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Jon Cryer Recalls James Burrows' Note That Made Him Feel Like He'd Finally Made It — and Fans Can't Get Enough
Actor Jon Cryer is remembering a behind-the-scenes moment with legendary director James Burrows that he says changed the trajectory of his career.
Burrows died on June 19 at age 85, and as tributes poured in, Cryer shared one of his own.
"There was a moment on a show I did with Jim called Partners where we realized the third act didn’t work so we had to, on the fly, completely rewrite and restage it in front of the audience," Cryer wrote on Threads.
He continued, "As we threw out ideas he told me to 'do a Newhart' and I knew he meant for me to do those great perplexed stutters that Bob Newhart used to do and I realized I was getting shorthand from the greatest director of sitcoms to ever do it. He trusted me to give him what he knew would work."
That's when Cryer had his own career aha moment.
"I looked around the studio and realized I was where I always wanted to be," he wrote. "And how lucky I was. I will never forget that feeling. Thank you, Jim. It was an honor to know you."
Fans quickly responded to the post, with some highlighting Burrows' influence on television comedy and his connection to Bob Newhart.
"I'm a huge fan of Bob Newhart's stutters. I love this memory, and I'm grateful we had James [Burrows] in this world," one person wrote.
Amid the flood of condolences, others remembered Burrows' later work, including his appearance as himself on HBO's The Comeback.
"What a massive loss for Hollywood and the rest of us — we all benefited from his expertise in comedic direction. His memorial/funeral is going to be massive with everyone he worked with — he seemed to be well loved and respected by so many actors. I just saw him on HBO’s The Comeback playing himself," another commenter wrote.
Even the short-lived 1995 sitcomPartners got some love from fans.
"My condolences on the loss of your friend. I really enjoyed Partners, great show," one person commented.
In addition to Partners, Cryer worked with Burrows on Two and a Half Men, plus Cryer was a guest star on the 2018 Will & Grace revival.
1967 Pop Rock Song Became a Hit, Despite Radio Stations Editing Out an Entire Section They Disliked
“Susan” was a 1967 song from The Buckinghams that spent 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song peaked at No. 11, and that same year, Billboard Magazine named them the most listened to band in America.
However, at this time, the Buckinghams weren’t happy with their music producer, James William Guercio. He had added an excerpt from Central Park in the Dark, a musical composition by Charles Ives, to “Susan” that contrasted harshly with the rest of the song. The band didn't like the sound of the excerpt. Neither did radio stations. Many edited out the section when they aired the song. After this disagreement, Guercio split with the band. He went on to produce Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears instead.
During an interview with XMFan, the lead singer of the band, Carl Giammarese, spoke about the big impression that the band made on its fans. “Today I'll still have people come up to me after the show and tell me they were in Vietnam and how our music helped them get through it,” he said. “It gives me a really warm feeling and still gets me choked up a little bit when I think about it because I can really relate to and feel for what was going on at the time."
He continued, "Of course, our songs were not protest songs or heavy tunes - they were basically love songs, the guy-girl breaking up and getting together type music - and I think that kind of music was important to them being over there fighting that war too, because it made them think of their girlfriends back home and gave them something to hold on to. Maybe it was just a lighter note to help them forget about their problems and troubles that were going on there at the time.”
Related: 1965 Classic Wedding Anthem, Inspired by a Flirting Grandfather, Became One of Motown’s Biggest Hits
Giammarese also spoke about their expectations when they were first starting out. “Everything changed when The Beatles came along,” he said. “All of a sudden, we all wanted to be Beatles and make hit records, be famous. My goals in '66 were to be in a successful band on the top of the charts, be a rock star and the whole nine yards. That's what we were striving for, even though we were a little bit unsure about how to get there, and some of it was just blind luck. A lot of it was we were just lucky to have the right look, the right guys in the band, and the right songs to come along.”
The Buckinghams had other hits like “Kind of a Drag,” “Don’t You Care,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” and “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song).”
The band broke up in 1970. However, they reformed in 1980 and still tour to this day.
9 Best Drugstore Shampoos That Feel Like High-End Brands, Tested by Hairstylists
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There's a persistent myth that good shampoo has to be expensive, that anything under $15 is secretly stripping your hair or coating it in cheap silicones that make it look shiny while causing damage. It's a myth I (and my wallet!) have personally fallen for, and it's also increasingly untrue.
Drugstore shampoo has had a genuine glow-up over the last decade, and the gap between what you can buy at the drugstore and what you can buy at the salon has gotten smaller—especially for everyday cleansing needs. Hooray for our tresses and our pocketbooks!
That said, not all affordable shampoos are created equal, and the wrong formula can absolutely cause problems. Harsh sulfates strip color and moisture. Formulas designed for a general audience often do an okay job for most hair types, but an exceptional job for none. The trick is knowing what your hair actually needs and matching the formula to that—not buying based on packaging, price or whatever's currently going viral (as hard as that might be to resist).
To find out the nine best drugstore shampoos that are genuinely worth your money, we talked to two professional hairstylists—Lia Hakim, owner of Hott Salons in Westchester, NY, and Lacy Gadegaard, founder and CEO of Laced Hair—about what separates a good formula from a mediocre one, which ingredients to prioritize and which picks they'd actually recommend to their own clients.
Related: 12 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry, Dull Hair, Tested by Stylists
Are Drugstore Shampoos Good for Your Hair?Yes—with the right formula.
"Healthy hair is more about ingredients and consistency than price point alone," says Hakim. She's seen clients get excellent results from drugstore shampoos, especially when paired with the right conditioner and heat protection.
As someone who works extensively with color-treated hair and extensions, Gadegaard does think there's a meaningful difference in ingredient quality and concentration between professional and drugstore formulas over time.
But the gap is much smaller than the price difference suggests—and several drugstore options have genuinely closed it. Since you typically need less product per wash with a professional formula, the cost per use is often closer than people expect.
Related: The Beauty Product Expiration Dates You Should Actually Follow
What's the Difference Between Drugstore Shampoo and Salon Shampoo?The primary difference is ingredient quality, concentration and how personalized the products are, Gadegaard says. Drugstore formulas are built for a broad audience, which means they work adequately for most hair types for general cleaning.
Professional shampoos are built with a specific purpose for a specific hair type and have higher-quality ingredients at higher concentrations. But not every salon shampoo is automatically superior—and not every affordable shampoo is low quality, Hakim says.
"The best shampoo is the one that works consistently for your hair texture, scalp condition and styling routine," she shares.
What Ingredients Should You Look for in a Shampoo?Gadegaard starts with sulfate-free formulas, especially for color-treated hair or extensions. Beyond that, she looks for hydrating ingredients like panthenol, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, plus gentle exfoliating ingredients for scalp health.
Hakim shares that if you have dry or damaged hair, you need argan oil, keratin, biotin and proteins. If you have an oily scalp, look for tea tree oil, salicylic acid or charcoal. And if you have curly hair, shea butter and coconut oil are your friends. The ingredient list, she says, matters far more than the price tag.
Related: 7 Best Hairstyles for Thin Hair Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists
How Do You Choose the Best Drugstore Shampoo for Your Hair Type?Start with your scalp, not your ends, Gadegaard says.
"Shampoo is really a scalp product," she explains. "The ends get cleansed from the rinse."
Identify your scalp type first—oily, dry, flaky or balanced—then layer in your hair concerns. Match the formula to both and you'll get far better results than buying whatever's on sale.
Can Cheap Shampoo Damage Your Hair?It's less about price and more about what's in it. Hakim notes that harsh formulas with overly drying detergents or heavy waxes can leave hair dull, brittle or coated over time—but damage usually comes from a combination of factors, not the shampoo alone.
Gadegaard's warning signs to watch for: increased dryness, color fading faster than it should, scalp irritation or hair that feels coated and heavy. If any of those sound familiar, it's worth looking closely at your formula.
Related: The 11 Best Hair-Growth Shampoos for Thinning, Breakage and Shedding—Tested by Trichologists
How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair?It depends on your scalp, lifestyle and hair type—but both experts land in similar territory. Gadegaard recommends every two to three days for most people, noting that overwashing strips the scalp's natural oils and can actually trigger more oil production. Hakim agrees, adding that the right frequency is ultimately about finding this balance.
"The scalp feels clean but the hair still feels hydrated and manageable," she states
Are Sulfate-Free Drugstore Shampoos Better for Your Hair?For color-treated hair, extensions, sensitive scalps or dry hair: yes, genuinely. Sulfates are effective cleansers but also very stripping, and Gadegaard calls switching to a sulfate-free formula "one of the single most impactful swaps you can make for the long-term health of your hair."
Hakim adds that sulfates aren't universally bad, and people with very oily scalps sometimes need a stronger cleanse occasionally to clear buildup. As with most things in hair care, it comes down to what your specific scalp needs.
