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Lynda Carter, 75, Stuns in a Slinky Gown on the Red Carpet 47 Years After ‘Wonder Woman’ Ended

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 10:00pm

Lynda Carter, who is best known as Wonder Woman, just hit the red carpet looking better than ever.

The beloved actress, 75, rose to fame as the DC Comics superheroWonder Woman. The hit TV series was a mainstay from 1975 to 1979. Carter went on to become a TV movie staple and even made a cameo in Wonder Woman 1984. But it’s her latest red carpet appearance, at the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation’s Angel Ball 2026 at Cipriani Wall Street, that knocked our socks off. Sporting a slinky dress that shimmered in the lights of the cameras, Carter made it clear that she’s looking better than ever in her seventies.

Michael Loccisano / Getty Images

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Carter Returned for Super Troopers 3

While Carter is best known as everyone’s favorite female superhero, she also has a great cameo in the classic comedy, Super Troopers. She played Governor Jessman in the 2001 flick, as well as its 2018 sequel. But it was the comedy’s third round that Carter returned for most recently. In the film, her character soaks up the suds in the bathtub.

“@supertroopers Ride Again!!! Follow them and us (returning cast). For a fantastic road romp!! But….wait for it…the last scene! I’m naked in a bathtub???? Oh noooo, @jaychandrasekhar you promised not to show that! Super Troopers 3, only in theaters August 7th!!” Carter captioned the still, which also featured behind-the-scenes photos from the set.

In response to the photos, commenters were blown away by Carter’s ageless looks.

View this post on Instagram Carter is a Major Philanthropist

While she may be best known for her work onscreen, Carter does a significant amount of work behind the scenes as a philanthropist. Earlier this year, she made a $10 million gift from the Robert and Lynda Carter Altman Family Foundation to advance the Robert Altman Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins. Named for her late husband, Robert Altman, who was treated for prostate cancer at Johns Hopkins, the donation is a “bold investment in accelerating surgical innovation, advancing education and training, and rapidly translating emerging technologies into the clinical setting,” according to a release.

Related: ‘Wonder Woman’ Lynda Carter, 74, Makes Bold Statement With Anti-ICE Cartoon Starring Her Famous Character

In the '60s, She Wrote Hits for Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, and Glen Campbell; Decades Later, She Was Exposed as a Fraud

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 9:59pm

Many of history’s most iconic artists are known for their ability to reinvent themselves, but some, like famed singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie, take it a bit too far.

Like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot and so many others, Sainte-Marie established herself as a musical force to contend with as part of the Greenwich Village folk scene of the ’60s. Though her first two albums, It’s My Way! (1964) and Many a Mile (1965), weren’t commercially successful, they were extremely popular with other musicians, many of whom went on to cover her tunes: The protest song “Universal Soldier” was a hit for Glen Campbell and Donovan; “Until It’s Time for You to Go” was covered by a vast array of major names, from Elvis Presley to Neil Diamond to Barbra Streisand.

Another Sainte-Marie protest song that came to be considered a folk classic, “Now That the Buffalo’s Gone,” addressed the injustices suffered by the Native Americans. This was a meaningful topic for Saint-Marie, who said she was a Cree woman, born on a reservation in Canada. For decades, she acted as a representative of Indigenous people and was honored as such. Except, as it turned out, Sainte-Marie was lying about her ancestry all along.

In 2023, a Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) investigation into Sainte-Marie’s identity revealed that she wasn’t born on a Cree reservation in Canada. In fact, despite being awarded a number of honorary doctorates from Canadian universities and having a postal stamp made in her honor, she wasn’t born in Canada at all.

Sainte-Marie was really born in Massachusetts in 1941 to parents of Italian and English descent. Originally, their surname was Santamaria, but it was changed after World War II in an effort to avoid discrimination against Italians. In Sainte-Marie’s version of her story, she was adopted by the couple and raised near Boston, though she claimed she was later reunited with her Indigenous relatives and accepted into the community.

“When I go home to the Cree reserve in Canada where I was born, I usually spend a few hours of every day teaching the Cree language,” she wrote in the 1971 Buffy Sainte-Marie Songbook.

When Sainte-Marie stepped away from music to work in education during the ’70s, she stuck with her Indigenous persona. She even made regular appearances on Sesame Street, where she shared stories about her supposed Cree heritage. In 1983, after co-writing the hit song “Up Where We Belong” for the movie An Officer and a Gentleman, she became known as the first Native American woman to win an Oscar.

After the CBC exposé, based on such evidence as Sainte-Marie’s birth certificates and testimonials from family members (in addition to a string of inaccuracies from her own accounts), Canadian authorities stripped her of many of the honors she received over the years.

Speaking to the CBC, Kim TallBear, a professor of Native studies at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and a member of Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, said it was unacceptable for non-Indigenous people like Sainte-Marie to claim an Indigenous identity.

“It’s theft of opportunities, resources. It’s theft of our stories,” she said.

Sainte-Marie, who’d returned to performing in the ’90s, retired from music shortly before the CBC report.

Related: Beloved Singer-Songwriter, Compared to Carole King and Joni Mitchell, Was ‘All But Forgotten’ Until 26 Years After Her Death

1966 Rock Hit, Written by 20-Year-Old Donovan, Is Still a Spooky Season Classic 60 Years Later

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 9:58pm

There are a handful of songs that perfectly evoke the spookiness of the Fall season, with a 1966 Donovan classic becoming a pop culture classic that never made it to the charts.

“Season of the Witch” became one of the Scottish singer-songwriter‘s undeniable signature tracks of his career. It was released as part of his third album, Sunshines Superman, which didn’t get chart status because it had not been released as a single. It didn’t stop the song from gaining traction among artists during the psychedelic rock era.

Before it was recorded in Hollywood, California, “Season of the Witch” came about thanks to folk musician Bert Jansch. According to SongFacts, Donovan was at the singer’s house when acoustic player John Renbourn showed the singer the D ninth chord. The sound of the note quickly sparked an idea and reportedly led Donovan to play for the next seven hours.

