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For Cait Leavey, the legacy of her father, FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, is deeply connected to the work she does today.

Leavey was 10 years old when her father was killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Lt. Leavey made it to the 70th floor of the South Tower before he was killed.

“Service has been a very important part of my healing since losing my father on 9/11,” Leavey said in an emotional video shared by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on Instagram.

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Her father’s dedication to his work and commitment to helping others became an inspiration for Leavey as she found her own way to serve.

“His commitment and his love for his job, how he served others, inspired me to continue his legacy,” she said.

Today, Leavey works as a mental health counselor, helping children and adults process difficult experiences. Art has also become an important part of how she approaches that work.

“Art is definitely involved in my way of helping children and adults process,” she said.

Leavey said the response of communities following the attacks also shaped her understanding of healing and resilience.

“The way our communities came together after 9/11 was remarkable,” she wrote in a post shared on the 15th anniversary of the attacks. “It taught me that despite all our differences, we all have ability to come together: to listen, learn and accept one another,” she said. “I learned how difficult and messy traumatic events can be on our lives, but also learned how resiliency can be beautiful.”

For Leavey, honoring Sept. 11 means more than remembering what happened that day. It means carrying forward the stories of those who were lost and using those experiences to help others.

“9/11 isn’t just about the day; it’s about our stories, our legacy,” she said in the short clip.

Her goal is to turn her own experience with loss into a source of support for others.

“If I can make an impact, and if I can help other kids who’ve gone through something similar to me … that’s my calling,” Leavey said.

Henry Winkler became known as a pop culture icon in the 1970s, but his legendary status didn’t get him very far with Mick Jagger years later.

The actor, best known for playing Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days from 1974 to 1984, recently appeared on In Depth With Graham Besinger, where he recalled an awkward encounter with the Rolling Stones frontman.

“I met Mick Jagger twice,” Winkler, 80, told Besinger during the interview. “I saw him in a wonderful sushi restaurant a few years ago, and I went up to him and I am tongue-tied with musicians. And I went, ‘Hi, Mick.’ And this is what he did. He’s talking to his girlfriend. ‘Henry,’ [he said]. And that’s it.”

Winkler noted that Jagger then turned away from him and continued talking to the woman he was with.

“And I go, I’m just going to become so small that you will not be able to see me standing here and I will slink away,” Winkler shared.

RELATED: 1981 Rolling Stones Song Was Left Unfinished for Nearly a Decade

Winkler previously opened up about the rock star snub in 2022.

“I was in a restaurant, and I walked up to Mick Jagger and I said, ‘Hello, I’m Henry Winkler and I have all of your albums… I was at your concert before I came to Hollywood,'” Winkler recalled on Jimmy Kimmel Live, before noting that Jagger barely acknowledged him before turning away.

“I slunk out of the restaurant,” Winkler said, adding that he apologized to the singer for interrupting his dinner.

“I went ‘I’m so sorry, you know what, I didn’t mean to disturb you. Enjoy the sushi. It was such a pleasure, I love your album,’” Winkler recalled of the embarrassing exchange.

Winkler had a better experience when he met Frank Sinatra after one of his concerts years ago.

“I meet him backstage,” Winkler said on Besinger’s podcast. “He goes, ‘I’m so happy to meet you.’ I introduce him to an entourage of people,  [my wife] Stacy,  and Ron Howard and Ron Howard’s wife and other human beings. And after it’s over, we go back, and he remembers everybody’s name and says goodbye.”

Related: Henry Winkler Handled a ‘Happy Days’ Heckler in a Way That Was Pure Fonzie

Grandparents bonding with their grandkids isn’t frivolous. In fact, family psychologists say the grandparent-grandchild relationship is a source of intergenerational connection that shouldn’t be underestimated.

“In this day and age, trusted adults beyond just parents are more important than ever,” Dr. Matthew Leahy, PhD, a clinical psychologist, tells Parade. “Grandparents are also able to interact with their grandchildren in ways that are sometimes markedly different from parents—ways that can be enriching and even fun.”

Think family stories, fun weekend activities or late nights watching movies, all of which Dr. Leahy says can become fond memories. Another family psychologist shares similar sentiments.

“A child’s bond to a grandparent can be an additional source for that child of stable and loving support beyond what is available in their nuclear home,” says Dr. Shannon Franklin, PsyD, a licensed psychologist at Element Q Healing. “That same bond provides a means by which the child can develop a sense of being part of a family’s past as well as a sense of security within a calm, accepting relationship.”

Dr. Franklin adds that intergenerational connection is a two-way street.

“The bond is also an opportunity for the grandparent to experience a sense of belonging and relevance to the younger generations,” she states.

Still, knowing how to be a good grandparent and how to connect with grandkids can feel tough, especially since parenting norms have changed. However, family psychologists say some basic rules still apply. They reveal seven things grandparents with the closest bonds with their grandkids do consistently well. Plus, they offer expert-approved advice on long-distance grandparenting (hint: technology is not just for “kids these days!”).

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists What Hobby Is Best for Grandparents and Grandkids—They All Said the Same Thing

7 Things Grandparents With the Closest Bonds With Their Grandkids Do, According to Psychologists

From sharing family history to unconditional love, grandparent-grandchild bonding offers many benefits. But it doesn’t always come naturally. Family psychologists share seven ways grandparents can show up and develop close connections with grandkids.

1. They respect parents’ boundaries

Grandparent boundaries are key—and family psychologists say that means respecting parents’ rules, regulations and limits, such as around sugar and screens.

“Understand that their parents know the children best and generally have their needs and best interests in mind when they set limits,” states Dr. Deborah Vinall, PsyD, LMFT, a licensed therapist and the Chief Psychological Consultant with Recovered.org. “Children feel safest and most connected when there is no friction between the adults in their lives, so don’t disregard this relationship, including the relationship with your son- or daughter-in-law.”

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

2. They ask open-ended, low-stakes questions

You may really crave more insights into your grandchild’s life, but can’t pull anything more out of them than one-word answers, like “OK” and “Fine.” Dr. Franklin says you may need to change your question. For instance, instead of constantly asking, “How did you do at school?” try something like, “What were you laughing about today?” or “What are your interests these days?”

“The desire here is to show an interest rather than interrogate,” she explains. “When there isn’t pressure to provide a specific response, children will be much more apt to express themselves.”

3. They enter their grandchild’s world

You may feel rather silly to find yourself quoting the latest Disney movie or singing Olivia Rodrigo‘s latest hit. But family psychologists say these are actually signs of a good grandparent.

“When grandparents are involved, they can show that they have an active interest in the child’s life by taking an interest in things that matter to their grandchild,” Dr. Franklin notes. “Showing an interest in something important to the child conveys the message, ‘What is important to you is also important to me.'”

Related: 10 Things ‘Naturally Nurturing’ Grandparents Do Differently, According to Child Psychologists

4. They listen without immediately trying to fix things

You may be handy with a tool kit in the kitchen, but good grandparents don’t need to take a monkey wrench to their grandchildren’s problems. A listening ear will do.

“When children feel that grandparents listen first to their thoughts and feelings without immediately giving them solutions, those grandparents create an atmosphere of trust in which children may be more likely to share things with them,” Dr. Franklin explains. “At times, a child may want only comfort, curiosity or confirmation and not necessarily have a need for a solution.”

5. They make their grandchildren feel deeply valued

Dr. Leahy knows most grandparents love their grandchildren. But there’s something special about a grandparent who has their fridge covered in every picture or award a grandchild shares with them and a basket full of every small gift a grandchild bought for them at the school holiday gift fair. Not one for stuff? Dr. Leahy says showing up to sporting and school events lets kids know, “You’re the apple of my eye.”

“Kids see this and notice it,” he shares.

6. They share the legacy

Sharing family history is a natural role for grandparents, and it can deepen bonds with grandchildren.

“Grandparents have a special role in sharing memories, sharing tales of a different time, and showing sides to parents that only they have had access to,” says Dr. Amy Vigliotti, PhD, a licensed psychologist and the founder of SelfWorks. “They are the proud holders of the child’s history that happened before they were both.”

7. They let the relationship change when the child gets older

Dr. Leahy reminds us that we change as the years pass, and so do grandchildren.

