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Danielle Olivera is officially a mom! The In the City star and Summer House alum shared that her son, Aidan Santos Heavey, made his debut on June 21 — arriving 10 weeks earlier than expected.

Danielle's boyfriend, Eoin Heavey, shared a photo of Danielle's hand next to a bassinet on Instagram, along with some background on their son's name. "Aidan Santos Heavey born June 21, 2026—10 weeks early —longest day of the year both solistic wise and for mum and dad. He's headed to summer camp at NICU for his first 2/3 months in this world but mum and dad can't wait to bring him home hopefully soon."

He continued, "Fitting for his mum, Aiden translates to 'fiery one' or 'bringer of life' and she was nothing short of amazing after getting contractions at 10 pm on Friday, going into the emergency room at 3 am in Southampton, then getting transferred by ambulance to Stony Brook for further 24 hours. Nurses, doctors, everyone at StonyBrookMedicine are incredible—we are mesmerized by the miracles they perform on a daily basis. Dad was a nervous, terrified, sobbing mess but couldn't ask for a better first Father's Day."

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The In the City cast quickly showed their support, with Andrea Denver writing, "What a beautiful little fighter. Huge congratulations to you both brother on welcoming Aidan into the world. Wishing him strength, health, and steady growth over the coming weeks, and sending so much admiration to Danielle for everything she went through. May the NICU days fly by and may you have him home in your arms before you know it."

Andrea's wife, Lexi Sundin, who recently announced her pregnancy, added, "Sending you three so much love. We can’t wait to meet him." Yvonne Najor, who is also pregnant, wrote, "Congrats! We can’t wait to meet you baby Aidan." Kenny Martin and his girlfriend, Whitney, also shared their congratulations in the comments.

Fans reacted on Threads, sending well wishes to the new mom. "Wishing her and their baby boy lots of well wishes. Hope she gets lots of support and rest during this, it’s so stressful and scary especially for a first time mom at that." Others shared their own experiences with early emergency deliveries, along with words of encouragement. "Congratulations Danielle and Eoin. Sending you love from one NICU parent to another," one person shared.

For generations of Star Wars fans, Emperor Palpatine has been one of the franchise's most fascinating villains. His rise from politician to galactic ruler helped define the prequel trilogy, and his influence continues to echo throughout the saga. Now, a newly revealed behind-the-scenes detail has fans wondering about an entirely different Star Wars project that never made it beyond the discussion stage.

During a recent appearance at SpaceCon San Antonio, Ian McDiarmid, the actor behind Palpatine, shared an unexpected story about a conversation he once had with George Lucas. According to McDiarmid, Lucas had floated the possibility of a television series focused on Palpatine's rise to power. The concept reportedly would have explored the future Emperor's political ascent and the events that transformed him into the mastermind fans met in The Phantom Menace.

McDiarmid explained that the idea never became an active production, but the discussion was serious enough that Lucas even suggested the actor might direct an episode if the project moved forward. The actor compared the proposed story to a historical rise-to-power narrative, examining how Palpatine built influence before eventually taking control of the galaxy.

Related: Oscar Isaac Just Explained the Most Mocked Line in Star Wars History

The revelation arrives during a period when Star Wars continues to explore previously unseen corners of its timeline. Series such as Andor have demonstrated that audiences remain interested in the intrigue and machinery behind the Galactic Empire, even when iconic characters are absent from the screen. A show centered on Palpatine's early years could have provided another perspective on the events that reshaped the galaxy.

For longtime fans, the story is especially intriguing because it appears to be separate from Star Wars: Underworld, the long-discussed live-action project Lucas discussed before the Disney acquisition. McDiarmid's comments suggest this was a distinct concept focused specifically on Palpatine rather than the criminal underworld of Coruscant.

The idea may never have reached cameras, but the reaction online shows how eager fans remain for new insights into Star Wars history. Whether through films, streaming series or convention appearances, previously unknown details about Lucas' original plans continue to spark discussion years after the franchise expanded beyond its creator's direct control.

Even as Star Wars moves toward future projects, including new films and streaming releases, revelations like this remind fans that some of the saga's most compelling stories are the ones that were almost told.

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Ask any seasoned theme-park regular for their ultimate survival strategy, and they won’t start with their rope-drop ride or how to game the virtual queue. Instead, they will immediately point to their park bag. It makes perfect sense when you consider that Orlando temperatures routinely rocket past the 90-degree mark with swamp-level humidity from May straight through September, meaning a poorly packed bag can easily ruin a vacation before lunch.

After putting in serious miles at multiple destinations across the globe this year—testing gear everywhere from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando to the rain-slicked avenues of Disneyland Paris—I’ve learned that the line between a magical day and total exhaustion entirely comes down to the details.

Keeping yourself comfortable, hydrated and protected from the elements is all about nailing a few high-performing essentials that you actually want to carry around all day. These tried-and-tested items are the exact pieces I’ve picked up from fellow insiders and personally vetted across countless park laps. Whether you are currently gearing up for the final weeks of Disney’s "Cool Kids' Summer" or already plotting your late-night strategy for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, the upcoming Amazon Prime Day shopping window makes it incredibly easy to stock up on premium travel gear without paying retail prices.

Kicking off this Tuesday, June 23, and running through Friday, June 26, the annual sale is slashing prices on the exact park-bag essentials you will want to add to your cart before they inevitably sell out.

Related: 8 Park-Day Must-Haves From a Certified Disney Adult

Best Amazon Prime Finds for Theme-Park Fans North Face Women's Isabella Sling

Amazon

Built from durable, water-repellent ripstop fabric that easily handles splashy water rides and sudden afternoon downpours, this bag's smart layout features multiple organized compartments—including a front pocket for easy phone access and a secure back pocket deep enough to fit a tablet. Keeping you completely hands-free to hold a cold drink or snap photos, I found this low-profile sling effortlessly swallowed every single one of my daily park essentials, including a small water bottle, two power banks, a travel umbrella, and a handheld fan without ever feeling bulky. Now a rare $10 off the regular $50.

Shop it on Amazon!

Related: Amazon's Portable Fans Are Summer's Coolest Accessory, and They're on Sale Starting at $13

Dr. Jart SPF 50+

Dr. Jart+

Sunscreen is incredibly important at the parks. Forget just one day, a bad sunburn can ruin a whole trip. This Korean skincare brand glides on easily with zero white cast, making it ideal for multiple re-ups throughout the day. Most of the typical sunscreen tends to burn when it inevitably sweats into my eyes. I also have fair skin and I've found this one feels light, not greasy, with multiple applications. Now 20% off!

Shop it on Amazon!Hydro Flask Micro Bottle

After seeing this bottle constantly hyped on theme-park blogs as the new "it" item for long park days, I decided to take a chance—and it completely cured my heavy-bottle fatigue. I used to get burned carrying around those massive, ultra-heavy 32-ounce flasks that felt like dragging a bowling ball around the parks by mid-afternoon. This sleek alternative is completely leak-proof, keeps liquids piping hot for seven hours or ice-cold for an impressive 20, and is versatile enough that you can even fill it with wine for a resort pool day later. It turned out to be the absolute perfect companion for a hot day; I just clipped it right to the outside of my pack for easy access and kept it topped off at the park water stations whenever I needed a refill, staying perfectly hydrated without the extra weight.

Shop it on Amazon!

Related: REI's 'Tiny But Mighty' $18 Waist Pack Is 'Perfect for Travel, Exercise, and Adventure'

Hoka Transport 1.0

While the entire Hoka brand is a massive favorite among theme-park bloggers for its legendary, ultra-supportive arch support, I decided to take a chance on the Transport variety while they were on sale, and I couldn't be happier with the results. After logging back-to-back days of well over 20,000 steps, I took them off each evening and felt like my feet barely even noticed the miles. Thanks to the clever toggle closure system and a remarkably lightweight, breathable feel, they are incredibly easy to slip on and off at the hotel, and they never give you that heavy, clunky sensation that bogs you down during a long afternoon trek across the park. The only downside is that they're pricy; Prime Day is a great time to score them on sale.

Shop Them on Amazon!Anker 2-in-1 Max Fast Charging Cable

Amazon

Pretty much everything needs a USB-C charger these days, and this handy 2-in-1 cable ensures you can always top off your phone on a portable power bank while simultaneously juice up a second device—whether that's your tablet, wireless headphones, or a friend’s dying phone. The brand claims it can deliver a blazing-fast 140W maximum output when plugging in a single device, which is technically enough juice to power up a massive 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50% in just 20 minutes. It's also equipped with smart power distribution to automatically optimize the wattage based on each device's specific needs. While I haven't quite witnessed it hit that exact 20-minute half-charge mark in real-world testing, it has proven to be incredibly reliable, packs up beautifully and the sturdy 6-foot braided design never kinks or tangles at the bottom of my bag.

