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Tom Hanks’ Son Chet Says He’s ‘Stuck’ in Colombia Without a U.S. Passport
Tom Hanks’ sonChet Hanks claims to be stranded in Colombia without a passport.
In a video shared to his Instagram on Friday, Feb. 27, the 35-year-old actor and musician began the story by saying he traveled to Puerto Rico last week for his “homie Max’s birthday party" before deciding to take a detour to Medellin, Colombia to visit a pal named Taylor.
However, while at the Colombia airport before his return flight to the U.S., Chet was alerted he wouldn't be able to go back home just yet.
“I’m traveling with my Greek passport because I’m a dual citizen,” he said, noting he didn’t use his American passport because it’s about to expire. “Sometimes they don’t let you in the country, even if it hasn’t expired, but it’s about to expire.”
“I go to the airport to check in [for] my flight three hours early," he continued. “This is an international flight. They tell me that if I’m using a foreign passport, I need a green card to get back into America.”
Chet then explained that he doesn’t have a green card because he's an American citizen, adding he's “literally stuck in Colombia. I’m stuck in Medellin.”
“Granted, there’s worse places to be stuck, but I literally have no f–king idea what I’m gonna do, and the only embassy to get this s–t settled is in Bogota," he said.
Chet also hared that he doesn’t “want to go to Bogota,” which is roughly an hour away from Medellin by plane.
"Free me," he captioned the post.
In the comment section, fans offered Chet some advice—suggesting he lean on his famous father and mother Rita Wilson.
"Better call someone in your family to have them FedEx your passport to you ASAP," one fan suggested. "The one time you should’ve pulled the 'my dad is…' card." wrote another.
"You better call your daddy!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂," added a third.
‘Harry Potter’ Star, 38, Reveals Why She Wouldn’t Want to Relive Her Early Fame
Actress Katie Leung is getting candid about her time starring as Harry Potter character Cho Chang.
In a February 2026 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Leung discussed joining the cast of the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton, as her antagonistic character, Lady Araminta Gun, for its fourth season. She was asked how it felt being a part of another popular franchise after appearing in five Harry Pottermovies as the titular character's (Daniel Radcliffe) brief love interest.
Leung, now 38, suggested that she is now better equipped to handle the spotlight that comes with being in such a popular project.
"I think the difference is me getting older and a bit more experienced, and like seeing you know none of that kind of stuff really matters in the end," said Leung in the Entertainment Tonight interview.
The actress noted that she "was so young" when she began playing the Ravenclaw in the fourth Harry Potter film, 2005's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
"I was so, I guess, easily influenced by what people would say about me because I didn't know who I was. Now, I feel like I know who I am. I know what I want. I know my boundaries," said Leung to the publication.
She went on to say that because she feels like she can "protect" herself, she was able to "come into Bridgeton just having a really healthy focus on the work and making great connections."
Leung then said that she's not interested in returning to when she starred as Cho in the Harry Potter film franchise.
"So glad I'm here. I would not want to go back to like that time. Not because I had a bad time or anything, but it's just really nice when you know who you are. And I'm still, like, figuring that out, but I'm a bit closer," said Leung in the Entertainment Tonight interview.
Katie Leung Said Joining the 'Harry Potter' Cast Was 'Overwhelming'In a December 2025 interview with The Guardian, Leung described joining the Harry Potter cast as immediately "overwhelming."
"Being in the spotlight from that age, when you’re already insecure, was difficult, to say the least," said Leung to the publication.
She shared that she decided to Google herself during the height of her Harry Potter fame. The actress said she was met with racism and hateful words.
"I think it just sat with me, and it affected me in ways like, ‘Oh yeah, I made that decision because people were saying this about me.’ It probably made me less outgoing. I was very self-aware of what was coming out of my mouth," said the Bridgerton star to the publication.
She also said she felt the need to "prove" herself as an actress because of her time in Harry Potter, especially while she was a Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student. She clarified that she "feel[s] really blessed, genuinely" about being a Harry Potter star.
"I’m grateful for it, and it still resonates with a lot of people," said the Scottish actress.
The entire fourth season of Bridgerton became available to watch on February 26.
Traitors' Rob Rausch Teases New NSFW Collab and Fans Are 'Hyperventilating'
Rob Rausch has done plenty of brand deals (hello Kind, Celsius, Sonic, Arby's), since appearing on The Traitors, but none have drummed up as much attention as his latest steamy collaboration! On Feb. 28, audio erotica app Quinn teased Rausch as their latest celebrity creator, and fans are losing their ever-loving minds.
Related: ‘The Traitors’ Cast Rallies Around Ron Funches Amid Autism Diagnosis Journey
"Heart rate challenge in my bedroom Tuesday?" said the Instagram caption alongside faceless clips of Rausch's recognizably snake-tattooed arms and body in a black set of askew overalls, insinuating a NSFW content drop was coming on March 3.
For those unfamiliar, Quinn allows people to "listen to immersive erotic stories from your favorite voices on the internet." Yes, that means you will soon be able to hear the Traitors winner talking dirty in your ear, and fans really liked that idea.
View this post on Instagram"THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE," said one overwhelmed follower, while another added, "I’m hyperventilating at brunch rn." A third wrote, "taking a sick day Tuesday," and a fourth teased, "I just started sweating."
Related: ‘The Traitors’ Fans Have an Interesting Theory About Donna Kelce’s Role on the Show
While Rausch is the latest Hollywood hunk to become an audio erotica creator, he's far from the first. Stranger Things' Jamie Campbell Bower, Grey's Anatomy's Jesse Williams, Emily In Paris' Lucien Laviscount, Fleabag's Andrew Scott, Heated Rivalry's Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, and You's Victoria Pedretti have all contributed to the horny app, much to fans' delight.
To listen to the steamy script, you'll have to have a membership. The app costs $7.99 a month, or $4.99 a month if you opt to get billed annually.
Cher's Son Elijah Blue Allman Arrested for Trespassing and Assault
Cher'sson, Elijah Blue Allman, was charged with trespassing and assault after allegedly causing a disturbance at a New Hampshire prep school.
Allman was taken into custody on Friday, Feb. 27, according to the Concord Police Department. Police responded to a report of an unwanted guest at St. Paul's School in Concord. This was later to be identified as Allman who was allegedly acting belligerent in the school's dining hall.
Authorities detained Allman at the scene and charged him with two counts of simple assault, criminal trespassing, and disorderly conduct. According to local news station, WMUR, Allman was processed at Merrimack County Jail and released on personal recognizance bail.
