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Wired vs. Wireless Home Security Systems: What’s the Difference?

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 5:00pm

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Wired and wireless home security systems can both protect a house effectively, but they differ in how they connect, how they’re installed and how easy they are to expand.

Wired systems rely on physical cables between sensors and a control panel. Wireless systems use radio signals, which usually makes installation faster and gives homeowners more flexibility when adding equipment later.

The better choice depends on the home, the existing setup and how much flexibility you want from the system.

ADT offers both wired and wireless options, along with professional installation and monitoring for homeowners who want help choosing the right configuration. Below, we break down the differences that matter most before you buy.

If you’re unsure which setup fits your home, ADT offers professional security consultations and can recommend equipment based on your existing system, property layout and monitoring needs.

What Is the Difference Between Wired and Wireless Security Systems?

Wired security systems use physical cables to connect sensors and other devices to a central control panel. Wireless security systems use radio signals to communicate between those components. Both can support professional monitoring, but installation, maintenance and expansion differ considerably.

A hardwired system typically requires cables running from sensors back to the control panel. In contrast, wireless sensors use batteries and communicate without those dedicated wires.

ADT notes that both types can provide effective home security, and both can be professionally monitored. Here’s how the main differences compare:

Feature

Wired Security System

Wireless Security System

Sensor connection

Physical wiring

Radio signals

Installation

Usually more involved

Generally faster and less invasive

Expanding system

New wiring may be required

Additional sensors are easier to add

Sensor batteries

Usually not required

Required

Moving equipment

More difficult

Easier

Radio interference

Less susceptible

Possible

Professional monitoring

Available

Available

Are Wireless Security Systems Easier To Install?

Yes. Wireless security systems are generally easier to install because sensors don’t require dedicated wiring through walls. This also makes them easier to expand when homeowners want to add another door sensor, motion detector or other compatible device.

Installing a hardwired system in a finished home can involve routing cables behind drywall and connecting each sensor to the control panel. ADT notes that this process is generally more time-consuming than installing wireless equipment.

Wireless equipment provides more flexibility.

ADT’s current door/window sensors, for example, offer wireless mounting, while its motion sensors communicate wirelessly with the system. That doesn’t mean placement should be casual. Wireless sensors still have communication ranges and installation requirements. Walls, distance and other environmental conditions can affect performance.

Are Wired Security Systems More Reliable Than Wireless?

Wired systems avoid some of the radio interference that can affect wireless sensors, but reliability depends on the complete system rather than wiring alone. Modern wireless security systems use battery-powered sensors and can include cellular communication and backup power to maintain important security functions during outages.

Wired equipment has some inherent advantages. Because components communicate through cables, they aren’t subject to the same radio-frequency interference as wireless sensors.

Wireless systems address reliability differently.

ADT’s current security base supports Wi-Fi and cellular networks and includes up to 24 hours of battery backup. With qualifying professional monitoring, cellular backup allows alarm events to be transmitted when the home’s Wi-Fi connection is unavailable.

That distinction is important when comparing modern systems. Losing Wi-Fi doesn’t necessarily mean losing alarm communication when cellular backup is available.

Can Wireless Home Security Systems Be Hacked?

Wireless security devices face cybersecurity risks because they communicate over radio signals or connect to home networks. Strong passwords, secure Wi-Fi, software updates and account security reduce those risks. Wired equipment avoids some wireless threats but isn’t automatically immune from tampering or other security problems.

Homeowners with connected cameras should also pay particular attention to network security. The Federal Trade Commission recommends using strong, unique Wi-Fi and router administrator passwords. It also advises changing default credentials rather than leaving manufacturer settings in place.

ADT notes that wireless signals can experience interference and recommends proper system setup to maintain reliable communication. Current ADT equipment also uses encrypted communication between supported components.

Physical wiring brings different considerations. Older wired alarm systems that depend on traditional telephone lines may lose that communication path if the line is damaged or cut.

Homeowners who prefer wireless equipment without handling placement themselves can choose ADT professional installation. ADT says its technicians install the system, test it and identify potential security gaps before completing the appointment.

Do Wireless Security Systems Work if Wi-Fi Goes Down?

Wireless sensors don’t necessarily stop working when Wi-Fi fails because many communicate directly with the security hub rather than through the home’s wireless internet. Systems with cellular backup can also transmit supported alarm events when broadband service is unavailable.

This is one of the most common misconceptions about wireless security. “Wireless” doesn’t always mean every sensor depends on Wi-Fi.

ADT’s current base, for example, uses a dedicated wireless protocol to communicate with compatible sensors while Wi-Fi supports other connected features. Qualifying ADT monitoring plans also include cellular alarm backup.

Internet-dependent features such as camera streaming may still be affected during an outage.

ADT has even introduced a cellular-only setup option for qualifying ADT+ systems, allowing core security functions to operate without home Wi-Fi.

Is a Wired or Wireless Security System Better for Your Home?

A wireless system is often the easier choice for an existing home because installation requires less wiring, and additional sensors can be added more easily. Wired systems remain useful where cabling is already installed or where homeowners prefer physical connections between components.

The best configuration also depends on what’s already in the house. Some properties can use a combination of wired and wireless equipment rather than replacing an existing system completely.

ADT currently offers packages with both professional installation and self-setup options, along with professional monitoring and cellular backup on qualifying plans.

If you’re comparing wired and wireless home security, ADT can evaluate your current setup and provide a customized quote based on the equipment and monitoring your home needs.

Billboard No. 1 Hit, Lasting for Nine Weeks, Was Written in New Zealand by a 15-Year-Old

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 4:46pm

Lorde’s “Royals” became a rare global breakthrough: a song written in New Zealand by a 15-year-old that went on to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stay there for nine weeks. 

The song helped introduce Lorde, born Ella Yelich-O’Connor, to a worldwide audience and became one of the defining pop songs of 2013.

According to Rolling Stone, Lorde wrote “Royals” when she was 15. She wrote the song in about half an hour, drawing from her teenage life in New Zealand and her interest in the way pop and hip-hop artists presented wealth, luxury and fame.

The song was written with New Zealand producer and songwriter Joel Little. Together, they created the track during Lorde’s early recording years, when she was still attending school.

Singer-songwriter Lorde performs at Echoplex on Aug. 8, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage

The success of “Royals” was not limited to the United States. The song reached No. 1 in several countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. On the Billboard Hot 100, it became Lorde’s first No. 1 hit.

Billboard’s chart record lists “Royals” as debuting on the Hot 100 in July 2013. It eventually reached the top position in October and spent 44 weeks on the chart.

The story behind “Royals” began with a young Lorde writing lyrics at home.

Rolling Stone described the song as being written “in like half an hour” by a 15-year-old New Zealander. Lorde and Little later recorded it in Auckland during a school break.

The song’s writers are credited as Ella Yelich O’Connor and Joel Little.

Lorde’s inspiration came from several places. One important source was a photograph of baseball player George Brett in a 1976 issue of National Geographic, according to Far Out Magazine. Brett was shown signing baseballs while wearing a shirt with “Royals” written across it.

Lorde later explained the moment to VH1: “It was just that word. It’s really cool.”

That single word became the title of a song that would eventually dominate radio and music charts around the world.

The track also reflected Lorde’s interest in aristocracy and royalty. She had been interested in figures such as Marie Antoinette and Henry VIII, which also influenced the stage name she chose.

But “Royals” was not a song celebrating a life of luxury. Its lyrics questioned the images of expensive cars, jewelry, alcohol and celebrity wealth that often appeared in popular music.

