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So you just had to undergo surgery, experienced an injury, have a pain condition or are going through something similar. For whatever reason, it’s time for you to get some rehabilitation. Unfortunately, that can be a long and complicated process. It requires tons of medical advice, time and physical therapy. You may feel frustrated about that or want to speed up the process (or use it as an excuse to get out of work), all of which are totally understandable sentiments.

To help you heal and get back to your best shape, your doctor may have encouraged a variety of things, such as taking it easy and doing physical therapy exercises. You might also have to take a break from beloved sports that could potentially worsen your injury. 

There’s one thing that many of us think helps recovery—and it does—but we have to be careful. Doctors are realizing that doing it too much or for too long can surprisingly slow (and straight up exacerbate) the healing process. 

Ahead, rehab doctors share what that “healthy” habit is and other tips for a speedy healing journey. While it may not be what you want to hear, it doesn’t have to be as tiring, time-consuming and complex as it might originally sound.

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Stop This ‘Healthy’ Recovery Habit, Rehab Doctors Say

The habit to stop (or rather, not do for too long) is rest, especially outside of a certain period. 

“It has been demonstrated repeatedly that motion allows the soft tissue to heal faster and stronger than immobilization,” says Dr. David Gazzaniga, MD, an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon and Division Chief of Sports Medicine at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Irvine, California. “It does involve blood flow, of course, but it’s more complex than that.”

Related: 7 Exercises That Can Help To Increase Blood Flow in the Legs, According to Trainers

“Loss of muscle mass and strength have been shown to occur within days of immobilization, even in young, healthy adults,” adds Dr. Clarinda Hougen, MD, a primary care sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Los Angeles. “It can be very difficult to regain those losses, especially as you get older.”

Immobilization can lead to additional complications, she continues, such as blood clots, pressure injuries and joint stiffness—all of which can further slow the healing process. 

Some gentle movement is key. Muscle tissues respond to use, Dr. Hougen explains, growing and repairing as they’re “stressed” with movement.

Remember, you don’t have to “go hard” here. The point is to keep you functional as you heal.

“It’s not very practical to lie in bed or on a sofa for 48 hours and then wonder, should I go to work the next day?” says Dr. Humaira Ashraf, MD, a physiatrist with MedStar Health. “But if you were to move for a bit, try some things that are akin to what your activities of daily living are, and you can tolerate it, or you can find out where your threshold is, that can be very helpful in recovery.” 

Where’s the Healthiest Balance Between Resting and Moving?

While getting up and moving is important, that doesn’t mean rest should be completely avoided.

According to Dr. Hougen, the “line” depends on the injury and its severity. She recommends starting rehab within a few days of a minor soft-tissue injury, or after a week or two for more severe strains and fractures. 

Dr. Gazzaniga agrees that people shouldn’t wait longer than 72 hours after a soft-tissue injury. “When I worked in Vail with Dr. Steadman, the people that got injured on the mountain began rehab at the clinic within an hour of their injury, and the recovery difference was amazing,” he adds. 

Related: Science Just Shattered a Major Myth About Aging and Muscle Recovery

Rehab doctors also share the following guidelines: 

• Move “as tolerated” and “with pain as a guide.” In other words, mild pain may be acceptable, but it shouldn’t be more than one or two points on a 10-point scale, and shouldn’t last longer than an hour or so.
• With concussions, light activity that doesn’t activate or worsen symptoms can significantly accelerate recovery.
• Chronic conditions don’t really require rest; joints feel better with movement because “motion is lotion.”
• Focus on slow, controlled stretches after the injury and rest period.
• Nutrition and sleep are also key to healing.

“It’s all relative to what your body is used to, but generally speaking, you would resume some light activity and see how you respond,” Dr. Ashraf says. “Then, if you’re feeling fine with that, you could increase the activity, meaning a slightly more strenuous activity, building up day by day to what your body was used to before.”

Related: Is Your Physical Therapist Legit? Here’s Exactly How To Tell, According to PTs Themselves

Best Movement Tips for Rehab

The way you move matters, too, and again, you don’t have to go run 10 miles. Rehab doctors recommend the following. 

• Protected weight-bearing exercises
• Gently increasing your range of motion
• Working with an experienced physical therapist
• Sustained, slow stretches that lengthen the muscle (think of the ones you were taught in gym years ago, or yoga poses)
• Start with isometric contraction of the muscle, then work up to active motion, depending on the comfort and safety of the joint for stability.

If you rest and resume your normal activities and feel worse, Dr. Ashraf recommends consulting with a healthcare professional. But generally speaking—and as Dr. Hougen notes—“Movement is medicine.”

Up Next

Sources

• Dr. David Gazzaniga, MD, is an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon and Division Chief of Sports Medicine at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Irvine, California. 
• Dr. Clarinda Hougen, MD, is a primary care sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Los Angeles.
• Dr. Humaira Ashraf, MD, is a physiatrist with MedStar Health.

As the second week of Dancing with the Stars season 35 got underway, one duo chose a controversial move that has the internet buzzing. When Grey’s Anatomy star Harry Shum Jr. and DWTS pro Jenna Johnson performed their Viennese waltz to Goo Goo Dolls’ Iris on Tuesday, September 22, they brought so much emotion to the dance floor that at one point, Shum faced the camera and let out a guttural scream, shocking many viewers.

The judges’ scores — 18 out of 30 — and viewers’ votes were enough to advance the duo to the next round, but that scream kicked up lots of feelings for viewers at home. Shum felt good about it, though, telling Entertainment Weekly backstage that letting it out “was therapeutic.”

On September 23, Johnson posted a full explanation on social media, acknowledging the “controversy” in a car selfie video and jokingly calling it “the scream that was heard around the world.”

She went on to say that with 14 couples remaining in the competition, the videos before each duo’s dance were “so short.” With no chance to explain the reasoning behind their artistic choices, she said, “Harry and I had discussed this beautiful meaning behind the piece, and unfortunately, there just was like no time to show everything that we had discussed throughout the week. But, basically, this dance is so emotional. There’s so much yearning.”

Comparing notes on the anxiety they both deal with, Johnson said they discussed “how that makes us feel, this constant doubt, this pressure that we have on ourselves, not feeling like you belong.” Deciding to “dive into the emotion of it all,” Johnson said that she and Shum talked about how it feels “when you’re about to break.”

“I was like, ‘Honestly, I just want to scream — scream into a pillow, scream in my car,'” Johnson recalled saying. “Like, when you’re at that point where everything feels like it’s in your chest? The best way to release it is … breathing out and yelling.”

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Social media has been ablaze with opinions since the duo’s dance, from one fan who posted the clip to say they “hated every second of the harry shum jr scream” to someone else who declared, “If you didn’t get the scream then you missed the whole point of the dance. I loved it.” Johnson and Shum are taking all the buzz in stride, with her noting that she’s “totally fine” with the differing opinions.

“I’m so grateful for a partner who’s down to do crazy things with me, and that supports my ideas, and just my art and my creativity, and that is willing to go there,” she said in her video. “Like, the full visceral experience of his full body scream? It was just honestly, I think my favorite part.”

