Parade
Country Singer Eric Church Opens Up About His Brother's Death
Nearly eight years after his brother's death, country legend Eric Church admits he "didn't spend any time dealing with it."
"I played a show, after my brother died...We buried him, and I played a show four days later. Because I had a show, and I know he would want me to play the show," Church, 48, told Anderson Cooper on Friday, February 19.
"So I just kept playing, kept going. But I look back on it now, I'm not sure that was the right thing to do," he added.
Brandon Church died in June 2017 after suffering multiple seizures, TMZ reported at the time.
"When my brother died, I didn't comprehend that it's never going to be the same again. The family dynamic, when my brother died, I wasn't prepared for that part," Church told Cooper.
He went on to say that he still "feels his brother," particularly when it comes to his music. Church explained that in his song "Sinners Like Me," the line "So we sit on his headstone with a fifth of Jack D," which was originally written about his grandfather, now reminds him of his little brother.
One regret Church has is treating his brother with "tough love."
"My brother had troubles. A regret I have is when he was going through some of those troubles, I did a little bit of the, 'You're not doing the things you're supposed to be doing,'" he told Cooper. "It was a little bit of the tough love, big brother thing. I wish I had more grace and been more compassionate now."
The Song That ‘Invented’ Heavy Metal Just Turned 56—And It Has a Nightmare of a Story
The origins of heavy metal have long been debated by music fans, but there’s no doubt that Black Sabbath was a pioneering band for the genre. Both the BBC and American Songwriter have credited the British hard rock band for “inventing” heavy metal with their iconic 1970 self-titled debut album, with the latter declaring their opening song the mother of heavy metal songs.
Rage Against The Machine frontman Tom Morello also gave credit where credit was due. "Black Sabbath is the band that invented heavy metal music, and it is a band that is so meaningful to so many of us, and the DNA of Black Sabbath is everywhere,” he said in July, shortly before frontman Ozzy Osbourne’s death.
The band, which featured Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, released their signature song, titled “Black Sabbath,” on Feb. 13, 1970. Fifty-six years later, it ranks on Rolling Stone’s most recent list as the greatest heavy metal song of all time—and is touted as the birth of heavy metal. “Black Sabbath” topped Metallica’s “Master of Puppets,” Motorhead’s ”Ace of Spades,” and Dio’s “Holy Diver” for the top spot. Ultimate Guitar also ranked Iommi’s eerie guitar playing as the heaviest guitar riff of all time.
Geezer Butler’s nightmare inspired the song“Black Sabbath” was written by all four Black Sabbath bandmates, but it was inspired when they were known by the name Earth. Butler, the band’s bass player, told Rolling Stone that he had a nightmare that helped spawn the ominous song.
“I was asleep, and I felt something in the room, like this weird presence,” he recalled of the origins of the title song. “I woke up in a dream world, and there was this black thing at the bottom of the bed, staring at me. … It just freaked me out.”
As a heavy blues band with Earth, the bandmates had already been trying to write songs that would “frighten” fans, like horror movies, the outlet noted. During the songwriting process for their debut album, Osbourne imagined the demon “figure in black” from Butler’s nightmare peering at him.
Butler once told MOJO magazine that he was heavily interested in the occult at the time the song was written. "I totally believed in the devil,” he said, per Classic Rock. “I started reading books by Aleister Crowley and Dennis Wheatley, especially The Devil Rides Out, which was meant to be a cautionary tale, but which read like a handbook on how to be Satanist."
“Ozzy gave me this 16th-century book about magic that he’d stolen from somewhere. I’d put it in an airing cupboard because I wasn’t sure about it,” Butler continued. “Later that night, I woke up and saw this black shadow at the end of my bed. It was a horrible presence that frightened the life out of me! I ran to the airing cupboard to throw the book out, but the book had disappeared!"
Black Sabbath's debut album cover. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives on Getty Images).Photo by Michael Ochs Archives on Getty Images
Iommi once explained the band’s desire to put out “scary music.” In an interview with Gibson TV, he spoke of the band’s debut album cover, which featured a witchlike figure portrayed by model Louisa Livingstone dressed in black, standing in an eerie, misty setting.
“The first album cover was a woman on the front with a black cloak on, and inside the cover was an inverted cross,” the guitar legend said. "That was basically a lot of the record company because of the imagery they put out, because nobody really had seen us. And then, of course, they'd see us, and because of what we played, it was scary music to them, which was really what we were trying to create. … In those days, Geezer and myself used to go and watch a lot of horror movies, and we loved them. And I thought it'd be great to have music like this – [to] create the same vibe as a horror film would do – and that was sort of what we did.”
RELATED: Andrew Watt Received Gift From Jack Osbourne to Honor Ozzy at Grammys
Black Sabbath didn’t like the heavy metal labelAlthough they’ve been credited with birthing heavy metal, the Black Sabbath bandmates didn’t always embrace the label.
Iommi told Gibson TV he was blindsided after the band spent time in the United States in the early 1970s. “I got back from America, and I've done an interview at my home with Melody Maker,” he recalled. “They said, ‘Oh, you know you're playing heavy metal.’ ‘Heavy Metal. What's that?’ ‘That's what you're playing.’ And I went, ‘No, we're heavy rock.’ He went, ‘No, no, you're heavy metal.’ I said, ‘Well, we call it heavy rock. You call it heavy metal. Call it what you like, but we're heavy rock.’ And I wouldn't accept the heavy metal thing for years.”
Butler told the BBC he also disliked the label. “At first, we didn’t like being called heavy metal,” he admitted, per Blabbermouth.net. “But everyone likes to put you into certain pigeonholes, so we sort of got used to it. And then instead of it being derogatory, it became a whole lifestyle.”
Osbourne never liked or got used to the term. “I’ve never felt comfortable about that title that they put on me – ‘metal,’” the Black Sabbath frontman explained to Spin in 2023. “Because Ozzy Osbourne plays heavy, but the bands that are [considered metal] are really heavy, and we’re all put in the same category.”
'Sammi Sweetheart' Opens up About Life Outside of 'Jersey Shore'
On a cheerful Galentine’s Day weekend in Atlantic City, Samantha "Sammi Sweetheart" Giancola was right in her element.
Inside Sweetheart Coast at Ocean Casino Resort, the Jersey Shore: Family Vacation star, 38, mingled with influencers, posed for photos and celebrated a day centered on friendship, confidence, and fun—a theme that felt especially fitting given the season of life she’s in now.
Radiating warmth and gratitude, Giancola spoke openly about the personal journey that has shaped what she calls her happiest chapter yet defined not by reality TV, but by stability, love, and family.
Of course, her story does include a return that longtime fans were thrilled to see: stepping back into the Jersey Shore universe. But for Giancola, the decision wasn’t fueled by nostalgia.
"I think I was just at a really great place in my life," she said of her decision to return to the MTV series. "I had my store in Ocean City. I had an amazing relationship with somebody who was very supportive of me going back."
That sense of grounding changed everything.
"When I came back, nothing surprised me," she added. "They’re all the same. It’s amazing how much you just fall back into the same routine."
More than anything, the experience brought comfort.
"It felt second nature to me, because I really grew up with them," she reflected. "It felt like home. [It was a] sweet feeling. Like, I can’t believe I’ve been gone for so long because it doesn’t feel like that."
Off-screen, Giancola’s life with husband Justin May and son Vincent, born in August 2025, that clearly brings her the most joy.
"I feel like I’m at the best phase in my life right now," she told Parade.
