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1999 Rock Song, 30 Years in the Making for Santana, Became a 12-Week No. 1 Hit
For rock band Santana, the first No. 1 hit song was a long time coming. The group, led by Carlos Santana, first appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart in 1969 with the song "Tango."
Santana finally topped the Billboard chart three decades later, thanks to the hit song "Smooth" featuring Rob Thomas. It was released in June 1999 on Santana's 18th studio album Supernatural as the lead single.
The song began as "Room 17" by Itaal Shur, who gave the song to Thomas to rewrite the lyrics. The Matchbox Twenty lead singer revealed in an article for Billboard in 2017 that, after he wrote the song, he spoke with Clive Davis and others about who should sing it.
Initially, he had George Michael in mind. But in the end, Santana asked Thomas to sing the vocals on the official version. Thomas said, "It was George I had in my head when I recorded the vocals in the first place. If you listen to the melody and the cadence, it’s an attempt to emulate his style in so many ways."
After "Smooth" came out, it quickly became the song of the summer. It steadily moved up the music charts, starting a 12-week run at the No. 1 spot in October 1999. It was Santana's first-ever chart-topping song, despite being an active band since 1966.
Related: 1968 Rock Song, Inspired by a Woman Spotted on the Beach, Was a No. 1 Hit 58 Years Ago Today
With the success of "Smooth," Santana reportedly became the musical artist with the longest wait between when its first song charted and when a song became a No. 1 hit. After 30 years, Santana finally reached this milestone.
Along with the 12-week run at the top, "Smooth" stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for a total of 58 weeks. The track was also a No. 1 song in Canada and Croatia, while it broke into the Top 10 in several other countries, including the U.K. and Ireland.
Santana would earn its second No. 1 hit the next year with the song "Maria Maria," the third official single from Supernatural.
Related: 1974 Rock Song, Blue Swede’s One-Hit Wonder, Is Still a Global Hit 52 Years Later
1989 Blockbuster, Directed by Steven Spielberg, Was Just Named the Best Adventure Movie Ever Made
In general, adventure movies provide an easy, enjoyable watch, giving audiences a chance to forget their everyday lives as the protagonist climbs yet another treacherous mountain or cleverly wins yet another sword fight. However, there are a handful of films from the genre that simply deserve more acclaim than the run-of-the-mill adventure movie.
For instance, the publication Colliderrecently published a list of "the 10 best adventure movies in film history," which spotlighted beloved titles like 2024's Dune: Part Two, the 2001 animated filmSpirited Away, The Empire Strikes Back from 1980, 1985's Back to the Future, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, released in 2003. Collider put the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade at the ranking's top spot. According to the publication, the third Indiana Jones film is a thoroughly enthralling movie, elevated by Indiana Jones' (Harrison Ford) dynamic with his father, Henry Jones Sr., played by Sean Connery.
The Steven Spielberg-directed film has a score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and made a total of $197,171,806 with a budget of $48,000,000, per Box Office Mojo.
In an interview about the making of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Spielberg said it was his idea to focus on Indiana and his father in the movie. He recalled having a conversation with George Lucas, the creator of Indiana Jones, about what he envisioned for the third movie, which was ultimately written by Jeffrey Boam.
"With Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, I wanted to flesh out Indy's relationship with his father. I said, 'Here's a time we can really do a really good character study of who gave birth to this guy.' I said, 'George, let's see who inspired him. Let's do a father-son story,'" said the director, now 79. "George said, 'Is that going to be conducive with the Grail search?' I said, 'The search for the father is the search for the Holy Grail.' And if they're estranged by bitterness of experience, different ideologies or different approaches to archeology, the father is more professorial than Indy ever was, the father's more critical of Indy. So, I basically built up this relationship between Indy and his dad."
Spielberg also said he immediately knew he wanted Connery for the role, as his iconic '60s version of James Bond shares quite a few similarities with Indy.
"Then when it came down to casting it, then I said, 'George, there's only one person that can play Indy's father. That's James Bond. The original and the greatest James Bond, Sean Connery.' So we went for broke, went after Sean, and fortunate for us and the movie, Sean said that he would do it," said Spielberg.
Good Grief! Ayo Edebiri Cast as Snoopy in 'You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’
After taking a bow in the Broadway production of Proof just weeks ago, Ayo Edebiri is returning to the stage. This time, she’ll be portraying everyone’s favorite furry friend as Snoopy in the production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This casting comes as a full-circle moment, as fans have been editing photos of the actress with Snoopy, saying she has 'Snoopy energy.'
The announcement comes a little over a month after the release of The Bear season five, where Edebiri gave an outstanding performance as Sydney Adamu, alongside Jeremy Allen White, who portrays Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto in the show. Recently, the actress received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in The Bear, with the show receiving eight nominations in total.
Ayo will be starring as Snoopy in the New York City Center Encores musical production of “YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN”!!! pic.twitter.com/SbHk0fd17E
— Ayo Edebiri HQ (@edebiriupdates) August 6, 2026Edebiri made her Broadway debut earlier this year, starring alongside Don Cheadle in Proof. Running from April to mid-July, the show was attended by major celebrities, politicians and public figures, including President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Tyriq Withers, George Clooney, Kerry Washington, Matt Damon and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Related: Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle's 'Proof' on Broadway Approaches Its End
The casting for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was announced on Thursday, August 6, by the New York City Center. Edebiri will star alongside Danielle Brooks (Lucy), Jin Ha (Linus) and David Hyde Pierce (Charlie Brown). Directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, the show will run from February 3-14, 2027. Member presale for new subscriptions begins Tuesday, August 11 at 12 pm. Single tickets for members are available on October 7 at 12 pm and tickets for the general public are available on October 14.
View this post on InstagramThe Broadway production will feature the original 1967 orchestrations while capturing the joy of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic Peanuts comic strip. According to PEOPLE, the New York City Center describes the revival as a fresh take on the classical musical. “Join the PEANUTS gang on a series of small but seismic adventures in this beloved musical that captures the joy, struggle, and quiet urgency of growing up. When every triumph sings and every failure stings, this show reminds us of the importance of searching for happiness anyway,” the New York City Center wrote.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is part of the New York City Center’s Encore! Series, which is dedicated to reviving American musicals. Buy your tickets for the upcoming Broadway show at the New York City Center website.
AYO EDEBIRI AS WHO?!?!?!?! https://t.co/U0FLCJQMX4 pic.twitter.com/t1NwDFMdjS
— Julia (@tomhollwho) August 6, 2026Our close personal friend Ayo https://t.co/FyWa8b16JM pic.twitter.com/TFSq8WOqaM
— snoopy posters (@snoomfies) August 6, 20261976 Grammy-Winning Album by Linda Ronstadt Turns 50 This Year
Fifty years ago, Linda Ronstadt released an album that would become one of the most acclaimed recordings of her career.
