Parade

If you’re lucky—yes, lucky—aging is inevitable. It means you’re living and hopefully loving life. That said, more birthdays bring changes (and challenges), and often, you’ll want to know how you’re aging.

“Aging looks different for everyone, but there are some changes we commonly see as people get older,” Dr. Tate Hinkle, MD, a family physician, tells Parade.

Dr. Hinkle says you can expect gradual decreases in muscle mass and strength, along with slower reaction time. Your joints can also get stiffer, and balance and flexibility “may not be quite what they once were.”

“Vision and hearing can change, sleep patterns may shift, and it may take a little longer to recover after strenuous activity,” Dr. Hinkle says.

Gradual is a key word. You won’t wake up on a milestone birthday, like your 50th or 60th, unable to balance, stretch or move at all.

“Getting older does not automatically mean becoming frail or losing your independence,” Dr. Hinkle says. “Many age-related changes can be slowed or improved through physical activity, strength training, good nutrition and management of chronic health conditions.”

Importantly, that doesn’t mean you won’t age at all, despite what the longevity corner of TikTok insists.

“As a family physician, I think the goal should be less about avoiding aging and more about maintaining function as we age,” explains Dr. Uma Darji, MD, a family physician in North Carolina. “We want people to continue doing the things that matter to them as they age.”

Knowledge is power, and doctors say this simple 10-second test can reveal a lot about how you’re aging. Scroll on to learn what it is and what the results do and don’t mean.

🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊

This Simple 10-Second Test Can Reveal a Lot About How You’re Aging, Doctors Say

Doctors say they can start to learn how you’re aging by testing your ability to balance on one foot for 10 seconds.

“Standing on one foot for 10 seconds sounds frivolous, but it actually tests your muscles, joints, nerves, eyes, inner ear and brain to help you stay balanced,” explains Dr. Yoshua Quinones, MD, a board-certified Internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a contributor to LabFinder.com.

Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, agrees that seeing how long someone can stand on one foot can reveal clues into how aging is going. Here’s how he interprets results:

• Standing on one leg for more than 30 seconds: Generally reassuring balance
• Standing on one leg for 10–30 seconds: Some balance decline—worth monitoring
• Standing on one leg for less than 10 seconds: Significant balance limitation, particularly in an older adult
• Unable to stand on one leg at all: Strong reason to evaluate balance, gait, strength and fall risk

When might you naturally “fail” the “10-second” one-foot-stand test? Dr. Darji says there’s no specific number.

“However, most people without medical conditions could manage 10 seconds through their late 60s, but this is not a standard that we use and varies widely based on other health factors,” Dr. Darji clarifies.

One study of adults aged 51–75 indicated that most people in their early 50s could stand on one leg for 10 seconds. However, more than half (54%) of people aged 71–75 couldn’t balance on one foot for 10 seconds.

Dr. Hinkle agrees that the 10-second balance test isn’t self-diagnostic, and there’s no “magic age” when you should or shouldn’t be able to pass it. Plus, some people definitely shouldn’t try it alone at home.

“Someone who already has difficulty with balance, has experienced falls, uses an assistive device or feels dizzy or unsteady should not attempt an unsupported one-leg stand just to see whether they can do it,” he says, adding that a doctor or physical therapist can safely assess your balance.

Related: Geriatricians Are Begging Families To Do This as It Gets Dark Earlier

What Does It Mean if You Can’t Stand on One Foot for 10 Seconds?

Being unable to stand on one foot for 10 seconds could indicate several things, including age-related declines in balance. Dr. Cutler says it can mean you’re more frail, so you may not recover from “minor” stressors like an infection or a fall. And you’re at a higher risk of falling, which can cause injury, loss of independence and even death as you age.

But don’t panic if you wobble and fall during this 10-second balance test.

“Balance varies considerably from person to person and can be affected by medications, vision, inner-ear function, muscle strength, joint problems and a number of medical conditions,” Dr. Hinkle says.

That said, consider it a reason to “get curious.” Your doctor will likely do the same.

“How we age isn’t determined solely by the number of candles on the birthday cake,” Dr. Hinkle adds. “Strength, balance and mobility are modifiable throughout much of life. A 10-second balance test can be an interesting clue, but maintaining the ability to move safely and independently is much more important than passing any single test.”

Related: Getting Up To Pee Every Night Isn’t Always Just Part of Getting Older—Here’s What Urologists Want You To Know

How to Improve Balance as You Age

Want a do-over? Doctors say you can pass the 10-second balance test even if you didn’t pass the first time. But you may need to take some practical steps before re-testing.

“Balance can improve, especially when reduced activity, muscle weakness, or lack of practice is contributing,” Dr. Darji says. “With neuropathy—nerve damage—regaining this balance may not be possible.”

Before you do any of the following, make sure you don’t have vision issues, inner-ear disorders, or pain that affects your balance. She notes that medications can cause dizziness, too.

If all of the above check out, you may be able to boost balance by:

• Strengthening the muscles that support you. You don’t need heavy dumbbells or a fancy gym membership for this one. Dr. Darji says that standing up from a sturdy chair, supported heel raises, and resistance exercises help strengthen the legs and hips. “Balance requires both sensing that you are becoming unsteady and having the strength to respond.”
• Move more. Walk, dance, do what…moves you. Dr. Quinones says light cardio also challenges your muscles in different ways.
• Stand on one leg. If you can safely practice standing on one foot, Dr. Cutler recommends doing so. He even does it himself every morning and night while brushing his teeth. “And since you should be brushing both upper and lower teeth for one minute, it is a great way to improve your dental health as well,” Dr. Cutler says.

In other words, it may be possible to get up and try balancing on one leg again for 10 seconds.

“Balance is a skill we can train, and a physical therapist can help someone build strength and steadiness at an appropriate level,” Dr. Darji emphasizes.

Up Next:

Related: Don’t Do This Before Your Next Blood Test, Doctors Warn

Sources:

• Dr. Tate Hinkle, MD, a family physician
• Dr. Uma Darji, MD, a family physician in North Carolina
• Dr. Yoshua Quinones, MD, a board-certified Internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a contributor to LabFinder.com
• Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
• Successful 10-second one-legged stance performance predicts survival in middle-aged and older individuals. British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The Traitors: New Blood has arrived! Throughout the season, Mike Bloom will speak with someone from the star-studded cast who was murdered or banished on the iconic Emmy-winning reality series.

It’s only appropriate that therapist Niyyah Hayes was adamant about couching her opinions while on The Traitors: New Blood. After all, as someone who fashioned herself an expert in body language and human behavior, she was more than happy to simply sit back and observe the shady dealings around her. That’s not to say, however, that she was hesitant to let her voice be heard.

Indeed, throughout her time in the castle, we saw Niyyah vocalize how sketched out she was by some of her fellow Faithfuls. She continued to stay on Victor Vollbrechthausen throughout her time in the castle, suspicious of him for consistently not speaking up for those he was working with. And she drilled into Jay Vinnedge at one particular Roundtable, calling him out for not backing up his own claims with his vote. Unfortunately, that would be some of the final words Niyyah would speak in the game. As the group anxiously awaited that evening’s wake, they had no idea a murder in plain sight was happening in front of their eyes. In the end, Niyyah turned out to be the apple of Joe Vanella’s eye. One fateful fruit toss forever changed her game, as she was left in a burning casket, incinerating her chances of continuing.

Read below for our interview with Niyyah. And check out new episodes of The Traitors: New Blood Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

Let’s start with how your game met its untimely end. What was your reaction when Joe said he had “something to tell you,” and how did you respond when he actually told you the news?
I mean, my anticipation was, “You’re telling me that you killed me.”Because what else could you have? You don’t have any information. You can’t undig us out of this grave.” So that was my gut reaction. It was kind of like, “Ugh, damn, it’s over for me. She played herself.” And then when he finally did spit it out, because they trimmed that conversation down a lot, when he finally told me, I literally think my first thing I said to him was, “Shut the hell up.” Well, probably the f-word actually. [Laughs.] I’m pretty sure I was like, “Go f yourself.”

It kind of just made the whole thing really anticlimactic too. Because we weren’t even at the part where he was announcing who was safe. The conversation that we had, there’s a lot that was unseen, and it happened pretty quickly. He was very guilty. He felt very guilty, and he really wanted to get it off his conscience. And unfortunately for him, in that moment, I had nothing to give him other than an “f you.”