Motherhood, in particular, has profoundly reshaped her perspective, giving her a deeper appreciation for both her present and her past.
"Motherhood is just a mixed adventure for me," Giancola explained. "I just feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those times back then."
Rather than distancing herself from her early fame, she views it as an essential part of her story.
"If I didn’t go down that path, I wouldn’t be here," she said. "I’m just so thankful for where I’m at."
At the center of that gratitude is her husband, whom Giancola speaks about with unmistakable affection and admiration.
"He’s amazing," she of May. The two were married in December 2025. "Just a wonderful supporter, partner. I have my best friend, and I have a husband now."
His encouragement, she noted, has played a pivotal role in her growth, both personally and professionally.
"Without him, I probably wouldn’t have been able to accomplish half the things I have this past few years."
Watching Giancola celebrate Galentine’s Day inside her boutique at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, it’s clear that this chapter suits her effortlessly. The reality star seems most fulfilled by the quieter, more meaningful milestones: building a business, nurturing a family, and fully embracing a life she loves.
Shop Giancola's curated collection in stores and online at Sweetheart Styles.
RELATED: The Common Thread Linking Princess Diana, Madonna, and Khloé Kardashian
Former American Idol Contestant Accused of Murdering Wife
American Idol season 12 contestant Caleb Flynn is accused of murdering his wife Ashley Flynn and staging the crime scene as a home invasion.
Police responded to a 911 call made by Caleb in the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 16. According to the Tipp City Police Department, Caleb had called 911 and claimed their house had been burglarized. Ashley was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities took Caleb into custody on Thursday, Feb. 19, on several charges including murder, felony assault, and evidence tampering. Caleb has plead not guilty and is being held on a $2 million bond.
Caleb's attorney, L. Patrick Mulligan, wrote in a statement to People that his client, "looks forward to defending this case."
Mulligan also told People, "We are both disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case. When the government runs out of leads or can't develop leads and looks at a surviving spouse in cases such as these, the chance of a wrongful conviction increases."
Ashley was a mother to two daughters as well as a volleyball coach at Tippecanoe Middle School and a substitute teacher at Lifewise Academy.
"She was known for her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness, and the positive impact she had on so many — both in and out of the classroom and on the court," Tipp City Schools wrote in a social media tribute.
A GoFundMe has been made in Ashley's memory which describes her as a devoted mother whose, "laughter was contagious, she was the biggest encourager, and she loved people deeply."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org.
Walmart Has an 'Excellent Quality' 3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set for Only $23, and It's So 'Durable'
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
There’s a dizzying amount of cookware and accessories out there, and it’s hard to know what’s actually high-quality. Thankfully, the classics remain classic for a reason: wood, iron, and stainless steel. And if you’re looking to replace your plastic cooking gear with real materials, this bamboo cutting board is nearly 80% off.
The $60 Kikcoin Three-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set is down to $23 at Walmart, and comes in the classic bamboo finish seen here, along with a deeper brown finish for a few dollars more.
Kikcoin Three-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set, $23 (was $60) at WalmartThis set comes with three different boards that can handle quick veggie chops and full-on charcuterie spreads, with compartments on the largest one for seasonings. Crafted entirely from three layers of bamboo, each board has a durable finish that’s warp and crack-resistant. Grooves around the edges of each board help contain messes, and the board’s surface is gentle on knives.
Related: Walmart's 'Cute' $90 Pantry Cabinet Exudes Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen Vibes
One shopper said, “This set is very good quality. It has a nice, durable thickness.” This same shopper also wrote that the three different board sizes add a lot of versatility for “various kitchen or entertaining needs,” and that “As a family, we use these boards daily.” Another reviewer said that the boards are “beautiful” and “the quality and workmanship are excellent.”
Bamboo will require a bit more maintenance compared to a plastic cutting board, and shoppers recommend oiling the boards with mineral oil for longevity. It’s also a good idea to keep it out of the dishwasher and to wash it by hand. A helpful reviewer wrote some tips: “I would suggest that they are oiled with cutting board oil. The difference will show even when washing them.”
Shop More Deals- Kikcoin 4-Piece Cutting Board Set, $25 (was $50) at Walmart
- Astercook 4-Piece Acacia Wood Cutting Board Set, $23 (was $110) at Walmart
- Tinana Stainless Steel Cutting Board, $19 (was $33) at Walmart
An affordable and high-quality alternative to plastic, the Kikcoin Three-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set is available now for just $23. Since this is a flash deal, it could end at any moment, which means you should take advantage of it soon.
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.
Savannah Guthrie’s Mom: Sheriff Shares Major Update — But Questions Remain
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Sunday, Feb. 1. Authorities have received thousands of tips but, so far, none of the leads have led to an arrest—and none have led to Nancy, 84.
On Friday, Feb. 20, the Pima County Sheriff's Department shared a new update in the case.
"Investigators are not ruling out the possibility that more than one person may be involved," read the update, according to NewsNation's Brian Entin.
Many internet users have theorized that the person involved did not act alone, and the sheriff's latest update seems to support that idea. Social media users reacted to the latest update on X, many finding themselves with more questions.
Related: Savannah Guthrie’s Mom: Polygraph Report Remains Unconfirmed as Public Awaits Answers
"What is the point of taking an 84 year old woman? They never sent proof of life or not alive. So why did they take her? FIND NANCY. BRING NANCY HOME," one person wrote.
"It’s day 20+ and counting bro, A woman is gone. A family is grieving. And now they may have to face the possibility that multiple people stood by or worse while everything fell apart. No one deserves that. Whatever the truth is, I hope it comes out fully. For Nancy. For the people who loved her. For the peace her family desperately needs," someone else said.
"Yes that’s a deep possibility because the guy on the mask alone couldn’t have done the job alone," a third comment read.
"With hundreds of officers.. agents… DNA … AI…. and NO CLUE what happened after weeks?!? Seems odd in 2026," a fourth X user added.
Authorities believe that Nancy may have been abducted from her Arizona home in the middle of the night. The FBI has released images and videos of a subject who appeared on Nancy's front stoop around the time that they believe she was kidnapped.
READ NEXT: Savannah Guthrie’s Mom: Chilling Online Find Could Help Identify Suspect
25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1950s
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Toy designs have changed a lot over the years, but one thing remains true: they're still a pivotal part of the childhood experience. After all, letting your imagination run wild while playing with your favorite toys is one of the simple joys of being a kid. Even as adults, it's fun to reminisce and look back on the toys you were into when you were younger. We've been feeling nostalgic lately, so Parade decided to travel back in time and take a look at the most popular toys every kid wanted in the 1950s.
To create our list, Parade consulted multiple toy collectors to find out which toys resonated the most with children of the '50s. We tapped an all-star team consisting of the following pros: Grant Zahajko, the owner and auctioneer of Grant Zahajko Auctions LLC, Christopher Byrne (aka The Toy Guy), a toy analyst, researcher and consultant, and Phil Weiss of Weiss Auctions.
Together, our experts share a comprehensive list of all the hottest toys kids couldn't wait to get their hands on in the 1950s. The best part? Some of them are still popular today!
From action figures to board games and everything in between, there's bound to be at least one or two toys on this list that spark some fond memories. Think we missed something? Leave us a comment and share your favorite 1950s toys.
Related: 7 Best ’50s Hairstyles, According to a Celebrity Stylist
Similar to many other decades, the 1950s had a unique vibe and a whole crop of toys that defined a generation.