Related: 13 Best Clarifying Shampoos for 2026, Tested by Hairstylists
Top Drugstore Shampoos- Best Drugstore Shampoo for Dry Hair: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo
- Best Drugstore Shampoo for Damaged Hair: Saltair Recovery & Restore Damage Shampoo
- Best Drugstore Shampoo for Fine Hair:L'Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo
- Best Drugstore Shampoo for Curly Hair: Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo
- Best Drugstore Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo
- Best Sulfate-Free Drugstore Shampoo: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo
- Best Volumizing Drugstore Shampoo: John Frieda Volume Lift Weightless Shampoo
- Best Clarifying Drugstore Shampoo: Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost Shampoo
- Best Luxury-Inspired Drugstore Shampoo: Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo
Amazon
Shop It on AmazonThis is Hakim's pick for dry hair, and the hyaluronic acid-forward formula is the reason. It delivers real hydration without weighing the hair down—leaving dry hair noticeably softer and shinier after just a few washes. For anyone whose hair feels perpetually thirsty no matter what they do, this is the accessible starting point before investing in anything more expensive.
Best for Damaged Hair: Saltair Recovery & Restore Damage Shampoo, $12Target
Shop It at TargetGadegaard's recommendation for hair that's been through the wringer—heat damage, over-processing, color services or some combination of all three. The formula addresses the kind of structural compromise that shows up as brittleness and breakage, rather than just coating the damage in silicone and calling it fixed. A genuinely useful pick for hair in recovery mode.
Best for Fine Hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo, $12Amazon
Shop It on AmazonFine hair's biggest shampoo enemy is a formula that adds volume by coating the strand, which eventually creates buildup and makes things worse. Gadegaard specifically chose this one because it delivers lightweight volume "without stripping the hair or making extensions feel dry and tangled like a lot of volumizing shampoos do."
Sulfate-free, gentle and actually effective—which is a harder combination to find in this category than it should be.
Best for Curly Hair: Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo, $7Amazon
Shop It on AmazonThis is Gadegaard's curly hair pick, and the sulfate-free formula is the key differentiator. It maintains moisture and definition while being gentle enough for color-treated or extension hair, which matters because curly hair usually deals with multiple concerns at once.
Hakim also points to coconut oil as one of her go-to ingredients for curly hair, specifically, making the formula here a natural fit.
Best for Color-Treated Hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo, $18Amazon
Shop It on AmazonBoth experts align on sulfate-free as non-negotiable for color-treated hair, and Gadegaard specifically calls this one out as the drugstore formula that genuinely bridges the gap with salon products. It's hydrating, color-safe and gentle enough to help preserve toner and color vibrancy between appointments—which is the whole job.
Best Sulfate-Free: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo, $12Amazon
Shop It on AmazonGadegaard's sulfate-free pick, and the CeraVe approach—ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a genuinely gentle cleansing formula—makes it stand out in this category. It cleans effectively without compromising moisture balance, which is exactly what a sulfate-free formula should do. For anyone making the switch from a more stripping shampoo, this is a low-risk, high-reward starting point.
Best Volumizing: John Frieda Volume Lift Weightless Shampoo, $9Amazon
Shop It on AmazonThis is Hakim's volumizing pick, and the "weightless" descriptor is doing real work here. Volume shampoos that actually weigh hair down are a frustrating category failure; this one avoids it—it creates body and movement while keeping hair soft and manageable rather than stiff and product-coated. For fine or limp hair that needs lift without compromise, this is the reliable drugstore answer.
Best Clarifying: Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost, $14CVS
Shop It at CVSA remake of the classic clarifying Neutrogena shampoo, Hakim reaches for this one to clear out the buildup from styling products, dry shampoo and mineral deposits that accumulate over time and make even well-maintained hair look dull and flat.
Used once a week or every couple of weeks as a reset, it removes what regular shampoo can't without leaving the scalp feeling stripped. Every hair type benefits from a clarifying wash in rotation—this is the most accessible way to do it.
Best Luxury-Inspired: Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo, $23Amazon
Shop It on AmazonHakim describes this one as delivering "a salon-quality experience with a rich lather, sophisticated scent, and silky finish that feels much more expensive than it is."
It's the drugstore pick for anyone who wants the full sensory experience of a high-end shampoo—the kind of lather that makes your shower feel like an appointment—without spending salon prices to get it.
Up Next:
Sources:- Lia Hakim is the owner of Hott Salons, Westchester, NY.
- Lacy Gadegaard is the founder and CEO of Laced Hair.
Taylor Swift Is Building an Eras-Level Stage for the Wedding (in Secret)
When Taylor Swift commits, she tends to go all the way. The same instinct that turned a three-hour concert into a cultural juggernaut now appears to be shaping the most anticipated wedding of the decade, and the scale of what's taking shape behind closed doors is giving fans something entirely new to focus on.
Sources tell TMZ that Swift has commissioned a massive custom stage for her upcoming wedding celebration withTravis Kelce, being constructed at Rock Lititz in Lititz, Pennsylvania (a facility long used by major artists for tour rehearsals and stage fabrication), inside a warehouse described as 'under lock and key with security guards patrolling the area.' The stage is not connected to any active music tour, sources confirmed to the outlet.
An original idea to hold the reception at Ocean House in Rhode Island was reportedly scrapped and the fireworks company that had been hired for the event confirmed the booking was canceled and relocated to New York. Since then, Madison Square Garden has emerged as the rumored site for a July 3 celebration. Page Six reports the event is being coordinated by celebrity wedding planner Mark Seed, who has been working on the production for months, and that MSG shows no scheduled events on its calendar from June 29 through July 6.
Production insiders told Page Six that staging a celebration at MSG would be comparable in scope to a major concert production, requiring days of venue transformation before the event and days of teardown after. The reported scale fits Swift's track record. Rock Lititz has worked with her before, with Swift's entertainment company reportedly receiving Pennsylvania tax credits to rehearse there for both the Reputation Stadium Tour and the Eras Tour.
Related: Knicks Radio Host Caught on Hot Mic Dismissing Taylor Swift at NBA Finals
When reached for comment, Rock Lititz spokesperson Jill Brown said only that the company 'respects the privacy of all artists, whether they are or are not our clients.' Swift and Kelce, who announced their engagement in August 2025 with a joint Instagram post reading 'Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,' have not publicly confirmed any wedding details.
Alongside the Pennsylvania revelations, something else caught fan attention this week. Activity spotted at Swift's Rhode Island mansion on the evening of June 18 showed what appeared to be four women on a rooftop balcony (three in black robes and one in white) with one figure reported to be Swift's childhood best friend Abigail Anderson Berard. The sighting raised an intriguing question. If the original Rhode Island plans included a reception on June 13, was there already a separate private ceremony in place, meaning Swift and Kelce could already be married? Neither has responded to the speculation.
What fans can piece together is that the same Pennsylvania production campus that helped power the Eras Tour, an experience that broke records and left audiences weeping in parking lots around the world, may now be helping to stage the next chapter of Taylor Swift's story entirely.
Country Star's First Father's Day as a Dad Inspires Heartfelt New Project
Cole Swindell is celebrating a milestone Father's Day this year.
Less than a year after welcoming daughter Rainey Gail with wife Courtney Swindell, the country singer is inviting fans to create personalized Father's Day cards while preparing to release his emotional new song, "Girl Dad."
The digital experience allows fans to customize a Father's Day card for the dads and father figures in their lives, a fitting companion to a song that explores the joys of fatherhood and the lasting impact of family.
View this post on InstagramFor Swindell, the project arrives during a particularly meaningful chapter of life. He and Courtney welcomed their first child, Rainey Gail Swindell, on Aug. 7, 2025, calling her "our greatest blessing" in a social media announcement.
The timing also coincides with the release of "Girl Dad," a deeply personal new song that reflects on becoming a father while remembering the dad he lost.
According to Country Now, Swindell sees the track as a continuation of the story he first told in his 2015 hit "You Should Be Here," which was written after the sudden death of his father.
"I didn't plan on it being this but it's almost like a 10 year update of my life and what's happened since then," Swindell explained while discussing the song.
Written with Michael Tyler and Ben Stennis, "Girl Dad" finds the Georgia native reflecting on major life milestones he wishes he could share with his father, including marrying Courtney and welcoming their daughter.
The song's emotional chorus centers on the news he never got to deliver in person.
"I wanted so bad to tell you in person, we're having a girl, dad," he sings.
Swindell has also recreated elements of the "You Should Be Here" music video, underscoring the connection between the two songs and highlighting how much his life has changed over the past decade.
By pairing the Father's Day card experience with "Girl Dad," Swindell is encouraging fans to celebrate the people who have shaped their lives while reflecting on the memories and milestones that make Father's Day meaningful.
Fans can create their personalized Father's Day card through Swindell's official campaign ahead of Father's Day on June 21.
Related: Thomas Rhett's New Duet Partner Set for Grand Ole Opry Debut
Psychologists Reveal the Simple Morning Routine That Keeps Retirees Happiest
Sleeping in sounds like the ultimate retirement perk, but psychologists say it may be quietly undermining your happiness. The happiest retirees do live their lives at their own pace, but anchoring mornings is a big contributor to happiness.
Our brains naturally crave routine, and ignoring that can have significant mental health repercussions. If you want to be happier in your retirement, try this science-backed method to create a morning that sets the tone for your entire day.
Related: 20 Inspiring Ideas to Make the Most of Your Retirement Bucket List
Your Sleep Schedule MattersThe best mornings actually start the night before. Setting a consistent sleep schedule will help your body regulate your mood and chemistry. The UK Biobank study of over 100,000 participants found that sleep consistency, not necessarily duration, had the greatest effect on mental health.