WMUR additionally reported that Allman has no personal connections to the school and that the incident is still under investigation.
Allman had previously been admitted to a medical facility in June 2025 following "erratic" behavior according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Authorities also said that police "located drugs inside the home" where Allman was found prior to being admitted to the medical facility.
In Dec. 2023, Cher had filed for temporary conservatorship over Allman's estate due to her son's substance abuse issues. The conservatorship was also filed due to Allman's struggles with his mental health. Cher then voluntarily dismissed the position for conservatorship in Sept. 2024 after reaching an agreement with her son privately.
Fans Send Prayers as Bhad Bhabie Shares Cancer News
Bhad Bhabie, whose real name is Danielle Bregoli, shared a health update on X on Saturday, Feb. 28.
"Bad news from my doctor yesterday, god has the last say so not my cancer," Bregoli, 22, wrote. She did not elaborate on what type of cancer she has or what course of treatment her doctors have suggested. However, Bregoli was previously diagnosed with blood cancer.
Several fans sent prayers and well wishes to the rapper, who rose to fame after a 2016 appearance on Dr. Phil.
"Doctors give reports. God gives final decisions," one person wrote, adding the prayer hands emoji.
View this post on Instagram"Danielle, through all the hard times, we’re here for you, always! Hope you’re doing well—God won’t fail you, that’s for sure. Take all the time you need, no rush. Sending every blessing to you and your family, so much love," someone else said.
"Praying for you," a third comment read.
"Im so sorry to hear that, many thoughts and prayers," a fourth X user added.
In November 2024, Bregoli responded to fans who criticized her over recent weight loss, blaming her drop in weight on cancer medication.
"I'm sorry my cancer medicine made me loose [sic] weight. I'm slowly gaining it back. So stop running w the worst narratives," she said on her Instagram Stories at the time, according to TMZ.
In December 2025, Bregoli shared a selfie in a black bra and a pair of underwear. Many social media users thought that Bregoli looked healthy and were hopeful that she was cancer free.
'Days of Our Lives' Star, 75, Plan to Honor Late Co-Star
Days of Our Lives star Stephen Nichols took to Instagram to share how he plans to honor his late co-star Drake Hogestyn this year, and asked fans to join him.
Nichols announced that he will serve as chair of “Hogey’s Home Runners,” a charity team honoring Hogestyn as part of the PanCAN Purple Stride Los Angeles event.
In the caption, Nichols reflected on their decades-long friendship: “Drake and I spent nearly 40 years together – fighting villains, saving Salem and giving Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) more headaches than he deserved.”
He continued, “But it was everything off camera that I’ll carry with me forever. Just being around Drake meant being around joy. Pure joy and positivity. That was him.”
Nichols also invited fans to participate in the upcoming walk: “This year, I’m proud to chair Hogey’s Home Runners – our Days family team for PanCAN PurpleStride Los Angeles – and I’d love for you to walk with us. We’ll be at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:45 a.m.”
Reflecting further on Hogestyn, Nichols added: “Drake would have been the first one there, the loudest one cheering and the last one to leave. The least we can do is show up for him – and for everyone still fighting this disease today.”
Nichols noted that registration for the event is free for those who want to participate.
He also encouraged fans outside of Los Angeles to participate in their own way: “If you’re not in LA, find a walk near you at purplestride.org – or walk your own neighborhood, take a selfie, tag us!”
Nichols concluded: “See you April 25. For Drake. For all of them. Let’s swing for the fences.
#HogeysHomeRunners#Days#PancreaticCancerAwareness”
Nichols first joined Days of Our Lives in 1985, one year before Hogestyn joined the cast. After leaving in 1990, he returned to the series in 2006 and remained until 2009. Following a six-year break, Nichols returned again in 2015 and has remained with the show ever since.
Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock.
Amazon's $20 3-Piece Lazy Susan Set Is an 'Organizing Dream Come True'
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
It can be quite a struggle to stay organized. Despite your best efforts, you might end up with a cabinet full of miscellaneous ingredients and drawers packed with items you don't even remember buying. Crowded shelves can make it incredibly difficult to find what you want.
Your solution doesn't have to be hefty or even especially big to make a difference. The Lamu Lazy Susan Organizer Set consists of three turntables that are designed to bring some ease to your life while helping you maintain a sense of order at home. It's a solid deal, marked down from its usual $26 to just $20 for the clear version at Amazon. There are also amber and gray versions available for only $21.
Lamu Lazy Susan Organizer Set, From $20 (was $26) at AmazonEach set includes turntables measuring 9.25 inches, 10.6 inches, and 12 inches respectively, so you'll have coverage no matter where you decide to use them. The most obvious use is in the kitchen, where you can quickly gather all of your spices and condiments in one place. Many shoppers also love using them in their fridge to keep similar items together and within easy reach. A quick spin and you can easily grab that piece of fruit or can of soda without rooting through the entire fridge!
Beyond the kitchen, lazy Susans are also especially useful in the bathroom. If you have an abundance of skincare and makeup, or you just want to keep your minimalist routine in one spot, a turntable like this can really help streamline your setup. Craft and hobby spaces are also a good fit for these rotating trays. You can use them to keep smaller items in one place and easy to find at all times. Even a desktop could be a sensible spot if you want to keep your office supplies in one central location.
Related: Amazon’s 'Super Cute' $24 2-Tier Under-Sink Organizer Is a 'Great Storage Hack'
The trays are thoughtfully designed with raised edges to prevent anything from slipping off as you spin. It rotates a full 360 degrees, with a smooth motion that makes it easy to find exactly what you want with a quick swivel. One shopper said that it's "just right for maximizing space," adding that it's "great quality and really functional." Another person dubbed it an "organizing dream come true."
Shop More Deals- Le Tauci Utensil Holder Set, $20 (was $30) at Amazon
- Smiry Waterproof Heavy-Duty Tablecloth, $13 (was $22) at Amazon
- Rugcomf Floral Door Mat, $16 (was $20) at Amazon
There are so many ways to organize your home. However, if you're looking for something that conserves space while making the most of the room that you have, a Lamu Lazy Susan Organizer Set makes a practical choice that won't break the bank. With three pieces, you'll have something to get every space under control.
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.
1980s #1 Best-Selling Fiction Book Beat Out 3 Stephen King Classics
Stephen King had a stranglehold on 1980s pop culture. He put out It, The Tommyknockers, and The Dark Half, three future classics that shot straight up the charts (and made readers go to bed with the lights on). He had multiple books among the decade's top ten fiction sellers. Yet when Publishers Weeklytotaled up the numbers, someone else walked away with the #1 spot.