"The 1950's revolutionized the toy industry with the advent of television advertising,
plastic molding and postwar prosperity," Zahajko tells Parade. "Iconic debuts included Mr. Potato Head, Silly Putty, Play-Doh, the Hula Hoop and Barbie, alongside staples like Matchbox cars, Fisher-Price and Frisbees."
Byrne describes the 1950s as a "significant time in the toy industry."
"With the end of World War II, plastics and other materials developed for World War II were finding their way into consumer products," he explains. "The first Boomers were emerging as a viable market, particularly teenagers. It was really during this period that teenagers as we know them today emerged and became a social force."
He also notes that the modern toy industry emerged from this decade with a focus on "youth, increased free time and the boom of media."
"For the first time, kids around the country were unified by what they saw on TV," he explains. "There probably wasn’t a bigger icon of the era (at least for kids) than Captain Kangaroo. Starting in 1955, if a toy appeared on that show, it became a hit. Colorforms, Schwinn Bikes, Crayola 64 Crayon Box and many more got into kids’ lives via the Treasure House."
Unsplash
Zahajko says the 1958 hula hoop craze was "a massive, short-lived, mid-century fad."
"At the height of its popularity (around 1959), more than 25 million hoops were sold in the U.S. in four months," Byrne adds. "The basic hoop was $1.99 when it launched, and a giant hoop was $2.99."
Something interesting about this toy was the fact that "the entire culture took it for a spin," per Byrne, meaning adults were also curious to get in on the trend.
Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Silly Putty was originally created "as an alternative to rubber," per Byrne, but it didn't work so well since it bounced.
"As a means of expediency and since it was around Easter, the first distributor, Peter Hodgson, packed it in plastic eggs that he could ship in egg cartons. It’s still made [that way]," he says.
Weiss calls Silly Putty one of his "all-time favorites."
"It could be rolled into a ball and bounced. And when you were finished, you could store it back in the plastic egg-shaped container it came in," he says.
R. Dias/ClassicStock/Getty Images
"Mr. Potato Head broke one of the cardinal rules of childhood: Don’t play with your food," Byrne states. "It became one of the most popular toys of the decade. The early models were a body with a spike, which you could put a real potato on (and later, other veggies) to decorate."
Mr. Potato Head also made history when it became the first toy advertised on TV in 1952, per Zahajko. This "revolutionized marketing by being the first ad campaign targeted directly at children rather than parents," he says.
In the 1960s, a plastic potato was released.
Colin Walton/Getty Images
Mr. Potato Head and Slinky have one special thing in common: they're both toys that became iconic characters in the Toy Story film series.
Slinky toys were invented in 1943, but Zahajko notes that they didn't make their public debut until 1945 in the Gimbels Department store in Philadelphia, PA.
Per the Strong National Museum of Play, mechanical engineer Richard James invented the Slinky "by accident."
"In 1943, he was working to devise springs that could keep sensitive ship equipment steady at sea," the museum's website reads. "After accidentally knocking some samples off a shelf, he watched in amazement as they gracefully 'walked' down instead of falling. Along with his wife, Betty, James developed a plan to turn his invention into the next big novelty toy."
Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images
"Play-Doh started life as a wallpaper cleaner. When Joe McVicker realized it could be modeled, he made a batch for his sister-in-law’s preschool class, and they loved it. The rest is history," Byrne says. "Play-Doh has been part of every generation since, and its smell is iconic, even inspiring a perfume in 2006 for its 50th anniversary. Play-Doh is still made today, and while slime and compounds are hot right now, Play-Doh is holding its own."
6. Lincoln LogsH. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images
"Lincoln Logs were invented around 1916 by John Lloyd Wright, the second son of well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright," Zahajko shares. "The famous construction toy was inspired by his father’s earthquake-resistant design for the Imperial Hotel."
While playing, kids could stack the logs to build log cabins. The toy remains relevant to this day and was inducted into the Strong National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Related: Labubu Restock Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Snag One
M
Like many great inventions, Colorforms came about by accident.
"Art students Harry and Patricia Kislevitz were making shapes out of vinyl sheets when they discovered they would stick to the walls," Byrne shares. "They started small, selling their sets, which were more abstract shapes, through FAO Schwarz. But, wait for it, when it was shown on Captain Kangaroo, the sets really took off."
As a result, Colorforms had an "expansive licensing program with characters ranging from Shari Lewis to The Dukes of Hazzard," he says.
As a child, Weiss was fond of Colorforms and enjoyed that you could make your own scenes and stories "by peeling plastic-shaped images of objects and people and placing them down to form pictures."
evemilla
Yo-yos were hot in the 1950s, but Zahajko says they're actually "one of the world's oldest toys."
"Yo-yos have roots tracing back to roughly 500 B.C. in Greece, and possibly earlier in China," he states. "While ancient versions were made of clay or wood, the modern toy was popularized in the 1920s by Filipino immigrant Pedro Flores, with Donald Duncan later revolutionizing its marketing."
DaveAlan/Getty Images
Weiss calls this next toy one of his "favorites" but admits that its design is "a bit frustrating."
"It's a TV screen with dials that allowed the user to draw lines and images," he explains. "You could erase the screen by shaking it and start again."
Etch A Sketch turned out to have real staying power and is still around today.
CatLane/Getty Images
"Ever since its debut at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, the View-Master has fascinated and engrossed children and adults alike and offered three-dimensional images," Zahajko says.
According to the Strong National Museum of Play, the original View-Master featured reels with "views of scenic attractions around the country." Fast forward to 1951, and View-Master acquired film-strip production company Tru-Vue and "licensing rights to all Disney characters." The brand would later create reels of "virtually every major kids’ show and motion picture."
K.M. Westermann/Getty Images
Barbie wasn't created until 1959, but she still caused quite a stir in the late 1950s and is now one of the most popular toys around.
"Barbie, based on the German novelty doll Bild Lilli, became Ruth Handler’s crusade," Byrne explains. "Over the objections of the male Mattel management, she got it on the market as a way for kids to play out their aspirations for being teenagers."
Before Barbie was released, he notes, most fashion dolls were paper dolls.
"Ruth changed all that," Byrne states.
RobMattingley/Getty Images
When Fisher-Price debuted its Safety School Bus in 1959, Little People figurines became a hit, per Byrne.
"What followed was a bunch of sets that kids loved," he shares. "Over the years, the characters have become more realistic, and now they are collectibles with many different characters being memorialized as Little People."
BrendanHunter/Getty Images
Byrne says Gumby was "one of the first TV-inspired toys" and was based on Art Clokey’s claymation show.
"Gumby was loved for his whimsical, childlike nature. With his best pal Pokey the horse, he was just weird enough to be adorable," the toy expert says. "He had more or less retreated into toy obscurity until Eddie Murphy brought him back on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s. It was one of the first examples of a kids’ toy becoming an ironic comic bit for the now-older kids who’d loved the original when it first came out."
Related: 35 Things in Your House Right Now That Could Be Worth Money, According to Certified Appraisers
Bob Olsen/Toronto Star via Getty Images
In the 1940s, Lynn Baker, Avery Crounse and Alvin Tesch invented Mound Metalcraft. The brand was later renamed Tonka Trucks.
"Tonka originally manufactured garden tools. After acquiring patents for metal toys in 1947, the company shifted to producing durable, pressed-steel toy trucks, becoming a global leader by the 1960s," Zahajko says.
Owen Humphreys - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images
Have you ever wondered where Matchbox cars got their name?
