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One of the most recognizable power ballads ever recorded owes its distinctive sound to a life-changing moment that permanently altered the singer’s voice and helped define the hit.

Bonnie Tyler began singing in the late 1960s. Her career progressed throughout the '70s as a backing vocalist reported American Songwriter.

Tyler released her debut LP The World Starts Tonight in 1977. But shortly thereafter, she was told by doctors that she had vocal nodules and needed surgery to have them removed.

However, instead of the required six weeks of vocal rest, Tyler continued to talk. In 2023, The Mirror reported her voice was permanently altered after she let out a frustrated scream.

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The outlet cited a passage from Tyler's book Straight from the Heart, “I was so frustrated that I’d have to drive all the way back home, I let out an ‘Oh no!’ scream. When I went for a check-up with the specialist, he looked at me and said, ‘You could have done permanent damage.'” 

RELATED: 1970 Innuendo-Laced Soft Rock No. 1 Ranks Among the ‘70s Greatest Love Songs

Tyler's voice did indeed change. But surprisingly, she was happy with the gravely sound.

She subsequently recorded "It's a Heartache," written by Tyler's managers, Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe. The song was released in March 1978, and by June, it had reached No. 3 on the Billboard Top 100.

The song is about the painful realization that a relationship has ended and the emotional shock of being left behind. It captures the feeling of betrayal and heartbreak when a love affair turns out to be one-sided.

“It’s a Heartache” remains a beloved rock track. Ronnie Spector released a version of the song in 1978, as did Juice Newton, who peaked at No. 86 with her version.

In 1981, country hitmakers Dave & Sugar covered the song, and it reached a peak position of No. 32 on the Billboard Country Singles Chart. Additionally, Rod Stewart covered the song in 2006.

MORE: 1974 Feel-Good Chart Smash Revived a Big, Upbeat Pop Sound That Defined a Generation

As the summer travel season ramps up, you may be looking at your budget and wondering if a vacation is even possible this year. Fortunately, Vivian Tu, author, podcaster, social media influencer, and Chief of Financial Empowerment at SoFi, has a great hack that will get you dirt-cheap flight prices. 

View this post on Instagram The Places You Can Go

When deciding on a vacation destination, most people look at a place they want to go and then start pricing out how much it’ll cost to get there. Tu says that’s a mistake that could make your vacation significantly more expensive. Instead, she suggests being open to adventure. 

Using the app Skyscanner, Tu shows you in a viral Instagram post how to find cheap flights to exciting destinations as long as you’re flexible. She walks you through searching for open flights to destinations served by low-cost carriers. You’ll also need to be flexible on your date to get the best price, but some of the flights she finds are at extraordinary prices. 

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Related: Delta Just Rolled Out a New AI-Powered Feature to Fix Summer Travel Stress

How The App Works

Skyscanner may look like all other flight apps, but its extra options can help you save. When you hit the “Choose Destination” box, you can then opt to “Explore Everywhere” to find low-cost options. Once you hit that, choose the box at the top of the next page labeled “Flexible Dates.” You’ll choose a month that works for you, then return to the flight page and hit “Search.”

Tu shows the next page, where a round-trip flight from Miami to Mexico is $203. She was also able to book a $221 flight from Miami to Costa Rica. A trip from Los Angeles to those same destinations was $260 and $338, respectively. 

Even domestic flights are cheaper. On Skyscanner, a flight from LAX to Las Vegas is $60 with options for a $48 hotel. On comparable apps like Kayak, the same flight was $74. While prices will vary by airports and destinations, you’ll be able to see the savings from anywhere. 

Related: The Brilliant Summer Travel Hack for Visiting Europe's Most Expensive Fjords on a Budget

Specific Destinations

You can still search for specific destinations on Skyscanner. If you’re set on a predetermined destination, Skyscanner has all the capabilities of other travel booking apps. You may even luck out and get a price drop in the Drops section of the app that coordinates with somewhere you already want to go. 

Everything is more expensive right now, and having the ability to get away could be exactly what you need. Tu shows you exactly how to book yourself a break without stressing your wallet.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

If you’re about to take a vacation to a spot in the South of France, such as Nice, Cannes, or St. Tropez, but you don’t want to lug around a giant suitcase, listen up. I’ve been traveling the globe with just a carry-on for years, and while packing for each trip is slightly different, I always think it’s worth it to be a bit more strategic with your packing in order to travel light.

Especially when going to Europe, I always think that traveling with just a carry-on is the way to go. I tend to opt for budget-friendly regional airlines to save more spending money for my actual destination. That usually means I’m only allotted a carry-on, unless I pay extra for a checked bag. Having your bag with you for the duration of your flight is also great for reducing anxiety. You won’t have to worry about losing your suitcase along the way, and you'll bypass the grueling arrival lines. All in all, it’s a win-win.

Now, when packing for the South of France, there’s a few things to keep in mind: The weather is usually between 70 and 85 degrees in the summer, there will be a lot of lounging at beach clubs and pools, plenty of days spent shopping and many leisurely lunches and dinners. With that in mind, let’s get packing!

Related: The 3-3-3 Packing Rule You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Three Pairs of Shoes All shoes will match each item that I pack for my trip.

Melissa Cabey

I almost always travel with just three pairs of shoes (or less). For a South of France trip, I picked three different pairs of shoes that will go perfectly with the activities of a trip like this. First and foremost is a nice pair of sandals. I have a pair of nude Croc sandals that are great for a beach or pool visit, but are also nice and supportive to wear while walking around a town. Then, I picked a pair of heels that can be worn with different outfits for the evening–easily dressing up each look. Lastly, I brought a pair of ballet flats. I will also wear these when traveling on the plane, so I won’t need to pack them in my suitcase. These are great for a daytime lunch or a more low-key dinner look.

Four Dresses Each dress can be worn day or night

Melissa Cabey

Dresses are the ultimate chameleons for a Riviera itinerary. If you’re heading to a beach club, Throw a breezy dress over your swimwear and you're instantly ready. Spending the afternoon shopping around town? A breezy dress will keep you nice and cool while doing so, while also looking put together and chic. Fancy dinners are a given in the South of France, so you’ll want to take your dresses and pair them with a pair of heels for an evening out.

With four dress options, you can wear them multiple times throughout the trip, changing the shoes you pair them with and adding accessories like scarves or jewelry. I chose dresses that are nice and thin as well, that way they fold down easily to fit into a medium-sized compression packing cube.

Related: I Traveled for a Year with a Carry-On—Here is the Only Way to Use Packing Cubes

Four Tops and Three Bottoms

Melissa Cabey

While I could definitely live in dresses my entire trip, I love to have some options for shorts and pants to wear as well. I decided to bring two basic pairs of shorts: one tan linen pair and one white cotton pair. These can also be thrown over a bathing suit, easily used to walk over to the beach or pool. If you want to add a top with it to go out to lunch or go shopping, I packed four different tops that match each bottom. They are light, airy and cute—adding a nice variety to my clothing options on the trip. I also threw in a pair of jeans as my final bottom, which can be worn in the evenings. Sometimes it gets a bit cool at night in the South of France, so jeans are a great option. All in all, these items can be mixed and matched into 12 different outfits.

Related: The Minimalist Packing Method That Never Fails Me

Accessories, Necessities and Everything In Between

Melissa Cabey

Obviously, bathing suits are a must for a trip to the South of France. I decided to pack three different bathing suits, all a different color and style to keep things fun and fresh. Then, I packed a baseball cap, two fashion scarves and a small container of jewelry. These can help provide more variety in each outfit throughout the week.