That honor went to a former Maryland insurance agent who, just five years earlier, had sold his debut novel to a small press for $5,000.
Tom Clancy's Clear and Present Danger, published August 17, 1989, moved 1,625,544 hardcover copies, making it the best-selling novel of the entire decade. It debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list.
The novel follows CIA analyst Jack Ryan, newly installed as Acting Deputy Director of Intelligence, who discovers the U.S. government has launched a secret military campaign against a Colombian drug cartel. The plot reflected real headlines, as Pablo Escobar was operating at full power and Washington's 'war on drugs' was in full swing.
The book got wide critical notice. The Washington Postpraised it as a 'rousing adventure' and 'a crackling good yarn,' while The New York Timeswrote that 'the issues raised are real ones, and a jump ahead of the headlines.' Publishers Weeklycalled it Clancy's best work since The Hunt for Red October.
Related: Stephen King Found a Dead Friend's Email — and Finally Finished Their Unfinished Story
Clancy had built his reputation on technical accuracy, supposedly earning him informal briefings with senior military officials after Red October was published. President Reagan's public praise of that novel had turbocharged sales and turned a 5,000-copy regional release into a national phenomenon. By 1989, Clancy had the a blockbuster formula: a known hero in Jack Ryan, a post-Cold War anxiety the country was actively feeling, and an effective pattern for stories. He died in October 2013, leaving behind more than 100 million books sold worldwide.
King's three decade entries told a different story. It (1986), ranked tenth, put Pennywise the Dancing Clown into the American imagination permanently and remains one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time after its 2017 adaptation. The Tommyknockers (1987), ranked third, was a sci-fi horror hybrid King wrote during a period of substance abuse he documented in On Writing. The Dark Half(1989), ranked second, directly behind Clear and Present Danger, drew from King's own experience being unmasked as the pseudonymous Richard Bachman. Its villain, George Stark, is a writer's alter ego made murderously real. Publishers Weekly listed it as the second-best-selling novel of 1989, the only year it needed to beat out Clancy.
It didn't.
The 1980s produced an extraordinary volume of commercial fiction, but the final scoreboard belongs to one book. Seven hundred-plus pages about covert ops, drug cartels, and the machinery of American power, written by a man who used to sell car insurance.
Savannah Guthrie's Mom Nancy Update: New Activity at Her Tucson Home Sends a Clear Message
Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing nearly one month later—and new activity at her Tucson, Ariz., home sent a clear message.
As of Saturday, Feb. 28, new activity at the 84-year-old's home resulted in new signage being installed on her property. The new sign bears the name "SimpliSafe," a home security company, in addition to "No Trespassing" signs that were added to the yard days beforehand, The Arizona Republic reported.
The new signs, installed on Feb. 27, seemingly warn potential trespassers of legal consequences if they were to set foot onto the property or enter the residence. Based in Boston, SimpliSafe sells a variety of home security packages that include surveillance cameras, motion sensors, sirens, keypads, and a base station to manage everything via an app. Additionally, the outdoor cameras
As the newspaper pointed out, the potential installation of new security cameras on Nancy's property may indicate that investigators have no longer designated the home as a crime scene. It might also mean that the property was turned back over to family members.
View this post on InstagramRelated: Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy Update: Megyn Kelly Points Out Key Detail in New Video
On Friday, Feb. 27, the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) released a statement with an update on the investigation.
“This remains an active investigation and will continue until Nancy Guthrie is located or all leads have been exhausted,” the department shared, per People.
The department noted that it was “refocusing resources to detectives specifically assigned to this case.” It continued, “As leads are developed and resolved, resource allocation may fluctuate. PCSD will maintain a patrol presence in the Guthrie neighborhood.”
🚨🚨🚨BREAKING: Previously unseen Ring camera video shows vehicles on a back-road route near Nancy Guthrie's home on the morning of her suspected abduction. pic.twitter.com/xLX0JFR3tV
— Michael Ruiz (@mikerreports) February 26, 2026Related: Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy: Elizabeth Smart Sends Bold Message About the Case
Additionally, the PCSD released video footage on Thursday, Feb. 26, of a car speeding down the street—at around the same time Nancy's pacemaker disconnected—about 2.5 miles away from Nancy's home.
“Investigators are actively reviewing surveillance video of vehicles traveling in the Catalina Foothills area, including areas farther from the Guthrie residence,” the PCSD noted. “We have asked homeowners in the surrounding community to submit any relevant footage,” the most recent update from the department read.”
The search for Nancy launched on Feb. 1 after the 84-year-old was last seen in her Tucson home on Jan. 31. As of writing, her family has offered a $1 million reward for any information leading to Nancy's return.
Those with any information about Nancy’s missing case are advised to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Next: Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy Suspects: What Investigators Have Revealed
Grubhub Offering Free Taco Bell for a Year With $12 Daily Limit
Grubhub is tempting Taco Bell fans with the ultimate fast-food fantasy: free Taco Bell for a year. But before you start planning daily Nacho Fries runs, there’s a fine-print twist. The prize is real, generous even, just not the unlimited, no-strings-attached feast it might sound like.
The sweepstakes runs from February 26 at 12 p.m. ET through March 3. To enter, fans must follow Grubhub on TikTok or Instagram, tag a friend under a collaboration post featuring food influencer Morgan Chomps, and include the hashtag #GrubhubTacoBellSweepstakes.
The promo celebrates the return of Taco Bell’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Nacho Fries, which have been available nationwide since February 19. The limited-time item features seasoned fries topped with chicken, bacon, nacho cheese sauce, and avocado ranch.
View this post on InstagramNow, here’s the structure: the prize is up to 365 Taco Bell orders placed through Grubhub, capped at $12 per order. It works as a promo code. That means if your total is above $12, you pay the difference. It's not a prepaid Taco Bell vault. It must be ordered through Grubhub, is open to U.S. residents 18 and older, and will be awarded to one winner. Grubhub said the winner will be announced by March 11.
To break it down clearly:
- One winner receives up to 365 Taco Bell orders through Grubhub
- Each order is capped at $12 off via promo code
- Any amount over $12 must be paid out of pocket
- It is not unlimited Taco Bell or a lump-sum cash prize
- Orders must be placed through Grubhub
- Entry requires following, engaging with the promo post by tagging a friend, using the hashtag, and being 18+ in the U.S.