So then what were the two of you talking about up until your death, if he actually revealed he was a Traitor much earlier than we saw?
I literally was like, “Why me? Why would you pick me? What would ever possess you to pick me? I wasn’t saying your name. I wasn’t doing anything.” “It just happened!” So it was a lot of that, and it was a lot of me finger-pointing at no one because I was buried. [Laughs.]

Were you weirded out at all by Joe tossing you the apple, the way some other people were?
I think that’s another thing that people are forgetting with the edits. I had no clue that any of that was going on. The people who were talking about the apple thing, they did not come tell me that. I did not talk to them about it. I had no clue. I’m not an idiot. I wouldn’t have caught the apple. It wasn’t weird in that moment because Joe and I talked a lot of football. We talked a lot about football. We had many conversations; we talked about Jalen Hurts, the New York Jets, because he’s a fan. So no, it wasn’t weird. We’d been tossing, passing stuff around the entire time.

I honestly am going to be so for real. I don’t know if I just blanked out when Alan said that there was murder in plain sight. I don’t remember him saying that. I have not watched the episode because I refuse to watch myself cry on TV. I got filled in by my friends. I obviously know that I die, but I refuse to watch myself cry on TV. So I’m going to start on Episode 7.

Who was on your Traitor radar by the time you had left the game?
By the time I left, I was pretty sure that Tomica was a traitor. But I wasn’t going to ever say her name to anyone. I mean, I asked her on the first day, “Are you a Traitor?” She’s a perfect pick. Everyone loved her. It’s the same thing with Joe. But my whole thing was I just need numbers to say. So if I have a Traitor who’s got my back, I’m her shield. It’ll be perfect. I really, really thought Victor was a Traitor. And for a moment in time, I thought Wyatt was one, because he accused me of being a Traitor. But you guys just like don’t see that part. But he just never spoke, ever. And he just used to be so scared to touch things, and I was like, “He’s kind of weird, man! There’s a very strange going on.” But I never would have suspected Katie. But Katie and I just didn’t talk much in the castle, so I think we were just focused on people who were doing very obvious things.

And again, like I said, I think everything looks so obvious on TV. It’s not obvious in real life. It’s just really not. I watched every single episode of every single season of this, the UK version, the Canada version. Nothing prepares you to be around 22 people that you don’t know before with zero creature comforts. I talk to my mom every five minutes. I hadn’t talked to my mom in two weeks. There’s nothing that can prepare you for those moments. And, looking back, I guess it is weird that he was throwing an apple at me. But in that same episode, Victor is literally sitting across from Mark talking about, “These people are weird. They’re throwing stuff at people.” And then Mark catches a Goldfish in his mouth! It felt like a really big slumber party that turned into a murder mystery, which is probably my bad.

Let’s talk about Victor. Why were you so suspicious of him as a Traitor throughout the season?
Well, it just didn’t make sense. I’m like, “All of these women who are getting attached to you are going home, like Madeline and Arisa.” And then you’re sitting there after canoodling with them all day, walking around the castle with them all day, being a suave gentleman. And then you’re like, “Actually, it is weird that she did that. I’m gonna vote her out too.” I’m like, “You’re not trustworthy, which means you’re just not loyal. And I don’t want to be in a game with somebody who’s not loyal, because when is it gonna be my turn?”

And I felt like we were just watching him systematically pick people off. You saw him run for the Shield. He was in self-preservation mode, which, hindsight [being] 20/20, is how everyone should be playing the game. He’s not there to make friends. I know I wasn’t there to make friends either. But I wanted to lean more on social capital than having to defend myself, because I didn’t know if I was going to be able to talk my way out of groupthink. I do wish that more people listened to him, but he kind of shot himself in the foot early on.

Another player drawing a lot of attention was Jay. You lambasted him in what ended up being your final Roundtable, voting for him and chastising him for naming Katie and Kriste as Traitors, but not voting for them. What was your perspective on him and his game?
I think the game that he’s playing is just so interesting. Because you know that you’re safe because you are acting so chaotically all day that the Traitors are never going to murder you. You’re great for their game, but you’re horrible for the Faithful game, because every five minutes you’re accusing people of doing something. You’re saying this, you’re saying that, but then you’re never actually standing on it.

So it’s kind of just like, “Is this all a front? And if it is a front, you need to go home.” I’m tired. I I’m tired of listening to you scream. I’m tired of feeling like anytime I say something to you, I’m being mean to you. And truly, honestly, I really do just want you to shut up. He is so kind. Like I’m telling you, probably one of the kindest people ever met. And so funny — in short spurts. But he is definitely playing up this evil character villain thing. But I can’t be too mad at him. Look at where I’m sitting, talking to you in Indiana!

Talk to me more about Wyatt targeting you. What was your reaction to him being so suspicious of you?
Well, the first Roundtable, you guys don’t see that Madeline and Victor literally accused me of being a Traitor. And I said, “Excuse me?!” And there was like very little evidence for it. Apparently, I was being kind of shifty, and I kept going to the bathroom. I literally just drink a lot of water! But I thought that I was safe because people had started saying, “Niyyah’s a little not trustworthy. She’s dramatic. Da da da da.”

And there was one moment where we’re all sitting in a room after Wyatt had told me that he couldn’t trust me, where everyone goes, “Well, I trust Niyyah implicitly. I trust her 100%.” And I went, “I’m going home! Now, why would y’all ever tell somebody that thinks that I’m a Traitor that you guys trust me? Why would you do that?” And I just remember looking at Ben. He was like, “I trust Niyyah 100%.” I said, “Ben, thank you so much. I love you so much. Why would you say that?” And I did indeed go home!

But it’s just one of those things that you have to decide going into it if you’re going to be yourself or you’re going to put on kind of a show. I decided that if I was a Traitor, I was going to be a lot more low-key. I’m obviously very lively; I’m just like a diva. But then I think Alan gave me a really cool opportunity to showcase my personality and be myself. I know you guys don’t get a lot of it on TV. I’m not in a lot of edits. My nana’s very upset, by the way. Every time there’s an episode, she texted me, “Where is my granddaughter?!” But it is what it is.

In your first confessional, you spoke about how you were getting your doctorate in human psychology, and that you had studied things like micro-expressions and human behavior. Do you feel like, at the end of the day, those skills served as an advantage at all in the game?
I think the advantage that I had was very social. I was able to connect with everyone very quickly. I learned everybody’s names. Which I thought was going to give me away because everybody kept going, “How do you know everyone’s name?” I’m like, “Well, it’s kind of my job!” So I was able to build social capital really quickly. Again, one of those things that you just like don’t see, I guess. So I thought that that was going to keep me pretty safe.

And then I also think that there’s a level of paranoia in the castle. Obviously, that makes it difficult to kind of read people’s body language. Because again, like I said, they thought that I was suspicious because I was going to the bathroom. I was literally peeing because I was nervous! So it helped me a lot with the social aspect of it. I can definitely say that I think I made a lot of friends. I mean, somebody telling you in a game like that that they trust you 100% is kind of crazy, and I love that. And again, look at how I got murdered, and then in the next scene you see Katie and Tomica going, “I can’t believe they killed our girl!” So, yeah, I put in the work. I was gonna be there for a while, I feel like, if I hadn’t caught that apple.

Related: ‘The Traitors: New Blood’s Michael Foote Goes Off on Cast After Shocking Backstab: ‘I Hope The Faithfuls Die in a Fire’ (Exclusive)

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

There’s nothing like adding a little greenery and sparkly lights to make your home feel ready for the holidays. Whether you’re decorating your mantel, adorning your dining table, or giving your doorway a festive touch, a pretty garland can go a long way. If you’ve been shopping for an affordable option to spruce up your space, the Martha Stewart 6-Foot LED Indoor Garland is currently 55% off at JCPenney, offering an easy, budget-friendly way to bring some Christmas cheer into your home.

Right now, the beautiful light-up garland is on sale for just $36, down from $80, with the code GHOSTS. Designed to bring a classic holiday touch to your home, this faux Norfolk greenery offers a full, natural-looking appearance without the maintenance of fresh branches.

Martha Stewart 6-Foot LED Indoor Garland, $38 (was $80) at JCPenney 

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

Measuring 6 feet long and featuring 30 built-in LED lights that cast a warm white glow, this garland adds just the right amount of ambiance for Christmas celebrations and cozy winter evenings at home. The gentle light helps create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply settling in for a festive movie night.   

