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2003 Clint Eastwood Film, Named One of the Best Neo-Noir Movies in Film History, Was Based on a Book

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:18am

Mystic River was a neo-noir mystery directed by Clint Eastwood. Based on a novel by Dennis Lehane, the film starred Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, and Laura Linney. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won in two categories.

The film, which has an 89% audience and critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, is about a murder case. “When the daughter of ex-con Jimmy Markum is murdered, two of his childhood friends from the neighborhood are involved. Dave, a blue-collar worker, is the last person to see her alive, while Sean, a homicide detective, is heading up the case.”

Related: Legendary Elvis Presley Dancer, 88, Admits He Originally Wasn’t Interested in Working With the Star

Collider recently ranked “The 10 Best Neo-Noir Movies in Film History” and included Mystic River on the list, along with iconic films like Pulp Fiction, Taxi Driver, and Blue Velvet.  

When speaking about what it felt like to be behind the camera for a change, Eastwood told The New Yorker, “It feels great! This is much more fun. As an actor, I’m constantly being fiddled with. I’m being told, ‘You gotta do this, you gotta do that.’ Somebody is always fussing over my hair, somebody else is tampering with my skin. I’m told to go to wardrobe and put on these clothes or those other clothes. Here, I come to the set in my T-shirt and jeans and sneakers, and nobody cares what I look like. I’m getting the scenes I want, and it makes me very happy. I’m free, free of extra pressure, the constant worry over how I’m doing and what I’m doing. As the director, I want to be watching my actors – it’s fun to watch the emotions in my actors unfold. If it weren’t fun, I wouldn’t be doing it.”

Related: 1982 Stephen King Story, Which You Can Read in a Day, Was Named the Best Novella of All Time

Not only did Eastwood direct, but he also composed the music for the film. He told the BBC, “I grew up with a great interest in music, and studied intently for a few years, but left it behind. But I think every film has its rhythm. In the case of this film, it has two rhythms: the Kevin Bacon/Laurence Fishburne rhythm and the rhythm that Tim and Sean, and Marcia Gay and Laura Linney have. So it was about blending those rhythms as their stories all converge.”

Pierce Brosnan and His Handsome Son Make a Rare Red Carpet Appearance Together

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 9:02am

Actor Pierce Brosnan‘s son, artist Paris Brosnan, is a dead ringer for his father.

The beloved Irish actor, 72, who has tackled diverse roles in films ranging from Mrs. Doubtfire to James Bond flicks like Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough, appeared alongside his son, Paris, to attend the premiere of Seniors during the 2026 Indiewood Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. One look at Paris, and it’s safe to say he inherited his father’s good looks.

Victoria Sirakova / Getty Images

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Paris Brosnan is a Successful Artist

Paris told HELLO! he never intended to make art his career.

“It was a way to get something out that I didn’t have language for,” he told the publication. “I’d go through periods where things felt really heavy internally, and painting was how I processed that weight. I never planned to turn it into a career.”

Back in February, Paris debuted his new works from his new art collection, “Collective Energy,” at Clarendon Fine Art in London. Pictured alongside each other, there’s no doubt that the dynamic duo is related. With sharp jawlines and handsome smirks, it’s safe to say that Paris is a chip off the old block.

Dave Benett / Getty Images

Brosnan’s Secret to a Great Head of Hair

Victoria Sirakova / Getty Images

As for the artist’s handsome father, Pierce had a delightful answer when asked by Page Six why Irishmen seem to have such good heads of hair.

“It’s all in the hair, the old Celtic hair,” he explained, saying that his father, “Dear Tom…had good hair. I have no idea. Maybe it’s in the potatoes, or the butter, or the Guinness.”

When told he’s aging like a fine wine, Brosnan said, “I’m doing my best!”

Brosnan recently starred opposite Ben Kingsley and Helen Mirren in The Thursday Murder Club, a Netflix murder mystery based on the popular book by Richard Osman. His character is a bit of a departure from some of his most famous roles.

“I’ve done rough-around-the-edges before,” said Brosnan, who knows a thing or two about being slick, as any 007 fan is well aware. “So entrenched in the world of the sophisticated man and Mr. Slick and Mr. Elegance, you know, sometimes you paint yourself into a corner with your own…you get hoisted by your own canard so to speak! It’s paid the rent over the years and given me the great joy of having the career that I’ve got.”

When it was suggested that he might be in the midst of a renaissance thanks to his role in MobLand, Brosnan said he wouldn’t fight the idea as he navigates his seventies.

“If not now, when? The click is ticking,” he said, smiling.

Related: Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith Look More in Love Than Ever on Their 25th Anniversary

Bill Burr's F-Bomb Slipped Past ABC's Censors on Kimmel

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:51am

Bill Burr didn’t curse on Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday night. His movie did, and nobody at ABC caught it in time.

The comedian stopped by to promote The Social Reckoning, Aaron Sorkin‘s companion film to The Social Network, and the show rolled a clip during his sit-down. In it, Burr’s character Charlie warns Jeremy Strong‘s older version of Mark Zuckerberg about unchecked misinformation: “The firehose of bad information you’re injecting into the air supply is becoming jet-powered. It’s hydraulic. Harm, I promise you, is f***ing imminent.” The line aired uncensored on the East Coast broadcast.

Jimmy Kimmel Live tapes in the late afternoon specifically so ABC’s standards and practices team has time to catch language like this before airtime. How the word got through is unclear, and it isn’t the show’s first time with this exact problem. Kimmel reportedly stopped broadcasting truly live a year into its run after censors couldn’t keep pace with actor Thomas Jane‘s cursing, which is why the show shifted to same-day taping in the first place.

The timing could have looked bad given FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s ongoing scrutiny of Kimmel and ABC. But the network isn’t at risk here. Kimmel airs during the FCC’s 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. “safe harbor” window, when profane language is legally permitted on broadcast television even though networks typically bleep it out anyway as a matter of their own house standards. By the time the segment reached YouTube later that night, the line had been bleeped after all.