Going to bed and waking up at generally the same time every day can help stave off mental health disorders by 23% when combined with a sleep duration of 7 to 9 hours, according to the study. It’s the two factors together, not just the amount of sleep but when it happens, that offer the most benefit.
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The Start Activity and Why it WorksStarting your day off with one concrete activity has profound benefits for your overall happiness. Whether you begin your day with a walk, savor a cup of coffee, or pick up your favorite book, having that start to your day helps anchor it and build a routine.
“Having a routine can help you feel more in control of your time, and also means you can deliberately make time for the things that are restorative to you,” notes a post by Stanford Student Affairs.
The Start Activity works because you create a natural dopamine release that gives your brain a head start on feeling motivated and balanced. This is reiterated in a study by Mia Soviero, a neuroscience researcher who conducted research at NYU Langone Health and Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute.
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical released by brain cells, and it’s mostly involved in motivation, learning, and reinforcement,” says Soviero.
The actual activity doesn’t matter as much as the consistency of doing it. To incorporate this routine into your life, start small with something achievable that you know you’ll enjoy. Once you’re in the habit of participating in a consistent morning activity, you can add or change it to fit your lifestyle as you get more comfortable.
Related: Most Retirees Hit a 'Purpose Gap' After Leaving Work— Here's How to Close It
The Psychology of “Having Somewhere To Be”ScienceDirect published a study showing that volunteering benefits retirees, especially those who retire early, by increasing survival as people age. Because you have a set location with set hours, your brain receives the benefits of routine and schedule.
Applying the same idea to a morning anchor activity provides the same benefit. We need to have things to look forward to for our brains to remain healthy. Plus, you add the benefit of a dopamine hit when you complete the task.
While beginning in the morning is a great way to start your day, you’ll benefit even further from creating a weekly and monthly schedule for yourself. It doesn’t have to be jam-packed like when you were younger, but even having two or three days a week with one or two activities can provide mental health benefits.
So are you ready to revamp your schedule in retirement? By creating a morning anchor and scheduling a few activities for yourself each week, you’ll be setting yourself up for a long and healthy retirement.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Sources- Parade — "Habits of People Who Are Genuinely Happy in Retirement"
- National Library of Medicine — "Sleep Consistency and Mental Health: A UK Biobank Study"
- Stanford Student Affairs — "Sleep Corner: Circadian Rhythms and Routines to Cultivate Consistency for Improved Mental Health"
- CNBC — "Neuroscience Researcher: My Top Dopamine-Boosting Morning Routine"
- ScienceDirect — "Volunteering and Survival Benefits for Retirees"
What Thriving Retirees Do With 168 Hours a Week That Others Don't
Over the course of your career, you nurtured your financial portfolio. Now it’s finally time to retire and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Except, you probably forgot to plan for one very important investment: your time. Retirement is all about enjoying the time you now have all to yourself, but without a defined time portfolio, you may find yourself restless and anxious, not understanding why.
What Is A Time Portfolio?Just like you created and balanced your financial investments, you need to do the same with your time. You have 168 weekly hours to do whatever you want. The real question is how you’re going to invest that time back into yourself and your health.
Creating a time portfolio means finding equilibrium between rest, purpose, and joy. This shouldn’t be a loose concept. It’s important to write down your schedule in both weekly and monthly plans to avoid too much unstructured time, which can have adverse health effects, as reported by UC Berkeley.
Physically writing out a plan for how to spend your days will make them a reality for you. There’s no need to overload your schedule. Go as fast or slow as you want, just make sure you have a plan.
Related: The Little-Known Secret to Avoiding the Dreaded Third Year Retirement Slump Completely
The Three Pillars To BalanceLike balancing your financial portfolio, balancing your time portfolio means allocating your time across different types of activities. There are three pillars that give you a balanced schedule. If you’re nervous about getting started, try doing one activity from each pillar before adding more.
Physical Movement: Ok, don’t groan. You have to stay physically active. No one is asking you to complete an Iron Man, but moving your body daily has immense health benefits. Try creating a walking routine, taking up Tai Chi, participating in a water aerobics class at your local community center, or starting a strength-training routine.
Social Interaction: Yes, you need people. A lack of social interaction has been shown to exacerbate cognitive decline and can even lead to physical health problems, which has been reported in a piece published on the National Library of Medicine’s website. Join a social club or volunteer; religious organizations and senior centers also offer many activities that will get you out and chatting.
Mental Challenges: Just as you work out your body, you also need to work out your mind. Lifelong learning helps stave off cognitive decline and can keep you sharp for years into your retirement. A study by Innovation in Aging found that real-world activities were much more effective than just brain training. So put down the phone and the puzzle app, and go learn a new language. Your brain will appreciate the challenge.
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Related: 20 Inspiring Ideas to Make the Most of Your Retirement Bucket List
Being happy and thriving in retirement isn’t just about the size of your nest egg; it’s about the way you spend your time. Like your retirement portfolio, you’ve been saving up for retirement. Now you get to spend your money and your life on whatever makes you happy. Have a plan, and create the routine.
A well-designed time portfolio isn’t a luxury; it’s a plan most people forget to make. Don’t be one of them.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice
Sources- UC Berkeley — "Life in Retirement Can Take Adjustment"
- Business Wire — "Only Thirty Percent of Retirees Did Enough Planning For How To Spend Time In Retirement, According to New Study from Lincoln Financial Group"
- Sports Medicine - Open (Springer Nature) — "Physical Activity to Counter Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Benefits of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Training"
- National Library of Medicine — "Loneliness Predicts Development of Pain, Fatigue, and Depression in Older Adults"
- Innovation in Aging — "Impact of Later-Life Learning on Trajectories of Cognitive Function Among U.S. Older Adults"
Sandals and Beaches Just Overhauled Their Loyalty Program With Major New Perks
When you find an all-inclusive property that hits every single note perfectly—where the beach is pristine, the swim-up bars are lively and the staff greets you like family the second you step off the transfer shuttle—you start planning your calendar around your next trip. But for a long time, traditional hotel loyalty programs have operated on a pretty rigid points-for-pillows system that can feel a bit transactional. If you are someone who practically has your favorite Caribbean suite on speed dial, the way you get rewarded for your loyalty is about to become a lot more customizable.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts have officially announced a massive evolution of their frequent-flyer style community with the launch of the Island Insiders Club.
Kicking off on July 1, 2026, this newly revamped loyalty system is completely replacing the long-running Sandals Select Rewards program that had been in place since 2008. If you already hold status with the brand, there is no need to worry about losing your hard-earned equity. All existing members will roll over into the new system with their current status tiers completely intact and absolutely zero reset on their benefits.
Related: Three Iconic Sandals Jamaica Hotels Will Be Fully Transformed By End of Year
View this post on Instagram“We are expanding how loyalty shows up across every stay to encapsulate what our loyal members already are—an inside part of the Sandals and Beaches family,” stated Peter Menges, SVP of Loyalty at Unique Vacations, Inc., worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts in a release. “We developed this program side-by-side with the guests who know the resorts, the islands, and the people best, drawing on extensive focus groups, surveys and direct feedback. The result is a loyalty experience that goes far beyond points, and is felt in every welcome home.”
The rebranded program introduces seven newly named loyalty levels, scaling up from "Shell" (which replaces the old entry-level Select tier) through Coral, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Pearl and the ultimate tier, Ambassador.
One of the biggest highlights is the introduction of the Insider Reward, a flexible credit that lets you choose exactly how you want to spend your perks during a stay. Instead of dealing with rigid vouchers, you have total flexibility to apply your credit toward experiences like an afternoon at the Red Lane Spa or a catamaran excursion with Island Routes.
The brands are also introducing a lineup of incredibly practical, time-saving travel perks designed to streamline the entire booking process. Members get access to a dedicated Room Upgrade Hotline, allowing you to call 30 days prior to your trip and secure up to a 50% discount on an upgraded room class. For top-tier Diamond, Pearl and Ambassador guests, a new VIP Concierge Line acts as a full-service, one-stop shop to coordinate everything from your flights and airport transfers to specialty dinner reservations and private tours.
Related: Beaches Resorts Is Opening Three Brand New Getaways for Families
The perks on property are getting a serious lifestyle upgrade, too. Returning members will automatically receive a 20% discount on the Manager’s Wine List for elevated dinner pairings, and elite Ambassador members will receive a generous $200 laundry service credit—an absolute game-changer if you love adhering to a tight carry-on packing strategy for longer island stays. Plus, the classic, ultra-popular milestone perk remains firmly in place: after every 70 paid nights on property, you are automatically awarded a complimentary 7-night stay at any resort of your choice.
Beyond the individual credits, the program is leaning heavily into building exclusive insider communities. Members will get private access to The Insiders Shop, an online storefront featuring limited-edition merchandise drops and handcrafted artisan collections. The brand is also launching dedicated Insider Experiences, creating specialty theme weeks on resort focused on niche passions like advanced scuba diving, culinary masterclasses and certified autism-inclusion family weeks.
Ultimately, the rollout of the Island Insiders Club proves that the best resort rewards are the ones that make you feel like an actual partner in the paradise you're visiting.
Best-Selling Author, With One of the ‘Greatest Books of All Time,’ Turns 79
Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed novelist whose landmark work Midnight’s Children is widely regarded as one of the greatest books ever written, celebrated his 79th birthday on Saturday.