“That was our art, that was our expression,” she told her followers. “Art is so subjective. It’s personal, and it’s totally fine if you didn’t resonate with that. But I hope that people who felt that emotion did.” She concluded with a hilarious ICYMI tip: “Yes, Harry did have his fly down the whole time. So zoom in, girlies.”

You can catch the duo again when week three of Dancing With the Stars season 35 airs live on Tuesday, September 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+. Each episode also streams the next day on Hulu.

Many of us love a good baggy jean or lots of layers, especially as we move into the fall-winter season. But there’s something celebrity stylists want you to remember as you start cold weather dressing. There are certain fashion choices that can make you look frumpy without even realizing it—sorry! On the other hand, there are so many ways to make an outfit look more polished and expensive, and luckily, they’re pretty easy and don’t cost a ton of extra money.

I also know what you’re thinking: what exactly does “frumpy” even mean when it comes to fashion? It’s a broader term because there are a lot of elements at play here. There isn’t just one specific thing that makes an outfit appear dated or unstylish.

Don’t worry, though: celebrity stylist and Style Club founder JenniLee spoke with Parade to break down exactly what makes an outfit look this way so you’ll know what to avoid. She also shares her best tips on how to fix these issues, a few easy styling hacks that can elevate any outfit and more. If you’re looking for simple, practical advice on what to do and what not to do when building an outfit, read on ahead.

Related: Ready for Fall? Shop Adidas Sneakers, Levi’s Denim and Cozy Knits To Embrace the Transition in Style

The #1 Reason Clothes Look Frumpy, According to a Stylist

While the word “frumpy” might feel like a blanket term, let’s look at what exactly this means a little more.

“Frumpy happens when your clothes are wearing you instead of the other way around,” JenniLee says. “The outfit reads sloppy, bulky and dated, even when every individual piece is fine on its own.”

To break this down even further, an outfit might look frumpy if there’s too much fabric everywhere—think an oversized top, wide pants and bulky shoes. It can also apply to an outfit that lacks shape with silhouettes that are too similar.

Clothes that just fit poorly (they’re too short, too long or they bunch up) can make you appear frumpy as well. Awkward proportions for your height also won’t do you any favors. If a skirt or top is too long, it can shorten your legs, creating an undesired effect. Some clothes often just need a bit of tailoring as well—without it, the outfit can look cheap or dated.

Related: Elevate Boring Outfits With This Chic Layering Piece, Celebrity Stylists Share

6 Fashion Choices That Make You Look Frumpy—And How To Fix Them 1. Wearing too many layers

Don’t get us wrong, layering can be great, especially during the colder months when it’s necessary, but JenniLee says to do so sparingly. If you’re not careful, too many layers can make you appear frumpy.

The fix? “Remove one,” she says about an item of clothing you’re wearing. “Ask yourself: are you wearing the clothes, or are the clothes wearing you?”

This could mean removing a long-sleeved tee you have under another shirt or tights under a skirt if it’s looking like a bit too much.

Related: My Mom, 67, Tested 9 Shoes for Wide Feet—Here Are 7 Brands She Loved (and 2 To Skip)

2. Wearing too many heavy textures stacked together

Again, heavier textures aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s how you wear them and with what. What are considered heavier textures? Fabrics like chunky knits, tweed, wool, corduroy, velvet, faux fur, suede or leather.

All of these work great individually and for cooler weather, but JenniLee shares that combining too many of these in the same outfit can make you appear frumpy.

“Check your fit,” she says. “Are you drowning in stiff or bulky material?”

3. Wearing worn-out, wrinkled fabric

If your clothes are overly wrinkled, it’s a surefire way to look frumpy. Luckily, the fix for this one is easy.

“Take care of your clothes,” JenniLee elaborates. “De-pill your knits, steam or iron what needs it and hang pieces properly so they hold their shape.”

4. Wearing too many dull or flat colors

Wearing too many similar colors can make an outfit appear flat and frumpy. JenniLee shares her best advice for this.

“Add one point of contrast,” she suggests. “A bright shoe, a bold lip, a printed scarf—anything that breaks up the flatness.”

Related: Color Psychologist Says Wearing This Color Makes You Appear Instantly More Confident

5. Missing important outfit details

Sometimes, especially if you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to miss those small details on your outfit, but it makes all the difference. If your zipper is down or your jeans are bunching awkwardly around your shoes, it may seem like a small thing, but it’s easy to notice.

“Step back from the mirror before you walk out the door,” JenniLee says. “Buttons, collars, zippers—take the extra ten seconds to check.

6. Wearing proportions that don’t align 

Getting your proportions right in fashion is important. Truly, it can make or break your outfit. While we love a baggy look, wearing too many loose items at once immediately gives frumpy. JenniLee says there’s an easy way to get your proportions right.

“Think of your outfit as a triangle,” she explains. “The pyramid is: wide leg, fitted top. Inverted: strong shoulder, slim leg. Pick one and commit to it.”

Related: How To Style a Denim Dress at Any Age, According to Celebrity Stylists

The ‘Rule of Thirds’ in Fashion: How to Instantly Balance Your Outfit

The rule of thirds as it applies to fashion is another tool to help you balance an outfit.

“This means splitting your outfit into three visual sections,” JenniLee says.

Basically, an outfit looks more visually balanced when you divide your outfit into unequal proportions rather than just cutting it exactly into halves.

“A bold collar necklace or strong shoulders for the top section. A belt higher or lower on the waist that lands closer to a one-third, two-thirds ratio and the eye reads the outfit as longer, more intentional and more put together,” she explains. “A pop of color for a bag or shoe will hit the third visual point.”

Related: 7 Best Ways To Wear Ankle Boots With Jeans, According to a Celebrity Stylist

3 Quick Stylist Hacks To Elevate a Simple Outfit 1. Invest in great shoes, and buy them on resale

The right shoes can really take your outfit to the next level. Wearing the right pair of boots, sneakers or oxfords can pull together the perfect look. Even if you’re on a budget, JenniLee says that there are easy ways to find high-quality pairs at a great price.

“Shoes are one of the first and last things people register head to toe,” she shares. “Resale gets you the quality without the price tag.”

2. Add one statement accessory

Accessorizing is another easy way to make an outfit look better.

“A bold bag, a strong sunglass shape, a standout piece of jewelry gives the eye somewhere to land and turns ‘basic’ into ‘intentional,” says JenniLee.

3. Get your clothes tailored

While many people often skip this, trust a celebrity stylist; this can make all the difference.

“Fit reads as expensive no matter what you paid,” JenniLee says. “A well-fitted twenty-dollar tee will always look better than an ill-fitting two hundred dollar one.”

Up Next:

Related: The ‘Old Money’ Scarf Trend That Elevates Any Outfit Instantly, According to Stylists

Source:

• JenniLee is a celebrity stylist and founder of Style Club who has worked with clients like Chris Pratt, Scarlett Johansson, Lauryn Hill and Greta Gerwig.

Most people know “Life Is a Highway” from a Pixar movie about talking cars.

That recording is a cover. Tom Cochrane wrote the song coming off two and a half weeks in Africa, and a ranking out this month put the cover ahead of his.