"They were named that because creator Jack Odell put the miniature car he made for his daughter in a matchbox so she could take it to school," Byrne explains.
Although they weren't the first die-cast cars, Matchbox cars "seemed to capture kids' imaginations," he shares.
"No one ever really knows why, but they were very present in displays in 5-and-10-cent stores, which prompted kids to want to collect that brand in particular. Plus, they expanded from contemporary replicas to Models of Yesteryear and later introduced playsets and road-building sets," the toy pro says. "Of course, as manufacturing became more sophisticated over the decade, the models became more realistic. They’re still made today by Mattel, and there is a huge collector community."
Pictorial Parade/Getty Images
Zahajko refers to the 1950s as the "Golden Age of Lionel trains."
"The company peaked in popularity, innovation and sales, driven by post-war prosperity and aggressive marketing," he says.
Per the Strong National Museum of Play, engineering entrepreneur Joshua Lionel Cowen created the Lionel Manufacturing Company after customers noticed his electric train in a store window around 1900.
"Lionel built its reputation on train sets noted for their authentic detail, smooth-operating three-rail tracks, and transformers that allowed kids to vary the speed of their trains," the website reads. "This control, along with rolling stock of coal cars, refrigerated cars, and box cars, gave boys an appealing real-world sense of commerce and success."
Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
While looking back on the 1950s, Weiss notes that the decade was "loaded with great TV Western character toys."
"Cap gun sets, costumes, board games and other merchandise based on characters like Gunsmoke, Roy Rogers, Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Paladin, etc," he shares. "These toys today are only of interest to the old-timers who remember watching them."
Fuse/Getty Images
WHEE-Lo toys were a fad in the 1950s, per Weiss, but you can still find similar toys today.
"It's a handheld wire mechanism with a spinning wheel that circled back and forth with the action of your wrist," he shares. "To me, it was entertaining for a short time, but then got monotonous and boring. But it was incredibly popular back then."
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
TV shows have been inspiring toys for ages. In the 1950s, Weiss says that Howdy Doody was one of many shows that spurred the creation of different toys.
"Pelham Puppet Company made marionettes of all the characters and made a cardboard accessory theater to put on shows with them," he notes. "In the original boxes, they are still pricey today, but not a long-lasting popular toy for the kids. I think once the show left the air, the popularity of the toys decreased, except to those that wanted to get their childhood back."
e
After Candy Land was invented in the 1940s, generations of children have grown up playing the game. It went on to become a "long-lasting board game of the 1950s," per Weiss.
"It's still popular even today. It was a bestselling board game of that period," he says.
powerofforever/Getty Images
Zahajko says this "classic, interconnected construction toy" was very popular in the 1950s. The toy dates back to 1914 when stonemason Charles Pajeau invented it "after observing children playing with sticks and spools," he shares.
"The original design was based on Pythagorean theory to allow for 90-degree triangles, featuring wooden sticks and spools," he says.
2windspa/Getty Images
Equally beloved by humans and dogs alike, frisbees have been a sporty toy that has delighted generations of children and adults. Per Zahajko, Yale students used to toss metal pans from the Frisbie Pie Company and shout "Frisbie" to warn passersby.
"However, disc sports can be traced back much further than that via many forms. The ancient Greeks were competing in discus from the 8th century B.C.," he says.
According to Byrne, Walter Morrison partnered with Wham-O to develop Frisbees, and it then "became a mass-market sensation."
"In the early years, it wasn’t promoted as a toy but rather as a sport," he notes.
eBay
This popular game was based on something pretty gross, according to Byrne: lice.
"William Herbert Schaper called it 'educational,' but really what you were trying to do was be the first to build your cootie bug and then do 'the cootie dance' to celebrate (think of the song 'Cooties' from Hairspray the musical)," he says.
DeAgostini/Getty Images
Weiss notes that many companies began producing tin toys after World War II. Examples include tin toy robots, which Weiss says are still popular today and "have consistently increased in value over the years."
"Robby the Robot was based on the 1956 movie Forbidden Planet. This toy has variations, with my favorite being Robby in a space car. Radicon Robot is another classic, and the list is endless," he shares.
Mario Perez/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
When the Parker Brothers acquired rights to this board game, they called it "the game of global domination," per Byrne.
"It was hugely successful as game launches go, but gameplay could take days. In recent years, Hasbro has introduced updated rules to make the game shorter," he says.
Per the Strong National Museum of Play, Risk players "control armies of tokens on a world map board in attempts to capture adjoining territories from other players, battling by rolls of the dice." To win the game, you need to defeat your opponents and occupy all 42 territories on the board.
Up Next:
Related: 17 VHS Tapes Worth a Lot of Money, According to Collectors
Sources:- Grant Zahajko is the owner and auctioneer of Grant Zahajko Auctions LLC.
- Christopher Byrne, aka The Toy Guy, is a toy analyst, researcher and consultant.
- Phil Weiss is a second-generation expert in books and stamps who owns and operates Weiss Auctions with his wife Emily.
Only Eagle-Eyed Readers Can Spot the Two Fake Logos in 15 Seconds
Think you know your Apple from your Amazon?
A new Wall Street-inspired brain teaser is challenging readers to find two fake company logos hidden among some of the biggest names in the S&P 500—and you’ve only got 15 seconds to do it.
Gainify
The puzzle, created by investment tracking platform Gainify.io, features a grid packed with logos from some of the most influential companies in the world, including Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla, Alphabet (Google), Meta, NVIDIA, Berkshire Hathaway, Broadcom and Walmart.
RELATED: This Simple Lineup Puzzle Is Trickier Than It Looks — Most People Can’t Solve It
At first glance, everything looks perfectly normal. The familiar bitten Apple. The curved Amazon smile. The colorful Google “G.” But look closely—because two of the logos have been subtly altered.
The challenge is simple: can you find both impostors in under 15 seconds?
If you can, you’re said to have 20/20 vision and the attention to detail of a Wall Street trader.
Andrius Budnikas, CEO of Gainify.io, said the puzzle was designed to combine financial literacy with a bit of fun.
“We wanted to create something that combines financial literacy with a bit of fun. These are some of the world's most valuable companies, the brands we see every day, but how well do we really know them? This puzzle tests whether you can spot when something's not quite right, which is actually a pretty valuable skill in investing, too.”
Need a hint? Focus on the top half of the grid and pay close attention to the fruit and shopping logos.
Still stuck?
👇 Scroll for the answer.
THE ANSWERGainify
The two altered logos are:
- The Apple logo in the second row on the left—its iconic bite has been “repaired.”
- The Walmart spark logo in the top row—it has five rays instead of the usual six.
If you spotted both in under 15 seconds, congratulations—your observation skills are sharper than most.
IKEA Is Selling a Sturdy Bookcase With a Secret Foldable Table, and Shoppers Call It 'Perfect'
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
I don't know what it is about a good space-saving hack, but it genuinely thrills me. Show me a storage ottoman, a fold-down desk or a shelf that somehow fits perfectly into that weird sliver of wall space, and I'm sold. You simply cannot tell me there isn't something satisfying about making a room work smarter, not harder.
Maybe it's because I've lived in my fair share of homes with, let's call them "personality-filled" layouts. Angled walls and random alcoves—I've seen it all. When you're dealing with quirks like that, a smart piece of furniture isn't just nice, it's actually transformative. Like magic, an awkward nook becomes a reading spot, and the too-narrow hallway becomes functional storage.