Shop it on Amazon!

Related: CALPAK Just Dropped the Ultimate Summer Travel Collection

Anker Power Bank With USB-C Cable

Amazon

There is absolutely nothing worse than watching your phone camera die or realizing you can’t pull up your theme park app halfway through a long day. While renting a fuel cell at the parks for $30 a pop is an excellent, quick-fix option, having your own high-performing battery pack is a much more affordable, hassle-free idea if you are a park regular. I’ve used this specific 87W Anker bank for about a year now, and it is my absolute go-to over heavier, bulkier chargers because it has a built-in USB-C cable—meaning no more frantic fumbling around the bottom of your bag for an extra cord. It packs enough punch to juice my phone up to 50% in just 30 minutes (and almost completely full in an hour) while effortlessly keeping my laptop alive during mid-day breaks. Best of all, while so many Amazon charging tools literally stop holding a charge after a few months, this powerhouse has worked reliably just like it did on day one, making it a permanent fixture in my daily park lineup.

Shop It on Amazon!Vera Bradley Featherweight Foxbury Disney Crossbody

Amazon

Vera Bradley’s Disney collection is the perfect answer if you're looking for a slightly minimalist look but still need a highly functional bag that fits all your park day necessities. Measuring a compact 7x11 inches, this low-profile bag is small enough that you can hop on all the big coasters without having to stop and check your gear into a locker. Despite the sleek size, it features three dedicated zipped compartments, giving you more than enough structured room to organize your keys, wallet, phone and standard extras without having to dig around when you're in a crowded line.

Shop it on Amazon!

Related: 8 Carry-On Items That Make Economy Feel Like Premium Class:

Vera Bradley Women's Disney Premium Cotton Minnie Mouse Ear Headband

Amazon

If you love the idea of showing your passion for all things Disney but want something original and all-cotton over the usual heavy sparkles and polyester, this cute set of ears is for you. While I haven't fully gotten into the coordinated outfit look myself, I'm seriously eyeing these during the Amazon Prime Day sale. They offer a beautifully subtle, breathable alternative to the standard plastic headbands, keeping you comfortable in the heat while still adding that perfect, low-key touch of magic to your park style.

Shop them on Amazon!

Related: I Traveled for a Year in One Suitcase—Thanks to These Ultra-Comfy Sneakers

Little Caesars is partnering with Sony Pictures to bring your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to life with a cheesy new menu item and an immersive pop-up experience in New York City—more specifically, Peter Parker's hometown of Queens.

While the partnership may sound totally unexpected, Greg Hamilton, the chief marketing officer at Little Caesars, suggested it makes perfect sense: pizza is famously one of the superhero's go-to meals, and the company is setting out to "connect with consumers in cultural moments and areas where they are passionate."

With Spider-Man: Brand New Daydue out in theaters later this summer, the collab is "creating a unique pizza occasion the entire family can enjoy," as Hamilton so eloquently put it in a statement.

Little Caesars' New Spider-Man-Inspired "Webberoni Pizza" to Launch Alongside Collectible Posters This Month

The Webberoni Pizza starts with Little Caesars' classic pie and sprinkles a "web" of shredded pepperoni and toasted cheeses on top. The Hot & Ready recipe isn't only aesthetically pleasing, it serves a purpose, according to the company, which suggests that the combination of shredded pepperoni and its toasted two-cheese blend offers the best of both worlds in every bite.

Related: Little Caesars Rolls Out First-of-Its-Kind Option for Ordering

Little Caesars new Webberoni Pizza to be available at participating locations nationwide beginning June 22.

Little Caesars

Should fans prefer other toppings or want to customize their pizza, they can create their own "webbed pizza" with shredded pepperoni and toasted cheeses on any Little Caesars pizza when ordering online.

Little Caesars limited-edition Spider-Man: Brand New Day boxes.

Little Caesars

And if you think the pizza with spidey senses would be where this collaboration ends, you'd be wrong. Little Caesars is launching new themed packaging and a series of limited-edition collectible posters (which will become available beginning on Monday, July 6), but only as part of a Webberoni Pizza purchase.

Little Caesars' exclusive limited-edition Spider-Man: Brand New Day posters.

Little Caesars

A Replica of Peter Parker's Apartment Is Also Popping Up in New York City, All Thanks to the Chain

To celebrate the launch of the new Webberoni Pizza, Little Caesars is bringing Peter Parker's apartment to life for one day this month.

“Spider-Man is known for its explosive action, humor and fun, and collaborating with Little Caesars, a brand recognized for its bold voice and playful spirit, on Spider-Man: Brand New Day was a natural fit," Jeffrey Godsick, executive vice president of brand strategy and partnerships at Sony Pictures Entertainment, added, noting that the pizza chain's "passion for creative, engaging content" is what brought the Webberoni Pizza and a replica of Peter Parker’s apartment "to life."

At the pop-up, visitors are invited to explore and interact with the set, take photos, hunt for easter eggs from the new film, and of course, grab a slice of the new Webberoni Pizza! Those interested in checking it out must head to the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse on West Street in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 27, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. local time.

The Webberoni Pizza is available at participating Little Caesars locations beginning today, June 22 ($8.99; prices may vary). Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, July 31.

Next: Taco Bell Is Launching 2 New Menu Items—and the Cutest Collectible to Match

To say that The Fast and the Furious transformed the careers of its core cast would be an understatement. For perspective, Vin Dieselwas 33 years old when the movie came out on June 22, 2001—25 years ago today—and he’ll be 60 by the time the blockbuster action franchise ends with Fast Forever in March 2028. That’s quite a run for a street racing movie with a modest budget that exploded into a global phenomenon.

Reflecting on the movie’s impact, Diesel recently wrote in Variety, “What that first Fast film did, 25 years ago, was remind Hollywood of something it had quietly forgotten. Popular cinema, made with conviction and love, is not a lesser form of the art." And it’s certainly not an unprofitable one: So far, the franchise has grossed more than $7.3 billion globally across its 10 finished films.

What started as a grounded story about undercover LAPD officer Brian O'Conner infiltrating Dominic Toretto's tight-knit crew of street racers has evolved into a high-octane saga of international espionage and gravity-defying stunts. Along the way, the series forever shaped the careers of Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and the late Paul Walker.

Keep reading to find out where the stars of the original movie are now—including who's reprised their roles over the years and who will be back for Fast Forever.

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The Original 'Fast and the Furious' Cast: Where Are They Now?Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto) Vin Diesel in 2026

Photo by Ernesto Ruscio on Getty Images

In the years before Diesel signed on to play Dominic Toretto, he was a rising indie darling who wrote, directed and starred in the short film Multi-Facial and the feature Strays. By the late ‘90s, his work caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, who cast him in Saving Private Ryan (1998). He followed that with voice work as the title character in The Iron Giant (1999) and a breakout role in Pitch Black (2000). But it was his turn in The Fast and the Furious that fast-tracked him to fame.

Despite the movie’s success, Diesel skipped 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) and returned for only a cameo in the third installment, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006). He then returned for part four, Fast & Furious(2009), and has since appeared in the rest of the sequels: Fast Five (2011), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Furious 7 (2015), The Fate of the Furious (2017), F9 (2021) and Fast X (2023). He'll of course star in the grand finale, Fast Forever.

Outside the franchise, Diesel built another blockbuster series with the Riddick films, starred in xXx (2002) and its sequel, and became a mainstay in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the voice of Groot in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and Avengers films. One might say the man is doing okay. 

Related: From a Slow Build to ‘Fast & Furious’ Blockbusters, Vin Diesel’s Net Worth in 2026 Is Massive

Paul Walker (Brian O’Conner) Paul Walker poses for a photo at the world premiere of Fast & Furious 6 in 2013.

Photo by Eamonn McCormack/WireImage

After starting out as a child actor, Walker broke through with roles in Pleasantville (1998), Varsity Blues (1999), She’s All That (1999) and The Skulls (2000). But it was his portrayal of undercover LAPD officer Brian O'Conner that made him an international superstar.

He reprised the role in 2 Fast 2 Furious, sat out Tokyo Drift and returned for Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6 and Furious 7. Production on Furious 7 was underway when Walker died in a fiery car crash in November 2013 at age 40, leaving behind a daughter, Meadow, who is now 27. Meadow remains a beloved member of the Fast fam.

Furious 7 was completed using visual effects and stand-ins, including Walker’s brothers Caleb and Cody. His farewell scene remains one of the franchise’s most emotional moments.

Related: Paul Walker’s Stunning Daughter, 27, Appears With ‘Fast and the Furious’ Cast for Film’s 25th Anniversary

Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz) Michelle Rodriguez is all smiles at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026.

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)

Rodriguez was a relative unknown when she landed the role of Letty Ortiz, save for a standout performance as boxer Diana Guzman in Girlfight (2000), which won her several awards.

