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For women who have been told that getting ahead means working harder, speaking louder or becoming tougher, Kelly Ehlers has a different message: You don’t have to lose yourself to succeed.

Ehlers, a two-time founder and marketing strategist, explores that idea in her new book, Nice Girls Win: How Kind Women Can Create the Lives They Deserve, which was released yesterday, Sept. 22, 2026. Here’s everything you need to know.

Related: 25 Best Short Books You Can Easily Read in a Day

What Is Nice Girls Win About?

The book challenges what Ehlers describes as the unwritten expectations placed on women in both their professional and personal lives. She calls those expectations the “Invisible Contract”—the pressure to say yes, keep the peace, carry the load, apologize first and remain agreeable in order to be accepted. According to Ehlers, those expectations can come at the expense of women’s time, ambitions and sense of self.

Her perspective is informed by her own career. Ehlers says she was fired while pregnant and spent the following six years fighting back before eventually building two companies, The Evoke Agency and Tease Media. She went on to become CEO and says both businesses grew into award-winning, multimillion-dollar companies.

Kelly Ehlers on Women, Kindness and Success

Kelly Ehlers via PRNewswire

Ehlers says those experiences changed the way she thought about success and leadership.

“Kindness was never the obstacle to success,” she says. “The real obstacle was a model that required women to abandon themselves to achieve it.”

That idea is at the center of Nice Girls Win. Rather than encouraging women to simply work harder or take on more, Ehlers presents what she describes as a model of leadership based on clarity, emotional intelligence, boundaries and confidence.

“I built two multimillion-dollar companies without becoming someone I did not recognize,” Ehlers says. “Women do not need to lean in harder or contort themselves around expectations that were never built for them. Modern leadership is not about overpowering everyone else. It is kindness with a spine.”

Related: 45 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, According to Librarians

The “Invisible Contract” and the Pressure Women Face

The book isn’t aimed solely at women in corner offices. Ehlers says its audience includes founders and executives as well as mothers, caregivers, partners and other women who feel like they’re constantly expected to handle one more thing.

One of the book’s central questions is what happens when a woman becomes so focused on meeting everyone else’s expectations that she loses sight of her own priorities.

“This is for the woman who built a life everyone admires but quietly wonders where she went inside it,” Ehlers says. “You do not have to become harder to win. Set the boundary and decide what winning looks like for you.”

Nice Girls Win Reviews and Release Details

The book has also received early critical attention. According to the publisher’s press materials, Kirkus Reviews praised its “honest reflection and actionable ideas.”

BookLife Reviews also selected the book as an Editor’s Pick, with an editorial note describing Ehlers’ guidance as “fresh and resonant for an era of screen-time and influencers.”

Nice Girls Win is published by Big Circles Media, LLC. The book is available in paperback for $19.99, hardcover for $29.99 and ebook for $9.99, with an audiobook edition also available.

Ehlers has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and brand building. She is the founder and CEO of The Evoke Agency and Tease Media, which she describes as award-winning, multimillion-dollar companies.

With Nice Girls Win, Ehlers is making the case that professional ambition and kindness don’t have to be opposing forces—and that success doesn’t necessarily require women to adopt the traditionally “tough” qualities they’ve often been told they need. For Ehlers, the goal is less about changing who women are and more about giving them permission to define success for themselves.

Related: 50 Books Every Woman Over 50 Should Have on Her Bookshelf, According to Librarians

Jack Nicholson‘s lookalike grandson, Duke Nicholson, just hit the red carpet with his soon-to-be wife, Devon Lee Carlson.

Duke, 27, is the grandson of Jack, who is known for iconic films ranging from Batman and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to Terms of Endearment and As Good As It Gets. While the acting icon doesn’t appear on the big screen as much as he used to, Duke is following in his grandfather’s footsteps. Duke just hit the Los Angeles special screening of his new film, The Deputy, at Landmark Theaters Sunset. One look at his smile is a dead giveaway to who his famous grandfather is!

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

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What is The Deputy About?

Duke stars in the film as “a young sheriff’s deputy [who] finds himself in the crosshairs of dangerous criminals when the dead body he is assigned to keep an eye on disappears from a crime scene,” according to the official logline. Also starring Julia Fox and William H. Macy, the film is directed by Matt Sukkar.

Nicholson opened up to PEOPLE about his character, saying, “Toby is messy, flawed and completely in over his head, but he has a good heart, and that’s what drew me to him.”

Check out the trailer below for the film:

What Has Duke Nicholson Learned From His Grandfather, Jack Nicholson?

Kevork S. Djansezian / Getty Images

Duke has shared that one of the best lessons his grandfather taught him was the importance of developing your own material.

“Writing, creating projects with friends, being part of the process. He’s always been more than an actor; he’s a writer and director, too. That advice has been inspiring to me. I never want to just rely on self-tapes to feel creatively fulfilled,” Duke told The Hollywood Reporter in 2025.

When asked if he looks to his grandfather’s work for inspiration, Duke said that’s a definite.

“I’ve seen almost all his films. I mean, he’s incredible. The one that resonates with me most is The Passenger, the [Michelangelo] Antonioni film. His performance and the filmmaking in that are just amazing. The first movie I ever saw him in, though, was Anger Management with Adam Sandler — still arguably the greatest movie he’s ever made. (Laughs.) But yeah, I go up and visit him a lot, and we’re pretty close. You know, he’s just the best.

Related: ‘Terms of Endearment’ Star Debra Winger Shares the Mindset That’s Changed How She Sees Aging at 71

In 1993, Neal McCoy scored his breakthrough with a pair of back-to-back No. 1 country hits. Now, 33 years later, the country star is preparing to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.

McCoy received a surprise invitation to join the Opry during Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride, a special show celebrating the life and music of his longtime friend and mentor, Charley Pride. And Pride’s widow Rozene Pride helped make sure the honor came on a particularly meaningful night.

McCoy performed three of Pride’s songs during his set and reflected on the enormous role the Country Music Hall of Famer played in his own life and career.

“If there had never been a Charley Pride there would never have been a Neal McCoy,” McCoy told the audience.

McCoy recalled that early in his career, he spent his weekdays mowing lawns to make a living and his weekends traveling with Pride and opening his shows. McCoy has continued to credit Pride’s mentorship, encouragement and example with shaping the entertainer he became.

Charley Pride’s Widow Helps Surprise Neal McCoy Neal McCoy Gets Surprise Grand Ole Opry Invitation During Charley Pride Tribute (4:08)

Later in the evening, Grand Ole Opry member Pam Tillis welcomed Rozene Pride to the stage to share memories of her husband, who died in 2020.

Rozene asked McCoy to escort her onto the stage. As her remarks came to an end, she teased what was about to happen.

“Charley would be so happy with what you’re going to do next, Pam,” she said.