“Grandparents notice this and know that their relationship with their grandchildren needs to, and will, adapt over time, and they don’t try to fight it,” he explains. “For example, the overnight weekends may start happening less and less until they’re eventually gone.”

That’s natural—friends and peers become more important to teens, Dr. Leahy stresses. He says grandparents will allow space for and respect that.

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

3 Tips for Long-Distance Grandparenting

Proximity can help grandparent-grandchild bonding. But you don’t need to live in the same state or even on the same continent to form an intergenerational connection. An Internet connection can help, though. Below, family psychologists shared advice for long-distance grandparenting.

1. Create a predictable point of connection in a digital world

If proximity isn’t in your favor, Dr. Leahy says you’ll want to lean heavily on consistency. For instance, you might send daily texts, have quick weekly video chats and hop on longer calls occasionally.

“Kids know their grandparents are still there and thinking about them, even if they are miles away, so it’s worth it to know how to use technology,” he states. “Finding a set day, time or moment that can be a connection point with a grandchild helps keep the relationship part of everyday life.”

As kids get older and get phones and emails, Dr. Vinall advises against relying on parents to stay connected. Instead, reach out directly with warm encouragement or “thinking of you” messages.

“This demonstrates that they are important to you as individuals, not only as part of the family system,” she shares. “Of course, it is important to maintain warm and healthy relationships with both parents, as well, so you are all on the same team of loving the grandkids well.”

2. Stay involved in the ordinary details

Dr. Franklin says it’s unnecessary to rely on special occasions, like birthdays, or big life events, such as a graduation, to stay in touch. Small moments matter, and consistent contact will help with this.

“Taking an interest in the daily aspects of their lives by remembering names of friends they’ve made at school, what happened during a recent sports event or simply sending a quick hello before a show or other performance can help create a sense of continuity that is felt far beyond those special moments,” she explains. “Understanding the little things about their daily life can sometimes bring them closer to you than larger one-time gestures.”

3. Do something together

Words matter, but actions have their place.

“When you make long-distance calls, it feels like everything is just a question,” Dr. Franklin notes. “Whether grandparents are reading the same book, playing the same video game online, cooking the same meal or watching their favorite TV show, they can do these things at the same time. This gives the child something to talk about naturally and helps them have memories that will last from a distance.”

Up Next:

Related: The #1 Habit of Highly Respected Grandparents, According to a Family Psychologist

Sources:

• Dr. Shannon Franklin, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and the Clinical Director of Element Q Healing.
• Dr. Matthew Leahy, PhD, is a clinical psychologist based in Dallas, TX.
• Dr. Deborah Vinall, PsyD, LMFT, is a licensed therapist and the Chief Psychological Consultant with Recovered.org.
• Dr. Amy Vigliotti, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and founder of SelfWorks.

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While some people spend their weekends catching up with friends, spending time outside, or unwinding in front of their favorite TV show, I spend mine baking. I am forever working to get ahead of a busy week by prepping muffins, biscuits, banana bread, granola bars, and quiches for my family over the weekend. I also love making desserts like cookies and cakes that we can share with neighbors and our extended family, so I devote a lot of my free time to the task. Baking is basically my love language. 

Between the time I spend in the kitchen and a work week full of online shopping, I know a good baking deal when I see it. One that recently caught my eye at Walmart has everything you’d need to whip up any sort of baked good. Plus, it’s backed by Food Network star Rachael Ray, so you know the quality is top-notch. Perfectly timed to the cozy fall baking season right around the corner, the Rachael Ray Mix and Measure 10-Piece Set is discounted from the usual $44 price to just $35, which works out to a mere $3.50 per piece.

Rachael Ray Mix and Measure 10-Piece Set, $35 (was $44) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Every kitchen needs a good set of measuring cups, and this set includes a standard five-piece version with one-quarter, one-third, half-cup, 1-cup, and 2-cup options. The cups all nest inside one another for easy storage when not in use. Also included are two silicone utensils — a flat spatula and a spoonula — so you have what you need to scoop, stir, spread, and sauté any recipe.

The set comes with three nesting mixing bowls measuring 2 quarts, 3 quarts, and 4 quarts. Each bowl has a rubber ring around the base that’ll grip the countertop to keep it from slipping while you work. Built-in handles and pour spouts let you conveniently transfer batter, sauces, and other ingredients into baking dishes or onto pans with fewer drips and splatters to clean up. 

Rachael Ray Mix and Measure 10-Piece Set, $35 (was $44) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Walmart shoppers were impressed by this “very durable” set, calling the pieces the “best tools in the kitchen.” A reviewer said the bowls, spatulas, and measuring cups are so useful they’re “irreplaceable.” While the pieces are not microwaveable, everything in the set is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Getting ahead on your holiday shopping? One customer called this 10-piece set a “perfect gift” for bakers, and it’d even be great to give for a housewarming or birthday present.

Shop More Deals

• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3-Piece Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl Set, $20 (was $33) at Walmart
• Carote 9-Piece Stackable Nonstick Bakeware Set, $30 (was $60) at Walmart
• Rachael Ray 3-Piece Ceramic Casserole Bakers, $44 (was $55) at Walmart

Related: The Pioneer Woman’s $11 4-Piece Stoneware Mug Set Brings a ‘Cheerful, Cozy Touch’ of Country Charm to Your Kitchen

Whether you’re a home cook whose kitchen needs a refresh or you want to snag an early holiday gift for your favorite baker, the Rachael Ray Mix and Measure 10-Piece Set is a deal worth investing in at just $35. Snag it at Walmart now while it’s still on sale!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Face serums have become a favorite skincare product for anyone trying to address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, dehydration or persistent dullness.

People spend significant money and time working serums into their daily routines, yet despite best efforts, they may not be getting the most out of their products.

The issue almost certainly isn’t the quality of the bottle resting on your counter; it is a single, widespread application error that is holding back your skincare routine.

Millions of well-meaning skincare enthusiasts smooth their hydrating formulas onto bone-dry skin after washing their faces, completely unaware that doing so prevents the ingredients from absorbing as effectively as they should.

When placed directly onto dry surface cells rather than a damp base, hydrating humectants simply cannot deliver their full potential.

Fortunately, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD has revealed a simple, immediate adjustment to fix this common routine flaw, ensuring every single drop of your favorite serum works properly to give you the healthy, supple skin you deserve.

Related: Dermatologists Settle the Debate: Does Vitamin C Really Fade Dark Spots?

The Damp Skin Secret: Why Application Timing Changes Everything

To get the most out of any skincare step, understanding when and how to apply concentrated ingredients is just as important as selecting the right bottle.

While it can feel natural to wait until your face is completely dry before smoothing on your products, hydrating formulas require a totally different approach to maximize their absorption.

“One serum trick that some people don’t realize is that certain serums, specifically hydrating serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are actually more effective when applied to damp skin,” Dr. Garshick recently shared with Parade.

Applying these hydrating formulas right after cleansing allows your skin to better absorb the active ingredients, which means you’re not wasting money by using the product when it’s less effective.

If you step away from the sink or prefer to wait a bit after washing your face before continuing your routine, Dr. Garshick offered a quick and practical workaround: “Spray skin with a thermal spring water just prior to applying the serum.”

Related: 12 Best Serums for Hyperpigmentation, According to Estheticians

When the Damp Skin Rule Backfires: Why Some Serums Demand Dry Application

However, it is equally crucial to recognize that this damp-skin rule only applies to hydrating formulas. Applying other targeted treatments to a wet face can actually trigger unpleasant side effects and unnecessary sensitivity.

“Serums containing active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C can actually be more irritating if applied to damp skin,” Dr. Garshick warned. To protect your skin barrier from unwanted redness and peeling, always wait until your complexion is completely dry before smoothing on potent active treatments.

Related: 9 Korean Skincare Staples Professionals Reach for Again and Again

Getty

How To Layer and Press Serums for Maximum Absorption

Once you have established the right moisture base for your hydrating and active formulas, refining your physical application technique ensures your skin absorbs every drop without wasting expensive product. Pouring half a dropper into your hands and aggressively rubbing it over your face is one of the quickest ways to cause friction and ruin your results.

According to Dr. Garshick, using too much product is a frequent mistake that yields poor outcomes. “Some people assume more serum will deliver better results, but using too much can lead to pilling and irritation,” she said. “Most serums require only a few drops to cover the entire face.”