“There was a feeling, even then, that all was not perfect in the Garden of Eden,” he said of the song in an interview with Mojo magazine June 2011. “Dealers were moving into bohemia and hard drugs were on the fringes. The song was also prophetic. It was about the bust, although of course I couldn’t know that then.”

The track soon landed in the studios, with reports having long claimed that future Led Zeppelin rockers Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were part of the recording sessions. They both took part in multiple recordings during the 1970s as studio musicians, but Donovan never fully confirmed the rumors. The singer did once admit that Led Zeppelin would later use “Season of the Witch” as one of their favorite warm-ups during soundcheck.

What made Donovan’s track so popular was not only its lyrics, but also the feeling it gave audiences with its pronounced bassline. The bassline was so intense that it went into the red and caused producer Mickie Most to threaten the sound engineers’ jobs.

“I remember the bass line going down and Mickie saying, ‘We’ve got a problem. The engineers are saying that they can’t turn the bass up.’ I said, Why? They said, ‘Well, it’s going into the red.’ And so he said to the engineers, ‘Look, you go into the red, I’m giving you permission. Go in the red! That’s the bass sound I want. Very, very loud,'” explained Donovan.

The sound engineers later tried to dismiss the bassline because the equipment couldn’t sustain it. Most then told them about a million-dollar deal he had just signed with their boss, Clive Davis, and threatened not to call him if he got more bass. In the end, the sound engineers relented in fear of losing their jobs.

“‘Season of the Witch’ continues to be a perennial influence because it allows a jam – not a 12-bar or Latin groove, but a very modern jam,” said Donovan. “It makes me very proud that I’ve created certain forms that other bands can get off on, to explore, be experimental, or just break the rules.” 

The track would become a staple among artists who covered it, like Stephen Stills, Terry Reid, Lou Rawls, Robert Plant, and Hole. It later gained a massive resurgence thanks to Lana Del Rey‘s cover for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Over the years, it was covered for film and TV, like Alanis Morissette for Yaga,  Joan Jett and the Blackhearts for The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness, and Luna for I Shot Andy Warhol.

Related: 1970 Bloodrock Hit, Written by a 27-Year-Old About a Plane Crash, Named One of the Most Truly Terrifying Songs of All Time

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

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 9:37pm

Country music stardom doesn’t always start with a viral video or a big record deal. For Cody Johnson, it began with years of playing bars, honky-tonks and rodeos, building a loyal fan base one show at a time. Now, that old-fashioned approach is earning major recognition: Taste of Country has ranked Johnson No. 1 on its list of Country Music’s 25 Most Important Modern Artists, citing his consistency and word-of-mouth success.

Johnson’s rise stands out in an era when social media can turn an artist into a household name overnight. According to Taste of Country, the 39-year-old singer built his following the old-school way, with live performances and fans encouraging their friends to come see him. Rather than relying on viral moments, he developed a reputation by delivering onstage, year after year.

How Cody Johnson Built His Country Music Career the Old-Fashioned Way

The Texas-born singer spent years honing his craft in small venues, honky-tonks and on the rodeo circuit before reaching larger audiences. He self-released six albums before signing with a major record label, building a dedicated fan base along the way.

That steady growth is part of what makes Johnson’s story notable. His success reflects a path rooted in live music, persistence and a connection with fans, rather than a sudden breakthrough online.

Related: 1985 Synth Hit Sung by Husband and Wife Duo From Portland Featuring Wine Bottles as Percussion Named One of the Best One-Hit Wonders of the Decade

Why Cody Johnson’s Success Proves Word of Mouth Still Matters in Country Music

Taste of Country’s ranking highlights how Johnson’s career challenges the idea that artists need social media fame to reach the top of modern country music. Concertgoers may share clips of his performances, but his reputation has largely grown through the experience of seeing him live and telling others about it.

As Johnson moved from small stages to sold-out arenas, he brought along the fans who had supported him from the beginning. His ability to maintain that connection on a much larger scale is a key part of his appeal—and a reminder that in country music, a loyal audience can still make all the difference.

Related: Brooklyn-Born Rocker Bruce Anthony Johannesson Changed His Name After His Favorite Cadillac and Became a Hair Metal Icon

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Macy’s 8-Piece Damask Comforter Set Is an 'Elegant' Full Bedding Refresh With Sheets, Now 67% Off

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 9:16pm

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Purchasing a large bedding bundle as opposed to buying each linen separately can save you a ton of time and energy. Generally, these sets cover all of your bedding bases, and they can provide some fun extras from time to time. If you want to revamp the look of your bedroom with just one click, the Sunham Isabella 8-Piece Comforter Set is a great choice. 

This expansive bedding set is 67% off at Macy’s right now. Originally $100, you can now score it starting at $33 for the twin version, and it’s currently available in five of the most popular mattress sizes! Shoppers can choose from navy and rich red hues.

Sunham Isabella 8-Piece Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

This comforter set comes with absolutely everything you need for your bed. It comes with a comforter, a bedskirt, two classic pillowcases, two pillow shams, one fitted sheet, and one flat sheet. The only exception to this item list is the twin-sized version, which comes with one less pillowcase and sham for a total of six pieces. The full, queen, king, and California king versions of the comforter set come with all eight pieces. 

The comforter comes pre-stuffed with a hypoallergenic polyfill material, and is described as having a medium weight. Shoppers said that they felt warm while sleeping underneath it, but didn’t feel overheated either.

Shoppers also lauded the quality of the sheets, but what they loved the most is the set’s intricate dark-toned damask print. It’s on one side of the comforter and decorative pillow shams, while the other side features a simple striped pattern that uses complimentary hues. 

Shoppers said that this comforter set “is a great look for any bedroom,” and that “the colors explode at first sight.” They loved its reversible construction, and said that both sides are equally “wonderful.” Shoppers were “extremely pleased” with the quality that this bedding bundle offers, and said it looks “elegant” and “stylish.”  