Tillis then surprised McCoy with an official invitation to become a Grand Ole Opry member on behalf of Rozene and Charley Pride and the Opry family.

McCoy was nearly speechless.

“Oh my gosh,” he said. “What a great night. What a great night to be invited.”

McCoy will officially be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry later this year, although an induction date has not yet been announced.

Neal McCoy’s Country Music Career

McCoy broke through in 1993 with “No Doubt About It” and “Wink,” which became back-to-back No. 1 singles. His success continued throughout the 1990s with two additional platinum albums, a gold album and six more Top 10 hits. He returned to the Top 10 in 2005 with “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On.”

His connection to Pride extended far beyond their early touring days. In 2013, McCoy released Pride: A Tribute to Charley Pride in honor of his friend and mentor.

Pride had his own long history with the Grand Ole Opry. After growing up listening to its broadcasts on WSM radio, he made his Opry debut in 1967. He initially declined an invitation to become a member because of his busy touring schedule before officially joining in 1993.

The Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride show also included performances by Tillis, Darius Rucker, Pride’s son Dion Pride, Tony Jackson, The Malpass Brothers and The War & Treaty.

Related: ‘90s Country Icon Has Led Fans in the Pledge of Allegiance Every Day for 3663 Days and Counting

Despite the show’s success with critics and audiences alike, Prime Video canceled Ride or Die after just one season. With the report of the cancellation, the show will be shopped around, offering hope for more of this fun tale.

While the Amazon streamer didn’t specifically say why it was canceled, Deadline shared more. It all comes down to the demographic, with the publication pointing out that the older women who loved the series already had Amazon Prime for shopping. Despite their love for the series, Ride or Die didn’t bring in the new subscribers that Amazon wanted.

It’s a wild reason, but it is also the perfect reason for one particular streamer to save the day. Ride or Die comes from Paramount Television Studios, with Amazon distributing it. The Octavia Spencer-led series could head to Paramount+ instead, and this is where the demographic is perfect.

More and more Paramount+ shows are marketed toward 50+ viewers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Landman, MobLand, and Dutton Ranch have all appealed to the older audiences. There are older actors on the screen, taking leading roles to offer characters that are relatable. It’s important to have representation on the screen, and Paramount+ subscribers are proving that.

If the whole reason for the cancellation is the demographic, Ride or Die would work perfectly for the Paramount-owned streamer. Luminate data noted that the show clocked in at 927 million viewing minutes, which is how streamers calculate success, during its two days, making it a no-brainer for a smaller streamer. That should have been enough for a renewal at Prime Video, considering that was more than Elle, Every Year After, and many other YA shows that the Amazon streamer favors.

Plus, Paramount+ releases content weekly in most cases. This could help Ride or Die find more of its audience, who are more likely to watch over the course of time rather than want a one-weekend binge-watch.

Ride or Die follows two middle-aged women who make it clear that age really is just a number. Hannah Waddingham’s character, Judith, is a former assassin who ends up with a past that comes back to haunt her. When someone is sent to kill her, she and her best friend, Debbie (Spencer), head off on a global, high-energy trip to get to the bottom of the attack.

Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley are teaming up once again after making history with “Choosin’ Texas.”

Ahead of Lambert’s anticipated album Crisco, due for release on Oct. 2, the three-time GRAMMY winner revealed that Langley is a featured artist on the album’s opening track, “Snakeskin Boots.”

“The cinematic, retro-Western track will make its world premiere at Country radio on Oct. 2,” the press release reveals, adding that the tune is “built with the swagger of late-’60s cinematic Westerns and the attitude of Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang Bang.”

Lambert and co-producer Jesse Frasure drew inspiration from the era with a track that “could soundtrack a Quentin Tarantino film as easily as it could fill a dance floor at Studio 54.”

And there was only one person that could complete the track. “We wrote ‘Snakeskin Boots’ with Ella in mind. She and I are kindred spirits, and when we were working on her album, I realized how many retro influences we share,” Lambert expressed. “To me, this song is kind of Thelma and Louise if they didn’t drive off the cliff. It’s two badass women getting away with something, and she’s the perfect partner for that.”

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The team-up adds yet another layer to Lambert and Langley’s professional partnership. In addition to co-writing and co-producing “Choosin’ Texas,” which has officially surpassed Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which previously held the record with 22 weeks at No. 1, with a total of 23 weeks on the charts, the country star also co-produced Langley’s acclaimed Dandelion project and joined Langley as a duet partner on the album track “Butterfly Season.”

Lambert even sparked “Choosin Texas'” central idea during a songwriting retreat with Langley, sharing a real-life story about being pulled over while driving with a pet kangaroo in her vehicle, which became the jumping-off point for one of the year’s biggest songs. 

There’s been no shortage of milestones for “Choosin’ Texas.”

As Parade previously reported, it has spent weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Streaming Songs, Digital Song Sales and Hot Country Songs charts as well.

It’s also put Langley in rare company at the upcoming 2026 CMA Awards, as the 27-year-old has two tracks nominated for Single of the Year—”Choosin’ Texas” and “Be Her”—something not seen since Lambert earned dual solo nominations in 2010 for “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar.”

As for Lambert’s Crisco, it will span 12 tracks, which will be celebrated a day before the album drops on Oct. 1, as the singer is set for a one-night-only show for the opening night of Nashville’s newest live music venue, The Truth.

Fans in attendance will get a preview of “select tracks off the new album,” which include the previously released songs, “Sunset Marquis,” the title track, “Till The Going’s Gone” and the GRAMMY-nominated duet “A Song To Sing” with Chris Stapleton.

Related: Country Star Miranda Lambert Makes Exciting One-Night-Only 2026 Concert Announcement

“Ringo” was a spoken-word country song that was released by Lorne Greene in 1964. The song rose all the way to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached the top spot on the Easy Listening chart. It stayed in that position for six weeks.

In addition to singing, Green was also an actor and radio personality. He played Ben Cartwright in Bonanza and Commander Adama in Battlestar Galactica. He also worked on a nature documentary called Lorne Greene’s New Wilderness.   

When speaking about the hit song, “Ringo,” Greene told The Morning Union, “How about that? I’m suddenly the Elvis Presley of the Stone Age.”

He continued, “You see a bunch of kids singing, and the audience screaming, but you can’t imagine what it is really like until it happens to you. I now know why all those teenage idols use big electronic instruments. It’s the only way to hold back the crowd.”

Related: 1957 Rock Song, Rejected by 30 Other Artists, Was a Hit for the Everly Brothers

He contributed some of his success to his role on Bonanza, which aired from 1959 until 1973. He also thought the song was successful because it told a complete story, saying, “It’s interesting to speculate on why it is really a success. Greek tragedy has been successful all these years because people have dug it. This song has Greek tragedy about it: a man saves another man’s life and thereby dooms himself.”

