” and “absolutely darling.” One reviewer said that the bag is “very lightweight and tiny, but holds all the essentials.” A second customer commented that it’s the “perfect size for vacation.”
Made of soft premium cotton, this bag weighs less than 0.6 pounds, hardly adding any extra weight. If you ever want to clean this bag, you can just toss it into the washing machine with cold water on a gentle cycle. Hang it up to dry afterward, and it should be as good as new.
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Equal parts stylish, practical, and comfortable, the Vera Bradley Premium Cotton Mini Banbury Backpack will keep you prepared for whatever the day throws your way. Head to Amazon and snag it while it’s still on sale for as low as $35!
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1981 Hit by 'Grease' Actress, Named the 'Top Song of the '80s,' Made Billboard Chart History
Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" wasn't just a smash hit for the beloved Grease star, but it ended up joining the ranks of the few elite songs that have achieved a rare chart milestone.
"Physical" spent its first week at No. 1 on the Hot 100 on Nov. 21, 1981, where it stayed for a total of 10 straight weeks. The impressive chart feat earned the quintessential '80s track a spot on Billboard's list of the longest-leading No. 1 hits in the history of the Hot 100.
The list recognizes all of the Hot 100 hits with at least a 10-week stay at the chart's summit. The record for the most-ever weeks spent at No. 1 is currently held by Mariah Careywith 22 weeks for "All I Want For Christmas Is You."
Other dominating chart-toppers include "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey and "Old Town Road," byLil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, each with 19 weeks, plus Ella Langley's recent smash hit "Choosin' Texas," with 17 weeks — and counting.
Newton-John's "Physical" is just one of several songs to have a 10-week run at No. 1, along with other chart-toppers like Ashanti's "Foolish," Kanye West's "Gold Digger," and Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life," to name a few. More recent hits to achieve the milestone include like Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia," and Alex Warren's "Ordinary."
Newton-John's "Physical" — which was banned from radio at one point due to its racy nature — would go down as not only one of the biggest songs of her career, but also one of the best-selling songs of the entire decade.
It holds the top spot on Billboard's 'Top Songs of the '80s, in front of other smash hits from the decade, like Kim Carnes' "Bette Davis Eyes" (No. 2), Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's "Endless Love" (No. 3), Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" (No. 4) and "Every Breath You Take" by The Police (No. 5).
"Physical" is undeniably one of the most memorable songs from Newton-John's catalog, along with her Grammy-winning hit "I Honestly Love You," and the Grease tracks "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "You're the One That I Want" and several others.
Related: 1993 Alternative Rock Hit, Reimagined by Lainey Wilson, Still Holds Up Over 30 Years Later
Tara Lipinski Was Just 15 When She Delivered an Olympic Performance That 'Stopped Time'
Tara Lipinski was just 15 years old when she delivered a championship-worthy performance at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Lipinski became the youngest individual gold medalist in Winter Olympic history at the time, delivering a performance that would cement her place as one of figure skating's greats. Decades later, skating legend Scott Hamilton, who served as a TV commentator for the event, said the skater's performance "stopped time." That's high praise from one of the most celebrated American figure skaters of all time.
Tara Lipinski Was a 15-Year-Old Olympic Champion @scotthamiltonofficialSome Olympic moments stop time. ✨ In 1998, Tara Lipinski skated for gold and delivered a free skate that changed the sport forever. Poised, fearless, and performing beyond her years on the biggest stage imaginable. Having the chance to call this performance as it unfolded was something I’ll never forget. This is what Olympic gold looks like. 🏅 Courtesy 🎥 : CBS
♬ original sound - Scott HamiltonTara Lipinski skated into the hearts of Americans as a 15-year-old champion. Defeating fellow American Michelle Kwan in one of the most competitive figure skating contests ever, it is Tara Lipinski's free skate for which she is most celebrated.
Packed with difficult jumps and intricate choreography, Lipinski maintained the composure and poise of a much more experienced athlete. She may have been 15 years old, but Lipinski skated like someone who knew she belonged on the world's biggest stage.
