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In 1976, Carly Simon made a historic appearance on Saturday Night Live.

50 years ago today, the music icon broke the longtime-running show’s tradition with a bold move that still stands out today.

The NBC show was known for featuring live musical performances from guests, often showcasing iconic and sometimes controversial sets from artists and musicians, from Elvis Costello’s “Radio, Radio” to Nirvana performing their iconic songs “Territorial Pissings” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Simon guested on SNL to promote her sixth studio album, Another Passenger, which was set to be released a month after her appearance on the show.

However, her first and only visit to the program went against the show’s long-standing practice, as her performance was pre-recorded instead of performed live, making her the first musical guest not to perform live on the show.

At the time, the lead track from her then-upcoming album “Half a Chance” and her number one single “You’re so Vain” were aired, along with a cameo appearance of a cast member, Chevy Chase, playing the cowbell and providing backup harmonies, making it more special.

Carly Simon performing on stage in the 1970s.

According to Classic Rockers, the reason behind Simon’s pre-recorded performance was her struggle with stage fright.

Besides the SNL performance, the award-winning singer also experienced several episodes of panic attacks on stage.

In the middle of a performance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during a 1981 tour, she felt her stage fright kicking in.

Instead of hiding it from the audience, she told them what was happening and received incredible support from the concertgoers.

"About 50 people came up, and it was like an encounter group," she told The New York Times, adding, "They rubbed my arms and legs and said, 'We love you,' and I was able to finish the first show."

The singer and songwriter suffered from severe and lifelong performance anxiety, which affected her music career.

Simon didn't go on an extensive tour schedule due to her stage fright.

Instead, she performed live on select shows and through intimate tours, most notably during her breakthrough in the 1970s.

Over the years, the music icon was able to manage her stage fright and later made her comeback on stage after several decades.

In 2005, Simon launched her Serenade Tour with a performance at Grand Central Terminal. In support of her 20th studio album, Moonlight Serenade, she marked her first tour in 10 years, performing her classic hits live and was accompanied by her children, Sally and Ben.

Related: 'SNL' Alum Sparks Excitement With Podcast Announcement

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Trying to transform your backyard into a dreamy retreat? Start small. Solar lights are a fantastic way to up the ambiance and aesthetics of your home’s outdoor space without requiring much effort. The best kinds are those that’ll double as a piece of decor during the day so you can get the most use out of it, like this Mumtop Fairy Statue Solar Light at Amazon. 

Right now is the best time to add this solar light statue to your home because it’s currently on sale for less than $20! It normally retails for $27, but you can now score it for just $19. Oozing with fairycore charm, this solar light statue will add a magical storybook feel to your outdoor space. 

Mumtop Fairy Statue Solar Light, $19 (was $27) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Featuring a nature-inspired design, the base of the statue is shaped like a lotus flower. The petals are flared out, creating a bowl-like shape that holds a crackle glass orb. Charming and enchanting, this statue showcases a fairy silhouette hovering above the orb. The fairy boasts delicate wings adorned with decorative cutouts, giving it a dreamy feel. It’s connected to the base by a thin curved wire. Made of metal with a weathered finish, this statue has a vintage-inspired look that makes it feel like an antique store find.

Measuring 5.6 inches wide and 9.7 inches tall, this statue is large enough to stand out without taking up too much space. You can place it on the patio floor, lawn, or in the garden. Several customers said that they used it as the centerpiece of their table. 

During the day, this statue acts as a piece of decor that’ll accent your home’s outdoor space. At night, it’ll illuminate your space and make it feel cozy and inviting. This statue light is sustainable and eco-friendly, as it doesn’t rely on electricity or batteries for power. Instead, it charges during the day when the solar panel is placed in direct sunlight.

Once it gets dark outside, the light will automatically turn on to illuminate your space, which also makes it a low-maintenance choice. The orb is filled with multiple LED bulbs that’ll stay lit for up to 10 hours. Shoppers noted that the light is very bright. 

Related: Amazon's Magical Cottagecore Lamps Start at Just $20, and They Add Instant Cozy Charm

One reviewer described this solar light statue as “whimsical and fun,” and another shopper added that it’s “dainty and beautiful.” A third customer said that it “glows so beautifully at night.”

Ideal for year-round use, this solar light has an IP44 waterproof rating. Reviewers mentioned that their solar light has weathered snow, rain, and intense sunlight, and it’s still holding up really well. Attesting to the quality, a customer said that they’ve had this solar light statue for two years and it still works. 

Shop More Deals 

• Waclstday Fairy Solar Lantern, From $12 (was $25) at Amazon
• Jnaurb Owl Solar Lantern With Sound, $17 (was $25) at Amazon
• Addlon 100-Foot Solar String Lights, $36 (was $60) at Amazon

If you want to add a fairycore aesthetic and an ethereal glow to your backyard, don’t hesitate to snag the Mumtop Fairy Statue Solar Light while it’s on sale for just $19 at Amazon! 

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You might solve today's Mini Crossword in record time if you just follow your gut. And if you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you're working on today's Mini on for Today's Mini Crossword on Saturday, May 9, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Saturday, May 9, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: The "S" of H.S.: Abbr. — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

4 Across: King with a golden touch —HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

6 Across: New Delhi or New York — HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"

8 Across: Raggedy ___ doll — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

9 Across: Landmark Supreme Court case overturned by Dobbs — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

10 Across: Segment of a train — HINT: Starts with the letter "R"

12 Across: Pig's nose — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

13 Across: Place for an intuitive feeling — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Author's event — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

2 Down: Public health agcy. — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

3 Down: Barbershop offering — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

4 Down: ___ Tirith, capital of Gondor in the "Lord of the Rings" books — HINT: Starts with the letter "M"

5 Down: Short-tailed weasel — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

6 Down: Place to order drinks — HINT: Starts with the letter "B"

7 Down: "___ out!" (umpire's shout) — HINT: Ends with the letter "R"

11 Down: Guitarist Reed — HINT: Starts with the letter "L"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Saturday, May 9, 2026

Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: The "S" of H.S.: Abbr. — SCH

4 Across: King with a golden touch —MIDAS

6 Across: New Delhi or New York — BIGCITY

8 Across: Raggedy ___ doll — ANN

9 Across: Landmark Supreme Court case overturned by Dobbs — ROE

10 Across: Segment of a train — RAILCAR

12 Across: Pig's nose — SNOUT

13 Across: Place for an intuitive feeling — GUT

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Author's event — SIGNING

2 Down: Public health agcy. — CDC

3 Down: Barbershop offering — HAIRCUT

4 Down: ___ Tirith, capital of Gondor in the "Lord of the Rings" books — MINAS

5 Down: Short-tailed weasel — STOAT

6 Down: Place to order drinks — BAR

7 Down: "___ out!" (umpire's shout) — YER

11 Down: Guitarist Reed — LOU

Related: Williams Sonoma's Vibrant Tuscan-Inspired Find Is the Perfect Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift

Zara Tindall is in a unique position as a non-titled member of the British royal family. She lives a relatively “normal” life, and royal watchers love to see her down-to-earth nature when she attends events. Learn more about her below.

Who Are Zara Tindall’s Parents?