To this day, there are still many fans of this song. As one listener on YouTube said, “They don’t write songs like this anymore… Wonderful lyrics.” Another said, “Lorne Greene was another great voice for narration. I could listen to him narrating anything.”

Related: 1984 Rock Song, Beloved by Prince, Led to Him Writing a Huge Hit for the Band

Greene released several more songs throughout his lifetime. He performed “Bonanza,” which was a tribute to his famous series. He also performed “I’m a Gun,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” and “Saga of the Ponderosa.”

Greene died in 1987 due to complications from  pneumonia. He was 72.

Everyone could relate to one of Buzzcocks biggest hits of their career that released in the late ’70s, with late frontman Pete Shelley having penned a love song that has outlasted generations.

“Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” is as self-explanatory as it can get. Shelley was only 23-years-old when he wrote the genderless love song while the band was on tour in Scotland. The track was released as a single and backed with “Just Lust.”

While the song did well on the UK charts, it didn’t manage to break into the U.S. market. This didn’t stop the Buzzcocks song from becoming a rock classic, as it was tagged by outlets as one of the best song’s of 1978 and ranked by Rolling Stone at No. 276 on their list of the “Greatest Songs of All Time”.

According to the BBC, “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” wouldn’t have been written is Shelley and the band hadn’t been in their hotel room watching a movie. The movie happened to be one of Marlon Brando‘s cult classics, Guys and Dolls.

“I wrote that while we were doing the Orgasm Addict tour,” said Shelley, in the documentary about the band. “We were up in Edinburgh, stopping at the guest house, watching TV there, and it was the movie musical Guys and Dolls.“

“One of the characters, Adelaide, is saying to Marlon Brando’s character, ‘Wait till you fall in love with someone you shouldn’t have.’ I thought, fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t have? Hmm, that’s good.”

The following day, the band continued on the road when the van stopped in front of a post office. Shelley recalls having written the lyrics in that very moment and the music “just seemed to follow, fully formed.”

“Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” is categorized as an upbeat love song, but was it based on someone? According to Shelley he did have a “certain person in mind,” and it wasn’t until years later that he revelead it was someone named Francis. Many speculated it was Francis Cookson of The Tiller Boys. They lived together for several years, and began falling in love.

The frontman once explained that he tried to be gender neutral as possible when writing songs, and could use the same song for either sex.Punk singer and journalist John Robb told Radio 5 Live that Shelley’s songrwiting often originated from his own experience with sexuality.

“He wrote these fantastically beautiful melodies and he dealt with the quixotic and complicated subject of love, and he made it so simple,” he said. “This was someone who was very confused – confused by his sexuality, confused by love and lust and things, and he wrote songs that told the truth about love.”

Related: 1971 Country Rock Ballad, Covered by Linda Ronstadt, Is Still One of the Best Trucker Hits 55 Years Later

If you’re anything like me, there’s a good chance you’ve wandered past bottles of Sangría Señorial in grocery store aisles and thought, “I wish this came in a zero-sugar version.” Now, the more than 60-year-old soda brand is giving the people (or at least this food writer) what they want: Sangría Señorial Zero Sugar.

This zero-calorie, zero-sugar extension of regular Sangría Señorial is designed to deliver the flavor of the original. According to a taste test conducted by the brand, most participants couldn’t distinguish Sangría Señorial Zero from the original sugary version. The original Sangría Señorial is a non-alcoholic soda, and the new Zero Sugar version gives consumers another way to enjoy its signature flavor without sugar or calories.

Sangría Señorial Zero Sugar is currently rolling out at retailers nationwide.

Sangría Señorial

Sangría Señorial Zero Sugar will be available in 12-ounce glass bottles and 1.5-liter plastic bottles at select retailers and online, according to the brand. I haven’t yet found the new version at a retailer near me, so availability may vary as the product rolls out. Consumers can check Sangría Señorial’s store locator for more information.

“Sangría Señorial has always been about turning an everyday moment into something worth savoring,” said Jorge Gamboa, brand manager of Sangría Señorial in a press release. “With Sangría Señorial Zero, we’re giving consumers another way to experience the unique flavor they love—with zero sugar and zero calories, without compromising the experience.”

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A pest sighting is stressful enough without wondering whether the exterminator’s quote will grow once the work begins. Homeowners often assume a service estimate covers everything needed to solve the problem, only to discover that certain treatments, repairs or follow-up services are priced separately.

The good news: Legitimate pest-control pricing should be explainable before work begins. The key is knowing which services are normally part of a treatment plan and which are separate projects.

Want to know what pest control will cost before you commit? Get a free, personalized quote from Orkin and find out which services your home may need—and what’s included.

What hidden fees do exterminators charge?

Exterminators do not follow one universal fee schedule. The final price depends on the pest, severity of the infestation, property conditions and services included in the plan. Potential additional charges may include specialized treatments, exclusion work, structural or moisture corrections or recurring service beyond an initial visit.

Orkin says its pricing varies based on the infestation and the surrounding environment. Its online quote tool allows homeowners to select services and receive a customized estimate.

Before agreeing to service, ask whether the quote includes:

• Inspection and pest identification
• Initial treatment
• Interior and exterior treatment
• Follow-up visits
• Monitoring devices
• Exclusion or entry-point sealing
• Specialized attic, crawlspace or moisture-control work
• Any recurring service commitment

Which pest-control services may cost extra?

A basic pest-control plan and a home-improvement project are not necessarily the same thing. Some conditions discovered during an inspection require work beyond applying pest treatments.

Service or issue

What it addresses

Why it may be separate

Exterior perimeter treatment

Pests entering around the home’s exterior

Often part of residential pest plans, but coverage varies

Attic treatment

Pest activity or conditions in attic spaces

Specialized access or treatment may require a separate scope

Crawlspace work

Pest activity, moisture or harborage conditions

May involve services beyond routine pest control

Encapsulation or moisture control

Moisture entering or accumulating in a crawlspace

A structural/moisture-management project rather than routine pesticide treatment

Exclusion work

Gaps or openings pests use to enter

May require sealing, screening or repairs

Follow-up treatment

Remaining or recurring pest activity

Could be included, limited or separately priced depending on the agreement

Not every recommendation from an exterminator is technically a pest-control treatment. EPA guidance emphasizes integrated pest management, which combines monitoring, prevention and appropriate control measures rather than relying on pesticides alone.

Attic Fogging

“Attic fogging” should prompt a specific question: What pest is being treated, and why is fogging necessary?

A professional should identify the pest and explain the treatment method before application. If attic work is recommended, ask whether the quoted price covers preparation, treatment, cleanup and follow-up—or only the application itself.

Crawlspace Encapsulation

Crawlspace encapsulation is different from routine extermination. It generally addresses moisture and environmental conditions in the crawlspace rather than simply killing pests.