After appearing in the original Fast and the Furious, she returned for a cameo in Fast & Furious, then reprised Letty in Fast & Furious 6, Furious 7, The Fate of the Furious, F9 and Fast X. She's set to return for Fast Forever.

The actress's post-Fast career also includes roles in Resident Evil (2002), S.W.A.T. (2003), Avatar (2009), Battle: Los Angeles (2011), Machete (2010), Widows (2018) and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023).

Jordana Brewster (Mia Toretto) Jordana Brewster will return for the final film in the franchise.

Photo by JB Lacroix/FilmMagic

When she starred in Fast at 21 years old, Brewster had already appeared on soap operas—including All My Children and As the World Turns—and had supporting roles in The Faculty (1998) and The Invisible Circus (2001). However, playing Mia Toretto marked her breakout role.

Brewster returned for Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, Furious 7, F9 and Fast X, and she'll appear in the final film of the franchise. She did not appear in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Tokyo Drift or The Fate of the Furious.

Outside the franchise, Brewster had TV roles on Dallas (2012–2014), Secrets and Lies (2015), Lethal Weapon (2016–2018) and The Rookie: Feds (2022–2023). She also starred in films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006).

Rick Yune (Johnny Tran) Rick Yune went from Wall Street trader to Hollywood actor.

Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images

Before playing Dominic Toretto’s rival Johnny Tran, Yune was a Wall Street trader and model who broke into acting with a role in Snow Falling on Cedars (1999).

His character was killed in the original movie, but Yune’s action career lived on: He played villain Zao in the James Bond film Die Another Day (2002) and appeared in Olympus Has Fallen (2013), Alita: Battle Angel (2019) and a handful of TV shows—including Marco Polo and Prison Break.

Chad Lindberg (Jesse) Chad Lindberg attends the premiere of Peacock's The 'Burbs in 2026.

Photo by Olivia Wong on Getty Images

Lindberg’s portrayal of tech-savvy racer Jesse made him a fan favorite despite his character’s tragic ending.

Since leaving the franchise, Lindberg has appeared in projects including The Last Samurai (2003), Supernatural and The 'Burbs. He's also a regular on the convention circuit, much to the delight of the Fast fandom.

Matt Schulze (Vince) Matt Schulze in 2018

Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images

After playing Dom's hotheaded friend Vince in the original movie, Schulze appeared in The Transporter (2002), Blade II (2002) and a 2005 episode of CSI: Miami, among other projects. He reprised Vince in Fast Five, marking his only sequel appearance before the character’s death.

Schulze appears to have largely stepped away from acting in recent years.

Johnny Strong (Leon) Johnny Strong in 2023's Warhorse One

Operator Films

Following Strong’s turn as Leon, Dom’s quiet and mysterious crew member, he appeared in films including Black Hawk Down (2001) and Sinners and Saints (2010). He later shifted his focus to music as the frontman of the band Operator while continuing to act intermittently. 

Most recently, Strong starred in 2023's Warhorse One, which he also co-wrote and co-directed with William Kaufman. It's currently available to stream (with commercials) on YouTube.

Ted Levine (Sgt. Tanner) Ted Levine stars as Boris in Netflix's new series, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Already a respected character actor by 2001, Ted Levine was best known for his chilling performance as Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

Following The Fast and the Furious, Levine continued to work steadily, with roles in Monk, Shutter Island (2010), Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) and Big Sky (2020–2023). He did not reprise Sgt. Tanner in any sequels.

Thom Barry (Agent Bilkins) After The Fast and the Furious, Thom Barry starred in the long-running CBS drama, Cold Case.

Photo by Vince Bucci on Getty Images

Barry had built a steady résumé through the 1990s with appearances in films like Independence Day (1996) and Space Jam (1996), and he continued to rack up credits after playing a supporting part in The Fast and the Furious. He returned as Agent Bilkins in 2 Fast 2 Furious, starred in 156 episodes of Cold Case and also popped in for episodes of shows like House, Grey's Anatomy and Blue Bloods.

Noel Gugliemi (Hector) Noel Gugliemi at the 2023 premiere of The Locksmith

Photo by Albert L. Ortega on Getty Images

Gugliemi was an emerging character actor when he played racer Hector, a role he would revisit in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and Furious 7. He has since scored some 200 screen credits, working in films and series including Training Day (2001), Bruce Almighty (2003), Fresh Off the Boat and The Walking Dead.

Ja Rule (Edwin) Ja Rule in 2026

Photo by Joy Malone on Getty Images

Rapper Ja Rule was at the height of his music career when he made his acting debut as racer Edwin, and even turned down a leading role in 2 Fast 2 Furious. “I just felt it wasn’t the best move for me as far as what I want to do in Hollywood right now,” he told MTV at the time, in September 2002. “I’m really trying to do this acting thing very seriously. And, you know, sometimes every move is not the right move.” (His decision paved the way for Ludacris to join the franchise instead.) 

Ja went on to appear in films including Half Past Dead (2002) and Scary Movie 3 (2003), while continuing to release music and tour. But he made his buzziest headlines for his involvement in the comically disastrous Fyre Festival. 

Next: How to Watch the 'Fast & Furious' Movies in Order

Little Singles stars JJ and Stephanie are single and ready to mingle — but JJ made a bold dating confession after a gym pick-up attempt.

Ahead of the June 22 episode of the new series, TLC shared an exclusive sneak peek of the ladies getting distracted by hunky guys while pumping iron.

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Between reps, JJ pointed out, "What about the guy in the pink shirt? He's cute."

"Mhmm," Stephanie agreed, to which JJ added, "Oh, and the one over there — he's cute. There's so many!"

The two women introduced themselves to a trainer named Victor (the pink shirt guy), and JJ was instantly smitten. "This man is beefy!" she declared during a confessional with producers. Like, whoa. Like, his muscles have muscles, and his muscles' muscles have muscles muscles."

As Victor helped JJ with her form on a leg machine, she accidentally let the weights slam down after losing her balance. Stephanie laughed, and JJ confessed to the trainer, "Sorry, you're making me nervous."

JJ then asked him, "Are you single?" to which he replied, "No."

To producers, JJ admitted, "I am single as a Pringle, and I have been celibate for about four years. And men out there, it's rough. And I don't need to be with a guy to have an orgasm."

'Little Singles': JJ & Stephanie Get Distracted by Hunky Guys at Gym (Exclusive Clip) (1:20)

Related: 7 Little Johnstons: Liz & Brice Bolden's Wedding Photos Are Stunning

Meanwhile, back at the gym with Stephanie, JJ lamented, "It's always the good-looking guys. They're always taken."

Although Victor wasn't on the market, JJ caught the attention of another man. A gym member named Eric told producers, "I've never seen any little people work out before, but I was surprised at how strong they were. Especially when she was doing the chest press."

Little Singles premiered on June 15, introducing TLC viewers to five young adults with dwarfism: John, 28, Stephanie, 32, and Sammy, 26. Krista, 30, and JJ, 37. The show follows them as they vacation together in Palm Springs, Fla., after meeting years ago at a little people convention and forming lasting friendships

Catch new episodes of Little Singles on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on TLC and streaming the next day on HBO Max.

Next: My Big Fat Fabulous Life Star Whitney Thore Hard-Launches New Man

If you feel like your favorite cruise lines are in a bit of a friendly arms race lately, you aren’t imagining it. The next few years are shaping up to be an absolute golden era for vacationers, with more than 50 cutting-edge ships lined up to debut across the industry by 2030. For anyone who loves a classic, fun-focused sea escape, the future just got a whole lot more exciting.

When Carnival Cruise Line's President Christine Duffy stepped up during a live broadcast on the Carnival Sunrise to celebrate the expansion of the stunning, pristine RelaxAway area at Half Moon Cay, she caught fans completely off guard by dropping a massive update on what the end of the decade is going to look like.

"At the steel cutting, we'll reveal the exterior, what the ship will look like," said Duffy, according to reporting from Cruise Critic. "And then in the fall, we're planning another event and we'll go much deeper into Ace."

While a celebrity-hosted President's Cruise announcement for 2027 is fantastic news for your short-term vacation planning, Duffy also used the momentum to touch on what the future of the fleet looks like for the end of the decade. The cruise line is officially moving full steam ahead on Project Ace, a brand-new class of massive, LNG-powered mega-ships that will easily rank as the largest vessels ever constructed in Carnival’s history, designed to hold nearly 8,000 guests at full capacity.

Related: Carnival Just Announced Its First-Ever President’s Cruise—Here’s Where It’s Headed

The company originally released its formal corporate statement regarding the landmark building agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to lay out the long-term, player-focused vision for the fleet. "We are proud to be known as America's cruise line with tremendous guest loyalty and an outstanding team that has enabled us to deliver memorable vacations to over 100 million guests," Duffy stated in the official announcement. "For this next generation ship, we are focused on creating innovative guest experiences that will take Carnival Cruise Line into the future with new FUN features and excitement that we know our guests will LOVE."