Zara’s mother is Princess Anne, the second child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Her father is Captain Mark Phillips, an Olympic gold medal-winning equestrian and former British Army officer. Anne and Mark were married from 1973 until their divorce in 1992. Zara has an older brother, Peter Phillips, and two younger half-sisters, Felicity Tonkin and Stephanie Phillips.

RELATED: Why Princess Charlotte’s Birthday Portraits Made ‘Sad’ Prince Harry Feel His Own Kids Are ‘Missing Out’

Why Is Zara Tindall Not a Princess?

Zara and her brother, Peter, do not have royal titles, despite being in the line of succession to the throne. Anne and Mark politely declined when Elizabeth offered to give their children courtesy HRH titles at birth in the hopes that their children could live more private lives. 

CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 13: Queen Elizabeth Ll Smiling With Her Granddaughter, Zara Phillips, On Gold Cup Day At Cheltenham Races National Hunt Festival (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

“I think it was probably easier for them,” Anne told Vanity Fair in 2020. “I think most people would argue that there are downsides to having titles. So I think that was probably the right thing to do.”

Zara feels grateful not to have the burden of a royal title and has reflected on having more freedom in her younger years. 

“From my point of view, I was obviously very lucky that my mother didn’t give us any titles, so I really commend her on that. We were very lucky that we got to do it a bit our own way,” Zara said during an appearance on the “Seven: Rob Burrow” podcast in December 2023. 

RELATED: Prince William’s Dancing Goes Viral After Grooving to ‘Sweet Caroline’ During Aston Villa Game

What Is Zara Tindall’s Job?

Zara may not have a title, but she definitely inherited the royals’ love of horses. Much like Queen Elizabeth and Princess Anne, Zara is an accomplished horsewoman and continues to compete as an elite equestrian. A peak in her career came when she won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. She also advises as a non-executive director at Cheltenham Racecourse. 

Zara Tindall on her horse Classicals Euro Star at the FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials in Norfolk. Picture date: Saturday April 18, 2026. (Photo by Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images)

Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images

In addition, Zara is a brand ambassador for Musto, Land Rover, Rolex, and luxury stroller company iCandy.

Who Is Zara Tindall’s Husband and Kids?

Zara has been married to Mike Tindall, a former professional rugby player, since 2011. In Mike’s 2024 book, The Good, the Bad & the Rugby: Unleashed, he sweetly called his wife “the better Tindall” and described their down-to-earth courtship.

"Believe it or not, marrying into the royal family was pretty easy for me. They were always nice to me, and I was always nice to them. Simple, really,” he wrote. 

Mike and Zara Tindall attending day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Thursday March 12, 2026. (Photo by Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images)

Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images

Mike and Zara share three children: Mia, born in January 2014, Lena, born in June 2018, and Lucas, born in March 2021.

Is Zara Tindall Close to the Royal Family?

Zara is very close to the royal family, especially her cousin Prince William, with royal insiders describing their dynamic as sibling-like.

"Zara is the sister William never had," royal author Ingrid Seward told Hello!in 2024. "They've always had terrific fun together and they've always supported each other."

ASCOT, ENGLAND - JUNE 19: Zara Tindall and Prince William, Prince of Wales attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024 at Ascot Racecourse on June 19, 2024 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Zara has supported him at many royal events throughout their lives, most recently appearing at William and his wife, Kate Middleton’s, garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 8. Despite being a member of one of the most famous families in the world, Zara admitted the royals are just like anyone else.

"It is very hard to see from the outside, but 100 percent, it is a family that is still going through the same struggles other people do,” she said at a London Sporting Club lunch in May 2025.

Carrie Underwood is no stranger to the limelight, having won American Idolover 20 years ago. But even when she was a contestant on the show, she had to deal with plenty of hurtful comments from outsiders. 

But, with the advent of social media, the country music superstar, 43, believes the spread of negativity has worsened to such an extent that she now finds herself sharing advice to others, and aspiring artists who are currently competing for the Idol crown, in hopes that they will be able to block out the noise and stay true to themselves. 

“I promise you someday you won't care,” Underwood told listeners in an interview with Cody Alan on SiriusXM’s The Highway, while discussing public scrutiny. 

Further acknowledging the evolution of online hate, Underwood, 43, reflected on her Idol run in 2005, before she won the grand prize. She noted how the way contestants, and people in general, receive messages has changed.   

The Evolution of Online Hate

“[During] my time on American Idol, you know, we kind of had like message boards and things like that, and it was kind of the beginning of just meanness online,” she said. “I feel like they have to deal with so much more of that now. And we just are in a world right now where we forget that we're watching human beings do things, and it's so easy to talk about that. …”

“It's no longer like water cooler chats,” she continued. “I never would have known about what people were talking about in school or whatever, and now you can just say it online. So, that's a thing that everybody's got to have to navigate.”

Season 24 Remaining Contestants

At this point, only three artists remain in the running for the American Idol Season 24 crown. The Top 3 include Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson, and the finale airs on Monday, May 11, on ABC.  

During the conversation, Alan chimed in, recalling a previous episode of Idol that included comedian Nikki Glaser as a special guest. Alan referenced viewers pointing out what they perceived as tension between Underwood and Glaser. 

“I roll my eyes when I see some chatter on social media these days,” Alan said. “It's all so mean. Like, even you and Nikki Glaser, they were trying to make this big deal about, and I'm like, ‘Do you know Carrie Underwood?’ Like, she's never going to be a mean person. She's not a mean person. And they want to cause a catfight over the smallest little thing.”

Shutting Down Rift Rumors

“I'm very used to that,” Underwood replied before shutting down any rumors surfacing that she and Glaser have any sort of rift. “I feel like if you have two ladies in the same room together, somebody's going to try to make something of it.”

“She was wonderful. And I think she did such a great job because it's not an easy thing to come sit behind that desk and try to think of constructive things to say,” Underwood continued. “And I don't know, I feel like she did everything wonderfully. But no, there's no beef. I have no beef.”

Related: ‘90s Country Icon Gives New Health Update After Postponing Shows Over ‘Severe Illness’: ‘It Breaks My Heart’

A runaway horse surprised citygoers in London when it was trotting down the street with no rider near Buckingham Palace. 

On May 8, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment was undergoing the Major General's Inspection, which is meant to be a review of the unit's readiness for royal ceremonial duties. In pedestrian videos posted to social media, a dapple gray horse could be seen running without a rider down The Mall, a tree-lined ceremonial road running between Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. The saddle was slung down by its belly, and what appeared to be a yellow flag was also hanging lopsided off the animal. The horse was nervously charging down the street, bumping into the other mounted officers, spooking their horses. It’s unclear what happened to the rider or how the horse got loose. 

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Despite the mishap, 170 horses and their riders successfully passed their inspection after marching for Major General James Bowder at Horse Guards Parade, according to BFBS Forces News.

The regiment's first mission of the summer season will be serving as King Charles III’s escort at the State Opening of Parliament on May 13. The procession begins at Buckingham Palace and proceeds down The Mall and then to Whitehall before reaching its destination at The Palace of Westminster in Parliament Square. During the event, Charles will deliver the King's Speech to open the new parliamentary session.

