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Dancing With the Stars fans had a strong reaction to a rule change for the second week of competition of Season 35. During the live show on Sept. 22, host Alfonso Ribeiro announced that judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli would have to keep their critiques short after each of the 14 celebrity dances.

“Because this show is super packed, our third judge for each couple will sum up their thoughts in just one word,” Ribeiro announced at the top of the two-hour show.

After the stars and their pro partners danced to popular songs for “Viral Hits Night,” the judges rushed through their comments, with a rotating third judge getting the last word—literally. The judges gave one-word reactions such as “beautiful” (for Ciara Miller’s tango with Brandon Armstrong), “fabulous” (for Ezra French and Daniella Karagach’s cha cha), “charmed” (for Jackson Olson and Emma Slater’s foxtrot), and “shaky” (for Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten’s salsa).

Fans were frustrated by the cut-short commentary, with many taking to social media to complain about the change to the judges’ table.

“@DWTS Why are you not letting the judges do their job? One word feedback is just crazy,” one viewer wrote on X.

“Respectfully dwts should cut the amount of dances the troupe gets or not show them at all bc these 30 second judge responses with a judge only getting to say one word is absolutely ridiculous,” another X user agreed.

“The ‘one-word’ critiques need to get thrown in the trash bin. It doesn’t help the stars at all when they get literally no feedback from at least 1 of 3 judges. DWTS/ABC needs to either eliminate one ad break for more show time or cut down Julianne’s largely horrific post-dance questions so everyone can hear thought-out critiques from all the judges for every single star,” a Reddit user complained.

“Why have no time to only have one judge say one word????? Extend this show homies. This is clearly not working as is,” another viewer added.

Dancing With the Stars Season 35 features one of the largest casts in the show’s history,  with a total of 16 couples starting in the competition last week. But the premiere was broken into two nights, with only eight couples dancing each episode.

Week 2 featured 14 couples dancing, as well as a splashy opening number, troupe dances, and the usual post-skybox interviews with Julianne Hough.

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

Related: Who Went Home on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Last Night? Season 35 Week 2 Results and Eliminations (Spoilers)

Picture this: you, traveling through Romania on the ultimate spooky season train vacation. The air is brisk and cool, and you’re passing through the foggy peaks of the Carpathian Mountains following a visit to Sinaia’s Peleș Castle, the stunning Neo-Renaissance summer palace built for King Carol I.

You’re traveling aboard a vintage-style luxury sleeper train, so you only need to unpack once—and now the train is transporting you toward one of the world’s most famous destinations for literary tourism: Brașov’s 14th century Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle. Inside the castle’s walls, you’re immersed in the vampire mythology Bram Stoker spun in his 1897 Gothic classic Dracula.

When I asked three travel advisors to name the ultimate spooky season train trip, there was one that unanimously topped their lists: the private passenger train the Golden Eagle Danube Express and its seven-day Castles of Transylvania itinerary.

Here’s why this rail journey has become the go-to recommendation for clients chasing a late autumn adventure through Transylvania’s misty allure and medieval castles.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for the Best Fall Leaf-Peeping Train Trip—They Said the Same Thing

Why Spooky Season Is the Best Time to Ride The Golden Eagle Danube Express is a private luxury sleeper train that operates across Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Photo credit: Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

The Golden Eagle Danube Express runs its Castles of Transylvania itinerary only a few times a year, and its late-October and early-November departures line up perfectly with the season. This is when fog settles into the Carpathian foothills each morning, and the beech and oak trees surrounding Brașov and Sighișoara turn deep gold and russet before their leaves fall.

“The Castles of Transylvania itinerary is such a wonderful spooky trip,” says Angela Walker, a luxury travel advisor and chief operating officer of The Society of International Railway Travelers. “In fall 2027, there’s a departure that actually has you visiting Bran Castle on Halloween night.”

The route also ascends Bulgaria’s Shipka Pass on its way to the medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo, where cooler autumn air creates a dramatic mist rolling through the mountains. By late October, summer crowds have cleared, leaving quieter cobblestone streets and shorter lines at Transylvania’s most popular sites.

“One of the best things about traveling in fall is the foliage,” Walker says. “Seen from a train, you get incredible views of the trees changing color—these beautiful oranges and reds rolling by the window. And the weather is crisp, but not too cold.”

Related: A New Orient Express Journey Will Take Travelers From Rome to Istanbul in Five Luxurious Days

Onboard: Vintage Cars, Gothic-Glam Comfort A Superior Deluxe cabin aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express.

Photo credit: Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

A private luxury hotel train that operates across Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the Golden Eagle Danube Express carries its own old-world atmosphere. Its deluxe private cabins convert from comfortable seating areas by day into cozy bedrooms each evening during turndown service.

“Step aboard and it feels less like a train and more like a small boutique hotel that happens to be moving through the Carpathians,” says Duncan Greenfield-Turk, chief travel designer at Global Travel Moments. “Wood paneling, fine brass detailing, your own en-suite cabin and an attendant who knows how you take your coffee by the second morning.”

With a maximum of 62 passengers (and an onboard doctor on hand for emergencies), the train’s two dining cars serve multi-course meals paired with complimentary wine and local beer, while a bar car anchors the evenings with live entertainment.

“Another great thing about Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is that the experience is luxurious, but it’s also comfortable and casual,” Walker says. “There’s often a pianist in the lounge car, and the conviviality is a real highlight. It’s delightful to share a fabulous meal with new friends while you watch the world go by.”

Related: Add the Rocky Mountaineer to Your Bucket List—’It Was One of the Most Scenic Trips I’ve Ever Taken’

Bran Castle: Chasing Dracula’s Legend The inner courtyard of Bran Castle, a 14th-century fortress famously known as “Dracula’s Castle” in Brașov, Romania.

Photo credit: Getty Images/BogdanV

Bran Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop above Brașov, is the stop many passengers look forward to most, featuring an exclusive after-hours tour and a private gala dinner inside the castle walls. The 14th-century fortress is widely marketed as the inspiration for Dracula‘s castle in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, though Stoker never visited Romania; the connection is more myth that documented fact.

“Every trip on the Golden Eagle Danube Express has surprises that aren’t on the official itinerary—such as special performances, storytellers and brandy tastings—and the visit to Bran Castle is no exception,” Walker says. “It’s a really memorable experience, and those unexpected touches make it even more fun.”

And the castle’s history is its own draw, tied more directly to Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century Wallachian ruler whose brutal reputation partly inspired Stoker’s character, even though his connection to Bran Castle is unproven. Visitors touring the castle’s narrow stone staircases and turret rooms today will find exhibits that address both the real-life Vlad and the fictional Dracula, along with sweeping views over the surrounding Carpathian foothills.

“Bran Castle sits high above the Transylvanian landscape, and in the fall, with a little mist and the mountains behind it, it looks like something straight out of a Dracula movie,” says travel advisor Kim Parizek of Boutique Travel Advisors. “Ghost hunters and paranormal shows have made their way here over the years, which just adds to the fun. Whether you believe any of it or not, it’s hard not to get caught up in the story once you’re there.”