Cochrane flew out in early December 1989 for World Vision. He went through Ethiopia, Kenya and Zimbabwe, then Mozambique, which was in the middle of a civil war. He said the group reached a village surrounded by enemy forces, where one doctor was treating the whole area. “Words cannot describe the emotions I went through,” he shared.

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Back home he was “mentally, physically and spiritually exhausted,” he told Jam! Music. He needed something to pull him out of it, and he already had a sketch sitting around. He took it into the studio and finished it in an hour, starting at 7 a.m. Cochrane has pointed out the irony himself. The most positive thing he ever wrote came out of that trip.

The single topped Canada’s RPM chart and held six weeks in the Billboard top 10. Cochrane took four awards at the 1992 Junos, including Songwriter of the Year, and Mad Mad World made him one of the few Canadians to sell a million albums at home. The song lost the Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance to Eric Clapton.

Rascal Flatts’ Bassist Wanted to Pass on It

Fifteen years later, Cars director John Lasseter wanted the song for the movie. Jay DeMarcus, who plays bass for Rascal Flatts, told Parade in January that the storybook sketches of talking cars looked silly to him and that he pushed the band to pass. The label’s founder overruled him.

The band cut it anyway, and that version is certified eight times platinum by the RIAA. Taste of Country put it on “12 Country Covers Better Than the Original” next to Brooks & Dunn’s “My Maria”, Chris Stapleton‘s “Tennessee Whiskey” and Reba McEntire‘s “Fancy”.

In 2016 Manitoba announced it would rename a 200-mile run of Provincial Road 391 after the song. The road runs to Lynn Lake, the town where Cochrane was born.

Despite only appearing in 13 episodes of the hit CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, Joshua Malina‘s character, Caltech’s President Siebert, has remained quite memorable among fans.

During an appearance on a September 2026 episode of The Big Bang Theory Podcast, Malina confirmed he was called in to try out for the starring role of Dr. Leonard Hofstadter, which ended up going to Johnny Galecki. Malina said he was fairly certain that he auditioned alongside Jim Parsons, who had already been cast as Leonard’s colleague and roommate, Dr. Sheldon Cooper. He said, however, that he barely got out any lines during the audition before the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre, informed him he wasn’t young enough to be playing Leonard.

“I got about three lines into the audition. And Chuck said, ‘I’m going to stop you here,'” said the Scandal actor. “And I said, ‘I’m too old, right?’ And he said, ‘Yeah.'”

Malina clarified that he knew he was “a little bit too old for this” when he had read the Big Bang Theory script.

“So when he stopped me, and God bless him for doing that because he could have let me go on, do two full scenes, go home, sit by the phone, hope that I got a thing. He just said, ‘I’m going to stop you.’ He said, ‘Yeah, it just won’t work,'” said the 60-year-old actor.

Malina then said Lorre offered him the role of Leonard and Sheldon’s Caltech boss.

“Chuck said, ‘It’s not this one for you. But at some point, the guys will have a boss, and we’ll make you the boss.’ And I left,” recalled Malina.

He said he thought Lorre’s offer “was nice.” However, he didn’t believe he would actually give him a role on the show.

“Then whatever it was, three years later or something, I mean, I had completely forgotten about it. Even as I watched it turn into a giant success, I was like, I auditioned three lines for that role, he came through, and they just offered it to me. I was delighted,” said Malina, who joined the Big Bang Theory cast during its 4th season, which premiered in 2010.

While recording The Big Bang Theory Podcast, Malina shared that the show’s main cast treated him with kindness when he filmed President Siebert’s guest appearances.

“It was fun to just walk onto a hit show and be the guest. They were all incredibly nice,” said the actor.

On September 12, 2010, Lady Gaga made history at the MTV Video Music Awards wearing a dress made entirely out of raw beef.

The now 40-year-old singer-songwriter and actress arrived at the ceremony in an equally iconic and controversial Franc Fernandez-designed outfit. In order to keep the perishable ensemble from rotting after the show, the real raw flank steak dress was preserved using the same technique as beef jerky.

Gaga rocked the look to protest the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy at the time, which prevented service members from openly being part of the LGBTQ+ community. The policy was enacted in 1994 and ended in 2011, a year after the award show.

“As you know, I am the most judgement-free human being on the earth,” Gaga said at the time. “If we don’t stand up for what we believe in and don’t stand up for our rights, pretty soon we’re going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones.”

The “Poker Face” singer was criticized by PETA at the time. “Wearing a dress made out of cuts of dead cows is offensive enough to bring comment, but someone should whisper in her ear that there are more people who are upset by butchery than who are impressed by it—and that means a lot of young people will not be buying her records if she keeps this stuff up,” the organization wrote in a statement in Sept. 2010.

In 2015, the outfit went on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, until 2019, when it moved to the Haus of Gaga, the singer’s residency museum. The Las Vegas-based exhibit is located in the Park MGM Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Little Monsters who want to see the legendary ensemble can still view it at her exhibit according to the Park MGM website.

It’s hard to believe but we’re already at the end of Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. With only one more season left in the series and production already wrapped, we’ll have to savor every last episode going forward. In this week’s Season 4 finale, “Tomorrow’s Enterprise,” possibly sets up The Original Series. The episode features Uhura’s character, played by Celia Rose Gooding and Parade had an opportunity to chat with Ms. Gooding.

Let’s take a look at this week’s episode, “Tomorrow’s Enterprise.”

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What did Celia Rose Gooding have to say about the Season 4 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

I really liked “Tomorrow’s Enterprise,” season four, episode 10. I am so proud of the Uhura of that episode and the pride that I have for her makes that episode one of my favorites. Wonderful.

She’s come a really long way and I’m really proud of her and I think fans are going to be mind blown and flabbergasted about the level of audacity we have to make an episode like that, especially the amount of audacity I have in that episode. Um, but I think audacity, harmless audacity can be incredibly entertaining, so I really like that episode this season. Amazing.

What was Gooding’s all-time favorite episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

The musical episode, in season two, episode nine, “Subspace Rhapsody.” It was one of my absolute favorites of the series because as someone who started out with a background in musical theater, it just felt like homecoming. It felt very good to do, to put it simply.

I love singing. Singing is my center. Singing grounds me.

I self-soothe through singing. And so to be able to donate my voice to this really pivotal point in Uhura’s journey as a Starfleet officer. When I first started getting ready for the musical episode, part of me really wanted to like emulate Nichelle Nichols‘ voice, but she has such a different tone and vocal cadence to myself.

Tom Polce, our music supervisor for the episode, he was the one who freed me from that obligation and was like, maybe this is your donation to Uhura. Maybe her, my voice and my full voice and my actual natural singing voice can be the thing I always can say was the thing that I offered Uhura that no one else could. That’s one of the reasons why “Subspace Rhapsody” was one of my favorites of the series.

What did Gooding take at the end of filming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

How much time do you have? Um, I took everything that Paramount allowed me to take. I didn’t take anything that I wasn’t allowed to, but I got, I have some of her costumes in my closet. I have some earrings. I have her bridge earpiece. I have a good amount of stuff.

If Gooding could play any other character in the series, who would it be and why?