If social media is any indication, the internet is ready. Under the announcement, Grubhub replied in the comments section: “A nacho fry a day keeps the hangry-ness away.“ Fans immediately flooded the comments with excitement. “we are about to be eatin’ so good 😋,” one person wrote. Another called it a “dream come true!”
Others admitted being ready for the challenge as one user wrote, “I am the target audience,” while someone declared, “its lookin’ finger lickin’ good.” A parent chimed in, “My daughter is truly obsessed with Taco Bell 🛎️ but also tagging my ride or die.”
And perhaps the most relatable reaction of all: “This is what we’ve been training for our whole lives 😂”.
Beyond the sweepstakes, Grubhub is offering $5 off orders of $20 or more that include the Chicken Bacon Ranch Nacho Fries from February 26 through March 4. As reported by Newsweek, the company is also waiving delivery and service fees on restaurant orders over $50.
The fries are only available for a limited time. And if you want a shot at free Taco Bell for a year, it’s time to start tagging.
Rush Rockers Reveal What They 'Miss' Most About Late Drummer Neil Peart
It's been six years since Rush drummer Neil Peartdied in January 2020, and though his bandmates, Geddy Lee, 72, and Alex Lifeson, 72, are now ready to start touring and making music again, they don't miss him any less.
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“I just miss him,” lead singer and bassist Lee told The Guardian on Feb. 27. “I don’t know if there’s one thing I miss about him.”
Lifeson, Lee's lifelong "bestie" and Rush's guitarist, quickly chimed in with "His laugh," as a suggestion. That got Lee reminiscing.
“When he says, ‘Oh, come on!’ and calls your bluff,” Lee laughed. “I love the way Neil used to punch him [Lifeson] so hard in the shoulder. Or he’d just look at me and say: ‘Hit him!’”
Related: Popular Las Vegas Rock Festival Cancelled for 2026
View this post on InstagramOn a more serious note, Lee said that the legendary drummer was "a mentor to [him] in many ways," calling Peart "a very stimulating person to be around.” The duo even struggled to imagine how to carry on without him because he had such a unique and distinct drumming style that was hard to replace, and because he was their main lyricist.
Related: Chart-Topping 70’s Rock Band Honors Fallen Members During Farewell Show
Of course, he didn't start as such a core member of the band. When Peart replaced former drummer John Rutsey in 1974, he was "the new guy" among two childhood best friends, and he was determined to fit in.
“Yeah, we excluded Neil like that for years," said Lee. "But he wanted in, he wanted to prove to us he could be as goofy as we were, and he was very funny. He sort of barged his way into our friendship, and it worked."
New Rush drummer Anika Nilles, who is both a woman and much younger than Lee and Lifeson at 42, found her own way to integrate with legendary rockers. "Anika is very quiet, and she’s sliding into our friendship," said Lee.
Once he was ingratiated with the duo, Peart became the creative heart of the band, sometimes making choices that flummoxed his bandmates. For example, in the mid-2000s when he suddenly reinvented his drumming style. “It was uncomfortable at first, because we wanted him to flip the sticks around and just start pounding,” said Lee. “He was resolute he was not going to shift. So we had to adjust the feel a bit."
Related: Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’ Makes Major Comeback Ahead of Band’s Super Bowl Show
"I think it’s part of what our band always was: open," he added. Not only did the style force his bandmates to adapt and evolve their own skills, but it also proved how talented Peart was, as he could seamlessly switch between his styles for live events.
“I think that’s what made him such an amazing monster drummer by the end,” Lee said. “He was more ferocious and at the same time he could swing on a dime.”
15 Iconic 1950s Inventions That Changed the World
Many of the daily items we use today are the result of decades of research, perseverance and good 'ole trial and error. For ages, inventors have sought to improve our society by creating everything from simple items to complex technologies that make a huge impact on our lives. Throughout the 20th century, each decade had its own unique set of inventions that left their mark on history. Curious about some of the best 1950s inventions? We consulted a few experts who know a thing or two about innovation.
Parade spoke with Robert D. Friedel, a Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Maryland, who specializes in technology, science and the environment. He has written several monographs on the history of technology and the nature of invention. Prior to joining the University of Maryland, Friedel was a historian at the Smithsonian Institution and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
We also consulted the pros at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), who scoured their archives to share insight into some of the best inventions of the decade.
Below, you'll find just 15 of the many inventions from the 1950s that brilliant minds contributed to society during that decade.
Related: 7 Best ’50s Fashion Looks, According to Celebrity Stylists
Similar to other decades throughout the 20th century, a variety of inventions came out of the 1950s. However, it's important to note that a lot of inventions are created after decades of research.
"Not surprisingly, important modern inventions are generally complicated and have complex origins, and these do not always fit neatly within decades," Friedel notes.
A spokesperson for USPTO tells Parade that the 1950s were "characterized by a post-World War II economic and demographic boom." This resulted in an "increase in consumer products available to an expanding middle class, the growth of the American suburbs and mass media consumption."
"Both people and products were on the move in an increasingly globalized world," the agency says. "Television entered a 'golden age,' Rock and Roll emerged as a popular genre of music and the post-war baby boom fed demand for convenience items catered towards families. Economic prosperity, Cold War tensions and the beginnings of the space race all contributed to an increase in technological and scientific advancement."
Related: 7 Classic Cosmetics That Have Stood the Test of Time
Spencer Grant/Getty Images
Friedel calls the integrated circuit the "single most significant invention of the decade."
Per the professor, all of our microelectronics (everything from laptops and phones to TVs and server farms) "start with the integrated circuit."
According to technology company Lenovo, an integrated circuit is a "small electronic device that combines multiple electronic components, such as transistors, resistors and capacitors, onto a single semiconductor chip."
"It serves as the building block of modern electronic systems, providing functionality and processing power in a compact and efficient package," the Lenovo website reads.
LAGUNA DESIGN/Getty Images
"Another technological area that exploded in importance in the 1950s, in substance as well as in symbol, is represented by modern plastics," Friedel says.
Although many of the "key plastics" came about before the decade, one form of plastic came about during the 1950s.
"Polypropylene, the second most significant plastic family in volume, appeared in that decade and can stand in for the larger plasticization of American life that became evident at that time," the historian tells Parade.
Per the American Chemical Society, polypropylene is used in a variety of products, including cars (bumpers, fender liners, etc.), school supplies (binders, writing instruments etc.), household items (food packaging, appliance housings etc.), medical supplies (syringes, packaging, etc.) and more.
Bettmann / Getty Images
The 1950s were full of several medical inventions that ushered in a "remarkable transformation of modern medicine into a highly technological field," Friedel shares.