Hasten Down the Wind arrived in 1976, adding another major success to a run that was quickly establishing Ronstadt, 80, as one of the most versatile stars in popular music. In 2026, the Grammy-winning album celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The album was Ronstadt's seventh studio album and followed the enormous success of Heart Like a Wheel and Prisoner in Disguise. Produced by Peter Asher, Hasten Down the Wind continued Ronstadt's knack for moving effortlessly between rock, country and pop while putting her unmistakable voice at the center.
Among the album's songs were Ronstadt's interpretations of "That'll Be the Day," "Crazy," "Lose Again" and the title track, along with songs written by artists including Warren Zevon and The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards and Mick Jagger.
The record was another commercial success for Ronstadt, but its legacy was cemented at the 1977 Grammy Awards.
Ronstadt won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for Hasten Down the Wind, earning her another Grammy during one of the most important stretches of her career. The Recording Academy notes that the album helped Ronstadt become the first female artist to have three million-selling albums in a row.
Her Grammy win came just one year after she had already taken home awards for Heart Like a Wheel, including Album of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
At the 1977 ceremony, Ronstadt kept her acceptance speech remarkably brief, singling out Asher, her producer, with a simple thank-you.
Looking back five decades later, Hasten Down the Wind remains an important snapshot of Ronstadt at the height of her early career before she would go on to explore everything from country supergroups to traditional Mexican music, opera and classic pop.
The album's 50th anniversary also arrives during a year that has brought renewed attention to Ronstadt's remarkable legacy. She turned 80 in July 2026, and her influence across multiple genres remains evident decades after she became one of the defining voices of her generation.
RELATED: Three Female Country Music Icons First Took the Stage Together 50 Years Ago Today
Jamba Just Launched a New Summer Treat—and You Could Win a Trip
Jamba is teaming up with Spa Weekend, the new friendship comedy starring Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau and Anna Faris, for a limited-time collaboration that gives fans a few different ways to celebrate the movie's Aug. 21 theatrical release.
Beginning Aug. 3, Jamba is offering a new smoothie, launching a sweepstakes with a seriously tempting grand prize and giving fans a chance to score Jamba-themed spa kits.
Meet the Spa Weekend Whirl'd SmoothieThe limited-time Spa Weekend Whirl'd Smoothie is a bright, tropical blend of sweet mango, peach and pineapple with a hint of ginger.
The smoothie is available at participating Jamba locations nationwide from Aug. 3 through Aug. 31, 2026.
And there's a little extra with each purchase: Every Spa Weekend Whirl'd Smoothie comes with a reusable co-branded orange koozie featuring the message, "You Deserve This."
One Lucky Winner Could Win a Costa Rica GetawayThe collaboration also includes a sweepstakes for one lucky winner and two friends.
The grand prize is a spa weekend for three in Costa Rica, giving the winner and their closest friends a chance to turn the collaboration's "sip and see" theme into an actual getaway.
Fans can enter the sweepstakes at enterpromo.com/JambaSpaWeekend.
Five additional winners will receive Jamba Spa Kits as runner-up prizes.
Each kit includes a cozy bathrobe and slippers, a Jamba-branded ice bath and Jamba and Fandango gift cards for creating a smoothie-and-movie experience at home or at the theater.
The collaboration arrives just in time for Spa Weekend, which hits theaters exclusively on Aug. 21.
RELATED: Parents Can Get a $150 TaskRabbit Credit to Outsource Back-to-School Chores
Perez Hilton to Undergo Surgery After ‘Significant Blood Loss’ During Distressing Livestream
Trigger Warning: This story contains references to self-harm.
Days after a deeply distressing livestream left viewers worried for his safety, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton remains hospitalized in Florida. His team said in a new update that he suffered significant blood loss during a mental health crisis and will require surgery.
Perez Hilton’s Team Says His Condition Is Serious but Stable Perez Hilton arrives at Jimmy Buffett's "Escape To Margaritaville" L.A. Premiere Engagement at the Dolby Theatre on February 18, 2020 in Hollywood, California.Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
In a statement posted to Hilton’s website on Saturday, August 8, his team said he suffered “significant blood loss” and unspecified additional injuries during the Aug. 4 incident. The 48-year-old is currently in serious but stable condition. His team said his recovery will be a long process, with doctors continuing to treat his injuries in the days ahead.
Hilton is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days. His team did not disclose the nature of the procedure or provide further details about his injuries. The statement described his condition as serious but stable and warned that treatment and recovery would be a “long process.”
The team has not shared how long Hilton’s recovery could take or when he may be discharged from the hospital.
The update came two days after Hilton’s family first confirmed he was receiving medical care and asked the public to respect the privacy of everyone involved.
Perez Hilton Has Limited Contact With Family During HospitalizationIn a earlier statement shared on August 6, Hilton’s team said his communication has been restricted to immediate family members, medical professionals and others directly involved in his treatment. He was able to spend time with his mother and sisterFriday, according to the update. His family has otherwise received limited information while doctors oversee his physical and mental health care.
The team also said Hilton remains hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act, as per Miami Herald. The state law allows a person to be taken to a receiving facility for an involuntary mental health examination when specific safety criteria are met, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Authorities Responded to Reports of Self-Harm During LivestreamThe Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls Aug. 4 about a man livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media. Deputies responded to a home in Miami-Dade County and spoke with family members outside, as confirmed by LA Times. Authorities said officers initially “tactically disengaged” while continuing to monitor the situation, a crisis-response strategy intended to create time and space for de-escalation. The individual was later “safely recovered” and transported to a local hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the department said. Crisis-response personnel and licensed mental health professionals also provided assistance to the family as per NBC6 South Florida.
Perez Hilton’s Children Remain Safe With Immediate FamilyHilton’s team confirmed that his children are safe and being cared for by immediate family members while he remains in the hospital. His relatives thanked supporters for the messages and prayers they have received since the incident. They also repeated their request for privacy as the children and other family members begin processing what happened. “Our family's focus right now is on his well-being,” the earlier statement confirmed. For now, they remain focused on his medical treatment, recovery and the emotional well-being of his children.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or considering self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate danger, call 911.
Walmart's 'Very Comfortable' $180 Foldable Sofa Bed Is 'Perfect for a Small Space'
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If you’ve been looking for a sofa that can double as an extra bed in a small space, Walmart has its bestselling BedLuxury Foldable Sofa Bed on sale at a steal of a price. Normally $300, the blue, gray, and green options are currently marked down to $180, while beige, black, and brown are available for $240.