The garland is generously sized for a variety of indoor displays, with a convenient battery-powered design that doesn’t need to be positioned near an outlet. You can drape it across your fireplace mantel, run it along the center of a dining table, or use it to accent a doorway or shelf. It’s also easy to style to your liking. Add red ribbons for a traditional holiday display, pair it with metallic accents for a more elegant arrangement, or leave it unadorned for a simple, natural-inspired look.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Adorable $33 Serving Platter Brings Festive Country Charm to Holiday Dinners

Made with a rattan, plastic, and polyester base and a flexible internal metal wire, the garland is lightweight and easy to shape, whether you prefer a loose, natural drape or a more structured look. Its faux build is durable and low-maintenance, allowing you to enjoy the look of greenery without worrying about fallen needles or watering. Simply wipe it clean whenever it needs a quick refresh. Just make note that it’s designed for indoor use only. 

Shop More Holiday Decor Deals

• Martha Stewart 18-Inch Red Glass Tree Tabletop Decor, $27 (was $62) at JCPenney
• Martha Stewart 28-Inch Norfolk Greenery Red Ribbon Wreath, $36 (was $80) at JCPenney
• North Pole Trading Co. 6-Foot Poinsettia Christmas Garland, $27 (was $62) at JCPenney

With its lush greenery, built-in LED lighting, and versatile 6-foot length, the Martha Stewart garland makes it easy to give your home a festive refresh for the season. Snag it while it’s still on sale for over 50% off with the code GHOSTS at JCPenney. 

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.

Dwayne Johnson is almost unrecognizable in his latest movie role, trading his signature muscular appearance for gray hair, facial stubble and age spots.

The actor, 54, was photographed filming Lizard Music in Brooklyn, New York, on October 20, sporting a tan bucket hat, matching coat, blue shirt, grey pants and a tie. 

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

According to PEOPLE, Johnson’s dramatically different appearance is part of his transformation into the Chicken Man, an eccentric elderly character in the upcoming film.

The project marks another collaboration between Johnson and writer-director Benny Safdie, who previously worked with the actor on The Smashing Machine. In that 2025 film, Johnson portrayed former mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, undergoing an extensive physical transformation for the role.

Lizard Music is based on Daniel Pinkwater’s children’s novel of the same name. According to Deadline, the story follows a young boy who discovers a mysterious late-night broadcast featuring lizards playing music.

His search for answers leads him to the Chicken Man, an eccentric older man whose unusual companion is an elderly chicken named Claudia. The pair form an unexpected friendship with the boy as he ventures into a strange and extraordinary world.

Young actor Theo Clark Leber plays the boy, while the ensemble cast includes Rachel McAdams, Jeff Goldblum, Colman Domingo, Regina Hall and Alicia Silverstone.

Johnson previously discussed his preparation for the role at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. As PEOPLE reported, he revealed that he was slimming down after bulking up to portray Kerr in The Smashing Machine.

At the time, Johnson described the Chicken Man as a whimsical, eccentric man in his 70s and expressed excitement about transforming himself for another challenging role.

The actor also discussed the project at Disney’s D23 event in August 2026, revealing that the transformation requires five hours of makeup each day, according to Deadline.

Tom Petty’s daughter Adria is remembering her dad with a message that feels especially poignant nearly nine years after his death. In honor of what would have been the legendary rocker’s birthday, Adria shared a childhood photo of the two together alongside a line that speaks to the enduring bond between a parent and child: “Someday all the rules will bend and you and I will meet again.” Petty, who died at 66 in October 2017, left behind a catalog of songs that have become part of the soundtrack to generations of lives. But behind the music icon was also a loving father and grandfather whose legacy was deeply personal.

Tom Petty Had a Special Bond With His Daughters and Granddaughter View this post on Instagram

Tom Petty was an icon to millions of music fans, but his daughter Adria is once again offering a glimpse into the more personal side of the rock legend. In a 2018 interview with CBS News, she shared what a doting father and grandfather he was, especially to his granddaughter, Everly, who remembers him as “Grandpa Tommy.”

Adria Petty has been instrumental in preserving her father’s personal legacy through An American Treasure, the 2018 collection of previously unreleased recordings and live performances. Working alongside members of the Heartbreakers and her stepmother, Dana, Adria helped assemble the 60-song collection. The emotional process also gave her a way to channel her grief into something meaningful for fans who were mourning him, too.

Now, Adria is helping fans connect with her famous father, and perhaps find comfort in their own grief, by sharing a touching childhood photo of herself with her dad. The image captures their close bond, while her carefully chosen words express hope that their connection endures beyond his death.

Grateful fans quickly took to social media to share their own tributes to their fathers, offering a sense of comfort and connection to others experiencing the same feelings of loss that Adria expressed in her post.

“The loss of a Dad leaves such emptiness.. it’s been four years for me and I still have to stop myself sometimes from calling him. I have to believe they’re always around us. Your Dad gave us all so many wonderful memories,” one person shared.

Another added, “I lost my dad 8 months after yours, from cancer. When Tom passed it, hit me hard. My dad always had his music on when we were growing up and it was my favorite, still is to this day. Tom’s music is my happy place and my comfort.”

“Adria thank you for continuing to share your Dad with us in so many beautiful ways…my Dad has been gone twenty years and it never stops hurting; we just find ways to move forward but always honor and cherish their memory,” another commenter wrote.

Related: Bob Dylan Wrote These Lyrics in 1967 and They’re Back on the Charts Thanks to ‘Ted Lasso’

Tom Petty’s Death and the Legacy He Left Behind View this post on Instagram

Tom Petty died on October 2, 2017, at age 66, after suffering cardiac arrest at his Malibu home, just days after the Heartbreakers completed their 40th-anniversary tour.

The musician’s legacy spans generations. With the Heartbreakers, he helped create some of rock’s most enduring anthems, including “American Girl,” “Refugee” and “Free Fallin’.” He also found success as a solo artist and as a member of the legendary supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, which featured Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne.

But Tom Petty’s impact extends far beyond his music. He was a father, grandfather and husband, and his family was an important part of his life. Adria’s birthday tribute is a reminder of the deep bond between a father and child, one that can endure even after death.

Related: He Built His Country Music Career in Bars, Honky-Tonks and Rodeos. Now He’s Been Named Modern Country Music’s Most Influential Artist

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

In the 1970s, the radio was filled with one-hit wonders, but not all of them stood the test of time. Fifty-four years after its release,  King Harvest’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” remains a soft rock classic that is still recognized by fans from multiple generations.

Written by Sherman Kelly for his band Boffolongo, the song became a massive hit when King Harvest recorded it in 1972. With its upbeat melody and feel-good lyrics about happiness in life, the mellow track captured the peace-and-love-filled vibe of the early 1970s and became an AM radio staple, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

More than five decades later, Collider ranked “Dancing in the Moonlight“ on its September 2026 list of the 10 best classic rock one-hit wonders, noting that it is “just a nice song.”

King Harvest’s cover of “Dancing in the Moonlight” came after Kelly’s brother, Wells, who was the drummer for King Harvest, shared the Boffolongo song with his bandmates, according to the music site Elpee.

Sherman Kelly’s inspiration for the song was far from happy and breezy. He penned “Dancing in the Moonlight” after he was brutally assaulted by a gang in St. Croix. While recovering from serious injuries, he turned his thoughts to the idea of a carefree existence.

“I envisioned an alternate reality,” he once shared, according to Songfacts. “The dream of a peaceful and joyful celebration of life.

In an interview with Classic Bands, King Harvest founding member Rod Novak explained why Kelly felt that he had to create something positive after being left for dead and having to undergo multiple facial surgeries.

“It really changed his life,” the saxophone player shared. “He was kind of in quite a negative place for quite a while. He wrote that song as kind of a therapy to just get himself out of that head. ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ is a real uplifting, positive tune.”

Novak also once explained why the song remains so magical decades later.

“Young/old, conservative/liberal, rich/poor, Black, Brown, or White…the longing for harmony is almost universal,” he said in an interview posted by Medium. “I think ‘Dancing In the Moonlight’ evokes a feeling of well-being in its listeners and creates a vision of a life that is magical and a desire which is timeless. Positivity is a very attractive force.”

Decades after its release, “Dancing in the Moonlight” still feels like magic, a timeless classic that never gets old.

Related: 1976 Soft Rock AM Radio Hit With Catchy Sing-Along Chorus Almost Had a Much Darker Meaning

In 1966, Glen Campbell was one of Los Angeles’ most in-demand studio guitarists. But in December 1964, a crisis transformed the talented session musician into an instant rock star.