Also, instead of rubbing the liquid across your skin, gentle handling is key.

“Use your fingertips rather than aggressively rubbing it in,” Dr. Garshick advised. “Pressing helps [to minimize] unnecessary friction while ensuring adequate absorption.”

Proper order and timing are also essential when building a complete multi-step routine. “Serums are generally applied after cleansing and before moisturizer. This allows the concentrated active ingredients to come into direct contact with the skin and for optimal absorption,” she said.

Related: A Dermatologist Is Begging Women Over 50 To Try This Eye Lift Cream for Drooping Lids

When layering multiple products to target different concerns, stick to a simple structural rule. “When layering serums, I generally recommend applying products from thinnest to thickest. This helps ensure each product can properly penetrate the skin,” she said.

Furthermore, match your ingredients to the right time of day and avoid overloading your face with too many potent actives at once.

“Antioxidant serums, such as those with vitamin C, are often best used in the morning to help defend against environmental stressors. Repair serums, growth factor serums, DNA repair serums and retinoid-containing products are best in an evening routine,” Dr. Garshick noted.

Above all, remember that real results require consistency over several weeks.

Adapted from Parade’s “The Clever Serum Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner” by Chrissy Callahan

Up Next:

Related: I Tried Using Bubble Face Masks for 30 Days—Are They Worth It?

Source:

• Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist

John Ritter’s sudden death 23 years ago today shone a bright spotlight on heart health. Now, his sons, Jason and Tyler Ritter, are carrying that vital message forward as the ultimate way to honor the late Three’s Company star.

The brothers spoke to CBS News Los Angeles about the upcoming John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health’s annual Evening from the Heart LA gala. The event raises awareness for aortic health.

Tyler encouraged Ritter’s fans, particularly those whose family members have or had aortic disease, to get screened.

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He said, “I would say if anyone has a family member who’s had issues with their aorta, if they have aortic disease, then I think the most important message we can leave today is for first-degree relatives to get screened.” Tyler added, “That’s parents, children, and siblings.”

“We know this through first-hand experience. My dad’s older brother found out a few years after my dad passed that he had an aortic aneurysm. He had surgery and he’s still alive,” Tyler concluded.

Jason explained that in his own family, they had no idea that there was a history of aortic dissection. “We had heard about general, mysterious cardiac events,” he said.

The actor continued, “Now we have more information. So if that’s a thing in someone’s family, they can get checked.”

He concluded, “It’s completely preventable. If you know about it, you can totally prevent it.”

Martin Spanjers, Kaley Cuoco, John Ritter, Katey Sagal and Amy Davidson of the series ‘* Simple Rules’/Robert Trachtenberg/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

On September 11, 2003, six days before his 55th birthday, Ritter suddenly fell ill on the Burbank set of his sitcom, 8 Simple Rules… for Dating My Teenage Daughter. He experienced profuse sweating, nausea, and severe chest pain.

According to TODAY, doctors initially thought the actor was experiencing a heart attack. However, he was later found to have had an aortic dissection.

The American Heart Association states that an aortic dissection ‘is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s largest artery. Blood surges through the tear, causing the layers of the aortic wall to separate (dissect).”

The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health’s annual Evening from the Heart LA gala takes place on September 12 at the Sunset Room Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. This event features a reunion of the cast of TV’s Wings, featuring appearances from the original cast members and special guests.

Related: ‘Three’s Company’ Most Hilarious Scene Includes a Cameo From a ’70s Superstar

For travelers entering their sixties and seventies, planning a milestone getaway rarely comes down to hunting for the rock-bottom cheapest price tag. Instead, it’s about solving what industry insiders call the true value equation: balancing physical stamina, logistical ease, and destination discovery against every dollar spent.

When it comes to full-service escapes, two types of vacations top the list: an ocean or river cruise, and a land-based all-inclusive resort.

Both promise seamless dining and stress-free vacation days. But when you look at everything you get—from visiting multiple destinations to hassle-free group logistics and built-in accessibility—many travel advisors and experienced road warriors find that a cruise often edges out as the better fit for travelers over 60.

“If I had to choose one overall, I think a cruise usually delivers more value for a destination-focused traveler over 60,” says Emma Guse, travel advisor with Travelmation and river cruise specialist at PlanYourRiverCruise.com. “The important thing is to compare the total cost, not the cruise line’s lowest advertised fare. A cruise is providing your accommodations, dining, entertainment, and transportation between several destinations. For travelers who want to see more without changing hotels or repeatedly packing and unpacking, that has real value.”

While data from InsureMyTrip established in 2022 that land-based vacations cost roughly 30% more on average than cruises—with land travelers spending around $6,426 compared to under $5,000 for a cruise—recent industry trends suggest that price gap remains just as strong today. That bottom-line advantage keeps travelers coming back—in fact, industry data from CLIA shows that a quarter of repeat cruisers sail two or more times a year, with 14% taking two annual trips and 11% taking three to five. It all begs the question of what makes the cruise model so consistently rewarding, starting with how you get from place to place.

Related: The 7 Ultimate Travel Experiences Forbes Says You Shouldn’t Miss

The Transit Factor and the Perks of a Moving Hotel You Unpack Once Relaxing in a Cabin with Sea View during a Cruise in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. High quality photo

Philippe Brousse

The primary reason a cruise outpaces a resort on value comes down to transit. An all-inclusive resort parks you on a single stretch of beach. A cruise, by contrast, functions as a floating boutique hotel, restaurant hub, and luxury transit system that moves you through multiple countries or islands while you sleep.

“I’ve taken a Mediterranean cruise through Spain, Italy, and France, and it was a fantastic way to experience several places in one trip,” says travel writer Jen Curnutt. “We’d spend the day exploring and then sleep while the ship traveled to our next destination. There was no packing and unpacking, changing hotels, navigating trains or airports, or losing a good part of a vacation day getting from one city to another.”

Attempting to recreate that same multi-city European or Caribbean journey on land—booking regional trains or flights, paying porters, hailing cabs, and paying separate hotel room taxes—routinely costs double or triple the equivalent cruise fare.

While mainstream ocean lines can dilute that value with add-on charges for drinks and Wi-Fi, river cruises and luxury lines eliminate the guesswork entirely.

“River cruises take this even further because excursions and Wi-Fi are commonly included, along with beer and wine at meals on many lines,” notes Guse. “That’s why I often encourage clients to break the fare into a daily cost before deciding it’s too expensive.”

Related: Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Cabin on a Cruise Ship

Navigating Cruise Costs vs. The Resort Exception Lounge chairs beside pool.

Maria Korneeva

The only category where the all-inclusive resort edges out a cruise is purely financial predictability—especially for travelers whose sole vacation goal is stillness.

“For the over-60 traveler, it comes down to how often you leave the base and how you drink and tour,” says Duncan Greenfield-Turk, luxury travel director at Global Travel Moments. “An all-inclusive resort wins on peace of mind: one price covers food, drinks, tips, and most activities, so the number you book is close to the number you pay. Mainstream and premium cruises are where extras creep in… I tell clients to budget thirty to fifty percent above a mainstream cruise fare for the real total, whereas a true all-inclusive quote is usually final.”

For solo travelers or couples who want spacious suites, zero schedules, and quiet pool days, properties like Grand Velas or Hyatt Zilara offer great value. “At this point in my life, if I were traveling solo or as a couple and choosing between a cruise and a beautiful all-inclusive at roughly the same price, I might actually choose the resort,” Curnutt admits, noting the luxury of unhurried mornings without a port clock ticking in the back of your mind.

However, Duncan Greenfield-Turk points out that mature travelers can achieve that exact same all-inclusive peace of mind at sea by targeting the right lines.

For mid-tier elegance, Duncan and Guse both recommend Holland America Line for its live music venues, enrichment, and manageable mid-sized ships, as well as MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club for a private, butler-serviced sanctuary within a larger ship. When splurging on a milestone retirement trip, Duncan points directly to Regent Seven Seas: “The most genuinely all-inclusive at sea: included flights, all excursions, specialty dining, gratuities, and often a pre-cruise hotel night, so the wallet never comes out.”

Related: The Smart Way to Book a Private Cruise Excursion

The Deciding Factor: Multi-Gen Ease and Accessibility Happy senior woman being surprised with a small birthday cake while enjoying a special celebration with her family on a yacht

mixetto

Where the cruise decisively runs away with the crown is in two areas critical to travelers over 60: hosting family and accommodating shifting mobility.