It measures 55 inches and converts into an 88.2-inch full-size bed with built-in handles, so you can use it for everyday seating and then pull it out when someone stays over. It’s 29.5 inches long by 32.5 inches high, and the bed setup measures 88.2 inches long by 55 inches wide by 25.6 inches high. It’s made with memory foam, wood, and 100% chenille fabric, and it has a 600-pound weight capacity. It also features built-in cup holders, a side storage pocket, and a removable back pillow.
BedLuxury Foldable Sofa Bed, From $180 (was $300) at Walmart Shop at WalmartIts versatile design offers an everyday spot to sit and a place for guests to sleep. The cup holders are perfect for movie nights, especially in a playroom or small living room where there may not be room for a coffee table. The side pocket is also a very useful detail to keep remotes, books, or charging cords from ending up all over the floor.
“It was super easy to assemble and is of good quality,” one shopper said, adding, “It is very comfortable to sit on.” Another reviewer said, “It takes up very little space,” while a third confirmed that the sofa is “perfect for a small space. Another person mentioned, “It folds up nicely when additional floor space is needed.”
The sofa bed can be placed against the wall next to a floor lamp and a small table in the living room, or the foldable design could give kids a place to watch TV, read, or lounge. The blue and green options add a pop of color, while beige, black, gray, and brown are easier to keep neutral. You could even add a throw blanket and a couple of pillows to help it look even more inviting.
Whether you’re planning on having more guests over this summer or just want somewhere you can stretch out and relax for movie nights, the BedLuxury Foldable Sofa Bed is a great solution for anyone trying to make the most of a small room. Be sure to get yours now while it’s still on sale for $180 at Walmart.
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Ted Lasso Is Back: Fans and Critics Can't Agree on the Verdict
Three years is a long time to miss a friend, and for a lot of "Ted Lasso" fans, that's exactly what Wednesday's return felt like. Apple TV+'s Emmy-winning comedy came back Aug. 5 with a fourth season that split its audience almost immediately. That's right, even a show built on kindness can still start a fight.
The new season finds Jason Sudeikis' Ted three years removed from AFC Richmond, spending his days restocking shelves at a Kansas grocery store and raising his son. He's eventually pulled back to England, this time to coach the club's first women's team, the Lady Greyhounds, alongside a scowling new assistant coach played by Tanya Reynolds. Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Jeremy Swift and Brendan Hunt all return, joined by a run of newcomers who round out the roster.
The rollout leaned pretty heavily into nostalgia. Weeks before the premiere, Sudeikis appeared in character during the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, delivering a pep talk to a nervous Justin Bieber and unveiling a locker room sign that read "Beliebe." More than a billion people watched.
That goodwill didn't fully carry over to the reviews. Rotten Tomatoes' critic score swung between 91% and 78% before settling around 89%. Better than many, but a wide enough range to capture the split. The New York Post's Lauren Sarnercalled the new season the strongest the show has been since its debut. Other critics were far less convinced, with IndieWire and the Daily Beast both describing the premiere as thin on story and short on justification for why Ted, specifically, needed to be the one running the women's team.
Fans on social media broke along similar lines. One viewer, Kat Pettibone, wrote that she sobbed through the first episode because it brought back the magic of Season 1, adding that it defied her doubts entirely. Others online welcomed the show's return while grumbling about the weekly release schedule, joking that waiting seven days between episodes felt like a throwback to an earlier television era. Not everyone was as generous. Critics pointed to the premiere's decision to set nearly the entire hour in Kansas, delaying the return to the pitch that made the show a hit in the first place.
What both sides seem to agree on is that "Ted Lasso" is asking a harder question this time. The first season was about a underdog winning people over. The fourth is about whether that same trick can work twice for a show with of 13 Emmys and reputation for comfort viewing. New episodes of the 10-episode season arrive weekly on Wednesdays through Oct. 7, giving the show plenty of time to settle the argument.
Candace Cameron Bure Welcomes 2 Precious New Family Members
Candace Cameron Bure just welcomed two precious new family members—and the Full House star shared photos of the adorable additions.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, the former child actress who played DJ Tanner in the beloved '90s sitcomtook to Instagram to announce that she adopted two kittens.
"ICYMI, I’m officially a cat mom! 🫣," she captioned her update, also noting their names, Mateo and Romeo.
"I promise, he really likes me 😅," Cameron Bure wrote alongside one photo of a gray-and-white kitten mid-meow.
Next to a clip of the kittens attacking each other's tail on a chair, she quipped, "Play time! 😻."
To conclude her post, Cameron Bure invited fans to share their best tips, writing, "Tell me all your cat/kitten things for our 5mo old rescues! 😻."
Candace Cameron Bure's new kitties <3 pic.twitter.com/0tnucBFdTi
— Reality TV 4Lyfe (@realitytv4lyfe) August 8, 2026In the comments, followers joined Cameron Bure in welcoming her new family members. They also dropped their best tips for new cat owners, with one writing, "Get them a cat tree! And a bird feeder to watch."
A second fan echoed, "All the cat trees you could get for the house and keep them by the windows."
Someone else declared, "Aww, they are adorable! 😻."
A different Instagram user agreed, writing, "So precious:). So beautiful!"
Meanwhile, yet another follower commented, "Cats are the absolute best! Congratulations!🎉."
Related: Candace Cameron Bure’s Daughter Natasha Sizzles in Itty-Bitty Bikini Photos
Cameron Bure, 50, may be a new cat mom, but the actress is a veteran mom of three adult humans. She and her husband, Valeri Bure, 52, share a daughter, Natasha, 27, and two sons, Lev, 26, and Maksim, 24.
Soon, however, the Great American Family star will be a first-time grandma. That's because both Natasha and her husband, Bradley Steven Perry, and Lev and his wife, Elliott, are expecting their first babies.
In May, Cameron Bure revealed via Instagram, "I’m gonna be a Candy Gram!!!!!! 🤗🥳❤️," alongside photos of Natasha and Bradley. She returned to her Instagram grid three weeks later to announce, "Are you KIDDING?!! Another grandbaby on the way 🥹!!!!! Does life get any better?!!! CandyGram x2 = fully ignited 🍭💖👶🏼. Congratulations Lev and @elliottpbure 🎈, we are still pinching ourselves!! 🥰."
Next: Candace Cameron Bure Announces "Exciting" Career News for 2026 & Fans "Can’t Wait"
1974 Rock Song, Blue Swede’s One-Hit Wonder, Is Still a Global Hit 52 Years Later
One of the biggest hit songs to come out of the 1970s was actually a one-hit wonder cover of a track from the decade before.
The song, "Hooked on a Feeling," was originally released by singer B. J. Thomas in 1968. While it didn't do too bad this time around, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became a No. 1 hit when the band Blue Swede made their version.