Related: Riding Norway’s Massive World Cup Wave? This Premium Cruise Just Added the World-Famous Flåmsbana Railway

Transylvania’s Other Castles and Fortified Towns Peleș Castle is a 19th-century Neo-Renaissance palace built for King Carol I of Romania.

Photo credit: Getty Images/nata_zhekova

Bran Castle isn’t the only stop with Dracula ties. In Sighișoara, a UNESCO-listed 12th-century Saxon citadel, the itinerary includes a walking tour past the house where Vlad the Impaler was born. In Sibiu, a guided visit to the Evangelical Cathedral marks the burial site of Vlad’s son, who was assassinated after his father’s death.

“Sighișoara is one of the very few medieval citadels in Europe that people still live in, so it never feels like a film set,” Greenfield-Turk says. “You climb cobbled lanes past pastel-colored townhouses and ordinary front doors right up to the lane where Vlad the Impaler is said to be from. Eight centuries of history sit there quite casually next to someone’s washing line.”

Earlier in the route, a stop in Sinaia brings a visit to Peleș Castle, a lavish 19th-century Neo-Renaissance palace built for Romania’s first king. In Bulgaria, the journey stops in picturesque Veliko Tarnovo, where the ruins of Tsarevets Hill and Castle rise above the Yantra River.

“Peleș Castle has a very extravagant interior, with more than 160 rooms filled with ornate wood carvings, chandeliers, Venetian mirrors and gilded ceilings,” Walker says. “It’s a striking contrast to Bran Castle’s fortress walls, and it’s unique to visit such different castles on the same journey.”

Related: One of Disney World’s Most Popular Rides Is Temporarily Shutting Down This November

Istanbul: Where Spooky Season Begins Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Joel Rogers

The journey begins with a night at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, with a hosted welcome dinner where travelers meet their fellow passengers. A guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed historic center showcases famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, both of which are especially atmospheric in the low light and thinner crowds of autumn.

“There’s a mysterious side to Istanbul that people don’t always expect,” Parizek says. “Ancient tunnels, underground cisterns, old cemeteries, Ottoman mansions with their own legends—centuries of stories still being uncovered.”

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and centuries-old backstreets add another layer of old-world history, and it’s worth arriving a few days early to explore the city before the journey begins. A private guide can make this even better, says Parizek.

“A travel advisor can work with their partners on the ground to dig a few layers deeper and build a private tour that goes well beyond the obvious sights,” she says. “Give yourself an extra day and go looking for that Istanbul. It can completely elevate the experience.”

Budapest: A Fittingly Grand Finale The Hungarian Parliament Building lit up at sunset, reflecting off the Danube River in Budapest.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Amith Nag Photography

The train arrives in Budapest via the Great Hungarian Plain, with stops in Kecskemét and Lajosmizse along the way, and closes out the trip with a five-star stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. The city’s Gothic and neo-Gothic landmarks—such as Matthias Church in the Buda Castle Quarter and the Hungarian Parliament Building—mark a glamorous conclusion to a week spent in castle country.

“Budapest is a wonderful place to end the journey, because after a week of mist and mountains, it hands you pure grandeur,” Greenfield-Turk says. “Standing on the eastern side of the Danube at dusk with the Parliament building lit up and the river reflecting all of it is about as theatrical as a European city gets.”

Fall is an ideal season to extend the trip, too: river cruises along the Danube, thermal baths and the city’s grand boulevards all feel less crowded once October arrives. And don’t overlook the many layers of the city’s history, Parizek says.

“Go beneath Castle Hill to the Hospital in the Rock, where caves became wartime shelters, a secret hospital and later a nuclear bunker,” she says. “Then visit the House of Terror, the former secret police headquarters, for a very different look at life under political oppression. These aren’t manufactured Halloween scares—they’re real stories, in the places where they actually happened, and that’s what makes October such a fascinating time to dig deeper into Budapest.”

More Hauntingly Beautiful Rail Routes to Try This Fall Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, is the fortress that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Achim Thomae

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (London–Paris–Venice): The gold standard of vintage rail glamour, restored 1920s carriages, white-glove dining and a built-in murder-mystery mythology make this journey the closest thing to riding inside an Agatha Christie novel.

Harz Narrow Gauge Railway to the Brocken (Wernigerode, Germany): A steam train climbs Germany’s most legendary peak, often shrouded thick mist. The mountain’s ties to witches and devils inspired Goethe’s Faust, making this the ultimate Halloween summit.

Belmond Royal Scotsman: Classic Splendours (Edinburgh round-trip, Scottish Highlands): This five-day journey loops through the Highlands’ mistiest terrain, with stops at Ballindalloch Castle and Glamis Castle, childhood home of the Queen Mother.

Prague to Český Krumlov (South Bohemia, Czech Republic): Departing beneath the Gothic spires of Prague Castle, this route winds through South Bohemia’s forests to a medieval town that seems frozen in time.

Munich–Füssen (Bavaria, Germany): A two-hour train to Neuschwanstein Castle, the turreted fortress that inspired Walt Disney and Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was built by Bavaria’s eccentric King Ludwig II, who died under mysterious circumstances before it was finished.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for the Most Scenic Way to Visit Canada in Fall—They All Said the Same Thing

Tips for Planning Your Spooky Season Train Trip Fog rolls over Bran Castle in Brașov, Romania.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Istvan Kadar Photography

Book early. “Train journeys have limited capacity and book up early. Plan to reserve as soon as you can, especially for fall,” says Walker.

Don’t try to make it spooky. “The castles, underground tunnels, old cities, and centuries of history will authentically take care of that for you,” says Parizek.

Pack layers. “Evenings can turn cool quickly, so you’ll want to be able to wrap up,” says Greenfield-Turk.

Don’t overschedule it. “The train is part of the trip, not just transportation. Order the long lunch, get the cocktail, and actually watch the scenery go by,” says Parizek.

Extend your trip. “Give yourself time to get acclimated so you can really enjoy each day,” says Walker.

Bring a book that fits the trip. “There’s something thrilling about reading Dracula and looking up to see the Carpathians rolling past your window,” says Parizek.

Work with a travel advisor who knows rail. “A luxury train specialist knows these journeys inside and out and can tell you which itinerary is right for you,” says Walker.

Related: Overtourism Is Out—This New Travel List Highlights Where You Should Go Instead

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The easiest way to refresh your bathroom is to swap out your shower curtain, and you don’t have to break the bank to find a cute option. Right now, Target is selling the prettiest floral shower curtain for just $15, and shoppers are saying it reminds them of Pottery Barn or Anthropologie.

Room Essentials’ Fabric Floral Shower Curtain adds so much charm to any bathroom. The vibrant floral pattern features shades of blue, yellow and pink, creating a whimsical feel and aesthetic in your space. It’s almost giving cottagecore vibes.

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Room Essentials Fabric Floral Shower Curtain, $15 at Target

Target

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Machine washable for easy maintenance, this shower curtain is constructed out of a cotton-recycled polyester blend fabric, making it feel and look far more expensive than it actually is. What’s more, its buttonhole top makes it super easy to hang up on the shower rings of your choosing. When it comes to dimensions, this shower curtain measures 72 inches high and 72 inches wide.