Lorde said she was listening to rap and Lana Del Rey while writing the song. She also looked at the difference between those glamorous images and her own everyday life.

As Lorde explained to The Observer, per Far Out Magazine: “This is our reality! If I write songs about anything else, then I’m not writing anything that’s real.”

“Royals” was first released through Lorde’s The Love Club EP before becoming a major international hit. It was later included on her 2013 debut studio album, Pure Heroine.

The song’s success also brought major awards. At the 2014 Grammy Awards, “Royals” won Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

Its influence continued beyond its chart run. The minimalist sound of “Royals” was widely associated with the rise of alternative-leaning pop and later bedroom-pop music. Lorde’s teenage perspective also became an important part of the song’s identity.

Rolling Stone placed “Royals” at No. 30 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in its 2024 edition.

At 15, Lorde had written the words to a song that would become a No. 1 hit. A few years later, “Royals” had become a Grammy-winning international hit and a lasting part of modern pop music history.

Related: 1976 Soft Rock Song, Recorded in Muscle Shoals, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

'The Young and the Restless' Writer Drops Urgent Warning Ahead of Fall Reboot

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 4:41pm

Earlier today, CBS confirmed that head writers Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor will take over the legacy of The Young and the Restless beginning November 11, 2026. Now, Giddens has taken to social media to tease exactly when viewers should start watching daytime’s top-rated soap opera.

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A fan took to X, formerly Twitter, after seeing the date confirmed, writing, “I’ll start watching on Nov 11th – cannot wait to see what Jamey Giddens and Dan have written!”

Giddens immediately quoted the post and shared, “Start watching NOW!” He then explained that the episodes airing this Fall on The Young and the Restless “set up tons of juicy stories Dan O’Connor and I are lucky to inherit as we begin telling new ones!”

The award-winning head-writer added, “Let’s watch as a Soap Fam! #YR

Start watching NOW! Fall in Genoa City sets up tons of juicy stories @oconnordanj and I are lucky to inherit as we begin telling new ones! Let’s watch as a Soap Fam! #YR https://t.co/BSBT8hNMb6

— Jamey_Giddens (@Jamey_Giddens) September 10, 2026

As is normal with soap operas, when a new regime begins writing, they inherit and continue existing storylines while starting brand-new stories to entertain fans.

Before headwriting The Young and the Restless, Giddens has worked as a breakdown writer for both Days of Our Lives and Beyond the Gates, in addition to serving in various writing roles on series such as The Rich and the Ruthless, Ambitions, and Tyler Perry’s Sistas.

Giddens is joined by co-headwriter Dan O’Connor, who had a Daytime Emmy Award-winning run as either Associate Head Writer or Co-Headwriter of the ABC soap opera General Hospital between 2013 and 2024.

Giddens and O’Connor are taking over for former Daytime Emmy Winner Josh Griffith, who took over as headwriter beginning in 2019.

Fans responded positively and excitedly to Giddens, looking forward to the new era of CBS’s long-running daytime drama. One fan shared, “After 53 years, I admit I’ve strayed from GC, but I’m trusting you both and on my way back.” A second fan added, “Excited! Started back watching.” A third fan jokingly added, “Whew okay imma start now/soon…for YOU, Jamey lol.”

Viewers can tune in to brand-new episodes of The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS and streaming weeknights on Paramount+.

Related: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Sets Premiere Date for Major Headwriter Shakeup

'The View' Audience Member Left in Tears After Unexpected Giveaway

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 4:36pm

Live audience members of The View were gifted a surprise on Tuesday.

During the final moments of the daytime talk show’s Season 30 premiere, Whoopi Goldberg made a giveaway announcement as part of their “30 Days of Giveaways” segment.

“There’s nothing more that we love than giveaways on this show,” Goldberg said. “All season long, we’ll be surprising the audience with incredible giveaways, and today is our very first one!”

Sarah Haines said that the giveaway entailed a three-night stay at the Secrets and Dreams Playa Mujeres resorts in Cancun, and Goldberg initially said that the giveaway would be won by only one person in the audience. But instead, the 70-year EGOT winner pulled a card out of the gold box and revealed that everyone seated in the live audience won the vacation. Right after, Goldberg announced a commercial break and the cameras panned to the audience, which showed many jumping out of their seats and screaming for joy. Even one audience member was seen wiping away her tears.

The View is a daytime talk show created by journalist Barbara Walters and producer Bill Geddie that premiered on ABC in 1997. The show was designed around a panel of women from different generations and backgrounds to discuss current events, politics, entertainment and other topics, alongside interviews with celebrities, politicians and newsmakers. Hosts this season include Goldberg, Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Joy Behar, who recently made history as the longest-running female talk show host in America.

Over its nearly three decades on television, the show has also become an influential platform for political and cultural discussion, with its hosts frequently weighing in on major news events and inviting prominent figures to debate them. Now in its 30th season, The View remains one of ABC’s flagship daytime programs and has continued Walters’ original vision of putting different perspectives at the same table.

The View is taped in downtown Manhattan in New York City, and everyone seated in the live audience at the Season 30 premiere was a “superfan” according to Haines. Fans can request free tickets through 1iota, which also allows viewers to request tickets to various talk shows, including Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as well as seats in award shows, TV and movie premieres, screenings and tapings for sitcoms.

Viewers can watch The View air every weekday at 11 am ET on ABC.

Related: TV Host, 83, Celebrates a Milestone No Other Woman Ever Has

Walmart’s ‘Comfy and Soft’ 7-Piece Bed-in-a-Bag Set Has a Clever Sheet Pocket for Your Remote, and It Comes in 8 Colors

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 4:34pm

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Fall is an easy time to give your bedroom a refresh, and swapping out your bedding can make a big impact without requiring a complete room makeover. That’s where a bed-in-a-bag set can make it especially simple, with comforter, sheet, and pillowcase colors that look pulled together. And coordinated bed-in-a-bag sets don’t have to be boring or overly matchy — some sets use complementary shades across the different pieces, creating a pulled-together look without making every layer identical.

One great example is the Amberspace 7-Piece Bed-in-a-Bag Comforter Set. Right now, the queen-sized deep forest colorway is on sale for 38% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $90 to just $56. That’s a convenient way to update your entire bed setup at once without having to shop for each piece separately.

Amberspace 7-Piece Bed-in-a-Bag Comforter Set, $56 (was $90) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The set includes everything you need for a coordinated bed: one comforter, two pillow shams, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. It’s available in full, queen, oversized queen, king, California king, and oversized king sizes, making it easy to find an option for your particular bed. Just keep in mind that discounts vary depending on the color and size.

There are eight colorways to choose from, including fall-friendly shades like terracotta, oatmeal beige, dark purple, and brown. The comforter and shams come in one shade, while the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases feature a complementary color. The result is a layered look that feels coordinated without making every piece the same. Cationic dyeing also helps the colors resist fading, so the bedding can maintain its vibrant appearance through regular use.

Made from 100% polyester, the set has a soft, cloud-like feel that’s designed for comfortable sleeping. The 240 GSM filling gives the comforter a cozy amount of loft without making it feel too heavy, while the breathable and reversible design gives you flexibility as the seasons change. You can use it as a comfortable everyday setup or switch up the look by reversing the comforter.