Blue Swede covered the song in 1974, releasing it on their album of the same name. Their cover version was much different than the original. It included an "ooga chaka" chant that became one of the most iconic parts of the song, inspired by a 1971 cover of "Hooked on a Feeling" by Jonathan King.
There was also another interesting change from the original to Blue Swede's version. In order to avoid any interpretations about possible drug references, the Swedish rock band changed a few lines.
The first version of the song included the lines "I got it bad for you girl/ But I don't need a cure/ I'll just stay addicted/ And hope I can endure." For the new version, the verse was changed to "Got a bug from you girl/ But I don't need no cure/ I just stay a victim/ If I can for sure."
Related: 1962 Rock Song, Inspired by "The Nutcracker," Is Still a Smash Hit 64 Years Later
The track was a huge hit all around the world. In the U.S., it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1974. In Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, it broke into the Top 10.
While "Hooked on a Feeling" has continued to be a '70s fan-favorite song over the decades since it came out, it got extra attention some years thanks to its inclusion in hit movie soundtracks.
The Blue Swede song was included in the soundtrack for the 1992 Quentin Tarantino film, Reservoir Dogs. It was also one of the key songs in the Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy, which came out in 2014.
Related: 1981 Rock Song, With 21-Year-Old Singer, Is Still a Powerful Hit 45 Years Later
Bill Maher Sparks Backlash After Ariana Grande Weight Joke on 'Real Time'
Ariana Grandeannounced that she would take a “step back from visibility” after her Eternal Sunshine tour. Photos of the slim singer and clips from the latest video for her new single ‘Petal’ set off a flurry of speculation, with fans wondering whether her weight played a role in the decision-making process. Following a wave of body-shaming blasts, Real Time host Bill Maher is one more critic adding his voice to the crowd.
Earlier this week, a representative for Grande told PEOPLE, “She looks forward to finishing her tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
Grande’s rep also added, “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
On Friday’s episode of Real Time, comedian Bill Maher joked about the White House’s release of more UFO files in his opening monologue. What does this have to do with the recent rash of scrutiny over the pop singer’s weight?
Maher joked, “By the way, the administration this week, just a few days ago, maybe yesterday, unleashed a new treasure trove of UFO files. Interesting things in there. Triangular craft, weird lights over an army base, a stick-like figure with large eyes. That’s just an Ariana Grande video. We kid. We kid. Maybe that joke will make her eat something, so…maybe it will help.”
Instead of laughter, Maher’s Grande dig was met with audible groans. Not only did his audience seemingly disapprove of this too-far take on the singer, but the jab was met with a sharp backlash on social media.
After posting the clip on X, Maher’s fans (scratch that, critics) clapped back with, “I’m all for a good joke, but if the government is actually releasing new UFO files, that part is way more interesting than the punchline,” and “Has Bill hired some of Johnny Carson’s writers? The monologues are still funny, just not the same kind of funny.”
The White House released a new wave of UFO files. Sightings include a triangular craft in the sky, high-speed orbs near an army base, and a stick-like figure with large eyes, but that was just Ariana Grande. pic.twitter.com/buBBGk2Ze4
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) August 8, 2026Of course, the comments didn’t end there. And the rest made those seem tame. “You’re disgusting for joking on a woman’s body like that,” said one X user. Another wrote, “Imagine going from fat shaming Sarah Huckabee Sanders to thin shaming Ariana Grande. Since when does someone who treats plumpness as *that* contemptible a trait get to absolve themselves of their share of culpability for the continued existence of anorexia?”
As of now, Maher has not commented publicly on his joke or addressed the backlash.
Popular Green Powder Recalled Due to Bacteria Causing Nausea and Bloody Diarrhea
Check your pantry! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday, August 7, that Food To Live branded green powder products are being recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The Brooklyn, NY-based company Lexunder Inc., doing business as Food To Live, sold the powder across the United States. Customers could purchase the product online through foodtolive.com, foodinbulk.com, and other online marketplaces.
There are nine green-drink powders and powder mixes that could be affected by Salmonella. The Food to Live products were packaged in both resealable stand-up pouches and bulk cases, weighing 33, 44, and 55 pounds.
According to the FDA, recalled products include SO-72558 through SO-79374, or codes: VFD/ORG/MORP/B/25, C25051312, OSP251001. The company's other products have not been impacted.
Salmonella is a bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Humans primarily become infected by ingesting contaminated water or food. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, headache, chills, and abdominal pain.
Signs of illness will most likely appear within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. Healthy people typically improve after several days to a week on their own.
In rare circumstances, the Salmonella organism can reach the bloodstream and cause serious conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
As of now, no illnesses have been reported from the powders.
The FDA instated the recall after a Food To Live brand Organic Supergreens Mix, 8-ounce package, lot SO-77820, tested positive for Salmonella. The online retailer has ceased production and distribution of the products while the FDA investigates the company. The root of the problem has yet to be determined.
Customers who purchased one of the products are urged not to consume them. If you have an affected powder in your possession, you can either dispose of it or return it for a refund.
Consumers may contact Lexunder Inc. at (718) 717-1029, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, or at recall@foodtolive.com.
1997 Iconic Ballad, With 14-Year-Old Singer LeAnn Rimes, Ranked Among Greatest Songs of All Time
When LeAnn Rimes released "How Do I Live" in May 1997, she was only 14 years old.
Just months shy of her 15th birthday, the young country singer delivered a vocal performance far beyond her years. Although the song faced unusual competition upon its release, it ultimately became one of the biggest crossover hits in music history and is now recognized as one of Billboard's greatest songs of all time.
The song's journey was anything but ordinary.
"I was actually in a restaurant, and [songwriter] Diane [Warren] came up to me and said, 'I have the song,'" Rimes told Smooth Radio years later. "I ended up back up at her studio that night and recorded these three demos, and she was trying to pitch that song, or she had pitched it for [the movie] Con Air."
However, the filmmakers ultimately opted to use a version by Trisha Yearwood in the movie, leading to two competing recordings being released almost simultaneously.
"No harm, no foul! [My version] became huge," Rimes continued.It was one of those things that just, it worked out the way it was supposed to."
Although it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, "How Do I Live" spent an astonishing 69 weeks on the chart, setting a longevity record at the time. Its remarkable staying power helped it become one of the defining crossover hits of the late 1990s, earning success across the pop, country, and adult contemporary formats.
Its chart legacy has endured for decades.
"How Do I Live" remains one of the greatest songs in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to its unprecedented longevity and sustained popularity. Even as newer hits have rewritten chart records, Rimes' signature ballad continues to rank among the most successful songs ever to appear on the Hot 100.