For instance, U.S. physician Jonas Salk stepped up to the plate to battle against rising cases of polio.
"The development of the Salk vaccine in response to a terrible worldwide polio epidemic showed the capabilities of modern medicine to devise radically new tools for fighting disease," the historian explains.
Per the World Health Organization (WHO), Salk tested the vaccine on himself and his family in 1953, then used it on 1.6 million children in the U.S., Canada and Finland a year later.
"By 1957, annual cases dropped from 58,000 to 5600, and by 1961, only 161 cases remained," the organization's website reads.
Salk could have become rich off of his invention, but he "did not profit from sharing the formulation or production processes," per WHO.
Underwood Archives/Getty Images
"The first electronic digital computers appeared in the 1940s, but the first generally usable computer language, Fortran, was a product of the 1950s, and it is still at the foundation of much computing work, even many generations removed," Friedel shares with Parade.
Per IBM, Fortran was the world's "first programming language standard."
"It helped open the door to modern computing and ranks as one of the most influential software products in history," the IBM website reads. "Fortran liberated computers from the exclusive realm of programmers and opened them to nearly everybody else."
Per the IBM website, Fortran inventor John Backus once said much of his work came "from being lazy."
"I didn’t like writing programs, so I started work on a system to make them easier to write," he said.
Bettmann / Getty Images
Before we get into this next invention, it's important to understand the role silicon transistors played in its invention.
"The first transistors, as they emerged in the late 1940s, used pretty exotic and hard-to-work-with materials, such as gallium arsenide or germanium. Silicon changed the whole ballgame," Friedel says.
The professor notes that the silicon transistor contributed to the creation of the integrated circuit and another fun invention.
"Another offshoot of the silicon transistor was the first family of reliable portable electronic devices, of which the key example is the Regency pocket radio," he says.
Once it was available in 1954, the pocket radio made it easier to listen to AM radio stations on a portable device. Per the National Museum of American History, the radio contained four transistors.
Bettmann / Getty Images
Before lasers were invented, the maser laid the groundwork for future progress.
"While the first operating laser did not appear until 1960, it was preceded in the 1950s by a microwave version, the Maser, that ushered in the whole technology of what came to be known as quantum electronics," Friedel states.
Per Britannica, a maser is a "device that produces and amplifies electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range of the spectrum." The name is an acronym for "microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation."
American physicist Charles H. Townes developed the first maser.
"The wavelength produced by a maser is so constant and reproducible that it can be used to control a clock that will gain or lose no more than a second over hundreds of years. Masers have been used to amplify faint signals returned from radar and communications satellites, and have made it possible to measure faint radio waves emitted by Venus, giving an indication of the planet’s temperature," the Britannica website reads.
FPG/Archive Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
As silicon transistors gradually became more reliable, the improved technology led to a "sometimes overlooked" development in the medical field, per Friedel.
"The implantable cardiac pacemaker made its first appearance before the decade’s end," he says.
Per the National Library of Medicine, the first pacemaker implantation was performed in Sweden in 1958.
"The patient suffered from Stokes-Adams attacks that required resuscitation many times daily, and whose situation was considered hopeless. The implantation was a more or less desperate rescue measure. The risks taken with this completely unknown therapy were immense," the website reads.
Related: 17 VHS Tapes Worth a Lot of Money, According to Collectors
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We all take color TV for granted these days, but there was a time when black-and-white TV was the only option.
"The first color televisions appeared in the 1940s, but it was not until the emergence of a widely usable color standard—known as the NTSC standard—in the 1950s that it was possible for color to become the norm," Friedel says.
Per Sony, the NTSC standard stands for "National Television Standards Committee," aka the group that "originally developed the black & white and subsequently color television system that is used in the United States, Japan and many other countries."
NTSC pictures are "made up of 525 interlaced lines" and "displayed at a rate of 29.97 frames per second."
Andrew Brookes/Getty Images
"As a student at Wooster College when the U.S. entered World War II, Helen Free switched her major to chemistry when women were encouraged to take the place of men in scientific fields of study. Her work revolutionized self-testing systems for diabetes," a USPTO spokesperson says.
Per the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Free conducted "lifesaving research in medical and clinical urinary testing" that resulted in the development of "convenient dip-and-read urine tests, including Clinistix, which aids diabetes monitoring by detecting glucose."
After seeing the success of Clinistix, Free and her husband created other urine tests to "accurately monitor pH levels, nitrates, ketones and bilirubin."
Per Smithsonian Magazine, Bessie Blount created an automatic feeding device that delivered a mouthful of food via a spoon-shaped tube when you bit down on a switch.
"As a nurse and physical therapist, many of Bessie Blount’s patients were World War II veterans recovering from amputations. This assistive device helped amputees eat independently," a USPTO spokesperson tells Parade.
"The inspiration for a feeding device came when a physician at the Bronx Hospital told her that the army had been trying to produce a viable self-feeding device but had been unsuccessful. If she really wanted to help disabled veterans, the doctor said, she should figure out a way to help them feed themselves. Spurred on, Blount worked for five years to create a device that would do just that," the magazine's website reads.
Fairfax Media via Getty Images via Getty Images
Per the USPTO, Norman Woodland and Bernard Silver obtained a patent in 1952 for something we all encounter whenever we're shopping today: barcodes.
"With an increase in consumer goods available on store shelves, a convenient and consistent bar code system helped the checkout line run much more smoothly," the agency notes.
The patent application shares details for the original invention.
"This invention relates to the art of article classification and has particular relation to classification through the medium of identifying patterns. It is an object of the invention to provide automatic apparatus for classifying things according to photo-response to lines and/or colors which constitute classification instructions and which have been attached to, imprinted upon or caused to represent the things being classified," it reads.
TV Times via Getty Images
Rock and roll played a major cultural influence in the 1950s and is still a popular musical genre today.
"With Rock and Roll emerging as a popular musical genre in the 1950s, Fender released its iconic Stratocaster electric guitar in 1954," a USPTO spokesperson says.
Per Fender, "the guitar was so well designed from the start that it has basically remained the same for six decades."
It took several years for the new instrument to catch on. But by 1957, it was "perfected into the form that has remained largely unchanged ever since."
Fuse
"In her work as a secretary, single mother Bette Nesmith Graham struggled to adjust to the use of typewriters in her office. With her trade secret correction fluid called Liquid Paper, she transformed the office supply industry," a USPTO spokesperson tells Parade.
Better known as white-out today, the product has made life easier for millions of people since its invention. Per a USPTO spotlight on liquid paper, Graham initially purchased a small jar of white, water-based tempura paint to cover up her typos with a watercolor brush. Soon enough, her coworkers wanted in on the action.