The bedding is also designed for easy care. It’s machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle, and you can tumble dry it on low. When it arrives vacuum-packed, simply put it in the dryer on low for 15 to 20 minutes to help restore its fluffy shape. The set is also certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, meaning it has been tested for harmful substances.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Soft’ Reversible Patchwork Quilt Set Is a Farmhouse Dream That’s Under $30 in 16 Styles

One of the most useful details is something you might not expect from a bedding set: built-in storage. The fitted sheet features pockets that give you a convenient spot for small items such as your phone, TV remote, book, or tablet. That’s especially handy if your bedroom is too small for a traditional nightstand, but it can also help keep clutter off your bedside table even if you have one.

With over 100 five-star reviews, shoppers praised the look, quality, and feel of the bedding set. One reviewer described it as “beautiful,” dubbing it the “perfect set” in a five-star review. They added, “I love the color! It’s comfy and soft.” 

Another shared, “I really like the sewn in pockets on the bed sheet — they’re small enough to store your TV remote so you don’t lose it while sleeping at night. The comforter is thick enough to keep you warm in colder months and fresh enough for summer months.”

Shop More Deals

For a stylish, comfortable, and versatile bedding set that takes the guesswork out of bedroom styling, the Amberspace 7-Piece Bed-in-a-Bag Comforter Set is a great pick. And with Walmart’s current 38% discount, you can save $34 on the queen-sized deep forest colorway and refresh your bed for just $56.

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.

Sur La Table's Essential Bakeware Set Is Just $40 at Marshalls

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 4:15pm

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There’s something about Sur La Table that makes even the most casual home cook feel like they’re about to star in their own cooking show. The beloved kitchen retailer is a favorite among cooking and baking enthusiasts who take their cookies, cakes, breads and weekend brunches very seriously. And now, one of its bakeware sets has landed at Marshalls for a price that’s seriously hard to ignore.

The Carbon Steel Nonstick Bakeware Set is listed at $39.99, down from its usual $69 price, making it a pretty sweet score for anyone looking to give their kitchen gadgets a little refresh. And honestly, we’re taking this as a sign to finally retire that scratched-up baking sheet we’ve been pretending is perfectly fine.

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Sur La Table 5-Piece Carbon Steel Nonstick Bakeware Set, $39.99 at Marshalls

Marshalls

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The five-piece set covers plenty of baking essentials, so you won’t have to dig through drawers every time a recipe calls for a different pan. It includes a nine-inch square cake pan, an eight-inch tart pan, a nine-inch loaf pan, a 13-inch roasting pan and a 15-inch baking sheet. In other words, you’ve got options for everything from banana bread and birthday cakes to cookies, roasted veggies, casseroles and whatever ambitious recipe you stick in your back pocket.

Related: Aldi Just Dropped a $25 Cast-Iron Sauté Pan With Serious Le Creuset Vibes

The pieces are made from carbon steel and feature a nonstick finish, giving the set a practical appeal for everyday use. It’s the kind of collection that can help streamline a kitchen without requiring you to spend a small fortune replacing every pan in the cabinet. Whether you’re someone who carefully measures every ingredient or the type of baker who sees a recipe as more of a loose suggestion, having a solid assortment of bakeware can make the whole process a little easier.

Of course, the biggest selling point might be the price tag. A five-piece bakeware collection for under $40 is the sort of Marshalls find that makes you want to check out immediately and figure out what you’re making later.

The set is currently available on Marshalls‘ website and in-store, but of course, it won’t be around forever. So, if your current bakeware collection is looking a little worse for wear—or you simply need an excuse to bake something delicious—this Sur La Table set might be worth adding to your cart. Consider it your official invitation to preheat the oven.

Related: Costco Just Dropped the Prettiest Jewel-Toned Dutch Oven Set

'The Young and the Restless' Sets Premiere Date for Major Headwriter Shakeup

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 4:12pm

After weeks of anticipation, CBS has finally revealed the start date for the next era of The Young and the Restless, as headwriters Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor will be taking over, and it’s soon!

TV Insider confirmed that the new regime’s material will officially hit the airwaves beginning November 11, 2026, as the duo takes over for Josh Griffith, who took over the role back in 2019.

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O’Connor began his professional career as a ‘writers’ associate on the ABC soap opera One Life To Live back in 2007. He then worked his way up the writers’ room before becoming headwriter of General Hospital in 2013, and left the soap in 2024. He then had a brief stint working on Days of Our Lives, where he assisted the Peacock soap in various roles before his exit in 2025.

Giddens has a long history with Daytime television, working for the entertainment website and podcast Daytime Confidential for years before making his television writing debut in 2017 with former The Young and the Restless star Victoria Rowell’s series The Rich and the Ruthless. Giddens then went on to create his own primetime series, Ambitions, in 2019, before beginning his Daytime writing career in 2020, working as a breakdown writer on Days of Our Lives.

Giddens then worked on the Peacock spin-off series Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem and, most recently, on CBS’s newest soap opera Beyond The Gates as a breakdown writer.

This fall, Giddens is expected to have worked on brand new material airing on all three soap operas: Beyond the Gates, Days of Our Lives, and, of course, The Young and the Restless.

Viewers can watch brand new episodes of Days of Our Lives weekdays on Peacock. Brand new episodes of Beyond the Gates air weekdays on CBS and stream weeknights on Paramount Plus, where viewers can also catch all of the action from the very beginning.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount Plus.

The Devastating Reason Why the Drummer Left This Post-Punk/New Wave Band  - “It’s Pretty Serious”

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 4:12pm

Stephen Morris has spent nearly five decades behind the drum kit for two of the most influential bands in post-punk and new wave: Joy Division and New Order. His propulsive drumming powered Joy Division’s haunting post-punk classics Unknown Pleasures and Closer, and then drove New Order’s fusion of electronic music and guitar rock on landmark records like Power, Corruption & Lies and Technique. Without Morris behind the kit, there is no “She’s Lost Control,” no “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” no “Blue Monday” – the best-selling 12-inch single in history.

But now, for the first time, the Macclesfield native is quietly acknowledging the health battle that has forced him to step back from the bands he helped build.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, conducted ahead of the release of Joy Division’s landmark 14-disc live box set Eternal (Live), Morris confirmed that a serious illness is preventing him from touring with New Order – and will likely keep him from attending Joy Division and New Order’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November.

“I really don’t want to dwell on what this illness is,” Morris said, “but it’s pretty serious. It’s not something that someone’s going to come up with a cure for.”

While his future with New Order is uncertain, Morris is currently revisiting Joy Division’s past with Eternal (Live), a 14-disc collection arriving Sept. 25. The box set features recordings from 16 Joy Division concerts, including two previously unheard performances, much of it sourced from fan-made bootlegs recorded decades ago.

Morris and his collaborators tracked down rare tapes and painstakingly restored them at Abbey Road Studios. One particularly remarkable discovery was an unlabeled rehearsal cassette that turned out to contain Joy Division performing in 1976. The fragile tape broke during playback, but Morris managed to repair it.

What makes Morris’s situation particularly poignant is his characteristic humor and grace in the face of it. Asked how he stays positive, his answer was pure Stephen Morris: “The alternative isn’t worth considering.”

Eternal (Live) is out September 25.

1970 Country Song, Written by Joe South, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 4:02pm

Lynn Anderson had already been placing songs on the country charts for several years when she recorded the song that would forever define her career. Getting it onto an album, however, required some persistence.

Anderson released “Rose Garden” in 1970, transforming a song written and previously recorded by Joe South into an enormous country-pop crossover hit. The single reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart, crossed into the upper reaches of the Hot 100, and gave Anderson her signature recording.

South had written “Rose Garden” several years earlier.