Oh, if I couldn’t play Uhura, even though I love her so much and she’s exactly who I’d want to be, um, T’Pring. Yeah. Her traditional ornate Vulcan garb is so beautiful. I’d want to play T’Pring not only because she has beautiful clothes, just beautiful gowns, (but also) I like the playing a Vulcan.

So, um, probably either T’Pring or, oh my God, Captain Burnham from Discovery. I’ve always wanted to sit in the captain’s chair.

Did Celia Rose Gooding get to keep her puppet from the “Level-Five Transporter Accident” episode?

No, I wish. I think because it was made at the iconic Jim Henson Creature Shop, it would be a very serious liability to let me go home with my puppet. I wanted to really bad. My puppet is so cool and so cute and I love her so bad, but I have about a thousand pictures and a lot of Uhura dolls that aren’t necessarily my iconic episode five puppet, but, no, I wish I got to, but no, I couldn’t.

Related: Ethan Peck and Rebecca Romijn Reveal Their Favorite Episodes of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ (Exclusive)

What happened in last week’s episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? (L-R): Paul Wesley, Christina Chong

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In “Once La’an a Time,” last week’s episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the crew returns to the Elysian Kingdom, only this time on a REAL fantasy planet. La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) must confront her emotional detachment and inner turmoil when the USS Enterprise investigates a flat planet populated by a living fantasy fairy tale.

Related: Ethan Peck and Rebecca Romijn Reveal Their Favorite Episodes of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ (Exclusive)

What happens in this week’s episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? (L-R): Anson Mount as Captain Pike and Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura

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In “Tomorrow’s Enterprise,” this week’s Season 4 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, when a ripple in time damages the future Enterprise, Uhura’s younger self and older self have to work together to change the altered future timeline back to normal.

Related: Fan-Favorite Sci-Fi Series Transforms Into a Film Noir in Exclusive Sneak Peek

When does “Tomorrow’s Enterprise” premiere?

“Tomorrow’s Enterprise“ of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premieres on Thursday, Sept. 24 on Paramount+.

Where can I watch the “Tomorrow’s Enterprise” episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

“Tomorrow’s Enterprise” streams exclusively on Paramount+.

Check out images from this week’s episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Take a look at select images from this week’s episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Next, The First ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 4 Trailer Is Here!

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds "Tomorrow's Enterprise"Paramount+

Paul Wesley

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(L-R): Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk, Ethan Peck as Spock, Jess Bush as Christine Chapel, and Brian Markinson as Dr. Boyce

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(L-R): Brian Markinson as Dr.Boyce and Ethan Peck as Spock

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(L-R): Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga and Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas

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Rebecca Romijn

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Anson Mount as Captain Pike

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(L-R): Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga, Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas, and Martin Quinn as Scotty

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Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga

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(L-R): Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Captain Pike, and Rebecca Romijn as Una

(L-R): Anson Mount as Captain Pike and Rebecca Romijn as Una

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(L-R): Ethan Peck as Spock and Anson Mount as Captain Pike

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(L-R): Anson Mount as Captain Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas, and Martin Quinn as Scotty

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Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura

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(L-R): Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura and Anson Mount as Captain Pike

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(L-R): Anson Mount as Captain Pike and Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura

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(L-R): Anson Mount as Captain Pike and Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura

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Taylor Lautner and his wife, Tay Lautner, are embracing a brand new era in their lives.

The Twilight star and his wife announced the arrival of their first child — a baby girl named Lennon Taylor Lautner — in a sweet social media post shared on Wednesday, September 23.

“One week loving our sweet little Lenny,” the couple wrote alongside their announcement. They then revealed their daughter’s full name and birth date, writing, “Lennon Taylor Lautner. 9.16.2026.”

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The middle name carries special meaning for the family.

Both Taylor and Tay share the same first and last name after marrying in 2022, making their daughter’s middle name a nod to both of her parents. The couple marked three years of marriage in November, and they have often joked about now sharing the exact same name.

“It’s hilarious in a lot of ways, but sharing a name just adds to my feeling like she’s literally my other half and we are one and the same,” Taylor told Cosmopolitan in January. “Of course, we have different lives and independence. But it’s a really special thing.”

Tay added, “We giggle about it all the time.”

The couple first announced their pregnancy in March, sharing the joyful news with a caption that leaned into their matching names. 

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In June, they revealed they were having a baby girl, sharing an emotional video of the moment they learned the news, with Tay in tears and Taylor pulling her into a hug.

Taylor, 34, is best known for playing Jacob Black in the Twilight film franchise. Tay previously worked as a registered nurse and now co-hosts The Squeeze podcast alongside her husband.

Ahead of their daughter’s arrival, the couple gave fans a look inside the nursery they created for her, with Tay describing the room as “girly, colorful, and peaceful.”

Now, one week after Lennon’s birth on Wednesday, September 16, the new parents are celebrating their first days at home with “little Lenny.”

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Even though tennis bracelets have been around for decades, they continue to be one of the most coveted jewelry pieces. They’re timeless and elegant, capturing the essence of quiet luxury. Studded with diamonds, they can transform even the simplest of outfits into something polished and intentional. However, bracelets boasting real diamonds can cost a pretty penny. Fortunately, there are many budget-friendly versions made with simulated diamonds that look just like the real deal, like this Cate & Chloe Rosalie Heart-Shaped Tennis Bracelet at Walmart.

Right now, you can score this tennis bracelet on sale for up to a whopping 60% off! Normally retailing for $60, which is already a fabulous price, it’s now marked down to just $24 in white gold and $30 in rose gold and yellow gold. With a deal this sweet, not only is it worth adding to your own jewelry collection, but you may also want to consider snagging some as gifts for Christmas or any upcoming birthday celebrations. Multiple customers who purchased this bracelet to give as a gift said it was very well received.  

Cate & Chloe Rosalie Heart-Shaped Tennis Bracelet, From $24 (was $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Adorned with 32 simulated diamonds, this tennis bracelet oozes luxury. It’s dainty, measuring 5.8 millimeters wide, making it look glamorous yet understated. Each diamond is set in a heart-shaped link, putting a twist on the classic tennis bracelet style and giving this piece a romantic feel. 

While these crystals aren’t actual diamonds, Walmart shoppers noted that they look like the real deal. One customer mentioned that they’ll “even fool jewelers.” Mimicking the clarity and brilliance of real diamonds, these crystals are faceted with multiple faces, designed to catch light from various angles and deliver some major sparkle. Several customers confirmed this, commenting that it is “very sparkly.”

This bracelet has racked up over 250 five-star ratings, with shoppers praising its gorgeous design and top-notch quality. “It is quite shiny and bright, and has an expensive look,” one reviewer raved. Several customers described it as “absolutely beautiful,” “elegant,” and “stunning.” 

Cate & Chloe Rosalie Heart-Shaped Tennis Bracelet, From $24 (was $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Ideal for everyday wear, this bracelet is the easiest way to elevate an outfit. Elegant and classy, it’ll make any outfit look intentional. Whether you don it with casual or fancy attire, it’ll effortlessly complement your look while adding a luxe touch. This bracelet will undoubtedly look fabulous with chic office wear, cocktail attire, and dressy date-night ensembles, but it’ll also pair well with athleisure, loungewear, and laid-back streetwear. 