If encapsulation appears on an estimate, ask for a separate written scope. You should know whether the price covers materials, labor, drainage or moisture corrections, and any pest-control work performed at the same time.

Related: How ‘Bed Bug Dogs’ Detect Hidden Infestations—And How Accurate Are They?

Exterior Perimeter Barriers

Exterior treatment is commonly part of residential pest management, but the exact coverage varies by provider and plan. Orkin says its pest-control process may include targeted treatments around the perimeter and interior of a home.

Ask how often the exterior will be treated, which areas are covered and whether return visits are included. A low initial price is less useful if important services are billed separately later.

What should you ask before accepting an exterminator quote?

A detailed estimate should make it possible to compare providers without guessing what each price includes.

Ask these questions before signing:

1. What pest are you treating? Accurate identification should come before choosing a treatment. The EPA’s IPM guidance specifically recommends monitoring and identifying pests before deciding how to control them.
2. What exactly is included in the initial service?
3. Are follow-up visits included?
4. Are attic, crawlspace or exterior treatments additional?
5. Does the price include exclusion or repairs?
6. Is this a one-time service or a recurring plan?
7. What circumstances would cause the price to change?
8. Will I receive a written service report?

Orkin says its residential process includes inspection, diagnosis, protection, monitoring and reporting, with a service report describing findings, treatments and recommendations after visits.

Orkin entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D., has also emphasized that “every successful pest control program begins with a partnership between the homeowners and the professionals.” That means understanding what the homeowner is responsible for is part of the treatment process—not an afterthought.

Related: Do Carpenter Ants Destroy Wood Like Termites? What Homeowners Should Know

How can homeowners avoid unexpected pest-control costs?

The simplest protection is to separate treatment from recommended property improvements. For example, sealing an entry point may reduce future pest activity, but repairing that opening is different from applying pesticide. Similarly, controlling excess moisture can address conditions that attract pests, but moisture remediation is not automatically part of routine extermination.

A professional should explain which work is necessary, which work is preventive and which work is optional.

Be cautious if an estimate changes substantially after work starts without a clear explanation or your approval. Ask for the revised scope and price in writing before authorizing additional services.

How much should you expect to pay for an exterminator?

According to Angi’s consumer data, the cost of extermination can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and there is no reliable single price for every home. Orkin states that pest-control pricing varies according to the degree of infestation and the surrounding environment, which is why it recommends getting a location-specific quote.

Rather than comparing headline prices alone, compare the scope of service. Two exterminators can quote different amounts while offering substantially different coverage.

Look for a written estimate that clearly identifies the pest, treatment areas, service frequency and any work that falls outside the basic pest-control plan.

Get a Clear Pest-Control Quote Before Work Begins

You shouldn’t have to guess what you’re paying for after the technician arrives. A professional quote should give you a clear picture of the proposed treatment and identify services that fall outside the initial scope.

Get a free, personalized Orkin pest-control quote and discuss the pest problem, property conditions and treatment options with a professional before committing to service.

Jane Austen left behind plenty of memorable characters, romances and social dramas. But one of her stories ended before readers could find out how it all wrapped up.

Now, over two centuries after Austen abandoned The Watsons, bestselling author Claudia Gray is picking up where the legendary novelist left off.

Jane Austen’s The Watsons is set to be published Nov. 17. According to Vintage Books, Gray expands Austen’s unfinished manuscript into a complete story while exploring many of the themes that made her work so enduring: love, family, social class, money, honor and the complicated choices facing women in Regency-era England.

And for Austen fans, there’s one particularly intriguing question at the center of the project: What happened to the Watson sisters after Austen stopped writing?

Related: The 101 Best Young Adult Books of All Time

What Is Jane Austen’s The Watsons About?

Vintage Books

Austen wrote roughly 100 pages of The Watsons before leaving the novel unfinished. The story centers on the youngest Watson, a young woman whose comfortable life changes dramatically after the death of her uncle. When her aunt makes what proves to be an unwise remarriage, the heroine is forced to return to Wiltshire and reconnect with the larger Watson family.

Back home, she quickly finds herself at the center of romantic and social attention. The most eligible bachelor in the county, the proud Lord Osborne, is interested in her. But her own attention turns toward Mr. Howard, a local clergyman.

Should a young woman follow her heart, even when doing so could have serious consequences for herself and her financially struggling family?

Austen never supplied the answer, but Gray’s novel is designed to do just that.

Related: 222 Best Books of All Time

Why Claudia Gray Is Finishing Austen’s Unfinished Novel

Gray isn’t new to Austen’s world. She’s the author of the bestselling Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney mystery series, which began with The Murder of Mr. Wickham and continued with The Late Mrs. Willoughby, bringing together characters and settings from Austen’s novels in new mysteries while maintaining the social world and romantic tensions associated with the original author.

“Claudia Gray joined the ranks of the best Jane Austen pastiche artists with 2022’s The Murder of Mr. Wickham,” stated Tom Nolan of The Wall Street Journal. “[The] winning streak continues in The Late Mrs. Willoughby….Graceful writing and the sleuths’ budding romance boost this book above the merely imitative.”

That background makes The Watsons a natural next project for Gray.

Gray’s other work also spans multiple genres and established fictional universes. She has written the Evernight series, the Firebird trilogy and the Constellation trilogy, as well as Star Wars novels, including Lost Stars and Bloodline.

What Happens in The Watsons?

While Austen’s surviving pages establish the central romantic conflict, Gray’s version expands and completes the story. The finished book will follow the Watson family as the heroine navigates competing romantic interests, family pressures and the expectations of Regency society.

Lord Osborne represents one possible future, while Mr. Howard captures the youngest Watson’s attention for very different reasons. At the same time, her family’s financial struggles mean romance cannot be neatly separated from practical concerns.

Gray’s novel will explore the consequences of the choices Austen had already begun setting up before her death.

Related: 45 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, According to Librarians

Jane Austen’s Unfinished Story Is Finally Getting a New Ending

One of the most interesting things about The Watsons is how much speculation its unfinished state has generated. Unlike Austen’s completed novels, there’s no definitive conclusion waiting at the end of the manuscript. Readers know the characters and the basic conflicts, but not where Austen intended to take them.

This has made The Watsons an especially tempting project for writers who want to imagine what might’ve come next.

Gray’s adaptation arrives nearly 30 years after the last well-known completion of the novel. It also comes at a moment when interest in Austen is especially high, with new screen adaptations of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility arriving this fall and the literary world marking the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth.

Of course, no modern author can know exactly how Austen would’ve finished the story. What Gray can do is offer her own interpretation of the characters and conflicts Austen left behind.

And importantly, after all these years, the Watsons are finally getting their ending.