Burr seemed unbothered by any of it during the actual interview, more focused on how much the role meant to him. He told Kimmel he read the entire 145-page script in one sitting, calling it “the best thing I had ever been sent” since his stretch on Breaking Bad convinced him to keep chasing dramatic roles. He plays a member of Zuckerberg’s legal team in the film, which Burr described as “more a companion piece” than a sequel to the 2010 original, following a young Facebook engineer, played by Mikey Madison, who teams up with a Wall Street Journal reporter, played by Jeremy Allen White, to expose the company’s internal secrets.

The Social Reckoning hits theaters October 9, giving Burr a genuine dramatic showcase to go with his standup dates, which continue this fall in New Orleans, Chicago and Mesa, Arizona. The uncensored clip will probably be searched out online and likely end up creating a little more buzz. Even when things go slightly off script it can have a positive outcome (as long as there’s no, well, reckoning).

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Snickers Releases New Banana Nut Bread Flavor: 'I'm Really Looking Forward to This'

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:44am

For decades, Snickers have remained quite possibly one of the most popular candy bars for all those interested in a balance between sweet chocolate and a satisfying crunchy peanut filling.

While there’s plenty of positive things to be said about a classic Snickers bar, the candy giant has just revealed a brand-new flavor of their iconic chocolate bar in the form of the limited-edition Snickers Banana Nut Bread.

A memorable twist on homemade banana bread, Snickers Banana Nut Bread features the same basic ingredients as a traditional Snickers bar, I.E. chocolate coating, rich caramel and a layer of peanuts.

The biggest difference between the two flavors, however, is that Snickers Banana Nut Bread features a base of banana-flavored nougat, giving it a fruit-forward taste that pairs remarkably well with Snickers’ signature chocolate and peanuts.

As delicious as the new treat no doubt sounds, there is one crucial thing to remember when it comes to the new Snickers bar. Unfortunately, the only retail store you’ll be able to find the new candy bar is Walgreens for a limited time.

Officially, Snickers Banana Nut Bread goes on sale at the pharmacy and retail store on September 18. However, a number of shoppers have reported seeing the treat on shelves earlier.

As expected, many shoppers expressed their avid enthusiasm for the new candy bar across social media. On one Instagram post, multiple users chimed in with their positive reactions to Snickers Banana Nut Bread.

“I’m really looking forward to this tbh,” said one account.

“I wanna chop these up and add to actual banana bread batter,” added another user.

“When you’re looking for a treat that really satisfies, look no further than Snickers,” Walgreens said on their official website of the new product. “Packed with peanuts, nougat, caramel and milk chocolate-and delicious whether simply unwrapped and enjoyed, or incorporated into your favorite dessert recipes-Snickers handles your hunger so that you can handle, well… anything.”

Sofia Vergara’s Handsome Son Manolo Turns 35, and His Resemblance to His Mom Is Uncanny

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:43am

Sofia Vergara‘s handsome son Manolo just turned 35, and it’s safe to say he inherited his mother’s good looks.

Vergara, 54, rose to stardom as Gloria on Modern Family, the hit ABC comedy starring Ed O’Neill, Julie Bowen, Ariel Winter, Eric Stonestreet, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Now a judge on America’s Got Talent, the brunette beauty took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of her handsome son in honor of his birthday. Holding her little pup in her arms, Vergara posed alongside Manolo and a giant birthday cake. One look at Manolo and you can see the similarity between him and his mom. From the dark hair to the cheekbones, we can see the resemblance!

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Vergara Just Rang in 54

This past summer, Vergara took to Instagram to celebrate her 54th birthday. Naturally, she did it in style, sporting a deep red bikini while sitting on a boat in Italy with her brown hair cascading down her shoulders. Clearly, the stunner is just getting better with every year that passes.

“So happy for all the love from u guys yesterday! It was the best bday ever!!! ❤️😘 and thank u Italy for all my 300 cakes!🤣🎂 54 is a good number!!!!👵,” she shared.

View this post on Instagram Vergara Has a Lookalike Niece

In addition to being a mother, Vergara is a proud aunt. Last summer, Vergara had the time of her life in Madrid with her lookalike niece, Claudia Vergara. The influencer, who boasts 323,000 followers of her own on the popular social media platform, is a dead ringer for her Aunt Sofia!

The dynamic lookalike duo posed together for a casual photo in a ritzy restaurant, showing off the same long, brown hair, deep eyes, and beautiful smile. It’s safe to say that beauty runs deep in this family! With their glowing summer tans and rosy pink smiles, the two of them could easily be mistaken for sisters.

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Related: Remember Manny From ‘Modern Family’? Rico Rodriguez, 28, Is All Grown up With Long, Curly Hair

1972 Hard Rock Song, Which Became a Staple at Blue Öyster Cult Concerts, Never Actually Charted

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:40am

“Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll” was a 1972 hard rock song from the iconic band, Blue Öyster Cult. This was their debut single from their debut album, which has become a staple at their live shows. According to Paste, the demo was what helped get the band signed with Columbia Records. However, the song never actually charted.

When speaking with Eon Music, Eric Bloom spoke about playing the iconic song live, admitting that they commonly encore with “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll” during their concerts. The song, which has 3.4 million views on YouTube, is a fan favorite. As one listener said, “Most epic guitar riff ever.” Another said, “The rhythm guitar and drums play perfectly off each other, Bouchard’s vocals are solid, still my favorite BOC song that I never get tired of coming back to.”

Despite the band’s massive success, they haven’t been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. When asked whether it would give him any satisfaction to be added, bassist Joe Bouchard told Gary James, “I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll be just like all the others who say, ‘Oh, I didn’t think this would be a big deal getting into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame,’ but then when it happens, they are completely bowled over.”

He continued, “I’m really kind of nonchalant about it. But, I’m happy that Blue Öyster Cult has had unbelievable success, and everybody says, ‘Well, it’s because you are talented.’ But, I’ll tell you, there’s a lot of luck that goes along with it. Darn lucky. I was born in Watertown, New York. Grew up on a farm in Clayton, New York. We played barn dances as kids, and the next thing you know, we’ve got a wall full of Gold and Platinum albums. How does that happen?”