When grandparents fund or coordinate vacations for adult children and grandchildren, land resorts often force someone into the role of unpaid tour operator. On a cruise, the ship does the heavy lifting. Guse recently led a four-generation group of 20 family members ranging from age 7 to 90 on an AmaWaterways Danube river cruise, noting that family members could take fast-paced bike rides or leisurely walking tours during the day, then easily reunite for dinner and evening shows without coordinating transport across borders.

Even more essentially, a ship provides a dignified, shared sanctuary when health conditions change. Curnutt experienced this firsthand when her father was diagnosed with a progressive neurological disease similar to ALS. The family took three cruises together as his physical abilities steadily declined.

“On our first cruise, he had balance issues but was still walking… By our final cruise, we had to help him dress, lift him into his wheelchair, and push him wherever he needed to go. Getting off the ship had become too difficult, and honestly, he didn’t care about that anymore. He just wanted to be somewhere new, traveling with his family,” Curnutt shares.

“My sister and I could stay onboard with my dad, take him to the pool, and spend time together while other family members explored the ports. At night, everyone came back together for dinner and usually a show. He could still be part of the family vacation even when his physical abilities were dramatically different from everyone else’s. That’s where I think a cruise can really outshine other types of travel for someone with mobility limitations.”

The Takeaway: While an all-inclusive resort offers a predictable receipt for a restful pool week, the cruise remains a strong value champion for the 60+ traveler—combining multi-city discovery, stress-free family planning, and built-in accessibility into a journey where you only have to unpack once.

Related: Hard-Shell or Soft-Sided Luggage? Professional Travelers Say There’s a Clear Winner

The Jackson 5ive premiered on ABC the morning of Saturday, Sept. 11, 1971. Michael Jackson was 13. His brother Jackie was 20.

The studio that made it was best known for Christmas. Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass were the men behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. In 1971 they signed a deal with Motown.

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Jack Davis, a cartoonist for Mad magazine, built the model sheets and set the character designs. The brothers on screen are his.

That Is Not Them Talking

Rankin/Bass hired voice actors to speak the group’s lines. The Jacksons’ records are on the show. Their speaking voices are not.

Veteran voice actor Paul Frees handled the incidental characters, and one of them was Motown founder Berry Gordy. Animation historian Christopher P. Lehman calls that “a rare bit of 1970s vocal cultural appropriation.”

Two Songs an Episode

Every episode of the first season pulled two recordings from the group’s Motown albums: Diana Ross Presents the Jackson Five, ABC, Maybe Tomorrow and Third Album.

Robert Balser did the animation on those sequences. Lehman likens the psychedelic style to Balser’s own work on the Beatles feature Yellow Submarine.

What It Caught Without Meaning To

Lehman makes a bigger argument about the show. When the series premiered, Motown was still in Detroit, where Berry Gordy had founded it in 1959. In June 1972, the company announced it was leaving for Los Angeles.

The stars were invited west. The lesser-known acts and the house band stayed. That makes the 17 episodes of the first season, in Lehman’s reading, the last of Motown’s Detroit years caught on film.

How It Ended

The show came back for 1972-73 under a new name, The New Jackson 5ive Show, with six new episodes and reruns filling the rest. The animation got worse. Rankin/Bass was busy making Kid Power and The Osmonds at the same time.

It ended on Sept. 1, 1973. Michael Jackson was 15.

Walk into any Costco looking for protein, and you won’t have to search very hard. Between the giant packages of meat, tubs of Greek yogurt, protein shakes, bars, chips and snacks with the word “protein” plastered across the package in bold letters, the warehouse is practically built for anyone trying to add more of it to their diet.

But that doesn’t mean everything with a big protein number on the label deserves a spot in your cart.

The best high-protein groceries at Costco have to do more than deliver the macros. They should taste good, be easy enough to work into everyday meals and, maybe most importantly at Costco, offer enough value to justify buying them in bulk. A 30-gram protein snack isn’t much of a bargain if you’re paying twice as much as you need to get it.

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That’s why we went looking beyond the obvious protein bars and powders. We found that some of the best cheap protein sources at Costco are hiding in the meat case, dairy aisle and even among the canned goods. We compared protein, package sizes and prices to find the best Costco high-protein foods actually worth stocking up on, plus three that may be better left on the shelf.

The Best High-Protein Meat, Poultry & Seafood at Costco

You don’t always need protein powder or protein-loaded processed foods to up your intake. Sometimes, the best source of protein can be found in the basics: meat, poultry and seafood.

1. Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken

Bloomberg / Getty Images

• Protein: 19 grams per 3-ounce serving
• Price: $4.99

Why It Wins: This may be the easiest call on the entire list. For $5, Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken gives you enough ready-to-eat protein to stretch across several meals. Pull it apart for tacos, salads and sandwiches, or just grab a piece straight from the refrigerator when you need something quick. There is one nutritional catch: A 3-ounce serving contains about 460 milligrams of sodium, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake.

2. Kirkland Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Costco

• Protein: About 26 grams per 3-ounce serving
• Price: $3.39 per pound at our local warehouse

Why It Wins: There’s a reason chicken breast is a meal-prep staple. It’s lean, versatile and packs a lot of protein into a relatively small serving. At $3.39 per pound at our local Costco, it’s also one of the better values in the meat case. Grill a batch, oven-roast it, slice it for salads or portion the big Costco package into freezer bags so you aren’t staring down several pounds of chicken that need to be cooked at once.

3. Fresh Farmed Atlantic Salmon

Costco

• Protein: About 23 grams per 4-ounce serving
• Price: $13.61 per pound at our local warehouse

Why It Wins: Salmon isn’t the cheapest protein at Costco, but protein isn’t the only thing you’re getting. Salmon also brings omega-3 fatty acid to the table, and those big Costco fillets can easily be portioned into several meals. We found the fresh, sustainably-farmed Atlantic salmon for $13.61 per pound, compared with $48.70 for a 3-pound bag of frozen wild sockeye, or about $16.23 per pound. If protein and value are the priorities, go for the fresh fillet.

4. Swift Premium Boneless Pork Loin

Costco

• Protein: About 22 grams per 3-ounce serving
• Price: $2.60 per pound from Costco Same-Day

Why It Wins: Don’t overlook the giant pork loin hiding in Costco’s meat case. At just $2.60 per pound through Costco Same-Day, it’s one of the cheapest whole cuts of meat on our list while still packing plenty of protein. The roughly 9-pound package is admittedly a commitment, but that’s also part of the appeal. Cut it into smaller roasts or thick pork chops, freeze what you won’t use right away and you’ve got the makings of a whole lot of high-protein dinners for surprisingly little money.

5. USDA Choice Top Sirloin Cap (aka Picanha)

Costco

• Protein: About 23 grams per 3-ounce serving
• Price: $8.99 per pound at select warehouses

Why It Wins: High-protein eating doesn’t have to mean another chicken breast. Costco’s whole top sirloin cap, better known as picanha, gives you a flavorful steak option without jumping into tenderloin prices. We’ve seen the USDA Choice cut for $8.99 per pound at select Costco warehouses. Roast it whole, cut it into steaks or slice it onto skewers Brazilian steakhouse-style. For less than $10 a pound where available, it’s one of the most affordable ways to put high-quality beef on your Costco protein haul.

Related: Starbucks’ New High-Protein Snack Pack Is Made for the Midday Slump

Dairy & Refrigerated Staples for Muscle Building

Don’t dash past the dairy or refrigerated aisles. Costco has some surprising high-protein finds in these sections.

6. Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt

Costco

• Protein: 18 grams per 2/3-cup serving
• Price: $8.50 for 48 ounces

Why It Wins: Greek yogurt is one of those protein staples that’s easy to work into your day without feeling like you’re eating specifically for the macros. Costco’s Kirkland Signature version packs 18 grams of protein into a 2/3-cup serving, making it an easy breakfast with fruit and granola, a quick snack or even a stand-in for sour cream in savory dishes. The 48-ounce tub is definitely Costco-sized, but at $8.50, there are plenty of reasons to find ways to use it.