Related: Aldi’s 10-Drawer Rolling Cart Is a Game Changer for DIY Lovers

Shoppers love this shower curtain, giving it an average rating of 4.9 stars on Target.com, with 94 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it.

“Looks like Pottery Barn or Anthropologie,” wrote one fan in a five-star review on Target.com. “Really great looking. Fabric appears more expensive than it is. Has a nice texture. Colors blend well together. I’m very pleased with this purchase.”

“I saw this product in-store and overlooked it. I came back to it after not seeing anything else I liked in my price range and after looking closer at it realized it looked promising. Glad I got it, because it’s actually so cute and looks better when it’s fully hung. I look at it every time I walk by. Something about it is just cute rather than ‘shower curtain cute,'” said another happy Target shopper in a five-star review on Target’s website.

You can find this charming floral shower curtain on Target.com or in select stores. It retails for just $15.

Related: Trader Joe’s New Frozen Pasta Is Inspired by a Classic 1950s Italian Dish

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Organization is the key to a tidy home. Even tackling just one space can make a world of difference, especially if one of your primary areas of concern is the bedroom. Whether your clothes are strewn everywhere or you just need a little more wiggle room for accessories, the rolling Negylim 3-in-1 Dresser is just what you need to restore order.

There are few pieces of storage furniture as thoughtfully designed as this. Marked down to $83 from its original $150 at Walmart, the unit combines a clothing rack with four drawers and a built-in charging station. It also features an amply sized tabletop, a roomy open shelf, and convenient LED lights so you can easily find what you need.

Negylim 3-in-1 Dresser, $83 (was $150) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Available in your choice of matte black or ember brown, it’s ideal for spaces that lack sufficient closet space, dorm rooms, and small apartments. The left side features four wide drawers measuring 21.8 inches each, with a shelf offering 11 inches of clearance right above them. On the right is an open space with a rack. At 41 inches high, this section is great for hanging jackets, dresses, and slacks. The base at the bottom can support multiple pairs of shoes, too.

It’s the little details that add to this dresser’s versatility. There are four hooks on the rack side, perfect for suspending handbags, belts, or anything else you want to keep within quick reach. The charging station on top includes two USB ports and two AC outlets, giving you a handy spot to juice up your phone, tablet, and other tech essentials.

Even the LED light strip is customizable. Illuminating the entire unit from the tabletop’s base, it gives you the option to choose from 20 colors and 21 dynamic modes. Whether you’re in the mood for something bright and lively or prefer a calm and soothing light, you can easily switch your glow with a quick tap. 

Related: Walmart’s Shutter Door Cabinet Is a ‘Lovely’ Way to Declutter Bathrooms, Basements, and More

Because it’s set on lockable wheels, it’s one of the more functional dressers you can buy. At just 36.4 pounds, it moves with ease and stays put once you decide on a location. One shopper dubbed the feature “so handy,” noting that it’s easy to roll anywhere and that the mood lighting is an added perk. Another person praised the “super sturdy” setup, adding that “this thing does it all.”

Shop More Deals

• Negylim Farmhouse Nightstand, $70 (was $100) at Walmart
• Pentantan Shag Area Rug, $29 (was $58) at Walmart
• GVDV Table Lamp, $33 (was $46) at Walmart

No matter where you plan to use the Negylim 3-in-1 Dresser, you can be confident it’ll refresh your living space considerably — especially if you’re dealing with clutter or just want to set up a dedicated space for your clothes. Pick it up while it’s on sale in your preferred color at Walmart!

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

Levi McConaughey, the 18-year-old son of Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves, is dancing his way down the runway.

Matthew, 56, who kicked off his career with classics like Dazed and Confused, went on to become an acting powerhouse with rom-coms like How to Love a Guy in 10 Days and game-changing films like The Dallas Buyers Club and The Wolf of Wall Street. Of course, his role on True Detective will always be a fan favorite. But the family man, who has been married to Camila Alves McConaughey since 2012, has always made it clear that his family comes first. With his son Levi stepping into the spotlight, the handsome young man just danced his way down the runway in Milan at the Prada show. Sporting a gray suit, there’s no doubt that Levi, who bears a striking resemblance to his parents, inherited his dad’s dancing skills.

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Vida McConaughey Looks Just Like Her Mom, Camila Alves

Back in March, Alves and McConaughey’s sweet 16-year-old daughter Vida joined her mother on the red carpet at the Time Women of the Year event. When you see them next to each other, it’s pretty clear that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree!

View this post on Instagram What Has Matthew McConaughey Said About Parenting?

McConaughey opened up about parenting on the April 21 episode of Bear Grylls Is Running Wild. The star, who also has a 13-year-old son named Livingston, discussed how important parenting is, saying the “greatest art” a man can create is being a “good father to a son or a daughter.”

“I think a man’s a prince until he has children, then he becomes a king. I don’t think there’s anything more important that a man can do,” he told Grylls. “In fact, man, we’re mortal. That’s the beginning of our immortality, and hopefully, we’re lucky enough for them to have offspring, and it continues to pass that down. I think that’s the greatest art that a man can make is being a good father to a son or a daughter.”

Check out the clip below:

Related: Matthew McConaughey’s Mom Is So Cute Partying With His Wife, Camila Alves: ‘My Hot 94-Year-Old Date’

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There’s no shortage of cute ways to make a home feel festive for the holidays, from charming kitchen finds to twinkling outdoor decor and cozy seasonal accents. If you’re the type of shopper who starts thinking about holiday decorating as soon as the cooler days of fall arrive, Martha Stewart has an adorable bedding option ready to bring some Christmas cheer to the bedroom.

The Martha Stewart Christmas Cotton Flannel Sheet Set is $54 at Wayfair right now in the queen size, marked down from $117. Made from 100% cotton flannel and available in four merry designs, the sheets make it easy to give your bedroom a holiday-ready refresh. Shoppers called the set “absolutely beautiful,” with one reviewer praising its “top-notch” quality. 

Martha Stewart Christmas Cotton Flannel Sheet Set, $54 (was $117) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

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Nothing says cozy quite like slipping into flannel sheets on a chilly night, and these Martha Stewart sets bring a festive twist to the classic cold-weather bedding. The four designs include playful holiday pups dressed in sweaters and scarves, a traditional red-and-green pattern decorated with bows, a wreath and mistletoe combo, and a charming ski village filled with snowy cabins, skiers, and evergreen trees.

The sheets are available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, so you can add a festive touch to your own bedroom or a guest room. Prices vary by size, but the $54 queen set is a standout deal at 54% off.

Martha Stewart Christmas Cotton Flannel Sheet Set, $54 (was $117) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

All sets include a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, except for the twin set which only comes with one pillowcase. The fitted sheet has a 15-inch pocket depth on the full, queen, and king sizes and a 12-inch pocket on the twin, so it can fit comfortably over thicker mattresses. Elastic sewn around the entire edge helps keep the sheet snug and in place throughout the night. 

The sheets are machine washable, so upkeep is simple — just toss them in the wash when they need to be cleaned. They’re also Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances.

Reviewers were quick to praise both the feel and the festive look. One shopper called the sheets “very soft and adorable,” while another said they were “so cozy and comfortable on cold nights and mornings.” Another reviewer loved the “cute bows and Christmas design,” adding that they were “so fun for the holidays.” 