The singer-songwriter, also known for hits including “Games People Play” and “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” recorded his own version for his 1968 album Introspect. Other artists tackled the composition as well, including Billy Joe Royal and Dobie Gray, before Anderson brought it to Nashville producer Glenn Sutton.

Sutton initially wasn’t convinced it was right for her.

Because the lyrics included lines traditionally associated with a male narrator, he reportedly felt the song should be sung by a man. The lyric, “I could promise you things like big diamond rings,” was one the Sutton, as well as his boss, Billy Sherrill, called into question.

“They thought it was not a line that a woman would say to a man,” Anderson said in a 1990 interview. “Therefore there could not be a female vocal on that particular song.”

Anderson disagreed and continued pushing to record it. She eventually got the opportunity after a recording session left enough time to cut an additional song.

The decision changed her career.

Released in late 1970, “Rose Garden” spent five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached No. 1 in several countries, turning Anderson into an international star.

“That was just a little bit of magic,” Anderson told Country Universe. “That’s just one of those things that, if you’re lucky, happens once in a lifetime. It had been recorded seven times before I did it, and it wasn’t a hit, but it just simply took off and went out of my hands when we recorded it.”

The song’s polished arrangement helped it move comfortably beyond country radio. Sutton’s production paired Anderson’s vocal with strings and a memorable opening guitar figure, giving South’s clear-eyed lyrics about the realities of love an unexpectedly bright setting.

“Rose Garden” also brought Anderson one of country music’s biggest honors. She won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, and the song helped establish her as one of the most recognizable country singers of the early 1970s.

Anderson continued recording for decades and scored additional country hits including “How Can I Unlove You,” “You’re My Man,” and “What a Man My Man Is.” None, however, eclipsed the song she had fought to record.

“It was popular because it touched on emotions,” Anderson said years later. “It was perfectly timed. It was out just as we came out of the Vietnam years and a lot of people were trying to recover. This song stated that you can make something out of nothing. You take it and go ahead. It fit me well and I’ll be proud to be connected to it until I die.”

More than five decades later, “Rose Garden” remains inseparable from Anderson’s legacy. A song her producer once questioned became a No. 1 crossover smash and ultimately the recording that defined her career.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, Written by Stevie Wonder, Became One of the ‘Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time’

1973 Tune by Led Zeppelin Ranked Among the 'Most Underrated Classic Rock Songs of All Time'

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:52pm

While Led Zeppelin may be synonymous with the classic rock genre at this point, there’s an argument to make that a handful of songs from the English band’s discography are undervalued.

For instance, the publication Collider recently included Led Zeppelin’s 1973 tune, “The Rain Song,” off the band’s fifth record, Houses of the Holy, on a ranking of the “Most Underrated Classic Rock Songs of All Time.” Collider gave “The Rain Song,” written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the list’s third spot, complimenting the 7-minute-and-39-second song for its captivating, guitar-heavy sound.

Collider also featured songs like Queen‘s “The Night Comes Down” from 1973, 1975’s “Medicine Jar” by Paul McCartney and Wings, and “Seasons of Wither” by Aerosmith, released in 1974, on the ranking.

Jimmy Page Shared Some Insight Into Writing ‘The Rain Song’

Page shared some insight into co-penning “The Rain Song” during an interview for the 2012 book Light and Shade: Conversations With Jimmy Page, written by Brad Tolinski, as reported by Guitar Player. In the interview, Page said he had caught wind that the late George Harrison had criticized Led Zeppelin for their lack of ballads, which led to the creation of “The Rain Song.”

“George was talking to [Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham] one evening and said, ‘The problem with you guys is that you never do ballads.’ I said, ‘I’ll give him a ballad,’ and I wrote ‘Rain Song,’ which appears on Houses of the Holy,” said Page.

Far Out magazine reported that Page shared he ended up encountering a “The Rain Song” demo in a 2020 Rolling Stone interview.

“I recently found a really early [personal demo] tape that had been missing for a long while, but it’s got the full orchestration of ‘Rain Song.’ It goes all through to the very end, the same way that you know it, even with the bit in the middle where it goes a bit heavier, before it goes back to the light and caressing parts. It’s all in there, the Mellotron and everything,” said Page during the Rolling Stone interview, per Far Out.

He clarified the demo wasn’t “played as well” as the version the band ended up releasing.

“But it’s there, every part of it, every phrase is there, slightly different. And then you hear things that didn’t get used,” said Page, now 82.

This All-Girl Supergroup With the Not-So-Nice Name Reunites for a Tour

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:51pm

Take the lead singer of indie rock band Rilo Kiley, the lead singer from Au Revoir Simone, and the drummer from The Like and what do you get? A rock and roll supergroup bonded by friendship, feminism, and a tiny East Village clothing boutique with a name that’s guaranteed to make you do a double take.

The all-female trio of Jenny Lewis, Erika Forster, and Tennessee Thomas is reuniting this fall for a 10th-anniversary tour, bringing the three friends back together a decade after they released their self-titled debut album.

Their origin story is as gloriously unplanned as the band itself and very New York. Tennessee Thomas – British expat, daughter of Attractions drummer Pete Thomas, and owner of the East Village shop the Deep End Club – had built her store into something more than a boutique. Born out of the energy of the Occupy movement, it became a gathering place for a community of like-minded New Yorkers talking about politics, feminism, and the state of the world. When Lewis moved to New York and started hanging around the shop, music was practically inevitable. “The band was formed in the window,” Thomas once recalled.

“We just got together to play music; there was no intention,” Lewis told Rolling Stone in 2016. “Within the first two days, we had written all of these songs.” The trio’s spontaneous sessions turned into a nine-song album that they recorded and released within just a few weeks. 

And the band’s sense of humor was there from the beginning. The name Nice as F*** was deliberately cheeky, the abbreviation NAF playing off the British slang word “naff” – a term for something tacky or worthless. NAF eventually played fewer than two dozen shows in 2016 before the project went quiet.

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Now, 10 years later, the band is back. The reunion tour kicks off Oct. 16 in Pasadena, California, and includes stops in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Brooklyn, where the group will wrap up the tour Oct. 29 at Xanadu Roller Arts. The reunion also comes with a vinyl reissue of Nice as F***, which is now available for preorder.

The trio’s return is fittingly being called Back as F***, Nice as Ever. Proof that after a decade apart, Nice as F*** hasn’t lost their edge.

1976 Breakup Song, Written in a Car in Maryland, Has 505 Million Spotify Streams

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:45pm

Fifty years ago, legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac released “Silver Springs,” a song that became a timeless breakup anthem with hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify.

“Silver Springs” was originally released on December 20, 1976, as the B-side to the single “Go Your Own Way.” Despite its beloved status today, it was notably scrapped from the final track list of Fleetwood Mac’s multi-Platinum album, Rumours. Instead, it remained a standalone release until it was included in the critically acclaimed 1997 live concert reunion album, The Dance.

Written by lead vocalist Stevie Nicks, “Silver Springs” is a quintessential breakup song. Nicks penned the track while driving through Maryland with her then-boyfriend and bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. At the time, the pair were experiencing a tumultuous period in their relationship, which ultimately led to their breakup.

John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham of rock band Fleetwood Mac at the second annual Rock Music Awards on September 18, 1976.

CBS via Getty Images

While in the car, Nicks passed a sign for Silver Spring, Maryland, and thought the name was beautiful. Comparing it to what she wished their painful relationship was, Nicks began writing.