Related: 25 Best Short Books You Can Easily Read in a Day, According to Librarians

Today, there are plenty of movies where actors take on multiple roles. Eddie Murphy and Mike Myers will come to mind for many, but they weren’t the first to do it. Sir Alec Guinness made it clear it was possible, with a movie that goes down as one of the greatest British comedies ever made.

The 1949 comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets still holds up today, holding onto its 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Behind its Edwardian facade is a dark satire that covers many important topics that stand today, whether it’s ambition or class. Of course, there’s a serial murder situation that draws people in at the same time.

This was a movie that changed the way movies could be made. Originally, Guinness was offered just four roles, and maybe that would have been easier to film and manipulate. However, he wanted to do more. As he read the script about the four D’Ascoyne family members, he asked one thing: Why not eight?

That led to the eight living family members. There is a sneaky ninth member when you consider the portrait of one of the ancestors!

What did that mean for filming, though? There is a scene with six family members in a single frame, and keep in mind that this was 1949. Cinematographer Douglas Slocombe had to use complex in-camera double-exposures with glass mattes. One slight movement would ruin everything he’d worked for days on, so he needed to keep the camera locked down. What was the best way to do that? Sleep right next to the camera to make sure nobody knocked it, even an inch!

What many may not realize is that Kind Hearts and Coronets is based on the 1907 novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal by Roy Horniman, but much of it was changed in the way of the setting. Written during the Edwardian time, it focused a lot on the antisemitism of the period, and that couldn’t stand in 1949 just after World War II. So, the half-Jewish main character was transformed into a half-Italian one, and the social antisemitism was removed to create a lighter comedy.

This didn’t stop the American industry from pushing for an alternate ending. However, it wasn’t due to the setting, but more due to the way the movie has more of an ambiguous ending. In the British version, Louis is released from prison and realizes that his tell-all murder confession memoirs were left behind. Would he ever be caught, or would he still get away with it? The American cut includes the prison warden finding the diary, hinting that Louis would never get away with murder.

It’s not easy to watch this perfect British comedy, though. Kanopy is the best place to stream, but you’ll find it easier to buy a digital copy on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.

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Reaching for all things cozy this fall? If you’ve already accumulated enough blankets and throw pillows to turn your space into a full-on snuggle nest, now is the perfect time to shop for new lighting. A few well-placed table lamps can turn any corner into a little cafe-like nook, add a warm glow to a nightstand, or give an unused corner a warm glow. With weatherproof lamps, you can even bring ambient light to your home’s outdoor spaces. Right now, you can snag a gorgeous trio of versatile table lamps with a limited-time Walmart flash deal that shakes out to just $10 per lamp.

Normally $50, the Ume 3-Pack Rechargeable Table Lamps is now just $30 at Walmart. These compact cordless lamps feature a sleek metal body with a powder-coated brushed gold finish. A matte black color is also available for just a few dollars more, currently priced at $34. Placed anywhere indoors or out, these lamps will add plenty of cozy vibes to your space this fall and beyond. And when a sudden storm pops up, you’ll have a way to light your home without electricity.

Ume 3-Pack Rechargeable Table Lamps, From $30 (was $50) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Each lamp measures just under 4 inches wide at the base, with a post that’s adjustable between 8.9 inches and 14.4 inches high. This size is ideal for tabletops, nightstands, end tables, or windowsills. These lamps each come with an LED light bulb included and are rechargeable via the included USB-C cable, able to reach a full charge in about five hours.

Touch-controlled at the top, you can adjust the lamp’s brightness and cycle through three color temperatures (warm, neutral, and cool) with a simple tap. These fully waterproof lamps also feature non-slip pads on the bottom to help keep them steady, even if you’re using them outside on slick surfaces. 

Ume 3-Pack Rechargeable Table Lamps, From $30 (was $50) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Beloved for their versatility, Walmart reviewers raved about the functionality of these “really bright” lamps. They’ve used them to create patio ambiance, as wedding decor, and even during power outages. “These are the best LED lamps ever,” one customer exclaimed. 

Even though these “elegant” lamps “appear very high-end,” reviewers shared that they’ve used them for everything from illuminating garage workspaces to providing light in a storm shelter, and even on camping trips. “The price is bonkers for three,” one shopper said, adding that “being able to change the brightness by just tapping the top is the icing on the cake.” 

Shop More Deals

• Capino 2-Pack Cordless Table Lamp, $22 (was $48) at Walmart
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• Daybetter Dimmable LED Desk Lamp, $13 (was $19) at Walmart

Related: Attain ‘Perfect Farmhouse Vibes’ With Walmart’s $56 Pair of Ceramic Table Lamps

Whether you’re looking to create a soft glow in the living room, add flexible light to your patio table, or just want a few cordless options on hand that look nicer than basic battery-powered lamps, this three-pack delivers practical design and ambient lighting for just $30. Snag the Ume 3-Pack Rechargeable Table Lamps at Walmart before this flash deal is gone!

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Chris Farley got cast in Shrek because the main character was literally written for him. Writers Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot built Shrek and Donkey‘s whole friendship around Farley and David Spade‘s chemistry and dynamic from Tommy Boy — the big warmhearted guy and his wise-cracking, fast-talking sidekick. The role wasn’t just offered to Farley. Before Farley got there, Nicolas Cage was offered the part and turned it down. He admitted that he didn’t want kids to forever see him as an ugly green ogre. He later said he should’ve done it. Farley got the role in 1996 and started recording.

By December 1997, he’d finished around 85% of his lines. David Spade confirmed on the podcast Bad Friends that Farley had exactly five days of sessions left when he died. Farley died December 18, 1997, at 33. DreamWorks called his brother John Farley and asked if he’d come in and say his brother’s remaining lines. He said no. DreamWorks needed someone new and didn’t feel like they needed to explain why.

They hired Mike Myers. They didn’t tell him why the role was available. At his third meeting, they walked him in to see the character models — little clay figures of everyone in the film. Shrek had been designed by animators who’d spent months listening to Farley. The figure looked exactly like him. Myers stopped and asked the room directly if the role had belonged to Farley. “Everyone looked at their shoes,” he told Vulture. He pushed. They said no. He went out to the parking lot. “I get in the parking lot, and I go, ‘I think this was Farley’s.’ It was. I was right, but they didn’t tell me.”

Myers asked for the whole script to be rewritten. He wasn’t going to do someone else’s version. He recorded it in a Canadian accent. Watched a rough cut. Knew it wasn’t right. Went back and said he needed to do every line again in a Scottish accent — working class felt like the opposite of the posh English villain Lord Farquaad, and that contrast made sense to him. Redoing the whole thing and reanimating every scene cost between $4 and $5 million. When it was done, Steven Spielberg sent him a letter. “Thank you so much for caring,” it said. Myers told Vulture it’s framed in his house.