When Brian Wilson suffered a severe panic attack on a flight and had to pull out of the Beach Boys‘ tour, Campbell received an emergency phone call that gave him just 24 hours to step up, pick up a bass, and save the group’s live shows. Facing an impossibly tight deadline, the 28-year-old session musician hit the stage without a single rehearsal.

U Discover Music reprinted an excerpt from Keith Badman’s book The Beach Boys: The Definitive Diary of America’s Greatest Band on Stage and in the Studio that quoted Campbell’s remarks about the fateful day he was called to step in for Wilson.

“Mike [Love] and Carl [Wilson] called me on a Wednesday and said, ‘Glen, can you be here tomorrow? You gotta play bass and do Brian’s part.’ I said, ‘Sure.’ I had been doing their sessions, so I could easily fill in,” he explained.

Glen Campbell of the rock and roll band “The Beach Boys” performs onstage in 1965. Campbell replaced Brian Wilson as lead singer for performances in 1965. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Campbell continued, “The only problem was, I didn’t know all the words to the songs. They’d be singing ‘Pasadena,” and I’d be singing something else. I didn’t know what I was saying. But the screams were so loud from the girls, you’d walk onstage and you couldn’t hear a thing anyway.”

The musician stayed as a touring member of the Beach Boys for four months, until his final show on April 24, 1965. His final performance was held at Washington Coliseum in Washington, D.C.

Taking Campbell’s place was Bruce Johnston, playing guitar and handling vocal duties.

Said Johnston at the time, “I’ve known these guys for three or four years. It’s groovy on the road with them. They never hassle. It’s a gas, and I just dig them.”

After his stint as a Beach Boys member, Glen Campbell parlayed that high-profile exposure into a massive solo career. He eventually topped the charts with hits including “Gentle on My Mind,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman,” and “Galveston,” and landed his iconic CBS variety show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, in 1969.

Related: The 1964 Brian Wilson Track That Fans Call the Greatest Teenage Heartbreak Song Ever Made

Fans weren’t exactly shocked to see a carousel of pics featuring North West on her famous mother’s Instagram page. That is, until they realized it was actually Kim Kardashian.

That’s right. The long blue hair. The faux facial piercings. The goth glam. The whole hand over the mouth thing. It all looked like signature North style. But the person behind the look was actually her reality star/model/mogul mother. 

Kardashian posted a series of 18 snapshots and videos on her Instagram account with the caption, “Halloween 2026.” At first, fans were kind of confused. But they quickly realized who was featured in the pics.

“Girl, I thought this was North,” wrote one fan, as others added, “The way I thought this was Northie,” and “OMG they look so much alike.”

What do Kardashian’s Instagram followers think about her costume choice? Based on the responses, they’re here for it. 

“Coolest mom ever,” gushed one commenter.

Another added, “Being your daughter for Halloween is iconic.”

But the praise for Kardashian’s mother-to-daughter look didn’t end there. “Mom of the year,” replied another fan. Others kept the praise going with, “Genius”, “You’re not like a regular mom, you’re literally a cool mom!” and “This is actually so good.”

View this post on Instagram

Of course, the Kardashian-Jenner clan is known for their over-the-top Halloween costumes that just don’t stop. In 2024, Kim made a body-baring statement while dressed as an almost-nude albino alligator. The year before (2023), she chose a mother-daughter costume, dressing up as Cher and Dionne from Clueless with North. Other highlights from the KUWTK star’s Halloween looks include an all-blue Mystique from Marvel’s X-Men, a futuristic worm family ensemble, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, Pamela Anderson (circa 1999), and Madonna from the 1991 Academy Awards. 

Kim certainly isn’t the only one in the family to take Halloween up a level. Kourtney Kardashian and her husband Travis Barker wowed as Sid and Nancy, Alabama and Clarence from True Romance, and Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz. Kendall Jenner’s famous costumes include a fembot from Austin Powers, a very adult version of Jessie from Toy Story, and Pamela Anderson from Barb Wire. 

And then there was the year all of the sisters dressed up as Victoria’s Secret Angels. Little did Kylie Jenner know that a few years later she would become a real VS Angel, wearing the $50 million Fantasy Bra!

The Beach Boys are best known for their upbeat surf-rock hits, but one of their most enduring songs took a more tender approach to love. Released in 1966, the song has since become a timeless classic and has evolved into a heartbreaking anthem about the fear of losing the person you love most.

Sixty years on from its original release, “God Only Knows” is not only one of the best-written songs of all time, but it is also a track that continues to resonate with generations of listeners. Now, the song is once again being recognized as one of the greatest achievements in pop music, with a recent ranking putting the 1966 hit at number one.

Collider has most recently named “God Only Knows” the best pop song of all time as part of its list of 25 tracks that helped to define the genre. Its enduring legacy proves that some songs transcend their era, leaving an emotional mark that continues to resonate with listeners decades later.

Why ‘God Only Knows’ Still Sounds Different

The song “God Only Knows” came out at a time when The Beach Boys were moving away from the sunny surf-rock sound that had established their fame. Instead of concentrating on California beaches, cars, and young romance, it dealt with the emotional uncertainty that arises when loving someone deeply.

The main idea is remarkably fragile. Although the narrator admits that love cannot last forever, he has difficulty picturing a future in which the person who is central to the song is no longer present. This contradiction is what gives the song a level of depth that is often missed by ordinary love songs.

The Beach Boys onstage.

Photo by Gijsbert Hanekroot on Getty Images

The reason why the song has such a lasting appeal is the contrast between its emotional depth and the beautiful way it is musically arranged; Carl Wilson’s lead vocal comes across as intimate, not merely as something flashy, and the layered harmonies together with the detailed instrumentation slowly create an almost orchestral effect. Through his production, Brian Wilson transforms a fairly simple expression of devotion into something broad and touching.

The result is a song that still manages to sound very personal even when it is heard many years after it has been recorded.

Brian Wilson and Tony Asher Helped Change the Love Song

“God Only Knows” was a central feature of the Beach Boys’ 1966 album Pet Sounds, which represented a significant advance in the group’s creative work. Rather than sticking to the simple pop formulas that had characterized their earlier successes, the album adopted more ambitious arrangements and songwriting that dealt with complex emotions.

The Library of Congress has acknowledged Pet Sounds for the care with which it was recorded and for its role in presenting the album as a coherent artistic entity.

Wilson composed the music for “God Only Knows” together with Asher, who contributed to giving the song its special emotional outlook. The opening statement that love might not last forever is especially effective in making the subsequent declaration seem well-earned rather than merely conventional.

It is for this reason that the song continues to appeal to listeners; rather than portraying romance as a perfect and permanent condition, it acknowledges that love can exist alongside uncertainty, fear, and the possibility of loss.

The finest pop songs have the quality of being immediate without becoming disposable; it is possible for them to have a catchy melody that can be remembered on the first hearing and to show new aspects even years later.

“God Only Knows” does this, so its recent acclaim seems less like a nostalgic triumph and more like an acknowledgment of a song that has always remained important.

Related: Controversial Thriller Starring Zoe Saldana Named ‘Worst Oscar Winner Ever’ Despite 70% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Related: Bruno Mars Makes Music History With New Billboard Record After 32 Weeks at No. 1

Related: 1984 Movie, Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a Cyborg, Named One of the Greatest Sci-Fi Movies of All Time

Related: 1997 Hit by Days of the New Ranked the ‘Greatest Mainstream Rock Song of All Time’

Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage is undergoing yet another shocking physical transformation for his latest cinematic role, leaving his fans completely stunned. The Independent Film Company just released an unexpected trailer video for the upcoming thriller Best Pancakes in the County. In the fast-paced teaser you can watch here, Nicolas Cage, 62, debuts black hair and a brand-new prosthetic nose that makes the veteran Hollywood actor look completely unrecognizable behind the intense character.

Set over the course of one explosive night, the gripping film transforms an unassuming, small-town roadside diner into the chaotic epicenter of a deadly standoff. Cage portrays a dangerous criminal who sets up a specific meeting at the diner to find a hard drive containing heavy dirt on the CIA. In the footage, the actor visually disappears into the role, rocking a jet-black curly wig, large glasses, and a gaudy suit as he faces off against rogue federal agents.

The high-stakes project also stars Justin Long and Shelley Hennig as diner employees who get caught up in the crossfire. Written and directed by Ken Sanzel, the tense action-thriller boasts a stellar supporting cast that includes Lauren German, Ravi Patel, Kelly Greyson, Jaylen Moore, Michael Sirow, and Brandon Mychal Smith.