Related: Macy’s ‘Charming’ $33 8-Piece Holiday Comforter Set Adds a ‘Cozy, Festive Feel’ to Any Space

If you’re tired of your current bedding and want an affordable one-stop shop deal, Macy’s shoppers highly recommended checking out the Sunham Isabella 8-Piece Comforter Set. Everything you need to transform the look of your bedroom is included, and its $33 sale price (the lowest of the season, according to Macy’s) is unbeatable!

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.

NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 9:13pm

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword covers everything from gifts and theme parks to directions, snacks, backyard games, parts of a shoe and something a superhero might wear. The rest is up to you.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Tuesday, October 20, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Gift decoration — HINT: Ends with the letter “W”

4 Across: What might be all tied up for a basketball game — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

6 Across: What might be all tied up for a basketball game — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”

7 Across: Theme park that Walt Disney envisioned as a utopian city — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

8 Across: Small — HINT: Starts with the letter “W”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Lawn bowling game — HINT: Starts with the letter “B”

2 Down: Dunkable cookie — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”

3 Down: Direction headed by Lewis and Clark — HINT: Starts with the letter “W”

4 Down: Whole bunch — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

5 Down: Not every hero wears one, in a saying — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Gift decoration — BOW

4 Across: What might be all tied up for a basketball game — SCORE

6 Across: What might be all tied up for a basketball game — LACES

7 Across: Theme park that Walt Disney envisioned as a utopian city — EPCOT

8 Across: Small — WEE

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Lawn bowling game — BOCCEE

2 Down: Dunkable cookie — OREO

3 Down: Direction headed by Lewis and Clark — WEST

4 Down: Whole bunch — SLEW

5 Down: Not every hero wears one, in a saying — CAPE

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Monday, October 19, 2026

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton’s Behavior at the Singapore Grand Prix Is Raising Eyebrows

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 9:12pm

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton have sparked romance speculation, and a body language expert says their latest public appearance may reveal something unexpected about their connection.

The pair were spotted embracing ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, Oct. 11, and their affectionate interaction caught onlookers’ attention. Now, behavioral scientist and body language expert Dr. Abbie Maroño is weighing in on what their exchange might suggest about the rumored couple’s relationship.

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Speaking to social casino ACE.com, Maroño described their dynamic as playful and affectionate, with a level of comfort that she believes goes beyond the tentative excitement often associated with a new romance.

“Their dynamic appears playful, affectionate, and comfortable, with a level of familiarity that suggests they’ve already developed a strong connection,” Maroño said.

According to the expert, Hamilton appeared more openly affectionate at the beginning of the interaction, while Kardashian’s response became increasingly expressive. Maroño interpreted that shift as mutual interest rather than one person pursuing affection while the other accepted it.

She also pointed to Kardashian’s apparent reluctance to end the embrace as particularly telling.

“There’s an almost teasing quality to their affection, particularly in Kim’s reluctance to let Lewis go, alongside a sense that physical intimacy has already become a natural part of their relationship,” Maroño explained.

The expert also noted how easily the pair appeared to transition from their affectionate moment back to their individual responsibilities, suggesting they seemed comfortable navigating a relationship in the public eye.

“Neither appears to need to make the interaction into a performance for the cameras, and their affection feels like a natural part of being together,” Maroño said.

Kardashian’s previous marriages to Kris Humphries and Kanye West played out under intense public scrutiny, making any new romance a source of interest for fans. Whether Hamilton could represent a more relaxed chapter for the reality star remains to be seen.

For now, Maroño’s reading of their body language suggests a connection marked by both the excitement of a new romance and the ease of a more established relationship. Of course, body language alone cannot confirm a relationship’s status or future.

Related: ‘Breaking Bad’ Alum RJ Mitte Said Something Haunting 1 Week Before His Death

‘The Voice’ Season 30: Who Went Home and Who Made It Through the Battles Tonight?

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 9:00pm

The Battles resumed tonight for Season 30 of The Voice with coaches Kelly Clarkson, Queen Latifah, Adam Levine and Riley Green paring two of their teammates in sing-offs that determined who moved on to Cut Week and who went home.

The Battles also saw the return of celebrity advisors. Kelly Clarkson worked with Ariana DeBose, Queen Latifah worked with Patti LaBelle, Adam Levine worked with Alex Warren and Riley Green worked with Carley Pearce.

Here’s a spoiler-filled recap of how the night played out and who went home on The Voice tonight.

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Who went home on The Voice Season 30 tonight? Harmony McKee
Julia Clark
Matthew Chiu
Saade
Wade Turner
Advancing Artists Tonight on The Voice Season 30 Battles Night 3 Allie Rae
Amanda Mikkel (Four-Chair Turn)
Brandon Diaz (Steal)
Brianna Cameron
Bryan James
Kyle Davis (Four-Chair Turn)
Offen Uffens

Related: The Teams Are Full! Meet The Voice Season 30 Rosters for Kelly, Adam, Latifah, and Riley

Battle Round 1: from Team Queen

Song: “As” by Stevie Wonder

Winner: Bryan James

Queen said: “I went with Bryan because I felt that Bryan had leveled up just a hair more. He is very comfortable in his own voice. He’s a natural at conveying the feeling, the emotion, the vibe of what he’s saying and doing.”

Steal: Brandon Diaz

Adam said: “Brandon absolutely crushed that Stevie Wonder song. Brandon has some energy. He’s fire. He could be one of my top stars. I am really excited about that pickup. That was a big one.”

Battle Round 2: Allie Rae vs Harmony McKee from Team Riley

Song: “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

Winner: Allie Rae

Riley said: “Allie Rae and Harmony was one of my favorite Battles. I thought they did a great job complementing each other. I had to go with Allie Rae because she’s who I used my First-In on. I believed in her from the get-go and I think she has a really good chance to go a long way on the show.”

Battle Round 3: Offen Uffens vs Wade Turner from Team Adam

Song: “Dive” by Ed Sheeran

Winner: Offen Uffens

Adam said: “Owen just has this intangible, awesome quality to his voice. I need to see more. He brings you into his world. He has such a cool way of delivering. He’s like singing with a smile and I am a sucker for that.”