Melissa Cabey

For necessities, I always bring my makeup, a brush and a hot hair tool. For toiletries, I keep it as simple as possible. I pack bar shampoo, soap and conditioner so they don't eat into my space or count against my liquid allowance. Then, I bring face lotion and sunscreen, deodorant, a razor, a toothbrush and toothpaste. All of those can fit in a small toiletry bag. Lastly, I pack medications, electronics, books and anything else I might need in my personal item.

All of this fits into the carry-on and personal item seamlessly–so much so that I even have extra room in both bags for potential souvenirs.

5 South of France Packing Rules to Live By1. Sub out the tote for a packable chic market bag

While a heavy canvas tote or structural shoulder bag feels like a vacation staple, it eats up precious depth in a carry-on. Instead, slip a flat, woven French net bag or a collapsible raffia tote into the front pocket of your suitcase. It takes up zero space on the flight but immediately gives you that authentic, effortless boulangerie-to-beach aesthetic once you land in Nice or St. Tropez.

2. Pack a lightweight cotton peshtemal instead of a beach towel

Many boutique hotels along the Riviera charge a premium for extra beach towels, and thick terry cloth is a carry-on enemy. Pack a Turkish cotton peshtemal or a thin linen travel towel. It dries in minutes on a sunny balcony, folds down to the size of a t-shirt and doubles as a chic beach sarong or an extra layer for breezy evening dinners on the water.

3. Protect your investments with a hard-shell sunglasses case

The Mediterranean sun is intense, meaning high-quality polarized sunglasses are a non-negotiable health and style necessity. Skip the soft fabric pouches that come with your frames; a sturdy, structural hard-case tucked into your personal item ensures your eyewear won't get crushed under the weight of your electronics or books during transit.

4. Pre-treat for the Riviera's cobblestones

The gorgeous, winding streets of old-town Cannes and Antibes are notoriously brutal on footwear. Before you pack your favorite neutral sandals or low heels, consider adding a discreet, non-slip rubber sole protector to the bottoms. It gives you immediate traction on polished, historic stone steps without compromising the elegant look of your holiday evening wardrobe.

5. Curate a solid-state scent profile

Nothing evokes the memory of the South of France quite like fragrance, but carrying fragile glass perfume bottles is a high-stakes gamble in a minimalist bag. Solid perfumes or travel-sized rollerballs in bright, Mediterranean notes like citrus, orange blossom or sea salt let you freshen up seamlessly after a long beach day without using up a single drop of your precious airline liquid allowance.

Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Italy Trip With a Single Carry-On

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If you’ve been trying to make your home feel a little more organized without investing in a huge piece of furniture, Amazon has the Sweetcrispy 5-Tier Bookcase on sale for as low as $39 right now, down from $53. The best deal is on the black version, though it's also available in brown, wood, and wood gray, priced from $43 to $50. There are a few other styles as well, including a three-shelf, four-shelf, four-shelf with a drawer, and five-shelf with a drawer option.

The bookcase measures 23.62 inches deep, 11.81 inches wide, and 62.2 inches tall, so it's perfect if you’re trying to use more vertical space. It’s made with a metal frame and wood shelves, and each shelf is designed to hold up to 30 pounds. It also features adjustable feet, an anti-tip kit for wall mounting, a back support piece for added stability, and waterproof, scratch-resistant panels that wipe clean easily.

Sweetcrispy 5-Tier Bookcase, From $39 (was $53) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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It can hold books, toys, pantry extras, bathroom products, shoes, medical supplies, office clutter, and any other random belongings that never seem to have a real place to be kept. It’s narrow enough for smaller spaces but tall enough to make a huge difference, making it a versatile and spacious storage solution you could use for years to come.

Shoppers have called it the “perfect bookshelf,” noting that it’s "simple but beautiful" and “great for small spaces.” One reviewer wrote, “It has a lot of space, and it holds quite a bit." The setup is also super manageable, with someone writing, "It was a breeze to assemble and is very sturdy." 

Related: Amazon's 'Very Spacious' $22 Shoe Organizer Is 'Perfect' for Decluttering Your Closet

This versatile bookshelf can hold books, of course, but it can also display framed photos, baskets, candles, and decor pieces in a living room. It could work for shoes, folded sweaters, extra bags, or beauty products in a bedroom. It could even be used in a bathroom or pantry for storing towels or snacks. The storage and display possibilities are truly endless.

The Sweetcrispy 5-Tier Bookcase is a great pick if you need more storage but want to avoid anything too pricey or tedious to set up. It gives you five shelves, a compact footprint, and enough versatility to use it almost anywhere in the house. Be sure to get yours now while it’s still marked down this low on Amazon.

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Theme park goers are used to parks being split equally to appease both adults and children, making them an entirely family-friendly atmosphere. For Universal Orlando, which I personally have been visiting since I was a child myself, that is definitely the case. As I’ve grown up, I’ve found joy in discovering new things to enjoy with each age, and visiting time and time again provides both nostalgia and new thrills.

This week, I visited Epic Universe for the very first time, on the day of its first anniversary. While there were definitely spots that were highly geared towards children and families, I found the park an incredible place to visit for adult travelers, too.

Related: Universal Reveals New Haunted House For Halloween Horror Nights 2026

View this post on Instagram The Alcoholic Drinks Are Top Tier A touch of magic for the mature palate: unique, upscale libations found within the French wizarding world.

Melissa Cabey

Forget the boring old beer from a quick-service stand. Epic Universe has tons of dedicated bars and restaurants where you can enjoy specialty cocktails, beers on draft, and much more. Some of these spots allow you to take your drink around the park, indulging in something a little bit more elevated than a bottle of Coors Light. Others offer you a nice spot to sit and relax, take in the ambiance, and enjoy an immersive drinking experience.

One of my favorite places to get a cocktail was at Bar Moonshine in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The bar itself is located in a far corner of the park, where there isn’t a lot of foot traffic. It feels like it transports you directly to Paris, and the drinks help do that even more. I had the Lobe Blaster, which is made with absinthe, moonshine, limoncello, lemon juice, and club soda. Let’s just say, after drinking this, I felt like I was riding a broomstick.

Over in Dark Universe, which is hands-down the land that is mostly geared towards adults, there is a bar called Burning Blade Tavern. This bar takes inspiration from the original Frankensteinmovies, and offers a creepy ambiance, especially in the evening. Here, you can get specialty cocktails and draft beers–many of which are incredibly unique and exciting to try. Now, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are five other specialty bars to visit throughout Epic Universe.

Related: Disney Makes History By Breaking Decades-Long Tradition Inside Its Parks

Next-Level, Aggressive Thrill Rides View this post on Instagram

Like most theme parks, Epic Universe has a ton of rides that are kid-friendly. For the adults, however, Epic has truly stepped up to the plate in offering aggressively thrilling rides. The most popular rollercoaster in the park is the Stardust Racers. This roller coaster is actually a 2-in-1 situation: There are two separate tracks that race each other, riding right next to the other. Sometimes, the cars are parallel, and you can look over and see the faces of the people you are racing (I highly recommend splitting your party up into two so you can race). Other times throughout the ride, the cars barrel roll, twist, and intertwine with each other. The coaster hits up to 62 miles per hour, and definitely offers one of the best thrills I’ve experienced in a theme park.

Not for the faint of heart: The terrifying, high-stakes thrills of Dark Universe are a massive draw for horror-loving adults.

Melissa Cabey

For something a tad more frightening, you’ll want to check out Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This ride genuinely sent shivers up my spine. It has guests sitting side by side in a four-person cart, and it flips, drops, pulls, and shakes you as you journey through a haunted mansion. This mansion holds famous monsters like Dracula, The Wolf Man, and of course, Frankenstein. Not only is the ride thrilling in the way it moves, but there are also a ton of areas where the monsters jump out and scare you. I’ve never felt so terrified on a ride in my entire life–and I can’t wait to go again.