This unexpected video marks a clear continuation of Cage’s recent penchant for extreme on-screen transformations. He previously shocked global audiences with his appearance in the 2023 dark comedy Dream Scenario and the 2024 horror phenomenon Longlegs. Additionally, the actor utilized extensive prosthetics and heavy makeup to embody NFL legend John Madden in the highly anticipated Prime Video biographical drama Madden, which hits select theater screens on November 11 and streams globally on November 18.

Moviegoers will not have to wait very long to see the star’s latest wild look on the big screen. Best Pancakes in the County is officially scheduled to hit select physical theaters and digital streaming platforms nationwide starting on November 20.

As we get older, it’s natural for our tastes to change when it comes to everything from fashion to food to our hair. In fact, as far as hair goes, many women feel a big change is necessary when they hit their 50s due to hair thinning.

To be more specific, up to two-thirds of women deal with hair thinning or bald spots at some point in their life—most typically around menopause, per Harvard Medical School. The average woman in the U.S. experiences menopause around age 52, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Whether or not you are dealing with hair thinning, you may be wondering what the most flattering haircut is for women over 50.

To find out, we spoke with three hairstylists: Mark Clayton, a cutting educator and the owner of Studio Clayton and Mark Clayton Education; Kashmir Asvaraksh, the head of styling education for Mark Clayton Education and the owner of her own salon suite; and Deborah McDowell, the founder of Oncology Aesthetics & Wellness, which specializes in holistic hair solutions for those experiencing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

Curious for their insights on the best haircut for mature women? Keep reading.

Related: 7 Best Effortless Short Hairstyles for Women 50+, According to Celebrity Stylists

This Is the Most Flattering Haircut After 50, According to 3 Stylists

Yuliya Taba / Getty Images

Clayton, Asvaraksh and McDowell all agree that the best haircut for women over 50 is the beveled bob.

The beveled bob is similar to the classic bob in that the ends of the hair should sit somewhere between the jawline and the shoulders. However, when beveling a bob, your stylist will add some layers around the ends, which will make the ends curve inward, adding dimension and motion to the hairdo.

Related: Copper, Cherry Cola and Mocha: The 3 Fall Hair Colors Pinterest Says Everyone Is About to Ask Their Stylist For

Why is a beveled bob such a good haircut for women after 50?

“This haircut looks great on women over 50 as it gives height to the back and the crown area,” explains Clayton.

Asvaraksh finds the beveled bob “to be not only one of the most universally flattering haircuts on everyone, but especially for women over 50.”

She also notes that a beveled bob can “give flattering angles to the face, as it angles longer to the chin.” McDowell agrees, explaining that a beveled bob “skims along the jawline, softening the lower face and adding definition, which is especially flattering after 50.”

Plus, it’s “one of the easier hairstyles to blowout and style at home,” per Asvaraksh.

Related: Hair Thinning on a GLP-1? Stylists Recommend These 3 Haircuts

A beveled bob is also a fantastic choice for thinning hair

According to Asvaraksh, a beveled bob “can add fullness and weight with light layered graduation to the hair, which is especially nice for anyone whose hair has thinned as they’ve aged.”

McDowell, who specializes in treating women with cancer experiencing hair loss, agrees that the beveled bob is a fantastic choice for women with hair loss, whether it’s simply due to aging or a side effect of chemotherapy.

“A beveled bob is flattering on women over 50 because the graduated, inward-curving shape builds visual volume and movement exactly where hair tends to thin with age—around the crown and at the ends—while the blunt, polished perimeter line keeps the overall silhouette looking intentional rather than wispy or overgrown,” she explains.

“For women experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment, that same beveled structure is a real gift: because the shape depends on how the ends are cut rather than on sheer density, it still reads as full and deliberate even when hair is fine, sparse or regrowing unevenly after chemotherapy,” McDowell continues. “It’s also a forgiving shape during regrowth—a hair specialist can keep reshaping the bevel shorter as needed without the cut ever looking ‘unfinished.'”

Related: How To Transition to Gray Hair Without the Awkward ‘Skunk Stripe’ Phase, According to Celebrity Hairstylists

What To Explain to Your Stylist To Get the Perfect Beveled Bob

koldo studio / Getty Images

“When describing [a beveled bob] to your stylist, ask for a bob that increases in length towards the face and has a slight bevel or graduation in the back caused by the layers,” advises Clayton.

Asvaraksh notes the importance of considering your face shape when getting a dramatic haircut, as there are variations to the beveled bob.

In general, “if you are looking to soften a round face, a bob just below the jaw can add beautiful shape to the face and adding a cheekbone grazing face framing fringe is perfect,” Asvaraksh says. “To soften an angular face, a bob hitting mid jaw, just above the chin is perfect.”

And of course, you should discuss this with your stylist, since they’ll be able to figure out the best type of beveled bob for your face.

Related: 7 Best Short Hairstyles for Women Over 40 With Glasses, According to a Celebrity Stylist

4 Other Hairstylist-Approved Cuts for Women Over 50

Here are four other cuts that the three stylists recommend for women after 50.

1. Long layers with curtain bangs

Getty

According to McDowell, a “long-layered cut with curtain bangs also works well, since the face-framing pieces draw attention toward the cheekbones and eyes and away from a thinning crown or part line.” Additionally, “the layering adds the illusion of body without requiring much actual density.”

2. ‘The Rachel’

NBC / Getty Images

Clayton is also a fan of a mid-length textured cut—specifically, one that is similar to “The Rachel” from Friends, “but shorter and cut with a deeper point cut with inverted layers for movement.”

He explains that with this style, “the layers give soft movement allowing for a fluid shape that can be tousled around creating a sweep/side fringe.”

Related: Should You Get Balayage or Highlights in 2026? A Pro Hairstylist Weighs In

3. A soft, textured pixie

jeffbergen / Getty Images

McDowell also recommends “a soft, textured pixie,” especially for “women going through chemo-related thinning.”

With a pixie, “very short layers remove the weight that makes thinning or regrowing hair lie flat and look even sparser,” she explains. “It relies on shape and texture rather than density, so it looks chic and intentional rather than thin, and it’s easy to maintain through unpredictable regrowth phases.”

4. Bixie

Ekin Ozbicer / Getty Images

Another of Asvaraksh’s favorite haircuts for women over 50 is “a hybrid of the bob and pixie” known as the bixie.

“This cut can be perfect for hair that has a little texture and wave and adds softness to the face,” she says. “Coupled with an eyebrow-grazing bang, it adds flattering angles to the face.”  

Not to mention, a bixie is just long enough to tuck behind the ear, “which can work to create the illusion of elongating the face,” and it’s “a breeze to style.”

Clayton also loves a bixie for women over 50, though he specifically recommends a textured bixie. “This works due to the depth of the point cut, which is good for clients with aging hair,” he explains.

Up Next:

Related: 7 Best Long Pixie Cuts, According to a Celebrity Hairstylist

Sources:

• Treating female pattern hair loss. Harvard Medical School.
• Menopause. Cleveland Clinic.
• Mark Clayton, a cutting educator and the owner of Studio Clayton and Mark Clayton Education.
• Kashmir Asvaraksh, the head of styling education for Mark Clayton Education and the owner of her own salon suite.
• Deborah McDowell, the Founder of Oncology Aesthetics & Wellness.

Bulgur and couscous are pantry staples that make it easy to put a satisfying meal on the table without spending much time at the stove. Both have a mild, nutty flavor, work well with vegetables and herbs, and pair nicely with everything from grilled chicken to roasted chickpeas. At first glance, their small, grain-like pieces might even look interchangeable.

But there’s a key difference: bulgur is a whole-wheat product made from cracked wheat kernels, while couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina flour. That distinction affects their texture, nutritional content and how you prepare them.

Both are useful ingredients for quick weeknight meals, but choosing between them depends on the dish you’re making and the qualities you want on your plate. Here’s what you need to know.

Related: Crème Fraîche vs. Sour Cream: Which One Should You Use?

What Is Bulgur? Bulgur Wheat (Uncooked)

Esin Deniz / Getty Images

Bulgur is made by cleaning wheat kernels, parboiling them, drying them and cracking them into smaller pieces. The process partially cooks the wheat before it reaches your kitchen, which is why bulgur needs relatively little time to prepare.

According to the Whole Grains Council, bulgur retains the bran, germ and endosperm of the wheat kernel, making it a whole grain. Its flavor is pleasantly nutty and earthy, and its texture is chewy, with individual pieces that hold their shape.