Related: Legendary Hard Rock Drummer, Who Performed With Black Sabbath and Turned Down Ozzy, Turns 69 Today

Blue Öyster Cult has had several huge hits throughout their career, including “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla,” and “Burnin’ for You.” The band is still touring and recording music to this day.

Hyrox Winner Who Soiled Herself While Competing Forfeits Victory and Apologizes

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:31am

Hyrox athlete Joanna Wietrzyk is giving up her controversial win.

The 22-year-old Australian athlete issued an apology Thursday, September 17, after suffering bowel incontinence during a Hyrox competition in Beijing, China, on September 12, but continuing to race.

“I want to offer my sincere apology to the people of China, my fellow competitors, the spectators and the HYROX organizers for what happened during the race in Beijing,” Wietrzyk wrote on Instagram.

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Wietrzyk said she felt healthy when the competition began and had no indication that she would become ill. In hindsight, however, she believes she should have stopped competing.

“Looking back, I regret the decision to not have stepped off the track. I recognize that I should have made a different choice. I take responsibility for my decision to continue and am deeply sorry for the discomfort and disruption it caused,” she wrote.

“I know my actions had an impact beyond myself, and I am genuinely sorry to everyone who was affected,” she continued, saying she is learning from the experience and will carry these lessons with her.

The apology marks a change in tone from Wietrzyk’s initial response. She finished first in the 16-to-24 age division with a time of 1 hour, 1 minute and 23 seconds. Afterward, she reportedly posted a since-deleted selfie from a hospital bed, writing in part, “Go hard or go home … a win is a win.”

READ MORE: Hyrox Winner Who Soiled Herself While Competing Defends Her Decision to Continue Race

Wietrzyk has now decided to “retroactively withdraw” from the race and forfeit the points she earned. She said the experience taught her “that there is more to life than racing and knowing when it is right to step away.”

The incident had already prompted a response from Hyrox after images and videos from the race circulated online and raised hygiene concerns among some viewers.

Without naming Wietrzyk, the organization acknowledged a few days prior that an “unforeseen situation arose” and said ambiguity emerged in how its existing biocontaminant and medical procedures were applied. Hyrox also condemned threats of violence directed at athletes and said anyone found threatening or encouraging harm would be permanently banned from its events.

Wietrzyk, meanwhile, plans to step away for now. “I will be taking some time to recover, reflect and look after myself and my family away from the noise,” she concluded.

Clarks’ Genuine Leather Ankle Boots Are a Fall Wardrobe Staple That Look 'High-End'

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:30am

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Fall may technically be a few days away, but my closet has already moved on. I’m ready to pull jackets and sweaters out of storage, trade lightweight dresses for denim, and, most importantly, wear boots again. And with plenty of apple picking, leaf-peeping, dinners, and long walks ahead, I want a pair that looks polished without making me regret wearing them after just a few hours.

That’s why the Clarks Lileigh Charm Leather Boots caught my attention. They combine genuine leather and a stacked block heel with the comfort-focused details that shoppers said make them feel “well made” and look “high-end.” Even better, they’re currently 32% off at Walmart, down from the usual $103 to just $70. That’s $33 in savings as boot season gets underway — and a pretty good excuse to start planning the outfits they’ll go with.

Clarks Lileigh Charm Leather Boots, $70 (were $103) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The shape is what gives these boots their wear-with-everything appeal. They have a softly rounded toe that keeps the front from looking too sharp, subtle stitching along the sides, and a contrasting welt that adds definition around the sole. An approximately 2.4-inch stacked block heel adds height while maintaining a substantial, walkable base, and the 4.5-inch shaft keeps the silhouette compact rather than creeping too far up the ankle.

A zipper along the side of each boot opens up the shaft so you don’t have to wrestle your foot through a narrow opening, while a pull tab at the back gives you something to grab as you slip them on. The opening measures about 11.4 inches around, and inside, Clarks’ ultimate comfort cushioned insole and a soft textile lining add extra support and padding. 

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The classic brown tone has a rich, warm finish that looks especially suited to fall. Wearing these boots with blue denim brings out the pair’s more casual side, while cream knits, camel coats, corduroy, olive green, and other earthy shades play into the season’s palette. The low shaft also leaves plenty of room to experiment with outfit combinations, too. They’ll slip neatly beneath straight-leg jeans and trousers without adding bulk, but can stay fully visible with cropped pants, a dress, or a midi skirt. 

Related: Clarks’ Leather Ankle Boots Have Sweater Knit Details That Are Perfect for Fall, and They’re 50% Off

The sweaters are out, the jeans are back, and now the boots are handled. Shop the Clarks Lileigh Charm Leather Boots for $70 at Walmart while they’re 32% off! 

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1975 Rock Hit by Aerosmith, Never a No. 1, Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of All Time'

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:20am

In 1975, Aerosmith was two albums into its career and still waiting for the song that would push the band into rock’s upper ranks. That changed with a menacing bass line, a talk box, and Steven Tyler singing about tensions much closer to home.

“Sweet Emotion” arrived as the first single from Toys in the Attic and became Aerosmith’s first Top 40 hit. Although it never came close to No. 1, the song proved pivotal to the band’s rise and decades later earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The track grew out of a bass riff written by Tom Hamilton.

Hamilton brought the musical idea into the sessions, and Tyler added lyrics and vocal melodies. Joe Perry supplied one of the recording’s most distinctive sounds using a talk box, while producer Jack Douglas helped shape the layered studio production.

Behind Tyler’s lyrics was friction within Aerosmith itself.

The singer has said parts of “Sweet Emotion” were inspired by the band’s strained relationship with Perry’s then-girlfriend, Elyssa Jerret.

In Walk This Way: The Autobiography of Aerosmith, Tyler said the song was “all about my negative feelings for her because I couldn’t get next to Joe when she was around, which was all the time. She was doing all his drugs. Before she came along, I was doing all his drugs. It was a big problem.”