Related: Universal Is Bringing Major 80s and 90s Nostalgia to CityWalk This Summer

Mature And Immersive Atmospheres Stunning, cinematic, and sophisticated. The highly-detailed streets of 1920s wizarding Paris offer a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely stroll.

Melissa Cabey

Not only does Epic Universe provide incredible adult-geared rides and delicious alcoholic beverages, but it also offers a mature and immersive atmosphere that is perfect for an excursion beyond your usual hangout spots. Whether you’re enjoying a date night or an evening out with friends, Epic Universe is a great backdrop for a fun night.

When it comes to the atmosphere itself, Epic Universe is undeniably beautiful. As I first entered the park myself, I immediately felt like I was in a luxurious, high-end land. It didn’t come off as cheesy, overdone, or obnoxious. Instead, each area is meticulously designed with subtle and immersive music played throughout, allowing you to take a step out of reality. No matter your age, escapism can be a powerful thing, and adults deserve a place to run away to as well.

Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Universal Studios Trip With a Single Carry-On

It's been 49 years since The Brady Bunch said goodbye to their stage act. On May 25, 1977, ABC canceled The Brady Bunch Hour. The Sid and Marty Krofft-produced variety show, which debuted on November 28, 1976, as a primetime special titled The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, followed the beloved sitcom family, still in character, as they transformed into a singing and dancing group. The series aired just eight episodes—but boy, they were memorable.

Not only did the series feature dance troupe and synchronized swimmers, The Krofftettes and Water Follies, but it also introduced the world to “fake Jan” (Geri Reischl) after original Brady Bunch star Eve Plumb opted out of the spinoff due to other acting commitments.

Big-name guests turned up to hang with the Bradys for sketches and musical numbers, including Milton Berle, Vincent Price, Tina Turner, Donny Osmond, Redd Foxx, and then-couple Farrah Fawcett and Lee Majors. The clan's next door neighbor was played by Rip Taylor.

'The Brady Bunch Hour' water follies.

Photo by ABC Photo Archives on Getty Images

In an interview with The Television Academy Foundation, showrunners Sid and Marty Krofft revealed that they were approached to produce The Brady Bunch Hour by ABC boss Michael Eisner following their success with the Donny & Marie Show.

Marty Krofft recalled, “You know these people are talented, but to do variety and to sing and dance, you know, they wanted to do it bad. It was tough.”

“I don't think the audience wanted to buy them as singers and dancers,” Sid Krofft added. “And it had to be a variety show, so it was sort of a spoof that we did on them singing and dancing. They’re hysterical if you see them now, you know, and that's what they were meant to be, but when they came out, it was right after The Brady Bunch series, and people weren't prepared for them to make a leap like that.”

The Kroffts were right. In 2002, TV Guide ranked The Brady Bunch Hour the fourth-worst show in television history, according to Remind magazine.

RELATED: ‘Brady Bunch’ Star Says His Own Mom Hated the Show

Several cast members were happy when 'The Brady Bunch Hour' was canceled

Some of the cast members were happy when The Brady Bunch Hour was canceled.

In the book Love to Love You Bradys, cast member Christopher Knight said the show went on too long for his liking. “This was the incarceration that was way too long. It should have been axed earlier,” he said, per Remind.

During an appearance on The Magnificent Others podcast, youngest Brady, Susan Olsen, admitted she once said of the variety series, “Don't we all wish we had something better to do than this show?”

'The Brady Bunch Hour,' 1977

Photo by ABC Photo Archives on Getty Images

In addition, in his 1992 book Growing up Brady,Barry Williams, aka Greg Brady, described the series as “incredibly bad" and said it failed the airways and embarrassed the guests. “ABC had seen enough,” he wrote. “Our plug was mercifully yanked, and the American viewing public was put out of its misery.”

But more recently, Williams changed his tune about The Brady Bunch Hour. In May 2026, he told The Magnificent Others podcast that he “loved the variety show, which he noted was “the genre of the day.”

“In the mid-70s kind of everybody had a variety show,” The Brady Bunch star said. “Now, it was over the top, and it was campy, and it was silly and the costumes were completely overblown. I loved all of it!”

RELATED: Eve Plumb Shocked Fans With First Post-Sitcom Role

In just four days, Marilyn Monroe performed 10 shows for more than 100,000 American soldiers in South Korea—the trip would have a lasting impact on the icon. "It was the best thing that ever happened to me," she later said of her 1954 USO tour. "I never felt like a star before in my heart."

This Memorial Day, the USO is sharing rarely-seen vintage photos exclusively with Parade—including an iconic Monroe moment—to celebrate both its 85th anniversary and May's Military Appreciation Month.

Founded during World War II in 1941, the USO (United Service Organizations) continues to provide live entertainment and other programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families across the globe. Although not a government agency, it works in partnership with the Departments of War and Defense. Private and corporate donations and volunteers have kept the USO an enduring success for the past 85 years, while actors, musicians, dancers, and comedians perform and boost morale.

We spoke with retired Lt. Gen. Michael Linnington—the Chief Executive Officer of the USO— in an exclusive interview. "We go wherever our service members go," he said. "We support them wherever they may be assigned, and we stand not only alongside them, but we take care of their families as well."

Read on to discover why Robin Williamsstopped mid-joke in Afghanistan, the petition that convinced Ann-Margret to fly into a war zone, the rapper who ate meals with troops in Bosnia, and seven more rarely-seen photos and stories from 85 years of USO history.

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Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25, and the USO is more active than ever. “When celebrities from the USO go and spend time with these service members—especially in these remote places—they want to know that the American people are behind them. And that’s what these ambassadors bring to the table and it really does strengthen these service members well-being, their resilience and it keeps their families connected as well." Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Linnington says.

Recently, former Bones and SEAL Team star David Boreanaz became the newest USO Global Ambassador. He'd previously visited service members at many bases—including Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Marine Corps Base Quantico. "He has a passion for our mission," says Lt. Gen. Linnington. "The way he connects with military service members and families is so authentic and genuine.”

Related: David Boreanaz Takes Iconic Role in NBC’s ‘The Rockford Files’ Remake

Boreanaz joins a long list of USO stars. The late comedian Bob Hope blazed the biggest trail—completing 57 USO tours across the world in his lifetime. Before her tragic death, Monroe thrilled American soldiers overseas during the Korean War. In recent years, artists like Brett Young and Wilmer Valderrama have been giving their all for enthusiastic military members. 

1. Sammy Davis Jr. – Vietnam, 1972 Sammy Davis Jr. performing in Vietnam

The multi-hyphenate Rat Pack icon was all decked out in ‘70s style for his performances in front of thousands of GIs. Davis entertained multiple times during a 13-day Vietnam trip, including at the Long Binh base and Freedom Hill in Da Nang. Davis Jr. also visited military drug rehabilitation programs in the country.

"My recent tour in Vietnam was one of the most exciting and satisfying experiences of my career," he said. "I've never been so tired and felt so good in my life."

2. Marilyn Monroe – South Korea, 1954 Marilyn Monroe entertains soldiers in South Korea in 1954

Marilyn Monroe went on a USO tour during the Korean War, treating American troops to songs like “Do It Again." Over the course of just four days, the legendary actress performed for more than 100,000 soldiers across ten shows.

"When Marilyn Monroe performed for the troops…the military was largely all-male, [that ’s] not so today," Lt. Gen. Linnington noted. "I think Marilyn Monroe just brought a taste of the girl back home. The fact that she was the icon she was—and really let service members know first-hand that the American people had their back—she has inspired other [USO] women to perform equally as she did over the years.”