“'Everybody was enthusiastic about it,' she recalled in a company newsletter. 'But I was still thinking about it mostly for my own use until an office supply dealer asked me one day: ‘why don’t you market that?’" the post reads.
Graham worked with her son's chemistry teacher and an industrial polymer chemist to create a formula for a product that would be called "Mistake Out" at first. She later renamed her business Liquid Paper Corporation and received a trademark.
Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In 1954, Malcolm P. McLean submitted a patent application for an apparatus for shipping freight. Per the USPTO, his invention "revolutionized global trade logistics and dramatically lowered shipping costs worldwide."
According to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, McLean is specifically credited with inventing containerized shipping.
"McLean designed containers that could be separated from the truck bed and wheels, were made of heavy steel to protect their contents, and could be neatly stacked. He acquired a fleet of old tankers and converted them to container ships. McLean's container system dramatically reduced time and labor costs, as well as pilfering and damage to cargo—which had the added benefit of lowering insurance rates," the website reads.
Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images
If you've ever played hockey or gone ice skating, you know how much of a difference it makes when a Zamboni machine passes by. As it turns out, a man named Frank Zamboni is responsible for dreaming up this useful machine.
"When Frank Zamboni’s original business of cutting ice declined due to the popularity of refrigeration, he pivoted to opening an ice rink. His machine to refinish ice to a smooth, unblemished surface is known popularly as the Zamboni," a USPTO spokesperson tells Parade.
Up Next:
Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1950s
Sources:- Robert D. Friedel is a Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Maryland, specializing in technology, science and the environment. He has written several monographs on the history of technology and the nature of invention. Prior to joining the University of Maryland, Friedel was a historian at the Smithsonian Institution and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
- Spokespeople at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), who scoured their archives to share insight into some of the best inventions of the decade.
2000s Country Rock Band Announces Update on North America Tour With Special Guests
Tickets are now available for all of Blackberry Smoke's upcoming Rattle, Ramble and Roll tour across North and South America.
The Atlanta-based country rock band shared the new dates added to the tour's North America schedule on Tuesday, including exciting new information about the different VIP packages and experiences that would be offered to concertgoers as well. Tickets officially went up for sale on Friday.
VIP packages for the Rattle, Ramble and Roll tour include an exclusive pre-show performance for VIP holders, as well as a meet and greet with Blackberry Smoke, including a photo opportunity. The VIP packages also include exclusive merchandise items, from signed posters to various apparel.
View this post on InstagramBlackberry Smoke kicked off the Rattle, Ramble and Roll tour earlier in February and will be continuing it into late 2026, with the final show being in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 25. The band will be joined by special guests Andy Thomas, Ben Chapman, Hippies & Cowboys, Jason Newsted, Parker Barrow, Robert Jon & the Wreck, The Band Feel, Trey Pendley and TRIPPP.
Proceeds from VIP package purchases will be put toward CURE Childhood Cancer in memory of Blackberry Smoke's former drummer Brit Turner, who passed away in 2024 from an aggressive form of brain cancer. A memorial for Turner will also be on display during the tour.
Blackberry Smoke made history as the first independent artists to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album charts for their 2015 album Holding All The Roses. The band currently consists of Charlie "Starr" Gray, Paul Jackson, Richard Turner, Brandon Still and Benji Shanks.
Blackberry Smoke Rattle, Ramble and Roll 2026 North America Tour DatesMarch 5: New Brunswick, NJ – State Theatre New Jersey
March 6: Patchogue, NY – Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
March 7: Tarrytown, NY – Tarrytown Music Hall
March 8: Wilmington, DE – The Grand Opera House
March 13: Evansville, IN – Old National Events Plaza
March 14: Champaign, IL – Virginia Theater
March 15: Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center
March 19: Fayetteville, AR – Ozark Music Hall
March 20: Tulsa, OK – Cain's Ballroom
March 21: Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre
March 22: Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
April 4: Peachtree City, GA – Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
April 25: Wilkesboro, NC – MerleFest
April 26: North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach
April 30: Oklahoma City, OK – The Jones Assembly
May 1: Helotes, TX – Floore's Outdoors
May 2: Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
May 14: Maryville, TN – The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint
May 15: Maryville, TN – The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint
May 16: Maryville, TN – The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint
May 28: Louisville, KY – Louisville Palace Theatre
May 29: Danville, VA – The Pantheon at Caesars Virginia
May 30: Virginia Beach, VA – Holiday Trav-L-Park
June 4: Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Theatre
June 5: For McDowell, AZ – We-Ko-Pa Casino
June 6: Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
June 7: Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
June 9: Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre
June 11: Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
June 13: Airway Heights, WA – Spokane Live
June 14: Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
June 16: Emigrant, MT – The Old Saloon
June 17: Cheyenne, WY – The Lincoln
June 18: Arvada, CO – Arvada Center Outdoor Amphitheatre
June 28: Augusta, NJ – Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival
July 9: Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
July 10: Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
July 11: Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
July 12: Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
July 15: Lewiston, NY – Artpark Amphitheater
July 16: Utica, NY – Saranac Brewing Co.
July 17: Farmington, PA – Timber Rock Amphitheater
July 18: Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
July 24: Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
July 25: Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
April 8: Porto Alegre, Brazil – URB Stage
April 10: Belo Horizonte, Brazil – Mr. Rock
April 11: São Paolo, Brazil – Audio
April 12: Curitiba, Brazil – Torn N Roll
April 14: Buenos Aires, Argentina – Groove
Related: 1975 Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Classic Rock Songs of All Time’ Became a Best-Selling Classic
'90s Rock Icon Melissa Etheridge Unexpectedly Name-Drops Taylor Swift During Interview
Music legend Melissa Etheridge recently brought up Taylor Swift during one of her interviews, and fans of both artists are loving the reason why.
After Etheridge was recently announced as a nominee for the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class earlier this week, she was asked in an interview who she would want to induct her if she is selected for the honor, prompting her to name-drop none other than the "Opalite" songstress.
"The first thing that comes to my mind is Taylor Swift," Etheridge, 64, told ABC Audio in an article published Thursday, Feb. 26. "Because when I met Taylor, she did tell me that when she was 11 years old her parents took her to my concert. And that's where, after that, she wanted to play guitar."
"So I know I've been an inspiration," Etheridge added.
View this post on InstagramSwift, 36, is also mentioned in Etheridge's biography page on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website, which states that the her influence is "heard in artists like Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Taylor Swift, and the countless others she continues to inspire."