The recording also transformed Rimes into an international superstar.
Already a country sensation following "Blue," she successfully crossed into the pop world while still in her teens, paving the way for a career that would include multiple Grammy Awards and millions of records sold worldwide. "How Do I Live" remains the song most closely associated with her remarkable rise.
"When 'How Do I Live' crossed over into the Top 40 and was a huge success… I think people thought I was leaving country music, and that wasn’t the case," Rimes told Vice. "I kind of feel like I got pushed out in a lot of ways. So we had that success with that song, 'I Need You,' and 'You Light Up My Life,' and we were feeling out that territory for actually making a record that way. But I think it was a natural progression and a natural experimentation… I mean I started so young that I had to experiment! I would have been a real boring artist if I didn't. I'm glad I dabbled in everything."
Nearly 30 years after its release, "How Do I Live" continues to resonate with listeners through its timeless melody and emotional performance. Featuring a 14 year-old LeAnn Rimes at the beginning of an extraordinary career, the 1997 ballad has earned its place among the greatest songs in Billboard history, a testament to a performance that has truly stood the test of time.
1964 Heartbreak Hit, Co-Written by Burt Bacharach, Turned a 17-Year-Old Singer Into a No. 1 Star
Sandie Shaw was 17 when a single song, “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me,” changed everything.
Shaw’s distinctive voice and down-to-earth persona helped turn her into one of Britain’s biggest and brightest young stars almost overnight, as the classic pop standard soared to No. 1 in the United Kingdom and continues to resonate with listeners more than six decades later.
View this post on InstagramIn the summer of 1964, Shaw made her official debut with “As Long as You’re Happy Baby.” But the single flopped, so her manager, Eve Taylor, traveled to the U.S. looking for a fresh hit. What she found was a soulful heartbreak track written by legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David floating around studios.
First recorded as a demo by Dionne Warwick in 1963, the track was then released as the first commercial single by soul singer Lou Johnson. His rendition peaked at No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. Thinking Shaw could work her magic across the Atlantic with her conversational soprano vocals, Taylor brought the song home.
The move was a good one, as Shaw and producer Tony Hatch soon proved.
With the support of Hatch, Shaw crafted a dramatic, catchy arrangement that complemented her unique and vulnerable style. With lush horns, a light bossa-nova beat, and a unique clicking percussion groove, they turned the American pop-soul hit into an effortlessly cool, youthful British chart-topper.
One of Shaw’s signature aesthetics was to perform barefoot, which leaned into the “stylish underkill” and bohemian look she preferred. Recognizing the promotional value, Taylor and the British press quickly dubbed Shaw “the barefoot pop princess of the 1960s.”
“I’ve never had big boobs, so I’ve never had the temptation to use them as a gimmick,” Shaw once said, via Classic Bands. “But I always sang barefoot, and my stylish underkill was considered original at the time, and still is. My taste and background are very European bohemian. I've never had to shout or wear a chicken on my head to get attention. Everybody has their own way.”
Shortly after the song hit the airwaves, Shaw premiered it on the British pop show Ready Steady Go!, helping turn her already-promising career into a bona fide pop phenomenon.
The performance served as a critical catalyst, fueling a massive sales surge and selling 65,000 copies of the single in its first week alone. The performance made the impact hard to miss.
“It was like a social occasion," Shaw said about performing live on the show. "I liked being Queen Bee. I know I was the fabbest girl there.”
Shaw followed up the success of “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” with two more No. 1 hits: “Long Live Love” in 1965 and “Puppet on a String,” which Shaw performed at the 1967Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, where she won the whole shebang.
Unfortunately, Shaw didn’t have as much success in the U.S., never reaching the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40. “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” peaked at No. 52 on the all-genre survey, with “Girls Don’t Come,” her best performer in the States, reaching No. 42.
Internationally, however, the song echoed the success it had in its native country. In Canada and South Africa, the track reached No. 1, while hitting No. 7 in Ireland, No. 10 in the Netherlands, and No. 16 in Australia.
Even though Shaw didn’t make a splash in the U.S., her song certainly did.
“(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” was covered by several artists throughout the ’60s and ’70s, including Delroy Wilson and R.B. Greaves. But it’s the revolutionized MTV-generation cover by British synthpop duo Naked Eyes that finally launched the song into the U.S. Top 10, peaking at No. 8 in 1983.
Proof that the song kept reminding listeners of its staying power.
Related: 1964 Ballad, Written by The Rolling Stones, Launched a 17-Year-Old Singer’s Career
1969 No. 1 Duet, Originally Written for Brigitte Bardot, Was Banned in Several Countries
What did it take for a song to get banned from the radio in the '60s? Not much, actually. (Just ask the Beatles or the Rolling Stones.) But in the case of what might have been the era's raciest hit, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin's "Je t'aime...moi non plus," even the Pope got involved.
While Gainsbourg was one of France's most significant cultural icons of all time (flags were flown at half-mast after his death in 1991 at the age of 62), "Je t'aime...moi non plus" was his biggest international hit. It was even the first foreign-language song to hit the top of the charts in the U.K. But what made this accomplishment even more impressive, perhaps, was the fact that it was banned in several countries.
Originally, Gainsbourg wrote "Je t'aime...moi non plus" for Brigitte Bardot. According to the Guardian, Gainsbourg had fallen hard for the French actress (who was married at the time), but their first date didn't go very well. To make up for the disappointing evening, Bardot asked Gainsbourg to write her "the most beautiful love song you can imagine." Gainsbourg actually wrote two songs in response, "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Je t'aime...moi non plus," the latter of which was recorded by the couple in the winter of 1967. Alas, the steamy duet was leaked to the French press, and when the Sunday paper France-Dimanche reported on the Bardot's "groans, sighs, and...little cries of pleasure," her husband demanded that the single be withdrawn.
Bardot ended up going back to her husband, forcing Gainsbourg to find another singer for "Je t'aime...moi non plus." He eventually found the perfect candidate in young English actress Jane Birkin, his co-star in the film Slogan. And though the two went on to have a legendary romance (and a daughter, Charlotte), they didn't get along at first. That changed after the two spent an evening out in Paris, Birkin recalled years later.
"We were at Regine's nightclub for a long time, and I asked Gainsbourg to dance," Birkin said. "And he stepped on my feet! I was so surprised. I thought, 'So this sophisticated, arrogant, seemingly confident man doesn't know how to dance' — and I realized it was because he's in fact shy. He seemed so worldly-wise, but at the same time he was very childlike."
The two soon became "inseparable," and after the movie wrapped, Gainsbourg asked Birkin to record a new version of "J t'aime...moi non plus." It wasn't long before they realized the song was destined to be a sensation.