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Hydrangea Floral 100% Cotton Quilt Set, $82 (was $184) at Wayfair
• Birch Lane’s 2-Piece 36-Inch LED Lighted Jack-O-Lantern Set, From $67 at Wayfair
• Holly Dolly 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set, $56 (was $60) at Wayfair

Related: Lands’ End’s ‘Comfortable and Cozy’ Fleece Is on Sale for $35 in Time for Fall

At just $54, the Martha Stewart Christmas Cotton Flannel Sheet Set is a cozy way to bring some holiday personality to the bedroom. Shop it at Wayfair while it’s still 54% off!

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Uma Thurman and her TV star daughter, Maya Hawke, look so much alike in a new appearance that they could play sisters onscreen.

Thurman, 56, rose to international superstardom as Mia Wallace in Quentin Tarantino‘s Pulp Fiction, and has tackled everything from superhero flicks like Batman & Robin to Woody Allen‘s romantic dramedy Sweet and Lowdown.  Her daughter, 28, whom she shares with ex Ethan Hawke, has catapulted to stardom thanks to her role on Netflix’s Stranger Things. In a new appearance together at the Prada Spring/Summer 2027 womenswear fashion show in Milan, Italy, the mother-daughter duo look like a copy-and-paste of each other!

Jacopo Raule / Getty Images

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What Professional Advice Did Uma Thurman Give Maya Hawke?

Hawke followed in her mom’s footsteps by appearing in Quentin Tarantino‘s 2019 hit Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. 

During an appearance on Amy Poehler‘s podcast Good Hang, Poehler asked Hawke what advice Thurman gave her about working with Tarantino.

“‘Keep your shoes on,’” Hawke replied, in reference to Tarantino’s alleged obsession with bare feet.

“Keep your shoes on,” repeated Poehler, laughing. “Keep ’em on, baby. Perfect advice. Perfect.”

Hawke went on to say how much joy she found as a child hanging out on movie sets with her mother and her father.

“It was like this safe, little world where I could be alone. No one needed to be watching me. I could walk over to Crafty and take cookies and M&M’s and gummy bears and get them and I could go watch the stunt people practice,” she said, saying it “like Disneyland.”

Maya Hawke Got Married Earlier This Year

Hawke married musician Christian Lee Hutson on Valentine’s Day in New York City, and her famous father was there to walk her down the aisle.

“Some of the most profound moments in your life are the most common,” Ethan shared last week on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. “It’s really simple, your oldest daughter is getting married. You’re in a situation that humanity’s been doing forever. And yet your heart is ripping open.” 

Check out the sweet video below:

Related: Ethan Hawke’s Stunning Wife and Adorable Teen Daughter Stole the Spotlight on the Red Carpet

How do we decide who is capable of wisdom and leadership? We take for granted that everyone has the capacity to reason. But in 1st-century Rome, intellectual life was reserved mostly for men. Even the suggestion that women should study philosophy alongside men went directly against Roman traditions. The idea challenged the structural norms of Roman society.

Yet that is what Gaius Musonius Rufus publicly taught. Born before 30 AD in Volsinii, (now called day Bolsena, Italy), to an Etruscan family of the equestrian class, Musonius Rufus became one of the most prominent Stoic thinkers of the ancient world. Highly respected in his time, he was described by the scholar Origen as a “Roman Socrates.” And he was singled out as a great Stoic authority in Rome during the 1st Century.

Rufus’ devotion to Stoic principles was not an academic exercise. It was tested through severe political upheaval. Throughout his life, Rufus was exiled three times by Roman emperors. This punishment stripped citizens of their standing and was often viewed as a fate worse than death. Despite the persecution he faced, Rufus remained determined in his belief that philosophy was not abstract theory, but a practical daily discipline for living well. He taught that true virtue is found in fulfilling our duties and serving our fellow human beings. And he firmly insisted that this capacity for moral excellence belonged equally to men and women.

Quote of the Day by Musonius Rufus

“For human beings, male and female, have received the same reason from the gods… Likewise, both have the same senses—seeing, hearing, and the like; both have the same body parts… Furthermore, a desire for virtue and an affinity for it belong not only to men, but also to women.”

Recorded by his students and preserved in Lecture III of his surviving fragments (That Women Too Should Study Philosophy). These words capture Rufus’s argument for human equality. He believed that because nature gives both men and women the same faculty of judgment, physical senses, and innate inclination toward moral goodness, both require the same philosophical training to cultivate those qualities.

While Rufus’s written legacy is less expansive today than that of his famous student, Epictetus, his insistence on universal moral capacity remains a milestone in ancient ethical thought.

Related: Quote of the Day: Thurgood Marshall on His Enduring Vision for Justice, Equality, and Democracy

The Deeper Meaning of Musonius Rufus’s Quote

Musonius Rufus’s insight addresses a timeless human question: How do we recognize potential in ourselves and others? At its core, the quote reminds us that the capacity for reason, empathy, and ethical choices is not dictated by social status, background, or demographic. Today, we take for granted that everyone has the ability to think clearly and make good moral choices. But for most of history, education was strictly limited by social class and gender.

In 1st-century Imperial Rome, societal roles were rigidly enforced. Women were largely excluded from formal higher education and legal independence. Suggesting that women should receive the exact same rigorous training in philosophy as men wasn’t just an unusual opinion. It directly challenged the established norms of Roman society.

When Rufus pointed to shared physical senses and shared intellectual reasoning, he was arguing against the artificial barriers that human societies build to divide people. In daily life, it can be easy to fall into subtle assumptions about who is capable of deep understanding or sound judgment.

Rufus’s Stoic perspective invites us to look past external labels and recognize the universal human capacity for growth and virtue. By treating reason and moral capability as shared human traits, we create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to cultivate wisdom and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

More Quotes from Musonius Rufus

“If you accomplish something good with hard work, the labor passes quickly, but the good endures; if you do something shameful with pleasure, the pleasure passes quickly, but the shame endures.”

“Theory which teaches how one should act is related to practice, and comes first in time… but in effectiveness, practice comes before theory, for it is more influential in leading men to action.”

“For exile does not prevent anyone from possessing virtue, nor does it force anyone to do wrong.” — Musonius Rufus, Lectures and Fragments (Lecture IX: That Exile Is Not an Evil)

Next: Quote of the Day: Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross on Inner Light and Resilience Being ‘Like Stained-Glass Windows’

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Fall has arrived, which means it’s nearly time to deck out your home for Halloween. If you’re ready to go beyond pumpkins and fall wreaths this year, Walmart has a spooky outdoor decoration that’s guaranteed to make a statement. The Scidweet Halloween Giant Spider Web Lights are currently on sale for over 35% off, and they instantly transform your yard, porch, or deck into a festive display for spooky season. 

Right now, the 500-light display is on sale for as low as $25, down from $40, in the purple-bulb style. You can also shop it in multicolor for $26 and in orange for $27. No matter which color you choose, the oversized spider web creates an eerie glow that’s especially eye-catching once the sun goes down.