BILLY Bookcase with Foldable Table, $170 at IKEAIKEA
After hearing all of that, it probably goes without saying that the IKEA BILLY Bookcase with a built-in foldable table is the kind of space-saving hack that makes my heart flutter. For $170, you get what looks like a standard three-tier BILLY bookcase, but au contraire. Instead, you can slide the bottom two shelves away from the top shelf to reveal a fold-out table that's perfect when you need a desk or even a spot to eat a meal.
It's all sorts of amazing because you don't have to remove anything from the shelves when you slide out the table portion. Everything can stay in its place—no fuss, no muss.
My fellow space savers love this addition to the BILLY bookcase line as much as I do.
"We purchased this for our kids," writes an IKEA shopper in their review. "It works great as an additional bookcase between our two other Billy bookcases. Allowing for it to display books for our children in a recommended reads space and when they want to write or draw we pull it out for them to complete those activities. We have limited space where this located and helped remove a stand-a-lone desk and chair set we had here that was under utilized and in a walking path."
Another IKEA customer loves it for her sewing room, proving that it isn't just a great option for kids' rooms, which tend to be smaller.
"This works perfectly to have a stowable cutting space for my sewing room," they wrote. "Even on carpet, it opens smoothly—you just have to make sure not to have too much weight on the lower shelves. (You could always add one of the mats for rolling desk chairs, too.) I got two to have a larger cutting space, and I'm so excited to have all of the table space with shelves."
So, go ahead, add some storage and a usable work surface, too. It's a genius solution to common small space problems.
Related: Kohl's Chic Set of Stoneware Bowls Bring Marbled Elegance to Your Table
Netflix's Action Thriller Just Hit Over 108 Million Views—Making It One of the Streamer's Biggest Movie Releases
If you need an action film to binge-watch this weekend, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon'slatest project is calling your name.
The Hollywood legends and real-life best friends handed Netflix one of its biggest streaming wins with The Rip, in which they star as a Tactical Narcotics Team who investigate a $20 million tip in Miami.
Based on a true story, the film was released on Jan. 16 and immediately dominated Netflix's global charts.
Per Variety, it debuted to 41.6 million views in the first three days on the platform, marking Netflix's biggest film opening since Happy Gilmore 2 in July, which garnered 46.7 million.
It remained in the top spot for three straight weeks, eventually dethroned by The Investigation of Lucy Letby.
Driven by Affleck and Damon's star power, it clocked about 104 million views across 35 days (or five weeks), placing it in the top 10 for Netflix's biggest movie debuts ever.
In addition to Happy Gilmore 2, Netflix saw massive success with Red Notice, which currently holds the record with 75.6 million views in its debut.
A month after its premiere, The Rip is still holding strong in 6th place for the week of February 9 through the 16, with 4.7 million views this week, bringing the total to over 108 million total.
And it's not surprising as its receieved a 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many underscoring that it's a solid crime thriller that leverages the Hollywood stars' classic chemistry. The Wrap's Matt Goldberg expressed that it "feels like a nice throwback to '90s genre pictures," though there's always room for improvement as it "pulls a few too many punches."
What Is The Rip About?"Finding a secret stash of millions wages internal conflict for a group of Miami officers, pushing trust, loyalty and self-preservation into sharp and dangerous focus," the synopsis notes.
In addition to Affleck and Damon, it also stars Sasha Calle, Teyana Taylor and Scott Adkins.
The Dynamic Duo's Other FilmsAfter The Rip, Affleck and Damon are set to collaborate as producers in Animals.
Prior to their Netflix hit, they joined forces for 2023's Air, centered on the true story of how Michael Jordan signed an industry-changing shoe deal with Nike, along with 2021's The Last Duel, set in 14th century France.
The Oscar winners frequently collaborated in the 1990s and early 2000s on hits like Good Will Hunting and Dogma, before taking a 15-year-hiatus to establish themselves as stars, before reuniting both on-screen and off-screen.
‘Gilmore Girls’ Star Reveals the Awkward Mistake She Made on Her First Day With Jared Padalecki
Actress Arielle Kebbel revealed she made a mistake upon first meeting her Gilmore Girlsco-star, Jared Padalecki.
In a February 2026 interview with Us Weekly, alongside her I Can Only Imagine 2 and Gilmore Girls co-star Milo Ventimiglia, Kebbel referenced that she played Dean Forester's (Padalecki) wife, Lindsay, on the hit WB show, which had a seven-season run until 2007. Kebbel revealed she accidentally called Padalecki by his Gilmore Girls character's name when they were first introduced.
"I actually accidentally called him Dean in Hair and Makeup when I met him because I was so nervous. I was playing it cool, like, 'What’s up, Dean?'" said Kebbel during the Us Weekly interview.
Ventimiglia, who played Gilmore Girls character Jess Mariano, inquired how Padalecki reacted to Kebbel calling him Dean. According to Kebbel, "he was really nice about it."
"Because that’s who Dean is, and that’s who Jared is," said Kebbel to Ventimiglia.
The actress, who joined the Gilmore Girls cast in season 3, also shared that Padalecki was her "first onscreen kiss."
Jared Padalecki Spoke About His 'Gilmore Girls' Character in a November 2025 InterviewPadalecki opened up about his time on Gilmore Girls during a November 2025 interview with People magazine, alongside his former castmate, Matt Czuchry, who played Logan Huntzberger. The actor, who was cast as Dean when he was just 17, referenced that his character had plenty of flaws, specifically regarding his relationship with Lindsay. As fans are aware, Dean had an affair with Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) while he was married to Lindsay.
Padalecki said while he wouldn't behave the same way Dean did, he appreciated that Gilmore Girls never shied away from the characters making mistakes.
"I think it's really important that it kind of humanized a lot of characters. Like even these great characters, you know, Rory did things that I'm sure Alexis wouldn't have done or vice versa," said the Supernatural actor during the interview. "I think one of the reasons it's so universal is that these are people. These are fleshed out people and it's not just, 'Hey, we're all perfect and speak really quickly and we are quippy and intelligent and erudite. And we never make mistakes.' It's like, no, we had a hiccup here. And now your tribe and your community, your family, your friends are going to rally up and kind of like get you back on your feet and carry on."
Oscar-Winning Film's New York Premiere Was 74 Years Ago Today
74 years ago on Friday, this iconic film premiered in New York City, before its nationwide release a little over a month later, on March 21, 1952.
The African Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, opened on Feb. 20, 1952, at the Capitol Theatre in Manhattan. The Capitol was a frequent site of world premieres during the first half of the 20th century before closing on Sept 16. 1968. The theatre was replaced by the Uris Building, now Paramount Plaza. The movie originally premiered in Los Angeles on Dec. 26, 1951, so it could qualify for the 24th Academy Awards, which had an eligibility cut-off date of Dec 31. 1951.
Directed by John Huston and produced by Sam Speigel and John Woolf, the adventure film is an adaptation of the 1935 novel of the same name written by C.S. Forester that follows Captain Charlie Allnut (Bogart) and Rose Sayer (Hepburn), a missionary, who both navigate a treacherous river on a small steamboat to attack a German gunboat. Other cast included Robert Morley, Peter Bull, Walter Gotell, Richard Marner and Theodore Bikel.
The African Queen's Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart on a U.S postcard.LMPC via Getty Images
Reviews for The African Queen were generally positive, and it made about $4 million at the box office in North America and $6 million worldwide. Over 40 years after its release, the movie was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1994, as the Library of Congress deemed the film "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."