For maritime purists and design enthusiasts, the countdown is officially on for July 10th. That is the date locked in for the ceremonial "steel cutting" at Fincantieri's shipyard in Italy for the very first of the three ordered ships. It’s a highly nostalgic milestone for the company, taking place exactly 30 years after the same shipyard delivered the revolutionary Carnival Destiny back in the nineties—a ship that completely changed the game as the first passenger vessel to ever cross the 100,000-gross-ton mark.

During the upcoming steel-cutting event, Carnival will finally unveil the highly classified exterior rendering to show the world exactly what this new class of ships will look like. They're planning a second, deep-dive event in the fall to reveal the interior concepts, layouts, and onboard innovations before the first ship officially delivers in 2029 (with sister ships following in 2031 and 2033).

Related: I’ve Been on 100+ Cruises—Here’s the One Thing That Stood out about Carnival’s New Private Island

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The excitement isn't just limited to future ship hulls, either. Carnival also recently joined Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans to reveal "The Next Course," a massive dining overhaul that is actively reshaping how guests eat at sea. The cruise line announced four brand-new restaurant concepts rolling out on upcoming ships—including the premium Emeril’s Coastal Seafood and the vibrant, Hawaiian-Asian fusion spot Uku Lei Lei—alongside major upgrades to the main dining room menus and brand-new ice cream, milkshake and breakfast pop-ups rolling out across the fleet. With these innovative new flavors and convenient fleetwide updates like Express Dining, guests can officially look forward to even more fun when it comes to dining at sea.

With this huge wave of expansion on the horizon, cruisers will have even more options for next-generation entertainment, innovative dining and massive deck features. By pairing these upcoming mega-ships with its ultra-popular private destinations, Carnival is giving travelers the ultimate reason to start mapping out their future itineraries and look forward to a whole new era of cruising.

Related: Carnival Just Dropped a Fall Onboard Schedule That Has Cruisers Rushing to Book

Of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen is probably the one where you're most likely to spend long stretches of time on your feet. Sure, you might sit down to eat, but everything leading up to that moment—chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, unloading the dishwasher, wiping down counters and tackling the seemingly endless cycle of cleanup—happens standing up.

It's something you probably don't think about until your lower back starts complaining or your feet feel sore after making a meal. Hard flooring like tile, laminate and hardwood may be easy to clean, but they aren't always the most forgiving surfaces when you're standing in one spot for extended periods. Over time, that can lead to discomfort in your feet, legs and back, especially if you spend a lot of time cooking or entertaining.

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Kirkton House 18x30 Patchwork Comfort Mat, $6.99 at Aldi

Aldi

The good news is that making your kitchen a little more comfortable doesn't require paying for new flooring. Sometimes it's the smaller upgrades that make the biggest difference. A well-cushioned kitchen mat, like Aldi's Kirkton House Patchwork Comfort Mat, can add support where you need it most, helping make everyday tasks feel a little easier on your body while adding a decorative touch to your space.

This cute patchwork print almost looks like bandanas, cloth napkins and tablecloths have been sewn together to create a gorgeous, homey effect. It's made with stain-resistant materials (important when you're in the kitchen) and an ergonomic PVC foam.

Related: Dolly Parton's New $6 Drink Pitcher at Dollar General Looks Like a Gorgeous Vintage Find

If you're wondering what "ergonomic PVC foam" actually means, it's just a fancy way of saying the mat is made with a cushioned material made to make standing more comfortable. PVC foam is commonly used in anti-fatigue mats, kitchen mats and standing desk mats because it has a little bit of give to it. This way, instead of standing directly on hard tile or hardwood floors, you're standing on a softer surface that helps absorb some of the pressure.

Aldi tends to bring out new designs of these comfort mats every few months, so if this patchwork design is your style, snatch it up before it's gone for good. And while you're there, hit the Aldi Finds aisle to check out this gorgeous four-pack of vintage-style glassware and these really chic cooling comforters to help you survive the summer heat this season.

Related: This Kohl's Find Makes Getting Organized Feel Like a Cottagecore Fantasy

Not every hit follows the path it was expected to take.

When Queen released "Love of My Life" on A Night at the Opera in 1975, Freddie Mercury's tender ballad quickly became a favorite among fans, but it wasn't an immediate chart phenomenon. A few years later, however, the song found an entirely new audience in South America, where it became one of the band’s biggest successes.

By 1979, "Love of My Life" had taken on a life of its own.

Released as a live single from Live Killers, the song reached No. 1 in countries across South America, including Argentina and Brazil. In Argentina, it remained on the charts for an astonishing 52 consecutive weeks, turning Mercury's deeply personal ballad into one of Queen's most enduring international hits.

Mercury famously wrote the song for Mary Austin, the woman he often described as the love of his life.

"All my lovers asked me why they couldn't replace Mary, but it's simply impossible," Mercury said in an interview. "The only friend I've got is Mary, and I don't want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that's enough for me."

Built around his delicate piano melody and Brian May's acoustic guitar, "Love of My Life" revealed a more vulnerable side of Queen, standing in sharp contrast to the band’s larger-than-life rock anthems.

Its popularity only grew once Queen took it on the road.

During the band's South American tour in the early 1980s, audiences embraced "Love of My Life" in unforgettable fashion, singing every word back to Mercury and transforming the intimate ballad into one of the emotional high points of every concert.

"I think it's the moment we first realized they knew 'Love of My Life," May said in an interview. "Not only knew it but would sing it. And not only would they sing it but would sing it with a passion that brought tears to our eyes."

Interestingly, the live version is almost entirely different from how Mercury originally conceived it.

In a 1981 interview with Melody Maker, Mercury explained that the song was "adapted on stage for guitar, but it was written on the piano. I've totally forgotten the original and if you asked me to play that now, I couldn't. Sometimes, I have to go back to the music sheet, and I can't read that well either!"

Although Queen released countless classic songs throughout its career, "Love of My Life" remains one of the band's most cherished ballads. Today, May continues to perform the song during Queen's concerts, sharing the stage with archival footage of Mercury in a moving tribute that allows the late singer's voice to live on.

More than 50 years after it was first recorded, "Love of My Life" continues to resonate with audiences around the world. What began as a deeply personal love song ultimately became an anthem embraced by millions, proving that sometimes a song's greatest success arrives long after its first release.

Related: '70s Rock Legend Ranked No. 1 ‘Greatest Rock Singer’ of All Time

Audiences weren’t ready for the emotional gut punch that closed this 1982 cult film classic.

The final moments of The Last American Virgin took an unexpected turn that left many moviegoers stunned. Set to a heartbreaking James Ingram ballad, the ending cemented the film’s reputation as one of the most emotionally devastating coming-of-age stories of its era.

In the film’s final stretch, Gary (Lawrence Monoson) finally realizes that his feelings for Karen (Diane Franklin) aren’t reciprocated. After watching her choose bad boy Rick (Steve Antin), he’s left alone with the painful truth that love doesn’t always lead to a happy, romantic ending.

Gary helped Karen after she decided to end an unplanned pregnancy by Rick. He sold his stereo and borrowed money from his boss to help her, and brought her to his grandparents' house to recover.

Later, for her birthday, he bought her a locket to show his love, but he was shocked when he entered the party to find her and Rick kissing in her kitchen. James Ingram's "Just Once" played in the background as he drove away in his car.

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In a Reddit post about the film, fans still can't get over how The Last American Virgin ended, 44 years after it was released in theaters.

Steve Antin and Diane Franklin from the film 'The Last American Virgin'/Cannon Group/Getty Images

"Karen is the real villain in this movie," wrote one follower. A second penned, "I heard there was supposed to be a sequel. They decided against it and to leave the ending of The Last American Virgin a hard but truthful punch." A third Redditor noted, "The crazy thing is, not ONCE did Karen say that she LOVED him. He kept going for a woman who had no feeling for him at the start."

Actress Diane Franklin discussed her role in the film with former Little House on the Prairie star Patrick Labyorteaux for his podcast The Patrick LabyorSheaux.

Franklin said, "The film was a remake of an Israeli film titled Lemon Popsicle. Shot for shot, its the same film."

"When Virgin came out, it was the same time as Fast Times at Ridgemont High. It was definitely a new world (in film)."

"It was shocking, the ending," she revealed. "The ending was what gripped me and what got me. We all thought that when we got on the set, they were going to change the ending. And they didn't."

The use of the James Ingram song put a period on a devastating moment in early '80s movie history. It underscored the film’s final moments in a way that made the heartbreak feel even more immediate and unforgettable.