“I wrote ‘Silver Springs’ about Lindsey,” Nicks reflected. “We were in Maryland somewhere driving under a freeway sign that said Silver Spring, Maryland. And I loved the name… Silver Springs sounded like a pretty fabulous place to me. And, ‘You could be my silver springs…’ that’s just a whole symbolic thing of what you could have been to me.”

Despite Nicks’ love for the track, it was left out of the final cut of the record due to length constraints, ultimately being replaced with “I Don’t Want to Know.” After its iconic 1997 live performance—which has accumulated over 84 million views on YouTube—”Silver Springs” was launched into the mainstream spotlight, giving it the life the singer always hoped it would have.

“You have to realize that ‘Silver Springs’ was so genuinely kicked off the record 20 years ago, and I was so genuinely devastated… because I loved the song and it was one of the Rumours songs,” she said. “I never thought that ‘Silver Springs’ would ever be performed on stage, would ever be heard of again so it, like, and my beautiful song just disappeared. So for it to come back around like this has really been, really special to me.”

Today, the once-forgotten song has persevered as one of Fleetwood Mac’s most defining works. In the digital era, “Silver Springs” experienced a second revival through social media, re-charting on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart in December 2025 due to a viral TikTok trend.

Nearly five decades since its initial release, the ballad has garnered over 505 million listens on Spotify alone, standing among the band’s most-streamed songs of all time.

Related: 1975 Soft Rock Song, Written Under a Bahamas Palm Tree, Is Still a Powerful Hit 51 Years Later

Which Iconic '90s Witch Are You, Based on Your Birth Date?

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:45pm

With Practical Magic 2 releasing in theaters on September 11, 2026, witchy nostalgia is back. Discover which iconic ’90s movie witch matches your birth date.

Every era has had its fair share of mystical, magical movies, but the 1990s were especially jam-packed with witchy fare for film-goers. From Practical Magic to The Craft and Hocus Pocus, there was a witchy flick for everyone, no matter your age or favorite genre.

Given just how many ‘90s movie witches the decade bore, it’s worth considering which you most relate to, based on your personality, perspective, strengths, and challenges—all of which are colored by your birth date.

The ‘90s Movie Witch You Most Relate To, Based on Your Birth Date

Read on to learn the ‘90s movie witch who best matches you, based on the day you came into the world. 

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th: Wendy the Good Little Witch from Casper Meets Wendy

You were born on a date associated with the sun, the luminary that rules self-image, confidence, and purpose in astrology. You can’t help but be positive and upbeat, capable of bringing light, joy, and self-assurance into every space you occupy. In turn, you’re most like Wendy, the good witch portrayed by Hilary Duff in the Casper sequel that came out in 1998. A good witch who does good deeds feels quite sun-ruled. 

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th: Sarah Bailey in The Craft

You were born on a day that’s aligned with the moon, which rules intuition, instincts, and emotions. You might have a special connection to your mother—and/or to your child, if you are a mother—which is a lot like the protagonist of The Craft, played by Robin Tunney. A natural witch whose late mother also had innate powers, Sarah was compassionate, helpful, and capable of heartfelt transformation, much like someone ruled by the emotionally astute moon. 

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th: Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Your birth date reduces down to three, a number ruled by Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system that oversees abundance, expansion, and good fortune. You likely err toward being especially friendly, extroverted, outgoing, brave, and jovial, which echoes the personality of Melissa Joan Hart’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Sabrina, who originated as part of the Archie comics universe, may not have ever made it to the big screen but was a TGIF staple in the ‘90s. 

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st: Louise Miller in Teen Witch

Your birth date reduces down to four, which is associated with Uranus, the planet of rebellion, electricity, and sudden change. You’re a bit quirky and prefer to march to the beat of your own drum, much like Louise Miller, played by Robin Lively in the 1989 flick that went on to become a cult classic for kids in the ‘90s. Although Louise does wish she was more popular, she ultimately learns that everything that makes her unique—like her artistic abilities and the fact that she’s descended from a long line of witches—is what makes her powerful. That’s a Uranian lesson you can get behind.

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd: Gillian Owens in Practical Magic

You were born on a day that reduces down to the number five, your numerological planetary ruler is Mercury, the planet of technology, transportation, storytelling, and cerebral energy. You’re social, eager to absorb information and share it, a lifelong learner, and a fan of flitting from one place to the next, which bears quite a bit of resemblance to the disposition of the younger Owens sister in 1998’s Practical Magic, played by Nicole Kidman. Free-spirited, fun-loving, bubbly, curious, eager to tap into her innate powers—and to get out of her hometown to see the world—Gilly is truly mercurial, just like you. 

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th: Sarah Sanderson in Hocus Pocus

If you came into the world on one of these dates, you were born with the influence of Venus, the planet of romance, art, and music. As someone who can’t help but prioritize pleasure, luxury, and aesthetic appeal, you’re social, playful, beauty-conscious, seductive, and sensual—all traits that Sarah Jessica Parker weaves into her portrayal of the youngest Sanderson sister, Sarah, in 1993’s Hocus Pocus. Her eerie, hypnotic siren-singing powers are also quite Venusian. 

OTHER: These 4 Birth Months Radiate a Nurturing Aura

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th: Bridget “Jet” Owens in Practical Magic

Because your birth date reduces down to seven, a number aligned with Neptune, the planet of illusion, spirituality, and dreams, you’re imaginative, sensitive, empathic, and likely also psychic. Shy, beautiful, romantic, and ethereal, Bridget—aka “Jet”—is one of the aunts in 1998’s Practical Magic, portrayed by Dianne Wiest. Like Gillian, she’s free-spirited and a gifted spell-caster. Her natural-born dreaminess is aligned with your own. 

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th: Sally Owens in Practical Magic

Because you were born on a date that reduces down to the number eight, you’re mature, wise, industrious, and pragmatic, because your birth date is informed by Saturn, the planet of boundaries and putting your nose to the grindstone. Your best match is undeniably down-to-earth, practical, and older sister Sally Owens, played by Sandra Bullock, who wishes throughout her life to be “normal,” despite having been born into a family of witches. Yet when she embraces her gifts, she’s incredibly powerful and evolves into a force to be reckoned with as a witch and a mother of two. 

NEXT: The 3 Birth Months Entering Their Luckiest Era This Autumn

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th: Winifred “Winnie” Sanderson from Hocus Pocus

Born on a day that boils down to nine, you’re ambitious, motivated, youthful, impulsive, and goal-oriented because your birth date is associated with Mars, the planet of action. The eldest sister of the Sanderson crew in 1993’s Hocus Pocus, memorably portrayed by Bette Midler, will stop at nothing to be eternally youthful again, radiating Mars’ competitive, go-getter M.O. You likely appreciate her passion, energy, and ability to command the stage.

UP NEXT:

Your Birth Chart's Money Blueprint: The 2nd & 8th Houses

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:39pm

If you’ve ever wondered why your friend seems to manifest abundance effortlessly while you’re constantly budgeting cash, astrology might have an answer. Your birth chart holds clues about your relationship with money, and it all comes down to understanding which astrological houses rule wealth, resources, and financial security.

The 2nd House: Your Personal Wealth & Possessions

In astrology, the 2nd House is the primary house of money. This is the house of personal resources, income, and material possessions—everything you own and earn through your own effort. While the 8th house is about inherited wealth or joint finances, your 2nd astrological sector reveals your money, the stuff you build, the possessions you own, and how you accumulate material wealth.