Why Tara Lipinski Was So Good at 15By the time the Nagano Olympics came around, Tara Lipinski had been skating competitively from a very young age and had established herself as an athlete to watch.
In addition to her maturity in competition, Tara Lipinski's greatest advantage was her technical ability. Known for her jumping, in particular her ability to land challenging triple jumps with unparalleled consistency, she coupled athleticism with speed, musicality and expressiveness on the ice that made her programs more than technically impressive routines—hers were theatrical masterpieces.
Related: 2018 Olympic 'Moulin Rouge!' Ice Dance Routine Featured a Lift That Looked Like Pure Magic
Scott Hamilton Praised Tara Lipinski's Olympic PerformanceNearly 30 years after the Nagano Olympics, Scott Hamilton shared his thoughts on Lipinski's performance. Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic champion and one of the leading American voices in figure skating, shared that calling Lipinski's performance for the television audience was an unforgettable moment.
That praise carries particular weight because Scott Hamilton understood exactly what it meant to perform under Olympic pressure. He had experienced it himself.
For Hamilton, Tara Lipinski was more than a technically gifted athlete. She possessed the rare ability to transform her audience, making them forget about the competition and become absorbed in the story being told through her performance.
Tara Lipinski Became a Figure Skating Icon @nbcolympicsNow we know why it’s called a kiss and cry. 🥹 #PrevagenUSChamps (🎥 @johnnygweir) #figureskating #johnnyweir #taralipinski #wholesome
♬ original sound - NBC Olympics & ParalympicsHer Olympic win instantly transformed her from a teenage skating sensation into an American sports icon. Her fame didn't disappear when her competitive skating career ended. She successfully transitioned into television and pop culture.
A familiar face through broadcasting and commentary, particularly alongside Johnny Weir, the duo became known for their distinctive chemistry, humor and commentary, introducing their personalities to viewers who might not otherwise have followed figure skating closely.
Lipinski may have been known as a young champion, but she became something even more iconic—she became part of the broader pop-culture landscape.
Iconic Film Just Named No. 1 ‘Best Sequel of All Time’ — And It’s Not ‘Empire Strikes Back’
Some movie sequels have become nearly as famous as the films that came before them. But according to a new ranking, one stands above them all.
Consequence has ranked the 35 best movie sequels of all time and the publication ultimately put Francis Ford Coppola’s epic The Godfather Part II at No. 1, just ahead of Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back at No. 2.
Released in 1974, The Godfather Part II did something far more ambitious than simply pick up where Coppola’s 1972 blockbuster left off. The film functions as both a sequel and a prequel, following Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone as he tightens his grip on the family empire while simultaneously tracing the rise of his father Vito Corleone, played as a young man by Robert De Niro.
That dual structure was central to Coppola’s plan. Rather than simply repeat the first movie, he wanted to contrast Vito’s ascent with Michael’s decline, telling the stories of father and son at roughly the same age.
Consequence argues that approach helped make Part II the “gold standard” for sequels that manage to surpass the original. The publication praised the movie for using its two timelines to deepen the Corleone story rather than merely extend it, ultimately demonstrating that a sequel could actually improve upon what came before.
Interestingly, the movie now held up as the greatest sequel ever had a somewhat rocky road to the screen.
Pacino nearly didn't return after expressing serious concerns about Mario Puzo’s original script. Coppola reportedly spent an entire night rewriting it, after which Pacino agreed to make the film. Marlon Brando, meanwhile, had agreed to appear in the flashback depicting Vito Corleone’s birthday, but failed to show up for filming, forcing Coppola to rewrite the scene that same day.
There was skepticism about the entire idea of The Godfather Part II as well. Paramount initially opposed Coppola’s decision to put “Part II” in the title because the studio feared audiences wouldn’t be interested in seeing another chapter of a story they already knew. The film’s success helped turn numbered sequels into a Hollywood fixture.