The Indian-born British-American author remains one of the most influential literary figures of the modern era, with a career spanning more than five decades and producing some of contemporary fiction’s most celebrated works.
Rushdie, born on June 19, 1947, in Bombay, India, rose to international prominence with the publication of Midnight’s Children in 1981. The novel won the Booker Prize and later received the prestigious “Booker of Bookers” and “Best of the Booker” honors, recognizing it as the finest novel among Booker Prize winners.
Today, the bestselling author is celebrated not only for his contributions to literature but also for the enduring legacy of a novel that continues to be ranked among the greatest books of all time.
Salman Rushdie attends the lit.COLOGNE festival to present his latest work, "Die elfte Stunde" at WDR Funkhaus on March 20, 2026 in Cologne, Germany.Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Published in 1981, Midnight’s Children tells the story of Saleem Sinai, a boy born at the exact moment India gained independence. As he grows up, Saleem discovers he shares a mysterious connection with other children born during that historic hour, each possessing unique abilities.
Through Saleem’s life, Rushdie blends personal experiences with national history, exploring identity, memory, migration and the lasting effects of colonialism. The novel became a breakthrough success and introduced many readers to Rushdie’s signature style, which combines magical realism with historical fiction.
The book’s influence has endured for decades. It has been ranked among the greatest books ever written by The Greatest Books, a platform that compiles major literary rankings and critical assessments from around the world.
Although readers have often linked the character to the author himself, Rushdie has repeatedly rejected the idea that Saleem is autobiographical.
More than four decades after its release, the novel continues to be studied in classrooms, praised by critics and discovered by new generations of readers.
Beyond Midnight’s Children, Rushdie has built a remarkable body of work that includes Shame, The Satanic Verses, The Moor’s Last Sigh, Shalimar the Clown, The Golden House, Quichotte, and Victory City.
His fourth novel, The Satanic Verses, became one of the most controversial books in literary history following its publication in 1988. The controversy led to decades of threats and security concerns that followed the author throughout much of his life.
In August 2022, Rushdie survived a stabbing attack while preparing to deliver a lecture at New York’s Chautauqua Institution. The attack left him with severe injuries and resulted in the loss of sight in his right eye.
Despite those challenges, Rushdie returned to writing. He published the memoir Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder in 2024, followed by the short-story collection The Eleventh Hour in late 2025.
Speaking at Tulane University’s New Orleans Book Festival in March 2026, Rushdie expressed frustration that discussions about his career often focus more on controversy than literature.
“It’s a little frustrating to be not known for a book – but for something that happened to a book,” Rushdie said, per The Guardian.
Referring to The Satanic Verses, he added: “That was my fifth published book. ‘Can we please talk about books?’ I keep trying to say.”
At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where the documentary Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie premiered, the author reflected on his recovery.
“I’m still lacking an eye, but emotionally I feel past it,” he said. “I realize that I’m kind of tougher than I thought I was.”
As Rushdie marks his 79th birthday, Midnight’s Children remains the defining achievement of a career that has shaped modern literature.
Related: Best-Selling Author’s Hit Novel Ranked Among ‘Most Sold Books’ Right Now
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Recap: What You Need to Remember Before Season 3 Arrives
It's been nearly two years since we last watched the Greens face off against the Blacks. So it can be a bit difficult to remember what actually happened in House of the Dragon Season 2.
The second season of the HBO series, created by George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal, pushed the Game of Thrones prequel from a family dispute into an all-out civil war. With House of the Dragon Season 3 on the way, viewers may need a refresher on where Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy), Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) and Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) ended the season.
By the finale, children had been murdered, dragons had fallen, armies were marching, and both sides had made choices they could not take back. Before House of the Dragon returns for a third season on June 21, here are the biggest events to remember from Season 2, including key cast members, major deaths, and the battles in between.
Blood and Cheese Mark Stobbart as Cheese (L) and Sam C. Wilson as Blood (R) in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2HBO
Dealing with the loss of her son Lucerys, Rhaenyra grieves while on Dragonstone. However, Daemon takes matters into his own hands, bribing two men, a ratcatcher and a City Watch guard, to get revenge by infiltrating King's Landing.
The pair sneak into the Red Keep, enter the quarters of Queen Helaena (Phia Saban) and kill her young son, Jaehaerys. Daemon insists that he ordered the pair, Blood and Cheese, to kill Aemond, not a child. The murder only deepens the war between the Greens and the Blacks. It also leaves Helaena traumatized and gives Aegon a fresh reason to strike back.
Arryk vs. Erryk Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole (L) and Luke Tittensor as Arryk (R) in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
In retaliation, Ser Criston Cole (FabienFrankel) sends Ser Arryk Cargyll (Luke Tittensor), a member of the Kingsguard, to Dragonstone to kill Rhaenyra. Because Arryk has an identical twin brother, Erryk Cargyll (Elliot Tittensor), who serves Rhaenyra, he is able to get dangerously close to her. Before Arryk can kill Rhaenyra, Erryk finds him. The two brothers fight to the death, leading to both twins lying dead on the ground.
Aegon fires Otto Hightower (L-R) Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower and Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon in 'House of the Dragon'Fabien Frankel, Rhys Ifans and Tom Glynn-Carney in 'House of the Dragon'
As King Aegon struggles to assert himself, he grows increasingly frustrated with Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), who tries to manage the war through caution and political strategy. After the death of Jaehaerys, Aegon wants immediate revenge. Otto, meanwhile, sees the political value in presenting Jaehaerys as an innocent victim and using the murder to turn public opinion against Rhaenyra. Aegon eventually fires Otto as Hand of the King and replaces him with Criston Cole.
Related: ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Sets June Release Date — And There’s a Thrilling New Trailer
Daemon takes Harrenhal Matt Smith as Daemon in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
Daemon leaves Dragonstone and travels to Harrenhal, hoping to raise an army in the Riverlands for Rhaenyra. His departure also comes as his relationship with Rhaenyra has grown strained, with her furious over the murder of Jaehaerys and Daemon’s role in setting it in motion. However, his time there is far from simple. He experiences strange visions, many of them connected to his past, his guilt and his complicated relationship with power. He also meets Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), a mysterious woman at Harrenhal who seems to understand more about Daemon than she should.
Rhaenyra meets Alicent in King's Landing Olivia Cooke as Alicent (L) and Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra (R) in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
Rhaenyra secretly sneaks into King's Landing in order to try and reason with Alicent and stop the war from happening. During their meeting, Rhaenyra realizes that Alicent misunderstood King Viserys's (Paddy Considine) dying words. When Viserys spoke of "Aegon," he was referring to Aegon the Conqueror, not his son.
This only fuels Rhaenyra's belief that her father had not changed his mind about who should succeed him. However, by this point, it is too late. Aegon has been crowned. Jaehaerys is dead. Both sides have already moved too far toward war.
Related: The 20 TV Shows We’re Most Excited to Watch This Summer
The Battle of Rook's Rest Dragons flying overhead in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
Having returned from King's Landing, Rhaenyra agrees to wage war with dragons. A major battle occurs at Rook's Rest. Aegon, frustrated by being left out of the decision-making by Criston Cole and Aemond, drunkenly flies his dragon Sunfyre into battle.
There, he faces off against Rhaenys (Eve Best) and her dragon Meleys. But Aemond also enters the battle on Vhagar. Aemond attacks both Rhaenys and Aegon. Rhaenys and Meleys are killed, while Aegon is badly injured and left disfigured. The battle is one of the biggest turning points of the season. The Blacks lose one of their most experienced dragonriders, while the Greens lose the ability of their King to rule.
Aemond becomes Prince Regent Ewan Mitchell as Aemond in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
After Rook's Rest, Aegon is alive but severely injured. With the king unable to rule, Aemond becomes Prince Regent. Aemond quickly proves to be colder and more ruthless than his brother. He pushes Alicent out of power and takes firmer control of the Green Council.
Corlys names his heir Steve Toussaint as Corlys in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
After Rhaenys dies at Rook's Rest, Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) is left grieving and isolated. At the same time, his relationship with Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) becomes more important. Alyn and his brother Addam (Clinton Liberty) are eventually revealed to be Corlys' sons, though neither grew up publicly recognized as Velaryons. By the end of the season, Corlys names Alyn as his heir.
The Dragonseeds Kieran Bew as Hugh Hammer in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
Following defeat in battle, Rhaenyra recognizes that Team Black will need more dragonriders to win the war. Jacaerys (Harry Collett) suggests casting a net beyond the traditional royal family and finding people with Targaryen blood who might be able to claim riderless dragons. This leads to the rise of the Dragonseeds.
Addam of Hull claims Seasmoke. Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) claims Vermithor. Ulf (TomBennett) claims Silverwing. Their success gives Rhaenyra a major advantage. Team Black suddenly has more dragons in play, changing the balance of power heading into the next phase of the war.
Alicent offers Rhaenyra King's Landing Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra (L) and Olivia Cooke as Alicent (R) in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
In the season finale, Alicent travels to Dragonstone to meet with Rhaenyra. By this point, Alicent has lost much of her influence in King's Landing. Aemond is in control, Aegon is injured and the war has moved beyond her ability to contain it. Alicent offers Rhaenyra a path to take King's Landing. She is even willing to sacrifice Aegon if it means ending the war and protecting Helaena and her remaining children.