"The hotel where we were living at the time, where Oscar Wilde had died — Gainsbourg liked it because of that anecdote — had a restaurant in the wine-cellar where people could sit in the little compartments and have dinner, and there was a man who used to play rather slow and discreet records for background music," Birkin explained. "Gainsbourg couldn't resist popping on 'J t'aime...moi non plus.'"
"Everybody's knives and forks were in the air, suspended," she added. "Nobody went on eating. Gainsbourg said 'I think we've got a hit.'"
They were right, of course...but not everybody was a fan. In fact, it was altogether banned in Spain, Italy, Brazil, Sweden and the U.K. (where it became the first banned #1 song). The Vatican even went so far as to denounce "J t'aime...moi non plus," according to The Observer, though it wasn't banned in Italy. Gainsbourg retorted by thanking the Pope for the publicity, per Far Out.
Costco Is Now Selling Sneakers From a Fan-Favorite Brand That Shoppers Say Have 'Great Arch Support'
Hoka is a beloved sneaker brand that is known for cushioned, supportive designs. Well, Hoka just dropped one of its most comfortable styles in both men's and women's sizes on Costco's website for just $124.99.
Hoka's Arahi 8 Shoes have officially landed on Costco.com. The men's style comes in four colors, including navy (pictured below), cream, ivory and multicolor. The women's style comes in four colors, including purple, black, multicolor and beige. Despite the shoe's super supportive design, each pair is still super stylish without feeling or looking bulky.
Hoka Men's Arahi 8 Shoe, Navy, $124.99 (Member's Only Price) at CostcoCostco
Both the men's and women's Hoka Arahi 8 Shoe have an abrasion rubber outsole. The shoes also offer heel cushioning as well as Hoka's stabilizing H-Frame technology that helps guide your stride while preventing overpronation. This makes this pair of shoes particularly incredible for those who need some extra arch support.
Related: Target's Chic New Stackable Seagrass Baskets Have Shoppers in Love: 'I Want So Many More!'
These Hoka sneakers have rave reviews on Costco.com, with reviewers mentioning great arch support, cushion and help with conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
"Hokas are one if not the most comfortable shoes I've bought. They have a lot of cushion are great arch support. I have flat feet and with these shoes my feet don't hurt from standing or walking. I highly recommend them," wrote one fan in a five-star review of the Hoka Men's Arahi 8 Shoe on Costco.com.
"I have plantar fasciitis and after trying many different styles (Bondi, Clifton) and brand like Brooks, Nike and many other brands, I found Hoka Arahi helps the best. This is my 6th pair of Arahi throughout the years. They run true to size. Took them to Europe and walked on those cobblestones, sometimes 7-8 miles a day and never had any issues. This is by far my favorite sneakers," said one Costco Member in a five-star review of the women's Hoka Arahi 8 Shoe on Costco.com.
You can find these supportive sneakers on Costco.com. The Member's Only Price for both the men's and women's shoes is $124.99. The shoes come in both half sizes and full sizes. Do note that this is an online-only offer, and there's a limit of two pairs per membership.
The One Hobby Neurologists and Psychologists Both Recommend After Retirement
When you think of retirement, your mind might drift to cruises, beach chairs and Mai Tais. Perhaps you dream of soaking up cuddles with any applicable grandkids (or grand-pets) or checking nearly every item off the bucket list you've carefully curated for years.
When you log out of work for the last time, it can feel bittersweet to wrap up one chapter of your life. The new one is full of possibilities, but neurologists and psychologists are urging people to plan for more than just vacations and family time after retirement. They say it's vital to have a plan for preventing cognitive decline in retirement, and you can do this through hobbies. The last day of work and all of your newfound free time afterwards can flood you with emotions, so you'll want to consider how you'll keep your mood steady (and generally happy). The good news is that there are many psychological benefits of hobbies after retirement.
"One of the things I often encourage people to think about is that retirement isn't just a financial transition; it's a psychological one," saysDr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, PhD, a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. "We spend years planning how we'll retire, but not always enough time thinking about what we're retiring to."
One neurologist points out that work keeps our brains busy.
"Deadlines, names, problems to solve, people to deal with," lists Dr. Alexander Zubkov, MD, a board-certified neurologist and medical advisory board member for 1MD Nutrition. "Retire, and that friction disappears overnight. The brain still needs it. Patients who plan for that ahead of time do a lot better than the ones who wait until their memory starts slipping."
However, experts say that your brain can continue to grow even as you age through "neuroplasticity." In fact, there are many neuroplasticity exercises for seniors (or people of any age) that can help you grow your brain and learn new skills, like dancing or a new language. Neurologists and psychologists actually agree on the best retirement hobby for brain and mental health, and they reveal it below.
Related: This Is the Best ‘Slow Living’ Hobby for Women Over 50, Psychologists Say
The 'One Hobby' Revealed: Why Doctors Recommend Learning an InstrumentNeurologists and psychologists say that learning a new musical instrument is one of the best hobbies for brain health in retirement. When learning a musical instrument, older adults can build cognitive reserve, develop a sense of identity, improve their mood and enter a flow state in retirement.
Halfpoint Images/Getty Images
The Neurologist’s View: Building 'Cognitive Reserve'Learning how to play an instrument in retirement is one of the best hobbies for brain health because it can help build a cognitive reserve in older adults, neurologists say. Dr. Smita Patel, DO, MS, an integrative neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with Endeavor Health, explains that a cognitive reserve is your brain's ability to keep functioning, even with the normal changes that happen as we age.
"You can think of it as the brain's 'backup capacity,' built over a lifetime through education, learning, social engagement, and mentally stimulating experiences," she explains. "While cognitive reserve doesn't prevent brain disease, a greater reserve may help people better cope with age-related changes."
Dr. Zubkov shares that learning an instrument builds cognitive reserve in older adults because it:
- Wires together brain regions that don't normally work this closely (hearing, movement and vision work together at the same time).
- Leans hard on working memory ("Reading music and holding a sequence in your head uses the same muscle as everyday problem-solving," he tells Parade).
- Strengthens the link between your left and right hemispheres (your hands are often doing two things at once).
Speaking of hemispheres, you may have heard about right and left brain hobbies, which Dr. Zubkov says is an oversimplified but useful concept when considering hobbies for brain health.
"The left brain leans toward logic and language, chess and Sudoku," he explains. "The right brain leans towards creativity and feeling, painting and dance."
OK, so which one is learning an instrument? The answer isn't black-and-white like sheet music.
"Music sits in the middle," he tells Parade. "You're counting rhythm with one hand and shaping emotion with the other."