Related: 50 Marilyn Monroe Quotes That'll Make You Feel Empowered, Inspired and Confident

3. Bob Hope – 50 Years of USO Performances Bob Hope showcases his comedy in the WWII Pacific Theatre in 1944.

Hope was the most active star in USO history. From 1941 to 1991, the comedian traveled to army bases, airfields, military hospitals and war zones all over the world.

“Hope performed 57 tours across 50 years…visiting some of the military’s most remote outposts, dangerous battle zones and isolated ships,” Lt. Gen. Linnington told Parade. “Bob Hope set a standard that today’s entertainers and performers always want to emulate.”

From his first show in 1941 at March Field in Riverside, California, to his final USO tour to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield, Hope's comedy made a massive impact on the troops' spirits.

"Laughter up at the front lines is a very precious thing," Hope said. "There’s a lump the size of Grant’s Tomb in your throat when they come up to you and shake your hand and mumble 'Thanks.' Imagine those guys thanking me! Look what they’re doin’ for me. And for you."

4. Ann-Margret – Vietnam, 1966 Ann-Margret thrilled the troops with song and dance.

Ann-Margret—who recently spoke exclusively with Parade to mark her 85thbirthday—had an April joint celebration with the USO as the organization also turned 85 this year.

Related: Ann-Margret Is About to Turn 85—Her Birthday Plans Might Surprise You (Exclusive)

The Viva Las Vegas star went on multiple USO tours. In fact, in 1966, troops stationed in Vietnam even created a petition asking Ann to perform. It worked: Three months later, she went on a 15-day excursion to the front lines.

In her autobiography, Ann wrote that she “regarded the trip as a moral responsibility, something I owed to the soldiers and to America." She continued: "Nothing could deter me. I went [to Vietnam] for the guys and ladies…It had nothing to do with politics. Absolutely nothing.”

Ann Margret and Bob Hope at a 1969 USO performance in Vietnam

Photo by Bettmann on Getty Images

On April 30, 2026, Ann Margret was honored with a commemorative USO Challenge Coin—she and Hope are the only two people to receive such an honor.

View this post on Instagram 5. Robin Williams – Afghanistan, 2010 Robin Williams entertains troops in the USO Holiday Tour show at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan.

The late, great actor and comic went on six USO tours from 2002 to 2013—five of which were overseas. Williams visited troops across 12 foreign countries—making three stops in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than traveling with the USO and giving back to our troops in whatever way I can,” Williams said during his 2007 tour. “They work hard, sacrifice a lot and deserve to be treated like the heroes they are. The very least I can do is bring a smile to their faces.”

Lt. Gen. Linnington saw Williams perform in Afghanistan. “I remember when Robin Williams had started his comedic monologue to the troops," he shared. "Shortly after he got started, they started playing taps—which is the song they play when they lower the flag—and immediately all the soldiers, sailors, air men, and Marines that were at the performance turned their back on Robin Williams and saluted the flag. In that moment, Robin Williams stood there in awe of the commitment to our nation’s defense from the service members. When the flag was lowered and the troops turned back around, Robin Williams was in near tears.”

6. B.B. King – Bosnia, 1996 The thrill was never gone for the troops who got to see BB King perform.

Towards the end of World War II, B.B. King served in the U.S. Army and never lost his love for the service.

The late blues legend (who passed away in 2015) performed for the USO tour on July 27, 1996, traveling overseas to entertain deployed U.S. troops in Bosnia and Hungary.

"The troops here are always doing the best they can do,"" At the time," King told Stars and Stripes at the time. "It's special to be allowed to do this."

7. Toby Keith – Middle East, 2007 Toby Keith performs an intimate acoustic set for American troops.

Performing for troops was a tradition for the late country music singer Toby Keith. He and his band would set aside 17 days every spring to entertain troops serving throughout the Middle East.

"My way of serving my country is for me to come over here and support the troops," Keith once said. It was personal—Keith's father lost his right eye while serving in the Army during the 1950s.

"Everybody who wears the uniform is a warrior for me," Keith said. "I go wherever American military families and troops are, to try and give something back to them."

Keith performed such hits as "American Soldier" and "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," to enthusiastic military audiences.

8. Coolio – Southeast Europe, 2002 Coolio entertains on a USO tour (Courtesy USO)

According to USO records, Coolio performed in both the Middle East and the Balkans. The “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper’s third USO tour included a show at Peacekeepers Hall on Eagle Base in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the trip, Coolio also performed and visited with troops in Kosovo, where he signed autographs, took photos and joined them for meals—building morale the whole way!

“I perform for soldiers because they are important,” Coolio said before his death in 2022. “They are willing to die in order for me to be able to do the things I do every day … for my kids to be able to go to school, and to be free. I just think it’s my responsibility as a human being and an entertainer to see the soldiers.”

9. Alex Trebek – Spain, Turkey and Greece Tour, 1992 Alex Trebek visits with service members during a USO gathering (Courtesy USO)

USO records indicate this photo shows Trebek as part of a tour that encompassed Spain, Turkey and Greece.

The Jeopardy! host volunteered with the USO for more than 30 years and completed 13 tours across the globe before his passing in 2020.

“He took many trips with the USO,” Lt. Gen. Linnington—who met Trebek at an event—told Parade. “He had a great love for the military.”

The Jeopardy tradition of support has continued as well. “We just did an event overseas in Korea with Ken Jennings, who replaced Alex Trebek [on the show] when Alex passed away,” Lt. Gen. Linnington said.

On some tours, Trebek asked service members to audition for Jeopardy!’s “Salute to the Military”-themed week.

During one 2016 USO event, Trebek said: “I’ve had a great time every time I’ve been away with the USO. There’s nothing I can say that would really measure up to the gratitude I feel, and most of America feels, for our military men and women.”

10. Loretta Lynn – Christmas 1987 Loretta Lynn sings directly to a sailor during a 1987 USO performance.

The country music queen traveled overseas with the USO in 1983 and 1986 and headlined a Christmas tour with Conway Twitty in 1988. In this photo provided to Parade, Lynn was singing to sailors on the aircraft carrier the USS Kennedy.

Lynn’s late 1986 excursion reportedly featured U.S. bases in Korea, the Philippines and the Indian Ocean. The star’s son Jack—who died in an accident in 1984—had served in the Army and another son, Ernest Ray, is a Marine Corps veteran.

“I guess it's kind of special to me, like having a grandchild,' the late Coal Miner's Daughter star said about her USO work. “I see the boys, see how happy they're acting when I get there.”

Related: Next Up:

The band Metallica is known for many thrash metal masterpieces, but in 1991, they found mainstream superstardom with “Enter Sandman.” Known for its distorted guitar riff and screeching chorus, the song, which was the lead single from the band’s self-titled 1991 album, became a worldwide hit, peaking at No. 16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on Oct. 12, 1991. Coupled with a heavy rotation music video, the single skyrocketed the band into the mainstream 35 years ago.

In May 2026, BBC Music magazine’s Classical Music ranked “Enter Sandman” as one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time. The outlet noted that the song's "mid-tempo, cyclical groove…perfectly illustrates the power of simplicity.”  “It stripped away thrash complexity in favor of a massive, stadium-sized hook that defined the sound of 1990s heavy rock and metal,” the music outlet added.

“Enter Sandman” was written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich. But while the song became iconic, it almost didn’t happen. Hetfield told Guitar World, “I can remember when I wrote the lyrics to 'Enter Sandman,' [producer] Bob Rock and Lars came to me and said, ‘These aren’t as good as they could be.’ And that pissed me off so much. …That was the first challenge from someone else, and it made me work harder.”