RELATED: 1 Major Faux Pas Happened During King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Visit to Arlington Cemetery

The rogue horse was not the only animal mishap in recent history. In April 2024, five Household Cavalry horses escaped during a “routine exercise” and ran wild in the streets of London. Four people were reported injured, and two of the horses also got hurt, per People.

Many members of the royal family are horse lovers and skilled equestrians. Queen Elizabeth II was considered a highly skilled and passionate horsewoman and passed along her love of horses to her daughter, Princess Anne. Anne got to such a high skill level that she became the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the Olympics during the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada. Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, has followed in her mom’s footsteps and works as a professional equestrian. She has competed at the highest international levels and won a silver team medal during the 2012 London Olympics. 

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 16: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Princess Anne, Princess Royal (Colonel of the Blues and Royals) takes part, riding on horseback, in the annual Trooping the Colour Parade on June 16, 2007 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is an annual ceremony, believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen's actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

In June 2024, Anne showed off her skills when her horse became spooked and started acting erratically as she rode during the Trooping the Colour parade alongside Prince William and Prince Edward. Anne previously divulged that her secret to staying cool under pressure is giving the animal the utmost respect. 

RELATED: Kate Middleton’s Adorable Reaction to a Student Crashing Into Her During School Visit

"The partnership is key,” Anne previously said, per Horse and Hound. “The horse is not a machine; it is an individual who has to be included and engaged.”

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Smart shoppers are asking more from their wardrobes these days. They want cardigans that can double as tops, dresses that work equally well with sneakers or polished flats, and accessories that don’t feel limited to just one outfit or occasion. The goal is versatility — pieces that earn their spot by doing more than one thing well. That same mindset also extends to jewelry, where pieces that offer multiple styling options feel especially worthwhile. 

After all, if one accessory can completely change its look depending on how you wear it, that’s one less thing you need to buy, pack, or overthink. That’s exactly why the Crystal Teardrop Earrings at Anthropologie are such a standout find. Originally priced at $48, the pair is now marked down 69% to just $15, delivering four distinct styling options in one.

Crystal Teardrop Earrings, $15 (was $48) at Anthropologie

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Shop at Anthropologie

These convertible earrings are designed to give you four distinct looks in one, combining a classic teardrop stud with a removable drop extension that can be styled multiple ways depending on how dramatic or layered you want the final effect to feel. Worn on their own, the pear-shaped studs offer a clean, elegant silhouette with just enough sparkle for everyday wear. 

Once the extension is added, though, the design becomes far more versatile. Attaching the stud through the top hole creates the longest drop, allowing the lower teardrop crystal to hang farther beneath the ear for a more elongated, statement-like effect. 

Using the middle hole positions the two teardrops closer together in a side-by-side arrangement, giving the earrings a more sculptural, balanced appearance. Fastening through the bottom hole creates the most dimensional look of all, layering the stones so the top edge of the lower teardrop slightly overlaps the bottom of the stud, creating an almost eclipsed, cascading effect with extra depth and sparkle. 

Related: Anthropologie’s $13 Sparkly Hoop Earrings Are ‘Very Pretty,’ ‘Just the Right Size,’ and Come in 3 Finishes

The earrings are crafted from 14k gold-plated brass, giving the settings a warm, polished finish that contrasts beautifully against your choice of clear or emerald stones. Each cubic zirconia is cut in a pear shape, with sharply angled facets that maximize light reflection and create a bright, glassy brilliance. The larger dangling stones are framed with softly curved prongs that almost mimic claw-like tips, adding a slightly refined, fine-jewelry-inspired detail, while the smaller studs maintain a cleaner, more minimal bezel setting. 

Shop More Deals

• Round Crystal Post Earrings, $15 (was $50) at Anthropologie
• Double Twist Crystal Earrings, $20 (was $38) at Anthropologie
• Center Crystal Ribbed Huggie Earrings, $13 (was $44) at Anthropologie

The Crystal Teardrop Earrings at Anthropologie aren’t doing double duty — they’re doing quadruple duty. And at just $15, they’re worth grabbing fast.

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.

In 1974, a rising singer-songwriter released a career-defining track that would become one of the most enduring songs in folk and soft rock history.

John Prine, who was celebrated as the “Mark Twain of American songwriting,” introduced Angel From Montgomery, a timeless classic folk-country song that has continued to resonate across generations and has later inspired award-winning covers by fellow artists.

In addition, the song also ranked No. 350 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Written by Prine as part of his first album, John Prine, the track was a nod to his music hero Hank Williams.

The Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, who was born in Illinois, reportedly opted for Montgomery as part of the title of his signature song because it was the hometown of the “Lovesick Blues” hitmaker and a city that is tied to country music history.

Beyond the tribute to the music icon, Prine was also inspired by the emotional character he created for Angel From Montgomery, which allowed him to write as though he was stepping into another person’s life.

John Prine performing on stage, circa 1970-1975.

Tony Russell/Redferns/Getty Images

“I had this really vivid picture of this woman standing over the sink with soap in her hands,” he shared in an interview as cited by Rave Is Kole Music, adding, “She wanted to get out of her house and her marriage and everything. She just wanted an angel to come and take her away from all this. So I just kept that whole idea image in mind when I was writing the song and I just let it pour out of that character’s heart.”

Moreover, he explained that the writing process felt like storytelling rather than a direct personal expression.

“I didn’t realize all this at the time, but if you come up with a strong enough character, you can get a really vivid insight into the character that you’ve invented,” the singer-songwriter further explained. “You let the character write the song. You just dictate from then on. You stick to it, and whatever the character is saying, you have to figure out how to keep that in the song. You know? That’s how I do it. I almost go into a trance….once I’ve got an outline, a sketch in my mind, of who the person was, then I figure I’d better let them speak for themselves rather than me saying: ‘Hey, so here’s a middle-aged woman. She feels she’s much older.’ It wouldn’t have been nearly as effective.”

Despite the song’s legendary status, it was not a commercial success at the time.

What eventually ignited the song’s popularity was the Bonnie Raitt cover of Angel From Montgomery, which she released as part of her 1974 album Streetlights.

The female blues singer often cited this as one of her career-defining songs, which became a regular part of her live performances for decades.

Related: World’s First True Rock Supergroup Started Historic Reunion Concert 21 Years Ago

Anthony “Tony” Eugene Amatullo Jr. has died at 76. His son, Nico Amatullo, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.

Amatullo had a long, illustrious career in film and television. He worked as a location manager for films such as The Goonies and The Color Purple and as an associate producer for hit shows like Fame and Miami Vice. 

He served as a line and executive producer for many projects and was a member of the Directors Guild of America.

Amatullo became Vice President of Production at Warner Bros. from 2000 to 2005. During this period, he worked on projects including ER, The West Wing, Third Watch, and the pilot episode of Nip/Tuck.

He grew up in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. Amatullo received a bachelor’s degree in Film, Cinema, and Video Studies from the City University of New York before moving to Los Angeles. 

Amatullo died on Sunday, May 3, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan from acute myeloid leukemia. He received a diagnosis last August.