Scidweet Halloween Giant Spider Web Lights, $25 (were $50) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Unlike smaller Halloween decorations that can easily get lost among the rest of your outdoor decor, this oversized spider web is designed to stand out. It measures an impressive 16.4 feet by 15.75 feet, giving you plenty of coverage to decorate a large section of your home or yard. Each layer is outlined with vibrant purple and white LEDs, creating a spooky illuminated web that’s perfect for Halloween parties, trick-or-treating, or simply giving your home a festive fall makeover.

Made from thick, strong mesh, the web is designed to support larger Halloween ornaments and withstand outdoor use, so it’s durable enough to bring out year after year. The waterproof design can handle wind and rain, which makes it well-suited for outdoor decorating throughout the fall season. Just note that the plug itself isn’t waterproof and should be protected from moisture.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Beautiful’ $14 Solar Flower Lights ‘Shine So Pretty’ in Gardens and Yards

Setup is hassle-free, too. It comes with special hooks and tying ropes that make it easy to untangle and secure the web, allowing you to get it in place in just minutes. You can stretch it across a front yard, attach it to a fence, or use it to decorate a deck. A remote control allows you to switch between eight different lighting modes, from a subtle purple glow to a more dramatic, eerie atmosphere. 

The eye-catching light display has earned plenty of praise from Walmart shoppers. One reviewer called them the “cutest Halloween lights,” adding, “The remote is convenient, and they’re super easy to hang without getting tangled.” Another buyer said they’re “super fun lights,” noting that the setup is effortless. 

Shop More Deals

• Ayieyill Halloween Hanging Ghost, $17 (was $29) at Walmart 
• Gvdv 8-Foot Halloween Spider Inflatable, $46 (was $89) at Walmart 
• Firstness 6.2-Foot Pumpkin Spider Inflatable, $35 (was $75) at Walmart

The Scidweet giant spider web lights are an affordable way to give your outdoor space a seriously spooky upgrade this fall. If you’re already thinking about pumpkins, skeletons, and Halloween parties, this oversized glowing web could be the finishing touch your outdoor display needs. Grab it for as low as $25 at Walmart now. 

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Did CT Tamburello really throw the eating challenge on The Challenge: Cutthroat last week?

The five-time champion has long been one of the competitors you want on your team when TJ Lavin unveils a table covered in foods no reasonable person would voluntarily eat. But after the Orange Team lost last week’s disgusting eating competition, Justin Hinsley surprisingly singled out CT as a possible liability.

There was just one problem with that argument: CT was eating. A lot. And Justin could barely choke down one bite.

Related: Leo and Nelson Break Their Silence on Getting Kicked Off ‘The Challenge’: ‘Pretty Messed Up’

What Happened During ‘The Challenge’ Eating Competition?

Episode 8 of The Challenge season 42—appropriately titled “Mean Cuisine”—presented the competitors with a truly revolting feast.

The teams had to work their way through a menu that included pig faces, bugs, century eggs and balut, among other delicacies, with the Blue Team eventually pulling out a much-needed victory, their very first one of the season after they were down to just three members in Cara Maria Sorbello, Alexis “Lete” Lete and Anna Leigh Wilson.

The Orange Team, meanwhile, struggled, despite having four eaters to Blue and Gray’s three (though Justin barely counted as an eater, to be honest).

Izzy Fairthorn, Michele Fitzgerald and team captain Tori Deal did not participate largely due to dietary restrictions, though Cassidy Clark on Gray is also largely vegan, and she had no choice but to eat. Either way, Orange chose to have their four male members tackle the food.

Related: ‘The Challenge’ Star Deb Chubb Reveals Where Her Showmance with Will Stands Today (Exclusive)

But Justin had a particularly hard time getting anything down.

He complained throughout the challenge and struggled to make much progress while the rest of his teammates—CT, Johnny Bananas and Will Gagnon—were absolutely housing their food. It should be noted that Gray and Blue strategically gave Orange the worst dishes to eat (though Blue made a very smart choice giving Gray the balut), so Orange definitely had the toughest menu in their challenge, but they also are the strongest team by a mile.

After Orange lost, however, Justin’s concern wasn’t about his own performance.

What Did Justin Say About CT?

Justin questioned whether CT could become a problem for Orange later in the game.

“There’s still a little bit of fear that some people on our team—cough, CT, cough—may be a liability when it comes to endurance,” Justin said in a confessional.

He also questioned why someone with CT’s reputation wasn’t dominating the competition.

“I could have sworn CT was the eating challenge master,” Justin said. “CT could either wake the beast up or be the biggest liability. Are we willing to leave that to fate?”

The comments were particularly surprising considering what viewers had just watched.

Related: ‘The Challenge 42’s Keanu Soto Reveals Fight with a Veteran That Didn’t Make the Edit (Exclusive)

CT certainly struggled with the food just like anybody, but he wasn’t sitting back and letting his teammates do all the work. He repeatedly ate throughout the competition while Justin had difficulty contributing much at all.

At least one viewer noticed the discrepancy immediately, writing on X after the episode, “CT ate his food, Justin didn’t so I don’t know what he’s bitching about.”

Related: The Real Reason Why Josh, Nelson and Leo Got Kicked Off ‘The Challenge’

Was CT Actually Trying During the Eating Challenge?

Another member of the Orange Team says he absolutely was.

After her elimination, Izzy was asked about her visible frustration with Justin during the competition. She said she loves Justin and considers him one of her best friends, but wasn’t happy watching him take his time when her game was potentially on the line.

Izzy specifically singled out two teammates for their effort: CT and Will Gagnon.

“CT and Will, they were trying so hard,” Izzy told TV Insider. She added that the two men were eating the most disgusting items while Justin seemed far less concerned about getting through the challenge.

Izzy’s comments make the idea that CT simply gave up on the competition considerably harder to square with what his own teammates witnessed.

Related: ‘The Challenge’ Star Nurys Mateo Calls Out Josh’s Lies and Slams Sydney: ‘You’re Disgusting’ (Exclusive)

Did CT Throw the Eating Challenge on ‘The Challenge’?

There’s no way to know exactly what was going through CT’s head during the competition, but nothing viewers were shown establishes that he deliberately threw the challenge.

In fact, the footage appears to show the opposite.

CT struggled, but he continued eating. Izzy has since confirmed that she thought CT and Will were trying especially hard. Meanwhile, Justin, the teammate who publicly questioned CT’s performance afterward, was himself criticized for how little he contributed.

There is one strategic wrinkle worth considering.

CT and Cara Maria are extremely close friends outside The Challenge, with a relationship that goes back to her third season on the show, which was the first Rivals season 15 years ago. Last week, Cara Maria desperately needed the Blue Team to win because if they didn’t, it was a girls’ week for elimination and the two rookies would have absolutely voted her into elimination.

Blue finally got that victory in the eating competition, which kept Cara Maria safe from the sand. But that doesn’t mean CT deliberately helped them get it.

Based solely on what viewers saw during the eating challenge, CT looked considerably more like a man trying to choke down a horrifying meal than one trying to lose.