Related: HGTV Paid $3.5 Million for ‘The Brady Bunch’ House in 2018; Not 1 Room Inside Had Ever Been on the Show

Shrek came out May 18, 2001, and won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A Chris Farley biopic starring Paul Walter Hauser is currently being made. Screenwriter Terry Rossio called Farley’s recorded performance “extraordinary” — it had a warmth and yearning to it that was exactly what the writers had been going for when they wrote the character around him.

What Chris Farley’s Shrek Sounded Like

In 2015, a clip of Farley recording leaked — a campfire scene with Eddie Murphy‘s Donkey in roughly the same form as the finished film. What you hear is quieter than Myers’ Shrek. More uncertain. More like someone trying hard to be gentle and not quite sure he’s pulling it off.

Farley’s brother once described his version as “a humble bumbling innocent guy.” That’s exactly what you hear. The character was built around him. The animators drew from him. The writers wrote for him. He was five days from finishing. The version written for Chris Farley is still in that vault. Shrek 5 is scheduled for release in 2027.

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Country newcomer Stella Lefty has achieved a major milestone in her musical career. On Sept. 21, 2026, her breakout hit single “Boston” officially reached No. 1 on both the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Airplay chart and Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

The achievement comes just 22 weeks after “Boston” first hit country radio, making it the fastest debut single by a solo female artist to reach the No. 1 spot in more than two decades. The last songs to do this were Gretchen Wilson‘s “Redneck Woman” in 2004 and Carrie Underwood‘s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” in 2006.

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Following the announcement, Lefty took to Instagram to express her gratitude to fans and supporters: “jumping for joy today bcuz Boston has gone #1 at country radio 😭😭😭😭 i can’t even believe this is real. when i was younger, id find ALL my favorite songs on country radio, and its crazy to me that maybe some little girl or boy feels that way about Boston. thank you to everybody who believes in me and believes in this song- im forever grateful for you,” she shared.

Related: Kelsea Ballerini Defends Stella Lefty After Opry Debut Backlash as Breakout Hit Climbs the Charts

How Stella Lefty Made History on the Country Music Charts

After reaching the top spot in just 22 weeks, “Boston” entered the record books across several major chart metrics. The single is the third-fastest debut by a female country artist to land at No. 1 in the Mediabase era, as well as the fifth-fastest by any solo debut country artist overall.

On the Billboard Country Airplay tally, “Boston” became one of only 11 chart debuts by a solo-billed female artist to reach the No. 1 position. Among that select group, it ranks as the sixth-fastest climb, with the top five reaching No. 1 between 1991 and 2004. The milestone also represents the first country radio No. 1 single for record label Atlantic Outpost.

Beyond traditional radio airplay, “Boston” has achieved massive crossover success. To date, the song has accumulated more than 486 million global streams while climbing all the way to No. 2 on the “all-genre” Billboard Hot 100. The track also earned 2026 MTV Video Music Award nominations for “Best Country” and “Song of Summer,” alongside Lefty’s individual nomination for “Best New Artist.”

What Other Achievements Has Stella Lefty Reached in 2026?

The success of “Boston” builds on a breakout year for Lefty following the release of her debut studio album, Long Way Home, which arrived via Atlantic Outpost on August 21, 2026. The project debuted at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top Albums Global and USA Charts.

Along with “Boston,” Long Way Home features the bittersweet duet “Something To Lose” with Vincent Mason, which recently cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics have praised the album and its lead single, with NPR describing “Boston” as a “bright, summery mood-lifter in its own right” and Billboard calling it a “toe-tapping, romantic country pop smash.”

Lefty’s busy year has also included significant live performance milestones. Earlier this month, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Her television debut took place on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, alongside a hometown appearance at Lollapalooza and festival slots at CMA Fest, BST Hyde Park and OSHEAGA. She has also toured in support of artists including Mumford & Sons, Jessie Murph, Cameron Whitcomb, Wyatt Flores and Alessi Rose.

Related: 2004 Hit Track, Reimagined by Stella Lefty, Remains a Road-Trip Sing-Along 21 Years Later

Where Is Stella Lefty Performing Next on Tour?

Lefty’s schedule remains active through the remainder of the year. On Sept. 26, 2026, she is scheduled to perform at the Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville, Kentucky. She will follow that with an appearance at Austin City Limits on Oct. 4, before heading overseas for the Strummingbird Festival in Australia on Oct. 10, Oct. 17 and Oct. 18.

In November, Lefty will begin her headline North American Long Way Home Tour, which sold out immediately after tickets went on sale. The tour features stops in major cities, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Nashville and Chicago. Fans interested in reviewing complete tour dates can visit stella-lefty.com.

Related: Country Star Behind No.2 Biggest Song in America Accused of Copying Breakthrough Hit ‘Stick Season’

A cancer diagnosis is devastating for any pet owner, but families facing canine lymphoma now have another treatment option to discuss with their veterinarian.

Dechra announced September 23 that Laverdia, also known as verdinexor tablets, is now available as the first and only FDA-approved oral treatment for dogs diagnosed with lymphoma. The medication is designed to be administered at home, allowing treatment to begin as soon as day one after a diagnosis.

Lymphoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in dogs. According to Dechra, estimates suggest that only about 20% of dogs diagnosed with lymphoma receive chemotherapy, leaving many families looking for additional treatment options.

Dr. Craig A Clifford, a board-certified veterinary oncologist in Malvern, Pennsylvania, says he sees this drug as an important option.

“While in my specialty practice I have also used it for patients whose lymphoma has not responded to standard therapy or whose families want a less aggressive approach focused on maintaining quality time,” Clifford said in a release shared with PARADE. “We have also observed intriguing responses in some dogs with progressive cutaneous lymphoma.”

Laverdia can be used at different points in a dog’s treatment journey. According to Dechra, veterinarians may prescribe it immediately following a diagnosis while a family considers its options, while waiting to begin multi-agent chemotherapy, following a relapse or when traditional multi-agent chemotherapy isn’t the preferred approach.

The medication – which works by blocking the export of certain proteins from cancer cells’ nuclei – isn’t new to the FDA. The agency initially granted Laverdia conditional approval in January 2021. In January 2026, the FDA granted the drug full approval after the manufacturer provided additional effectiveness data.

In an FDA-reviewed field study, 106 dogs treated with Laverdia were compared with 28 dogs in a control group. The median time to disease progression was 37 days for dogs receiving Laverdia compared with 23 days for dogs in the control group. The study included dogs with both B-cell and T-cell lymphoma, including dogs that had not previously been treated and dogs whose cancer had returned after treatment.

More than six million people in the U.S. live with dementia, a devastating condition that can’t be cured. But while dementia is more common as you age, doctors still don’t know exactly what causes it and, more importantly, how to cure it. While dementia treatments can help, they ultimately can only do so much. With that, prevention is crucial. 