Bulgur is especially common in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. It’s the main grain in traditional tabbouleh, a salad featuring parsley, mint, tomatoes, lemon juice and olive oil. It’s also used in pilafs, grain bowls, soups and stuffed vegetables.

Bulgur comes in different grinds, from fine to coarse. Fine bulgur can often be prepared simply by soaking it in hot water, while coarser varieties generally need simmering. That makes it a convenient option when you want a hearty base for a meal without a long cooking time.

Related: Panko or Breadcrumbs? When To Use Each for the Best Crunch

What Is Couscous? Couscous (Uncooked)

Pablo Jeffs Munizaga - Fototrekking / Getty Images

Couscous is made by combining semolina, usually from durum wheat, with water to form tiny granules. Those granules are rolled, dried and prepared for cooking. Although couscous looks like a grain, it’s actually a pasta.

Traditional couscous is associated with North African cuisines, where it’s commonly served with vegetables, legumes, meat and flavorful broths. It’s also popular as a quick side dish in many other cuisines because it cooks so quickly.

Most instant couscous sold in American grocery stores is precooked and dried. To prepare it, you typically add boiling water or broth, cover the bowl and let the granules absorb the liquid before fluffing them with a fork. The process often takes about five minutes, although package directions vary.

Couscous has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a light, tender texture. Its small granules readily absorb sauces and seasonings, making it an adaptable accompaniment to everything from roasted vegetables to grilled fish.

Related: Rice Vinegar vs. White Vinegar: They’re More Different Than You Think

Bulgur vs. Couscous: What’s the Difference?

The most important distinction is how each ingredient is made. Bulgur consists of cracked wheat kernels, while couscous is formed from semolina flour. This also explains why traditional bulgur is a whole grain and regular couscous is not.

Feature

Bulgur

Couscous

What it is

Parboiled, dried and cracked wheat

Tiny granules of semolina pasta

Texture

Chewy and distinct

Light, tender and fluffy

Flavor

Earthy and nutty

Mild and slightly nutty

Preparation

Soaked or simmered, depending on grind

Usually steeped in hot liquid

Common uses

Tabbouleh, pilafs, grain bowls

Side dishes, salads, stews

Both are wheat-based, so neither is naturally gluten-free. People who need to avoid gluten should choose a suitable alternative, such as quinoa or rice.

Is Bulgur Healthier Than Couscous?

Bulgur has a nutritional advantage when it comes to whole grains and fiber. Because it retains the entire wheat kernel, it provides more fiber than conventional refined couscous.

For a useful comparison, USDA-based nutrition data and the Whole Grains Council’s information on bulgur show why the whole-grain ingredient is a good source of dietary fiber. Couscous still provides carbohydrates and protein, but regular refined couscous generally contains less fiber.

Whole-wheat couscous is another option. Because it’s made with whole-wheat flour, it can provide more fiber than traditional couscous made with refined semolina. Check the package to see which type you’re buying.

Neither ingredient is automatically the better choice for every meal. Both can be part of a balanced diet, and their nutritional profiles vary with the product, serving size and what you add during cooking. Broth, butter, oil, sauces and other ingredients can also change the nutrition of the finished dish.

Related: Couscous vs. Quinoa: Which One Works Better for Your Meal?

Can You Substitute Bulgur for Couscous? Couscous Salad

Westend61 / Getty Images

Sometimes. Both work as bases for grain bowls, salads and side dishes, and either can be paired with roasted vegetables, herbs, beans and grilled proteins.

However, the texture will change. Bulgur tends to be chewier and heartier, while couscous is lighter and fluffier. In a tabbouleh-style salad, fine bulgur is the traditional choice. Couscous can work in a similar salad, but the result won’t have quite the same texture.

Cooking times also matter. Fine bulgur may need only soaking, while coarse bulgur requires simmering. Instant couscous generally needs little more than hot liquid and a few minutes of resting. Follow the package directions rather than assuming the two can be prepared identically.

For recipes that rely on a specific consistency, such as a fluffy side dish or a chewy grain salad, it’s usually best to stick with the ingredient specified.

Related: Black Beans vs. Kidney Beans: Which One Should You Use?

Which Is Easier To Use?

If speed is your priority, instant couscous often has the edge. It can be ready in just a few minutes with hot water or broth, making it an easy last-minute side for a busy evening.

Bulgur is also quick to prepare, particularly the fine-grind variety, and offers a heartier texture with the benefits of a whole grain. It’s a natural choice for meal-prep salads, pilafs and dishes that need a little more chew.

Both ingredients absorb seasonings well, so cooking them in broth or tossing them with lemon juice, olive oil and fresh herbs is an easy way to build flavor.

The choice ultimately comes down to the result you want: choose bulgur for a chewy whole grain, or couscous for a light, fluffy pasta that comes together in minutes. Keeping both in your pantry gives you two versatile options for quick, satisfying meals.

Related: Mascarpone vs. Cream Cheese: What’s the Real Difference?

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.

In 1964, a 73-year-old Kentucky cook decided it was finally time to slow down. He had built a restaurant business with more than 600 franchised outlets, but at his age, overseeing its explosive growth was becoming increasingly difficult.

So he sold it for $2 million.

The cook was Colonel Harland Sanders. The company was Kentucky Fried Chicken. And the $2 million sale was only the beginning.

Sanders’ road to becoming the white-suited face of KFC was anything but an overnight success story. Born in Indiana in 1890, Sanders held a string of jobs before running service stations in Kentucky. At a filling station in Corbin, he began serving meals to travelers and discovered that his cooking could become a business of its own.

According to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Sanders initially served customers at a single six-seat table in the service station’s storage room. His meals included country ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits and the fried chicken that would eventually make him famous.

Over the years, Sanders expanded the operation into Sanders Court and Cafe, which could seat more than 100 customers. He also experimented with pressure cooking, which allowed him to prepare fried chicken much faster than traditional pan-frying, and developed his closely guarded blend of 11 herbs and spices.

But Sanders’ thriving roadside business ran into a major problem in the 1950s: A new highway bypassed Corbin, taking much of his customer traffic with it. In 1956, Sanders sold the struggling restaurant. He was in his mid-60s and collecting Social Security, an age when many people would have simply retired.

Instead, he got in his car.

Related: In 1935, a Traveling Salesman Named Duncan Hines Sent Friends a List of 167 Restaurants to Try; His Name Later Became One of America’s Biggest Baking Brands

Sanders traveled from restaurant to restaurant pitching owners on his fried chicken recipe and cooking method. According to the Smithsonian, he sometimes slept in his car to save money and cooked chicken for prospective franchisees during his sales pitches.

Restaurant owners who signed on paid Sanders a small royalty for every chicken they sold. The idea spread.

By 1964, Sanders had signed up more than 600 franchised outlets. That year, he sold Kentucky Fried Chicken to an investment group led by John Y. Brown Jr. and Jack Massey for $2 million.

Sanders didn’t disappear with the sale. He remained closely associated with the company, continuing to promote the brand in his unmistakable white suit, black string tie and goatee. His image would eventually become one of the most recognizable restaurant logos in the world.

Meanwhile, Kentucky Fried Chicken exploded under its new owners.

The chain grew from roughly 600 outlets at the time of Sanders’ sale to more than 3,500 franchised and company-owned restaurants by 1971. That year, just seven years after Sanders had sold his business for $2 million, the company was sold to food and beverage corporation Heublein Inc. for a staggering $285 million, according to ABC News.

Sanders lived long enough to see the restaurant he started become an international phenomenon. He died in 1980 at age 90.

More than six decades after Sanders sold the company, his face is still on the bucket. KFC says it now has more than 30,000 restaurants around the world, an extraordinary ending for a business built by a Kentucky cook who was already in his 60s when he took his chicken recipe on the road.

Related: In 1977, a 20-Year-Old Housewife With No Business Experience Opened a Cookie Shop in Palo Alto; No One Bought a Cookie Until She Started Giving Them Away on the Street

After nearly 50 years in the intense entertainment industry, pop culture icon Donny Osmond knows a thing or two about staying power. While the clean-cut superstar first captured hearts globally as a 1970s teen idol, his most impressive milestone has nothing to do with record sales. The “Puppy Love” singer, 68, has been happily married to his sweetheart, Debbie, 67, since May 1978. Now, the legendary performer is opening up about what exactly keeps their beautiful bond so strong after all this time.

While appearing on iHeartRadio, Osmond jokingly admitted that making a marriage thrive for close to five decades ultimately comes down to a simple, two-word phrase: “Yes ma’am.” 