During a 2023 Masterclass interview, Hetfield admitted he struggled with his lyrics. “I didn’t think ‘Enter Sandman’ was such a great song. Lars Ulrich and Bob Rock said, ‘Go back. I challenge you to go back.’ And I did, and that line, that catch-phrase, ‘Off to never, neverland,’ [came out],” he recalled. “What happens in our sleep? Why do we have these nightmares? A lot of people could identify with that. Everyone has nightmares. And what do you do with them, and why do they show up?”

As for the song’s ultimate success, Ulrich said it was all about timing and the need for the thrash band to make a change.

“With the first four Metallica albums, it was a journey that sort of got more and more progressive, more and more crazy and kooky and long-winded. It got sort of nuttier and nuttier along the way,” the drummer told Classic Rock in an interview. “So …we were like, okay, there’s got to be a reset here, because we can’t just keep going longer and crazier and more progressive.  It’s sort of like we hit a wall. So when we got together to write the next batch of songs, the mission statement was: simplify. And the first song we wrote, on day one, was ‘Enter Sandman.’”

“I’m the worst one at being analytical and intellectualizing Metallica songs,” Ulrich added. “But if I have to put that hat on, I guess it was just the right song at the right time.”

Being a grandparent can be a wonderfully meaningful thing—and, like any new “role,” it can come with learning curves and missteps. Sure, you’re older and have more life experience, but you may also be new to “grandparenthood.” 

For what it’s worth, you’re far from alone in that: Every single grandparent is going to make a mistake or say the wrong thing sometimes—even if they always have the best of intentions. In fact, many good intentions in childhood can cause emotional wounds. That doesn’t mean you can’t also be a “magic-making” grandparent, or even a “good” one, with certain key habits. It’s possible to make mistakes and still stay close to your grandkids.

One important step to take as a grandparent is to know what common phrases to avoid saying to your grandkids, and why, according to a psychologist. Spoiler alert: You may already use them in several relatable scenarios, from giving your grandkids an extra treat to handling their emotions to wanting them to feel loved. Since you probably find yourself in those situations regularly, what should you say instead? Don’t fret—a psychologist has answers on that, too. She shares phrases you can steal straight from her playbook as good alternatives to use. Read ahead for all of that info and why it matters.

Related: 7 Signs You Might Be a ‘Helicopter Grandparent’ Without Even Realizing It

7 Phrases Grandparents Should Stop Saying to Their Grandkids, According to a Psychologist

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1. “Don’t tell your parents” 

While grandparents may say this in a fun conspiratorial way, the phrase is best avoided. 

“When a grandparent uses this language, they can unintentionally undermine parental trust and encourage children to keep secrets,” explains Dr. Brittney Pearson, PhD, licensed psychologist with Thriveworks in Chesapeake, VA. “This often increases a child’s stress as they struggle to navigate conflicting rules between their grandparents’ house and their own home.”

Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What They Wish More Grandparents Prioritized—They All Said the Same Thing

2. “Listen to me—don’t listen to mom/dad”

Again, even though phrases like this can potentially be well-intentioned, they can also be confusing and unhelpful for a child. The phrase can also cause strife between you and the parents, in which they may limit your time with the grandchild.

“Although grandparents may intend to offer helpful advice without overstepping, this language places children in a distressing position by forcing them to choose between two authority figures,” Dr. Pearson explains.

3. “Big boys/girls don’t cry” 

The problem with this phrase is two-fold: “This language dismisses a child’s current emotions and promotes rigid gender roles,” Dr. Pearson tells Parade. 

Instead, she recommends giving them space to express their feelings and teaching them how to communicate their emotions effectively. For example, you might discuss what different feelings look like, how to express them kindly and emotion regulation skills.

Related: How To Validate Someone’s Feelings, According to a Clinical Psychologist

4. “Why can’t you be more like [sibling]?”

This phrase is a no-no—in fact, another psychologist says it’s the “#1 mistake you can make with a child.”

“Although you may notice positive traits in other family members that you wish to encourage, this comparison is unhelpful,” Dr. Pearson says. “Using this language promotes feelings of inadequacy and resentment in a grandchild.”

5. “Give me a hug!”

It’s fair to want a hug from your grandchild, but consider not phrasing it as a demand. 

“While grandparents naturally desire affection, it is essential to respect a grandchild’s physical boundaries,” Dr. Pearson says. “Forcing physical contact can teach children that they do not have control over their own bodies.” 

She encourages asking for permission instead with a simple question like, “Can I have a hug?”

Related: 7 Key Traits of Parents Who Raise Kids With Healthy Boundaries

6. “When I was your age, I had it harder” 

Phrases that suggest this message in other ways are also unhelpful, whether it’s “When I was your age, I already had a house” or “When I was your age, I didn’t have the internet to use for research papers.” While you may mean it to inspire them or give them perspective, it probably won’t come across that way. 

“This phrase can unintentionally show a lack of empathy for the child’s current struggle,” Dr. Pearson explains.

7. “You’re my favorite grandchild”

Many of us want to be someone’s “favorite,” but this phrase can cause unintentional and unexpected problems down the road—even if you don’t say it around your other grandkids. 

“While intended as a compliment, this statement can create unhealthy competition and foster resentment among siblings,” Dr. Pearson says. “It places an unfair burden on the ‘favorite’ to maintain that status and makes other children feel less valued.”

Related: Psychologists Warn: These 7 ‘Nice’ Phrases from Parents and Grandparents Actually Create Anxiety in Kids

4 Alternative Phrases To Use With Your Grandkids

The following phrases are psychologist-approved for similar situations:

1. “I love you for exactly who you are.” 
2. “I understand your parents said no, and it’s important to respect that.” 
3. “Take your time. I'm here to listen when you’re ready.” 
4. “I noticed you’re working hard on [specific skill]; let’s keep practicing together.”

Dr. Pearson explains that these phrases emphasize unconditional love and the need for children to listen to their parents. It also removes pressure to “be tough,” instead building a safe space for vulnerability and focusing on personal progress versus comparison.

Up Next:

Related: Psychologists Say if You Were Told To 'Toughen Up' as a Kid, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Source:

• Dr. Brittney Pearson, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks in Chesapeake, Virginia.

If you're driving along the highway and look out at a certain iconic regional vista, there is a striking silhouette rising up from the hillside that instantly commands your attention. For millions of local families and multi-generational travelers, this structural landmark acts like a familiar old friend welcoming them back to the gates. But unless you're a die-hard theme park trivia buff, you might not realize that this legendary wooden coaster actually holds a spot in the history books for a record-breaking debut that took place exactly 50 years ago.

Commissioned to celebrate the United States Bicentennial, the expansive coaster officially opened its gates on April 10, 1976. According to archival details documented by myjournalcourier.com, the ride was an absolute engineering marvel for its era, constructed by the Frontier Construction Company using 1,278 individual footings, 886 cubic yards of concrete, 550,000 board feet of lumber, and a staggering 50,000 pounds of bolts. When the very first trains blasted down the tracks, it instantly landed in the Guinness Book of World Records, where it proudly held the title of the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster on the planet for two consecutive years.

Related: This 100-Year-Old Ride Is Still One of the Most Popular Attractions at One Top-Ranked U.S. Theme Park

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The design itself was the final masterpiece of the late John Allen, who was widely revered as the "dean of American Coaster design." Allen crafted a relentless, 3,872-foot course that drops brave riders over an initial 87-foot precipice before bringing them to the ride's highest point: a thrilling, 92-foot vertical dive that reaches speeds of over 60 miles per hour on classic wooden tracks. Longtime park operators originally managed the absolute responsibility of hand-braking the massive trains using a manual system of three brake sets before the attraction eventually transitioned to modern computerization, as noted by myjournalcourier.com.