7. Kirkland Cage-Free Eggs

Costco

• Protein: About 6 grams per large egg
• Price: $4.42 for 24 eggs

Why It Wins: Sometimes the simplest protein sources are still the best. At $4.42 for two dozen, Costco’s cage-free eggs work out to just over 18 cents each. Scramble three for breakfast, and you’ve got about 18 grams of protein for about 55 cents before adding anything else. They’re also one of the most versatile proteins in the warehouse, whether you’re making breakfast, topping a grain bowl or boiling a batch for grab-and-go snacks.

8. Fairlife Nutrition Plan Protein Shakes

Costco

• Protein: 30 grams per bottle
• Price: $46.99 for 18 bottles
• Why It Wins: If you’re going to pay for convenience, this is one place Costco can actually save you money. Fairlife Nutrition Plan shakes pack 30 grams of protein into a 150-calorie bottle with 2 grams of sugar. Costco’s 18-pack works out to about $2.61 per bottle, making it a handy option for busy mornings, post-workout protein or those days when sitting down to an actual meal isn’t happening.

High-Protein Pantry Items & Quick Snacks

For when you have to eat on the go or need a fast snack, Costco has these high-protein snacks that satisfy.

9. Wild Planet Wild Pacific Sardines

Costco

• Protein: About 18 grams per can
• Price: $12.13 for six 4.4-ounce cans

Why It Wins: Sardines may not win any popularity contests, but they’re one of the most efficient little protein packages in the warehouse. Costco’s six-pack of Wild Planet sardines works out to just over $2 per can, and you also get a massive dose of omega-3 fatty acids in the deal. If the skin and bones are a deal-breaker, Costco carries a six-pack of Season skinless and boneless sardine fillets for $15.88. But if you’re shopping strictly for value, we’d save the $3.75 and go with Wild Planet.

10. Quest Tortilla Protein Chips

Costco

• Protein: 18 to 19 grams per 1.1-ounce bag
• Price: $28.99 for 14 bags

Why It Wins: A bag of chips isn’t usually much help when you’re trying to squeeze more protein into your day, but Quest throws that notion out the window. Each individual bag delivers 18 to 19 grams of protein, depending on the flavor, which puts it closer to a protein bar than a traditional snack bag. At $28.99 for 14, they work out to about $2.07 each. They’re still a processed snack, but when you want something crunchy that can actually make a dent in your protein goal, these deliver.

Related: Fogo de Chão Adds Surprising New Entrée to Anchor Its Fall Menu—It’s Not Steak

11. Chomps Smokey BBQ Seasoned Beef Sticks

Costco

• Protein: 10 grams per stick
• Price: $21.55 for 12 sticks

Why It Wins: For protein you can throw in a backpack, desk drawer or glove compartment, it’s hard to beat a meat stick. Chomps’ Grass Fed & Finished Original Beef Sticks provide 10 grams of protein and 100 calories each, and Costco’s 12-pack works out to about $1.80 per stick. They’re not exactly a low-sodium food, so don’t mistake them for an unlimited snack. But as an occasional grab-and-go protein option, they’re convenient and easy to portion.

12. Brami Protein Pasta

Costco

• Protein: 21 grams per serving
• Price: $15.64 for six 14.5-ounce boxes from Costco Same-Day

Why It Wins: Pasta probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think high protein, but Brami changes the equation with 21 grams per serving. Costco’s six-pack gives you a whopping 87 ounces of pasta for $15.64 through Costco Same-Day. Costco also sells Al Dente Protein Pasta with an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving, but that option costs $29.99 for six smaller 12-ounce bags, and it’s only available online. Brami doesn’t win on protein alone, but when you factor in price and the amount of pasta you’re getting, it gets our vote for the better Costco buy.

The 3 ‘High-Protein’ Costco Items You Should Skip

Protein alone doesn’t make something a great buy. These three products technically deliver on the protein front, but once we looked at price, nutrition, reviews and what else Costco has sitting nearby, they became much harder to recommend.

1. Kirkland Organic Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs

Costco

• Protein: About 6 grams per egg
• Price: $15.31 for 16 eggs

Why We’d Skip It: Convenience doesn’t come cheap. We found 24 cage-free eggs at Costco for $4.42, or about 18 cents each. The pre-cooked, peeled version was $15.31 for just 16, which works out to nearly 96 cents per egg. That’s more than five times the price per egg for essentially the same protein. The individually packaged two-packs are undeniably healthy and convenient, but unless peeling an egg is the deal-breaker standing between you and your protein goals, buy the regular eggs and take 10 minutes to boil them yourself.

2. Jack Link’s Protein Snack Box

Costco

• Protein: Varies by snack
• Price: $39.99 for 24 snacks

Why We’d Skip It: With “Protein Snack Box” right in the name, this 24-count variety pack sounds like a natural addition to a high-protein Costco haul. Look closer at the nutrition labels, though, and the picture gets murkier. The original beef jerky and teriyaki beef tender bites each hit more than a quarter of the Daily Value for sodium in each serving, while some varieties also contain a notable amount of added sugar. At about $1.67 per snack, we’d rather spend a few cents more per serving on the Chomps pick above when we want a straightforward grab-and-go protein.

3. Kevin’s Natural Foods Korean BBQ-Style Beef

Costco

• Protein: About 20 grams per serving
• Price: $22.69 for 32 ounces

Why We’d Skip It: There are some things to like here. Kevin’s uses grass-fed sirloin, the meal is ready in minutes and it provides a solid dose of protein. But at $22.69 for a 32-ounce package, we’re looking for more than convenience. The prepared beef comes packed with Bulgogi-style sauce, which means you’re not buying 32 ounces of straight beef, and the prepared sauce also brings a significant sodium hit. Shopper reception hasn’t exactly made the case stronger either, with the product sitting at just 2.7 out of 5 stars on Costco’s site when we checked. For that money, we’d head back to the meat department, grab the picanha or another fresh cut of beef, and control the sauce and seasoning ourselves.

Build Your Best High-Protein Costco Haul

Bloomberg / Getty Images

The best high-protein Costco haul isn’t necessarily the one with the most products shouting “protein” from the package. Some of the best buys are still the simplest: chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt and affordable cuts of meat. Whether you’re counting macros, meal prepping or simply trying to add more protein to your diet, Costco has plenty of options. Just remember that buying in bulk only saves you money when you’re getting something you’ll actually eat.

Related: The Brazilian Way To Make Steak 10x Better

Willie Nelson once delivered a gorgeous rendition of “America the Beautiful” to honor the heroes in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Just 10 days after nearly 3,000 people were killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Nelson was among dozens of stars who came together to support those affected by the tragedy. The country legend performed at the benefit concert America: A Tribute to Heroes, which aired as a live, commercial-free broadcast to raise money for 9/11 victims and their families, with a particular focus on New York City firefighters and police officers.

Watch Willie Nelson’s Performance of “America the Beautiful”

Nelson took the stage to deliver the grand finale of the evening, performing a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

Following a powerful introduction from Clint Eastwood, Nelson was joined on stage by dozens of other celebrities who helped him close out the show by singing along to the beloved patriotic track.

Footage from the historic performance shows Nelson standing center stage, surrounded by a multitude of celebrities from various industries, like A-list actors Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, Jack Nicholson, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Sally Field, Mark Wahlberg, Meg Ryan, Robin Williams, and Danny DeVito, who was wearing an NYPD baseball cap to support the cause.

Also seen standing on stage were some of Nelson’s fellow music superstars, like Reba McEntire, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, and Mariah Carey, who lent their voices or chimed in with instruments to accompany Nelson’s performance.

“America the Beautiful” was just one of the emotional songs performed throughout the two-hour concert, which also featured an opening performance of “My City in Ruins” by Bruce Springsteen, plus a powerful rendition of “God Bless America” from Celine Dion, among several other performances.

The event ended up raising over $150 million for the United Way’s September 11 Fund, and prompted two more tribute concerts the following month: the “Concert For New York City” in Madison Square Garden, and the Michael Jackson-led “United We Stand.”

Related: 1975 Classic Country Ballad, Reimagined by Ella Langley, Is Regarded as One of Willie Nelson’s Best Songs Ever

When the Righteous Brothers recorded “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” in late 1964, nobody could have predicted how iconic the blue-eyed soul single would become.