Recent research suggests that up to 45% of dementia cases might be preventable if people eliminated certain risk factors. The list is long, making it easy to get overwhelmed. 

In most cases, dementia prevention is similar to what is recommended for overall health. Meaning, what’s good for the body is also good for the brain. But establishing good habits in the morning can help to ensure that you get quality dementia prevention strategies in place early on in your day. 

Related: ‘I’m a Neurologist—This Is the Morning Habit I Try to Never Skip’

Claude AI has a few tips to help get your mornings on a brain-healthy track. But it’s hard to know how accurate they are outside of consulting with a neurologist. Given how important dementia prevention is, it’s best to compare them with a doctor’s advice to see if you’re on the right track. 

Of course, if you have specific concerns about your cognitive health or risk factors for dementia, it’s always important to talk to a healthcare provider for personalized counseling. But if you’re just looking for general advice to make sure you’re on the right path with dementia prevention or are waiting for an appointment with a medical professional, these are the morning habits Claude suggests for dementia prevention. 

To ensure their accuracy, we had a neurologist give them a look—and he has some thoughts. 

Claude Says These Are the 3 Best Morning Habits for Dementia Prevention

Here’s what Claude suggests you do in the morning to lower your risk of dementia:

1. Move your body, even briefly

A short walk, some stretching, or light exercise soon after waking increases blood flow to the brain and supports the growth of new neural connections. Even 10–15 minutes counts —consistency matters more than intensity.

2. Get natural light exposure early

Sunlight in the first hour or so after waking helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which in turn supports deeper, more restorative sleep at night. Poor sleep quality is one of the more consistently linked risk factors for cognitive decline, so anchoring your body clock matters.

Related: Neurologists Say Eating This Specific Fruit Is Like ‘Armor’ for Your Aging Brain (Hint: It’s Not Blueberries)

3. Do something mentally engaging before autopilot sets in

Rather than immediately scrolling your phone, activities like reading, journaling, doing a crossword, or planning your day in your head give your brain active work. Novel or challenging mental activity (not passive consumption) is associated with cognitive reserve.

Claude includes these caveats, too:

• No single habit prevents dementia—risk is shaped by a mix of genetics, cardiovascular health, sleep, social connection, diet, and more.
• The strongest evidence overall points to cardiovascular health (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol) and social engagement as major long-term factors, not just morning routines specifically.
• If memory concerns are personal (yours or a family member’s), it’s worth talking to a doctor—some causes of memory issues are treatable and unrelated to dementia.

Related: ‘I Took Creatine Every Day for a Month and I Was Completely Surprised by the Results’

What a Neurologist Thinks of Claude’s Advice for the Best Morning Habits for Dementia Prevention

There is some helpful advice in the mix, along with suggestions that aren’t strongly linked to dementia prevention, according to Dr. Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.

Dr. Segil says he agrees with the advice to move your body daily. “Every day of my life, I advise my patients to ‘use it or lose it,’ as I often evaluate patients losing the ability to walk or ambulate,” he says. Dr. Segil typically recommends that his patients who are home during the day to try to leave their homes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and walk around the block. “I agree that even 10 to 15 minutes every day helps,” he says. 

The advice on getting sunlight early in the morning is trickier, according to Dr. Segil. “Getting natural light is good, but there is no medical data to suggest natural light helps us [with dementia prevention],” he says. “We are not plants.” However, early research suggests that exposure to sunlight or lights that mimic natural light can boost the moods and circadian rhythms of people who already have dementia. 

Related: ‘I’m a Sleep Doctor—This Is the First Question I Ask When Someone Always Wakes up Tired’

“Maybe a suggestion to eat natural foods would be more beneficial than a suggestion to get natural light,” Dr. Segil says. 

Dr. Segil also says he “sort of” agrees with the advice to do something mentally engaging before “autopilot” sets in. “I do think ‘autopilot’ is not without some benefits as it engages your senses via sight by watching what you are viewing,” he says. “Scrolling also engages your hearing, as you may be listening to what you are viewing.” Scrolling even requires some eye-hand coordination, among other things, Dr. Segil points out. 

Still, he says the advice isn’t completely wrong. “Doing something engaging before scrolling is probably brain healthy,” he says. 

Other Ways To Lower the Risk of Dementia

Researchers are still refining the best ways to prevent dementia, but data suggests taking the following steps may help, per the National Institute on Aging:

• Try to manage high blood pressure. 
• Stay on top of blood sugar levels. 
• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Eat a healthy diet with a mix of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood, unsaturated fats and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
• Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
• Stay mentally active.
• Stay connected with family and friends.
• Treat hearing problems. 
• Take care of your mental and physical health. 
• Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. 
• Prevent head injuries.
• Drink less alcohol. 
• Avoid tobacco use.

Up Next:

Sources:

• Dr. Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
• Risk and Future Burden of Dementia in the United States, National Institutes of Health
• Livingston G, et al. Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care: 2024 Report of the Lancet Standing Commission, The Lancet, 2024
• Arch M., et al. Effects of Applying Biodynamic Lighting On Improving Sleep, Depression, and Agitation in Older Adults with Dementia: A Pilot Clinical Trial, Geriatric Nursing, 2025
• Alzheimers.gov, Can I Prevent Dementia?

Think you know what the inside of a Starbucks coffeehouse looks like? Think again. Starbucks is giving its coffeehouses a major makeover, with more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada already redesigned and plans to complete at least 1,500 “uplifts” by the end of fiscal 2026.

New coffeehouse designs initially popped up in Southern California and New York before expanding to other cities, like Chicago. In a press release, Starbucks said the “uplifted” spaces include “softer seating, textures, beautiful artwork, greenery, and local design touches” with the end goal being to make customers want to “stay longer, connect more, and feel at home.”

A newly-redesigned Starbucks location in Austin, Texas.

Starbucks

According to Starbucks, each renovated space is designed by digging deep into the surrounding community to ensure the space reflects the people it serves. For example, the Starbucks at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards in Los Angeles offers plush rugs and seating, as well as velvet drapery that channel Hollywood charm, as well as artwork inspired by Beverly Hills’ renowned retail locations. And, at an Austin, Texas location that serves lots of military families, design elements honor military service and the overall layout of the cafe is designed to provide a welcoming place for military families to connect.

U.S. Markets that will soon see redesigned spaces inside their Starbucks locations include: Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. In Canada, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver will see updates, and in Mexico, uplifted locations will appear in Mexico City, Monterrey, Acapulco, and Ensenada.

A Starbucks location in Punta Norte, Mexico City.

Starbucks

The redesign is part of a broader effort to improve the in-store experience, which also includes several customer service updates. Customers who prefer to stay and enjoy their beverage will notice the reintroduction of ceramic cups and glassware, as well as expanded access to power outlets. Condiment bars have also returned to Starbucks cafes, and the brand has implemented additional barista training to improve service times and create a more personalized experience.