However, Aegon is no longer in King's Landing. Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) sneaks him out, warning him that his life is in danger whether Team Green wins or loses. Aegon initially refuses to run, but Larys makes it clear that staying in the capital could mean death by defeat, assassination or betrayal.
The Battle of the Gullet is Coming Olivia Cooke as Alicent in 'House of the Dragon'HBO
The season finale makes it clear that the war has moved beyond King's Landing and Dragonstone as we head towards the Battle of the Gullet. Armies begin marching across Westeros, including the Northmen heading south in support of Rhaenyra. Meanwhile, Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) secures the Triarchy's ships by convincing Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn) to join him, giving Team Green a way to challenge Corlys’ blockade. By the end of the season, the Dance of the Dragons is no longer a conflict between two rival claimants. The entire realm is preparing for war.
Related: 'Game of Thrones' Star Addresses Health Scare Recovery in Moving Speech
Exclusive First Look: Inside Brigitte Knightley’s Highly Anticipated New Romantasy Sequel
The moment The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley was released, we all knew that we needed more. Fortunately, this romantasy debut was the first in a duology, and Knightley hasn’t made us wait too long for the next novel.
That sequel is finally on its way, coming out on July 7, 2026. The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy is packed with the same flirtatious banter and forced proximity that make everyone question their allegiances. It’s time to see prejudices pushed to one side, bringing us a love story that we can grasp with both hands and dream about for the rest of the summer.
The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy continues the story of Aurienne and Osric, as they continue to learn that being forced to work together makes it hard to protect your heart. Aurienne is one of the best Haelan healers, and she’s that because she’s followed her two rules — one being to protect her heart — but Osric threatens it all.
However, Osric’s views and rules of life are also starting to change. He never thought he was capable of being good, and now Aurienne has him rethinking everything. However, their love is put to the test when the two learn about a deadly pox that has been unleashed through the Tiendoms. There is no holding it back, and it’s not clear how this could affect their lives and their love for each other.
What is this new Order that has made its way into their world, and what does the Order want? This could be much bigger than them.
Parade has an exclusive excerpt from The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy, which focuses on Osric, as he is ready for a date (well, it’s not a date. Definitely not a date) with his love. The critique cricket pops up once more, much to Osric’s annoyance, reminding us of all the humor that Knightley brought to her first novel.
Courtesy of Ace, a Penguin Random House imprintKnightley continues to capture everything that made us fall in love with this couple in the first place. Osric’s charm and humor is sure to get on Aurienne’s nerves at times, but there’s something dashingly alluring. Check out an excerpt from Chapter 4 of The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy:
The night of the Begbéam moon found Osric in excellent spirits. He was merry, hopeful, excited even. At the last full moon, Fairhrim had managed to slow his seith system’s degeneration; perhaps this time she
would stop it entirely.
He spent a long time in his dressing room, getting ready. This wasn’t a date or anything, obviously; he simply liked to make himself devastat-ingly attractive.
He would get to sweep Fairhrim into his arms again tonight. Not that doing so sent his heart skittering into pleasant, uneven throbs; he simply liked to whisk her about, and hear her little gasps, and feel her cling to him. It was great fun to undo her a little—she was always so tightly wound.
“Are you getting ready for a date?” came a voice.
It was the bloody critique cricket. Whenever it had been silent long enough, Osric assumed it had died. Then it came back again when it was least wanted.
“No. Go away, you little brute,” said Osric.
“Then why have you spent an hour fussing over your hair?” asked the cricket.
“I like it to be perfect,” said Osric, continuing to fuss in the looking glass. “I never do things by halves, you know.”
He couldn’t decide if he looked better with his hood up (mysterious, sinister) or down (devil-may-care, dashing) and alternated between the two, all while admiring the cut of his jaw.
“I think you’re trying to impress the Haelan,” said the cricket. “She makes your papule of a heart go pitter-patter.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Osric stepped back from the looking glass. “How do I look?”
“When I want to see clowns, I go to the circus.” “I beg your pardon?”
“You fancy her,” said the cricket musically.
Osric, sufficiently offended to detach his eyes from his reflection, looked about for the cricket, but there were too many hiding places amid the luxuries heaped about his dressing room. He sent his seith to his tācn and searched the shadows on the bureau, between bottles of hair oils, pots of crèmes, pomades, and shaving articles. No cricket. He swept his tācn towards the frock coats, waistcoats, boots, and gloves lying about. It was of no use—every garment offered a place of refuge, and in getting ready to see Fairhrim, he had pulled out a lot of garments.
Osric regained his composure. “I am far too concerned with myself to admire anyone else.”
“Liar.”
“It’s true.”
Full of grave pity, the cricket said, “You can be honest with me, if not yourself.”
“I don’t know how else to tell you you’re wrong,” said Osric lightly. “You think about her every day,” said the cricket.
“Because she’s helping to heal me.”
“Have you forgotten that I witnessed your Agonies?”
“An overreaction on my part,” said Osric, pulling on his gloves. “I’m prone to those.”
“You might have a chance with her. If she’s secretly a murdererphile.
Or moronsexual.”
“Oi.”
“I shall pray for you,” said the cricket. “Don’t bother.”
“When human means fail, one ought to give the gods a chance.”
tHe cRicket’s pARtHiAn sHot Aside, osRic ReMAined in An excellent mood. With sprightliness in his step, he took the waystone to the Hairy Hodmedod, the pub near Glastonbury Tor where he and Fairhrim had arranged to meet. He popped out of the ley line in the Somerset lowlands at twenty past three (he was late due to the cricket, not his hair).
The full moon was at its zenith. A small cloud dappled its light.
Fairhrim awaited his arrival at the waystone. She had once again complied with his request to dress in black, and wore a mismatched ensemble whose only saving grace was that the trousers hugged her thighs and bum to good effect. Osric could appreciate a good bum. (But not too good—not better than his. He would have to examine hers further to confirm that it wasn’t.)
Osric rarely saw Fairhrim without her Haelan whites. Black became her. It heightened her unsmiling intensity. It emphasized the dark prom-ise of her eyes.
She had replaced her Haelan satchel with a leather bag, tucked into the small of her back. Tonight, the only sign that she was a member of that Order was her tācn, a white swan, presently hidden under black gloves.
“You’re late,” said Fairhrim.
“You said three but didn’t specify a time zone,” said Osric breezily. This garnered no response from Fairhrim, exasperated or otherwise.
Upon closer inspection, she looked fatigued. “Hard day?” asked Osric.
“We charted the words ‘penile degloving’ this evening.”
Osric was silent as he processed this information. He could have gone the rest of his life without knowing that penile and degloving were two words that could be put together.
Another of Fairhrim’s eight-word horror stories. He said, “Hel.”
She said, “I know.”
With these auspicious beginnings, they set off towards Glastonbury Tor.
Prefer to listen to the audiobook? Ace, a Penguin Random House imprint, has provided the audio of the excerpt as well. If you haven't opted for the audiobooks yet, I'd urge you to do an immersive read, as it will change everything about the way you experience this duology.
Audio excerpted with permission of Penguin Random House Audio from The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley, excerpt read by Thomas Judd. Brigitte Knightley ℗ 2026 Penguin Random House, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy will be released on July 7, 2026.
6 Trending Secondhand Items That Are Truly Timeless
What's old is truly new again—many of the secondhand items that are currently trending and may seem fresh to some are actually classics, according to vintage and antique experts. Below, learn more about six different types of secondhand items that you're probably seeing everywhere at the moment—pros are sharing what to look for when sourcing these and why they're so special.
1. Natural Wood FurnishingsMove over, white lacquered furniture—natural wood pieces have resurged in popularity over the past several years. "From pine furniture to dark wood boxes or shelves, everybody wants unpainted wood with beautiful grains," says Caroline Christman, the founder of Stag and Story. "I’ve seen pine furniture dealers sell out the day they restock their inventory."
In fact, collectors have revered wood furnishings for centuries. "Natural wood grain was so important in the 1800’s that many wood items were constructed of a common wood and had a second, more beautiful, rare wood veneer applied over the top," Christman explains.
Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash
Christman advises those shopping for their own wooden furniture to perform a thorough, hands-on inspection of the items they're considering. "One of the first things I check is whether the item has a wood veneer, which is a very thin layer of wood that can be seen when looking at the edge of the lid of a box or the inside lip of a drawer," she says. "I also check if any inlay details are genuine, as opposed to painted on, by gently running my fingernail along the design and seeing if it catches along the edge of the design."
Wood furniture piece that boasts dovetail joints is also well worth seeking out, she adds.
Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel on Getty Images
While shopping for antique artwork, you'll surely be greeted with plenty of beautiful engravings for sale. "Engravings were one of the first methods to produce multiple art pieces from a single object," Christman says. "Engravings became very popular because more people could afford quality art that was not an original drawing or painting."
This is exactly why they're so appealing today. "Antique dealers are carefully selecting antique engravings, designing matting and pairing the art with antique or custom frames," Christman notes. "This process produces a one-of-a-kind art piece that feels aged and much more special than a modern print or photograph."
Photo by Belper Unitarians on Unsplash
To tell whether or not an engraving you come across is the real deal, you'll want to examine it for a few key features. "An antique engraving will often have the artist listed under the left corner and the engraver listed under the right corner," Christman says. "I also check for a plate mark, which is an indented border around the outside of the design that comes from the sheet of paper being pressed onto the engraved metal sheet."