The Righteous Brothers’ track didn’t just top the charts. It went on to log millions of radio and television plays, officially earning the title of the most-played song on American airwaves of the 20th century.

Songfacts reported data from BMI Music Publishing, which read that “‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ was played on American radio and television more times than any other song in the 20th century. It got over 8 million plays from the time it was released until 2000. Note that this includes all versions of the song, not just the Righteous Brothers.”

Additionally, Acclaimed Music ranked the song among its All-Time Top 3000 Songs. It ranked No. 26, between The Beatles‘ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean.”

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U Discover Music reported that Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield formed the singing group in 1962.

The duo hit the charts in 1963 with the songs “Little Latin Lupe Lu” and “My Babe.” But neither song cracked the Top 40 of Billboard’s Hot 100, landing at No. 49 and No. 75.

Producer Phil Spector took the singers under his wing and signed them to his record company. Spector, along with acclaimed songwriters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, wrote “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” for the group, creating a masterpiece unlike anything played on the radio at that time.

In a Songfacts interview with Medley, he explained that when he and Hatfield first heard the tune, he thought it was for another singing group. They said, “Wow, what a good song for the Everly Brothers.”

Medley concluded, “They were singing it a lot higher than we did, so they kept lowering it and lowering it and lowering it, and Phil slowed it down to that great beat that it was. I remember being in the studio with Phil, and we weren’t used to working that hard on songs. But we were smart enough to know every time he asked us to do it again, it was getting better.”

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” was a smash hit. It debuted on the Billboard charts on December 12, 1964, and by February 6, 1965, it was No. 1 where it remained for a two-week run.

The song has continued to perform well over the years. Versions by Dionne Warwick in 1969 and Daryl Hall & John Oates in 1980 cemented the song as a legacy recording.

However, it wasn’t until the 1986 action film Top Gun that the tune really cemented itself as a pop culture classic. In an unforgettable scene, Tom Cruise‘s Maverick famously leads a tavern full of naval aviators in an impromptu, off-key serenade to win over Kelly McGillis‘s Charlie.

Decades after Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield first brought “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” to the airwaves, the Righteous Brothers’ signature track still holds its crown as one of the greatest and most-played recordings in music history. Six decades later, the vocal masterpiece continues to prove that some hits simply live forever.

Related: 1974 Rock Ballad, Originally a Flop, Was Reimagined by The Righteous Brothers and Became an Unforgettable Hit

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You don’t need to book a luxury hotel stay to enjoy that crisp, cozy, five-star feeling at home. Sometimes a simple bedding refresh —whether it’s fresh sheets or a plush new comforter — is all it takes to make your bedroom feel warm and inviting. Thanks to author and lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart’s home brand, you don’t have to spend a fortune to bring that hotel-quality comfort home.

The Martha Stewart Luxury Goose Feather and Down Comforter at Amazon is a beautiful option to consider if you want to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Right now, the king size is available for as low as $72 at Amazon, down from $80 — one of the lowest prices for the set in 30 days.

Martha Stewart Luxury Goose Feather and Down Comforter, From $72 (was $80) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Whether you have a twin, queen or king bed, there’s a size designed to fit your space. The comforter can be used as a cozy standalone layer or tucked inside a duvet cover for a more elevated look. From a 68-inch by-90-inch twin option to a roomy 106-inch by-90-inch king, there are sizes for just about every bed. 

It’s available in three warmth levels: light warmth, all season medium warmth, and extra warmth. You can easily can choose what best fits your sleep style and the season. Prices vary by size and warmth level, with the extra warmth king size reaching $84. Currently, the light warmth king size offers the best value at just $72. 

This comforter gets its fluffiness from a feather-and-down fill that adds softness and lightweight warmth. It’s also hypoallergenic and Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it has been tested to ensure it’s free from harmful substances. 

One thoughtful detail is the sewn-through box construction, which helps keep the fill evenly distributed throughout the comforter. The stitched sections help prevent the down filling from shifting or clumping, so the comforter maintains its shape over time. 

Shoppers highlighted its cozy feel and look. One reviewer praised its “cloud-like look,” while another called it “incredibly soft” with a “luxurious hotel-quality look and feel.” A third shopper said it was “comfortable” and the “perfect” weight for year-round use.

Keep in mind that the comforter arrives vacuum-sealed, so it may look flatter when first unpacked. Simply shake it out and allow up to 72 hours for it to fully expand, or toss it in the dryer on low heat for about 15 minutes to help restore its loft. For long-lasting softness, professional dry cleaning is recommended.

Related: Amazon’s Magical Cottagecore Lamps Are an Instant ‘Ambient’ Upgrade — and Start at Just $19

Give your bedroom the cozy upgrade it deserves with the Martha Stewart Luxury Goose Feather and Down Comforter. Head to Amazon now to shop the deal before it sells out!

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On Sept. 11, 2001, Sujo John was working on the 81st floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower. His pregnant wife worked in the South Tower.

John escaped the North Tower but spent hours believing his wife had died. She had been running late that morning—a delay that ultimately saved her life.

In the years that followed, John struggled with a question familiar to many survivors: Why had he been given a second chance when so many others had not?

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He found his answer during a visit to a red-light district in his native India. There, a trafficking victim looked at him and said, “You can free us.”

Those words inspired John to establish YouCanFreeUs, a nonprofit that rescues and supports survivors of human trafficking while working to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.

Twenty-five years after the attacks, John shares the story of his escape, the reunion he feared would never happen and how surviving one of America’s darkest days gave him a new purpose. Here’s his story in his own words:

The following has been edited for clarity.

I left my home in India and arrived in America in February of 2001 with just $50, two suitcases and countless dreams for my family. 

Within a few months, my wife and I had found jobs at the World Trade Center, achieving success in our careers and expecting our first child. I loved the vigor of New York, the city where dreamers around the world could make their dreams come true. Yet, deep within, I felt an emptiness that asked the question: is life really about making money, or is there something bigger? 

September 11, 2001, the day that changed America forever, started off beautifully. I arrived at my desk on the 81st floor of the North Tower, and before starting work, I sent this email to a friend: “My life in America has taken off, but I am searching for something deeper. Would you pray for me?”  

At 8:46 a.m. I was standing by our fax machines on a phone call when I heard a tremendous explosion. Something had crashed into our tower!

As the building shook, our manager Mike Benfante, a hero in my eyes, rallied us toward the stairwell, where thousands of others gathered to make our way downward. The fear of death was written on most faces.

Panic set in as I realized my pregnant wife should have been at her office on the South Tower’s 71st floor. I frantically tried to reach her, but mobile phones weren’t working. 

We were near the 40th floor when first responders passed us, heading up. We high-fived them, telling them we thought they were heroes as we continued our descent. We had no idea that this would be the last time anyone would see those brave souls. 

On the concourse level, I headed toward the South Tower to find my wife when I heard another explosion. Glass shattered around me as the air seemed to become a vacuum. It was the South Tower collapsing. Fear overwhelmed me, and for the first time, I thought I was going to die. 

Related: 25 Years After 9/11, These 10 Essential Documentaries Preserve the Stories We Must Never Forget

As soot descended, I could hardly breathe through the smoke and ash, despair washing over me as I felt truly helpless. Someone near me — an FBI agent — grabbed me and we prayed together, realizing time was running out. 

Then I noticed a flashing light beyond the smoke, an ambulance parked on the street level. Crawling toward the light, we emerged from the rubble. Then the FBI agent told me that he had to go back for other survivors. I later confirmed that this was the only FBI agent who died that day.

The scene was surreal, with the Towers gone and the landscape eerily transformed. I wandered around in a daze, continually trying to call my wife, fearing she was dead. Hours later, my phone rang for the first time all day. It was my wife! She was running late to work that day, which saved her life. 

While we survived, thousands didn’t. They had families to go back to, lives to live, yet the horror of that day seized them too early. As New Yorkers lined up to donate blood, as people across America came together, I knew I couldn’t return to my normal life. If I had been spared when so many others weren’t, I needed to make it count. 

An email I sent to my friends letting them know I was alive unexpectedly went viral. From there, media opportunities and speaking engagements opened up across America to share my story of faith and resilience. This eventually equipped me to use my platform to fund service projects around the world.

One of these led me back to India, where I visited New Delhi’s red-light district. The horror of what I saw was unspeakable—women and girls in cages, their torture and shame exposed—and I suddenly knew I had something in common with them. 