“Tony often compared producing to walking a tightrope — balancing creativity, logistics and big personalities,” his family shared in a statement. “It was a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly, bringing both a passion for storytelling and a steady hand to every project throughout his career.”

Amatullo’s final project was the 2021 film, Surviving On LES, which discussed the gentrification of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. It was his directorial debut.

“Tony found joy in the day-to-day moments of life,” his family wrote, “gardening, making the perfect pizza at his home in Pasadena, taking long walks through downtown Manhattan, swimming daily, fishing and hunting for antiques and hidden treasures in the many flea markets he visited around the world. … He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all those who loved him.”

Amatullo is survived by his wife, MarianaVictoria, whom he met on a tour bus in Japan, and his two sons, Nico and Leonardo.

In 2001, DreamWorks Pictures' animation department released its fifth feature film, and it became an award-winning cultural phenomenon.

Shrek, which is currently ranked No. 8 on Hulu's Top 15 movies on Friday, has been making its comeback in recent weeks. The film, which stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow, follows an ogre named Shrek (Myers), who comes home to his swamp one day to see that it is overrun by fairytale creatures banished by the obsessive ruler Lord Farquaad (Lithgow). With the help of his best friend and sidekick Donkey (Murphy), Shrek makes a pact with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona (Diaz) in exchange for regaining control of his swamp.

Shrek is based on a children's book

The first film is loosely based on a 1990 children's picture book written by American writer and cartoonist William Steig.

"His mother was ugly and his father was ugly, but Shrek was uglier than the two of them put together," Steig wrote as the description of the title character, according to the story. "By the time he toddled, Shrek could spit flame a full ninety-nine yards and vent smoke from either ear. With just a look, he cowed the reptiles in the swamp. Any snake dumb enough to bite him instantly got convulsions and died."

Shrek poses at the UK Charity Premiere of "Shrek 2" at the Empire Leicester Square on June 28, 2004 in London.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Titled Shrek!, it followed the green-skinned monster who leaves home to see the world and ends up marrying an ugly princess. The author was in his 80s when he drew the character, and he worked at The New Yorker as a cartoonist for more than 30 years.

Filmmaker Steven Spielberg gained the rights to the book in 1991 and was planning to produce, but was convinced to bring the project to DreamWorks. The screenplay was written by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman and Roger S. H. Schulman, and Chris Farley was set to voice the character of Shrek, but he passed away in 1997.

Steig, his children and his grandchildren attended an early screening of Shrek. As the original creator, he felt a bit uneasy going into it, thinking he would "hate it."

"We all went sort of expecting to hate it, thinking, 'What has Hollywood done to it?'" Jeanne Steig, his wife of 33 years, told USA Today. "But we loved it. We were afraid it would be too sickeningly cute and, instead, Bill just thought they did a wonderful, witty job of it."

Its impact, 25 years later

Shrek premiered at the Mann Village Theatre in the Westwood neighborhood in Los Angeles on April 22, 2001, and was later shown at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival. It was theatrically released a month later in May, and grossed over $492 million worldwide, making Shrek the fourth highest-grossing film of 2001.

The film's major success helped establish DreamWorks Animation as a competitor to Pixar in feature film computer animation. Now, three sequels have been released: Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007) and Shrek Forever After (2010), along with Shrek 5 currently in development. In addition, two spin-off films: Puss in Boots (2011) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) were released to tell the story of one of the characters, Puss, a tabby cat voiced by Antonio Banderas that made his appearance in Shrek 2.

The animated film made history in 2002 when it won the Academy's first Best Animated Feature award at the 74th Academy Awards. Regarded as one of the best animated films of all time, the United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2020, becoming the first animated film of the 21st century to be preserved.

"I think we’re all kind of like unbelievably grateful and blown away at how well it’s gone, to be honest, this whole thing," Myers said at the end of a Q&A with Relevant Magazine in 2010. "We all like it and we all wanted it to do well and so this is a constant dream day."

The cast of "Shrek 2," actors Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Cleese, Antonio Banderas and Julie Andrews, arrives at the premiere of the computer-animated comedy.

Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images

In honor of its 25th anniversary this year, movie theaters around the country will be holding special screenings of Shrek next week. In addition, all of the Shrek films can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.

Related: Beloved 2001 Animated Film Returns to Theaters 25 Years Later

Hallmark's newest movie has gotten a lot of buzz—and not necessarily the buzz the network is used to. All's Fair in Love and Mahjong is your standard Hallmark fare—a G-rated family rom-com with two good-looking leads falling in love over their shared interests and attraction. After seeing the title of this movie, you'd think the actors would all be Asian. Except they're not. The network caught a lot of flak when it announced the film and its casting choices were described as "tone deaf" and "whitewashing." But if you look at the heart of the story and the inspiration behind it, you'll find it's a love letter from a husband to his wife over the love of a game she holds dear.

Read on for more about All's Fair in Love & Mahjong and don't forget to check out the Parade exclusive sneak peek.

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What is All's Fair in Love & Mahjong About?

All's Fair in Love & Mahjong stars Fiona Gubelmann as Ronni, a beloved school nurse and devoted mom who hosts a longstanding mahjong game with her dear friends: Shelley (Lowe), Carly (Tamera Mowry-Housley) and Melissa (Melissa Peterman). When Ronni becomes an empty nester, her whole world tilts when her daughter leaves for college, her work hours are cut and her ex insists it’s time to sell the home she’s poured her heart into. But a chance moment at a school fundraiser reveals her unexpected gift for teaching mahjong—and sparks a connection with Ben (Paul Campbell), a charming contractor whose family needs a little healing of its own. As Ronni brings community after community together through the game she loves, she discovers that sometimes the hand you are dealt changes everything. With her future in the balance, Ronni must learn to bet on herself… and maybe on love, too.

Related: Hallmark Star Diagnosed With Cancer at 44: ‘I Promise to Persevere’

Is All's Fair in Love & Mahjong based on a true story?

All's Fair in Love & Mahjong is inspired by the life of Ronni Rice who's married to Joel S. Rice, the producer of the film. Ronni Rice is an enthusiast of American Mahjong and is known as the Marvelous Mrs. Mahj. She teaches classes about the game through her website, Marvelous Mrs. Mahj and also serves as an executive producer. Her husband has produced a number of projects for Hallmark—including the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series.

Who's in the Cast of All's Fair in Love & Mahjong 'All's Fair in Love & Mahjong' premieres Saturday, May 9 on Hallmark Channel. Fiona Gubelmann as Ronni

Gubelmann previously had a recurring role as Dr. Morgan Reznick on ABC’s The Good Doctor. Her most recent credits include the Hallmark films A Royal Montana Christmas, Easter Under Wraps, and ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish. She has also guest starred on such popular series as Mad Men, New Girl and Castle.

Paul Campbell and Derek Kwan Paul Campbell as Ben

Campbell—who previously starred in Battlestar Galactica—is also a familiar face on Hallmark Channel, starring in The Cases of Mystery Lane,Falling Together, and The Santa Stakeout. He has starred in multiple Hallmark movies with Kimberley Sustad—including A Godwink Christmas, Wedding Every Weekend and Christmas by Starlight. He is also a credited writer on Moriah’s Lighthouse (starring Rachel LeFevre and Luke Macfarlane), Christmas at Castle Hart (starring Lacey Chabert and StuartTownsend) and Christmas by Starlight.