In addition, the film was nominated at the Oscars for Best Screenplay, while Huston and Hepburn snagged nominations for Best Director and Best Actress, respectively. Bogart, who was 52 years old at the time, earned his first and only Academy Award for Best Actor before he passed away five years later.
"It's a very long way from the Belgian Congo to the stage of the Pantages Theatre, and I'm very glad to say that it's a little nicer here than it was there," Bogart, who went by the nickname "Bogie," said at the beginning of his acceptance speech. "I just want to pay a slight, as a matter of fact, a very big tribute to Mr. John Huston and Miss Katherine Hepburn because they helped me to be where I am now."
Actor Humphrey Bogart holding his Best Actor Oscar for the film 'The African Queen', with presenter Claire Trevor, at the 24th Academy Awards, Los Angeles, March 20th 1952.Archive Photos/Getty Images
The African Queen can be purchased on Apple TV for $3.99 or watched for free on YouTube.
Related: Elizabeth Taylor’s Emotional Interview Resurfaces on 70th Anniversary of James Dean's Death
Bianca Censori Debuts Bold Hair Transformation in Outing With Kanye West
Bianca Censori just debuted a bold hair transformation during an outing with her husband, Kanye West.
Earlier this week, the former Yeezy architectural designer, 31, stepped out with her rapper spouse, 48, in Los Angeles for a dinner date.
In photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Censori put on a leggy display in a form-fitting blue bodysuit with sheer tights and heels. Although she wore a black jacket with the hood up, mostly blocking her face, the snaps revealed that the Australian model traded in her dark eyebrows for bleach-blond eyebrows.
West, meanwhile, donned a gray hoodie with black leather pants and black shoes.
See Censori's blond eyebrows here.
This isn't the first time Censori has turned heads with a sudden style switch-up. In August 2025, she traded her typically revealing fashion sense for a super conservative look — by rocking an oversized, black coat and a brown newsboy cap with a pair of silver sparkly boots.
That same month, West's ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, made a bold fashion statement that drew comparisons to Censori’. Kardashian, now 45, donned a brown fur coat with nothing underneath in snaps shared via Instagram. She also wore her controversial SKIMS facial shapewear in the photos.
In other risqué fashion moments, Censori rocked a different bodysuit with sheer tights during a Januarydate night with West. She also sported a series of sheer looks and looked unrecognizable in a different totally see-through outfit in July 2025. Additionally, Censori put on a leggy display in a pantsless look and put on a busty display in a cheeky thong bodysuit in June.
Meanwhile, Censori’s younger sister, Angelina Censori, has posted her fair share of eyebrow-raising outfits that channeled Bianca’s daring fashion sense in recent months, too.
Next: Bianca Censori Parades Ample Assets in See-Through Thong Underwear
'The Traitors' Star Candiace Dillard Bassett's Husband Slams Rob Rausch: 'He Don't Like Women'
The Traitors U.S. and former Real Housewives of Potomac star Candiace Dillard Bassett's husband is coming to her defense following her banishment from the castle.
Bassett was booted from The Traitors castle after her fellow traitor and Love Island USA star, Rob Rausch, successfully swayed the vote during the roundtable deliberations.
Bassett's husband, Chris Bassett, called out his wife's costar in an X post on Thursday Feb. 19.
The way #RobRausch is going up for Eric and protecting him while his name is being mentioned….but signed off on and led the charge against Lisa and Candiace….HE DONT LIKE WOMEN!! #TheTraitorsUS
— Chris Bassett (@cbassett33) February 20, 2026"The way #RobRausch is going up for Eric and protecting him while his name is being mentioned.....but signed off on and led the charge against Lisa and Candiace....HE DONT LIKE WOMEN!! #TheTraitorsUS," he wrote.
The X post is in reference to the latest episode where Rausch chose to protect newly recruited traitor Eric Nam after the elimination of Bassett and Lisa Rinna.
A fan replied to Chris' X post saying, "Lisa's days were numbered. Natalie even said it tonight, u have to keep the players who will have ur back. And let's be real, Candiace went at Rob, Rob didn't go at Candiace. I genuinely think if she didn't say his name, she'd still be in the game right now."
Bassett's husband stood by his initial post and responded to the fan, writing, "Rob was never working with a woman…he has shown this the whole series….and he literally led the charge against Candiace."
Speaking on her elimination from The Traitors, Bassett told Entertainment Weekly, that Black people, "are expressive and we are a colorful personality in the room. And when you're in a game where everyone's senses are heightened, I think it's easier to go to the glitter in the room, the star in the room, and begin to question those people."
She added, "It was interesting to bear witness to those biases and have it serve as a reminder to all of us and hopefully to the audience that this is something that we should all be looking out for and trying to thwart."
The Season 4 finale and reunion of The Traitors streams Thursday, Feb. 26 on Peacock.
‘Brady Bunch’ Star Maureen McCormick Shares Emotional Tribute on Special Day
A former star of The Brady Bunch shared a powerful message on a day that holds a very special place in her heart. Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady in the iconic television show, took to Instagram on National Caregiver's Day to thank her parents.
Related: Maureen McCormick Pays Tribute to Late Co-Star From One of Her First TV Roles
On February 20, McCormick posted a snapshot of her family from years ago on her Instagram page. In the caption, she wrote, "Happy #NationalCaregiversDay. So grateful to my Mom and Dad who sacrificed each and every day with a heart full of love and patience for my brother Denny."
View this post on InstagramOver the years, McCormick has spoken about her brother Denny frequently. As the Special Olympics website notes in a bio for McCormick, her brother has intellectual disabilities.
McCormick has often praised her parents for the care they provided Denny, calling them her role models. The Brady Bunch star herself has also become a fierce advocate for others who also live with intellectual disabilities.
Related: Former 'Brady Bunch' Star Pleads With Fans in Emphatic PSA: 'Spreading the Word'
In the caption of her new Instagram post, McCormick not only thanked her parents, but she added a message for others like them.
"To all the caregivers in my life and to all caregivers everywhere, THANK YOU! YOU are my HEROES!"
Fans and some of McCormick's colleagues flooded the comment section of her Instagram post with words of support.
Holly Robinson Peete, who has a son who has autism, commented, "Beautiful photo. You are such an amazing loving sister. I'm so glad to know you."
View this post on InstagramA number of McCormick's Instagram followers left red heart emojis as comments, and some asked how Denny was doing.
One fan shared, "The apple certainly did not fall far from the tree. Love conquers all."
Another comment read, "Such special people. Love our caretakers in the world! Angels on earth."
Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi, 38, Reveals Cancer Diagnosis and Plans to Undergo Hysterectomy Surgery
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi has been diagnosed with cervical cancer after undergoing a biopsy.
The Jersey Shore star, 38, revealed her diagnosis in a Friday, February 20, TikTok video after first sharing her health scare with fans in January.
“Now I’m transferred over to the oncologist,” she said. “My results came back from my cone biopsy, you guys, and it came back stage 1 cervical cancer.”
She continued: “Obviously not the news that I was hoping for. But also not the worst news just because they caught it so early, thank freaking God. And that’s why I’m literally telling you guys to get your Pap smears done. I’m 38 years old. I’ve been struggling with abnormal Pap smears for, like, three [to] four years now, and now look at me. Instead of just putting it off because I didn’t wanna go and it hurt and I was scared, no, I just went and did it, and it was there. Cancer’s in there, and it’s only stage 1.”