"Just Once" reached No. 17 on the Billboard Top 100 in November 1981. The song was by Quincy Jones, featuring Ingram as vocalist.

The song's connection to the film's most heartbreaking moment remains a core memory for moviegoers, who still recall how perfectly "Just Once" underscored the emotional final scene and amplified the film’s devastating ending.

Related: 1994 Blockbuster's Lead Role Was Turned Down by a Major Hollywood Star in a Stunning Casting Twist

"Get off screens and away from blue light at least an hour before bedtime."
"Don't look at your phone first thing in the morning."
"Create a cool, dark bedroom."
"Wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day/night."
"Get a smart, $500 alarm clock that wakes you up to sounds of birdsong, even if the ones in your area recently flew South for winter."

These are common pieces of advice given to "optimize" your sleep and gently wake up each morning. Most of these tips are solid, but Michelle Lewis, a color psychology expert and certified color analyst, thinks we're missing another key factor: Calming bedroom paint colors can make waking up feel like less of a drag (ditto for powering down).

"Most people put enormous thought into their mattress, their pillows, their sleep schedule and almost no thought into the color of their walls aside from personal preference," states Lewis, who is also the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute and the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught. "Understanding which colors support calm and which ones work against it is one of the simplest, highest-impact changes you can make to the quality of your rest."

Lewis says that the colors that surround you in transitional moments—like when you wake up or get ready for bed—actively influence your cortisol (stress hormone) levels, heart rate and your brain's ability to pivot between "alert" and "at-rest" states.

"Your bedroom is the last environment your nervous system experiences before sleep and the first one it encounters when you wake up," she tells Parade. "This makes it a key space to bookend your day intentionally. Most of us have busy, stressful work days, so choosing calming colors can be the reset we need."

But which colors can soothe the nervous system first thing in the morning? Lewis shares that a specific bedroom color is the most calming to wake up to—and can even help you rest more deeply at night.

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

Are Some Colors More Calming Than Others, According to Color Psychology?

Yes, Lewis notes that some colors are more calming than others, according to color psychology. She also points out that color psychology is backed by actual science, and this is a perfect example of how.

"Colors in the cool family, for example—blues, greens, soft purples—tend to lower heart rate, reduce cortisol and signal to the brain that it's safe to shift from active to calm," she tells Parade.

While the brain will eventually need to go into an "active" state, it's unnecessary to jump straight from dreamland into hustle mode. Calming, cool hues let you ease into your day. That said, Lewis reports that saturation is an oft-overlooked factor that matters just as much as hue.

"A deeply saturated, vivid green can be just as stimulating as a red—it's the toned, grayed-down version of a color that carries the most calming power," she explains. "Colors that have been desaturated with gray—what designers call 'muted' tones—are neurologically quieter than their pure counterparts."

For this reason, designers and color psychologists alike prefer recommending soft, slightly hushed paints over bold, vivid ones for restful bedrooms.

Related: If You Have a ‘Blue Aura,’ You Likely Have These 5 Traits, According to a Psychologist

The 'Most Calming' Bedroom Paint Color, According to a Color Psychologist

Lewis says that blue is the most calming bedroom paint color. Specifically, a soft, muted blue with gray undertones can promote better sleep quality and a gentler wake-up.

"Blue light wavelengths regulate our circadian rhythm by signaling daytime alertness, but a soft, muted cool blue on the walls works differently," she states.

This type of blue slows the heart rate (or keeps it slow) and lets you know it's OK to relax.

"The gray undertone is key," she says. "Pure bright blue can make our minds wake up too much."

When you soften the blue with gray, it can sedate you (great for bedtime) or support a softer start to your day.

Related: Color Psychologist Says These 5 Colors Are Worn Most by ‘Highly Intelligent’ People

4 Other Calming Paint Colors for Your Personal Space 1. Warm gray

Warm gray uses a different mechanism than a soft, muted blue. Lewis says it leans into the "absence of chromatic stimulation."

Lewis points to research suggesting that visually neutral spaces lower arousal levels.

"A warm gray achieves this without the anxiety-inducing sterility of white or the coldness of pure cool gray," she says. "The warmth in the undertone—pulling toward taupe or greige—keeps it from feeling clinical. Emotionally, warm gray is the color equivalent of silence—not empty, just quiet."

She notes that the distinction is huge when it comes to bedroom paint colors.

"For those of you neutral-lovers out there, you can stick with what you love and bring in color with accent pieces like bedding, chairs, rugs and curtains," she adds.

2. Sage green

Lewis says that "hard science" lands sage green on this list, notably a 2019Frontiers in Psychologystudy that found walking in a green environment led to a significantly lower heart rate than in red or white settings.

Lewis notes this study shows the power of green's effect on our nervous system. She also cites other research suggesting that green environments tend to "produce stress-reducing effects in clinical settings compared to white."

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Green, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

3. Deep teal

Lewis describes deep teal as "one of the most scientifically sound calming colors."

She credits deep teal's composition (blue and green—"the two most consistently research-backed calming wavelengths" and no red) for its calming nature.

She points out that a 2024-25 study at a hospital suggested that patients in green and blue rooms had significantly better mood improvements and shorter recovery periods than their peers in white and gray rooms.

"In a bedroom, a deep teal that has been shaded rather than brightened creates an enveloping calm—cocooning without being heavy, sophisticated without being cold," she says. "This is my personal favorite to blend calming reactions with balanced ones for that overall peaceful feeling."

4. Soft lavender

Soft lavender's calming properties are grounded in its violet wavelength color," according to Lewis.

"Because lavender sits between blue and violet on the spectrum, it retains enough of blue's proven ability to lower heart rate and support relaxation, while violet’s shortest light wavelength helps the mind release stress more naturally," she explains.

The color analyst notes that a grayed-down, muted lavender remains in the "cool wavelength range," supporting a rested state.

"Emotionally, it creates a bedroom that feels like a genuine retreat—slightly dreamlike, deeply personal and removed from the demands of the day," she states.

Honestly, that sounds like a heavenly way to wake up (and wind down).

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Purple, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

3 Paint Colors To Avoid in a Bedroom1. Bright red

If you want to create a calming bedroom, Lewis warns that painting it bright red is counterproductive.

"Red has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum and triggers the strongest and fastest response in the visual cortex—raising heart rate, increasing cortisol and activating the body's alert state," she says.

Related: Color Psychologist Says These 5 Favorite Colors Are Loved by ‘Especially Creative’ People

2. Vivid yellow

Lewis says that research links this color to cognitive arousal, increased alertness and heightened mental stimulation. None of these things will feel "soft" first thing in the morning, though they may have their place throughout the day.

"These are the qualities that make yellow powerful in a workspace or kitchen," she shares.

Yet, they feel jarring first thing in the morning (we often wake up with the sun not at its brightest, after all) and can work against you at night when you're trying to downshift.

"The eye processes yellow's high reflectivity quickly, and that visual energy doesn't quiet down just because the lights are off and the undertone is muted," Lewis says.

3. Bright white

Lewis notes that people are often surprised to learn that bright white is stimulating. Yet, research suggests that bright white walls can induce anxiety, stress and lack of focus, neither of which helps us "wake up on the right side of the bed."

"Since the bedroom is a space where you spend up to a third of your life, it’s not a great choice for relaxation," she explains. "White's brightness and lack of chromatic information create a visual flatness that the nervous system reads as sterile rather than restful. If you love the clean feeling of white, a warm cream or off-white greige achieves visual simplicity without the stress response that pure white can trigger."

Related: These 3 Favorite Colors Are Often Linked to Emotional Intelligence, According to a Color Analyst

Final Takeaways

You bookend your day in your bedroom, so it's useful to have a color proven to put you in a calmer state of mind. Here's what to keep in mind when creating a zen den:

• Some colors are more calming than others. Cool, muted colors are calming colors, especially in a bedroom. Lewis, a color psychology expert, specifically a "soft, muted blue with gray undertones." Other calming colors include sage green, deep teal and soft lavender.
• You'll want to avoid some colors in your room. Deep red, vivid yellow and bright are shown in research to induce alertness, stress and anxiety—none of which stage whisper, "calm."
• Saturation matters. A bright green or blue can trigger anxiety. Lewis says soft and muted versions of hues promote calm.

Up Next:

Related: Color Psychologist Says Your Favorite Color May Be Connected to Type A or Type B Personality Traits

Sources:

• Michelle Lewis is a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute. She is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught.
• The influence of color on student emotion, heart rate, and performance in learning environments. Color Research and Application.
• Effects of illuminance and correlated color temperature on emotional responses and lighting adjustment behaviors. Journal of Building & Engineering.
• Blue light and melatonin suppression. Nature Scientific Reports.
• Detrimental Effects of White Valued Walls in Classrooms. Educational Planning, 21.
• Adaptive Effects of Seeing Green Environment on Psychophysiological Parameters When Walking or Running. Frontiers in Psychology.
• Do the hospital rooms make a difference for patients’ stress? A multilevel analysis of the role of perceived control, positive distraction, and social support. Journal of Environmental Psychology.
• The Influence of Hospital Room Wall Colors on Mood Elevation and Recovery Rate in Postoperative Patients: A Comparative Study. Med Science Group.
• Blue or Red? Exploring the Effect of Color on Cognitive Task Performances. Science.