The sign on the cusp of and planets that reside in your 2nd House in your astrological birth chart shape how you earn, spend, and relate to money psychologically. Someone with Venus in the 2nd House, for example, might have a natural ease with finances and an appreciation for beautiful things. A person with Saturn in the 2nd House might be cautious with money, preferring to save and build security slowly. The 2nd House doesn’t judge your financial situation—it just shows your personal financial blueprint.

What Each Planet in the 2nd House Means for Your Money
  • Sun in the 2nd House: Your identity is tied to financial security and material success. You’re likely driven to build wealth and take pride in what you own. Money matters feel personal. Financial independence is a core part of who you are.
  • Moon in the 2nd House: You have emotional connections to money and security. Finances affect your mood, and you might seek comfort through spending or saving. You need to feel financially secure to feel emotionally safe.
  • Mercury in the 2nd House: You’re a smart money manager—detail-oriented about budgets, taxes, and financial decisions. You might earn money through communication, writing, or commerce. Your mind is wired for financial strategy.
  • Venus in the 2nd House: The “lucky” placement for money. You attract resources naturally and tend to enjoy spending on beautiful, pleasurable things. You have an easy relationship with finances and a gift for making money feel abundant.
  • Mars in the 2nd House: You’re driven and competitive about earning. You work hard for your money and aren’t afraid to go after what you want financially. You might earn through action-oriented work, but watch for impulsive spending.
  • Jupiter in the 2nd House: The luckiest placement for wealth and abundance. You tend to attract money and opportunities, often with ease. Generosity comes naturally, but watch for overspending or taking financial luck for granted.
  • Saturn in the 2nd House: You’re cautious with money and build wealth slowly through discipline and hard work. You might struggle with a scarcity mindset or fear of not having enough, but you’re reliable and responsible with finances.
  • Uranus in the 2nd House: Your finances are unpredictable—sudden windfalls or unexpected losses are possible. You might earn through unconventional means or have an unusual relationship with money. Financial freedom matters more to you than security.
  • Neptune in the 2nd House: Money and reality can feel slippery for you. You might be idealistic about finances, struggle with boundaries around lending, or be vulnerable to financial confusion. Clarity and grounding are your friends.
  • Pluto in the 2nd House: You have deep transformative power around money and resources. You might experience themes of financial rebirth or inheritance. Your relationship with money runs psychologically deep. Control and trust are key themes.
The 8th House: Shared Resources & Inheritance

While the 2nd House rules your personal money, the 8th House governs shared resources, inheritances, investments, and other people’s money. Think mortgages, loans, joint accounts, or money from a marital or domestic partner. As the house of transformation and depth, this is where financial entanglements, taxes, and even insurance come into play.

The 8th House also rules deeper psychological attitudes toward money and power. Planets here can indicate whether you’re comfortable receiving financial help, investing in others, or handling shared finances. Someone with a strong 8th House might excel at managing other people’s money or inherit wealth, while someone with challenging placements might need to work through money-related trust issues.

What Each Planet in the 8th House Means for Shared Resources & Inheritance
  • Sun in the 8th House: Other people’s money, inheritances, or shared resources feel central to your identity. You’re drawn to psychology, transformation, and deep power dynamics around finances. You might inherit wealth or excel at managing joint finances.
  • Moon in the 8th House: You have intense emotional responses to money matters, especially shared finances or inheritances. You might struggle with trust in financial partnerships or have deep emotional wounds around security. Healing your money psychology is important work.
  • Mercury in the 8th House: You’re naturally curious about investments, taxes, insurance, and other people’s finances. You communicate well about difficult money topics and might excel in finance, psychology, or research. Your mind goes deep into financial mysteries.
  • Venus in the 8th House: You attract shared wealth and inheritances, and you’re comfortable with joint finances or receiving support. Romance and money intertwine for you—you might receive financial help from partners. Generosity in relationships comes naturally.
  • Mars in the 8th House: You’re assertive about shared finances and inheritances—you go after what you believe you deserve. You might experience conflict over money with partners or family, but you’re not afraid to advocate for yourself financially.
  • Jupiter in the 8th House: Lucky with inheritances, investments, and shared resources. You attract financial gain through other people’s money or joint ventures. Generosity in supporting others comes easily, but watch for over-giving.
  • Saturn in the 8th House: You’re cautious about shared finances and inheritances—trust doesn’t come easily in money matters. You might experience delays with inheritances or have to work harder for joint financial security. Boundaries around money are essential for you.
  • Uranus in the 8th House: Your approach to shared finances and inheritances is unconventional or unpredictable. You might experience sudden financial shifts through joint ventures or unexpected inheritances. You value financial independence even in partnerships.
  • Neptune in the 8th House: Shared finances can feel confusing or unclear—you might struggle with boundaries around lending or joint money. Inheritances could be complicated or delayed. Clarity and transparency in financial partnerships are crucial.
  • Pluto in the 8th House: You have deep themes of power and transformation around shared resources and inheritances. You might experience financial rebirth through inheritance or joint ventures. Control, trust, and psychological depth are central to your relationships with money.

A Greek Chef Says Most People Skip the Step That Makes Homemade Fries So Good

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:22pm

It’s hard to improve on a good batch of french fries. Hot, crispy and salty, I could happily eat them straight from the basket with nothing more than ketchup. Greek fries, however, add a few extras that are right up my alley: oregano, fresh lemon, olive oil and crumbled feta.

Of course, adding toppings to fries is the easy part. Getting the potatoes themselves right takes a little more work. Homemade fries can turn out soft or greasy, and even a nicely crisp batch can lose some of that crunch once you start adding lemon juice and olive oil.

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As the founder of CAVA and Wildgoat Hospitality, Chef Dimitri Moshovitis knows his way around Greek potatoes, so we spoke to Moshovitis about all things fries. A good batch of fries starts before the potatoes ever hit the oil, but what you do once they do is important too. Moshovitis says just a few simple steps can affect how crisp and flavorful your fries turn out. His advice on when to season them is especially worth remembering the next time you make fries at home.

Here, he shares his recipe for authentic Greek fries, plus his tips for seasoning and getting them crisp and flavorful.

The Secret Step: The ‘Piping-Hot’ Herb Toss

Guillermo Spelucin Runciman / Getty Images

Don’t let your freshly fried potatoes sit around before seasoning them. Moshovitis tosses his fries with salt and dried oregano the second they come out of the fryer.

“When the fries are hot, there’s still a very thin film of oil on the surface, so the salt and dried oregano actually adhere to the potato instead of falling to the bottom of the bowl,” he says. “The heat also wakes up the oregano, releasing its aroma.”

The lemon comes later. “If I’m using lemon, I’ll add just a little right before serving so I get the brightness without making the fries soggy,” Moshovitis says.

Related: I Tried 14 Fast-Food Fries to Find the Best—and the Winner Won by a Landslide

The Pre-Game: Why You Can’t Skip the Ice Water Soak

SergeyKlopotov / Getty Images

Before the potatoes go anywhere near the fryer, Moshovitis gives them a soak in ice-cold water. “I like to soak hand-cut potatoes in very cold water for at least 30 minutes and preferably 1-2 hours,” he says. “It draws excess surface starch from the potatoes, which helps keep them from sticking and gives you a cleaner, crisper crust.”

Just make sure you don’t take them straight from the water to the fryer. “After soaking, drain them and dry them completely with towels. This part cannot be rushed,” Moshovitis says. “Wet potatoes will steam rather than crisp, and adding water to hot frying oil is also dangerous.”