However, beyond the quick marital humor, the entertainer shared a much deeper sentiment that serves as the true foundation of their home. “You can create a lot of jokes and try for the laughs, but be easy to love,” he revealed. Osmond added that relationship success is always a two-way street, praising Debbie for being incredibly easy to love while noting that he constantly strives to do the exact same for her.

The happy pair first crossed paths as teenagers in Utah. Debbie was the town cheerleader and actually dated Donny’s brother, Jay, first. It took the future superstar three full years to win her heart. Since tying the knot, the couple has built a massive family legacy that includes five adult sons and 16 grandchildren.

Despite his massive fame, including a current solo residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas, the pair decided long ago to keep their personal relationship out of the intense Hollywood spotlight. Osmond remains deeply grateful for his wife’s steady support through decades of grueling touring. He previously called her the “glue that holds us all together” and his ultimate teammate. For this ageless ’70s icon, being easy to love is truly the ultimate secret.

Kate Middleton wore a stunning 163-year-old brooch as she and other members of the royal family welcomed the Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle today.

In accessorizing with the brooch Kate paid homage to Princess Diana, to whom it once belonged—and in fact Kate was exercising her royal right to wear it, as it has been worn by generations of Princesses of Wales before her.

When Kate was made Princess of Wales in 2022 by King Charles III, he would have gifted her the brooch which was originally a wedding gift to Princess Alexandra of Denmark when she married the Prince of Wales of 1863, who was Queen Victoria’s eldest son.

He would later be crowned King Edward VII.

It is called the the Queen Alexandra Three Feathers brooch, and depicts a design of diamond-studded ostrich feathers that are featured in the Prince of Wales’s heraldic badge, along with a suspended cabochon emerald drop.

Related: Kate Middleton’s Surprise London Tube Ride With Princess Charlotte: What Commuters Noticed About the Royal Duo

Interestingly, Diana had the brooch converted into a necklace during her time as Princess of Wales. When Camilla married the now-King Charles in 2005 she had the necklace reverted to its original form as a brooch.

However Camilla herself was never made Princess of Wales in order to avoid the likely uproar at Charles’ former mistress taking on his late ex-wife’s title, who died at the age of 36 in 1997.

The brooch’s beautiful green jewel perfectly complemented Kate’s all-green look today: a bottle-green coat by Alexander McQueen and a matching hat. Below the coat she wore a black lace blouse.

View this post on Instagram

Haitham bin Tariq al-Said was welcomed to London this morning by Prince William, who was acting on behalf of his father.

He then accompanied the sultan to Windsor where he was welcomed by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Kate.

All four British royals and the sultan took part in a carriage procession through Windsor town to the castle itself, where this evening Charles will host a state banquet in honor of the visit.

Related: Kate Middleton Turns Heads in Stunning Green Tartan Skirt During Surprise Visit To Belfast

Because it is a state banquet, we will be seeing Kate in one of the tiaras from the royal vault—but which one? It is likely that she will bring out her favorite Cambridge Lovers’ Knot Tiara, which was also often worn by Diana.

However maybe she will gravitate towards a more understated piece like the Lotus Flower Tiara, which she wore for her first-ever state banquet in 2015.

On that occasion she paired the tiara with a sequined Jenny Packham dress in a shade of red that reflected the color of the Chinese flag, in honor of Chinese president Xi Jinping.

This is the first state visit by a Sultan of Oman to the UK since 1982.

Next, This Is What Princess Charlotte’s New Title Will Be When Prince William Becomes King

A new Oreo flavor is coming, but it’ll be impossibly hard to get your hands on a package.

According to the Oreo website, Oreo Thins Espresso Creme will be released Nov. 4, and the limited-edition cookie promises “delicious espresso flavor and smooth creme… together between classic Oreo Thins cookies for a sweet, satisfying bite when you’re ready to shift out of work mode.”

The cookies, filled with a tasty-looking, brown espresso-flavored creme, sound delicious, but only 1,000 packages will be available on the Nov. 4 release date. For a chance to win your own free package of Oreo Thins Espresso Creme, visit Oreo.com and sign up to be notified about presale launches using your name, email address, and phone number.

Oreo’s new limited-edition Espresso Creme Oreo Thins feature chocolate sandwich cookies with espresso-flavored creme, but only 1,000 packs will be available.

Oreo

Upon sign-up, the full instructions for snagging these rare Oreos are revealed: Bookmark the page and come back on Nov. 4, look for the buy button, which will go live at release time, check out fast to increase your chances, and be sure to use the same email you registered with when checking out.

Related: Oreo’s New $45 Advent Calendar Has Shoppers in Disbelief Over the Price

The first 1,000 Oreo fans to check out will receive a free package of this all-new cookie variety, but a $2.99 shipping charge is required. Still, that seems a small price to pay for a package of coffee-flavored, sweet, crispy Oreo cookies—especially a limited-edition variety.

View this post on Instagram

This isn’t Oreo’s first foray into coffee-flavored cookies, as Java Chip Oreo has long been a fan-favorite. In fact, in an Instagram post promoting the new Espresso Creme variety, commenters jumped in asking for the brand to “bring back Java Chip.”

Related: Oreo Just Turned Its Popular Cereal Into a Candy Cane-Inspired Holiday Treat

But for now, Oreo has posted that it has “brewed up something new,” leaving fans left hoping they’re lucky enough to snag one of the 1,000 packages of Oreo Thins Espresso Creme available on Nov. 4.

The list of familiar faces from Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) past got a new name added today when CBS announced that NCIS alum Emily Wickersham will guest star in multiple episodes of NCIS: Origins this fall, reprising her role as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop.

View this post on Instagram

Ellie will be enlisted by new director Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) to help Gibbs on his quest to track down the unknown assailants who shot him in the Origins season premiere on Oct. 6. DiNozzo decides that she’s the perfect person to aid Gibbs, who needs to keep the fact that he’s alive a secret, and since her whole life is off the books as she works an undercover assignment, there’s no one better.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

Wickersham’s first appearance of several will be in the Tuesday, Oct. 27 episode, entitled “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” when she joins Gibbs in a “place full of memories,” according to the tune-in information, but in the video in the Instagram post, we can see it is the basement of Gibbs’ home.

Wickersham starred as Ellie Bishop, working as part of Gibbs’ team, for eight seasons on NCIS before making her surprise exit in 2021. She has since returned for a guest appearance, filling viewers in on what she was working on during her undercover assignment, in March 2026. This will be her first appearance on NCIS: Origins.

Related: NCIS Midseason Premiere Shocker: Emily Wickersham and Wilmer Valderrama Break Down Bishop’s Secret Romance (Exclusive)

Wickersham won’t be the only familiar face joining Gibbs as he tracks down the mystery men who shot him in Alaska and said, “One down, one to go,” in hopes of saving the life of the other one as part of a present-day mystery tied to his ‘90s Camp Pendleton days.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the surprises we have in store for everyone,” showrunner David J. North told Parade in an interview.

The first of those faces will be when Michael Weatherly and Mark Harmon reunite tonight for the first time in 10 years on NCIS: Origins.

Also on tonight’s episode, the 1993 team will intervene when a general’s rebellious teen son is targeted by a dangerous former gang member.

NCIS: Origins airs Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Streams next day on Paramount+.

Next, The 10-Year NCIS Reunion Fans Have Been Waiting For Is Finally Happening

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

I live in Texas, where the weather is just barely starting to feel like how actual fall feels for the rest of the country. It’s cool enough now to need layers in the mornings, and I’ve got a feeling that before much time passes, we’ll have to bundle up even more. Winter will land in our neck of the woods eventually — sometimes even bringing ice and snow with it — and this year, my boot collection is getting a refresh. In the coldest weather, keeping warm starts with your shoes, and that’s why I have my eye on a new pair of Clarks boots packed with insulating features and plenty of support for long days.

New at JCPenney, the Clarks Breeze Pearl Flat Heel Winter Boots are currently on sale for 40% off ahead of the truly cold weather to come. Normally $100, you can snag a pair right now for just $60. They’re available in tan and black, in women’s whole and half sizes 5 through 12 in both wide and medium widths. If you’re in the market for new cozy winter boots, this pair is definitely worth a look!

Clarks Breeze Pearl Flat Heel Winter Boots, $60 (were $100) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

Suede’s dense structure will protect your feet while remaining soft enough to flex along with your movements, so your feet won’t just stay warm, but they’ll stay comfortable too. But genuine suede doesn’t always hold up in rain or snow, which is why these boots feature a high-quality synthetic suede, keeping feet protected from the cold while remaining in fantastic shape even if they get wet. 