This bracelet measures 7.5 inches long and has a secure box clasp closure, giving you peace of mind. Once you insert the tongue into the box clasp, fold down the two side latches for extra security to ensure that it stays in place. 

Made of brass and plated with 18-karat gold, this bracelet is free of lead and nickel. It’s hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Shoppers attested to this bracelet’s durability. A reviewer noted that they wore it every day for over a month, and it’s still as shiny and perfect as the day they received it. 

Shop More Deals 

• Cate & Chloe Katelynn Tennis Bracelet, $30 (was $60) at Walmart
• Cate & Chloe Bianca Swarovski Crystal Hoop Earrings, $18 (were $40) at Walmart
• Cate & Chloe Amora Heart Pendant Necklace, $20 (was $40) at Walmart

Related: Save Big Ahead of Gifting Season With 73% Off This ‘Delicate’ Pear-Cut Opal Pendant Necklace

Unique but classic, Walmart’s Cate & Chloe Rosalie Heart-Shaped Tennis Bracelet is a timeless piece definitely worth adding to your jewelry collection. Now that it’s on sale for as low as $24, you may even want to snag a few so you can give them as gifts this holiday season! 

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Hayley Williams is remembering her ex-husband, Chad Gilbert, following his death at 45.

Days after the New Found Glory guitarist died following a years-long battle with cancer, the Paramore frontwoman shared a statement about Gilbert’s impact on both her life and the music scene they shared.

“Have not known what to say or if it’s appropriate,” Williams began. “But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite.”

Williams went on to call Gilbert “a legend in the scene,” while acknowledging the lasting influence their time together had on her. “He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer,” she wrote.

A screenshot of Hayley Williams’s Instagram Story on Wednesday, September 23.

“I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore,” she added before sending her sympathies to his family, New Found Glory, and his friends.

Hayley Williams and Chad Gilbert were married

Williams and Gilbert began dating in 2008, when she was 18 and he was 27. After six years together, Gilbert proposed on Christmas Day 2014, and they married in Nashville in February 2016.

The musicians announced their separation in July 2017. Williams later spoke openly about struggling during the relationship, telling The Guardian in 2020, “I was in a very unhealthy relationship, and I just kept thinking: ‘I can fix it this time.’”

READ MORE: New Found Glory Shares How They Plan to Honor Late Guitarist Chad Gilbert

Williams also addressed their relationship through her song “Dead Horse,” from her 2020 album Petals for Armor. On the track, she acknowledged how their relationship began, singing, “I was the other woman first.”

Gilbert later married Cimorelli singer Lisa Cimorelli in 2020. They welcomed their daughter Lily in 2021.

Chad Gilbert died at 45

Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 20, following a lengthy battle with a rare form of adrenal cancer. His wife and mother were by his side.

Gilbert had undergone multiple surgeries during his cancer battle, including brain surgery in February after doctors discovered three new tumors. Despite his health struggles, he returned to the stage with New Found Glory in June, performing from a wheelchair in what became one of his final appearances with the band.

Related: New Found Glory Guitarist Chad Gilbert Dies at 45 After Cancer Battle

From Curb Your Enthusiasm to The Good Place, Ted Danson has had a solid run of programming in the years since Cheers went off the air.

Then came A Man on the Inside, the beloved Netflix show based on a fascinating, Oscar-nominated documentary from 2020 called The Mole Agent. Danson, 78, plays the titular agent in the reimagined comedy series, which just received a bittersweet update.

Variety is reporting that A Man on the Inside will end after season 3, which is now in production. The acclaimed show was renewed for a third season back in March, with season 2 having debuted in January.

“This series began with a retiree taking a chance at a new life. By answering a help wanted ad and venturing out into the world, Charles Nieuwendyk made his world bigger and proved that life only slows down if you let it,” series creator Mike Schur said in a statement, per Variety. “We are thrilled to be able to conclude his journey with one final chapter, as embodied by the great Ted Danson, who I am legally required to refer to as a ‘National Treasure.’”

The third season of the show will see Danson return along with co-stars Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Mary Steenburgen (of course) and more.

Season 3 has also added eight guest stars, including Christopher McDonald (Hacks), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live,) and Stephen Root (recent Emmy winner for Widow’s Bay).

Ted Danson Is Still Challenging Himself

Last month, the two-time Emmy winner was honored with an induction into the Television Academy’s 2026 Televerse Festival Hall of Fame, joining an accomplished class that included Jean Smart, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Ted Sarandos and Sheila Nevins.

He also shared with People about how he’s “still trying to get it right” when it comes to his career. Find out more here.

Dolly Parton did not want most of her friends and family to see her while she was on her deathbed, but there was one person in particular whom she allowed.

TMZ reports that the country legend’s dying wish was that “no one could see her on her deathbed because she didn’t want anyone to remember her in her fragile, dying state.” However, she did allow her longtime wig and makeup artist, Cheryl Riddle, to come in because she wanted to look her best when she died.

“Our sources say Dolly figured Cheryl would see her anyway when she passed because she’d eventually have to do the hair and makeup regardless — so she was fine with her being by her side,” the outlet writes.

Parton’s nephew and former head of security, Bryan Seaver, also saw her the day before she died. TMZ further reports that part of their final conversation was the singer reiterating that she wanted Seaver to announce news of her death. But her siblings and others who tried to get inside were denied entry.

Parton died at the age of 80 on Tuesday, Aug. 25, after a brief battle with cancer.

It was also reported that the singer traveled to Germany roughly a year before her death to try an experimental cancer treatment. TMZ reported that she flew to Frankfurt on a private plane and remained in Germany for about a week. They added that “Dolly believed the treatment helped restore her strength and felt it had been effective.” As for the exact type of cancer she battled, as well as details of the experimental treatment, no information has been released.

Parton was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville.

There’s something about this time of year that makes us want to give our front doors a little extra attention. As the seasons shift, coir doormats are having their annual moment. They’re practical enough to handle everyday porch traffic, but they can also add a little personality to an otherwise overlooked spot. And if you’re looking for something that feels more charming than basic, T.J. Maxx has a seriously cute option for just $14.99.

The Coir Bows Scalloped Doormat from Studio Belle is exactly the kind of small home find that can make your entryway feel instantly more pulled together. It features a black bow pattern, a scalloped border and classic coir construction, giving it plenty of old-fashioned charm without looking overly precious. T.J. Maxx lists it at $14.99, with a comparable price of $21, which we consider a pretty stellar deal.

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Studio Belle Coir Bows Scalloped Doormat, $14.99 at T.J. Maxx

T.J. Maxx

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And yes, this one practically has cottagecore and charm written all over it. The scalloped edging and sweet bow motif would look right at home outside a home surrounded by climbing flowers, vintage planters and a cheerful little porch chair. But you don’t need to live in a storybook cottage—or go all-in on floral everything—to make it work.

Related: This Pretty Pink $35 IKEA Dutch Oven Is Giving Le Creuset Vibes for a Fraction of the Price

In fact, the black-and-neutral color palette makes this doormat surprisingly versatile. If your decorating style leans more toward a neutral aesthetic, minimalist farmhouse or classic black-and-white look, the simple bow pattern adds just enough detail without competing with the rest of your decor. Think of it as a tiny dose of personality for your doorstep.