Rather than laying out the conflict directly, Tyler filled the song with cutting, ambiguous lines that added to its dark atmosphere.

“When I was first starting off with ‘Sweet Emotion’ we were between Get Your Wings and Toys in the Attic and I played it for Steven and he was kind of encouraging and kind of like, ‘Next, what’s going on?'” bassist Tom Hamilton told Buzz Worthy. “So I ran back to my corner and developed more parts to my song. Then, what happened was we finished the basic tracks for Toys and (producer Jack Douglas) said we had a day to spare and if anyone had a spare riff, let’s hear it. So I stood up and said I have this thing. By the end of the day we had the arrangement done. But then were finished. Joey, Brad and I had to go up to Boston while Steven and Joe finished the album. Six weeks later, Steven and Joe come back all done and I heard that song and the rest of the album and it just blew my mind.”

Released in May 1975, “Sweet Emotion” reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.

That modest-looking chart peak represented an important first for Aerosmith: none of its previous singles had entered the Top 40. The success also prompted the re-release of “Dream On,” originally issued in 1973. Given a second chance, that song climbed to No. 6 in 1976.

Toys in the Attic became the band’s true commercial breakthrough. Along with “Sweet Emotion,” it included “Walk This Way,” another future Aerosmith classic that would later gain a remarkable second life through the band’s 1986 collaboration with Run-DMC.

“Sweet Emotion” also became a fixture beyond radio. Director Richard Linklater memorably used it to open his 1993 film Dazed and Confused, immediately connecting its creeping introduction with another portrait of the 1970s.

Its reputation has continued to grow. Rolling Stone included “Sweet Emotion” on its ranking of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, placing a track that peaked at No. 36 alongside some of popular music’s most celebrated recordings.

More than 50 years after its release, that chart position seems almost beside the point. “Sweet Emotion” never reached No. 1, but it helped set in motion one of American rock’s longest-running careers.

Related: 1970 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 24 Minutes, Was Named After an Evening Standard Headline

Mark Wahlberg’s Son Benjamin Is 18—and His Resemblance to His Famous Dad Is Hard to Miss

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:09am

Mark Wahlberg‘s son Benjamin just turned 18, and he could be the actor’s twin.

The Boston-bred actor, 55, who is best known for roles in beloved films like Boogie Nights, The Departed, Ted, and The Fighter, also has a brood of four children with his wife, Rhea Durham. In a sweet new photo posted by Durham, the couple’s son Benjamin hit the big 18 and made it clear that he’s his father’s lookalike. Durham also included a throwback photo of a young Benjamin, showing just how far he’s come.

“My baby boy is 18!! I can’t believe it! You have always made me laugh so hard with your wit and dry sense of humor. 🤣,” Durham shared. “I love our scary movie nights and watching football together. I’m so proud of you and the young man you are becoming. I love you forever and always Benny 🥰🙏🏼🫶🏼🌞🎂🎈🎁💙.”

Take a look at the sweet post below:

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Wahlberg Would Love to Double Date With Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson

A true New Englander, last year Wahlberg opened up to the TMZ cameras when asked if he’d be willing to head out on a double date with his wife and legendary former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, 74, and his 25-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.

Wahlberg, a lifelong Pats fan, had nothing but love for Belichick, who coached the team for 24 seasons before leaving in 2024. He is now the head football coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“If Bill wants to go to dinner with his girlfriend and my wife, that’s no problem,” Wahlberg told TMZ when they asked if he’d double with Bill and Jordon. “But I want to play Bill in a movie,” he shared. “The greatest coach of all time, come on! The greatest coach of all time.”

Wahlberg Has Mentioned His Belichick Aspirations Before

This isn’t the first time that Wahlberg has mentioned his goal of playing Belichick. Back in 2022, on the heels of Tom Brady‘s retirement announcement, Wahlberg told Variety that he would “love to play New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.”

Even Pats alum Julian Edelman gave his blessing to the idea on social media. However, Wahlberg seems to realize that he won’t be playing Brady anytime soon.

“I could play his uncle,” said Wahlberg.

Of course, Wahlberg would still love to work with Brady in another capacity, he shared earlier this week during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take.

Related: Mark Wahlberg’s Handsome Sons Look So Much Like Dad on the Red Carpet, Fans Did a Double Take

These Are the 3 Best Nail Shapes To Elongate Short Fingers, According to a Professional Nail Tech

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 8:02am

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While some people might embrace having smaller hands, there are also those with fingers on the shorter side who might be looking for ways to elongate their digits. Fortunately for people in the latter camp, there are a few nail shapes that can give the illusion of lengthening short and stubby fingers.

To learn more, we spoke with Marlisse Murguido, a professional nail technician at the Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa in Palm Beach, Fla., where she specializes in gel manicures and pedicures, intricate nail art and custom press-on nails.

According to Murguido, there are three nail shapes that do a particularly great job at elongating short fingers and making small hands appear more slender and elegant.

One of these three shapes can work for nails of any length, while the other two shapes work best on longer nails. Below, check out Murguido’s picks for nail shapes that can elongate short fingers, as well as her instructions for achieving each shape at home, her suggestions for polish colors to complement each shape and her recommendations for what at-home manicure products you need.

Related: The ‘Old Money’ Manicure: 3 Elegant Nail Shapes That Instantly Elongate Mature Hands

3 Best Nail Shapes To Elongate Short Fingers, According to a Nail Technician

These three nail shapes are especially flattering for hands with short fingers, according to Murguido.

1. Almond

Klimenko Oksana / Getty Images

Almond nails are shaped similar to the shape of actual almonds, with the sides of the nails coming to a softened pointed end.

“Almond nail shapes can make short fingers appear longer because [the] tapered sides create a smooth, elongated appearance,” Murguido explains.

“The rounded tip draws the eye toward the end of the nail, making the fingers look slender,” she continues. “Its narrow shape helps balance wider or shorter-looking fingers without making them appear bulky. Almond nails also create a graceful, feminine silhouette that visually adds length to the hands.”