Related: Finance Experts Are Begging People Over 50 To Start Doing This ASAP if They’re Not Already
The Psychologist’s View: Identity, Flow and Mood RegulationThere are many psychological benefits to hobbies after retirement, but learning an instrument rises to the top of Dr. Lira de la Rosa's list because it can help people develop a sense of identity, enter a flow state and regulate their moods.
"I love recommending music because it engages so many parts of us at once," he tells Parade. "You're listening, paying attention, coordinating movement, remembering patterns, solving problems and expressing yourself emotionally."
That's important because you may unexpectedly find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster after leaving the workforce.
"Many people feel like they lose part of their identity when they stop working," notes Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. "Learning an instrument gives them a new role to grow into."
In other words, rather than thinking "I used to be an accountant," Dr. Hafeez suggests people can think "I'm learning piano" or "I'm a guitarist."
"That shift helps people see themselves as someone who is still growing and learning," she says. "It reminds them that retirement is the start of a new chapter, not the end of one."
You can also enter a flow state in retirement when learning to play an instrument. Dr. Hafeez says this state occurs when you're so focused on an activity that you lose track of time.
"It helps quiet worries and keeps your mind fully in the present moment," she explains. "Many retirees miss the sense of focus and accomplishment that work once provided, and flow can help fill that gap. Learning an instrument naturally creates this feeling because you're concentrating on the notes, rhythm and timing."
Perhaps unsurprisingly, your mood lifts when you feel like you have a new identity and are experiencing a flow state, but Dr. Lira de la Rosa shares it's more than that. Music is a processing tool.
"Sometimes it's easier to play how you're feeling than it is to explain it," he points out.
Related: 8 Psychological Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting, According to a Psychologist
Passive vs. Active Hobbies: What the Brain Actually NeedsNeurologists say that there's a difference between passive and active hobbies, but both have their place in our lives.
"Passive hobbies, such as watching television, listening to music or watching movies, are enjoyable ways to relax and recover from stress," Dr. Patel explains. "Active hobbies, including gardening, painting, volunteering, cooking, hiking, knitting or learning a new language, require participation, decision-making, creativity or movement."
She notes that active and passive hobbies both have value, but stresses that "active hobbies tend to provide greater cognitive stimulation by engaging attention, memory, coordination and problem-solving."
"A healthy balance of both is ideal," the neurologist explains.
Dr. Zubkov echoes these sentiments.
"Active is where the growth happens," he shares. "Passive isn't bad. Everybody needs rest. The problem is when a passive hobby becomes the whole day. Lean toward active, let passive fill the gaps."
Related: 9 Habits To Help You Stay Youthful in Your 70s, According to a Psychologist
5 Accessible Ways To Start Playing Today (No Talent Required)Learning an instrument can feel intimidating to older adults, but it's possible to start small and have fun. Experts share their top five tips for learning how to start playing an instrument in retirement.
1. Give yourself permission to be a beginnerYou may have held a distinguished career that ended in a corner office full of awards. That doesn't mean you have to be the "best" at everything you do in retirement. But Dr. Lira de la Rosa shares that one of the biggest barriers to taking up a new hobby, like music, is a fear that they're "too old" or "not talented enough" to start. He suggests letting go of the idea that you have to be great at it, at first or ever.
"The value comes from staying curious, trying something new and enjoying the process," he shares. "Ironically, when we stop worrying about being perfect, learning often becomes much more fun."
2. Rent or borrow an instrument before buying oneYou may have sticker shock at the prices of musical instruments, especially if you're hyper-aware of the reduced income in retirement and not even sure you'll stick with the hobby. Dr. Hafeez shares that you can rent or borrow instruments before buying them at a lower (or no) cost.
"This is a great way to see if you enjoy playing without spending a lot of money," she says. "Many music stores offer affordable rentals, and friends or family may have an instrument you can borrow. It takes the pressure off and lets you learn at your own pace."
3. Choose music that means something to youYou don't have to play the classics if they're not your jam.
"If you're learning songs you actually enjoy, you're much more likely to stick with it," Dr. Lira de la Rosa notes. "Personal enjoyment is a much stronger motivator than trying to master technical exercises."
4. Consider a group classWhile you may blush at first, this is a great first step. It's vulnerable to learn in front of others, but Dr. Zubkov shares that there's a ton of value to adding people into the mix, especially in retirement.
"Loneliness is its own risk factor for decline, and having others counting on you makes you show up," he notes.
5. Start smallDr. Hafeez suggests starting with 10-15-minute practice sessions per day.
"Short practice sessions are easier to stick with and help build confidence over time," she notes. "You don't need hours of practice to make progress, especially in the beginning. Small improvements each day add up and help keep the experience fun instead of frustrating."
Consider ending on a high note.
Up Next:
Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What Happy Couples Over 50 Do Right—They All Said the Same Thing
Sources:- Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, PhD, is a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor.
- Dr. Alexander Zubkov, MD, is a board-certified neurologist and medical advisory board member for 1MD Nutrition.
- Dr. Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, is a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind.
- Dr. Smita Patel, DO, MS, is an integrative neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with Endeavor Health.
Classic Rock Ballad Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 43 Years After First No. 1 'Head Over Heels'
More than four decades after Cocteau Twins scored their first No. 1 album, one of the Scottish band's lesser-known songs is suddenly finding a new audience.
"Cico Buff," a slow, dreamy ballad released on the band's 1988 album Blue Bell Knoll, has made an unexpected appearance on TikTok's Top 50 chart, debuting at an impressive No. 9.
The song wasn't even released as a single when the album arrived 38 years ago. Instead, "Carolyn's Fingers" became Blue Bell Knoll's breakout track in the United States, eventually reaching No. 2 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart.
But now, "Cico Buff" is having an unlikely moment of its own.
@brooklynn..secr3tIf not now, then when? #fyp #viral
♬ original sound - wockstarz⭐️TikTok users have recently gravitated toward the atmospheric track for videos about relationships, loneliness, uncertainty and moving forward.
One video using "Cico Buff" is captioned, "In many ways, I prefer my own company, give me time to think." Another asks, "If not now, when?"
Others strike an even more bittersweet note. "I think being no one's first choice builds a lot of character," reads one, while another says, "What's not meant for you will disappoint you a thousand times until you finally understand."
@1011010100110_1Cocteau Twins - Cico Buff #fyp #cocteautwins #cicobuff #landsat
♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ - N - ÑThe song has also been paired with an emotional Stranger Things scene between Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) in which she questions whether he still loves her.
It's easy to understand why "Cico Buff" lends itself to those kinds of videos. Elizabeth Fraser's soaring, elusive vocals float over Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymonde's atmospheric instrumentation, creating a song that can feel melancholy, romantic and hopeful all at once.