Related: An Architect and an Artisan Work to Restore a Lighthouse in Hallmark Channel’s Moriah’s Lighthouse

Melissa Peterman and Tamera Mowry-Housley Melissa Peterman as Melissa

Peterman is best known to fans as the sassy and effervescent Barbara Jean on Reba. Reba McEntire and Peterman also starred as siblings in The Hammer on Lifetime, where McEntire plays a traveling court judge doling out justice on her terms. The pair—who are close friends in real life—currently star in Happy’s Place on NBC. She is also a judge on Hallmark Channel’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas.

Related: I Had a Problem With Hallmark’s Mahjong Movie—Until I Understood This

Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe and Fiona Gubelmann Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe as Shelley

Lowe is of Scottish-Chinese descent. She was first to participate in the Make Her Mark mentorship program. Created by actress AshleyWilliams, Make Her Mark mentors females who aspire to become directors. Lowe shadowed another female director on a Hallmark film and later got the chance to direct a Hallmark movie of her own. Her directorial debut was on the Hallmark movie, Shifting Gears, starring Katherine Barrell and Tyler Hynes. She has since directed the holiday movies This Time Each Year, Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery for Hallmark and Eat. Pray. Lie. for Lifetime.

Related: Get Your Motor Running! Katherine Barrell and Tyler Hynes Compete on Hallmark Channel's 'Shifting Gears'

Tamera Mowry-Housley Tamera Mowry-Housley as Carly

Mowry-Housley has starred in several Hallmark films, including Girlfriendship, Christmas Comes Twice and The Santa Stakeout. She previously starred in Scouting for Christmas for Hallmark Channel and currently stars in the Haunted Harmony movie series for Hallmark Mystery.

Related: Tamera Mowry-Housley Investigates a Chilling Ocean Murder in Hallmark’s ‘Haunted Harmony: Buried at C’

When Does All's Fair in Love & MahjongPremiere on Hallmark Channel?

All's Fair in Love & Mahjong premieres on Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m.ET on Hallmark Channel and is available to stream the next day on Hallmark+.

Related: ‘Perfect Crown’: Who’s Trying to Kill the Grand Prince and Seong Huiju? Our Theories So Far

Does Parade have a sneak peek of All's Fair in Love & Mahjong?

Yes! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of All's Fair in Love & Mahjong below:

PARADE Exclusive - All's Fair in Love and Mahjong - Sneak Peek (0:59) Check out images from All's Fair in Love & MahjongAll's Fair in Love & MahjongHallmark Media Melissa Peterman, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Fiona Gubelmann Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Fiona Gubelmann Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Derek Kwan Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Melissa Peterman, Tamera Mowry-Housley Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Fiona Gubelmann, Eden Summer Gilmore Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien

Fiona Gubelmann, Eden Summer Gilmore

Melissa Peterman, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Paul Campbell Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Fiona Gubelmann, Eden Summer Gilmore Fiona Gubelmann, Melissa Peterman Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Tamera Mowry-Housley Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Melissa Peterman, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Fiona Gubelmann Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Melissa Peterman, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Fiona Gubelmann Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien

Hallmark Media

Melissa Peterman, Tamera Mowry-Housley,Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Fiona Gubelmann Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Melissa Peterman, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Fiona Gubelmann, Tamera Mowry-Housley Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Fiona Gubelmann, Rochelle Greenwood Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Paul Campbell, Fiona Gubelmann Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Fiona Gubelmann, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Fiona Gubelmann, Paul Campbell Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Paul Campbell, Fiona Gubelmann Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien Paul Campbell, Fiona Gubelmann Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien

Next, ‘XO, Kitty’ is Back—Your Complete Guide to Season 3

Congratulations are in order for Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo. The sports power couple announced Friday that they’ll be adding to their family with a sweet — and naturally photogenic — social media post that sent congratulatory fans rushing to the comments section to share their excitement.

In a social media post shared on April 8, the former Miss Universe 2012 winner wrote, “Today on my 34th birthday, I got the gift of growing my family. Baby #2 is on the way.”

@oliviadangerculpo

McCaffrey family of 5 🤍

♬ Once In A Lifetime - John Michael Howell

In the accompanying video, McCaffrey and Culpo can be seen enjoying a hillside picnic with their 10-month-old daughter, Colette, and the family’s Goldendoodle, Oliver Sprinkles. While Olivia dotes on her baby girl, Christian affectionately hugs the pup before both mom and dad are seen giving their daughter adoring kisses and hugs.

It’s a beautiful scene that highlights one of the sports world’s most high-profile couples.

Related: Caitlin Clark Adds Another Major Milestone Ahead of the 2026 WNBA Season

Fans React to Olivia Culpo’s Pregnancy Announcement

“Omg omg congratulations! Can’t wait to see Colette be a big sister,” shared one fan. Another added, “Happy birthday and congratulations.”

One commenter gushed as if the star couple were close friends, echoing the sentiments of many by writing, “I don't even know you guys personally but YAYYYYYYY!!!”

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers running back and the former Miss Universe winner have followed the couple’s journey since they first met in 2019. Engaged in 2023, McCaffrey and Culpo were married in a lavish ceremony in Rhode Island in June 2024. Since then, fans have closely followed updates about their growing family and life together.

Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey’s Family Life @oliviadangerculpo

Best thing in the world 🤍

♬ sonido original - JOHN 🫠

Culpo and baby Colette are regular fixtures on the sidelines of McCaffrey’s NFL games, and the influencer often shares scenes from her life as a new mom with her social media followers.

Known for her authentic take on life as a new mom and as one of the NFL’s most high-profile WAGs, Culpo regularly posts humorous videos about life with an infant, often featuring her mother-in-law, Lisa McCaffrey, as well as her sisters, Sophia Culpo and Aurora Culpo.

Why Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo Remain Fan Favorites

Heading into the 2026–27 NFL season, McCaffrey continues to be one of the league’s biggest stars and most exciting players. Culpo regularly shares lifestyle and family updates with her millions of followers and is part of a much-followed group of 49ers wives that includes Claire Kittle and Kristin Juszczyk.

While fans may not know the football star and his beauty queen wife personally, the couple’s family expansion news has been embraced online as though a member of their own family were sharing the happy update.

Related: Freddie Freeman’s Adorable Post-Road Trip Reunion With Newborn Daughter Goes Viral

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Films have a habit of stirring strong emotions. Stories of people fleeing the first screening of The Arrival of a Train in 1896 come to mind. The medium can transcend into our lives and connect with us.

Though the stories of people fleeing from the film of the train thinking it was real are mostly fiction, there have been real consequences to movie releases in the past, with some people treating them with all the fervor of a real social issue, such is the case of The Da Vinci Code.

Ron Howard's adaptation of the sensation Dan Brown novel was a massive commercial success, having a large opening that benefited from the huge following the book had gained. The historical mystery concept was very exciting for many, including myself. I loved reading the Robert Langdon books when I was younger. Starring Tom Hanks, the film would launch a trilogy adapting some of the other books in the series.