While gold and brass accessories seemed to be all the rage in years' past, silver is now top of mind for many. "It's truly classic," says Courtney Garzione, the founder of Grand and Now. She appreciates the versatility that many silver pieces offer, too. "Think silver plate champagne buckets to house floral arrangements, revere bowls or compotes filled with coral or shells, coupe glasses for matches next to a candle," she offers.
Photo by Haim Shamritz on Unsplash
Shoppers shouldn't be hesitant to scoop up silver finds that show a bit of wear and tear, either. As Garzione says, "Tarnished pieces that are truly silver plate can easily be revived with a little elbow grease and Wright's silver polish!"
4. TapestriesIf you've felt as though you're noticing tapestries in home after home as of late, you're correct that these wall hangings are having a major moment. "Tapestries have literally been around for thousands of years, starting in ancient Egypt and eventually becoming status symbols for European nobility," explains Caroline Turner, the founder of Caroline Turner Interiors. "There's a real appetite right now for that organic, botanical aesthetic: the foliage, the depth, the sense that something has a story behind it."
Photo by Fernando Bengoechea on Getty Images
Turner has had great luck sourcing tapestries via Facebook Marketplace and isn't deterred by pieces in less-than-perfect condition. "Some wear is expected and even adds character," she says. What I pay closer attention to is the back label, which often tells you where the piece was made and includes a code you can look up to date it."
You may even just score a true diamond in the rough: Turner etells us that she paid $500 for a tapestry to use in a photoshoot, only to discover later, with the help of an appraiser, that it was actually worth substantially more.
5. Vintage Books
Photo by Stuart Cox /LatitudeStock on Getty Images
If you've noticed an uptick in secondhand sellers offering vintage books, you're not alone. "While many of us don’t have the luxury of a full home library, vintage books are wonderful for adding color and texture to coffee tables and shelves," says Willow Wright, the founder of Urban Redeux.
She advises those in the market for vintage books to not judge items by their (outer) cover. "Be sure to peek under the dust jacket," Wright instructs. "Many vintage and most antique books have cloth or leather-bound covers hiding underneath—these are often much prettier and often have typography that you won’t find in modern publishing."
6. Federal Eagle MirrorsPhoto by Sepia Times on Getty Images
Kristyn Royster has noticed a strong desire for convex federal eagle mirrors and attributes their popularity to both America's upcoming 250th anniversary and their versatility. "Federal mirrors are adaptable to any style," says the founder of Sincerely James. "They also transition well as your taste changes over a lifetime."
That said, you may struggle to find one of these mirrors ASAP. "Their popularity has made them very hard to come by this year," Royster notes. "If you want a true antique from the 1800s, you'll need to be ready to pay, but you can still find some deals at local markets and estate sales."
Related: World Market Is Selling a 'Whimsical and Stunning' Mirror With Tons of Vintage Charm
'80s Rock Band, Disbanded After Four Years, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time
The Honeydrippers, the English rock and roll band, were named among the best supergroups despite having a short-lived music career.
Composed of members from highly influential bands, the lineup consisted of vocalist Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin, guitarist Jeff Beck from The Yardbirds, guitarist Nile Rodgers from Chic and pianist Paul Shaffer. The five-piece group proved its star power, leaving an unforgettable mark on the industry.
In a list revealed by WatchMojo, while Cream, Traveling Wilburys, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Asia and Led Zeppelin made the top five spots, The Honeydrippers secured the No. 14 spot on the list of the 20 Greatest Supergroups Ever.
The band's music focuses on a powerful blend of '50s-style rhythm and blues-infused melodies and heavy rock and roll sounds that would later produce a series of impressive hit tracks.
The Honeydrippers perform at the Saturday Night Live in 1984.RM Lewis Jr./NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
Formed in 1981 by Robert Plant, the supergroup was launched after Led Zeppelin formally disbanded following the death of drummer John Bonham.
Making The Honeydrippers his place of comfort, he invited fellow musicians whom he had known for years.
With their all-star lineup, the supergroup officially debuted with a five-track EP, The Honeydrippers: Volume One, in 1985.
Making this their first and only release, the EP featured covers of songs by iconic musicians including "I Get a Thrill" by Wynonie Harris, "Sea of Love" by Phil Phillips, "I Got a Woman" by Ray Charles, "Young Boy Blues" by Ben E. King and the 1947 track "Rockin' at Midnight" by rhythm and blues artist Roy Brown.
The EP became a commercial success, even reaching No. 4 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. The Honeydrippers reportedly adopted what Paul McCartney's then-new group, Wings, planned for its tours.
Instead of highly publicized shows, the five-member band opted for guerrilla-style performances, often showing up for unannounced shows, making the experience more intimate for fans, as cited by Ultimate Classic Rock.
Unfortunately, despite its huge success, the supergroup lasted only four years before disbanding in 1985.
This major move prompted Plant to start his solo music career. The same goes for Beck, who released his solo album Flash, earning him his first Grammy Award as a solo artist in 1985 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Escape."
As for Page, he co-founded The Firm with Paul Rodgers, successfully releasing two studio albums, while Nile Rodgers revived his band Chic and also became one of the most sought-after producers in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Related: ’80s Rocker Announces Solo Album for the First Time in 10 Years
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star’s Whimsical New Photoshoot Has Fans Obsessed
Heated Rivalry’s François Arnaud is the cover star of the June 2026 China edition of L‘Officiel Hommes, and fans can’t seem to get enough of the new photoshoot from it.
From photos of a baguette on Arnaud’s head to the actor sharing an apple slide with a donkey, one fan called him “a man full of whimsy,” with another saying that they’re “loving the weird photoshoot.”
“I kissed a donkey for L’Officiel Hommes China (and I liked it),” Arnaud captioned the post on Instagram.
Arnaud’s Heated Rivalry co-star, Robbie G.K., commented on the photo dump, saying, “i need all of these on a tshirt.”
“So grateful to see that truly creative editorials like this still exist,” one fan commented.
“The whole shoot is just so fun and whimsical and gay I love it,” another said.
“How am I supposed to shine in this world when a man like this exists?” One user joked. “Unfair.”
View this post on InstagramDeadline recently announced that Arnaud will star in Hulu’s upcoming series, Count My Lies, as Danny, a friend of Lindsay Lohan’s character, Violet.
The series is based on a recent novel by Sophie Stava of the same name. It was chosen as the GMA Book Club Pick for March 2025, with Good Morning America calling it “an unputdownable suspense novel about deception, privilege and the price of keeping up appearances.”
Although it hasn’t been announced if Arnaud will be returning to season 2 of Heated Rivalry, G.K., who plays Hunter’s love interest, Kip Grady, said to People that he’d like to see the couple’s storyline further explored.
“We catch Scott and Kip on the very top of the rollercoaster of our storyline, and I think that there’s a whole lot that could be explored after the fact,” G.K. said. “So I’d like to see some of that.”
Heated Rivalry will begin filming this August, with a release date set for spring of 2027.
Target's Cute New $10 Makeup Bags Are Perfect for Carry-Ons and Summer Travel
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Packing for a trip always seems to come with one big challenge: keeping all the little things organized. Luckily, Target just released an affordable new accessory that shoppers say solves that problem in style and comes in colors and patterns you'll actually want to show off.
Target's new Sonia Kashuk Small Makeup Bags cost just $10, and shoppers say they're the perfect size for organizing everything from makeup to sunscreen.
Sonia Kashuk Small Makeup Bag, $10 at TargetTarget
Shop It!The cute bags come in several eye-catching designs, including a blue-and-yellow quilted style with a mosaic-like pattern, a shiny navy option, a soft mauve, a modern pink plaid, a playful red-and-pink swirl, and a textured cream version. No matter your style, there's a good chance you'll find one that matches your vibe.
Even though it's labeled as a makeup bag, shoppers have found all kinds of creative uses for it. Some use it to hold toiletries and skincare while traveling. Others fill it with snacks, hair accessories or tech chargers. One reviewer even said they use it as an organizer in their car's center console.
Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 60
This cute little bag from Target is compact enough to slip into a tote or backpack but roomy enough to hold more than you'd expect. If you've ever spent way too long digging through your purse for lip balm or hand sanitizer, this bag could be an easy fix.
Reviewers online are impressed. The bag has earned a recommendation rate of more than 90 percent on Target's website, and many shoppers say it's the perfect size for travel. Several reviewers mentioned buying more than one so they could organize different categories of items like makeup, sunscreen, toiletries and on-the-go skincare.
At $10, it's also an easy purchase if you want to stock up on a few coordinating colors. Use one for beauty products, another as a mini first-aid kit, and a third for cords and chargers. Suddenly, packing feels a lot less chaotic.
With its cute patterns, practical design and affordable price tag, this little Target pouch may become your newest carry-on essential. And with summer travel season in full swing, now is the perfect time to grab one before your favorite color sells out.
Related: These Are the U.S. States Where Solo Travel Is Officially Taking Over
82-Year-Old Rock Legend Announces Surprise Return Months After Quitting Touring
Steve Miller shocked fans when he came out of retirement just a few months after he announced that he would be quitting touring.