The Best Potatoes for Authentic Greek Fries

KenWiedemann / Getty Images

For homemade Greek fries, Moshovitis recommends reaching for a starchy potato. “In the U.S., Russet potatoes are my first choice because they fry beautifully,” he says. Their higher starch content helps give the fries the fluffy center you’re looking for.

Russets aren’t the only option, though. “Yukon Golds are delicious and have a great, buttery potato flavor, but they produce a slightly creamier, less-fluffy fry,” Moshovitis says. “If I can get a good frying potato like an Agria or Kennebec, those are excellent as well. The important thing is to choose a mature, relatively starchy potato rather than a waxy one.”

Ingredients Needed

Aleksandr Zubkov / Getty Images

Moshovitis’ Greek fries call for just a handful of ingredients, many of which you may already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make four side portions:

  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes
  • Frying oil, as needed
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons finely crumbled feta
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
How To Make Authentic Greek Fries

ahirao_photo / Getty Images

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, here’s how to make Moshovitis’ Greek fries at home.

  1. Cut and soak the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into roughly ⅜-inch fries. Immediately place them in ice-cold water and soak for 30 to 60 minutes.
  2. Dry the potatoes. Drain and rinse the potatoes, then spread them on towels and dry them completely.
  3. Fry them once. Heat the frying oil to 300°F. Working in batches, fry the potatoes for about five to six minutes, until tender and cooked through but still pale. Remove and drain on a rack or sheet pan.
  4. Let them rest. Let the fries rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Fry them again. Raise the oil temperature to 375°F. Fry for two to three minutes, until deeply golden and very crisp.
  6. Season while hot. Drain the fries briefly, then immediately transfer them to a mixing bowl. Toss with the kosher salt and oregano.
  7. Add the finishing touches. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Toss very briefly, just enough to coat the fries without softening them.
  8. Serve. Plate the fries and finish with crumbled feta, parsley and a final pinch of oregano.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Sausage 10x Better

My Honest Review

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

These took a little more work than the fries I usually make, but I’d make them again. They came out super crispy, and I loved the lemon with the salty feta. The lemon zest added even more brightness, while the oregano gave them a bold, herby kick.

And Moshovitis was right about seasoning them right away. The salt and oregano stuck to the hot fries instead of getting left behind in the bowl. The soaking, resting and double frying do add some time, so these probably won’t replace my usual fries, but when I’m in the mood for something different, they’re worth the extra steps.

The Key to Greek Seasoning

Portland Press Herald / Getty Images

Oregano is what gives these fries much of their Greek flavor, but Moshovitis specifically reaches for dried Greek oregano. “Greek oregano is much more assertive and aromatic than a lot of standard supermarket oregano, so you don’t need much,” he says.

From there, he recommends adding fresh lemon, extra-virgin olive oil, crumbled feta, finely grated kefalotyri or kefalograviera (firm, salty Greek cheeses), or even a little garlic. But Moshovitis says more isn’t necessarily better. “I don’t like burying the potato under 20 toppings,” he says. “A great Greek fry should still taste primarily like potato, olive oil, salt, oregano and lemon.”

Deep Frying vs. Oven-Baked: How to Get the Best Crunch

Jordi Salas / Getty Images

For the crispiest Greek fries, Moshovitis recommends deep frying. “If we’re talking about the best possible Greek fry, deep frying wins,” he says. “You get a combination of fluffy interior, crisp exterior and that beautiful fried-potato flavor that’s difficult to duplicate in an oven.”

Final Thoughts

I’m usually happy with fries and ketchup, but these might have me branching out. The lemon and oregano really came through, while the feta added just enough saltiness without taking over. And yes, soaking and frying the potatoes twice was worth it. I’d make these again in a heartbeat.

Source:
  • Chef Dimitri Moshovitis is the founder of CAVA and Wildgoat Hospitality.

Related: I’m a Pastry Chef, and This Classic Apple Dessert Has Been an After-Dinner Staple in My Family for 50 Years

Rock Hall Legend Makes Candid Admission About Bob Dylan: ‘Sometimes I Don’t Know What the Hell He’s Talking About’

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:20pm

Billy Joel has spent more than five decades writing songs of his own, but when it comes to Bob Dylan, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer says there is simply no comparison.

During a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s The Billy Joel Channel, Joel opened up about Dylan’s influence and singular approach to songwriting, calling the 85-year-old music legend “the top guy.”

“Well, Dylan is, for me, he was the top guy,” Joel said. “Nobody wrote like Dylan before Dylan. And even after Dylan, nobody wrote like Dylan.”

But even Joel admitted that deciphering exactly what Dylan meant with some of those famous lyrics can be another matter entirely.

“Sometimes I don’t know what the hell he’s talking about,” Joel said. “And he’ll even admit to that. But his style of writing is totally unique. He was the only guy who really did that to this day. And he’s still kicking it.”

Joel, 77, went on to explain that part of Dylan’s gift was making even his most mysterious lyrics sound completely convincing.

“He had a way with lyrics,” Joel said. “You didn’t always know what he was talking about, but the lyrics sounded like he knew what he was talking about.”

As an example, Joel turned to Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” reciting part of the song before marveling at the kind of imagery Dylan was putting into popular music in the mid-1960s.

“Who did that before him?” Joel asked. “This is fantastic stuff.”

Related: 1967 Hit, Written by Bob Dylan, Became a No. 1 Song 24 Years Later

“Mr. Tambourine Man” was written by Dylan and appeared on his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. The Byrds released their own version that same year, taking the song to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Joel also praised one of the most consequential moves of Dylan’s career: embracing electric instruments at a time when some folk fans vehemently opposed the change.

“The guy had to face all this resistance to him plugging in,” Joel said. “There were people that were dead set against him playing an electric guitar.”

Joel had a decidedly different reaction.

“I thought it was a great idea,” he continued. “I thought it was fantastic. It was a marriage of folk, rock and amazing poetry. It was great.”

The comments came as Joel also offered listeners an update on his health. The “Piano Man” singer revealed that he underwent brain surgery after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, a condition that had affected his balance.

Joel said doctors implanted a shunt and that he subsequently experienced improvements in his balance, memory and ability to function. He has stepped away from performing while focusing on his recovery.

“I just want people to know, don’t worry about me,” Joel said. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here.”

Related: Rock Royalty Turns 76, Tributes Pour In: He ‘Saved My Life’

Aldi's Neutral-Chic 2-Piece Room Darkening Curtain Sets Will Make You Feel Like You're Sleeping in a Luxury Hotel

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:10pm

From the crisp sheets to the fluffy comforter, there is just something so relaxing about falling asleep in a hotel room. One of the best parts, though, has to be how dark hotel rooms get thanks to their room-darkening curtains and window treatments. This helps you fall and stay asleep without the sun sneaking through before you’re ready to get up. You are on vacation, after all! However, you can get that hotel sleep from home thanks to these room-darkening curtains on sale at Aldi right now. Each pair retails for $14.99.

Kirkton House’s new room-darkening curtains will make you feel like you are sleeping in a luxury hotel. Available in three neutral-chic styles, including ivory herringbone, light gray or gray, giving you a few options to choose from. Each of these brings a touch of texture and sleek style to your bedroom, adding a calming vibe to your space. The neutral hues make it easy for any of these options to blend in with any bedroom’s color scheme, too.

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Kirkton House Ivory Herringbone Room Darkening Curtains – 2pk, $14.99 at Aldi

Aldi

The curtain sets come with two panels, each one measuring 84 inches by 37 inches. This makes them a great fit for standard-sized windows. The big appeal of these curtains is the fact that they are room-darkening, blocking out light and helping you get that peaceful sleep you only get in a dark hotel room. This thicker material also helps to block sounds, making it even easier to stay asleep.