We're not here to talk about the content of the film, though. Instead, let's focus on the reaction to it, which was strong.

Many religious groups were extremely offended by a lot of the religious plot points the film touches on. Without getting into spoilers, there are some historical ideas played with that didn't sit well with many Catholics and other Christian denominations. Many countries took to banning the film outright, including Syria, Belarus, and Lebanon.

The Vatican urged the film to be boycotted, and even some suggestion of legal action was made. None was taken by The Vatican, however, nearby in Italy, the village of Civitavecchia took matters into their own hands.

The village is located about 40 miles north of Rome and made the complaint that the film was in violation of Italy's penal code -- specifically, article 528, which outlaws "obscene" films or videos. The argument was that the film was an obscenity to religious people, and that the creation and distribution of the film was a crime. The violations carries with it a punishment of up to 3 years in prison.

So where did the threat play in? Well, the next installment in the Robert Langdon franchise was starting production in Rome. Though the case was dropped after 24 hours, there was a real threat that Tom Hanks and Ron Howard could face jail time.

Of course, it never went anywhere, but it is nonetheless a fascinating chapter in film history, and another example of the emotions that can be stirred by cinema.

Related: 'The Greatest Film of the 21st Century' Also Has One of Cinema's Scariest Moments

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James Ransone's widow Jamie McPhee is shared a touching update on how their family is doing following his death in December 2025.

McPhee shared multiple photos on her Instagram celebrating their son Jack's seventh birthday.

"The most handsome, stubborn, funny, affectionate, strong boy and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Love you to the moon and back!" she began the post.

McPhee continued, "And to all of our friends and family - it takes a village indeed. We love everyone so much. Thank you for all your support, love, kindness, food, tears, and laughs these last 5 months."

The Wire actor died by suicide on Dec. 19, 2025. Ransone had previously been outspoken about his struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and a past history of experiencing childhood abuse.

McPhee concluded the post with, "I can finally see that every day is a gift so on this one we celebrate Jack together. Thank you thank you thank you."

Along with his work as Ziggy Sobotka on The Wire, Ransone was best known for his roles in Tangerine, It Chapter Two, Sinister, and The Black Phone.

Ransone notably did not appear in the In Memoriam segment where The Black Phone filmmaker, Scott Derrickson, said of the actor, "He was a complex, funny, talented, and undeniably reckless person. He was wildly alive and deeply loved. I know he said some infuriating things online, but the last time I saw him, he cried with regret for all of that. 'I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings,' he said. Please don't trash him here. He is dearly missed."

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Keeping your bedroom, living room, or entryway organized can be a challenge, which is why furniture that doubles as extra storage always comes in handy. If you're looking for a chic way to declutter your home, Walmart's bestselling Homfa 18-Cube Bookcase offers ample space to hold books, toys, keepsakes, and other items. It features multiple tiers of sturdy adjustable shelving and comes in seven beautiful colors.  

Originally $330, the versatile cabinet is now on sale for $140 off in the white bark texture and walnut colorway, bringing the price down to just $190. You can also shop it in black, blue, green, white, wash gray, and phoebe zennan wood styles at $200 to $220. 

Homfa 18-Cube Bookcase, From $190 (was $330) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

At 71.2 inches high, the tall cabinet helps you make the most of your space, whether you're using it as a bookcase, an accent piece, or as extra storage in your hallway, office, or living area. It features 18 shelves made of high-quality manufactured wood that's waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Each shelf is designed to support up to 50 pounds, and you can also use the top of the bookcase to display plants, books, and other decor. 

Featuring a unique triple-width structure with a pretty arched top, the multi-cube bookshelf has a stylish, elegant look that elevates any style of decor, from farmhouse and traditional to modern, and minimalist. It comes with detailed instructions for easy setup, a thickened base, and an anti-tipping device to enhance stability. 

Related: Walmart's $43 5-Tier Storage Rack Is a 'Great Space Saver' for Pantries, Bathrooms, and Garages

Walmart shoppers highlighted the Homfa cabinet's "beautiful" design and sturdy build. One reviewer praised its stunning look, writing, "This wall unit is absolutely gorgeous!" Another complimented its spacious construction, noting that it "holds so much stuff."

Shop More Deals

• Spanspace Large Sideboard Buffet Cabinet with Storage, $160 (was $260) at Walmart
• Homfa 70.9-Inch Kitchen Pantry Cabinet, $190 (was $290) at Walmart
• Homfa 55-Inch Wide Buffet Credenza, $180 (was $190) at Walmart 

If you want a stylish and functional way to add some organizational space to your home, this versatile 18-cube bookcase ticks all the right boxes. Snag one while all the colors are still in stock and on sale for up to 42% off 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.

With the recent news that Lorenzo Lamas and Heather Locklear are in a romantic relationship, fans and the media are understandably plenty excited about possibly the best '80s star reunion and coupling ever. But what about these fast-follow rumors that a marriage proposal from Lamas to Locklear is imminent? Well, Lamas is quite boldly setting the record straight about that.

First, there were rumors about a romantic matchup between Lamas and Locklear, and then the couple confirmed their still-new relationship by doing their first and, so far, only public appearance together at a fan expo event. Lamas even opened up in a Fox News interview, saying that Locklear is the "most amazing woman that I think I’ve ever met.”

But then, after at least one published rumor came out that Locklear is expected to accept a marriage proposal from Lamas any day, the Falcon Crest star took to his X account to clear things up—and he didn't beat around the bush about it either.

Related: Lorenzo Lamas and Heather Locklear's 1983 'Playgirl' Cover Resurfaces Amid Dating Rumors

"This is garbage," Lamas wrote, including a link to the story in question. "Anyone posting personal sh*t with no basis of fact should be ashamed. Not surprising considering the outlet, but completely false,regarding any plans for the future.

Fans rushed to support Lamas in the comments:

• "All this over a public convention appearance?"
• "Spotted this earlier, and thought it must be absolute rubbish and best ignored. Why do people find it necessary to make these things up? How would they like it if the tables were turned?? 🤬 Unfortunately these things are sent to try us."
• "If it’s not coming from your mouth, I wouldn’t believe it!"
• "Disgraceful. It's click bait for views and likes. I'm sorry Lorenzo."
• "You're a great guy an extraordinary actor and all the things we should know about you are what you share with us on your "Official Page" or in a live interview. The rest is fake news!"
• "Fake news but you SHOULD marry her."

Read Lorenzo Lamas's response to the proposal rumors on X in full:

This is garbage. Anyone posting personal shit with no basis of fact should be ashamed. Not surprising considering the outlet, but completely false,regarding any plans for the future. https://t.co/yvLUm3UZp7

— Lorenzo Lamas (@lorenzolamas) May 8, 2026

As always, folks, you can't rush your biggest wishes into reality. You gotta wait it out, and the truth will all be revealed in time.

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Wouldn't it be amazing to whisk your mom away to the Amalfi Coast for a week-long Italian excursion as a surprise last-minute gift for Mother's Day? Picture it: you and your favorite lady sauntering around the streets of Positano, enjoying platefuls of pasta al limone—made with Amalfi lemons, obviously—and learning all there is to know about Sundaygravy from someone's actual nonna. Every morning, you wake up to your mom casually enjoying a doppio con panna on the terrace with the seemingly endless Tyrrhenian Sea stretching away in the background, as if you somehow tripped and fell into a painting. 