Polizzi assured fans that her cancer is “curable” at this stage “if I do all the things right.”
“Once you go to stage 2, then I think you have to do the chemo, and doing the hysterectomy, I mean, it’s gonna help, but you still have to get the chemo done,” she explained. “Nobody wants to do that. It’s scary.”
Polizzi then elaborated on the results of her biopsy while acknowledging that she is “just learning this because it’s literally all just happening in real time.”
“They took a chunk out of my cervix, and they said the margins came back clear, which means the chunk that they took out, that was the tumor, the cancer that was in there, but then around it was clear,” she said. “There were no cancer cells on that, which means it didn’t go up into the cervix, which is a good thing. Obviously it can still spread in my body.”
Next, Polizzi will undergo a scheduled PET scan that will “detect if the cancer’s spread [and] if it’s anywhere else in my body, like the lymph nodes.”
“Then after that, I’m gonna probably get the hysterectomy because the oncologist said you can either do chemo, radiation or the hysterectomy. Obviously I think the smart choice here is a hysterectomy,” she shared. “I’ll still keep my ovaries, which is a good sign, but gotta get the cervix and the uterus out. And then possibly lymph nodes because it can go to that. So, I guess it all depends on the PET scan.”
According to Polizzi, she wanted to keep fans updated on her health journey because many women suffer from her same diagnosis without support.
“2026 is not panning out how I wanted it to but also could be worse,” she said. “Even though it’s not the news that I wanted to get and I still have to do further things to get rid of this, I just feel like it’s very common in women.”
Polizzi thanked fans for their well-wishes and reassured them, “Everything’s going to be fine. I’m going to tackle this and get it done.”
Polizzi—who shares son Lorenzo, 13, daughter Giovanna, 11, and son Angelo, 6, with husband Jionni LaValle—initially went public with her health scare in January, revealing that she needed to undergo a cone biopsy after her doctor found cancerous cells at the top of her cervix.
“I’m terrified,” she confessed at the time. “It’s scary, but we have to get it done because cervical cancer is nothing to joke about.”
Despite the fact that she is done having children, Polizzi also acknowledged that “the thought of getting a hysterectomy is scary.” However, she insisted she’s willing to do “whatever it takes to keep me healthy and safe—and keep me here for the kids that I have now.”
Inside HGTV's Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel's NYC Apartment: Video
HGTV favorite Jonathan Scott and fiancée Zooey Deschanel fully renovated their dream home in Los Angeles, but they also have a dream apartment in New York City.
The Property Brothers star took fans on a virtual tour of their stunning renovated Manhattan estate.
"Jonathan Scott opens the doors to his NYC apartment and shares what it really looks like to build a home in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world. This is not a staged showroom," the video description explains. "He walks through the full space and breaks down the real decisions behind it. How to make smart storage look intentional. How to blend two strong design styles into one cohesive home while living together with Zooey. Every layout choice matters. He shares the big ideas and even the small details, down to the patterns in the floor. Jonathan shares what worked, and how they made the apartment feel personal instead of temporary."
Fans get an inside look at the stunning wallpapers throughout, the hand-drawn mural in the entryway, sweeping 15-foot ceilings, and unique light fixtures.
"I wanted you guys to see what it literally looks like day to day when we're just here and we're using it," Scott told viewers.
The couple merged their decor styles brilliantly, pulling in antique artwork, floral wallpapers, old-world charm and bold colors throughout.
I Tried Elizabeth Taylor’s Favorite Pasta—It’s Simple but Stunning
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Some dishes arrive at the table with a history already attached. Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor is one of them: a plate of pasta tied to a place, a person and a moment in Italian hospitality. The dish traces its origins high above the Ligurian coast at the Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino, a former monastery turned panoramic refuge that's attracted Hollywood stars for decades. As a frequent guest throughout the 1960s, Elizabeth Taylor returned to the hotel often, finding a constant between film shoots, marriages and honeymoons.
Years later, Corrado Corti, the executive chef at La Terrazza, the hotel's signature restaurant, began piecing that history together. As he consulted longtime staff whose memories stretched back to Taylor’s visits, one detail consistently emerged. “Others confided in me that when Elizabeth Taylor stayed here, she particularly loved spaghetti with tomato sauce," Corti tells Parade.
That revelation started Corti on a culinary mission: to take the most humble of Italian staples and make it worthy of the woman who requested it. “I felt the need to include a tomato pasta dish on the menu, but one that wasn’t trivial," he explains.
Using that as his guide, Corti crafted Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor. It's not a simple marinara, but rather a layered expression of care: three kinds of tomatoes, treated in three distinct ways, combined into a single plate that continues to anchor La Terrazza’s menu. Though it now costs forty euros, its true value has always been affection, familiarity and the quiet luxury of being known.
To get a taste of la dolce vita at home, I tried the recipe in my kitchen. Read on to find out how it went and how you can make the dish at your house, too.
Related: Sophia Loren’s Simple Spaghetti Sauce Is a Weeknight Winner
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Parade Eats newsletter. 🍳🍔
Courtesy Theresa Greco
Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor may resemble a classic pomodoro at first glance, but in practice, it's a study in what Corti calls "complex simplicity."
"I love to highlight the soul of the dish without distracting the palate," he explains. That clarity emerges from three expressions of local tomatoes, layered for both contrast and continuity to give a familiar flavor a quiet sophistication.
Technique is only part of the appeal of this dish; the legacy provides the rest. Taylor was a huge fan of Portofino, the location of four of her honeymoons. It's also reportedly where Richard Burton first proposed to the Hollywood icon on the balcony of Splendido Suite 471 in 1964, when she was on a break from filming Cleopatra. It's fun to think of her enjoying a simple pasta dish like this one in the midst of her romantic bliss.
Courtesy Theresa Greco
Having spent a good deal of time along the Ligurian coast myself, I’ve seen how often a famous name or a glamorous view can outshine the actual meal. As I made the dish in my kitchen, I couldn’t help but wonder whether it could truly stand on its own.
Related: The East Coast Way To Make Chicken Pasta 10x Better
Ingredients NeededCourtesy Theresa Greco
In a recipe with so few components, there's nowhere for a mediocre ingredient to hide. If you start with a tomato that has no soul or an olive oil that's flat, you've already lost half the battle. "The choice of ingredients certainly makes up 50% of the recipe itself," shares Corti.
You can get the full recipe on the hotel's website, but here are the ingredients you need to put it together: datterini tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), fresh thyme, brown sugar, lemon zest, sea salt, canned San Marzano tomatoes, spaghetti, fresh cherry tomatoes, Ligurian olive oil, garlic, fresh basil and dried oregano.
Related: That's Amaro: I Ranked 15 of My Favorite Herbal Italian Liqueurs From Good to Great
How To Make This SpaghettiTo bring this dish to life, start by preheating your oven to 200°F. Because fresh datterini are hard to find, I swapped them for grape tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes in half and arrange them, cut sides up, on a large baking tray. Sprinkle them with chopped thyme, brown sugar, lemon zest and sea salt.
Courtesy Theresa Greco
Let them roast for three hours until they are soft and deeply caramelized. While the tomatoes roast, turn your attention to the San Marzano tomatoes. Drain them, reserving the liquid, and slice the tomatoes into thin strips.
Courtesy Theresa Greco
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it's al dente. In a large pan, begin the sauté phase, but instead of the cherry tomatoes the recipe suggests, use canned datterini if you can find them (more on my tomato swaps in the tip section below). Sautéing them quickly with olive oil and garlic protects their delicate texture while letting their premium sweetness pop.