Related: Watch The Voice Battle Sneak Peek of a Stevie Wonder Song That Knocked Out the Coaches

Battle Round 4: Kyle Davis vs Matthew Chiu from Team Kelly

Song: “Take me Home” by Phil Collins

Winner: Kyle Davis

Kelly said: “Kyle and Matthew that was the hardest Battle for me yet. I was on the verge of picking Matthew because he worked so hard for it but Kyle just opens his mouth and it’s like, ‘Oh, that’s super special.’ He does really well with songs with spaces. He sings those big notes with that tone and that rasp; there’s so much life in his voice.”

Battle Round 5: Amanda Mikkel vs Julia Clark from Team Adam

Song: “I Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley

Winner: Amanda Mikkel

Adam said: “The quality of Amanda’s voice is really stunning and beautiful and pure and ethereal. Amanda has a lot of potential, but she’s going to have to show it to all of us during Cut Week.”

Battle Round 6: Brianna Cameron vs  Saade from Team Kelly

Song: “Mercy” by Duffy

Winner: Brianna Cameron

Kelly said: “Brianna is one of those competitors, she gets better on stage, and under the pressure and under the lights. She honestly has so much joy. She really loves it and it’s magical to watch. It’s inspiring.”

The Voice airs Monday and Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, The Voice Returns for a Milestone 30th Season with Stunning New Format Twists

Halle Berry's Daughter Nahla Could Testify in Mom's Abuse Allegation Case

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 8:58pm

Halle Berry’s daughter, Nahla Aubry, could take the witness stand in her mother’s ongoing custody dispute with ex-husband Olivier Martinez, as the former couple’s legal battle over their son, Maceo, continues in Los Angeles.

According to a Page Six report, Nahla, 18, may testify virtually because of her school commitments. Her potential testimony comes after the teenager had previously defended Berry in a court statement, in which she said that she had never seen her mother physically abuse her younger half-brother.

The case is based on allegations by Martinez, who said that Berry had physically attacked and choked their 13-year-old son, Maceo, in an incident alleged to have taken place on September 26, 2026. Berry has vehemently denied all the allegations leveled against her.

The news of Nahla potentially testifying in the case has once again drawn focus to the contentious custody arrangements of the former couple. Maceo has already given his statement at a court hearing on Monday, October 19.

How Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez’s Legal Battle Reached This Point

Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez got together while filming the 2012 movie Dark Tide; they were married in July 2013 and their son, Maceo, was born in October of that year. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last and Berry initiated divorce proceedings in 2015.

Even though the couple decided to separate, it was hard to reach a final agreement. The divorce process took many years and was finally completed in August 2023. They agreed to share custody of Maceo, and Berry also agreed to pay Martinez child support.

However, in October 2026, Martinez claimed that Berry had physically assaulted their son during an argument at her house on September 26, 2026. As a result, he applied for a restraining order and for a change to their custody arrangement. A judge then issued a temporary order on October 1, limiting Berry’s contact with Martinez and altering her visitation schedule while the case was ongoing.

Berry has denied the accusations and has claimed that Martinez has misrepresented the situation and interfered in her relationship with their son. She has also aimed at having the previous shared custody arrangement restored.

When Martinez requested that the court consider Maceo’s version of the incident, the dispute grew stronger. Berry objected to having their son give testimony, on the grounds of the circumstances in which he had become involved. The judge finally allowed the teenager to testify, but only in connection with the request for a restraining order.

Now that Maceo has given his testimony and Nahla may appear virtually, the court has to evaluate the opposing claims as it decides on the next steps in the custody dispute of the family.

Related: ‘Dirty Dancing’ Sequel Will Honor Patrick Swayze, But Won’t Bring Him Back

Related: Halle Berry’s 13-Year-Old Son Maceo Cleared to Testify in Custody Battle

Related: Selma Blair’s On-Off Boyfriend Shares Heartbreaking Plea For Her and Her Son After the Violent Incident

Related: Michael Douglas Reveals What Really Ended His Friendship With Julia Roberts

In the 1790s, Amelia Simmons created 'pompkin' pie; 138 years later, McCormick boxed the spices to create America's favorite Thanksgiving dessert

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 8:57pm

In 1796, a cookbook published in Hartford, Connecticut, gave Americans two recipes for something it called “pompkin” pudding. Its author, Amelia Simmons, wrote “American Cookery,” the first cookbook by an American to be published in the United States. Before it appeared, home cooks relied on British cookbooks or American reprints of them.

Pumpkin pie wasn’t new. Colonial cooks had been baking pumpkin in pastry for years. But Simmons’s recipes are among the earliest in print for a version that bakers today would recognize. The first called for a quart of stewed, strained pumpkin, three pints of cream, nine beaten eggs, sugar, mace, nutmeg and ginger, baked in pastry with a criss-cross top cut with a dough spur. The second used a quart of milk, a pint of pumpkin, four eggs, molasses, allspice and ginger in a crust. She gave no measurements for the spices or sweeteners, leaving that to the cook.

The book was popular and was reprinted for more than 30 years. Her spice list also still sounds familiar. Mace, nutmeg, ginger and allspice all show up in modern pumpkin pie blends.

For well over a century after that, pumpkin pie meant measuring each spice from a separate jar. That changed in 1934, 138 years after Simmons’s book, when McCormick & Company introduced Pumpkin Pie Spice, a ready-made blend of warming spices including cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. McCormick launched it a few years after canned pumpkin first reached store shelves in 1929, and pitched it as a more convenient and cheaper way to season a pie than buying each spice on its own.

The blend has stuck around. McCormick sold nearly 4 million bottles of it in 2014, enough to make nearly 8 million pies.

Pumpkin pie also remains the pie most Americans reach for at Thanksgiving. A YouGov poll found that 29% named pumpkin as their favorite Thanksgiving pie, ahead of apple at 20% and pecan at 14%.

In 1958, Vince DeDomenico turned a family rice pilaf recipe into Rice-A-Roni; 28 years later, his family sold the company to Quaker Oats for $300 million

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 8:57pm

The rise of convenience foods helped transform Rice-A-Roni into an American pantry staple, thanks to Vincent DeDomenico’s role in turning a family recipe into a commercially successful product.