Although it could just be all the locally made limoncello and incredible wine, your mom is beaming. You've never seen her happier or more at ease than she is surrounded by a stunning mix of cerulean and turquoise. And that's something you can't put a price on. Unfortunately, we're not exactly rolling in the dough (yet) to be able to galivant off to Italy for an entire week, let alone cater to our mom's totally normal obsession with bringing home an entire wheel of DOP-certified Parmigiano Reggiano. 

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Luckily, Williams Sonoma has the perfect last-minute Mother's Day gift guaranteed to make your mom feel like she's been transported to the coast of Italy without even having to leave home. Now, mother dearest can whip up her own pasta al limone with the help of William Sonoma's Borgo de Medici Lemon Pasta Gift Set—and it's way cheaper than a plane ticket. This must-have gift set includes everything you need to make a vibrant, citrus-forward pasta dish, including lemon egg tagliatelle pasta, lemon and basil pesto, lemon salt and lemon dipping oil.

Related: Target's Chic New Digital Calendar Is the Perfect Gift for Busy Moms This Mother's Day

Borgo de Medici Lemon Pasta Gift Set, $39.95 at Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma

While the lemon-infused kit is practically made to be used altogether, each item can also be used separately to add a pop of tangy brightness to any dish that might be lacking a little extra zip. Whether your mom uses the piquant lemon dipping oil to dunk pieces of crusty bread or spreads the lemon and basil pesto on a Mediterranean-inspired chicken panini, this is one gift she's bound to love. Granted, this might only fuel her desire to actually go to Italy even more, but we'll cross that ocean when we get there. 

Best of all, instead of shelling out thousands for plane tickets and lodging, you can grab this all-inclusive kit for just $39.95. With all the money you'll save, you can even splurge on a bouquet of fancy Italian cheeses to gift your mom her own tasting tour through Lo Stivale. It might not be the same as an international flight, but at the very least, it's a thoughtful nod to an upcoming trip in the future. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Related: Edible Arrangements Is Bringing Back a Fan-Favorite for Mother's Day—With a New Artistic Twist

In-N-Out already has a cult following, but the people who really love the chain know the best orders aren’t usually found on the regular menu. Sure, Animal Style still gets most of the attention, but fans have come up with tons of unofficial combo orders that take things to a whole other level taste-wise.

Mustard-fried patties, chopped chiles, well-done fries, extra spread, Neapolitan shakes—half the fun of ordering at In-N-Out is figuring out your perfect combination. The menu itself is pretty simple, which is exactly why all the little customizations stand out. Plus, once you try an In-N-Out menu upgrade, there's no turning back. After you learn the secret to personalizing your order, you may not want to stick to the basics anymore.

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If you’ve ever pulled into the In-N-Out drive-thru and felt like you missed a secret lesson the second you heard someone confidently order something you’ve never even heard of, this guide is for you.

These are the best “secret” combo orders to try at In-N-Out, according to fans who know exactly what they’re doing. Whether you try one or try them all, you can't go wrong with any of these next-level orders you've just got to taste.

What Is the In-N-Out Secret Menu?

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

The In-N-Out secret menu isn’t really a secret anymore, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the most famous fast-food menus in America.

Unlike chains that constantly roll out limited-time items and complicated builds, In-N-Out keeps its official menu surprisingly small. That simplicity is what gave fans room to start customizing their food orders over the years, which eventually evolved into some of the delicious unofficial items that have become part of the chain’s culture.

Some of the best-known examples include Animal Style burgers and fries, Protein Style burgers wrapped in lettuce instead of buns and well-done fries cooked longer for extra crispiness. Most employees already know these orders by name, so you usually don’t have to explain them.

A big reason people love the secret menu is because it makes the food options at In-N-Out feel way more customizable than they seem. And once people started sharing their own add-ons, tweaks and customizations, the secret (or rather not-so-secret) menu options grew.

Related: I Asked 3 Chefs the Secret Ingredient to the Best-Ever Lemonade, and They All Said the Same Thing

What Are the Most Popular In-N-Out Secret Menu Items?

Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

If there’s one secret menu order almost everyone knows, it’s Animal Style. Burgers come loaded with extra spread, grilled onions, pickles and a mustard-fried beef patty, while Animal Style fries get topped with melted cheese, spread and grilled onions. Even people who rarely go to In-N-Out usually know about these options.

Protein Style is another longtime favorite, especially for anyone skipping the bun. Instead of bread, the burger gets wrapped in crisp lettuce, which somehow makes the whole thing feel lighter while still being messy in the best way possible.

Then there are the smaller customizations regulars swear by. Well-done fries get cooked longer for extra crunch; chopped chiles add heat to burgers and fries; and Neapolitan shakes combine chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream into one cup. Flying Dutchmans (two beef patties, two melted cheese slices and no bread), mustard-fried patties and extra toasted buns also have loyal fans.

A lot of these orders started spreading through word of mouth long before TikTok and food influencers got involved, and now they’re basically part of the In-N-Out experience.

How Do You Order From the In-N-Out Secret Menu? In-N-Out Burger

Antoniogut / Shutterstock.com

Ordering from the In-N-Out secret menu is a lot less intimidating than people make it seem. Most of the popular items have been around for years, so employees already know what you mean when you ask for something like Animal Style or well-done fries.

If you’re trying something more customized, it’s usually easiest to just describe exactly what you want. You can ask for chopped chiles, extra toasted buns, mustard-fried patties, extra spread, or fries cooked light or well-done. In-N-Out is pretty flexible with modifications as long as you keep it reasonable.

And if you forget the secret menu names entirely, it’s not a big deal. At the end of the day, most of these orders are really just combinations of toppings and cooking styles people figured out over time.

Related: The Most Bizarre Fast-Food Items Ever Released (and Why They Failed)

What Is the Best In-N-Out Combo Order, According to Fans?

These are the In-N-Out combo orders the burger chain's biggest fans love.

The Double-Double Animal Style Order

If there’s one order that shows up constantly in In-N-Out fan discussions, it’s a Double-Double Animal Style with Animal Style fries. For anyone unfamiliar, a Double-Double is In-N-Out’s classic burger with two beef patties and two slices of cheese. A lot of people also add chopped chiles, which fans say is a life-changing discovery once they finally try them.

The “Extra Toasted” Order

Extra toasted buns came up way more than expected in fan threads. People swear the extra toast helps keep the burger from getting soggy once you start adding extra spread, onions and pickles. Whole grilled onions also show up a lot in these orders because they hold their shape better than the chopped grilled onions.

The Onion Lover’s Order

Apparently, choosing between raw onions and grilled onions isn’t enough for some people. A surprising number of fans order both at the same time, especially on Double-Doubles. After reading enough comments about it, the combination starts sounding pretty good (just have some breath mints nearby for afterward).