Courtesy Theresa Greco
Once the tomatoes are tender, stir in the sliced San Marzano tomatoes and their reserved juice, simmering on medium-high for about five minutes until the sauce is beautifully reduced.
Courtesy Theresa Greco
After adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar, toss the al dente spaghetti directly into the pan with a splash of pasta water to ensure every strand is coated.
Courtesy Theresa Greco
Finally, fold in those chewy, caramelized roasted tomatoes along with fresh basil and oregano, tossing everything together before serving.
Courtesy Theresa Greco
Related: The Italian Home Cook Trick for Making Creamy Pasta Sauce Without the Cream
Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor: My Honest ThoughtsCourtesy Theresa Greco
I honestly loved everything about this dish. At first glance, it looks like just another bowl of pomodoro, but it is so much more than that. It honestly feels like the Italy I have fallen in love with: authentic, totally unpretentious and all about the quality of the harvest.
What really blew me away were the three different layers of tomatoes. Preparing each variety in its own way added a level of texture and brightness that takes a simple pasta and makes it something special. Tracking down the specific tomatoes takes a bit more work, but I'm telling you, the payoff is worth it.
This recipe is a great reminder that making something this ambitious isn't just about putting in the time. You have to really stay on top of all the moving parts and understand how the flavors layer together. It took a bit of work, but the results are incredible. I will definitely be making this again. It’s the kind of meal that reminds me of Elizabeth Taylor: simple, timeless and completely fabulous.
Related: Ina Garten's Weeknight Bolognese Gives You Slow-Simmered Flavor in 30 Minutes
Tips for Making This DishWhen I first glanced at the recipe, I hit an immediate roadblock: it called for fresh datterini tomatoes. These "little dates" are prized in Italy for their incredible sweetness and thin skins, but finding them fresh in the States is a tall order. I scanned my pantry and found a premium alternative, a can of Giadzy yellow datterini, but that discovery led straight into my next challenge: the cook time.
The original recipe called for roasting the datterini for three hours and using cherry tomatoes for a quick, final sauté. I knew instinctively that putting high-quality canned datterini in a low oven for that long would be a disaster. Their delicate structure would never survive the heat; they would simply disintegrate into a sugary puddle rather than remaining a distinct, vibrant ingredient.
So I decided to make a swap.
- The roaster: I swapped the fresh datterini for fresh grape tomatoes, which are easily available in most grocery stores. Their thicker skins and lower moisture content make them built for endurance. After three hours in the oven, they didn't just survive; they transformed into chewy, caramelized gems of concentrated flavor.
- The finisher: I reserved the Giadzy datterini for the final sauté, adding them at the very end to protect their silky texture. This allows their natural sweetness to act as a bright, fresh counterpoint to the deep, roasted notes of the grape tomatoes. Note: If you don't have a can of datterini on hand, fresh store-bought cherry tomatoes will provide a similar texture and pop of brightness.
- The constant: For the base of the sauce, I used exactly what the recipe called for, a can of San Marzano tomatoes, which are available in most grocery stores these days. Their reliable acidity and meaty texture provided the perfect canvas for the rest of my adjustments.
By flipping the order and types of tomatoes used, I played to the strengths of each tomato. The grape tomatoes provided the deep, roasted intensity, while the datterini stayed intact, offering a silky texture and a bright, sun-drenched finish that would have been lost in the oven. The result was a masterclass in textural layering. By slightly breaking the rules of the recipe, I ended up with a dish that respected the quality of the ingredients and suited my Italian-American kitchen perfectly.
Up Next:
Related: This 5-Ingredient Pasta Recipe Has Been My Family’s Favorite for Generations
Source:Courtesy Tyson Sadlo
- Chef Corrado Corti, executive chef at La Terrazza, the signature restaurant at the Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy.
Who Is Megan Moroney's New Song 'Who Hurt You?' About?
"Like you said, I'm pretty consistently vulnerable," Megan Moroney told Elaina Smith in January during a Backstage Country interview. "But there's one song, 'Who Hurt You?' that I'm pretty consistently excited for."
At the time she spoke these words, her newest album, Cloud 9, had yet to be released. Now that it's here, her fans are using the lyrics to piece together who it's about.
"I was blinded by the lies, and the manufactured smile," the song begins. "The devil went down to Georgia, then he crossed the Bama line, so casually convincing."
Some say the lyrics could be about Riley Green, with whom Moroney was rumored to be involved in 2025. The "manufactured smile" is thought to reference the rumors that he got veneers, while the singer is also known to be from Jacksonville, Alabama.
"Bar for bar, I didn't lie," Moroney told Smith about the tune. "I said everything, so I don't have to answer interview questions about the situation."
She went on to hint that the "situation" she was talking about was something everyone would immediately decode upon hearing it.
"I've said my piece, and there's no reason to ask me any questions about it," she added. "I've told you what I needed to say. I'm trying to just be efficient here. 'Have you heard the song?' There should be no further questions."
The two were thought to have begun dating sometime near the end of 2024. A fan swore she spotted Moroney and Green driving around his hometown, but their faces weren't visible in the photos taken.
View this post on InstagramThe suspicions that the two were an item continued to grow, as they were "coincidentally" spotted in the same places. Fans spotting them at the airport together after a show further convinced people that they must be traveling together.
@emmamarieporterme and my boyfriends new personality trait is Riley was on our flight hehe @Southwest Airlines #southwest #meganmorney #rileygreen
♬ Pick A Place - Riley GreenHowever, by June, it seemed like whatever connection had been there had fizzled out. A concertgoer wore a Riley Green T-shirt to one of Moroney's concerts. When she noticed the woman's shirt, the woman claimed that the "Six Months Later" singer mouthed the words, "He f****d up," to her.
@avkesselOn your side megan. #meganmoroney #rileygreen @Megan Moroney @Lilly
♬ original sound - Megan MoroneyIt's doubtful that Moroney will ever admit whether the song is truly about Green. Nonetheless, "Who Hurt You?" is one of many songs on Cloud 9 that listeners will find themselves singing along to.
Andy Reid Shares Update on Travis Kelce’s Retirement
Whether you know him as Taylor Swift’s fiancé or the tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelceis a household name.
While there’s no doubt his relationship with Swift on his lock, his future in the NFL is seemingly still up in the air … or is it? Speaking during a press conference on Friday, February 20, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid addressed the possibility of Kelce’s retirement after 13 years with the team.
"There is communication. That’s the main thing," Reid, 67, said, per People. "That means people want to move forward. I think that's where Trav is.”
"I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here. He’s been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward,” Reid added .”We’re proceeding with that, and there is communication."
During his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce, 36, has won three Super Bowl rings, captured eight AFC West division titles, been selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times, and earned multiple honors. He’s widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history.
Related: Did Donna Kelce Sign an NDA About Travis and Taylor Swift’s Wedding Plans? She Says …
However, the Chiefs faced an incredibly difficult season, finishing with a disappointing 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and watching star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffer a season-ending knee injury that derailed their campaign.
Given the sheer magnitude of Kelce’s career, it’s hard to believe that he won’t go out on top, but ultimately, KC fans won’t know for sure until his contract is up next month.
When Kelce’s mom, Donna Kelce, was asked about the possibility of him retiring, she said, “I just want him to do what he feels comfortable doing. He’s gotta talk to people in his life to decide what he wants to do. So I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens!”