The story behind the popular food mix, dubbed “The San Francisco Treat,” dates back to the 1950s.

Lois DeDomenico, Vincent DeDomenico’s sister-in-law, learned a traditional Armenian rice pilaf recipe and served the dish at family dinners. Recognizing its commercial potential, Vincent helped transform the family recipe into a convenient boxed mix of rice, pasta and seasonings.

Vincent developed his own version, combining vermicelli, macaroni and a dry seasoning packet to create the now-iconic side dish.

After several test kitchens, it took them three to four years to develop and adapt the recipe for one-pot cooking, per NPR.

“There were not many packaged side dishes in the market in 1955,” according to Dennis DeDomenico, Tom and Lois’ son. “Everything was being geared toward less time in the kitchen. Major appliances like dishwashers and garbage disposals were starting to come in. The convenience factor was everything.”

A bowl of Paleo rice pilaf

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

In 1958, he introduced Rice-A-Roni through Golden Grain Macaroni Company, a family-owned business. The product gained wider recognition through its advertising campaign in the early 1960s.

Advertising executive Charles Foll created the famous jingle in 1961, using the tune of the 1923 song “Barney Google.” The catchy campaign helped establish Rice-A-Roni as “The San Francisco Treat” and turn it into a nationally recognized brand.

The company’s success helped transform the family business into a major food company.

“It’s a brand that’s been great for the city and is a vestige of my childhood,” San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom told the San Francisco Chronicle, via Reuters. “Just the sight and sound of the cable car bell evokes the old jingle.”

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The company added Beef, Spanish and Fried Rice flavors in 1962, which became longtime favorites.

In 1986, the DeDomenico family sold Golden Grain to Quaker Oats Company in a deal reported to be worth $300 million.

As the company modernized its brands, it renamed Noodle Roni to Pasta Roni. It also updated Rice-A-Roni’s advertising, dropping the cable cars and the “San Francisco Treat” slogan from its television commercials in an effort to give the brand a more contemporary image.

The jingle returned to television in July 1990 after a three-year hiatus.

In 2001, Rice-A-Roni became part of PepsiCo when the company acquired Quaker Oats. The brand later introduced microwavable cups in 2012.

Vincent DeDomenico passed away in October 2007 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that generations of consumers have enjoyed.

Today, Rice-A-Roni remains widely available in grocery stores, with classic flavors including Chicken, Beef, Spanish Rice and Fried Rice.

Related: In 1949, Charles Lubin named his cheesecake Sara Lee after his 8-year-old daughter; 7 years later, he sold the bakery for $3 million

BBC Music Magazine Names the Greatest Irish Band of All Time, Beating Thin Lizzy and The Cranberries

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 8:40pm

Ireland has given the world an extraordinary number of hugely influential bands, but which one deserves to stand above all the others?

BBC Music Magazine has weighed in.

The publication recently ranked the 21 greatest Irish bands of all time, considering artists from across the island of Ireland and genres ranging from folk and punk to pop and stadium rock. Taking the No. 1 spot is U2.

BBC Music Magazine put Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. ahead of some formidable competition, including Thin Lizzy at No. 2, The Pogues at No. 3, My Bloody Valentine at No. 4 and The Cranberries at No. 5.

“There is no overstating the global impact of U2,” the publication wrote of its choice.

The magazine pointed to the band’s evolution from the post-punk sound of 1980’s Boy through its reinvention with 1991’s Achtung Baby, as well as U2’s extraordinary longevity and global reach.

“Love them or hate them, their staggering longevity, humanitarian influence, and sheer scale make them the definitive Irish band,” the magazine declared.

U2 formed in Dublin in 1976 after drummer Mullen posted a notice seeking musicians while still a teenager. The group went on to become one of the world’s biggest rock acts, with albums including The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can’t Leave Behind and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

But U2’s victory is hardly the only part of BBC Music Magazine’s ranking likely to inspire debate.

Thin Lizzy narrowly missed the top spot at No. 2. Led by Phil Lynott, the band was praised for its influential twin-guitar sound and its combination of hard rock with Lynott’s poetic songwriting.

The Pogues came in at No. 3, followed by My Bloody Valentine and The Cranberries to complete the top five.The rest of the top 10 included The Undertones at No. 6, Horslips at No. 7, The Dubliners at No. 8, The Saw Doctors at No. 9 and Stiff Little Fingers at No. 10.

There are some surprises further down the 21-band ranking as well.

The Corrs landed at No. 18 despite becoming one of Ireland’s biggest international exports with hits including “Runaway” and “Breathless.” Snow Patrol came in even lower at No. 19, despite the enormous global success of songs such as “Chasing Cars.” Boyzone was ranked No. 20, while the final spot went to a group that technically began as fiction.

The Commitments, created for Roddy Doyle’s novel and brought to the screen in director Alan Parker’s 1991 movie of the same name, landed at No. 21. BBC Music Magazine argued that the fictional soul group ultimately became a cultural phenomenon in its own right.

Other acts making the list include Fontaines D.C., Boomtown Rats, Clannad, The Divine Comedy and Therapy.

But at the very top, BBC Music Magazine ultimately gave the crown to four Dublin musicians who first came together as teenagers 50 years ago.

“They didn’t just play the game; they built the arena,” the publication concluded of U2, putting the band at No. 1 among Ireland’s greatest.

Related: 1980 Benny Mardones Hit, Built Around a Haunting Piano Riff, Named One of the Greatest One-Hit Wonders of All Time

Taylor Swift Has a Shot at Something Diane Warren Has Chased for Years

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 8:32pm

Taylor Swift may be adding another major milestone to her already remarkable career.

The superstar is generating Oscar buzz for “I Knew It, I Knew You,” her original song for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, following a high-profile performance at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on Oct. 17.

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Swift performed the song before a star-studded Hollywood audience, renewing speculation that she could earn her first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Although a nomination is far from guaranteed, the beloved movie franchise, the song’s success, and Swift’s growing presence in Hollywood have put her in the awards-season conversation.