The mat measures approximately 20 inches wide by 34 inches long and is designed for outdoor use, making it perfect to pop on top of a larger all-weather fabric mat to bring everything together. T.J. Maxx recommends spot cleaning, and the coir construction gives it that traditional textured doormat look.

At $14.99, it’s also the kind of seasonal piece that doesn’t require a full porch makeover or a painful trip to the checkout counter. Sometimes, all it takes is one scalloped edge, a few adorable black bows and a welcoming front door to make your home feel a little more charming.

Related: Dollar Tree’s Mini Velvet Pumpkins Are So Cute, You’ll Want One in Every Color

If you’ve been keeping an eye on body-care trends lately, you already know that luxury gourmand fragrances—think warm pistachios, rich vanilla and sweet berries—are completely dominating the beauty landscape. While high-end body creams featuring these decadent dessert notes can easily set you back $40 or more, a drugstore staple is stepping up to make high-end body care accessible on an everyday budget.

Suave is officially expanding its lineup with the launch of its 48HR Moisture Lotion Collection, a brand-new series of skincare-focused body lotions that pair bakery-inspired scents with deep-hydrating ingredients. Best of all, a massive 18-ounce pump bottle retails for just $4.97.

Here’s a full breakdown of what’s inside the new formula, the three scent profiles and where you can pick up a bottle this month.

Related: The 15 Best Retinol Body Lotions, According to Celebrity Dermatologists

What Makes the New Suave 48HR Moisture Formula Different?

While budget-friendly lotions sometimes get a reputation for being thin or overly watery, Suave designed this new collection to function more like a heavy-duty skin treatment.

Each bottle is loaded with a blend of five natural butters and plant oils formulated to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier:

• Shea butter for rich conditioning
• Cocoa butter to lock in hydration
• Coconut oil to soften dry patches
• Argan oil for antioxidant support
• Soybean oil to improve overall skin texture

Despite its high concentration of lipids, the formula absorbs quickly without leaving behind a greasy residue or slick film. It’s clinically proven to deliver up to 48 hours of continuous hydration, making it a solid daily choice as the weather turns cooler and drier.

Additionally, shoppers with sensitive skin or ingredient concerns will appreciate that the entire collection is made without parabens, mineral oils, dyes or phthalates.

The 3 Gourmand Scents: Vanilla, Strawberry and Pistachio

The main draw for this release is undoubtedly the scent selection. Gourmand fragrances—scents built around sweet, edible notes—have seen a huge surge in popularity, and Suave has crafted three distinct profiles to match:

Scent Name

Fragrance Profile & Key Notes

Best Paired With

Vanilla Suede

Cacao cream, warm vanilla and sueded musk

Warm vanilla body washes & amber perfumes

Strawberry Delight

Fresh strawberries, sweet caramel and Chantilly cream

Fruity floral scents & berry body sprays

Pistachio Cream

Almond, sugar praline and roasted pistachio

Nutty gourmand fragrances & cozy mists

For shoppers who like to layer their scents for a longer-lasting effect, Suave has complementary Exfoliating Body Washes designed to match each lotion.

Related: This Drugstore Moisturizer Is a Dermatologist Favorite—And It’s Only $20

Why Drugstore Body Care Is Getting a Luxury Upgrade

The release comes at a time when shoppers are increasingly scrutinizing beauty budgets without wanting to compromise on scent quality or ingredient safety.

“These new lotions smell incredible, and they deliver an instant mood boost,” says Rachel Behm, Chief Marketing Officer at Suave. “But what surprises people is the formula. It absorbs like a dream and delivers 48-hour moisture with five nourishing butters and oils. It’s the ultimate pairing of scent and formula, all at Suave prices.”

Founded nearly 90 years ago, Suave has built its identity on bringing salon and prestige trends to everyday aisles. The new body-care launch aligns with that heritage, offering luxury-grade fragrance profiles at a fraction of the price of high-end boutiques.

Related: Body Oil vs. Lotion—A Board-Certified Dermatologist Explains the Difference

Where and When To Buy the New Suave Lotions

The new Suave 48HR Moisture Body Lotion Collection is rolling out nationwide starting in September 2026. Shoppers can find the generous 18-ounce bottles priced at $4.97 online and on store shelves at Walmart and Amazon.

Given the popularity of gourmand scents across social media platforms, these $5 bottles are likely to move quickly as fall body-care shopping picks up speed.

Related: 12 Body Lotions That Actually Work for Crepey Skin, According to Dermatologists

Flower Knows is expanding its U.S. retail presence with a limited-time launch in 450 Ulta Beauty stores as the cosmetics brand celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The Chinese beauty brand debuted Sept. 20 through Ulta Beauty’s “Just Dropped Beauty” platform, an in-store feature highlighting emerging brands, trends and products. The Flower Knows placement is scheduled to continue through at least early 2027, according to a Sept. 23 press release from the company.

The move follows Flower Knows’ December 2025 launch on Ulta.com, where more than 60 products became available. The brand will now bring a smaller selection into participating stores while continuing to sell its broader assortment online.

Related: 7 TSA-Approved Beauty Items Come With Me on Every Trip

Which Flower Knows Products Are Coming to Ulta Beauty Stores?

Flower Knows is bringing five products to participating Ulta Beauty stores for a limited time, with prices ranging from $25 to $40, according to the company’s announcement. The selection includes products from its Strawberry Cupid, Strawberry Rococo and Swan Ballet collections.

The five products are:

• Violet Strawberry Rococo Glowy Lip Gloss in Raspberry Booze, $35
• Swan Ballet Embossed Blush in Silky Ribbon, $26
• Swan Ballet Six-Color Makeup Palette in White Swan, $35
• Strawberry Cupid Makeup Palette in Cupid’s Mischief, $40
• Strawberry Cupid Hand Mirror in Red Velvet, $25

Flower Knows’ broader assortment on Ulta.com includes more than 62 products, with prices ranging from $8 to $45.

What Is Flower Knows’ Snow Ballet Collection?

Flower Knows

Flower Knows is also introducing its Snow Ballet Collection for the holiday season as part of its 10th-anniversary plans.

While full collection details remain under wraps, the brand has previewed products such as the Snow Ballet Lip Duo. The collection will be part of an anniversary Global Tour that includes a four-day holiday pop-up in New York City in mid-November.

Gong Fang, Chief Marketing Officer of Flower Knows, said the expansion into Ulta stores gives U.S. consumers a chance to interact with the products in person.

“Bringing Flower Knows into stores gives even more consumers the opportunity to have a true real-world experience by interacting with our products and seeing the artistry, storytelling and sense of wonder behind the brand firsthand,” Fang said.

Related: Princess Diana’s Iconic Blue Eyeliner: How To Modernize It

Why Is Flower Knows Expanding Its U.S. Retail Presence?

Flower Knows entered U.S. retail in 2023 and says the United States has since become its largest overseas market. The company has attributed its international growth to its social media presence, distinctive packaging and fantasy-inspired makeup collections.

The brand is also sold in markets including Greater China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Australia and the Middle East. It most recently expanded into South Korea, where the company said it held a pop-up in central Seoul.