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The key to packing in a carry-on isn't squeezing more into your suitcase—it's choosing pieces that work harder. A well-edited capsule wardrobe eliminates much of the stress of packing while making it easier to look put together throughout an entire trip. When every item can be mixed, matched and layered, you can create a variety of outfits from just a handful of pieces, helping you pack lighter without feeling limited.

As a shopping and travel writer whose work has appeared in Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper's Bazaar, I've spent years covering travel essentials, luggage and versatile wardrobe staples. These are the timeless pieces I'd recommend for building a minimalist carry-on capsule wardrobe that maximizes outfit options while minimizing what you pack.

Related: 8 Brilliant Carry-On Finds That Instantly Upgrade Your Economy Flight

SPANX CarryOn Belted Midi Dress

spanx.com

A versatile midi dress is one of the hardest-working pieces in any travel wardrobe, and this SPANX option checks every box. The universally flattering silhouette can be dressed up with sandals and jewelry for dinner or paired with sneakers and a denim jacket for sightseeing. The midi length works across seasons and climates, while the comfortable stretch fabric makes it ideal for long travel days. Best of all, it has pockets!

Get it on Spanx.com

Related: 8 Carry-On Items Every Retiree Needs for Smoother, More Comfortable Travel

Tommy Bahama Aruba Casual Blazer

tommybahama.com

Ask almost any stylist for the one piece every capsule wardrobe needs, and a tailored blazer will be at the top of the list. It instantly adds structure to even the simplest outfit, making jeans, dresses and trousers look more elevated. This Tommy Bahama version is especially travel-friendly thanks to its comfortable stretch fabric, which gives the sophistication of a classic blazer without feeling restrictive. It's also an excellent layering piece for cool flights, breezy evenings and unpredictable weather.

Get it on TommyBahama.com

Related: I Stopped Overpacking—These 9 Carry-On Items Fixed Everything

French Connection Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants

macys.com

A pair of relaxed linen pants is a vacation wardrobe essential. Breathable and effortlessly chic, these wide-leg linen trousers can be styled with everything from a simple tank top to a button-down shirt or blazer. Their relaxed fit keeps them comfortable for long days of exploring, while the classic silhouette makes them easy to dress up for dinner or special occasions.

Get it on Macys.com

Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 60

Polo Ralph Lauren Denim Shirt

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A classic denim shirt is one of the most versatile layering pieces you can pack. Wear it buttoned with trousers, open over a tank or T-shirt, tied at the waist with a dress or layered under a blazer when temperatures drop. This Polo Ralph Lauren version has a soft, lived-in feel from day one, making it comfortable enough for travel while maintaining a polished appearance.

Get it on Macys.comTommy Bahama Multi-Use Wrap

tommybahama.com

Few travel pieces are as versatile as a lightweight wrap. Whether draped over your shoulders on a chilly flight, layered over an outfit for extra warmth or used as a cozy travel blanket, this Tommy Bahama wrap earns its place in your carry-on. It adds comfort without taking up much space and can easily transition from the plane to dinners, sightseeing and evenings outdoors.

Get it on TommyBahama.com

Related: 8 Airport Outfit Pieces Every Woman Over 50 Needs

J. McLaughlin Britt Linen Shirt

jmclaughlin.com

A crisp linen button-down is the definition of a capsule wardrobe staple. This J. McLaughlin shirt is lightweight, breathable and available in multiple colors, making it easy to tailor to your personal style. Wear it with linen pants, shorts, skirts or denim, use it as a beach cover-up or layer it over a tank for added coverage.

Get it on JMcLaughlin.comVIVAIA Yancy Sneaker Flats

v

If you'd rather not dedicate valuable suitcase space to multiple pairs of shoes, a versatile sneaker is the answer. These VIVAIA Yancy sneaker flats combine the comfort and support of a flat with a streamlined silhouette that feels more elevated than a traditional athletic sneaker. Lightweight and comfortable enough for full days of exploring, it pairs really well with dresses, trousers, and skirts, making it suitable for a variety of occasions.

Get it on Vivaia.com

In 1979, few could have predicted that a nearly 10-minute post-punk song would one day become a Halloween tradition.

When Bauhaus released "Bela Lugosi's Dead," the haunting single sounded unlike anything else in rock music. Built around Daniel Ash's eerie guitar work, David J's hypnotic bassline and Peter Murphy's theatrical vocals, the song gradually developed a devoted following and eventually became one of the recordings most closely associated with the spooky season.

Clocked at 9:36 minutes, its inspiration came from one of horror's greatest legends.

Named after the actor who immortalized Count Dracula in the 1931 film, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" wasn't intended as a novelty song or seasonal release. Instead, Bauhaus used Lugosi's larger-than-life legacy as the foundation for an atmospheric meditation on death, myth and immortality. The result was a brooding composition that helped establish an entirely new musical aesthetic.

"I came up with that first line, 'White on white, translucent, black capes back on the rack.' And it was like, 'Oh, this is interesting,'" said David J in an interview. "It's so descriptive - it is about the vampire. It's also about the actor - it's about retiring from the part, but then he sort of plays with the idea. A vampire can never retire from being a vampire, because that's for eternity."

Recorded live in a single take during the band's first studio session, the song immediately set Bauhaus apart from its post-punk contemporaries. Although it wasn't a commercial hit, "Bela Lugosi’s Dead" became the cornerstone of the emerging gothic rock movement, influencing generations of artists who followed with its stark production, minimalist arrangement and unmistakable mood.

Its reputation only continued to grow.

The song reached an even wider audience after appearing in the opening scene of the 1983 vampire film The Hunger, where Bauhaus performed it on screen. Over the years, it became a staple of Halloween playlists, haunted houses, horror conventions and goth club nights, returning every October as reliably as holiday favorites return in December.

"'Bela Lugosi's Dead' just happened to be a seminal song," Murphy told Uncut. "It was the 'Stairway To Heaven' of the 1980s."

While Bauhaus would go on to release acclaimed albums including In the Flat Field and Mask, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" remains the band's defining recording.

"Later, we learned that he was buried in his Dracula costume!" said Murphy in an interview with Kerrang. "Isn't that brilliant? And his whole family came to LA to thank me. His whole family! His son, and his granddaughters, everyone. And I thought, my god, it wasn't like a tribute! I mean, it was. But it's an honor. And it wasn't taking the piss out of Bela Legosi at all. But it was a clever use!"

More than four decades after its release, the song continues to introduce new listeners to gothic rock while serving as the unofficial soundtrack to Halloween for fans around the world.

"It definitely has a timeless quality," said ex-Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins. "On reflection, I marvel at what we did. We were just four young kids who wanted to make something unique, without really having much idea what we were doing. But that song came out of it."

What began as an ambitious debut single ultimately became one of rock’s most enduring seasonal anthems. Nearly 50 years later, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" still casts the same spell it did in 1979, proving that some songs never lose their haunting power.

Related: 1982 Rock Classic, Lasting Over 14 Minutes, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem

Ritchie Blackmore was already known for his music with Deep Purple when he released his first single with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. The song, “Man on the Silver Mountain,” was written by Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio and appeared on Rainbow’s self-titled debut album in 1975. The hard-rocking song featured a driving guitar riff and Dio’s soaring vocals about a mysterious higher being.

“Man on the Silver Mountain” became a signature song for Blackmore’s Rainbow despite never charting on the Billboard Hot 100. And while “Stone Cold” (with later lead singer Joe Lynn Turner) became Rainbow’s only Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hit seven years later, “Man on the Silver Mountain” remains a defining part of the band’s legacy and the Dio era.

Having already found success with Deep Purple, Blackmore once explained that he formed his own band so he could record music that his Purple bandmates wouldn’t do with him. In a 1975 interview reposted on Blackmore’s official YouTube channel, the music legend recalled calling Dio and session musicians to work with him on one song, and it ultimately turned into an album.

In the same interview, Dio explained the origin of “Man on the Silver Mountain.”

“The song is dragged from the hidden depths of my mind,” he said. “It’s basically about, the man on silver mountain is kind of a god figure and everyone else involved in the song are calling upon him to somehow save them. When you listen to the lyrics, you'll hear they're pleading with him to make them holy again. It's just a kind of quasi-religious kind of thing, I guess.”