Related: 50 Best Nude Nail Ideas for a Chic, Understated Look

How to achieve almond nails at home

“For almond nails, file both sides inward toward the center, then gently round the tip to create the characteristic almond shape,” advises Murguido. “Make sure both sides are even and the tip is centered for a balanced look.”

As for polish, Murguido’s favorite colors for an almond nail shape are soft nudes, blush pink, beige and light neutral shades.

These “work especially well because they enhance the elongated appearance of the nails,” she says. “French tips can also look beautiful on almond nails because they emphasize the tapered shape.”

2. Stiletto

Dariildo / Getty Images

Inspired by stiletto high heels, stiletto nails, which work best on longer nails, involve the sides of the nails coming to a sharp pointed edge.

“Although a bit of a controversial shape, the stiletto nail shape is especially effective at elongating short fingers because of its long, sharply tapered design,” Murguido says.

“The pointed tip directs attention outward and creates the illusion of extra length,” she explains. “Its narrow sides make the fingers appear slimmer and more elongated. Because the shape extends the visual line of the finger, it can make the entire hand look longer and more dramatic.”

Related: The 13 Best Press-On Nails, Tested by Celebrity Manicurists

How to achieve stiletto nails at home

“For stiletto nails, file both sides diagonally toward the center until they form a sharp, pointed tip, checking frequently to keep the shape symmetrical,” Murguido advises. “Use a fine-grit nail file to smooth the edges and carefully refine the point.”

When it comes to choosing a color for stiletto-shaped nails, Murguido’s recommendation is on the other end of the spectrum from her picks for almond nails: black, deep red, burgundy and dark purple.

Bold nail colors like these “complement stiletto nails and make the dramatic shape stand out,” she says. “Metallics and glitter can also add an eye-catching finish.”

3. Tapered square

Miroslav Ivanov / Getty Images

Tapered square nails start with a classic square shape, but then the sides of the nails are filed gently at an angle, softening the square a bit.

“Tapered square nails can elongate short fingers by combining a narrow, tapered design with a straighter tip,” says Murguido.

“The sides gradually become narrower toward the free edge, creating a lengthening effect without being as pointed as a stiletto,” she adds. “The structured shape draws the eye vertically along the finger, making it appear longer. It is also a great option for creating a balanced, polished look while adding the appearance of length to shorter fingers.”

Something great about tapered square nails is that they work on nails of any length, whereas for almond and stiletto nails, you need your nails to be on the longer side.

Related: A Celebrity Manicurist Says This Daily Habit Actually Weakens Nails Over Time

How to achieve tapered square nails at home

“For tapered square nails, file the sides slightly inward toward the tip,” explains Murguido. “Keep the free edge straight across rather than rounding it, creating the square tip while maintaining a gentle taper on the sides. Check each nail from different angles to make sure the sides are even and the tips are straight.”

Similarly to almond nails, for tapered square nails, Murguido recommends opting for soft pinks, nudes, milky white and classic French tips. These options “look particularly good with tapered square nails because they create a clean and polished appearance,” she clarifies. “For a bolder look, bright colors can also highlight the structured shape.”

What To Buy To Do Your Nails at Home, According to a Nail Tech

Londontown

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If you’re doing your nails at home, there’s one purchase Murguido recommends: the Londontown Discovery Set 2.0 ($64). The set features a makeup bag filled with seven nail care products, all of which are certified cruelty-free, vegan and free of gluten, parabens, talc and phthalates.

One of her favorite products in the set is Londontown’s signature glass file. “Glass nail files are best for filing due to fine grits that prevent nail free edges from peeling or splitting when filing,” she explains.

The Londontown Discovery 2.0 Set also comes with the brand’s Illuminating Nail Concealer, Get Strong Nail Hardener, Chai Lakur Nail Polish, Nourishing Cuticle Oil, Whipped Cloud Hand Cream and Strengthening Lacquer Remover. 

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Related: 35 Best Mint Green Nail Ideas for a Stylish, Eye-Catching Manicure

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Tony Nominated Rock Singer, Who Got His Start on 'American Idol', Turns 51

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:59am

Constantine Maroulis competed in the fourth season of American Idol. He came in sixth place during the year that Carrie Underwood won, then went on to have an illustrious career. He performed on Broadway in Rock of Ages and received a Tony nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. He also starred as the title role in Jekyll and Hyde and received a Drama League Award Nomination for a Distinguished Performance Award. Today, he turns 51.  

Related: ‘The Voice’ Winner, 43, Found Dead

When speaking about his time performing on American Idol, Maroulis told Adam Bernard, “It was just tremendous for me, the entire experience. I was somebody that was out there, sort of in the field. I went to drama school, I went on the road with bands and Broadway productions and had been through the whole audition process for ten years really, so I went into the experience sort of like wow, this is a job interview so I’m going to do my best, I’m going to show them what I got, I’m going to try and milk it for everything I can, if you know what I mean.”

He continued, “Looking back on it, I feel like I’ve learned a great deal. I feel much more comfortable on stage, in front of the camera, I have a great fan base that are very loyal and so dedicated and an opportunity to work with the best people in the business, probably an opportunity that I would have never gotten before.”

Related: 1962 Rock Song, Originally Meant for the Everly Brothers, Became a Hit for a Teen Idol

Despite his success, Maroulis admitted that he never thought he would become a celebrity. “I never really thought about being a star,” he told Times Square Chronicles. “I was lucky enough to have an older brother and sister, much older than me, that were talented. My brother, very talented, very prolific, Athan Maroulis, always taught me to be more of an independent artist. You know, a briefcase and a microphone, that was always sort of my motto. I knew early on I could belt high notes and all of that, and I think some teachers caught on quick. I had a lot of stage fright early on.”

Maroulis is still performing in theater productions and releasing solo music to this day.  

1985 Laura Dern Film, With 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, Ranked Among the ‘Best Suspense Movies of All Time’

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:53am

Laura Dern appeared in several popular movies in the 1980s, including Foxes and Mask, but her first lead role remains one of her most haunting performances more than 40 years later.