The Protein Style Combo

Protein Style burgers have a huge following among people who still want the full In-N-Out experience without the extra heaviness from the bun. Orders pairing a Protein Style burger with Animal Style fries are very popular, along with adding a drink like Lemon Up, the chain’s unofficial lemonade-and-7UP mix.

The Fry Fanatic Order

In-N-Out fans may argue about fries more than the burgers themselves. Some swear well-done fries are the only way to order them because of the extra crispiness, while others think light-well fries strike the perfect balance between crispy and soft.

The Big Appetite Order

For those wanting to go all out, 3x3s, 4x4s and Flying Dutchmans came up repeatedly in fan discussions. A 3x3 comes with three beef patties and three slices of cheese, while a 4x4 comes with four patties and four slices of cheese. Flying Dutchmans skip the bun entirely and consist of two beef patties and two slices of melted cheese. Some of these orders sounded genuinely intense, especially once Animal Style fries and shakes enter the picture.

The Shake Combo

Neapolitan shakes made with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream get mentioned constantly in In-N-Out threads, especially alongside Animal Style burgers and fries. Pink lemonade, Arnold Palmers and root beer floats also have loyal followings among regulars.

Are Secret Menu Items More Expensive at In-N-Out? In-N-Out burger and fries

Christian Heinz / Shutterstock.com

Most In-N-Out secret menu items really aren’t separate menu items at all. They’re usually just regular burgers, fries or shakes with different toppings, cooking styles or add-ons layered in.

A lot of the most popular customizations don’t cost extra. Things like Protein Style burgers, well-done fries, mustard-fried patties and extra toasted buns are generally treated more like modifications than entirely different menu items.

The price usually goes up once extra cheese, patties or loaded fries enter the picture. Animal Style fries cost more than regular fries because of the cheese and toppings, while bigger orders like 3x3s, 4x4s and Flying Dutchmans naturally cost more because you’re adding more beef and cheese.

In other words, ordering off the secret menu doesn’t automatically mean paying dramatically more. Most of the time, you’re just customizing the regular menu instead of unlocking some hidden premium tier.

Upgrade Your Next In-N-Out Order In-N-Out sign

Kevin Carter / Getty Images

Part of what makes In-N-Out’s secret menu so fun is that nobody seems to order the exact same thing. Whether you keep it simple with Animal Style fries or go full 4x4 with chopped chiles and an extra toasted bun, fans clearly take their orders very seriously.

Now you have some fresh new ideas for your next trip to In-N-Out, straight from the people who love it most. One thing's for sure: you won't leave hungry.

Related: The Genius Way to Make Guacamole 10x Better, According to an Award-Winning Chef

Gwyneth Paltrow and her ex-husband, Chris Martin, reunited for a rare public outing on Friday as they celebrated daughter Apple Martin’s graduation from Vanderbilt University. The former couple was spotted by TMZ arriving on campus in Nashville alongside family members ahead of the commencement ceremony.

Paltrow was photographed entering the college campus with her current husband, Brad Falchuk, wearing a bright red long-sleeve button-up blouse and a light sky blue maxi skirt. Meanwhile, Martin, the frontman of the English rock band Coldplay, was seen wearing a black button-up and blazer with a pair of dark gray slacks, sitting next to Moses Martin, the couple's second child.

Meanwhile, Apple, who just graduated with a degree in Law, History and Society, was seen walking out with her mother and Falchuk, holding a bouquet of white roses and wearing a white dress, a black graduation gown and a pair of black ballet flats.

Exes Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin reunite for Apple's graduation. 🎓

See the photos: https://t.co/YVondfE3hl pic.twitter.com/ONA3OrYhPj

— TMZ (@TMZ) May 8, 2026

Though Apple graduated with a law degree and was set to attend law school, she decided to pursue a career in acting and modeling. Throughout her college years, the 21-year-old built a very impressive modeling and fashion resume, starring in campaigns for GapStudio and Self-Portrait in 2024. She found her love for theater while in college, after a student cornered her on campus, claiming she knew Apple was "a secret theater kid," she told Vogue.

In February, when the Vogue profile was released, Apple was in the middle of directing a play, and now, she wants to follow her mom's footsteps and become an actress.

"I love it more than anything," she told the fashion magazine. "I love dancing and I love acting. My dream is to act."

British-US model Apple Martin attends the NY premiere of "Marty Supreme" in New York on December 16, 2025.

ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images

Paltrow and Martin were married for more than a decade after tying the knot in 2003. In 2014, the "Marty Supreme" actress famously announced their separation through the phrase "conscious uncoupling," which quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. Their divorce was finalized in 2016.

Despite ending their marriage, Paltrow and Martin have remained notably close and have often spoken positively about one another over the years. The former couple has prioritized co-parenting their children and maintaining a strong family dynamic, even celebrating holidays and vacations together at times. Paltrow has previously described Martin as “like a brother,” while Martin has praised their supportive relationship following the split.

Although they are known to be on good terms behind the scenes, the exes are rarely photographed together publicly.

Related: Gwyneth Paltrow's Daughter Stuns in Mom's Vintage '90s Calvin Klein Dress

It's May, and summer is nearly here, which can mean only one thing: National Burger Month is officially back. But while you've been planning your next summer adventure, Shake Shack has quietly rolled out a lineup of weekly freebies you won't want to miss.

When it comes to fast food favorites that always hit the spot, Shake Shack is no stranger to serving up gourmet-inspired greatness in the form of a delicious smash burger. And with National Burger Month already in its first week, there are just three weeks left to snag one of Shake Shack's special burger deals, as well as a chance to win an even bigger prize.

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2026 National Burger Month Deals

Courtesy Shake Shack

In celebration of what's arguably the best month of the year for Shake Shack fans, the popular burger joint is offering a weekly rotation of different Shake Shack single burgers for free with a $10 minimum purchase. Considering every burger on the menu is crafted with 100 percent Angus beef and made to order with high-quality ingredients for consistent flavor no matter the day, you can imagine how well that news will land with fans.

Now through May 31, simply order on the Shack App, online or at an in-store kiosk using code FREEBURGER and score one of the following burgers with a minimum $10 purchase:

• May 1–10: Free ShackBurger—an original menu icon topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce.
• May 11–17: Free SmokeShack—a fiery favorite topped with applewood-smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers and ShackSauce.
• May 18–24: Free Bacon Cheeseburger—a classic combo served with American cheese and applewood-smoked bacon.
• May 25–31: Free ShackBurger (again!)—a repeat of the original favorite topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce.

Related: 10 Fast-Food Items That Caused Massive Public Outrage (and What Happened Next)

But Wait, There's More

It wouldn't be National Burger Month if the fun stopped there, now would it? Alongside free burgers every week this month, Shake Shack is also running a sweepstakes to crank up the excitement and give a little extra back to fans. By entering here before June 1, participants will have the chance to become one of two winners who receive free burgers for an entire year.

Terms and conditions, of course, apply. As for the weekly free burger promotion, customers are limited to one free burger per order, so lunches this month are about to get a whole lot more filling. Bring your friends, plan a date, make an afternoon out of it and enjoy a few extra bucks in your pocket while you're there.

Related: 10 Retro Taco Bell Items We Desperately Need Back on the Menu