Why Taylor Swift’s ‘Toy Story 5’ Song Is Getting Oscar Attention

Swift co-wrote and produced “I Knew It, I Knew You” with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff. Inspired by Jessie, the cowgirl doll voiced by Joan Cusack, the country-leaning ballad explores friendship, memories, and the ways relationships can change over time.

“We have seen her go through such heartbreak and such, you know, triumphs and loss,” Swift told ABC News of Jessie’s journey. “That really made me feel like I knew exactly what I wanted to write for her.”

The Toy Story franchise also has an impressive Academy Awards history. Every previous installment received a Best Original Song nomination, with Randy Newman’s “We Belong Together” winning for Toy Story 3. That track record could help draw attention to Swift’s contribution.

Could Taylor Swift Actually Win an Oscar?

Swift has collected numerous Grammy Awards, but she has yet to receive an Oscar nomination. Her new song gives her a fresh chance to enter the Academy Awards race, and her Oct. 17 performance put it in front of influential figures in the film industry.

There are reasons to be optimistic, but no guarantee of success. The Academy’s deadline for original-song submissions was Oct. 14, and it will announce the shortlist on Dec. 15. The final nominees will be revealed Jan. 21, 2027. Whether Swift’s song makes the cut remains to be seen.

Should she be selected, she would be entering a particularly competitive field. 

Legendary songwriter Diane Warren received her 17th Oscar nomination in 2026 without winning a competitive Academy Award, setting a record for the most nominations without a win. Swift’s potential path to her first nomination would put her in the same race as songwriters who have spent decades pursuing Hollywood’s highest honors.

For now, Swift’s Oscar prospects are intriguing, not certain. But with a major franchise behind her and awards-season attention building, her path to Hollywood’s biggest prize is worth watching.

Related: 1958 Bonkers Novelty Song From Sheb Wooley Became a 6-Week No. 1 Hit, and Still Gets Play 68 Years Later

Walmart’s Space-Saving 5-Piece Dining Set Has a 'Classy' Faux Marble Finish for Under $140

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 8:30pm

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Even a small dining room or cozy kitchen nook can become a more functional space with the right furniture. If you’ve been relying on a counter or squeezing around a table that doesn’t quite fit, a compact dining set can give you a dedicated spot to enjoy meals without overwhelming the room. The key is finding a design that offers enough seating while still leaving space to move around comfortably.

The Costway 5-Piece Faux Marble Dining Set is a budget-friendly option that’s worth considering. It’s currently on sale for 51% off at Walmart, dropping the price from $279 to just $138. The set includes one table and four chairs, giving you a complete dining area in one purchase without the hassle of shopping for separate pieces.

Costway 5-Piece Faux Marble Dining Set, $138 (was $279) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

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Its compact size makes it especially practical for apartments, smaller homes, and breakfast nooks. The table measures 42 inches long, 27.5 inches wide, and 30 inches tall, while each chair measures 15.5 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 35.5 inches tall. The modern design features a smooth faux-marble tabletop that adds an elegant touch without the cost or upkeep of real marble.

Each of the four chairs features an upholstered seat covered in flaxen fabric, creating a softer place to sit during meals. The chair backs are ergonomically shaped to provide support, while protective foot pads help prevent scratches on your floors when you move the chairs around. 

The table is made from MDF and topped with a PVC covering designed to resemble marble. This creates a smooth surface that’s easy to wipe clean after meals. A sturdy steel frame with a black powder-coated finish supports the table, giving it a sleek contrast against the tabletop. Both the table and each chair have a listed weight capacity of 220 pounds, offering practical support for everyday use.

Related: Walmart’s 22-Inch Rolling Island Is a ‘Beautiful’ Way to Squeeze Extra Storage Into Cramped Kitchens

Assembly is designed to be straightforward, with all of the necessary hardware included. Once assembled, the set can work for everyday breakfasts, casual dinners, or even a small workspace when you need somewhere to sit with a laptop. Its neutral colors and clean lines also make it easy to pair with a range of decor styles, from contemporary kitchens to simple, minimalist dining areas.

This popular dining set has over 400 five-star reviews. One reviewer described it as “nice and practical,” adding that it’s “perfect if you are looking for something small.” Another shopper said it “looks very classy,” adding, “It’s very easy to assemble and does not look cheap.”

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If you’re looking for a complete dining set that balances a space-saving design with an elevated look, the Costway 5-Piece Faux Marble Dining Set is a strong option. With Walmart’s current 51% discount, you can save over $140 and bring home a table and four chairs for just $138.

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1982 Men Without Hats Hit, Written After a Club Banned Pogo Dancing, Voted One of the ‘Worst Songs of the 1980s’

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 8:30pm

When Ivan Doroschuk got thrown out of a club for dancing the wrong way, he didn’t just go home angry; he used the experience as inspiration and wrote a song about it.

Doroschuk, the frontman of Men Without Hats, was thrown out of a few different clubs when New Wave started getting more popular because he was “pogoing,” a style of dance that some people, including bouncers at these clubs, believed was dangerous.

In response, Doroschuk wrote the song “The Safety Dance,” a synth-heavy New Wave anthem that became one of the most recognizable songs of the early ’80s. In an interview with Confessions of a Pop Culture Addict, Doroschuk talked about the origin of the hit song.

“The inspiration for the song was from back in the days when Punk and ‘New Wave’ were starting off and the discotheques were still playing disco music. But every now and then they’d slip in Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ or ‘Rock Lobster’ by The B-52s,” he recalled. “Obviously, anybody who was into that kind of music would rush on the dance floor and start jumping up and down and would bang into the guys trying to do their disco two steps.”

“I got thrown out of a lot of clubs because of that… I was kind of mad that they wouldn’t let me dance if I wanted to, so I took matters in my own hands and wrote an anthem for it,” the frontman concluded.

“The Safety Dance” was a huge hit in the 1980s, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking into the Top 10 on charts all over the world. But despite this overwhelming popularity when it first came out, the song’s legacy isn’t as positive.