The movie, Smooth Talk, stars Dern as Connie Wyatt, a boy-crazy 15-year-old exploring her sexual awakening. Based on Joyce Carol Oates’ short story Where Are  You Going, Where Have You Been?, the Joyce Chopra-directed film follows a restless teen’s carefree summer that is shattered when she catches the eye of an older man, Arnold Friend (Treat Williams), who shows up at her house when she is home alone.

Smooth Talk earned a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93 percent. It was also recently ranked by SlashFilm as one of the “Best Suspense Movies of all Time.” The outlet described the film as a “feminist masterpiece about the horrors of a world where young women are continually stranded in a sea of violence.”

“Following a first half that seems to promise John Hughes-esque wistful teen drama, Smooth Talk erupts into a queasy, borderline horror-esque calamity that feels as distressing and nightmarish to watch as anything in the medium’s history,” the SlashFilm review added.

Chopra once revealed that she didn’t cast Dern in the lead role until two weeks before filming started.

“Laura came as a miracle,” the director told AnOther magazine in an interview. “No, literally! We had cast Treat [Williams]. He was doing another film and had one week free, so we had to fit the schedule around him. We had read dozens of young actresses and had every major casting director looking across the country for us. And they were very fine actresses. But none of them were able to have the duality, (the way that) Laura could.”

RELATED: 1998 Tom Hanks Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of the 1990s’

At the time of its release, Roger Ebert gave Smooth Talk an impressive three-and-a-half stars.

“[Dern] seems perfectly suited to this role,” the film critic wrote in his review. “She is a chameleon who looks 12 in one shot and 18 in the next, and is able to suggest the depth of her unhappiness by the way she tries to seem cheerful.”

Ebert also noted that many viewers would be “shocked by the movie’s ending” and would “want to be warned.”

“Smooth Talk is not a ‘teenage movie,’“ Ebert wrote. “It is not, despite its plot, a horror film. It is a study in deviant psychology, and in the power that one person can have over another… Leave the movie before it’s over, and you miss almost everything, because what Connie does at the very end of the film is necessary. It makes Smooth Talk the story of the process of life, instead of just a sad episode.”

Related: 1989 John Cusack Film, With 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, Ranked Among the ‘Best Movies of the 1980s’

1968 Byrds Track, Written by Carole King, Remains a Psychedelic Country-Rock Masterpiece

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:46am

In 1968, the line between folk-rock and psychedelic experimentation was blurrier than ever, and The Byrds found themselves right at the center of the shift.

By taking “Wasn’t Born to Follow,” a brilliantly crafted track from Carole King and her then-husband and songwriting partner Gerry Goffin, and drenching it in effects, the band created a country-rock gem that still sounds unlike anything else from the era. It wasn’t just a standout moment on their 1968 album The Notorious Byrd Brothers, it went on to immortalize the counterculture movement when it landed on the iconic Easy Rider soundtrack a year later.

The Byrds were the first to record the tune late ’60s. King wouldn’t release her own version until 1969 a, slower, piano-based version with her short-lived band The City.

The song, sung by Roger McGuinn, blends folk-rock, country and psychedelic influences. According to the Financial Times, Byrds producer Gary Usher, a friend of King’s, acquired the song and presented it to the band. Surprisingly, the song has no chorus and it’s short, only around two minutes long.

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The song was one of the last tunes recorded for The Notorious Byrd Brothers album, reported Christopher Hjort in the book So You Want To Be A Rock ‘n’ Roll Star: The Byrds Day-By-Day (1965–1973). McGuinn, Chris Hillman, Red Rhodes, Clarence White, and Jim Gordon played on the tune. Michael Clarke and David Crosby both left before the LP was finished. Clarke walked out of the sessions, and Crosby was fired.

King and Goffin also contributed another outstanding track to the LP, “Goin’ Back.” Reportedly, Crosby disliked the song so much it was a catalyst for his departure from The Byrds, according to American Songwriter.

According to liner notes from The Notorious Byrd Brothers, as reported by American Songwriter, band road manager Jim Seiter recalled the tense standoff when David Crosby’s original song “Triad” lost its spot on the tracklist to King and Goffin’s “Goin’ Back”. “David sat on a couch for three days and didn’t do a thing,” Seiter revealed, noting that Crosby was adamantly pushing for his own composition.

Another iconic fact about “Wasn’t Born to Follow” is that, indirectly, The Monkees legacy is loosely tied to the recording, the Financial Times reported. The band didn’t record the song until 2016’s Good Times LP, but the band’s connection to the film Easy Rider goes back over 50 years.

TV producers Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson created The Monkees television series, and helped produce the feature film Head, along with Jack Nicholson. The money they earned from those endeavors helped them to produce Easy Rider. Without their Monkees connection, the film might never have gotten off the ground, and the song wouldn’t have had such an important place in cinema history.

Additionally, King wrote songs with Goffin for the TV show band-turned-music icons, such as “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” as well as fan-favorite album cuts like “Sometime in the Morning,” “Star Collector,” and “The Girl I Knew Somewhere.”

Despite the behind-the-scenes friction, The Byrds’ gamble paid off. The track remains a seamless bridge between Carole King and Gerry Goffin’s songwriting brilliance and the budding California country-rock movement.

Related: 1966 Mike Nesmith Monkees Track, Co-Written by Carole King, Was an Underrated Country-Rock Gem

Preston Konrad Says Bravo Is His ‘Low Cortisol TV’ After Filming New Design Show

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:37am

Preston Konrad has a surprising way of relaxing: watching people fight on Bravo.

The lifestyle expert and designer revealed that Southern Charm and other Bravo shows are his idea of “low cortisol TV” while appearing on the You’re the Shift with Ryan Albert podcast, where he also discussed his new Hulu and Freeform design competition, That Thrifting Show.

Konrad’s own series is meant to be the kind of feel-good television viewers can settle into for hours, but his personal viewing habits lean much more toward reality-TV drama.