In July 2025, the 82-year-old rock legend's band, Steve Miller Band, suddenly cancelled all tour dates, citing severe health and safety conditions caused by harsh weather that put the band, their team, and the fans that attend concerts at risk.
"The combination of extreme heat, unpredictable flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and massive forest fires make these risks for you our audience, the band and the crew unacceptable," a statement posted to the band's official social media accounts read. "“You can blame it on the weather. … The tour is cancelled.”
Due to kick off in Aug. 2025, the tour was scheduled to run through to Nov. 2025 with nearly three dozen stops in the U.S.
Fans were upset about the cancelations, but band member Kenny Lee Lewis defended Miller's decision to put the shows on hold indefinitely.
"You didn’t see Steve Miller hanging over a railing after our first outdoor stadium show opening in the sun for Journey and Def Leppard in Atlanta trying to fend off heat exhaustion," the musician wrote in a Facebook statement, per Syracuse. "I was really worried about him."
However, 11 months after quitting from touring, Miller revealed that he would be returning to the stage this Fall with two scheduled concerts.
View this post on InstagramOn Oct. 9 and 10, Steve Miller Band will be heading to the Rose Theater at New York City's Lincoln Center to perform two special concerts "honoring his blues and jazz heroes." In addition concert, performances will include a lecture showcasing Miller's love for his favorite musicians. Tickets can be purchased now via jazz.org, with prices starting at $42.
While there's no telling if Miller will head back on tour anytime soon, these two limited performances are sure to be a treat for dedicated fans.
Related: Legendary '70s Rock Band Performs Classic Song for First Time in 47 Years
2001 Top 10 Hit Turned Down by Celine Dion Became Father’s Day Classic For a Country Superstar
Not every hit starts that way. In 2001, a song reportedly turned down by Celine Dion found new life with a country superstar and went on to become a Top 10 success.
The song quickly gained momentum after its release, connecting with listeners across formats and audiences. It ultimately broke into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 11 on the Billboard Country Chart, marking a major milestone for Faith Hill.
"There You'll Be" was named one of the Best Father's Day Songs by The Pioneer Woman Magazine. It is sandwiched between George Strait's "The Best Day" and Keith Urban's "Song For Dad."
According to Business Insider, Celine Dion reportedly turned down the chance to record "They're You'll Be," written by Diane Warren. At the time, Dion was on an extended career hiatus in 2001, taking a two-year break from the music industry beginning in 1999 to focus on her family and her husband René Angélil's health.
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Hill was then offered the song, and took a chance on the song, which tells a story of enduring love and remembrance. The lyrics center on gratitude, memory, and the idea that love continues to live on through moments, feelings, and reflection. The song became a Father's Day classic for those very reasons, for dads who are still a vital part of their families and those who have passed.
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Songwriter Warren told Billboard, "What’s never going to stop is people touched by a great song, however they do it or see it. When something is undeniable it’s going to resonate.
"They're You'll Be" was featured in the feature film Pearl Harbor, starring Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale. It was nominated at the 2002 Oscars in the category of Best Original Song, and nabbed Hill a Grammy nod for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance that same year.
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The song’s message of love and lasting connection has helped it remain a Father’s Day favorite over the years. Its emotional honesty continues to resonate with listeners who turn to it as a meaningful tribute.
'Jaws': Which Actors Are Still Alive as Classic Shark Film Celebrates 51st Anniversary?
The classic shark thriller Jaws celebrates its 51st anniversary on June 20, 2026. Over five decades after its initial release in theaters, director Steven Spielberg’s iconic film continues to captivate new generations of horror fans. Which of its original stars are still with us today?
Jaws premiered in June 1975 and is widely known as the original summer blockbuster. Fifty years later, it remains one of the most influential films in cinematic history.
At only 26, Spielberg directed the groundbreaking thriller that forever changed how audiences experience on-screen suspense. Adapted from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel, the film became a monumental box office success and a milestone in film history.
The original cast included Richard Dreyfuss (Matt), Roy Schneider (Brody), Robert Shaw (Quint), Lorraine Gary (Ellen), Carl Gottileb (Ben), Jeffrey Kramer (Lenny), Jeffrey Vorhees (Alex), Jay Mello (Sean), Murray Hamilton (Sean), and Susan Backlinie (Chrissie).
Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, Carl Gottlieb, Jeffrey Kramer, Jeffrey Vorhees, and Jay Mello are the only Jaws cast members still alive today reports Slash Film.
The Legacy of the Jaws FranchiseThe story of Jaws focuses on a Great White Shark that terrorizes a beach resort town, Amity Island, during the summer. The search for the shark culminates in a tense, thrilling showdown between Brody and the Great White.
The film grossed $250M domestically according to Box Office Mojo. It had a worldwide gross of $447M.
Piggybacking on the success of the original film, Jaws 2 debuted in theaters in 1978. In the second installment, Brody faced another Great White that terrorized his town three years after a deadly series of attacks.
Jaws 3D dropped five years later, in 1983. This film tells the tale of a thirty-five-foot shark who becomes trapped in a SeaWorld theme park, leading Brody's sons to head the rescue efforts when its mother tries to claim her offspring.
Finally, Jaws: The Revenge was released in 1987. The finale of the series features Brody's widow, who believes a vengeful shark is deliberately targeting her family.
Jaws won three Academy Awards: Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound. The Library of Congress selected Jaws for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2021.
I Went on a Disney Cruise and Ditched My Phone for a 2000s-Style Vacation—Here's What Happened
On a recent Disney Cruise Line sailing aboard Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, I stood on the top deck, grinning from ear to ear as Disney’s signature song "Let's Set Sail" kicked off the sail-away celebration. Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie and friends led the crowd in a high-energy party, and I looked over at my family—thrilled to be there on a multigenerational trip with my dad, my husband and kids.
We counted down with everyone else for the first blast of the ship's horn playing "When You Wish Upon a Star," and it was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. I squeezed my kids' hands, soaking in the moment together.
If I'd had my iPhone with me, I would have started filming. But it was back in the stateroom, where I’d left it.
When the revelry shifted into dance party mode and Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" came on, my kids hit the deck to dance. And instead of documenting the moment, I joined them; I’d made a conscious choice to be present, and it felt wonderful. A Disney photographer caught a photo of us, and that image is one I'll treasure forever.
Here's what happened when I decided to leave my phone in the stateroom and cruise like it's the 2000s, armed with nothing but a compact digital camera and a couple of screen-free cameras.
Related: I Ditched My iPhone for a ’90s-Style Disney Vacation—And My Kids Actually Loved It
Why I Decided to Unplug Before Even Boarding The author and her family before boarding the Disney Wish cruise ship in Port Canaveral.I've been thinking a lot about how our relationship with our phones has changed over the years. As a journalist, I use mine for everything: recording interviews, answering emails, taking photos and video. It means I can document anything in seconds, but that same connectivity makes my phone a constant source of distraction. I may intend to use the camera, but there's a good chance an email or notification pulls my attention somewhere else entirely.
But looking back at different eras of my life, I miss the spontaneity of the 2000s. It was the decade when pocket-sized digital cameras suddenly started taking fabulous photos, and I loved mine. I backpacked through Europe with a small Sony Cyber-shot, then a sleek Canon ELPH that eventually met its end in the Danish sea (prompting an emergency dash to a Copenhagen camera shop for a replacement).
Even with the digital camera power of the era, I still carried a disposable film camera well into the mid-2000s. At the time, it felt completely normal. And looking back, I'm nostalgic for the anticipation that came with not knowing exactly how every shot would turn out. Some photos were a surprise—and that was part of the fun.
Packing for the 2000s The two primary cameras used for this vacation were a Sony Cyber-shot RX100 compact digital camera and a Camp Snap screen-free digital camera.I recently spent a vacation at Walt Disney World Resortunplugging '90s style: I locked my phone in a locker and only took photos with a screen-free digital camera and a waterproof disposable (film) camera. But for this cruise, I wanted to revisit a slightly more modern era—one in which I wasn't tethered to my phone, but still had access to a fantastic, pocket-sized digital camera. My goal was to reset my ability to be present without losing out on high-quality vacation photos.
So I picked up a Sony Cyber-shot RX100, a digital camera barely bigger than a deck of cards. I also packed the Camp Snap camera we'd used on our screen-free Disney World trip (which takes digital images but functions like a film camera) and a waterproof disposable camera for anything involving water.
Then I set a few ground rules. My phone would stay locked in the stateroom as much as possible. Since Disney's professional photographers are my go-to for appearing in family photos (instead of always being behind the lens), I bought the cruise photo package — but with a twist: no peeking until the final night, when I'd download everything before disembarking. This mirrored what we would have done in the 2000s, when guests would flood the photo studio on the last night to see what the cruise photographers had captured.
Related: Disney Cruise Line Just Quietly Tightened Its Rules on Alcohol and Packing
The One App I Allowed Myself Character meet-and-greets are one of the many daily activities that can be found on Disney Cruise Line ships, such as this meeting between the author's children and Donald Duck.I didn't check my email, social media or texts for the duration of the cruise. But if you've sailed with Disney Cruise Line before, you know the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is excellent, and it's free for everyone onboard (no Wi-Fi package needed).
You can't see the full daily schedule until you're onboard, but once you are, there are plenty of options: rotational dining and a Broadway-style show every night, character meet-and-greets, trivia, first-run movies and so much more.