But Swift isn't the only artist that Etheridge mentioned as a potential presenter if she is inducted this year, as she also revealed that Bono previously said he'd be up for the task if given the opportunity.
"Years ago...we were performing something and Bono was there, and Bono actually said...he wanted to induct me," she added. "So, you know, I have no idea."
This year, Etheridge is among a number of impressive artists also on the 2026 ballot, including The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins,Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Oasis, P!nk, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
The final inductees for 2026 are expected to be announced in April.
Related: Phil Collins Could Make History If Selected For Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Class
David Archuleta Details 'Special Connection' With Mormon Reality Stars
American Idol alum, David Archuleta is opening up about his close friendship with other celebrities that have left the Church of Latter-Day Saints behind.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Archuleta spoke about his connection with SLOMW star Jessi Ngatikaura andRHOSLCstar Heather Gay.
"A couple nights ago, I had Jessi, who is one of the amazing women on [The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives], who’s been vulnerable, open and messy in front of everybody … [host] one of my book tour nights in Salt Lake City," he told the outlet.
He continued, "We gained this special connection with each other, having both been raised Mormon and leaving our religion and trying to bring awareness to things that usually people just try to sweep under the rug or try to pretend are not there in our religion, in our culture and in our families."
Archuleta was raised Mormon and left the religion in 2022 after publicly coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Ngatikaura was also raised in the Mormon church but no longer identifies with the religion.
Archuleta also spoke to his bond with Heather Gay, who has spoken publicly about her decision to leave the Mormon church in RHOSLC and in her memoir Bad Mormon.
"Heather Gay and I have become friends, just because, as I came out,” Archuleta said. “I didn’t watch Housewives, but she kept saying, ‘I’m so happy for you.’ She would comment on, like, every post that I had, and I was like, ‘Let’s invite her to a show.'"
He also revealed that he sent Gay a copy of his newly released memoir titled Devout.
"I sent her a book, and she’s just been so supportive the whole time. It’s just great to find people who are in front of everyone and get what it’s like to be watched, and have everyone involved in your business. It’s been fun," he said.
He added, "I’m not much of a phone caller, but yeah, we will text each other. We’re not the best of friends, but we just are constantly cheering each other on, and I love Heather. She’s the best, she’s great. She is unapologetically herself. Examples like that have been great for me to follow as I’m in this new era of my life."
Jessica Simpson’s Cozy Cropped Hoodie Is Now Just $12 at Walmart
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They say fashion is cyclical, and the ‘90s influence is starting to creep up again, with baggy jeans and piercings making a comeback. Jessica Simpson is one of those artists who defined that era, and has had her own brand since the early 2000s. And you can get one of her hoodies for over half off right now.
The $29 Jessica Simpson Brigite Cropped Mixed Stitch Hoodie is now just $12 at Walmart. This bestselling hoodie is on sale for the same price in black and grey, and comes in sizes up to 4XL.
Jessica Simpson Brigite Cropped Mixed Stitch Hoodie, $12 (was $29) at WalmartCourtesy of
Jessica Simpson’s take on the cropped hoodie is relaxed yet modern, with a cropped fit and an attached hood that leans casual but not sloppy. It’s made from a polyester blend with a touch of spandex for stretch, and the mixed-stitch construction gives it some textural pop. It’s machine washable for simple care, and easy to pair with jeans or the matching sweats.
Related: Amazon Has a 'Warm' and 'Cozy' Columbia Oversized Hoodie for Over 50% Off Right Now
A helpful reviewer wrote, “This is perfect for spring and cold summer nights,” and another said that the hoodie is “cuddly and warm.” If you’re new to Jessica’s brand, one reviewer said, “The items I've gotten from Jessica Simpson are always good quality and true to size.” As for the fabric feel, another shopper said it’s “soft like a kitten,” and that they’re already ordering another color because they love the hoodie so much.
Compared to other hoodies in this price range, you’re actually getting something that feels substantial: “The Jessica Simpson ones are much thicker and more warm and sweater-like.” This reviewer went on to say that they would suggest this brand over all the other affordable Walmart brands because of its high quality.
Shop More Deals- Mills by Millie Bobby Brown Long Sleeve Crop Hoodie, $11 (was $22) at Walmart
- Ma Croix Ultimate Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie, $20 (was $25) at Walmart
- Jessica Simpson Baela Sweater Jogger Pants, $12 (was $28) at Walmart
A layerable, spring-ready hoodie from the legend herself, the Jessica Simpson Brigite Cropped Mixed Stitch Hoodie is available now for $12. Since this hoodie is on clearance, it could be your last chance to get it, let alone for a price this solid.
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Pedro Pascal Follows PDA Outing With a Quietly Pointed Video
Pedro Pascal just broke his silence following the sunny stroll he took in Los Angeles with Rafael Olara earlier this week.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, the Last of Us actor shared a subtle yet meaningful nod to the trans community.
Coupled with a post supporting a book signing by Yelena Yemchuk, a Kyiv-born, New York-based photographer and filmmaker, the actor clipped an image from a video of trans influencer Matt Bernstein’s video condemning the new Kansas law targeting trans people.
Earlier this month, SB 244 was passed by the state’s Republican-led legislature despite Governor Laura Kelly’s veto.
According to the ACLU Kansas, the “law restricts transgender people’s access to restrooms and other sex-separated facilities in government buildings” and “changes the rules that apply to government IDs for transgender people,” prohibing “transgender people from updating their driver’s licenses to reflect their gender, and also invalidates transgender people’s existing driver’s licenses and birth certificates if those documents were issued in Kansas and reflect a gender different from a person’s sex at birth.”
In her veto statement, Kelly, a Democrat, wrote, “This poorly drafted bill will have numerous and significant consequences far beyond the intent to limit the right for trans people to use the appropriate bathroom.”
“Not only will this bill keep brothers from visiting sisters’ dorms and husbands from wives’ shared hospital rooms, it will cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars to comply with this very vague legislation,” she added.
The law took effect Thursday, invalidating the diver’s licenses and birth certificates of more than 1,000 transgender residents, per Reuters.
In Bernstein’s reel, which displays the words “This is terrorism” at the bottom, the influencer says, “It is now illegal for trans people to drive in Kansas. I never say please don’t scroll, but for once in my very online life, I’m going to ask you to not scroll. This week, trans people in Kansas received letters that their IDs are now invalid with no grace period."
He then breaks down the law and penalties of the bill, which include possible prison time, and features several Kansas residents showing their letters. The video ends with Bernstein sharing a link to nonprofit Trans Continental Pipeline and offering words of support.