And despite its reputation today, the sequel wasn't universally hailed upon arrival. Renowned film critic Pauline Kael was an early champion, calling it thematically richer than the original, while The New York Times critic Vincent Canby was far less impressed, arguing that the film felt pieced together and that its plot resisted a coherent synopsis. Roger Ebert gave it three out of four stars but criticized its shifts between Michael and Vito’s stories.
History, of course, had other ideas.
The Godfather Part II received 11 Academy Award nominations and won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Coppola and Best Supporting Actor for De Niro. It became the first sequel ever to win Best Picture, while The Godfather and The Godfather Part II remain the only original film and direct sequel to both take home the top prize.
Its reputation has only grown in the decades since. The American Film Institute ranked it No. 32 among the greatest American movies, while the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1993.
That makes Consequence’s new ranking less of a shock than a heavyweight title fight. The Empire Strikes Back, the movie so frequently held up as the model for how to make a sequel, landed just behind it at No. 2. Consequence praised the 1980 Star Wars installment for deepening the original movie’s themes, expanding its world and dramatically raising the stakes.
But ultimately, The Godfather Part II got the crown. And this isn't even the first time Consequence has put Coppola’s sequel at the top of a formidable field: The outlet previously named it the greatest Best Picture winner of all time.
Best-Selling Author Joseph Heller’s 1961 Novel Ranked Best Book of All Time by Readers
Last week, the Telegraph found itself in a catch-22. After publishing a list of the 50 greatest books of all time chosen by the outlet’s resident critic, readers had plenty to say about the roundup, particularly about the books left out of the conversation.
So, in a follow-up article published today, the Telegraph gave readers the chance to name the books they consider the best of all time. Fittingly, one of the most mentioned titles was Joseph Heller’s 1961 debut novel, Catch 22.
“Greatest satire since Erewhon,” one reader shared, while another leaned into criticism with, “The writer seems to ignore the American genre apart fromThe Great Gatsby. Read Catch-22 as a teenager and again decades later.”
View this post on InstagramPublished in October 1961, Heller’s satirical novel set on a Mediterranean island during WWII follows Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. bombardier whose main goal in the military is just to survive and go home. An artful dodger, he tries everything he can think of to escape his increasingly dangerous bombing missions, even feigning illness and insanity. The problem is that the number of missions he’s required to fly keeps increasing.
Caught in a hopeless, paradoxical trap, Yossarian is at the mercy of the bureaucratic military rule known as "catch-22," which states that a pilot who asks to be grounded because he’s crazy is actually demonstrating rational concern for his safety, in turn proving he must be sane. In other words, the very act of trying to escape the rule proves that Yossarian doesn’t qualify for an escape.
"I was lying in bed in my four-room apartment on the West Side when suddenly this line came to me: 'It was love at first sight. The first time he saw the chaplain, Someone fell madly in love with him,'" Heller once said in an interview with The Paris Review, adding "As soon as the opening sentence was available, the book began to evolve clearly in my mind."
Using dark humor and nonlinear storytelling, Heller exposes the madness and cold bureaucracy of war. But his at-times crude prose initially threw off some critics. Commercially, the response was mixed as well. Upon publication, it sold a modest 30,000, per The New York Times. However, the novel exploded in popularity in the U.K. and through word of mouth among U.S. college students.
As the Vietnam War intensified, the novel’s antiwar satire resonated particularly strongly with the counterculture and a new generation of young readers. Since then, it’s sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, per Audible, and is widely regarded as a 20th-century masterpiece. It was only a matter of time before it found its way onto the screen.
The novel inspired several visual and theatrical adaptations, first with a feature film in 1970 directed by Mike Nichols and followed by a 1973 television pilot starring Richard Dreyfuss. More than four decades later, George Clooneybrought the story back to television in 2019.
Hulu’s Catch-22, a comedy thriller that stays loyal to Heller’s original tone, saw Clooney wear multiple hats, including executive producer, director, and star, as Lieutenant Scheisskopf, one of the ambitious yet incompetent military training commanders. Created by Luke Davies and David Michod and co-starring Christopher Abbott and Kyle Chandler, the series was nominated for two Emmys.