Since the entire voyage's activities are available in the Navigator app upon embarkation, I mapped out my favorites on the first day, just as I would have in the 2000s with a printed schedule. This is also where I reserved spots for a behind-the-scenes ship tour and a mixology seminar. But you can also get by without it: bulletin-style digital boards are located throughout the ship with the day's schedule, so if your phone's locked away like mine was, you can always find one nearby.
My routine: a quick morning check-in on the Navigator app for the most up-to-date info (mostly to confirm dinner plans and showtimes), a mental note of which activities sounded fun—Disney trivia, family crafts, Moana on the pool deck—and then I'd leave my phone behind for the day. Guest Services also keeps a limited supply of printed schedules each morning, which is another option if you'd rather skip the app altogether.
Related: Disney Just Made the Whole App Experience a Lot Easier
What Happens When You Stop Scrolling Disney Cruise Line's private island destination Disney's Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy of Disney
One of the things I tried to be conscious of during this trip was allowing plenty of room for surprises, and Disney Cruise Line delivers. After breakfast, we'd wander the ship and inevitably stumble into something fun as an extended family: crafts, trivia, movies in the ship's theaters and my kids' favorite, "Who's Behind the Curtain," an interactive game show starring Disney characters.
Our four-night sailing included stops in Nassau, Disney's private island Castaway Cay and a sea day. We ended up having so much fun onboard that we skipped going ashore in Nassau entirely and saved our energy for Castaway Cay, where we snorkeled, swam and lingered over lunch under swaying palm trees.
Somehow not having my phone with me made me feel freer to do things I normally wouldn't, too. I swam with my kids in turquoise water during an afternoon shower at Castaway Cay, then joined them to ride the ship's AquaMouse water coaster repeatedly before dinner instead of rushing back to the stateroom to get ready. A cruise is for living, after all, and I needed the reminder.
Cruising Like it’s 2006 Mickey and Minnie's Pirates in the Caribbean is a high-energy deck party that takes place on the Disney Wish cruise ship during Pirate Night, in a photo taken with a 2000s-style compact digital camera.Cruising back in the 2000s meant Wi-Fi was slow, expensive and skipped by most passengers—so we leaned into that same philosophy this time, prioritizing connection over connectivity.
One morning, we turned a corner and ran straight into Donald Duck. My high-energy six-year-old son adores Donald Duck, so watching the two of them giggle over the phrase "quack attack" was a sweet, unplanned moment. Later, from the upper decks of the Grand Hall, we caught a glimpse of a wedding taking place onboard, as picture-perfect as anything out of a Disney movie.
We also embraced Pirate Night, a Disney Cruise Line tradition dating back to the mid-2000s, complete with a Caribbean-inspired menu, gold chocolate coins, signature bandanas and an epic deck party. My dad once told me how his T-shirts used to get stretched out of shape from playing Smee to his childhood friend's Captain Hook, so I bought him a Captain Hook shirt for the occasion. We danced through the pirate show on the top deck and watched the ship's spectacular Fireworks at Sea together. It was one of the best nights of the trip.
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The Best Souvenir Was Time Together The Bayou is one of the signature lounges found aboard the Disney Wish, in a photo taken with a 2000s-style compact digital camera.Disney Cruise Line has offered distinct experiences for every age group since it launched in 1998, so we made a point of sampling all of it. While the kids played at Disney's Oceaneer Club (the youth club onboard), my dad, husband and I snuck off to a delicious dinner at Palo Steakhouse, the adults-only specialty restaurant. We also grabbed drinks at The Bayou after the nightly shows and spent a few unhurried afternoons over coffee at Cove Café.
My kids also got to spend precious time with their grandpa. Over Mickey waffles with real maple syrup at Marceline's Market, my dad told them stories from his time in the U.S. Navy and taught my nine-year-old the NATO phonetic alphabet, used throughout the maritime world to distinguish letters when spelling out words.
We booked adjoining verandah staterooms, which functioned like one big luxurious suite; it’s something I'd recommend for any extended family traveling together. We could close the doors when someone needed a nap, but we mostly left them open and let the kids roam between rooms. Some of my favorite moments of the whole trip were the quiet ones: my kids and my dad, side by side on the balcony, just watching the waves.
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How My Kids Reacted When I Put the Phone Away (Spoiler: Better Than Expected) The author's children loved taking photos aboard the Disney Wish with a screen-free digital camera, as seen here in front of one of the ship's art displays.My kids' favorite part of this experiment was the free rein they got with the screen-free digital camera. They were having too much fun to even notice I didn't have my phone.
My six-year-old twins, especially, loved the novelty of looking through a real viewfinder, and between the two of them they snapped nearly 500 photos. Some of my favorites are the ones that gave me a glimpse of the vacation through their eyes: their "secret" hideout behind couches in the Grand Hall, photos of stairwell artwork and blurry, gleeful selfies with Goofy and Pluto.
In true 2000s fashion, I also gave my nine-year-old more independence to explore the ship than she's had before. The 2000s were a decade when people still found their way around without GPS, and Disney Cruise Line's reputation for safety made it an easy place to test that out. Letting her lead her siblings from our stateroom to the kids' club gave her a sense of purpose, and she appreciated the chance to find her way from place to place.
Here’s What I’m Changing for Next Time The author with her children on the deck of the Disney Wish cruise ship, as seen during the ship's sail away party.As someone who used a compact digital camera for many years (as well as a larger DSLR camera), I figured switching back would be easy. But I hadn't realized how accustomed to iPhone photography I'd become. While the Sony camera did have a small screen for viewing, it's tiny compared to a phone's screen and harder to see what I was photographing.
I also underestimated how useful the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App really is. Even without a Wi-Fi package, it lets you message other family members onboard and on Disney's private island stops. The ability to send a message as simple as "we're at the pool" turned out to be more valuable than I expected.
There were lessons from this trip that I will absolutely carry into future vacations: disconnecting from the outside world as much as possible, prioritizing presence and connecting deeply with family. The screen-free camera and waterproof disposable camera were favorites that have earned spots in our cruise bag, too. But I'm returning to my iPhone as my primary camera—I'll just be a lot more intentional about using it.
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How to Plan Your Own 2000s-Era Disney Cruise Donald Duck, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Pluto are seen in front of the Disney Wish at Disney's Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private island destination in The Bahamas.Photo by Kent Phillips, courtesy of Disney
Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App once a day, not all day. Pull up the schedule each morning (or grab a printed copy from Guest Services), make your mental to-do list, then put the phone away until evening.
Lock up your phone—really. A stateroom safe works, but the psychological trick is treating it like it's not an option, not just leaving it "nearby."
Have a plan if you get separated. Agree on a meeting spot and time before you split up, since you won't be able to text "where are you?" on a whim.
Buy the photo package and utilize the Disney cruise photographers. They're stationed all over the ship and at every port; letting them do the work means you'll end up in the photos instead of just behind the camera.
Invest in a compact camera you'll actually enjoy using. Whether it's a pocket digital camera, a screen-free option or a camera that uses film, pick something that makes documenting the trip feel fun, rather than like a chore.
If using film, remember to keep it out when going through security. X-ray scanners at the airport or when boarding the ship can damage undeveloped film, so carry it separately and ask for a hand inspection instead of sending it through the machine.
Give yourself permission to miss things. Not every vacation moment needs to be captured. Some of the best ones are the ones you simply lived.
The Movie That Made Peter Cetera's 'Glory Of Love' An '80s Power Ballad Turns 40 Today
Forty years after its release date, fans of the 'Karate Kid Part II' and Peter Cetera's "Glory of Love" are still synonymous with each other.
The film, starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, which was released on June 20, 1986 was not only a hit on its own, but made the former Chicago singer's solo debut a hit as well. (Even though "Glory of Love" was originally meant for Sylvester Stallone film 'Rocky IV,' but was ultimately passed on to the 'Karate Kid' sequel.)
The song which, ultimately became the theme song 'Karate Kid Part II,' was nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards in 1986, but lost to "Take My Breath Away" from Tom Cruise's 'Top Gun.'
Upon the song's release, it spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Unfortunately though, since the song's release and his departure from the band were so close together, "Glory Of Love" was initially mistaken for a Chicago song, Cetera told the Los Angeles Times in 1987.
“People thought ‘Glory of Love’ was the new Chicago song. A lot of them went looking for the Chicago album. They didn’t know about me as a solo artist," he recalled. "They said, ‘Peter who?’”
Cetera also noted that since the track became the theme song to the movie, he lost out on album sales as fans bought the soundtrack instead of his first album, which was self-titled.
Later in the year, Cetera's "The Next Time I Fall," a duet with Amy Grant, also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The movie, which was a sequel to the 1984 original, grossed $121 million at the box office, according to Rotten Tomatoes, and has continued to live on in pop culture within the last forty years — which included a reimagined version made for streaming.
Cobra Kai, the Netflix series that followed Macchio's character as an adult, ran for six seasons, wrapping in 2025. While longtime fans hoped "Glory of Love" would be featured in the series, it was ultimately cut, according to the show's producer Jon Hurwitz.
"We actually filmed a goodbye scene between Daniel and Kumiko in Season 3 that had them slow dancing to 'Glory of Love,' he said in an X Q+A last year. "It was really sweet and one of my favorites scenes that didn’t make a final cut."
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