Related: 8 Theme Parks That Still Feel Exactly Like They Did When You Were a Kid

The sheer aesthetic beauty of the massive white structure—which requires a whopping 10,000 gallons of paint to refresh—even caught the eye of national lifestyle editors. In the late 1980s, the attraction made history by becoming the rare roller coaster to land the coveted front cover of Better Homes & Gardens after an advertiser funded a massive cosmetic repainting project for a national commercial shoot.

Recognized as an official American landmark by the American Coaster Enthusiasts club, the 50-year-old ride is currently entering a historic new chapter. With a major corporate park acquisition taking place for summer 2026, new operators are preparing a nostalgic rebrand for the property next year that directly hearkens back to the destination's original 1971 heritage. Today, the legendary coaster remains tucked into a stunning, mature canopy of forest trees, offering the exact same timeless, gravity-defying memories for grandparents and kids alike.

So, do you know which historic coaster this is? You're looking at none other than the legendary Screamin’ Eagle at Six Flags St. Louis! As the park prepares to usher in an exciting new era of historic rebranding next season, right now is the perfect window to experience this timeless classic just as you remember it.

Related: Why This Is an Incredibly Exciting Year for Theme Parks (and You Don't Need a Lightning Lane to Enjoy It)

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If you're hoping to refresh your bedroom ahead of summer, some cozy new bedding that plays into the season's bright, fresh aesthetic could be the perfect upgrade. Walmart is currently offering nearly $30 off a spring-ready Exclusivo Mezcla 3-Piece Floral Quilt Set that comes with a reversible quilt and two matching pillow shams. 

The bestselling bedding set is now available for as low as $32 (down from $59) in the queen size. It comes in seven pretty floral prints, with colors ranging from blue and gray to light green and white. You can also shop it in twin and king sizes starting at $27 and $34, respectively. 

Exclusivo Mezcla 3-Piece Floral Quilt Set, From $32 (was $60) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

Made from high-quality double-brushed microfiber, all three pieces are soft and smooth to the touch. The quilt has a lightweight, breathable construction that reviewers described as "perfect for any season," with a polyester filling that enhances comfort without feeling overly hot. Use it on its own as a cozy blanket while lounging or sleeping during the warm months, or layer it over a heavier comforter to beat the chill during cold winter nights. 

Both the quilt and the pillow shams are designed with a classic floral branch pattern that's elegant and versatile enough to complement any space, no matter what your decor style is. All three pieces are reversible, so you can flip to either side as necessary. Maintenance is also a breeze, thanks to the machine-washable, shrink-resist design.

Reviewers highlighted the bedding's "beautiful" print and superior quality. "It fits very nicely and is plenty big," one shopper noted, adding, "My favorite thing is how nicely it washes and dries. No pilling or loose threads or fading." Several also noted that it's an excellent value for its current price, and some pointed out that it even makes a great gift.

Related: Walmart's $150 Tall Bookcase Is 'Beautiful' and 'Sturdy' With 'Lots of Storage'

"I gave this as a gift to my mom who loves quilts," one customer wrote. "She called me once she had it on the bed to tell me how much she loved it. She said the color and pattern were beautiful and it was the perfect weight."

With over 500 five-star ratings online, a range of color options to choose from, and a soft, cozy construction, this three-piece floral quilt set is an incredible flash deal that's worth grabbing fast. Upgrade your sleep today, and grab one while it's as low as $32 at Walmart. 

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.

Another federal holiday has arrived, but with Beyond the Gates dropping a massive cliffhanger on Friday, with the revelation that Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) saw her presumed dead father, Doug McBride (Jason Gratham), fans are wondering if their favorite soap is airing on Memorial Day?

Is Beyond the Gates On Memorial Day?

The positive news is that Beyond the Gates is airing today; the unfortunate news is that it is not new episodes but rather a repeat of the Season 1 retrospective.

The episode, which originally aired on January 19, 2026, is a special episode that pulls back the curtain on Beyond the Gates with commentary from the actors as they relive their storylines… including all of season one's explosive affairs, shocking cons, and family secrets.

When Do New Episodes of Beyond the Gates return?

Beyond the Gates will return with brand new episodes beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The episode promises to be explosive as

Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) orders Tomas Navarro (Alex Alegria) to stand down.

Nicole Richardson (Daphnée Duplaix) confides her fantasies to Kial Rollins (Greg Vaughan).

Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) gives Donnell McBride (Alex Cheeks) what he wants.

Deanna's blast from the past, Doug, has a mission for her to accomplish.

Leslie Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) is worried the plasma ring's reach could impact her.

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Is Doug Alive?

Since Doug's off-screen death, fans have theorized that the character may be alive. Now with the recent twist, fans may or may not be getting their wish, and have taken to social media to express their reactions to the latest development.

One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "They better not make Deanna crazy and have Doug be a figment of her imagination!"

A second user commented on the contrast of the actor's appearance when he last appeared to his current appearance, writing "Doug also looks kind of different. Maybe it’s the lack of facial hair or the fact that they’ve dyed his hair black. I remember him being a little salt and pepper before his supposed unaliving. It’s giving evil twin or doppelgänger"

Fans will have to tune in on Tuesday to watch the story unfold.

Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS with episodes streaming weeknights on Paramount+.

Viewers can catch up on all of the drama from Fairmount Crest from the beginning of the series on Paramount+ or for free on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST  channel.

As a Southern California native, I truly thought I'd been everywhere and seen it all. Turns out I was so very wrong. Just a 30-minute drive south from Los Angeles lies Terranea Resort, a place where it feels like you've truly left the city and even the state. Built on what was once Marineland of the Pacific, this 102-acre oceanfront property in Rancho Palos Verdes made my family feel like we were on an island vacation, far, far away from reality, with little lift.

Credit: Esther Carlstone A Resort That Works for Every Member of the Family 

It's rare to find a property where every family member, from my 6-year-old to my tween to my elderly father, could find genuinely entertaining experiences. But Terranea hit it out of the park. My kids took golf lessons on the nine-hole ocean-view course while my dad supervised—a memory they still talk about to this day. We hiked (okay, strolled) the breathtaking cliffside trails, explored tide pools, splashed in the pool, and even kayaked in the ocean. We even got up close and personal with a falcon and its handler. 

Credit: Esther Carlstone

What really surprised me was how Terranea keeps things fresh year-round through curated seasonal programming. In the summer, there are stargazing tours and the annual Terranea Food & Wine festival, featuring chef-curated menus and wine pairings. Winter transforms the entire resort into a holiday haven with a 1,000-pound gingerbread lounge and then some. Spring offers wine tastings, tequila experiences, and happy hours overlooking the Pacific.

Related: This Dreamy Coastal Mexican Resort Might Be the Country's Best-Kept Secret—and I Can't Wait to Go Back

For LA natives, this transforms what could be a predictable weekend escape into a true staycation that feels worlds away—you're escaping the traffic and chaos without actually leaving Southern California. And for visitors, Terranea offers a respite from the frenetic pace of the city, all without the grueling drive to more distant destinations. It's the best of both worlds.

The resort’s accommodations are a huge plus for multigenerational travel, thanks to a wide range of configurations to fit every family’s needs, from traditional rooms and suites to bungalows, casitas, and villas. The latter three options are an extra-special treat. The spacious multi-bedroom accommodations with separate living areas meant everyone had their own space but stayed close together. It's like renting the best Airbnb with all the luxury amenities and service of a five-star hotel. My dad loved it so much that he still brings it up every time we're together.