It has become very divisive over the years, and the track landed on a Rolling Stone readers’ poll of “The 10 Worst Songs of the 1980s” that came out in 2011. “The Safety Dance” ranked at No. 5, right behind Wham!’s “Wake Me Up (Before You Go Go).”

Related: 1998 Aerosmith Hit, With One of the Band’s Most Powerful Vocal Performances, Named One of the “Greatest Power Ballads of All Time”

While the poll’s results reflected what Rolling Stone readers voted for, writer Andy Greene noted at the top, “I personally disagree with most of these selections. In fact, I love a lot of these songs.”

He personally spoke in favor of “The Safety Dance” as a great song, writing, “You aren’t human if the first three seconds of ‘The Safety Dance’ don’t make you smile. The song is just pure joy – and the video is the most bizarrely Eighties-tastic thing ever created.”

Despite the writer’s opinion, the readers’ thoughts on the song were quite the opposite, making the divisiveness of the song extremely clear. Decades after “The Safety Dance” came out, people still can’t decide whether it’s one of the best or the worst songs ever.

Related: 1978 Warren Zevon Hit, Built Around an Iconic Piano Riff, Named One of the Best Classic Rock One-Hit Wonders

Costco's Hulken Bag Bundle Is a Must-Have for Busy Shoppers—and the Price Is Hard to Beat

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 8:15pm

Some bags are made for carrying groceries, while others become the unexpected MVP of busy family life. Enter the Hulken bag, the oversized rolling tote that shoppers, parents and anyone who regularly hauls a mountain of stuff from point A to point B have come to love. With its roomy design and wheels that make transporting heavy loads easier, it’s not difficult to see why these bags have developed such a following.

Now, Costco is giving shoppers another reason to jump on the Hulken trend with a bundle that includes an XL rolling tote and an insulated insert. It’s a practical pairing for everything from grocery runs to family outings, especially for anyone who could use a little help managing their daily cargo.

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Hulken XL Rolling Tote and Insulated Insert Bundle, $109.99 at Costco

Costco

The XL rolling tote is designed for big hauls, with six steel 360-degree swivel wheels, comfortable side and pull handles and water-resistant construction. It measures 18 by 22 by 28 inches, holds up to 100 pounds and folds flat for easy storage when it’s not in use. The included insulated insert helps organize the bag and keep food items cold, making the combo especially handy for grocery shopping and transporting chilled goods. It also comes in black or shiny blue.

But the real draw is how many different ways you can use it. Think beach towels and toys for a family day by the water, sports gear for weekend games, laundry for trips to the laundromat and all those bulky items that somehow never fit into a regular tote. It’s a versatile find that earns its keep well beyond the grocery store.

Related: T.J. Maxx’s Stunning Victorian Pasta Bowl Set Makes Even Weeknight Dinners Feel Fancy

There’s a Reason Hulken Has Become a Household Name

One longtime Hulken owner shared why they prefer the rolling tote to the wagons many families use. They say their first bag is still going strong and praise its compact folded size, roomy capacity and easy maneuverability. “I use my for just about everything,” they said. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best purchases aren’t designed for a single task, but for keeping up with whatever a busy day brings.

Whether you’re juggling family activities, stocking up on groceries or tired of making multiple trips from the car, this rolling tote bundle could be a welcome addition to your routine for $109.99.

Related: T.J. Maxx’s Quilted Tree Throw Brings Old-Fashioned Christmas Charm Home

‘Below Deck’ Chef Moe Is Playing Matchmaker, but 1 Boatmance Could Backfire

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 7:59pm

Chef Moe Vilomar is serving up more than killer lamb chops on Below Deck Season 13. Between stirring the pot and playing matchmaker, the chef is proving he can whip up just as much drama as he can a five-star meal.

After just two episodes, Moe is already establishing himself as the boat’s unofficial uncle, keeping tabs on the younger crew while staying out of their direct drama. But that doesn’t mean he’s staying out of their business. In fact, Moe is already going two for two as a matchmaker, although one budding romance could be headed for trouble.

During Episode 2, Moe asks lead deckhand Matt Fitzpatrick-Buck, “Who you pushing up on, boy?” Matt admits he’s feeling stew Kaylee Brown‘s vibe, even if he keeps calling her Katie. Moe wastes no time playing cupid, explaining, “I’m out there throwing arrows, I’m making sure everyone is getting a little something.”

The chef knows his matchmaking game is strong, too. “The pool’s too young for me, so if I can’t swim, I’m gonna make sure everybody’s swimming,” he says in a confessional.

Moe then tracks down Kaylee to let her know Matt is interested. “He thinks you’re cute and likes your vibe,” he tells her, and Kaylee is receptive to the news. Later that night, Matt reveals that he kissed Kaylee, giving Moe an early win.

“I love hooking people up, especially when they’re young. Have some fun. Taste something new… try something new,” Moe says.

But Kaylee and Matt aren’t the only potential boatmance on the chef’s radar. Moe also gets involved in stew Rosa Simms-Preston‘s interest in deckhand James Bishop. Rosa has had her eye on James since he stepped aboard, but she’s unsure how to read his signals. Moe encourages her to take the lead, even though making the first move isn’t exactly her comfort zone.

That romance hits a snag when second stew Rainbeau de Roos spends the evening flirting with James, leaving Rosa frustrated. Later, James tells Moe he didn’t make any moves in the car, prompting the chef to declare, “Puppet master, baby!”

But Moe shouldn’t despair if that boatmance sinks. Bosun Alex Wright and deckhand Jessenia Stidger are getting flirty, and you can bet Moe will be ready to shoot a few Cupid’s arrows their way, too.

Below Deck is on Mondays at 8 p.m. on Bravo.

Amazon’s Oversized Tote With Over 2,200 Five-Star Reviews Is 64% Off and Comes in 26 Prints

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 7:45pm

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Between commuting to work, running errands, and getting a head start on holiday shopping, it’s easy to end up carrying more than one bag’s worth of stuff. That’s why an oversized tote can be such a useful everyday accessory — and this floral-print find on Amazon is currently just $10.