“I either watch Southern Charm or Bravo or all these shows. Nobody calms me down,” Konrad joked. “I’m so millennial that, like, people fighting on Bravo, it lowers my levels.”

Konrad was speaking with Albert, who is on Southern Charm, when he explained his unusual relaxation strategy.

“I call it low cortisol TV,” Konrad said of his new show, describing it as something viewers could watch “for like six hours on a Sunday.”

“I want people to just feel happy,” he added.

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That philosophy represents a major shift from Konrad’s earlier television work. The designer previously hosted TLC’s Style by Jury, a makeover series from an era of reality TV that often centered on telling people what was wrong with their appearance.

“It’s so different,” Konrad said of his current work compared with Style by Jury. “I kind of joke that if Style by Jury was on TV now, I’d be so canceled because it was the era of makeover shows where you would say, like, you don’t look good.”

Konrad said he now approaches judging differently, focusing on understanding the reasoning behind contestants’ choices rather than simply telling them whether something works.

The new series has also given Konrad a chance to see design talent from across the country. He said he’s been surprised by how much he learns from the contestants competing on the show.

“These contestants, it’s like I’m blown away,” he said. “You see these people competing from whatever town they’re from, and their style is amazing, their taste level’s incredible, and they teach me new things every day.”

But after all that judging, designing, and filming, Konrad has already revealed what he’ll be watching when he wants to unwind.

Bravo — and apparently, a little Southern Charm chaos — will do the trick.

Legendary Elvis Presley Dancer, 88, Admits He Originally Wasn’t Interested in Working With the Star

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:32am

In a recent episode of the “That’s Classic! Podcast,” which was released on September 16, Christopher Riordan spoke about his time working with the iconic Elvis Presley. According to PEOPLE, Riordan ended up working with the star more than any other performer, but he originally wasn’t interested in taking on the job.

“I got a call from Metro that they needed a strong dancer, and they somehow knew that I had two weeks off of My Fair Lady at the time,” he said. “I was working with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, and I asked, you know, for some details and what is this about and who’s in it and so on.”

Related: 1962 Rock Song, Originally Meant for the Everly Brothers, Became a Hit for a Teen Idol

He continued, “And then finally they said it’s Elvis Presley. And I just sort of turned my nose up at that because I thought, you know, I’ve been working with such wonderful people … Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, Fred Astaire, Paul Newman. I thought, ‘Who wants to work with Elvis Presley?’ I was a bit of a snob, you know, at the time. I thought, ‘This is a step down.’”

However, he ended up taking the job since he was in need of money, and the two eventually became friends.

Related: 1959 No. 1 Song, Famously Covered by Donny Osmond, Became a Hit for a Legendary Teen Idol

“He didn’t say anything until the last day,” Riordan explained. “And I’m just about to leave. I’m almost out of the doors, and I hear somebody say, ‘Just a minute. Excuse me.’ And I turned around, and I saw Elvis standing there, and he said, ‘I just want to thank you for all your hard work, and I want you to know that your efforts were appreciated.’ And I just sort of looked at him very strangely, and he said, ‘Um, I’ll see you on the next one.’ And I said to myself, ‘The hell you will.’”

Ultimately, Riordan worked as the main male dancer for six Elvis films. They included Viva Las Vegas, Tickle Me, Roustabout, Spinout, Clambake, and Double Trouble.

1976 ABC Series, With 4 Emmy Awards, Featured an 11-Year-Old Who Later Walked Away From Hollywood

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:12am

When the ABC drama series Family premiered in 1976, it followed the lives of the upper-middle-class Lawrence family, parents Kate and Doug (Sada Thompson, James Broderick), Nancy (Elayne Heilveil in the first season, then Meredith Baxter), Willie (Gary Frank), and “Buddy” (Kristy McNichol).

It wasn’t until the fourth season of the critically acclaimed show that the Lawrences adopted Annie Cooper, the orphaned daughter of family friends who died in a car accident.

Played by 11-year-old actress Quinn Cummings, Annie was precocious and complicated, stubborn and emotional. The young character was brought on to the show as McNichol’s character, Buddy, matured into her teen years.

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

RELATED: ‘Family’ Premiered in 1976 and Made Kristy McNichol a Star

Cummings was already an Oscar-nominated actress when she joined the cast of Family due to her role as little Lucy McFadden in The Goodbye Girl. At the time, she was “happy” to be an actress, telling The New York Times her first audition was at age seven for a floor wax commercial.

Cummings appeared in 36 episodes of Family before the four-time Emmy-winning series ended its five-season run in 1980. She went on to guest roles in CHiPs, Remington Steele, and The Love Boat in the mid-1980s, and after two TV appearances in the 1990s—Blossom and Evening Shade—she quit acting in 1992. Cummings was 25 years old when she left Hollywood behind.

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Cummings later explained that showbusiness was like a roller coaster.

“The entertainment industry is like a bad boyfriend who knows the minute you love it more than it loves you and starts to treat you badly,” she shared. “Then you say, ‘I’m moving on with my life.’ Then you book a job, and say, ‘Oh, the entertainment industry is really sweet!’”

More than three decades after she left the Hollywood spotlight, Cummings, now 58, is known as the author of several books, including Notes From The Underwire, Pet Sounds, and The Year of Learning Dangerously, according to her official website. She also hosted a podcast titled Quinn Cummings Gives Bad Advice.

As for how she came out on the other side of acting, Cummings once told The Huffington Post she “lucked out.”

“I had parents who didn’t confuse me for an ATM and a certain psychic stability which allowed me to come through my childhood with only the usual amount of scars,” she said. “Then again, there was no Internet when I was a kid, no cell-phone cameras, no Twitter, no  Facebook.”

“Being a former child actor is a permanent state,” the Family alum added. “Unless I save the rain forest, my obit is going to be titled, ‘Quinn Cummings, former child star, dies of something avoidable.’ Which is all my way of saying, if your kid likes acting and singing, there’s something called local theater.”