Related: One of America’s Most Underrated Destinations Has Tropical Blue Waters, Tasty Seafood, and Sea Caves—and It’s in the Midwest

Everything You Need, Right There

Given its remote location, everything we needed was conveniently on-site: five award-winning restaurants (Bashi was a particular favorite), live music, a gorgeously renovated 50,000-square-foot spa, and a coffee shop with gelato for those moments between activities or when the kids needed food ASAP. But what I'll remember most isn't the amenities—it's how the resort made my entire multigenerational family feel equally welcome and engaged. 

Credit: Esther Carlstone

It's hard to believe this travel gem has been hiding in the SoCal peninsula this entire time. For LA locals looking for an escape, Terranea delivers. For visitors, it's not just worth the detour from LA—it's worth making the entire trip to Southern California for.

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Anne Heche would have been turning 57 today.

The late actress — known for her roles in Six Days Seven Nights, Donnie Brasco, Volcano and more — would have celebrated her 57th birthday on May 25, 2026, if it weren't for her tragic death in 2022.

Heche died at the age of 53 after being involved in a high-speed car accident in August 2022. She crashed her car into a rented home in Mar Vista, California, causing the residence to catch fire and leaving Heche with severe burns and injuries. She was in a coma for one week before being declared dead on Aug. 12, 2022.

"Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend," a representative for Heche said at the time of her death. "Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact."

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Heche started her career as a young actor on the NBC soap opera Another World, playing twin sisters Vicky Hudson and Marley Love. The dual role earned her two Soap Opera Digest awards and one Daytime Emmy, before she went on to star in a number of other impressive roles in both film and television. In 2004, she earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her supporting role in the TV movie Gracie's Choice.

Heche also starred in a number of memorable films during the '90s, like Donnie Brasco (1997), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), Six Days Seven Nights (1998), Return to Paradise (1998), Psycho (1998) and more.

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Heche's second memoir, Call Me Anne, was published posthumously in January 2023 with the help of her son 24-year-old son Homer Heche Laffoon. Heche was also a mother to younger son, Atlas Heche Tupper, who was just 13 when she died.

Related: Anne Heche's 13 Best Movie Roles

Related: Michael Jackson Reaches Historic Music Milestone 17 Years After His Death, Thanks to Blockbuster Biopic

In 1981, a haunting soft rock classic introduced what many listeners still consider one of the most unforgettable drum fills in music history.

Music producer and session musician Rick Beato recently named Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” the greatest drum fill of all time in his popular “Top 20 Drum Fills of All Time” video.

Beato opened the video by explaining that he had already ranked the greatest guitar intros, bass intros and drum intros before finally turning his attention to drum fills hidden inside songs themselves.

“I've already done the top 20 acoustic intros, electric intros, drum intros, bass intros, keyboard intros, but now we're getting into the interior of the songs,” Beato said.

As the countdown progressed, Beato highlighted legendary moments from artists including Metallica, Journey, U2, Nirvana, Rush and Led Zeppelin before finally reaching Collins’ iconic 1981 hit.

Before revealing his No. 1 pick, Beato admitted the project became one of the most difficult videos he had ever produced because every fill had to be reconstructed with the surrounding instruments and arrangements.

“I have to tell you how long it took me to actually put this video together because I've never worked on a video this long,” he said.

“When I thought of making this video, I didn't realize, well, drum fills are actually in the middle of songs, so you have to actually create everything that's around it.”

Beato also revealed that Collins’ legendary drum moment was the first thing that came to mind when he started planning the ranking.

“When I was thinking about making this video, this is actually the first drum fill that popped into my mind,” he said before unveiling “In the Air Tonight” as his top choice.

Released in January 1981 as the lead single from Collins’ debut solo album Face Value, “In the Air Tonight” became one of the defining songs of the decade. The song emerged during one of the most painful periods of Collins’ life. In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, the singer revealed that he wrote “In the Air Tonight” after the collapse of his first marriage while recording alone in a studio he had built inside the master bedroom of his home.

“One day I was working on a piece in D-minor, the saddest [key] of all,” Collins recalled. “I just wrote a sequence, and it sounded nice. I wrote the lyrics spontaneously. I’m not quite sure what the song is about, but there’s a lot of anger, a lot of despair and a lot of frustration.”

Collins later said the song’s mystery may be part of why it has endured for decades. “Nobody knows what the song is about, and I kind of like the mystery,” he told the magazine.

Musically, the song built tension unlike almost anything else on pop radio at the time. For more than three minutes, Collins restrained the arrangement to eerie keyboards, drum machine pulses and simmering vocals before unleashing the now-iconic drum fill that completely changes the energy of the song.

Critics and musicians have spent decades praising the iconic drum fill. Legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne once called it “the best ever,” while critics have described the fill as one of the defining sounds of 1980s music production.

The song’s influence has only grown with time. “In the Air Tonight” has appeared in films and television shows ranging from Miami Vice to The Hangover, inspired countless covers and remixes and repeatedly surged back into the charts thanks to viral internet moments and commercials.

The song’s lasting legacy comes during an emotional chapter in Collins’ life and career. The legendary singer and drummer has largely stepped away from public life in recent years due to severe health issues stemming from spinal injuries and nerve damage that left him unable to play drums.

Despite those struggles, the singer’s musical legacy continues to resonate across generations. Collins will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist later this year after finally receiving his first individual nomination decades after entering the Hall with Genesis in 2010.

Fans flooded Beato’s video comments with praise not only for Collins’ iconic drum fill, but also for the way the video captured the anticipation surrounding the song’s explosive payoff.

“There’s no way Phil Collins wasn’t gonna be #1 in a Top 20 Drum Phils video,” one viewer joked.

Another wrote, “The video works so well because just like ‘In the Air Tonight’ you spend the whole time just waiting to hear that drum fill and when you hear it, it’s everything you had wanted.”

“Man, you can tell that everyone was having a blast putting this together,” another fan commented.

Others praised Beato’s ability to balance music theory with accessibility.

“One thing I love about your presentations is that you explain things briefly enough to not condescend the musos while managing to explain enough for non musicians to know what's going on,” one viewer wrote.

“Props to Jack for playing all those fills so amazingly!” another added.

Related: Amid Health Struggles, Phil Collins Finally Nominated for Rock Hall as Odds Favor 2026 Induction

Elvis Presley needs no introduction—after all, he's the King of Rock and Roll! His classic songs and movies have stood the test of time, but beyond the smash hit records and films, sequined outfits and unmistakable voice, he's a man who showed us what it means to keep going when life gives you every reason not to.

Born Elvis Aaron Presley on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, he came into the world under heartbreaking circumstances. His identical twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn just 35 minutes before him—a loss that would shape Elvis's entire life—including his deeply close bond with his mother, Gladys.

When Elvis was growing up, his family was so poor that they didn't have enough money to pay their rent. "Don't you worry none, Baby," he told his mom. "When I grow up, I'm going to buy you a fine house and pay everything you owe at the grocery store and get two Cadillacs—one for you and Daddy, and one for me." Years later, Elvis would make good on every single one of those promises.

But what his parents lacked in money, they made up for in love—and in music. From the moment Elvis could walk, he was singing along with his mother to gospel songs at the First Assembly of God church in East Tupelo. In fact, people say his soul-stirring voice was born in that little church.

His life would be forever changed in 1946, when he wanted either a rifle or a bicycle for his 11th birthday. But fate would have other plans: Instead, his mother took him to the Tupelo Hardware Store and bought him a guitar for $7.75. "You could play it when you sing," she told him. "You know how people love to hear you sing."

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When Elvis was 13, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where they couldn't afford a real apartment and ended up settling in a public housing complex called Lauderdale Courts. Things didn't get any easier during his time at Humes High School: His music teacher even told him he couldn't sing. But he didn't let that stop him.