Related: Leo and Nelson Break Their Silence on Getting Kicked Off ‘The Challenge’: ‘Pretty Messed Up’

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Refreshing your bedroom for fall doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. If you love the classic French countryside or cottagecore look, the right bedding can instantly give your room that cozy, collected feel without requiring a full makeover. A few thoughtful details can make your bed the focal point while keeping the rest of the room simple.

The Florence Reversible 8-Piece Comforter Set is currently 63% off at Macy’s, bringing the price down to just $37. Available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, it gives you nearly everything you need to create a coordinated bed in one purchase. 

Florence Reversible 8-Piece Comforter Set, $37 (was $100) at Macy’s 

Courtesy of Macy's

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The set includes a comforter, two shams, a bedskirt, flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The twin version comes with one fewer sham and pillowcase, making it a six-piece set. Both the shell and fill are made from 100% polyester, giving the bedding a soft and sumptuous feel. It’s also machine washable for easy care, and the medium-weight warmth makes it comfortable enough for year-round use.

The design leans into French country and cottagecore style with vintage-inspired floral motifs in dusty blue, sage green, and warm taupe against a creamy beige background. Matching floral shams and a plush quilted texture add depth, while the overall palette blends the cozy charm of cottagecore with the relaxed elegance of French countryside and coastal grandmother-inspired decor.

Related: Walmart’s $60 Floating Nightstand Set Turns Empty Walls Into Stylish Bedside Storage

Since the comforter is reversible, you can change up the look without buying another set. One side features an intricate pattern with an ornamental border near the foot, which offers a more decorative vibe. On the other side, the solid light brown color gives beds a more understated look, giving you two distinct looks depending on which side you have facing up.

The versatility makes it easy to style for the season. Keep the floral side on display for a softer, more romantic bedroom, or flip it over when you want something a little more understated. Add woven baskets, vintage-style lamps, neutral curtains, or cozy throws to lean further into the cottage-inspired look without making the room feel overly trendy.

Shop More Deals

• Juniper Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set, $24 (was $80) at Macy’s
• Danny Plaid Reversible Microfiber 3-Piece Comforter Set, $25 (was $80) at Macy’s
• Alexa Damask Reversible Microfiber 8-Piece Comforter Set, $37 (was $100) at Macy’s

If you’re ready for a stylish bedroom refresh ahead of fall, the Florence Reversible 8-Piece Comforter Set is an easy way to get a coordinated look for less. With Macy’s current 63% discount, every size is just $37, giving you a chance to save more than $60 while bringing a cozy, vintage-inspired feel to your bedroom.

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Denzel Washington’s 1991 film Mississippi Masala became an award-winning classic that continued to cement its legacy over the decades, earning recognition as one of the best movies of the 1990s.

In a selection of films compiled by Rotten Tomatoes, the curated list featured 185 Favorite ’90s Movies that spanned from the golden age of American independent cinema to blockbusters and groundbreaking works.

Claiming the No. 58 spot was the romantic drama Mississippi Masala, with the critics’ consensus praising the romantic chemistry between the main characters that “lights up the screen” while showcasing director Mira Nair’s “observant and sexy tale of cultures clashing.”

The movie also earned a 92 percent score on the Tomatometer, meaning the majority of critics gave Mississippi Masala positive reviews.

Denzel Washington in a scene from the film ‘Mississippi Masala’, 1991. (Photo by Samuel Goldwyn Company/Getty Images)

Written by Sooni Taraporevala and directed by acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, the movie explores the interracial romance between Demetrius Williams (Denzel Washington) and Mina (Sarita Choudhury), a young Indian woman whose family was forced to flee Uganda during Idi Amin’s dictatorship.

In a twist of fate, she finds herself falling in love with Demetrius, a hardworking carpet cleaner.

However, their blossoming romance sparks backlash from their families and communities, highlighting the cultural friction and deep-seated racial prejudices within the African American and Indian American immigrant communities.

Given the sensitive issues explored in the story, Washington addressed the hesitation among executives, suggesting they were probably “not interested” in diverse storytelling.

Moreover, the actor also admitted that he did not receive many offers for romantic roles, particularly love stories involving himself and a Black woman.

“I’m not offered any,” he said in an interview with 60 Minutes, as cited by IndieWire, adding, “I think that, again, it comes down to business. I think that if it was a love story with myself and a Black woman, it’s not big business in Hollywood, so maybe they’re not interested.”

The film went on to receive several accolades, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Motion Picture for Washington at the 1993 NAACP Image Awards, the Silver Ribbon (Nastro d’Argento) for Best Foreign Director for Mira Nair in 1992 and the 1991 Critics Special Award at the São Paulo International Film Festival, among others.

More than three decades after its release, the acclaimed 1991 movie continues to stand out among the era’s most influential films.

Related: 1973 Hit Horror Film, Whose Production Nearly Killed a ’70s Icon, Ranked Among Best Movies of All Time

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with cooking for just yourself. In fact, there’s something pretty great about making exactly what you want, exactly how you want it, with no one around to ask, “What’s for dinner?” and then immediately veto your answer. The only problem is that so many of our favorite recipes seem determined to make enough food to feed a small dinner party.

Enter the miniature Dutch oven—or, in this case, a tiny “baker” that’s basically your personal-sized cooking companion. It’s just the right scale for those moments when you want something warm, bubbly and homemade without producing six servings of it. It could be a bubbling baked pasta, a cozy mac and cheese, a little pot pie or even a single-serving dessert.

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Crofton Cast Iron Mini Baker, $6.99 at Aldi Crofton Cast Iron Mini Baker

Aldi

There’s also something inherently more fun about getting your own tiny dish to eat from, like Aldi’s Crofton Cast Iron Mini Baker. It turns an ordinary solo dinner into a little occasion, even if that “occasion” is just you, your favorite comfort food and absolutely no obligation to share. Sometimes that’s exactly the kind of dinner you need.

This little baker has the satisfyingly substantial feel you expect from cast iron. It has a petite, rounded shape with short side handles that make it easy to move from oven to table, while the sage green finish gives it a classic, slightly old-school cookware look. The same size baker also comes in a cream colorway.

Related: A Haunting 1845 Poem Must Have Inspired This Marshalls’ Spooky 2-Tier Cake Stand

How to Use a Mini Cast Iron Baker

Because it’s a mini baker, it’s much more about your serving than feeding a whole family. It’s the cookware equivalent of getting your own booth at a restaurant—small, cozy and entirely yours.

Think of this little crock as having a much bigger job description than its size would suggest. Sure, it can handle dinner or a fruit crisp for dessert, but it’s just as useful in the a.m.. Make a single-serving breakfast casserole, baked oatmeal, French toast or a couple of eggs for a cozy morning meal.

And if you’re hosting, the mini baker is your new party MVP. Use a few of them for warm dips like spinach-artichoke, queso or baked feta. Everyone gets their own bubbling little dish. No hovering around one communal bowl and no awkwardly trying to avoid the person who just double-dipped.

Related: Sur La Table’s Pretty Rose-Colored Loaf Pan Is Packed With French Charm

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Now that we’re well through September, the weather is finally starting to cool down, signaling the start of fall. While it’s finally bearable to be outside again, it sadly means that it’s almost time to put your sandals into storage. Fortunately, there are tons of fall-ready shoes to choose from, including ballet flats, mules, and booties. If you’re looking to give your footwear collection a seasonal refresh, Walmart’s new budget-friendly fashion line, Scenario, has a fantastic option. 