In the U.S., Flower Knows is currently available through Ulta Beauty, Urban Outfitters and Amazon, according to the company.

Ulta Beauty Vice President of Merchandising Kaitlin Rinehart said the retailer wanted to give customers an opportunity to experience Flower Knows beyond social media.

“Flower Knows has built an incredible following by tapping into the bold, playful and expressive side of beauty,” Rinehart said. “We’re excited to take that discovery beyond the screen and create an opportunity for our guests to test, play and experience the brand firsthand through a limited-time in-store presence.”

Related: Ulta Just Released a New Makeup Product Shoppers Say Is a ‘Game Changer for Mature Skin’

Hilary Duff kicked off her Lucky Me Tour in late June, and it didn’t take long for shows to begin selling out. The beloved singer and actress remains a fan favorite, especially for millennials who grew up during her Disney Channel days, when she played Lizzie McGuire in a show of the same name.

However, Duff is all grown up now, and after nearly 20 years between the last time she was on tour and Lucky Me, she came back with a bang. It had seemed like that epic return was coming to an end relatively soon, as Duff had a few more tour dates this year in New Zealand and Australia this October and then shows in January and February of next year in Canada and Mexico.

Now, Duff has confirmed that these dates will not actually be the Lucky Me Tour’s last. In May 2027, she will resume the tour, starting in Madrid, Spain, on May 7. From there, Duff will visit cities including Milan, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, San Juan, Buenos Aires, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Anaheim and many more. The tour will conclude with the Anaheim show on Nov. 20, 2027. The specific locations and dates can be found on Duff’s official website.

Duff took to her Instagram earlier today to share the news, and it’s safe to say that fans have been elated with this update. One commenter wrote, “I can’t believe you’re ending the tour here in the OC!!! See you there queen!!!!!!” Another said, “Thank you thank you for coming!!! This is really what dreams are made of! We are so excited!!!!!” Yet another comment reads, “Germany loves you! I promise we will sell out.”

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New tickets are not currently on sale, although fans can sign up for the pre-sale, which starts next week, on Duff’s website.

New Found Glory just revealed how they plan to honor late guitarist Chad Gilbert.

Just days after Gilbert died at age 45 on Sunday, the pop-punk band announced that they will move forward with their upcoming performances at Epcot in his memory. Gilbert had an intense love for Disney and had been planning to be on stage during the shows.

“Anyone who knew Chad knew that he was a massive Disney fan,” the band shared on Instagram Wednesday, September 23. “Our shows at Epcot were dates he was so excited for and he was actively planning to be on stage with us there.”

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Gilbert had even helped create the setlists and was practicing in preparation for the performances. “Because of how much he wanted to play these shows, taking the stage at Epcot feels like the right way to honor him, and what he would want us to do,” the band explained.

READ MORE: Hayley Williams Breaks Silence on Ex-Husband Chad Gilbert’s Death

New Found Glory also shared the six planned setlists, which include longtime favorites like “Hit or Miss,” “Dressed to Kill,” “Head on Collision,” “All Downhill From Here” and “My Friends Over You.” In a nod to the Disney setting (and Gilbert’s love of Disney), the band will also perform “Part of Your World” and “Let It Go.”

“Every note we play and every word you sing at Epcot is for Chad,” they wrote.

The band will, however, take some time away before those emotional performances. They announced that they have canceled their upcoming appearance at Aftershock Festival to give themselves time “to process and grieve.”

Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20 following a years-long battle with cancer. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and mother, Jackie, were by his side during his final moments.

In announcing his death, his loved ones remembered Gilbert as both a musician and family man, writing, “He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true.”

Gilbert is survived by Lisa, their daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.

Related: New Found Glory Guitarist Chad Gilbert Dies at 45 After Cancer Battle

Aretha Franklin’s 1967 hit “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” was among the songs that solidified her legacy as the “Queen of Soul” and became a timeless classic that ranks among the best songs in music history. 

Celebrating the most influential and career-defining hits in the industry, Rolling Stone published its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, based on the recurring polls of critics and industry professionals conducted by the music magazine. 

Securing the No.90 spot was Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

The publication emphasized how the soul and R&B track “turned her into a superstar” along with her other smash hits like “Respect” and “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).”

Aretha Franklin at The Andy Williams Show in 1969

Fred A. Sabine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Moreover, The Atlantic also described the 1967 hit as the “Perfect Aretha Franklin Song”  highlighting the song’s ability to capture the songstress’ “effect” to capture the audiences worldwide.

Released as a standalone single in 1967, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” became part of her sophomore studio Lady Soul in 1968. 

With Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Jerry Wexler officially credited as the songwriters, Franklin’s song was a product of an intense, late-night burst of inspiration and was only written in just one night. 

At that time, the legendary husband-and-wife songwriting duo, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, was walking down the streets in New York and was spotted by Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler.

“Why don’t you write a song called ‘Natural Woman’?” he yelled while inside his car as he passed the couple, as cited by Songfacts. 

“They felt the title was so distinct and so important to the song that they gave him a piece of it,” Ode Records owner Lou Adler shared, who worked closely with King and Goffin, adding “So, when I spoke to Jerry recently to call him on his 90th birthday, he said, ‘Isn’t it amazing what those kids gave me? The checks keep coming in and I’m really happy about it.’ Knowing how much he added to the song, not really as a third writer but the title and the inspiration of what was to be, a great song.”

Wexler’s suggestion inspired the couple to create the song during one long night of musical and lyrical composition.

“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” became a massive song back then peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Billboard R&B Chart.

The song’s popularity also propelled the album’s success after Lady Soul reached number 2 on the Billboard album charts.

From its Billboard achievement, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” also caught the attention of fellow musicians, sparking covers with different renditions. 

Among those who released their reimagined versions was the song’s composer Carole King in 1971 with a stripped-down, folk-flavored cover. 

Adding to the list is Céline Dion in 1995 with her soaring pop take on “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” while the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” Mary J. Blige covered it in 1995, with her modern R&B take to the track.

Related: 1972 Country Rock Song, With 22-Year-Old Singer of Dr. Hook, Is Still a Generational Hit 54 Years Later

Beloved children’s author Mo Willems is finally writing a book for adults! And if you’ve ever wondered, “How does he come up with those fanciful narratives and whimsical drawings?”, you have an answer. 

The Caldecott honoree and Emmy Award winner is best known for his creative and colorful kid-lit hits such as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, and, of course, the iconic Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale.

Now grown-ups can get in on the Willems action. That is, beyond reading your kiddo one of his tales at bedtime. Willems just announced that he will release a book for adults in March of 2027, and this is one title you won’t want to miss. 

Per Willems’ publisher, Hachette Book Group, Words and Pictures by Mo Willems: Writing About Stories, Stories About Writing, “Delivers a personal, philosophical, and pragmatic look at the art of writing for children.” According to the book’s description, the collection of over 25 essays is “an in-depth study of his writing process, explores his philosophy on writing for children, and dissects one of his picture books—cover to cover—to give readers a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process.”

The exploratory look at Willems’ process doesn’t start with his popular kid-lit titles. This book goes back to the author’s days as a writer and animator on Sesame Street (where he won six Emmys), providing a complete context for his work. 