In the summer of 1953, 18-year-old Elvis was working at the Precision Tool Company in Memphis when he summoned up the courage to walk into the Memphis Recording Service. The studio let regular people pay a small fee to record themselves singing—and Elvis told the studio he wanted to record two songs as a birthday gift for his mother. But here's the thing: His mom's birthday had not only been months earlier, but the Presley family didn't even own a record player! The truth is, the shy teenager was secretly hoping he'd be discovered.

Elvis didn't know it, but the studio's owner, Sam Phillips, was about to launch Sun Records—the legendary label that would soon discover Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. But on this particular afternoon, Phillips wasn't even there. Instead, his assistant Marion Keisker handled the session. She was so blown away that she spent almost a year reminding her boss about this incredible young talent.

Finally, in July 1954, Phillips called him back in. Elvis showed up with two session musicians, and during a break, he started fooling around with a song called "That's All Right (Mama)." That recording would become Elvis's first hit. He signed with RCA in 1955 and released "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956, which went on to become the biggest hit of the year.

But Elvis didn't just shine on a concert stage, he was also magnetic on the big screen. Elvis starred in 31 movies—including the iconic Jailhouse Rock, Blue Hawaii and Viva Las Vegas with Ann-Margret. He sold more than a billion records worldwide and garnered 14 Grammy nominations—even received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at just 36 years old!

But behind every No. 1 song, sold-out concert and hit movie was a man fighting his own quiet battles. Elvis was just 23 when he lost his beloved mother. At the peak of his fame, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two honorable years in Germany, where he refused special treatment.

Elvis Presley left this world far too soon. He was only 42 years old, but the wisdom he shared along the way is timeless. And that's why he's today's quote of the day.

Related: Quote of the Day: John Denver’s 15 Words on Surviving Life’s Lowest Moments Will Transform Your Mindset

Quote of the Day by Elvis Presley

"When things go wrong, don't go with them."

I love this quote because it's so succinct, yet it carries so much weight. The "Heartbreak Hotel" singer is acknowledging that life isn't always perfect and there will be hard times, but he's not giving advice on how to handle those difficult times. Instead, he's reminding us that when bad things happen, we have a choice to decide how to react to them. When it's sink or swim, we have to make the choice to swim—even when it feels like all we want to do is sink.

Related: 1977 Rock Classic Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 49 Years Later

Deeper Meaning of Elvis Presley's Quote—Determination Is a Choice

Even though he's remembered for bringing joy to millions of people across the globe, Elvis certainly knew all about pain. He lost his beloved mom when he was only 23 years old, in the middle of basic training at Fort Hood. "It broke my heart," he later said. "She was always my best girl." Less than a month after her death, he received orders for his two-year Army deployment. Location? Germany. He had just lost the most important person in his world, and was being shipped halfway across the world—nearly 5,000 miles from Graceland.

And when Elvis got back, the music industry had dramatically shifted. The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Motown were dominating the airwaves, and the King of Rock and Roll was being seen in the past tense. In fact, many in the industry had written him off. Things may have been going wrong, but he made the conscious choice not to go with them.

On December 3, 1968, he stunned the country with what became known as his '68 Comeback Special on NBC. Dressed head to toe in black leather, he sang his classics with the same fire he'd had in 1956—not only reminding viewers of the legend he was, but also capturing 42% of the entire American TV viewing audience.

Elvis performs at his 1968 concert special, which captured almost half of America's TV audience.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives on Getty Images

The King was officially back. Less than a year later, he released his first No. 1 hit in seven years—"Suspicious Minds." He made history with 1973's Aloha From Hawaii, the first concert ever broadcast worldwide to more than a billion viewers across 40 countries.

Elvis's life ultimately ended far too soon—in 1977, he passed away at just 42 years old. His battles weren't always easy and he didn't always win them—but every single time he stepped onto a stage or we saw him onscreen, Elvis was living proof of his own powerful words. In the face of deep pain and unimaginable pressure, he taught us that determination is a choice—and we must make the choice to keep going through every hardship.

More Quotes From Elvis Presley

• "You've got to follow that dream, wherever that dream may lead."
• "Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away."
• "There's no job too immense, when you got confidence."
• "Don't criticize what you don't understand, son. You never walked in that man's shoes."
• "You only pass through this life once, you don't come back for an encore."

Related: Next Up:

Today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle answers will take you from the slopes to the field. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Monday, May 25, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Monday, May 25, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on May 25, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: "And the medal goes to..."
• Green: Tony Hawk's equipment.
• Blue: Baseball strategists.
• Purple: Check out my kicks.

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: VERBS FOR AN OLYMPIC ATHLETE
• Green: PARTS OF A SKATEBOARD
• Blue: ACTIVE MLB MANAGERS
• Purple: ENDS IN A SHOE BRAND

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!

The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #609 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• VERBS FOR AN OLYMPIC ATHLETE: FENCES, ROWS, SURFS, SWIMS
• PARTS OF A SKATEBOARD: DECK, GRIP TAPE, TRUCK, WHEELS
• ACTIVE MLB MANAGERS: ESPADA, FRANCONA, ROBERTS, SCHUMAKER
• ENDS IN A SHOE BRAND: BASICS, DONNYBROOKS, ESPUMA, MINIVANS

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: The Aldi Freezer Find I'll Be Making for Memorial Day Weekend—and Beyond

The late '90s were defined by certain pop-culture staples, with the Spice Girls arguably amongst the spread.

For certain generations, just hearing the British girl group's iconic name can transport you back to your childhood and/or adolescence. And their pop music is still cherished to this day.

On that note, Sunday, March 24 marked exactly 29 years since the Spice Girls went to No. 1 on the U.S. album chart with Spice, making them only the third all-girl group to do so after The Supremes and The Go-Go's — and the first-ever U.K. girl group to do so.

As a quick refresher, here are the singles from the Spice Girl's certified Multi-Platinum debut LP:

• "Wannabe"
• "Say You'll Be There"
• "2 Become 1"
• "Mama" / "Who Do You Think You Are"

Just recently, Mel C revealed that the Spice Girls are still “trying” to find a way to celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary this year. Fans had hoped that the group would reunite this year to celebrate three decades since the release of their debut single ‘Wannabe’, but it looks like they may be waiting longer.

“We are trying to find something we all agree is fitting of the legacy we have created, but that also everyone is comfortable with,” Mel, 52, told The Telegraph newspaper recently. There were rumors of a tour to celebrate three decades together, but it has since been shot down.

Also this month, a nostalgic photo was uploaded to the Spice Girls' official Instagram account that had fans buzzing. "Back when it was all just beginning 📸 Taken 30 years ago today," the caption of the May 16 post reads.

View this post on Instagram

It's clear the beloved girl group still has a loyal fanbase, given that Instagram users have since flooded the post's comments section with their support for the Spice Girls. "My childhood in one picture 🥹💙🧡," wrote one fan, while another user commented, "Thank you for giving us so much joy❤️."

Today's NYT Strands puzzle might make you feel patriotic. Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times' recent game, "Strands," is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and "spangrams" to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We'll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today's Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #813 on Monday, May 25.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here's exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle's theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word's letter order.

What Is Today's Strands Hint for the Theme: "Thank you"

A hint for today's Strands game: The bold and the brave.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today's puzzle, there are six theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• PR
• SE
• VI
• SA
• HO
• ME (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is a mix of horizontal and diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for May 25

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, May 25, 2026, isMEMORIALDAY.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, May 24?

• PROTECTION
• SERVICE
• VIRTUE
• SACRIFICE
• HONOR
• SPANGRAM: MEMORIALDAY

Related: The Aldi Freezer Find I'll Be Making for Memorial Day Weekend—and Beyond