Striking the perfect balance, the Scenario Faux-Suede Ballet Flats provide ample coverage but leave the upper open so your feet can breathe. While they’re reminiscent of expensive designer styles, you can currently snag them at Walmart for just $20. These flats are proof that you don’t have to splurge for high-quality items. Several shoppers raved about their “high-end” look and top-notch quality.

Scenario Faux-Suede Ballet Flats, $20 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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These flats are available in three solid colors, including taupe, merlot, and black. Customers mentioned that the colors are very rich. If you prefer something a little more playful and bold, you can also get them in leopard print. Sizes range from 6 to 11, and shoppers noted that they fit true to size. 

Featuring a faux-suede upper, these flats nail the quiet luxury aesthetic. While they aren’t the real deal, several reviewers noted they look just like genuine suede. Their soft velvet-like texture oozes elegance and class, elevating any outfit you style them with, whether it’s casual streetwear or polished office wear. They’ll complement jeans, slacks, maxi skirts, and palazzo pants for an effortlessly chic look. 

Simple yet refined, these flats have a sleek silhouette with an almond toe. They have a trendy V-shaped vamp that gives them some flair and a low-cut, creating an open upper that promotes airflow to keep your feet from overheating. The open upper also makes these flats easy to slip into and take off. 

Scenario Faux-Suede Ballet Flats, $20 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Crafted with a memory foam footbed, these flats will cushion your feet with every step, delivering all-day comfort. They’ll mold to the contours of your feet to support your arches and heels, offering that made-for-you feel. Designed to prevent fatigue, these flats evenly distribute your body weight and reduce impact on your feet and joints. 

Made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), the outsole is lightweight and flexible, making every step as effortless as the last. It allows these flats to bend along with your feet as you walk, keeping you from feeling stiff and restricted. From casual errands to apple picking, these flats ensure comfort and support for any occasion. 

Chic, comfortable, and versatile, these new flats are already a Walmart bestseller. “These shoes look and feel much more expensive than they were,” one reviewer raved. A second customer described them as “unbelievably comfortable,” and a third person called them a “must-have for fall.” 

Shop More Deals 

• Scenario Woven Mary Jane Flats, $29 at Walmart
• Scenario Faux-Leather Ankle Booties, $27 at Walmart
• Scenario Slip-On Heeled Mules, $27 at Walmart

Related: Clarks’ Leather Slip-on Sneakers Are ‘Comfortable Right Out of the Box,’ Now 40% Off

Just as elegant as they are comfortable, Walmart’s Scenario Faux-Suede Ballet Flats are definitely worth adding to your fall shoe collection, especially at just $20! 

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When The Band released its debut album in 1968, one song immediately captured everything that made the group unusual.

“The Weight” sounded timeless from the start, combining gospel, country, folk and rock with a cast of mysterious characters and a chorus built to be sung by a crowd.

Written by guitarist Robbie Robertson, “The Weight” appeared on Music from Big Pink, the album that introduced the Band as more than the musicians who had spent years backing Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan. Although the single wasn’t a major chart success, peaking at just No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, its influence soon eclipsed that modest showing.

Robertson set the song in Nazareth, a place that sounded biblical but had a more practical inspiration.

“I wrote the song in Woodstock, in a house that I had there in a place called Larson Lane,” Robertson said in an interview years later. “I went upstairs in this house, where I had a table and a guitar, and it was kind of my little workshop area… And when I sat down to try to think of something, I realized I had nothing in mind.”

The guitarist had noticed Nazareth, Pennsylvania, printed inside his Martin guitar, which was manufactured there. From that starting point, he created a fictional journey populated by characters including Carmen, the Devil, Miss Moses, Luke and Crazy Chester.

“I thought, ‘OK, well let me see,’ and I wrote the first line of that song and I would say, in probably 45 minutes, I had written the skeleton of the whole song,” Robertson continued.

Robertson later explained that the song was influenced by the films of Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel, particularly the director’s explorations of morality, sainthood, and the difficulty of doing the right thing. The result was a song filled with biblical imagery without telling a straightforward religious story.

“We were in the studio,” Robertson told Guitar Player. “And just out of trying to not be boring, we said, ‘Well, let’s give that ‘Take a load off Fanny’ song a shot. […] It wasn’t until we listened back to it that we realized, ‘Holy shit, this song’s really got something.'”

Levon Helm handled the lead vocal, with Rick Danko and Richard Manuel joining him as the song unfolds. Their rough-edged harmonies helped give “The Weight” the communal sound that became one of the Band’s trademarks.

Other artists quickly recognized its potential.

Aretha Franklin recorded “The Weight” for her 1970 album This Girl’s in Love with You, with Duane Allman contributing guitar. Her version performed considerably better on the singles chart than the Band’s original, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song also received early interpretations from Jackie DeShannon and The Staple Singers, while countless artists would take it on in the decades that followed.

Its cultural reach expanded further when the Band’s recording appeared in the landmark 1969 film Easy Rider, although contractual issues meant a cover version was used on the movie’s soundtrack album.

More than half a century later, “The Weight” is no longer defined by its original chart position. Rolling Stone ranked it among its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, while generations of musicians have continued to perform and record it.

What began with a Pennsylvania town name spotted inside Robertson’s guitar became one of the most enduring songs of the late 1960s, a mysterious American road story whose burden has been passed between singers ever since.

Related: In 1970, a band recorded a song about an 1820 whaling disaster at the Record Plant; a British TV show used it as its theme for 16 years, and it is still an iconic hit 55 years later

After Dancing with the Stars season 35 pro Alan Bersten and his celebrity chef partner Giada De Laurentiis made it through a challenging week of rehearsals that included an argument caught on film, the duo hoped their Viral Hits night number — a salsa to Becky G.’s Bella Ciao — would go much better on Tuesday, September 22.

But things did not go as they hoped. Bersten and De Laurentiis, known as Team Aldente, wound up with one of the lowest scores of the night, looking stunned as they were given just 12 out of 30 points by the judges. De Laurentiis told co-host Julianne Hough afterwards, “I think, obviously, it’s… it’s disappointing. But, hopefully, people will vote for us, and I’ll get another shot!”

Team Aldente’s score of 12 tied them with fellow competitors Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson. But at the end of the night, viewer votes weren’t enough to save Bersten and De Laurentiis from being eliminated (here are the night’s full results).

Shortly after the live show ended, Bersten posted a brief video of him and De Laurentiis embracing backstage and wrote a four-word message to her: “Thank you for everything @giadadelaurentiis”

View this post on Instagram

At the time of publication, De Laurentiis had not responded or shared her own post, but plenty of fans and friends flooded Bersten’s video with words of support, including his season 33 DWTS partner, Olympic bronze medalist rugby player Ilona Maher, who wrote, “Still so proud of you both.”