I had been trapped in the collapse of the Towers, doubting that anyone would ever find me, just as they felt. As men would come and repeatedly bid on them for fetishistic exploitation, had they given up all hope of a life out of this hell? 

One of them pleaded with me: “You can free us.”

In that moment my mission became clear: to rescue them and help rewrite their life stories. That was the birth of YouCanFreeUs, a nonprofit to bring freedom to women and children enslaved in the world’s darkest corners. 

September 11th brought me to the end of myself, but it also led me to my true purpose. First responses risked everything to rescue me from hopelessness and darkness. Similarly, I have the responsibility to hear and respond to the cries of those living without hope in the darkest places on earth, bringing them life and freedom. 

Sujo John is a motivational speaker and humanitarian who shares his message of resilience and hope around the world. He is the founder of YouCanFreeUs, an international human-rights organization fighting modern slavery.

Next: 2003 Patriotic Anthem Became One of Country Music’s Defining Post-9/11 Songs

In the hours after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, an extraordinary rescue operation was taking place along the waterfront of Lower Manhattan.

With bridges, tunnels and mass transportation shut down, hundreds of thousands of people were left with few ways to escape. They headed toward the water.

What happened next became one of the largest maritime evacuations in history, as ferries, tugboats, fireboats, merchant vessels and even small private boats converged on Manhattan to carry people to safety. More than 150 vessels participated in the response.

Twenty-five years later, the remarkable story remains one of the lesser-known chapters of 9/11.

It is told in the 12-minute documentary Boatlift: An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience, narrated by Tom Hanks.

Released in 2011 for the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Boatlift was directed by Eddie Rosenstein and Rick Velleu and focuses on the mariners who responded when people stranded in Lower Manhattan desperately needed a way out.

After the attacks, the U.S. Coast Guard and New York Police Department put out calls for vessels in the harbor to assist with the evacuation. The response came from across New York’s maritime community.

NY Waterway alone reportedly transported nearly 150,000 people, while the Staten Island Ferry and SeaStreak were among the other ferry services involved. Tugboats, merchant ships and other vessels joined the effort. Estimates of the total number of people who were evacuated from Manhattan are around 500,000.

Admiral James Loy, who was commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on 9/11, later compared the evacuation with the famous World War II evacuation at Dunkirk.

“It truly is and was something that is extraordinary,” Loy said while discussing the boatlift.

He recalled that half a million people were taken from Lower Manhattan in less than a day after the Coast Guard issued its call over the maritime distress channel.

“We had no idea” what might happen next, Loy said, recalling the uncertainty facing those who responded. He called the maritime community’s response and execution of the evacuation extraordinary.

The documentary captures that response through the people who participated in it, recounting how an impromptu fleet formed along the waterfront as New Yorkers sought a way off the island.

For Hanks, the narration is understated, allowing the people who were there and the enormity of their actions to remain at the center of the film.

And on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Boatlift offers a powerful reminder of another part of that day’s history: While thousands of people were fleeing unimaginable danger, hundreds of mariners were steering directly toward it.

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Skincare is self-care, but it’s also just fun to try out new products that help you achieve your skin goals. It’s also even more fun when those new products are at affordable price points. Byoma is a brand that provides high-quality skincare for less, and its newest serum promises to help make skin look more youthful (and stay that way). And at just $25.99, you really can’t beat the price for all of the benefits it offers.

Byoma’s Longevit-8 Peptide Serum features an innovative eight-in-one formula that targets signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, while supporting the skin barrier, resulting in hydrated, luminous skin that looks younger for longer. It’s lightweight and can be layered with other skincare products, so it’ll be seamless to incorporate into your routine. What’s more, it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

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Byoma Longevit-8 Peptide Serum, $25.99 at Ulta

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The active ingredients that make this serum so impactful include:

• GHK-Cu Longevity Matrix: This is a blend of peptides that targets wrinkles, softening the appearance of lines and slowing the appearance of new ones.
• Phyto-PDRN + NMN: Helps support the surface renewal of your skin.
• Tri-Ceramide Complex: Boosts the skin barrier and supports natural moisture levels.

Again, this serum is easy to mix into your current routine. After cleansing and toning, apply it as part of your serum regimen. Follow up with your fave moisturizer. And that’s it!

Related: Ulta Just Dropped a ‘Gorgeous’ New Cool-Toned Neutral Eyeshadow Palette That Is Perfect for Day or Night

Ulta shoppers are loving this new serum so far, giving it an average rating of five stars on Ulta.com. Fans appreciate it for its texture, price point and payoff.

“Feels incredible!” raved one fan in a five-star review on Ulta.com. “I’ll try anything to delay looking older, and for under $30, I had to try it. The texture is perfect; not so thick you feel like you’re putting on a second fave cream, and not so light it feels like nothing is there. My skin has never looked better!”

You can find Byoma’s Longevit-8 Peptide Serum on Ulta.com or in select stores. It retails for $25.99.

Related: Ulta Is Selling a Glowy Skin Tint That’s a ‘Must-Have for Mature Skin’

Before he was blowing up buildings in Die Hard, Bruce Willis made his name playing wisecracking private eye David Addison on Moonlighting, the ABC detective series that turned him and co-star Cybill Shepherd into household names.

The show ran from 1985 to 1989 across five seasons, with Shepherd playing former model Maddie Hayes, the reluctant new owner of the Blue Moon Detective Agency. Addison talked her out of shutting the place down, and the two spent the better part of the decade solving cases while dodging, and occasionally giving in to, their own chemistry.

Moonlighting was ahead of its time in blending comedy, drama, mystery and romance into a single show, helping pioneer the modern dramedy format. It also broke the fourth wall regularly and drew starry guest appearances from Orson Welles, Whoopi Goldberg, Pierce Brosnan and Demi Moore. Some of its most memorable episodes pushed even further, including one filmed entirely in black and white and another that reimagined The Taming of the Shrew as a Shakespearean spoof. The show’s theme song, performed by Al Jarreau, even earned a Grammy nomination.

Critics have continued to hold the show in high regard. It carries an 89% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes across all five seasons, and Paste ranked it among the 80 best TV shows the 1980s produced. Rotten Tomatoes’ critics consensus credits the leads’ fiery chemistry and sharp dialogue for keeping the show entertaining even when its plots leaned formulaic. The show also picked up several accolades during its original run, including Golden Globe wins for both Shepherd and Willis.

Fans have long hoped for more Moonlighting content, Shepherd has said in interviews she’d be open to a reunion movie if the opportunity came together. For now, all five seasons are still available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ for anyone looking to revisit, or discover, the show that started it all for Willis.

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Ambient lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel warm and inviting, but traditional table lamps can come with an annoying downside: cords. Between finding an open outlet and trying to hide wires, a lamp can sometimes create more clutter than you’d like. A rechargeable option solves that problem, letting you place your light wherever you want without worrying about being near an outlet.

One stylish option is the Better Homes & Gardens 12-Inch Rechargeable Portable Red Ripple Lamp. It’s just $20 at Walmart, making it an affordable way to bring a designer-inspired look into your home without spending a fortune. 

Better Homes & Gardens 12-Inch Rechargeable Portable Red Ripple Lamp, $20 at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

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The lamp has a rich, deep red finish with brass accents and a streamlined, retro-inspired shape. Its wide, low-profile iron shade has a mushroom-like silhouette, while the slender stem gives it a sleek look. Made from iron and glass, it works as both a functional light source and a decorative accent that can add some personality to a room.

Inside, a built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of use on a full charge. When it needs more power, it can fully recharge in about 40 minutes using the included USB-C cable. That means you don’t have to keep it plugged in while you’re using it, and you can quickly recharge it between uses.

The cordless design also makes the lamp easy to move from room to room. At 12 inches tall, it’s small enough to sit comfortably on a nightstand, side table, desk, or shelf without overwhelming the space. Use it in a bedroom, living room, home office, or reading nook, or move it around whenever you need an extra source of light.

Related: Walmart’s 2-in-1 Floor Lamp Offers Storage, USB Charging, and a Built-in Side Table for Under $60

You can also adjust the brightness with the lamp’s touch switch, which offers three different settings. Use a brighter level when you’re reading, working, or doing crafts, then switch to a softer glow when you’re relaxing, watching a movie, or winding down for the evening. It’s a simple feature that lets one lamp work for different activities.