The Esvan Oversized Tote Bag is marked down from $28, giving shoppers a 64% discount on a roomy carryall with a 4.8-star rating. You can shop it in a whopping 26 water-resistant colors and corduroy prints, making it a practical accessory that feels more personal.

Esvan Oversized Tote Bag, From $10 (was $28) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The appeal lies in its space and organization. The polyester tote measures about 14.6 by 15.4 inches, with a roomy main compartment and multiple pockets to keep smaller essentials from disappearing at the bottom. It includes zippered pockets for items you want to keep secure, plus space for what you reach for throughout the day. 

That makes it a practical option for carrying a laptop, notebook, water bottle, snacks, or a change of clothes, depending on how you use it. It’s especially handy during the busy holiday season, when a typical workday can turn into a stop at the grocery store, a gift-shopping detour, or an evening event.

Esvan Oversized Tote Bag, From $10 (was $28) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Shoppers called this “unicorn” of a bag perfect because of its “fantastic size” for the pool, work, or throwing into the trunk of your car. Instead of juggling separate bags for every errand, you can keep everyday necessities in one place. The water-resistant polyester material is another useful feature for unpredictable fall weather, too.

Related: Dolly Parton’s $25 Stackable 3-Piece Butterfly Mixing Bowl Set Makes Whipping Up Meals Even More Fun

“I bought this bag for my cruise vacation,” one shopper wrote. “[It’s] nice and roomy so I used it as my carry-on — it fit my laptop and laptop bag, headphones, sunscreen, change of clothes, umbrella, and extra sweater. All the pockets were great for all my cables and accessories, and the side pockets were roomy enough to hold a travel umbrella and sunscreen in one pocket, and a large water bottle in the other.”

The printed designs are also a nice change from the minimalist totes that seem to be everywhere. Depending on the colorway you choose, the bag can add a little pattern to an otherwise simple outfit. Pair it with jeans-free office basics like tailored trousers, a sweater, and loafers, or keep it casual with leggings and sneakers for a day spent running around town.

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With a high shopper rating and a price that’s lower than many everyday accessories, this $10 oversized tote is worth a look if your current bag is struggling to keep up with your schedule.

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Ralph Waite Struggled With One Aspect of Playing John Walton, Sr. on 'The Waltons'

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 7:40pm

Late actor Ralph Waite once revealed that he had some difficulty playing the secondary character, John Walton, Sr., on the beloved series, The Waltons.

MeTV.com reported that Waite, who died in 2014 at the age of 85, told Bangor Daily News that it took some getting used to having a supporting role in The Waltons, which usually concentrated on his character’s son, John Boy, played by Richard Thomas.

“It wasn’t easy to have my role as a father figure be merely supportive to Richard Thomas’ part of John Boy. But that’s the way the show was developed – and it was a situation I had to learn to live with,” said Waite, who appeared on The Waltons throughout its 9-season run, which ended in 1981.

He clarified that “managing that feat helped [him] grow, helped [him] mature.”

“So did being thrown into a situation where I had to deal with a whole ‘family’ of people on such an intimate level for so long…learning to appreciate and understand their egos – and put up with others’ self-preoccupation that seems to be part of the territory of our business,” said Waite, per MeTV.com.

Ralph Waite Discussed Meeting Fans of ‘The Waltons’

In a 1980 interview, Waite shared that he had interacted with fans of The Waltons while traveling around the United States during a filming hiatus.

“Everywhere I went, people were just delighted. And they just sort of came out to meet me, and I was treated like a big star everywhere I went, so there’s a lot of affection for this show,” said Waite during the interview.

He also said he believed that many families of the ’70s and early ’80s held the same values as the Waltons.

“I spend most of my time either in Los Angeles, Hollywood, or New York, where people kind of, they don’t look down on the show, but they kind of think, ‘Oh, isn’t it nice, but it’s a fairy tale.’ I don’t think it’s a fairy tale,” said Waite. “I met a lot of people in Ohio and North Carolina and Virginia that I felt were a lot like the characters on the show, that were honest people who tried to create a good family life and instill values in their children. And I think they’re trying. I think it’s maybe difficult this day and age, but I think there’s a lot of people doing it.”  

1970 Hit by The Carpenters, Initially Written as a Love Song, Took on a Sinister New Meaning in This Stephen King Horror Movie

Mon, 10/19/2026 - 7:39pm

The Carpenters weren’t trying to scare anyone with their 1970 hit song “We’ve Only Just Begun,” but somehow the song would end up being associated with a terrifying scene from a 2007 horror movie.

A romantic ballad that was initially written as a simple commercial jingle, “We’ve Only Just Begun” was released by the Carpenters in August 1970 as a single from the duo’s Close to You album. The love song climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 just a few months later, but it would end up making a haunting comeback over 35 years later when the film 1408 was released.

A psychological horror film starring John Cusack, 1408 followed the story of a grieving author who insists on investigating the notoriously haunted room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel, only for a number of terrifying events to unfold once he’s inside.

Adapted from Stephen King‘s short story of the same name, 1408 sees Cusack’s character become terrorized by an old-fashion clock radio that only plays one song, The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun,” on an eerie, constant loop.

The song, a wedding-themed ballad about a couple just starting their life together, helps the film achieve a highly unsettling atmosphere, as the softness of the love song contrasts with the frightening events happening in the movie. It continues to play as the main character spirals into madness, with the audio distorting at times to make the scenes even more chilling.

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“What could be more terrifying than a man haunted by The Carpenters’ ‘We’ve Only Just Begun?'” King wrote on his official website the week of the film’s release to formally recommend the horror flick. At the time, he called 1408 a “genuinely disquieting movie.”

“The damn thing gets under your skin and just CRAWLS there,” he added of the spine-chilling movie, before adding, “I doubt if you’ll hear much screaming in the theater (I could be wrong about that), but a lot of people are going to be sleeping with the lights on when it’s over.”

Related: 1971 Emotional Ballad Was Just Ranked as The Carpenters’ Best Chart Hit of All Time

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