Many fans wrote how bummed they were to see the duo go, including someone who commented, “I am still shocked. I was looking forward to more dances 😞 this is such a tough season for anyone who isn’t a dancer. Hard to see you go so early”

During a prerecorded package that aired before Bersten and De Laurentiis’ dance, producers showed a moment during rehearsals when they grew frustrated with each other. When the Food Network star forgot her next step and asked what it was, Bersten snapped, “You know it!” and she let out an irritated sigh, looking up at the ceiling.

Bersten could also be heard questioning her for “not locking in for some reason” and De Laurentiis got emotional, anxiously telling him, “We only have so much time to go slow.” He then replied, “I’m the person with the least amount of patience, and I’m trying to tell you, ‘Let’s be patient.'”

The rest of the duos made it through to another week, so they’ll compete again on Tuesday, September 29. The theme that night will be Yacht Rock.

Today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle covers Massachusetts teams and schools, Raiders quarterbacks, women’s golf major winners and the last words in football movie titles.

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Wednesday, September 23, 2026 / New York Times

New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on September 23, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Bay State sports.
• Green: Silver and black signal-callers.
• Blue: Fore!
• Purple: Cinema connections.

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: TEAMS/SCHOOLS IN MASSACHUSETTS
• Green: RAIDERS QBS, GANNON, STABLER
• Blue: WOMEN’S GOLF MAJOR WINNERS
• Purple: LAST WORDS IN FOOTBALL MOVIE TITLES

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #730 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• TEAMS/SCHOOLS IN MASSACHUSETTS: BRUINS, CELTICS, HARVARD, UMASS
• RAIDERS QBS, GANNON, STABLER: CARR, COUSINS, GANNON, STABLER
• WOMEN’S GOLF MAJOR WINNERS: INKSTER, KO, KORDA, PARK
• LAST WORDS IN FOOTBALL MOVIE TITLES: BLUES, LIGHTS, TITANS, YARD

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Tuesday, September 22, 2026

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With preppy dressing and vintage sportswear trending this fall, the once-utilitarian rugby shirt is finding new life alongside pleated trousers, relaxed denim, loafers, and boots. Originally worn by rugby players in the 19th century, the style’s signature bold stripes, structured collar, and relaxed fit eventually became a collegiate staple. Now, it’s back with a slightly less buttoned-up attitude, blending the polish of a polo with the laid-back appeal of a sweatshirt to create this fall’s trendiest looks.

@kimberitaville

Fall 2026 styling inspo: rugby shirts 👚@Aritzia @Revolve @AGOLDE #falloutfits #falltrends #rugbyshirt #stylingtips #stylingoutfits

♬ original sound – KIMBER KOTULA

Gap’s Long-Sleeve Rugby Polo captures that balance, and it’s currently on sale at Amazon for $32, which is the lowest price offered in the past 30 days. Down 37% from its usual $50, that’s an $18 discount on a staple that looks just as good with jeans and sneakers as it does layered under a barn jacket on a crisp autumn afternoon.

Gap Long-Sleeve Rugby Polo, From $32 (was $50) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This preppy polo features a crisp white pointed collar, a short three-button placket, and long sleeves, with dropped shoulders for a loose, comfortable fit. The straight hem falls naturally over the waist, making it easy to wear untucked without looking overly baggy. Ribbed cuffs help keep the sleeves in place, while the pullover design eliminates the need for a full row of buttons.

For everyday wear, the straight hem of this top works well with both high-waisted and low-rise bottoms, whether you prefer to leave the shirt loose or tuck the front into your waistband. The $32 brown-and-blue version would complement dark-wash denim, chocolate loafers, and a suede shoulder bag, while the $34 green-and-white option could pair nicely with cream trousers or a denim miniskirt and tall boots.

Gap Long-Sleeve Rugby Polo, From $32 (was $50) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Made from 100% cotton, the shirt offers a breathable alternative to heavier fall knits. Its loose fit allows for a lightweight T-shirt or tank top underneath, while the long sleeves provide extra coverage as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. The buttons at the top can be fastened for a neater neckline or left partially open for extra airflow. When you need another layer, the collar sits neatly above a coat neckline.

Shop More Deals

• Blooming Jelly Striped Rugby Shirt, $23 (was $28) at Amazon
• Shbecyde Striped Color Block Polo Sweatshirt, From $27 (was $30) at Amazon
• Dokotoo V-Neck Button-Down Striped Polo, From $17 (was $37) at Amazon

Amazon shoppers praised this “cute” top in their reviews. “The slightly relaxed, cropped shape gives it a more current look without feeling overly trendy,” one customer wrote. Another reviewer added that the style is “easy” to “throw on with jeans for a casual, put-together outfit.” This shirt is also machine washable, so keeping it clean doesn’t require a trip to the dry cleaner.

Related: Shackets Are Made for Fall Layering, and Nordstrom Rack’s Tailored Version ‘Fits and Looks Great’

You won’t want to miss this fall’s rugby shirt revival or this deal. Shop the Gap Long-Sleeve Rugby Polo for as low as $32 at Amazon while it’s on sale for up to 37% off!

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Braden Peters, better known as the social media influencer Clavicular, has broken his silence and addressed his recent rape allegations head-on.

Peters took to his social media pages on TikTok and Instagram to confront the allegations with his fans, posting a screenshot of a conversation he had with his alleged accuser and a handwritten letter presumably from the same person.

In the video, Peters shared, “There’s a better way to make money than suing someone because they don’t want you,” and captioned the post “Greed is a sin.”

In the text messages, the person, saved as “Leksy,” dated back to December 29, states that she wants to be with Peters, writing, “I’m tired of being like independent. I mean I like it, but I need a man to relax with.” The messages continue, stating that they could “keep everything private too, like no social media.”

Peters responded simply that he’s been pretty busy, to which “Leksy” responded, “Yea I get that when you get more settled Imk.”

A few weeks later, “Leksy” responded again, asking for assistance to set up her Kick streaming platform.

In the handwritten note, she thanks Peters for all the help he has provided her over the years and expresses gratitude, explaining that she doesn’t have money to repay him but has offered him back rubs and a “spa day” as a form of repayment.

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Clavicular rose to internet stardom for his “looksmaxxing” content, as the influencer explained ways that others can improve their looks by doing things such as “bonesmashing,” a technique in which a person takes a hammer or other device to their bones, specifically in their face, to create small cracks and fractures in the hope to allow the bones to grow back “stronger.”

In charges filed on September 8, 2026, in Massachusetts, Peters was charged with one count of rape, one count of drugging someone for sexual intercourse, and one count of procuring liquor for someone under 21 years old.

According to NBC News, Mitchell Jackson, a representative for Clavicular, shared that “Braden Peters has not been physically served. As usual, the Bulwark is exaggerating.

Related: How Does Clavicular Make Money? Inside the Controversial Influencer’s Net Worth

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Today’s NYT Strands answers all relate words describing something old, outdated or belonging to a distant past.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #934 on Wednesday, September 23.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “Practically paleolithic.“

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Nothing new here.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are six theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• BY
• AN
• AR
• PR
• TI
• TH (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for September 23

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, is THATSOLDNEWS.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Wednesday, September 23?

• BYGONE
• ANCIENT
• ARCHAIC
• PRIMEVAL
• TIMEWORN
• SPANGRAM: THATSOLDNEWS

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, September 22, 2026