Inside these boots’ suede exterior is another layer of cozy insulation: fluffy faux fur. Similar to the synthetic suede, this plush lining is designed to handle all sorts of weather conditions without deteriorating as natural materials might. It also works to trap your body’s warmth and keep your toes nice and toasty when it’s cold out. The fur peeks out of the top of the 4-inch-tall shaft, so even your ankles should stay warm wearing these boots. 

Clarks Breeze Pearl Flat Heel Winter Boots, $60 (were $100) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

These boots feature Clarks’ proprietary foam footbed, which was designed to absorb impact and prevent you from feeling fatigued, even when walking or standing for long periods. Grippy soles made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR) adorn the soles, built to keep you stable, even on icy or slushy sidewalks. 

From the rounded toe to the slight wedge heel, these ankle boots exude stylish elegance that pairs just as beautifully with casual attire like leggings and joggers as they do with more structured workwear. They also feature a pull tab on the back and lateral side webbing with a cute diamond pattern that stretches as you pull them on, so you should be able to slide them on and off easily.

Shop More Clarks Winter Shoe Deals

• Clarks Breeze Moss Flat Heel Lace-Up Boots, $60 (were $100) at JCPenney
• Clarks Cheyn Piper Flat Heel Chelsea Boots, $60 (were $100) at JCPenney
• Clarks Breeze Warm Round Closed Toe Oxford Shoes, $40 (were $70) at JCPenney

Related: Clarks’ Fall-Ready Mules Are Lined With ‘Super Soft’ Faux Fur That Keeps Feet ‘Warm and Toasty’

You won’t want to miss the chance to score these Clarks Breeze Pearl Flat Heel Winter Boots for just $60. Add a pair to your cart at JCPenney now while they’re still on sale!

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.

You know those people who somehow make ordinary days feel like a movie scene? They might be telling a story, walking into a room, or simply doing their own thing. Regardless, these people have a presence that makes people lean in with eager curiosity. In birth date numerology, four birth dates are associated with “main character energy“, from the natural-born leaders who aren’t afraid to stand out to the intriguing personalities who seem to have a world of their own.

Those born on dates that reduce to 1, 3, 5, or 6 may recognize these qualities in themselves. Whether it’s the independent spirit of a natural leader, the charm of a born entertainer, or the magnetic presence of a hopeless romantic, each numerological digit brings its own flavor of main character energy.

Which Birth Dates Have Main Character Energy?

Check your birth date; disregard birth months.

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th

People born on these dates are comfortable doing things differently, with infectious warmth and confidence. In numerology, these birth dates reduce to 1, the digit associated with independence, ambition, and leadership. These individuals tend to prefer writing their own rules rather than following someone else’s script.

Their main character energy comes from their willingness to take the lead. They’re often the ones who make the first move, pursue an idea nobody else has considered, or choose a path that might not make sense to everyone around them. This birth date doesn’t necessarily need to be the center of attention to have a strong presence. (Although there’s no denying they don’t mind undivided attention!) There’s no denying it: there’s something compelling about a person who knows what they want and isn’t afraid to go after it. These birth dates have that appeal.

LEARN MORE: Born on the 1st | Born on the 10th | Born on the 19th | Born on the 28th

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th

Blessed storytellers convey their message so well that everyone around them forgets what they were doing. Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th are associated with the expressive numerological energy of the creative number 3. They have a quirky gift for humor, performance, or simply bringing a little life into any dull situation.

These are the friends who make the group chat entertaining and turn an uneventful night into a memory that everyone keeps bringing up. Their main character energy is playful and expressive, often shining through their personal style, artistic interests, or ability to connect with different kinds of people. They aren’t necessarily trying to steal the scene. They just make it more interesting. With their youthful spark, it’s hard not to smile in their presence.

LEARN MORE: Born on the 3rd | Born on the 12th | Born on the 21st | Born on the 30th

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd

A predictable life isn’t the goal for people born on these dates. In numerology, the 5th, 14th, and 23rd reduce to 5, a number linked to freedom, curiosity, and change. These free-spirited souls often suggest an impromptu road trip, try a new look, or completely rethink what they want out of life. All in all, they like to shake up routines and challenge the status quo.

Their main character energy comes from endless curiosity and a desire to explore. They’re always collecting experiences, meeting unexpected people, and discovering new sides of themselves. Just when someone thinks they’ve figured them out, they surprise you by going in a different direction. For these individuals, life isn’t about sticking to one storyline. It’s about staying open to whatever the next chapter might bring.

LEARN MORE: Born on the 5th | Born on the 14th | Born on the 23rd

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th

For some people, the little details are what make life feel extraordinary. Those born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th are associated with the number 6, which numerology links to love, beauty, harmony, and self-expression. They may have an eye for personal style, a talent for creating inviting spaces, or a magnetic way of making everyday experiences feel lovely.

With rose-colored glasses, they romanticize life. These “main characters” are thoughtful. It’s like them to plan a thoughtful evening for someone they love, host their family just because, or turn their home into a reflection of their personality. They understand that a memorable life isn’t only about big milestones. More often than not, it’s about the atmosphere you create, the people you cherish, and the way you choose to show up in the world. Love is everything to them.

LEARN MORE: Born on the 6th | Born on the 15th | Born on the 24th

When it comes to running, there’s nothing quite as magical as lacing up your favorite tennis shoes for a runDisney race.

In fact, thousands of runners descend on Walt Disney World multiple times a year to run a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon (or sometimes every race distance in one weekend). The 2026 -2027 runDisney race season kicks off this week with the always exciting Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. But any good runner knows shoes are as important as training for any upcoming race. Enter Brooks‘ newest shoe collection created in collaboration with runDisney.  

The new collection features four new styles to bring a little more magic to your next run. Minnie Mouse and Goofy will be featured on the Ghost 18, while the Glycerin 23 will be themed to Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Mary Poppins.

Related: What Is ‘Fun-Flation’? The Sneaky Reason Your Next Vacation Is Getting Pricier

Ghost 18 Goofy shoes will be available in limited quantities at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo.

Brooks Running

The Ghost 18 Goofy shoes are super cute and highlight Goofy’s signature colors: orange and blue. And in true Goofy fashion, the shoes are a little…well, goofy. One has an orange sole, a blue upper, and orange laces, while the second has a blue sole, an orange upper, and blue laces. The heel also features a little patch with Goofy’s face and his signature. 

The adorable pink Minnie Mouse Ghost 18 running shoes will be available to purchase during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January 2027.

Brooks Running

The Minnie Mouse-themed Ghost 18 takes inspiration from Minnie’s pink outfits in her wardrobe. The all-pink shoe has a hot pink sole with a lighter pink upper. Of course, there’s a sprinkle of polka dots, Minnie’s signature pattern. Minnie’s signature is also featured on the side of the shoe.

These Grumpy-themed running shoes will help you reach the finish line.

Brooks Running

If you’ve got a runner who’s always a little grumpy to get up at 2:00 a.m. to run around Walt Disney World, the Grumpy-themed Glycerin 23 is ideal. The brown sole gives way to a vibrant red upper, black laces, and a white tongue. A small Grumpy patch can be found on the outside of the heel, and on the opposite side, you’ll find his signature. 

Related: The 9 International NFL Games to Book This Year—and Where to Stay in Every City

Your next race can be a jolly holiday in these Mary Poppins-themed running shoes.

Brooks Running

Those looking for a shoe that’s practically perfect in every way will love the Glycerin 23 Mary Poppins shoes. The white shoes are themed after her white Jolly Holiday dress with pink and red accents, including little bows, flowers, and shoelaces. I also love the white lace trim around the shoe’s collar. 

So how do you get your hands on these new Brooks and runDisney shoes? 2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend participants can shop for the Ghost 18 Goofy shoes, the Glycerin 23 Grumpy shoes, and the Glycerin 23 Mary Poppins shoes at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, which takes place from Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Unfortunately, due to a delay in product delivery, the Minnie Mouse Ghost 18 won’t be available until the 2027 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which takes place January 6 through January 10, 2027. Additional Ghost 18 Goofy shoes will be available to buy during this race weekend. Runners can purchase the shoes during the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, which takes place Wednesday, January 6 through Saturday, January 9, 2027.

If you aren’t participating in a runDisney event this season, you can also purchase shoes online at brooksrunning.com, though quantities are limited. I know I’ll be online shopping for the Mary Poppins-themed shoes.

Related: I’m 57 and Spending My Retirement at Disney World Instead of Buying a Condo