You can pick up a pair of these room-darkening curtains at select Aldi stores now as part of the German grocer’s Aldi Finds. These are weekly product specials that rotate in and out every Wednesday and can be shopped in the center aisle. These products include everything from home items like these curtains and charming six-piece comforter sets to seasonal clothing finds like this cutesy polka dot rain jacket. Just make sure to get to your local store fast; these limited-edition Aldi Finds never last long!

Related: Old Navy’s ‘Very Flattering’ Mini Wrap Skirt Is a Perfect Fall Transition Piece

Country Singer Tells Fans 'Stop Being Dumb' in Harsh Warning

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 3:05pm

Country singer Chase Rice is seemingly tired of being a broken record.

The “Eyes on You” artist took to social media on Wednesday, September 9, to warn fans against scammers.

“One of the best parts of being a musician is the connection I am able to form with you, the fans, and it pisses me off that scammers prey on that connection to take advantage of the people who support me,” he shared. “I will never reach out to you on social media to ask for money, to offer special experiences, to start a romantic relationship, or for any other purpose, nor will anyone on my team or any of my family members.”

He added, “Anyone doing that is a scammer using a fake account and should not be trusted.”

This is not the first time Rice has shared a similar warning and the same letter is even listed on his official website.

View this post on Instagram

While resharing the image to social media, Rice added, “AKA, stop being dumb. I’m not messaging you, or asking you for money, or texting you, or dating you, or going to fly you somewhere. -actually Chase.”

The “Ready Set Roll” artist is not the first star to share a public warning to fans who have been scammed by impersonators. Sandra Bullock recently revealed that imposters led her to officially join social media.

“About a year and a half ago, I had to because there were people that were using my name and likeness to scam money out of people,” Bullock said during an appearance on the SmartLess podcast in August. “My sister would have people reaching out to her saying, ‘Your sister took thousands of dollars from me.'”

Bruce Willis’ Wife Emma Heming Willis Says He’s ‘Very Present’ Amid Dementia Battle in Candid Family Update

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 2:57pm

Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, wants to change the way people talk about dementia.

In a preview of her interview on MS NOW’s Because We Care with Richard Lui, shared by Entertainment Weekly on Sept. 9, Heming Willis spoke about the moments she and her family still share with the 71-year-old Die Hard actor.

“Bruce, he’s very present,” Heming Willis, 50, said.

“We have still so many beautiful moments of joy and connection, and I think that’s really important to share because I think there’s such a negative narrative around dementia,” she continued. “We need to be careful and reframe that. When we think about that or don’t want to talk about dementia and put it in a corner, the person living with the disease and their caregiver aren’t seen, they aren’t supported.”

Heming Willis acknowledged the difficulties that come with the disease while emphasizing that those challenges don’t erase the family’s happy moments.

“It’s important to know that it’s hard and it’s a terrible disease, but we have so many moments of joy and connection that aren’t your norm, but it’s OK,” she said.

She added that the family has “learned to adapt and show up for Bruce.”

Willis and Heming Willis married in 2009 and share daughters Mabel, 14, and Evelyn, 12. Willis also shares daughters Rumer, 38, Scout, 35, and Tallulah, 32, with ex-wife Demi Moore.

Willis’ family announced in March 2022 that the actor had been diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects communication. In February 2023, his family revealed that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, or FTD.

Heming Willis has continued to speak openly about their family’s experience and recently shared a similar message with HELLO! magazine.

“We’ve always been a family that finds joy and fun in the littlest things, and that philosophy is precisely what has served us best as we’ve navigated this path,” she said, as Parade previously reported.

Their daughters remain a major source of those moments, but Heming Willis said her husband continues to make the family laugh, too.

“If I had to think about what those small moments actually are… well, our daughters are still young and say the most hilarious things. And Bruce is really funny too – he still says things that make us laugh,” she said.

Heming Willis also stressed that the family is laughing with Willis, not at him.

“There is something I want to make crystal clear: we are never laughing at him, we are always laughing with him,” she said. “We’ve managed to protect that sense of joy and fun simply because it’s still very much there.”

For Heming Willis, sharing those experiences is part of showing that a dementia diagnosis doesn’t eliminate a person’s ability to experience happiness and connection.

“Just because someone receives a dementia diagnosis – in whatever form – it doesn’t mean their life is over or that the lights have been turned off completely,” she said. “There’s still so much fun to be had, so much laughter, and so much connection waiting for you. There is an entire world of love that remains completely intact.”

Related: How Is Bruce Willis Doing Today? His Wife Shares Emotional Update on His Health

Country Star Ella Langley Just Achieved Something No Artist Has in 16 Years

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 2:50pm

Ella Langley’s music industry domination continues, this time extending to the 2026 CMA Awards.

As the nominations were announced on Thursday, Sept. 10, it was revealed that Langley was the leading nominee for the 60th annual awards show with a total of nine nods.

Among the categories were Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year (“Dandelion”), Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“I Can’t Love You Anymore” – Ella Langley & Morgan Wallen), and Music Video of the Year (Choosin’ Texas).

It ties the record for the most nods in one year by a female artist, which was first set by Miranda Lambert in 2010, then matched by herself again in 2014, and by Lainey Wilson in 2023.

However, Langley has also achieved something that no other country artist has managed in 16 years.

Related: Country Star Ella Langley’s First-Ever Drink Collaboration Is Finally Hitting Stores

The 27-year-old has two tracks nominated for Single of the Year—”Choosin’ Texas” and “Be Her”—something not seen since Lambert earned dual solo nominations in 2010 for “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar.”

“ELLA LANGLEY IS IN RARE COMPANY,” Holler Country wrote.

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She’s also in good company, as one of the biggest breakout hits of the year may have never existed without Lambert in the first place.

Lambert co-wrote and co-produced “Choosin’ Texas,” even providing the spark behind the central idea during a songwriting retreat with Langley, as she shared a real-life story about being pulled over while driving with a pet kangaroo in her vehicle, which became a jumping-off point for what would become one of the biggest songs of the year.

Lambert also contributes background vocals to the song, which has dominated the Billboard charts, spending 21 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, officially more than any other non-holiday song in the chart’s 68-year history. It’s been a record-setting run, as she’s just one week from tying the longest-running No. 1 in Hot 100 history, which currently belongs to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Related: 2004 Country Hit, Reimagined by Ella Langley, Is Still as Iconic as Ever 22 Years Later

Billboard also reports that the song spent 39 weeks at No. 1 on Hot Country Songs, while leading the Streaming Songs chart for 21 weeks.

In 2023, Wilson was the only other female to have two songs nominated for Single of the Year; however, only one was as a lead artist, while the other was as a featured artist—”Heart Like a Truck” and HARDY’s “Wait in the Truck” (featuring Wilson). She lost out to Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car.”

Previously, all other artists with two songs nominated in the category have been male musiciansAlan Jackson in 2002, George Strait in 1997, Jerry Reed in 1971, Merle Haggard in 1970 and Johnny Cash in 1969.

The other songs nominated for 2026’s Single of the Year include “I Knew It, I Knew You” by Taylor Swift, “Somewhere Over Laredo” by Wilson and “The Fall” by Cody Johnson.

The 60th Annual CMA Awards will take place on Wed., Nov. 18, 20216, with the ceremony airing live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 8 pm ET.

Related: Country Star Ella Langley Officially Becomes Part of Illinois State Fair History

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