Even Blackmore wasn’t totally sure what “Man on the Silver Mountain” was about. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, he said it was “very easy" to write with Dio, but that he couldn't always decipher his lyrics.

“He was very quick to write lyrics, although I never really understood some of the lyrics,” Blackmore shared. “And I would ask him, 'What's 'Man on the Silver Mountain,' What's that?' And he would go, 'I don't really know, [it 's] just something I thought of as a spur of the moment [thing].' Which, you know, I think everybody has their own silver mountain that they can pretend to have, so sometimes lyrics don't have to make perfect sense.”

RELATED: 1982 Power Ballad Written by Rock Legends Became Iconic Band’s Only Top 40  Hit

Although “Man on the Silver Mountain” wasn’t a Billboard hit, the Rainbow concert classic remains a timeless hard rock anthem more than 50 years later, so much so that it received a modern-day makeover.

In 2026, a powerful cover of “Man on the Silver Mountain” was recorded for Ride the Rainbow, a tribute to Blackmore’s Rainbow. The all-star cover was recorded by Sebastian Bach, Bob Daisley, Mick Box, Jonathan Cain, Doug Aldrich and  Carmine Appice, per Blabbermouth.net, putting the classic song in the spotlight for a new generation of fans.

Related: 1972 Road-Trip Anthem, Written by Rock Legends, Was Inspired by an Iconic TV Theme

On June 22, 1971, Joni Mitchell released the LP Blue and changed the landscape for singer-songwriters, setting a new standard for emotional honesty and lyrical storytelling in popular music.

The album’s raw vulnerability and stripped-down sound stood out in an era dominated by more polished productions. Over time, it has come to be regarded as one of the most influential records of its generation.

Decades later, Blue still resonates with listeners for the way it captures heartbreak, love, and self-reflection. Its influence can be heard in artists who followed, including Prince, Taylor Swift, Bob Dylan, and Jewel.

Jewel told Rolling Stone, "I remember a friend in high school playing me 'A Case of You,' from Blue. I could tell that Joni was a painter by the way she wrote lyrics. She describes smells and sounds and uses fewer words to transmit more feeling. Her melodies are about shapes. The singing lines are slow, steep plateaus."

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Swift added, "She wrote it about her deepest pains and most haunting demons. Songs like 'River,' which is just about her regrets and doubts about herself. I think this album is my favorite because it explores somebody's soul so deeply."

Apple Music named Blue as one of its 100 Best Albums. It came in at No. 16, ranked between Adele's 21 and Marvin Gaye's What's Going On.

The LP's tracklist includes "All I Want," "Carey," "This Flight Tonight," "The Last Time I Saw Richard," "My Old Man," "Blue," "River," "Little Green," "California," and "A Case of You."

The website Classic Album Sundays quoted Mitchell as saying the LP is “a description of the times. There were so many sinking, but I had to keep thinking I could make it through the waves."

"You watched that high of the hippie thing descend into drug depression. Right after Woodstock, then we went through a decade of basic apathy where my generation sucked its thumb and then just decided to be greedy.”

In 1979, Mitchell told Rolling Stone's Cameron Crowe, that recording Blue was a personal turning point.

"I came to another turning point—the terrible opportunity that people are given in their lives. The day that they discover to the tips of their toes that they're a*******, and you have to work on from there. And decide what your values are. Which parts of you are no longer really necessary. They belong to childhood's end."

Happy 55th Anniversary Blue!

Related: 1970 Iconic Folk Rock Classic Ranked Among the Decade’s Best Songs

Remember when planning a summer beach trip meant balancing a mountain of school schedules, camp calendars and peak-season flight prices? By the time you paid for three meals a day, pool drinks and keeping everyone entertained, the final bill—and the sheer noise level around the main pool—could be a total shock. But once you're finally free from the strict school calendar, late August and September open up a brilliant window to take advantage of the shoulder season, letting you experience some of the world's best coastal spots when they are at their absolute quietest. If you have been waiting to sneak away for a peaceful, uncrowded getaway, Marriott Bonvoy just dropped a major promotion to make it happen.

The global travel program officially unveiled its Summer All-Inclusive Vacation Deals, slashing rates by up to 20% for Marriott Bonvoy members and up to 15% for non-members on bookings of three nights or more.

The limited-time promotion spans an impressive roster of sun-and-sand destinations across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Brazil. Bookings are officially live now through August 27, 2026, covering tropical stays between June 11 and September 30, 2026. Travelers just need to use the promotional code S6058 when checking availability, though actual savings will vary slightly depending on the specific property and season.

While the sale is framed around family travel, the late-summer timing is an absolute goldmine if you're looking for a more serene, grown-up atmosphere. As the back-to-school rush clears out the summer crowds, these massive resorts transition into incredibly peaceful waterfront sanctuaries.

I actually got to stay at the newly reimagined Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive Resort, right in the heart of the hotel zone, and I was absolutely blown away by the experience. The property sits on a stunningly pristine stretch of beach, with beautiful pools and outdoor lounges positioned perfectly along some of the most scenic spots on the shoreline. What really sets it apart is the incredible variety-packed dining scene. Instead of the repetitive, predictable buffets you find at older all-inclusive properties, guests can experience Kasai Izakaya’s refined Japanese plates, vibrant Yucatan-forward à la carte dining at Casa Madre, and the wood-fired, island-inspired flavors of Hana Polynesian Grill. Even casual cravings are elevated, from gourmet nostalgic bites at Mo’s Burgers & Shakes to an array of upscale, open-air beachside spots perfect for a relaxed bite by the water.

Related: Marriott Just Opened an All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun—Here’s What Blew Me Away Most

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Even at standard rates, the pricing for the Cancun property is surprisingly affordable for the level of premium service you receive, which makes a 20% discount an absolute steal. Every baseline worry is completely handled on-property, covering all your gourmet meals, unlimited premium cocktails, non-motorized water sports and tranquil beachfront access.

Of course, traveling to the Caribbean or Mexico during the late summer means navigating the peak of hurricane season. While the quiet beaches and lowered rates are well worth the trip, it is smart to invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy when booking. Protecting your investment ensures that even if nature throws a curveball at your itinerary, you can rebook without losing a dime.

Related: Royalton Hotel & Resorts' New 'Hotel-Within-a-Hotel' Embraces Quiet Luxury in the Riviera Maya

If you are a serious points chaser, the math on this promotion gets even better. When you book one of these participating all-inclusive stays using a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you can seamlessly stack your rewards. Cardholders automatically earn up to an extra 6X points per dollar on eligible purchases spent directly at participating Marriott properties, which layers right on top of the standard 10X points you earn just for being a Bonvoy member. Between the upfront 20% discount and the massive points multiplier hitting your account after checkout, it is a brilliant window to maximize your travel budget.

Whether you want to park yourself under a quiet beach canopy in Cancun, explore the extraordinary biodiversity of Costa Rica, or check out the crystal-clear waters of Antigua, the portfolio expansion proves that you don't have to sacrifice upscale dining or premium service to get a worry-free rate.

Related: Your Favorite Boutique Hotel Brand Just Joined Marriott Bonvoy

It's been said that art imitates life, but sometimes art imitates art itself.

When Roxy Music released "2HB" on its landmark self-titled debut album in 1972, Bryan Ferry paid tribute to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated movies: Casablanca. More than 50 years later, the song remains one of the band's signature recordings, while the film that inspired it continues to rank among Rotten Tomatoes'best movies of all time.

The connection was no coincidence.

The title "2HB" stands for "To Humphrey Bogart," the legendary actor who starred in Casablanca.

"'2HB' was written sitting at the piano with the typewriter balanced on my knees," Ferry told NME. "It wasn't that I have a thing about Bogart – it could have been any popular idol of the period, or later, James Dean or somebody – and it's not that Bogart was a very tragic figure anyway. It was just that line, 'Here's looking at you, kid,' from the film Casablanca, and coming out of the cinema remembering all those great scenes: the cigarette smoke in the nightclub, and Peter Lorre in a white jacket... The song was written around a period – the late 40s – as captured in that one picture."

Ferry built the song around the romance, mystery and melancholy that made the 1942 classic so enduring, even weaving the film's famous theme, "As Time Goes By," into Andy Mackay's unforgettable saxophone solo. Rather than simply referencing the movie, Ferry transformed its atmosphere into one of Roxy Music's most distinctive recordings.

"2HB" also introduced listeners to the sophisticated blend of glam rock, art rock and cinematic storytelling that quickly became the band's calling card. Alongside Ferry's elegant songwriting, Brian Eno's experimental textures and the group's adventurous musicianship, the track helped establish Roxy Music as one of the most innovative bands of the decade.

That innovation soon translated to the concert stage. Throughout the 1970s and on subsequent reunion tours, Roxy Music graduated from theaters to arenas around the world, headlining major venues across Europe and North America while building a reputation for stylish, visually ambitious live performances. Songs like "2HB" became part of the sophisticated catalog that helped turn the band into one of rock’s premier touring attractions.