Sixty years ago today, a 20-year-old Dolly Parton walked into a Nashville studio and cut a song she did not write. It got her on the country chart for the first time.

Parton recorded “Dumb Blonde” at Fred Foster Sound Studio on Sept. 23, 1966. Curly Putman wrote it. Putman also wrote “Green, Green Grass of Home” and later co-wrote George Jones’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today” with Bobby Braddock.

Her Producer Wanted a Pop Star

Parton had moved to Nashville the day after she graduated from high school. Fred Foster signed her to his publishing company and then to Monument Records, the label he founded. Foster had produced Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” and he did not think country suited Parton. He wanted the next Brenda Lee, so he had her cut pop songs instead.

Her first five singles for Monument went nowhere. None of them charted. What changed his mind was a song she gave away. Bill Phillips took “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” written by Parton and her uncle Bill Owens, to No. 6 on the country chart in 1966, with Parton singing uncredited harmony on it. Foster finally let her record country.

Why He Picked This Song

Parton later explained the choice, and it was no compliment to her voice. “Fred thought the song would be good for me because it was uptempo,” she said. She added that he figured it would keep listeners from judging whether she could sing.

“Dumb Blonde” peaked at No. 24. Her next single, “Something Fishy,” reached No. 17, and both ended up on her 1967 debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly. Her own writing pried the door open, and the song that finally put her on the chart was one of only two on that album she did not write.

The Title She Spent a Career Answering

Parton spent decades batting down that assumption, long after she wrote “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” She liked to say the dumb blonde jokes did not offend her, “because I know I’m not dumb,” per Parade’s collection of her quotes.

Parton died on Aug. 25 at 80 following a brief battle with cancer. The song that put her on the chart was a joke about being underestimated, and she spent the next 60 years proving it wrong.

No matter how old you are, a love of cereal transcends generations. Whether you prefer healthier alternatives or the sugary-sweet staples you grew up with, there’s something about your favorite bowl of cereal that keeps the wonders of childhood alive in us all.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look far for your favorite throwback cereal brands, as one of the most iconic cereals from the 1980s is currently popping up at Costco warehouses: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal. Spotted by @costcohotfinds with a $2 discount attached, the 3-pound package is currently worth stocking up on at just $5.99 a box.

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Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, $5.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

On sale through Sept. 27, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal is available both in-store and online, sold in a whopping 49.5-ounce package containing two bags. Made with whole grain, cinnamon and sugar, it features crispy, sweetened whole wheat and rice cereal squares coated in the brand’s signature cinnamon-sugar flavor, delivering the perfect combination of breakfast nostalgia and satisfying sweetness. 

At $5.99 per box, you get roughly twice as much as a standard family-size offering, making it the perfect time to stock up your pantry. And because the package comes divided into two separate bags, you can easily portion it out over the coming weeks rather than digging into the entire haul at once. Keep one bag tucked away for when supplies are getting low, or split them between locations: one at home, the other in the pantry at work.

Related: Target’s Essential 3-Piece Stoneware Set Is a Steal at Just $100

More Than Just a Breakfast Staple

Looking for creative ways to get the most out of your Cinnamon Toast Crunch haul? @costcohotfinds jumped on the opportunity to turn her cereal into a decadent fall treat with homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch Marshmallow Treats. While you designate one bag for morning (or late night) bowls of cereal, the other bag can be repurposed into a variety of delicious creations, including cereal bars, trail mixes and crunchy toppings for everything from ice cream to yogurt. 

“Such a good price,” one shopper wrote in response to Laura’s post. “I LOVE this cereal,” another fan raved. “I’m 50 years old and still buy it!”

If you’re already reaching for your car keys to head to your local warehouse, keep in mind that this $2 discount will only last till Sept. 27, so take it as your sign to grab more than one box if you can. While you’re there, keep an eye out for one of Costco’s 11 Best Greek Groceries for even more ideas of what to toss in the cart.

Related: Sam’s Club’s $30 Kid’s Baking Set Is a ’10/10′ for Little Chefs in the Making

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Fall is here, bringing with it brisk air and gusty winds. There’s no better time to stock up on a few cool-weather staples to help you conquer the season in style and comfort! While cashmere is the go-to fabric prized for its sumptuous feel, it’s not the most budget-friendly option, either. If you’re looking for something that offers the same level of warmth and luxury, the viral Arach&Cloz cardigan is one of the most practical options you can add to your closet.

@afterhenryco

The quality 🤌🏻 @Arach&cloz #arachcloz #cardigan #sweater #cardiganoutfit #fallsweaters

♬ original sound – Hope✨

Offering an ultra-soft feel and a classic design, the black and coffee versions are currently just $16 at Amazon. Considering the sweater sells for as much as $38 depending on the color you buy, this is a stellar opportunity to save big on a knit that is frequently compared to cashmere. Other hues (there are 15 total) are also available starting at $23, including dark green, red, navy, beige, and more.

Arach&Cloz Cardigan, from $16 (was $38) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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With its blend of acrylic, nylon, viscose, and wool, it boasts just the right combination of stretch and warmth to keep you cozy all season and into winter. The material resists pilling, making it a durable choice that’ll stand up to regular wear — and it’s versatile enough that you’ll want to throw it on all the time. 

Luckily, the sweater holds up well to frequent cleaning, too. To maintain its integrity and keep it looking and feeling pristine, the brand recommends using a laundry bag. Toss it in the washing machine and use cold water for best results. Several reviewers said they preferred to air dry instead of putting it in the dryer to preserve its softness and flexibility.

The styling possibilities for a cardigan like this are limitless. It’s simple yet chic, and it’ll dress up jeans and a simple top beautifully. If you’re headed to the office, throw it on over a shell or blouse and tailored trousers for a polished and professional look. During fall, it’ll keep you warm on its own, but it’s great to layer under blazers or coats when it’s colder outside, too.

According to one shopper, it’s “buttery soft and feels like cashmere,” with a “tailored” and “lovely” design. Another person agreed, calling it “absolutely gorgeous and unbelievably soft,” with “top notch” quality and attention to detail. Plus, it’s available in options ranging from small to XXL, and many customers noted it fits true to size.

Shop More Deals

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• Dr. Scholl’s Rate Zip Booties, $40 (was $100) at Amazon

Related: Amazon’s ‘Luxurious’ Fleece Throw Makes Fall Evenings on the Couch So Much Cozier for Just $9

If you’re looking for a go-to sweater you can wear all the time and that feels rich but doesn’t cost a fortune, the Arach&Cloz cardigan is such a smart pick. Snag it now in your preferred color and size while it’s marked down at Amazon for a limited time.

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