One shopper dubbed it the “cutest reading lamp,” sharing, “It’s easy to charge and take with you anywhere, and also super easy to wipe clean!” Another reviewer highlighted its “excellent battery life, allowing for hours of light without the need for constant recharging.” They added, “It provides a warm, pleasant glow that creates a cozy and elegant atmosphere — perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or reading nooks.” 

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• Drew Barrymore Portable Rechargeable Thyme Green Table Lamp, $17 at Walmart
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For a stylish lamp that’s portable, rechargeable, and easy to use, the Better Homes & Gardens 12-Inch Rechargeable Portable Red Ripple Lamp is a great pick. At just $20 from Walmart, it’s an affordable option you can even buy in multiples if you want a coordinated look throughout your home.

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In 1971, Three Dog Night had a major hit with “An Old Fashioned Love Song”—and it came after an iconic musical duo passed on it. Written by one of the era’s most respected songwriters, the song became a defining Three Dog Night hit that remains a soft rock classic 55 years later.

Penned by Paul Williams, “An Old Fashioned Love Song” featured a gentle piano melody and simple lyrics about the warm feeling of romantic love. The song, which appeared on Three Dog Night’s album Harmony,  reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1971.

Williams wrote the song while he was on a date.

“I had a date one night with a young lady named Patti Dahlstrom,” he told Songfacts in an interview. “She was a songwriter. We were going to go out and have dinner. And right before I left for the date, I had gotten a phone call that I had a gold record. And I walked into her house, and I said, ‘Well, got a gold record for such-and-such, it just went gold. Kid did it again with another old-fashioned love song.’ It just came out of me.”

“I went, ‘Wait a minute,’” Williams recalled. “I went over to her piano and I sat down, and it’s the quickest I ever had a song come out of me. And it sounds like it. It’s a really simple song, I wrote it in like 20 minutes. And it was a big hit.”

RELATED: 1970 No. 1 Hit Ranked One of the ‘Top Love Songs of All Time’ Was by a Made-for-TV Band

Williams originally sent the song to The Carpenters, who previously recorded  his song “We’ve Only Just Begun.”

“It’s the fastest that any song has ever come out of me,” Williams told Music Radar. “It just poured out of me, and I sent it to Richard Carpenter. I thought it was perfect for The Carpenters, but I don’t think he listened to it past the first verse. We sent it to Three Dog Night, and they reluctantly recorded it.”

Three Dog Night’s song featured Chuck Negron on lead vocals—mainly because the band’s co-lead vocalists Cory Wells and Danny Hutton wanted nothing to do with it.

“I told Paul I would record that song, because I knew I could make it the romantic ballad that he wanted,” Negron told Goldmine magazine in  2021. “Then I was at a Three Dog Night listening session and the publishing company sent the song in, unbeknownst to Paul. I just listened and neither Danny or Cory said a word, which would mean no. I said, ‘I’ll do it,’ and they said, ‘Oh, okay.’ We had faith in one another. I was worried that one of them was going to say that they wanted to do it, when I already promised Paul that I would sing it. Everything would usually go smoothly with us, unless more than one of us wanted to sing lead on the same song.”

Despite the hesitation, the hit wasn’t totally unexpected. While Three Dog Night liked to experiment with different musical styles, it was songs like “An Old Fashioned Love Song” that fared the best on the charts.

In an interview with Motif, Hutton noted, “If you look at our albums, probably at least three songs on each album are nasty, metal, funk, screaming songs. And, it was always, you know, the ‘An Old Fashioned Love Song’ that was going to be the hit. But we could do any kind of music.”

Fifty-five years after its release, “An Old Fashioned Love Song” still resonates with listeners. What started out as a simple composition for The Carpenters became one of Three Dog Night’s most beloved and enduring hits.

Related: 1970 Classic Rock One-Hit Wonder Was Written ‘On the Spot’ Just Before Band Broke Up

ABC is bringing together some of its most recognizable journalists for a special live broadcast commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

David Muir, Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer will anchor 9/11 Tribute in Light: Live From Lower Manhattan on Friday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m. ET. The one-hour special will air simultaneously on ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, ABC News Live and participating ABC Owned Television Stations’ livestreams.

Produced in collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the broadcast will honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks and reflect on the courage of the survivors, families, first responses and communities forever changed by that day.

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What is ABC’s 9/11 25th anniversary special?

The live national broadcast will originate from Lower Manhattan and incorporate documentary storytelling from National Geographic, digital experiences and educational material developed with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

According to ABC, the program will remember the victims, explore the attacks’ lasting impact and preserve stories of courage and resilience for a generation that did not experience September 11 firsthand.

“Through the storytelling power of our platforms, we will mark this solemn anniversary with programming that honors the victims and their families,” Disney Entertainment Television Chairman Debra OConnell said in a statement.

Related: 25 Years After 9/11, These 10 Essential Documentaries Preserve the Stories We Must Never Forget

How to watch 9/11 Tribute in Light: Live From Lower Manhattan

9/11 Tribute in Light: Live From Lower Manhattan airs live Friday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic and ABC News Live. It will also stream through participating ABC Owned Television Stations.

Before the broadcast, ABC News Live will present a special one-hour edition of Prime from ground zero.

Who is hosting ABC’s 9/11 anniversary coverage?

David Muir, Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer will anchor the live broadcast.

What is Michael Strahan’s 9/11 special about?

ABC’s anniversary programming also includes How Sports and Entertainment Helped America Heal After the 9/11 Terror Attacks, hosted by Michael Strahan.

The special examines how sports, music, Broadway and comedy helped a grieving country reconnect and rediscover moments of joy following the attacks. After its Sept. 1 premiere, the program will receive an encore simulcast Friday, Sept. 11, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.

How to watch Michael Strahan’s 9/11 special

Prior to the broadcast, ABC News Live will stream a one-hour special edition of “Prime” from ground zero. In addition to these broadcasts, Michael Strahan hosts a special on How Sports and Entertainment Helped America Heal After the 9/11 Terror Attacks, which is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. The special explores how sports, music, Broadway, and comedy helped a grieving nation begin to heal and rediscover joy in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The special originally aired on Sept. 1, but there will be an encore simulcast on Friday, Sept. 11 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.

Next: 2003 Patriotic Anthem Became One of Country Music’s Defining Post-9/11 Songs

Updating your porch decor every season is one of the most fun parts about the changing seasons. And with autumn quickly approaching, this means it is time to bring out the mums, change out your doormat for something spooky and, of course, swap out your front door’s wreath for something cozier and more rustic. If you are in need of a new wreath, World Market has the prettiest option right now. It will instantly upgrade your front door for autumn.

This Wood Curl Fall Flowers and Berries Wreath at World Market elevates your front door with pretty autumnal charm. Featuring warm-toned harvest hues including pink, green, orange, yellow and cream, this pretty fall-inspired wreath makes a stunning statement that is oh so perfect for fall. The pretty combination of faux berries and florals comes together to create a rustic look that feels so seasonally on-trend, popping out beautifully against the wreath’s green leaves. A woven, heavy-duty jute loop at the top of the wreath makes it seamless to hang, too.

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Wood Curl Fall Flowers and Berries Wreath, $49.99 at World Market

World Market

When it comes to dimensions, this wreath measures 18.9 inches in diameter and 3.54 inches in depth. This makes it a medium- to small-sized wreath, so it won’t overpower your front door at all.

Related: World Market’s Acacia Wood Scalloped Lazy Susan Is the Prettiest Kitchen Upgrade

World Market shoppers are loving this floral fall wreath, giving it an average rating of five stars on World Market’s website.

“I would buy it again,” wrote one happy World Market customer in a five-star review on WorldMarket.com. “It’s the perfect fall wreath.”

You can find this charmingly rustic fall wreath at select World Market stores or on World Market’s website. It retails for $49.99.

If you are interested in other World Market finds, be sure to check out this hand-carved three-door storage cabinet that makes a beautiful statement in any home, this sturdy but charming accent table, this sleek antique-inspired desk or this pretty table lamp that looks like it came from an antique store.

Related: World Market’s Retro Hollywood Storage Cabinet Is Giving Glamorous Vintage Vibes