Willems recently talked candidly to People about the book, revealing, “It is exciting to share my thoughts, personal history, artistic influences, creative experiments, and writing process with a grown-up audience. There is no right or wrong way to create.” 

He continued, “I hope this collection of anecdotes, explorations, drawings, doodles, and story breakdowns encourages readers to rediscover the joy that is central to the act of making up their own stories.” 

Willems also shared an Instagram post featuring a sneak peek at the new book and the caption, “I am giddy excited about the cover reveal for my upcoming adult book WORDS & PICTURES, a copiously illustrated memoir, guide to writing for children, and encouragement for all creators that comes out next spring. This experiment has been many years in the making.” 

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Fans gushed over the upcoming release, responding to Willems’ post with, “As a teacher, parent, and fan, I cannot stress enough how fantastic this is!”, “I simply have to have this,” and “Yes yes yes! This is going on the must-read list.”

Words and Pictures by Mo Willems: Writing About Stories, Stories About Writing will hit stores and online retailers on March 30, 2027. But you can preorder the book ($30) from Amazon, Target, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Walmart, and Hudson Booksellers right now. 

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If your heating or cooling bills keep climbing, drafty or outdated windows are an obvious place to look. But replacing every window in a home is a significant expense, and most homeowners want to know one thing before signing a contract: How long will replacement windows take to pay for themselves?

The honest answer depends on your existing windows, climate, utility rates, project cost and how much energy your home uses. ENERGY STAR says replacing single-pane windows with certified products lowers household heating and cooling costs by an average of up to 13% nationwide. The U.S. Department of Energy also estimates that heat gain and heat loss through windows account for about 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.

If your windows are visibly failing, leaking or creating uncomfortable rooms, an inspection from Renewal by Andersen can tell you whether replacement is likely to deliver meaningful savings.

Can replacement windows lower energy bills?

Yes. Replacement windows can lower energy bills, particularly when they replace single-pane or poorly performing units. ENERGY STAR estimates average household heating and cooling savings of up to 13% nationwide for replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows. Actual savings depend on climate, window condition, glass performance, installation and the home’s heating and cooling system.

Windows affect energy costs in two ways: heat moves through the glass and frame, and air can enter or escape around the assembly. Modern energy-efficient windows address both problems through features such as low-emissivity coatings, insulated glazing and improved frame construction.

The Department of Energy recommends comparing U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) when selecting windows. A lower U-factor means less heat moves through the window. SHGC measures how much solar heat enters the home. In cold climates, lower U-factors and appropriately higher solar heat gain can make sense; in hot climates, lower SHGC can reduce unwanted heat gain.

Renewal by Andersen cites its own product testing showing substantial differences between its Low-E4® glass and ordinary clear dual-pane glass, with performance varying by season and glass package. Those figures are product-specific, so homeowners should compare the actual NFRC ratings of the windows in their proposals rather than rely on a generic efficiency percentage.

How long do replacement windows take to pay for themselves?

There is no universal payback period for replacement windows. Energy savings alone may take many years to recover a whole-house replacement cost, especially when existing windows are already double-pane and reasonably efficient. Payback is faster when old windows are single-pane, badly deteriorated, highly drafty or installed in a home with high heating or cooling costs.

The basic calculation is straightforward:

Payback period = net replacement cost ÷ annual energy savings

Consider a hypothetical $15,000 window project. If the replacement reduces heating and cooling costs by $300 per year, the simple energy-only payback is 50 years. At $600 in annual savings, it is 25 years. These are illustrations, not predictions of what a particular homeowner will save.

That distinction is crucial. A window project may still make financial sense even when utility savings alone do not recover the entire purchase price quickly. Homeowners also have to consider maintenance, comfort, window operation, air leakage, water intrusion and eventual resale.

Renewal by Andersen makes a similar point in its consumer guidance: value includes energy savings, maintenance, durability, warranty and resale considerations rather than the purchase price alone.

Installation quality also affects the calculation. As Ross Trethewey, building engineer on Ask This Old House, told Renewal by Andersen, “You can have the best window in the world. And if it’s not installed right, you’re not going to have a great outcome.” ENERGY STAR likewise warns that even high-performance windows can be drafty when poorly installed.

Related: Selecting Replacement Windows for High Sun Exposure Rooms

What does energy cost have to do with window ROI?

Energy prices vary sharply across the country. EIA data shows that the 2025 U.S. residential electricity average was 17.30 cents per kilowatt-hour, while 2024 residential electricity prices ranged from about 11 cents per kWh in some states to nearly 32 cents in California.

That creates a major difference in potential dollar savings.

Home profile

Likely energy-saving opportunity

Effect on payback

Cold climate, old single-pane windows

Higher heating-loss exposure

Often stronger savings opportunity

Hot climate, older inefficient windows

Higher cooling-load exposure

Savings depend heavily on solar heat gain

Mild climate, newer double-pane windows

Smaller efficiency gap

Usually slower energy-only payback

High utility-rate area

Each unit of saved energy is worth more

Can shorten payback

Efficient home with old HVAC but good windows

Windows may not be the largest energy loss

Other upgrades may deserve attention first

The key is to compare your current windows with the proposed replacements rather than assuming every home will see the same percentage reduction.

Renewal by Andersen offers a professional window consultation so homeowners can evaluate replacement options for their specific home. Schedule a free consultation today.

What should homeowners check before replacing windows?

Start with the condition and performance of the existing windows. Drafts, condensation between panes, damaged frames, difficult operation and visible deterioration are signs that replacement deserves closer evaluation. Then compare NFRC ratings, installation details and the total project price before estimating payback.

A professional inspection can also prevent a common mistake: replacing windows when another part of the home’s envelope is responsible for most of the energy loss.

ENERGY STAR recommends looking at the whole window, including its U-factor and SHGC, rather than choosing based on price or a single advertised feature.

For homeowners comparing quotes, ask for:

• Window performance ratings: Look for the NFRC-certified U-factor and SHGC.
• Installation scope: Confirm what happens around the existing frame and how air and water sealing are handled.
• Total project cost: Include labor, disposal, finishing work and any other charges.
• Expected energy impact: Treat projected savings as an estimate, not a guaranteed return.
• Available incentives: Federal rules changed in 2026. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Local utility or state incentives may still be available.

If your windows are failing now, waiting solely for an energy-payback calculation may not make sense. A leaking or deteriorated window can create problems that have little to do with utility bills.

New Windows From Renewal by Andersen

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Professional window replacement from Renewal by Andersen can help you save money on your utility bills.

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When does replacing windows make financial sense?

Replacement windows make the strongest financial case when the existing units perform poorly and the home has substantial heating or cooling demand. The decision becomes less compelling when current windows are already efficient and the expected annual savings are small compared with the installation cost. A project-specific inspection provides a better answer than a national average.

For a homeowner facing rising bills and obvious window problems, the next useful step is not guessing at a national payback period. It is finding out what condition the existing windows are in, which performance ratings fit the local climate and what the actual project cost would be.

Renewal by Andersen offers a professional window consultation so homeowners can evaluate replacement options for their specific home. Schedule your free consultation today to get an accurate project estimate with no obligation.