Sixty-five years after its publication, Catch-22 remains as relevant as ever. Heller's fictional rule has become a phrase embedded in everyday language, while the novel itself continues to find new generations of readers.
And now, fittingly enough, it has been named the best book of all time by several Telegraph readers, proving that sometimes, the most appropriate choice is the one that leaves you right where you started.
Walmart's 'Soft' and 'Comfortable' Summer Lounge Set Is Perfect for Errands, Walks, and Travel
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If you're looking for a cute and comfy outfit that you can effortlessly throw on and wear while lounging at home, running a quick errand, or embarking on a long travel day, Walmart has a top-rated find on sale for an unbeatable price. The Loritta 2-Piece Lounge Set is a cozy, casual option that comes in four tropical-inspired prints, and it's currently marked down to as low as $15.
Available in sizes small to 2XL, each set comes with a classic solid-colored crewneck tee and a pair of flowy floral-printed shorts. Originally $26, you can now shop the black floral option for just $15. It also comes in a light blue color for $16 and in purple and green hues for $19.
Loritta 2-Piece Lounge Set, $15 (was $26) at Walmart Shop at WalmartMade of a soft polyester-cotton blend, the adorable set is designed to feel smooth, breathable, and smooth against the skin, with a gentle stretch that moves with you whether you're taking a nap or walking the dog. Featuring a rounded neckline and a hip-length hem, the tee has a baggy, relaxed fit that's comfortable to wear for anything from working out to lounging at home. The patterned shorts have a longer, knee-length cut and an elastic waistband with an adjustable bow tie. They also feature two roomy side pockets that are ideal for holding your phone, keys, or wallet.
The cute set is versatile enough to wear on its own or mix and match with other items in your closet. The fabric is durable, quick-drying, and shrink-resistant, although the brand recommends hand-washing and avoiding hot water or bleach to help it maintain its overall softness.
The Loritta lounge set has earned plenty of praise from Walmart shoppers. Multiple reviewers praised both the quality and fit, with one writing, "The lounge set was just what I wanted it to be — very soft and comfortable." Another highlighted the flattering length of the shorts, noting that they're "not too short and not too long."
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With its soft cotton-blend fabric, comfy fit, and several fun floral prints to choose from, this adorable two-piece lounge set is worth snapping up while it's still on major sale. Don't hesitate to snag one while it's still marked down to as low as $15 at Walmart.
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Suge Knight Shares Who He Believes Was Involved in Tupac Shakur's 'Assasination'
September marks 30 years since the murder of rapper, actor, and activist Tupac Shakur. He was 25-years-old when he was gunned down in a drive-by in Las Vegas, and died six days later as a result of his injuries. In 2023, Duane " Keefe D " Davis was officially charged and arrested for orchestrating the alleged hit, reportedly as revenge for Shakur and his squad attacking his nephew Orlando Anderson hours before, following a Mike Tyson fight.
Death Row Records founder Suge Knight was grazed by a stray bullet as he sat next to Shakur in the car. Many long suspected that Knight had anything to do with the rapper's murder, which he’s always denied. Now, Knight is speaking out, saying that Keffe D is not the only one responsible for Shakur’s death.
Currently incarcerated himself, Knight called into TMZ Live as jury selection continues in Keefe D’s murder trial in Las Vegas. "This was an assassination,” Knight said on the call. But he says Keefe D jeopardized his own case. Despite pleading not guilty, Keefe D has repeatedly discussed his involvement in interviews, in a book, and on podcasts. Knight says others are involved, but he refused to name them specifically.
Knight has always maintained his innocence, but did not assist the police in their investigation. He told ABC News recently, “This trial has nothing to do with me, and if somebody brings me there, it’s gonna hurt whoever brings me there,” he said.
In his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend, Keefe D revealed that he provided the gun used in the shooting, but said he didn’t pull the trigger. Prosecutors are using the book as a key piece of evidence. Keefe D now says the book was written by a ghostwriter and much of the information in the book is false. He is the only person to have been arrested over Shakur’s killing.