Fraser's unconventional approach to lyrics was a defining part of Cocteau Twins' sound. She often sang invented or difficult-to-decipher words, allowing her voice to function almost as another instrument.
That approach was particularly pronounced on Blue Bell Knoll. Fraser later recalled the freedom she felt putting conventional lyrics aside while making the album, and said that at the time, "Not one word can you grasp. Giving anything away… it just wasn’t allowed.”
By the time "Cico Buff" arrived in 1988, Cocteau Twins had already spent years developing the ethereal sound that would make them hugely influential.
Formed in Scotland in 1979, the band released its debut album Garlands in 1982. After bassist Will Heggie departed, Guthrie and Fraser began rethinking their sound, eventually releasing Head over Heels in 1983. Raymonde joined soon afterward, completing the trio's best-known lineup.
The group continued expanding its audience throughout the decade with releases including Treasure, Victorialand and eventually Blue Bell Knoll. Their music helped pioneer dream pop and shape what would later become known as shoegaze.
Blue Bell Knoll also marked a significant step in the band's American career, becoming their first album to receive major-label distribution in the United States through Capitol Records. It peaked at No. 15 on the U.K. Albums Chart and No. 109 on the Billboard 200.
The album was also a critical favorite. NME gave it a 9/10 review and ranked it among the best albums of 1988. Retrospective reviews have remained strong, including a perfect 10/10 from Drowned in Sound and an 8.3/10 from Pitchfork.
Drowned in Sound wrote at the time, "From start to finish, it's a record that gleams with grace and emotion; chiming, mournful guitars and layered tapestry of sounds evoke a vast array of imagery."
"Cico Buff" was tucked away as the sixth song on the 10-track album, but it wasn't completely overlooked at the time. Although it wasn't released as a traditional single, a promotional music video was created for the song alongside one for "Carolyn's Fingers."
Cocteau Twins would achieve their greatest mainstream album success with 1990's Heaven or Las Vegas, which reached No. 7 in the U.K. The trio ultimately disbanded in 1997.
Nearly three decades after the band called it quits, however, their music continues to find new listeners. And this time, it's a 1988 deep cut that never even became a single leading the charge.
Isla Fisher Reveals the Secret to Her Strength After Sacha Baron Cohen Split
Isla Fisher is settling into a life she once struggled to imagine, and the experience has revealed a depth of resilience she did not know she possessed.
More than a year after finalizing her divorce from actor Sacha Baron Cohen, the 50-year-old actress spoke candidly about the people who helped her regain her footing. The Confessions of a Shopaholic star shared the personal update with E! News, while attending the Las Vegas premiere of upcoming comedy film Spa Weekend.
Isla Fisher Says Female Friendships Helped Her Recover Her Strength View this post on InstagramFisher credited the women closest to her with providing stability during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
“I'm much stronger than I thought I was,” Fisher told the outlet, explaining that her female friendships helped her reconnect with that confidence. “I'm incredibly grateful.” Those relationships gave Fisher a place to turn as she adjusted to life outside a longtime partnership. Her latest comments reflect a noticeable shift from the uncertainty she expressed while navigating the early stages of the separation. Watch the video here.
That spirit of female connection also shaped Fisher’s experience making “Spa Weekend,” which opens in theaters Aug. 21.
Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen Finalized Their Divorce in 2025 View this post on InstagramFisher and Baron Cohen announced in April 2024 that they had jointly filed for divorce in 2023, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Their decision ended a 13-year marriage and a relationship that had lasted more than two decades. The former couple, who share three children, finalized the divorce in June 2025. In a joint statement, they said they would “remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children,” while requesting continued privacy for their family, as per People.
Before the divorce was completed, Fisher described the breakup as “the most difficult thing that I've been through," in an interview with The Times. She also emphasized that she and Baron Cohen remained committed and loving parents despite the end of their marriage.
Isla Fisher Embraces a Liberating New Chapter at 50Fisher has since spoken with growing optimism about her new life. After turning 50, she said the milestone and her divorce had left her feeling unexpectedly free. “I'm good. I'm so great,” she told People in March. She also described herself as feeling liberated and open to new possibilities.
Iconic 1969 Beatles Album Cover, Shot in Just 10 Minutes, Is Still Being Recreated 57 Years Later
It's been 57 years since the most recognizable album cover of all time was created. Since then, the zebra crossing at Abbey Road in London, England, has seen a steady stream of Beatles fans attempt to recreate the Abbey Roadalbum cover.
Yet, despite the simplicity of the shot—photographer Iain Macmillan took just six photos within ten minutes—most who try to replicate it are missing an element that was crucial to getting the original shot.
A general view of the 'Abbey Road Studio' room is seen at the Beatlemania exhibition on May 28, 2009 in Hamburg, Germany.Krafft Angerer/Getty Images
"I remember we hired a policeman to hold up traffic while I was up on the ladder taking the pictures," Macmillan told The Guardian in 1989.
Paul McCartney's Original VisionMacmillan had met John Lennon in 1966 while photographing Yoko Ono's Unfinished Paintings and Objects installation. Three years later, Lennon asked the Scottish photographer to do the Abbey Road cover.
However, while he took the photos, he admitted the concept belonged to someone else.
"The whole idea, I must say, was Paul McCartney's," he revealed. "A few days before the shoot, he drew a sketch of how he imagined the cover, which we executed almost exactly that day."
The weather on that Friday morning in August 1969 was hot. While Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were all wearing shoes, McCartney noticeably was barefoot.
"I happened to be wearing sandals," McCartney explained during a 2018 interview. "So I just kicked them off, because it was just so hot," he continued. "And went across perfect. There was no special meaning behind it."
But many people did find meaning behind it.
Fueling the 'Paul is Dead' RumorsA conspiracy theory arose after the album was released that a Paul McCartney look-alike was used in the photoshoot, because he'd died. Even the license plate of a Volkswagen—LMW 281F—that just happened to end up in the background of the photo was believed to prove the "Paul is dead" rumor.
People saw "28 IF" instead of 281F, and decided it meant that McCartney would have been 28 "IF" he had lived. Ironically, he was only 27 when they made the album cover. As for his being barefoot, Beatles fans weren't used to seeing McCartney barefoot. Conspiracy theorists latched onto this unusual circumstance, convinced that it was a clear sign that it wasn't him in the photo.
In an interview with Time Magazine in November 1969, McCartney dismissed the rumor. "It's all bloody stupid," he remarked.
Today, millions of fans continue to kick off their shoes and step into the street, hoping for the perfect Abbey Road shot. But the real secret behind the iconic cover wasn’t a grand, calculated master plan, but a spontaneous mix of a rough sketch, a hasty ten-minute shoot, and a hot London summer day.