“It feels insane to speaking in these terms about a supposedly free country,” he says, adding, “To trans people in Kansas, we love you, we need you, please hang in there.”
Pascal has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Last April, the Materialists actor showed support for his sister, Lux Pascal, who came out as transgender in 2021, per People.
Commenting on an Instagram video criticizing J.K. Rowling for supporting the U.K. Supreme Court’s decision that says transgender women should not be recognized under Britain’s Equality Act, Pascal wrote, “Awful disgusting SH-- is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.”
View this post on InstagramOlarra, 42, an openly gay man, was born in Argentina and studied at the Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires, per Queerty. He was last linked to actor/singer Luke Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers). The two went Instagram official in February 2020, per People, then announced their breakup in 2021 after a year together, per Out magazine.
Pascal, 50, maintains a more private personal life, keeping his sexuality and romance endeavors under wraps. Per Queerty, the Chilean-born actor is a staunch LGBTQ+ ally. Earlier this month, Pascal was onstage with Carol G, Cardi B, and Jessica Alba, jamming to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Related: Are Pedro Pascal and Rafael Olarra Dating? Here’s What’s Confirmed
45 Years Ago Today, This Country Song Hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 After 12 Years in a Basement
On this day in 1981, Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love a Rainy Night” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—becoming the biggest crossover hit of his career.
But the song wasn’t new. In fact, it had been sitting in his basement for more than a decade.
According to music historian Fred Bronson's book "The Billboard Book of Number One Hits," Rabbitt had recorded a fragment of the tune during a thunderstorm in the late 1960s. He tucked the tape away and forgot about it. Then, while rummaging through old recordings in 1980, he stumbled across the rough demo, just a hook and a few lyrics about loving the sound of rain on a tin roof.
RELATED: The Only Song in History to Reach the Top 3 in 3 Different Decades — By 3 Different Artists
With help from longtime collaborators Even Stevens and David Malloy, Rabbitt finished the song and brought it into the studio. The result was lightning in a bottle.
“I Love a Rainy Night” didn’t just top the country chart—it crossed all the way over to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Rabbitt’s only pop chart-topper. And the song it bumped from the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100? Another country crossover in Dolly Parton's only No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, "9 to 5." For 42 years, that was the last time the Hot 100 featured back-to-back country songs at No. 1. In 2023, Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen repeated the feat.
In addition to U.S. success, "I Love a Rainy Night" also hit No. 6 in Australia, No. 8 in New Zealand and No. 11 in Canada. The single was certified Gold and helped push Rabbitt's album Horizon to platinum status.
Though the country star scored multiple crossover hits—including “Drivin’ My Life Away” and “Step by Step,” both of which reached No. 5—“I Love a Rainy Night” remains the crown jewel.
Not bad for a song that started as a forgotten basement tape recorded during a thunderstorm.
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'Love Island' Stars Reveal They're Expecting Baby No. 2
Former Love Island UKpresenter Laura Whitmore and Love Islandnarrator Iain Stirling announced they are having another baby.
People magazine reported that Whitmore, who wed Stirling in 2020, let fans know she's pregnant in a February 18 Instagram post. Stirling and Whitmore have a nearly 5-year-old daughter named Stevie Ré.
The February 18 Instagram post featured several photos of Whitmore throughout different stages of her current pregnancy.
"Instagram V Reality - Spoiler: It wasn’t just a big meal mama ate. She’s been cooking away! I’d like to thank stretchy pants and travel sick bags," read the caption of Whitmore's post.
Her husband was quick to comment on the upload, writing, "I love you."
Several fans flocked to the post's comments section to shower the couple with well-wishes.
"Huge congratulations you guys," wrote a commenter.
"Massive Congratulations Laura two’s a riot super excited for you all," added another.
"Such wonderful news, huge congratulations to you both! xx," shared a third person.
Laura Whitmore Opened up About Being a Mother as a Public PersonIn a 2023 interview with Loose Women, Whitmore, who is an actress and podcaster, opened up about navigating being a mother while being a public person. Whitmore noted that she kept her first pregnancy private for quite a while. She explained that she "was really overwhelmed" because it was the start of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, she wanted to get used to the idea of being a mother before "everyone had an opinion" about her parenting choices and changes to her body.
Whitmore also shared how she has adapted to parenthood.
"It's a juggle," said Whitmore in the 2023 interview.
She also said that she always tries to take her daughter with her when she's traveling for work. In addition, Whitmore said her mother helps look after her child. She joked that she believes her mother "prefers the baby" more than her.
Eva Mendes Celebrates Ryan Gosling's Cute 'Jeopardy!' Shoutout in Surprise Ad
Ryan Gosling took time to show love for Eva Mendes during his latest movie promotion.
The Oscar-nominated Barbie star, 45, appeared in a surprise Jeopardy-themed clip that sees him winning the final round in an unlikely way.
In what turned out to be a comedic ad to spotlight Gosling's new movie Project Hail Mary, the clip sees him standing as a contestant and writing "IDK" as his Final Jeopardy answer. Ken Jennings ultimately accepts it as correct, leading the host, 51, to cleverly dub Gosling's stab at the question as a "Hail Mary."
Included in Gosling's handwritten answer, meanwhile, is the message "I <3 Eva," which Mendes, 51, certainly appreciated. On Friday, Feb. 27, the Training Day actress reposted the game-show moment on social media. "Look Ma! I made it to @jeopardy 😉," the caption of her Instagram post reads. "Believe in the Hail Mary @projecthailmary."
View this post on InstagramFans showed their appreciation for the longtime celebrity couple in the comments section of Mendes' post. "Omg! That's sooo sweet. You two, I just love," wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "I ❤️ Eva !! You two are so darn cute!! 🥰 ✨."
For those still not convinced, Gosling didn't actually appear on Jeopardy! this week. Per the game show's website, contestant James Hirsh won the game that aired Thursday night, Feb. 26.
In an interview with Access Hollywood earlier this month, Gosling discussed playing middle school science teacher and the eventual savior of Earth, Dr. Ryland Grace, in Project Hail Mary, based on Andy Weir's 2021 novel. Gosling noted that Ryland is accompanied by a faceless, helpful alien named Rocky while on a space station. According to Gosling, Rocky’s movements were controlled by a team of puppeteers. He quipped that the puppet is “a bit of a diva” and “very high maintenance.”
“We called them the Rocketeers. There were six puppeteers that were with him at all times. But you know what, Rocky as a character, it takes a lot,” said Gosling.