"The first Roxy album is an unusual collage of musical elements, and the songs themselves, if you break them down, are just simple experiments in different genres," Ferry told Uncut. "This was the first album that any of us had made. We were all hungry to learn and new to the experience of being in a recording studio. It was a dream come true to be able to do this."

Although it was never released as a major hit single, "2HB" has endured as one of Roxy Music's most admired songs. Its dreamlike mood, unmistakable saxophone melody and cinematic inspiration have made it a longtime favorite among fans and critics alike.

More than five decades after its release, "2HB" remains a testament to the power of storytelling across different art forms. Inspired by one of cinema's greatest masterpieces, the song helped define the sound of a band that would go on to fill arenas around the world, proving that timeless films can inspire timeless music.

Related: 1982 Rock Classic, Lasting Over 14 Minutes, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem

There are a lot of ways in which you probably know Edgar Allan Poe. Maybe you know him for his poem, “The Raven.” Or maybe from his short story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” about the beating heart under the floorboards. You might even know him for “The Cask of Amontillado.” His general mysterious and macabre writing might also just be what you remember him for (which wouldn’t be wrong, either). He wrote poems, short stories, critical essays and more, and the Poetry Foundation even called him “the architect of the modern short story.” Our quote of the daycomes from one of those well-known stories and shares Poe's belief that daydreamers notice more than those who only dream at night.

Born in Boston in 1809 to actor parents, his mother died only a few years later of tuberculosis, according to the National Park Service (NPS). Since his father had already left them (including Poe’s two other siblings), the kids all went to different families, with Poe ending up with John Allan and his wife, Frances. They were wealthy, which led Poe to travel to England and Scotland as a kid and attend boarding schools.

Poe had issues with gambling from his teen years onward, which impacted his ability to study at the University of Virginia, be in the military and even attend West Point, though some of that restlessness came from his desire to just be a writer. As Britannica reported, after he got himself expelled from the military academy, he pursued writing full-time, publishing in literary newspapers and magazines. 

Poe’s work is part of the Romanticism and Gothic fiction literary movements, leaning heavily into the occult and the satanic, as Britannica wrote. And as the Poetry Foundation reported, his works have a “psychological intensity" that his work is now known for.

Whether you know his work super well, since he’s one of the most well-known and successful American writers, or you just know his name, Poe’s influence on literature is undeniable. And again, today’s quote shares a little of what he thinks about visionaries and how they differ from those who save the dreaming for their pillows.

Related: Quote of the Day: Ralph Waldo Emerson on Self-Reliance and Staying True to Yourself

Quote of the Day by Edgar Allan Poe

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“They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”

This quote is a line early on in Poe’s short story, “Eleonora.” It was first published in the literary annual, The Gift, in 1842 in Philadelphia. As the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore reported, annuals were “popular gifts” in the mid-19th century that often went out at the end of the year. Poetry, fiction and other prose were often printed in these gift books, which had a gorgeous presentation (they were presents after all). 

“Eleonora” is a somber work and tells the story of a man who falls in love with his cousin, the namesake of the poem. She, however, is sick and dies, but not before the narrator promises to never marry anyone else or leave “The Valley of the Many-Colored Grass,” where they live. However, after she dies, he does move to a new city and marries a woman named Ermengarde. Eleonora then comes to the narrator in his dreams, telling him she gives her blessing to his marriage.

As the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore stated, it’s a “story of happiness lost and regained, and a favorite of Romantic readers.” According to them, Poe wasn’t really happy with how this one turned out, and wrote once that it’s a tale “which is not ended so well as it might be,” though he never did change the main points of the story in his revisions.

The short story is also thought to be semi-autobiographical, since Poe fell in love with his first cousin, Virginia, whom he did end up marrying when she was 13 and he was 27. Just like Eleonora, Virginia died young, and many think that Poe wrote himself as the narrator to absolve himself of any guilt for finding love again later down the line.

Related: Quote of the Day: Painter Vincent van Gogh on Passion and Not Letting ‘The Fire Go Out in One’s Soul’—‘Keep It Burning'

Deeper Meaning of Edgar Allan Poe’s Quote—Those Who ‘Dream By Day’ Are Aware of More Than Others

It’s important to note that, as the narrator states at the very beginning of the story, he is mad. Or at least he shares that others consider him mad, which he (potentially cheekily) says may or may not be “the loftier intelligence.” This kind of shapes a lot of the events in the story, such as the fantastical elements of the valley (how pretty it was when Eleonora is alive and how it dims and dies as she does). 

So in that context, when he says this quote, he is comparing himself to those who call him crazy and don’t daydream. He calls their visions “gray,” and says they can only “obtain glimpses of eternity” when they’re sleeping. But then that “great secret” (that daydreamers possess) slips away from their grasp as soon as they wake up. Since they can only embark on the “adventure” of finding wisdom and meaning in their sleep, they are “rudderless and compassless,” as they explore the “sea of darkness,” which Poe writes in Latin. 

Whether in the context of the short story or outside it, the quote is a favorable portrayal of daydreamers: people who are visionaries and have large ambitions that might seem impossible to those around them. He’s saying that those who are imaginative and think big while they’re awake have a greater understanding of things than those who are very cut-and-dry when they’re conscious. Sure, everyone (for the most part) has dreams when they sleep. But the real magic goes to those who keep that creative, inventive spirit alive when they’re awake as well. 

They might be seen as offbeat or called crazy or “mad” by those around them. However, Poe writes that people “who dream by day” know just a bit more than those who don’t.

Related: Psychiatrist Alfred Adler on the 'Meanings We Give to Situations’ and Choosing Our Own Paths

More Quotes from Edgar Allan Poe

• “With me poetry has been not a purpose, but a passion; and the passions should be held in reverence: they must not — they cannot at will be excited, with an eye to the paltry compensations, or the more paltry commendations, of mankind.”
• “I have great faith in fools — self-confidence my friends will call it.”
• “I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity.”
• “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.”
• “To him, who still would gaze upon the glory of the summer sun, there comes, when that sun will from him part, a sullen hopelessness of heart.”
• “Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.”

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Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist Gordon Allport on Humor Being the Best Way To Fight Life’s ‘Tangles’—‘We Have No Appropriate Sword Other Than Laughter’

Emerson, Lake & Palmer, the iconic progressive rock band, is still hailed as one of the greatest supergroups of all time.

Despite their long hiatus from the music industry, the trio, consisting of Keith Emerson from The Nice, Greg Lake from King Crimson and Carl Palmer from Atomic Rooster, left a lasting legacy that generations of musicians and fans continue to admire and celebrate.

In a list revealed by WatchMojo, the '70s English band made it to the elite list of the top 20 best supergroups in music history, with Cream, Traveling Wilburys and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young sitting in the top three spots.

Described as "one of the best rock acts of that decade," Emerson, Lake & Palmer are best known as one of the earliest supergroups and as pioneers of the progressive rock genre.

Their take on classical compositions gave their music a unique blend of rock and orchestral sounds, while their theatrical live performances set them apart from their contemporaries.

Emerson Lake & Palmer members in circa 1970s

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Formed in 1970, the band came together when the trio pursued a shared vision following the disbandment of their previous bands.

Throughout their career, Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) released nine studio albums, including several signature hits.

Among their most popular tracks is "Karn Evil 9," which, according to Ultimate Classic Rock, was the band's "best and most popular piece."

Featured on their 1973 album Brain Salad Surgery, the almost 30-minute song was divided into three parts called "Impressions," which included the famous introduction, "Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends."

Adding to the list of their most popular songs are "Lucky Man," written by Greg Lake when he was 12, and "Tarkus," a song dubbed by critics as one of the "most ambitious pieces" with its seven-part, 20-minute suite.

Unfortunately, amid their years of success, the band bid goodbye in 1979.

The band's breakup was attributed to creative burnout and the commercial failure of their album Love Beach.

Despite trying to revive the band in 1992 with the release of their album Black Moon, followed by In the Hot Seat in 1994, ELP officially called it quits in 1998.

"There's something about ELP that doesn't work," Lake told Rolling Stone back in 2013. "It used to work, but it doesn't work now."

Following the band's breakup, the frontman clarified that it wasn't the media who broke them up.

"I’m very proud of ELP, but it wasn’t the journalists that brought down ELP," Lake explained, adding, "I think it was ELP themselves. It started to fragment when they made Works Volume 1 [in 1977.] It was a good album, but it wasn’t ELP. It was Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer with an orchestra. Well, with three separate orchestras."

In 2010, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary with a concert, serving as the group's final performance together.

Related: ’80s Rock Band, Originally Disbanding for $1 Million, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time