Related: 1970 ABC Sitcom, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest TV Shows of All Time,’ Featured 2 Future Teen Idols in the Same Role

Who Is Julia Stiles’ Husband? Inside the ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ Star’s Love Life and 3 Kids

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:07am

She boogied her way into our hearts with beloved movies like 10 Things I Hate About You, Save the Last Dance and more. But now Julia Stiles is lacing up her dance shoes as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 35, which premiered with a two-night event beginning on Tuesday, September 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.

The 45-year-old actress is paired up with professional dancer Ezra Sosa for the competition, who has already praised his famous partner as “absolutely incredible,” per E! News. “I will confidently say I’ve never worked with someone who’s working so hard and who’s so passionate about doing this, and it just makes me so excited to see their journey on the show,” Sosa told the outlet, revealing that he and Stiles are already planning to get tattoos together to commemorate the season.

But while we know about Stiles’s partner on the dance floor, what about her partner in life? The Mona Lisa Smile star has been married for nearly a decade and shares a trio of sweet kiddos with her spouse. Ahead of the DWTS season 35 premiere, let’s get to know the man with whom Julia Stiles has been dancing through life these last 10 years.

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Did Julia Stiles ever get married? 

Yes, Julia Stiles has been married to her husband, Preston Cook, since September 2017. The pair wed over Labor Day Weekend in a small beach ceremony in Seattle, Washington, with two friends present; at the time of the nuptials, the Hustlers actress was pregnant with their first child, a fact she joked about in her wedding announcement. “Who doesn’t love a shotgun wedding?” Stiles cheekily captioned an Instagram pic of her and Cook on their wedding day, their ringed hands cradling her burgeoning baby bump.

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Nearly a decade later, Stiles took to the same social-media platform to praise her hubby on their ninth wedding anniversary. “Taking a breath to wish my main man, my lurve, a Happy Anniversary,” she wrote in tribute to her spouse. “Grateful you are not on social media (Somehow you’ll hear about this).” She jokingly added: “Thank you for holding down the fort while I live my dance dream, and being cool with my [Ezra Sosa] obsession. Love love love.”

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Related: Julia Stiles Will Honor Dolly Parton With Her 1981 No. 1 Hit in First ‘DWTS’ Performance

How did Julia Stiles meet her husband?

The couple met while working on the set of the 2014 Daniel Alfredson-directed thriller film Breakway; Stiles starred as Lillian, leading a cast that includes Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ray Liotta and Alexander Ludwig, while husband Preston Cook worked as a second assistant cameraman on the film. The pair began dating shortly thereafter and got engaged in late 2015.

During an interview with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, Stiles revealed that she was very surprised when Cook popped the question, though she had hoped for a proposal. “We went on a big trip with his entire family over Christmas and New Year’s, so I kept saying to myself out loud, like every day, ‘Do not ruin a perfectly good vacation by getting your hopes up. Just get it out of your head,'” she joked.

Related: Sarah Lawrence College Joins in Support for Julia Stiles on ‘DWTS’ After Juilliard’s ‘Shady’ Post

Preston Cook and Julia Stiles attend a Netflix “Frankenstein” screening in New York City.

Jason Mendez/Getty Images

What does Julia Stiles’s husband do?

Like his bride Julia Stiles, Preston Cook works in the entertainment industry as a film camera assistant and actor. Behind the scenes, his camera department credits include major motion pictures like Deadpool, The Revenant and War for the Planet of the Apes; on screen, he’s acted in popular series like The L Word, Smallville, Stargate SG-1 and Riviera, the latter of which starred his famous wife.

Related: ’90s Star Julia Stiles Stuns With Natural Beauty, 27 Years After ’10 Things I Hate About You’

How many children does Julia Stiles have?

Julia Stiles shares three children with husband Preston Cook: Sons Strummer (born October 2017) and Arlo (born January 2022), and a third child born in 2023, whose name and sex have not been publicly revealed.

Stiles, who co-wrote and directed the 2025 film Wish You Were Here in her feature directorial debut, once likened motherhood to filmmaking. “Being a mother is such good training for being a director,” the working mom told Us Weekly last year. “You have to be good at time management, you have to be a multitasker. You have to be present but also think 10 steps ahead. You have to be able to operate really well with sleep deprivation.”

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Related: Heath Ledger’s Former Co-Star Details Iconic Movie Moment That Wasn’t Scripted

How old was Julia Stiles when she had her third child?

Stiles was 42 years old when she welcomed her third child in late 2023. “I am running on fumes in terms of sleep,” the actress told The New York Times in 2024 about her postpartum existence. “But I feel more energized than I ever have.”

Where does Julia Stiles live today?

A born-and-bred New Yorker, Stiles still calls the Big Apple home, living in Manhattan with husband Preston Cook and their three children.

“I’m from New York and it’s still one of my favourite places. I love the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and the whole city just has an energy about it — it’s always changing and has its own heartbeat,” the Dexter star said in a 2021 interview with The Sunday Times. “You never need a hobby when you’re there because you just have to go for a walk and something will surprise you.”

Next, ‘DWTS’ Fans Call Out ‘Diabolical’ Season 35 Pairings—Stars Defend the Casting

Taco Bell’s 25-Year-Old Menu Staple Inspires a Cheesy, Snack-Size Lookalike

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:01am

Taco Bell is giving a menu staple new life with an all-new format. 25 years ago, Taco Bell debuted the Cheesy Gordita Crunch, and as they say, a star was born!

Sure, the iconic flatbread-wrapped taco wasn’t the first Gordita recipe to exist (as it joined the original trio of Supreme, Fiesta, and Santa Fe, which had launched a few years earlier), but it certainly became the most popular of the bunch, as what Taco Bell initially intended to be a limited-time offer is now a permanent menu item inspiring new launches decades later.

Today, Taco Bell announced that the new Gordita Crunch Duos, a snack-sized take on the ol’ classic, would be heading to menus nationwide as soon as this week. The international fast-food chain also revealed that it would be bringing back another handheld gem: its Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Slider, but with a new twist.

Taco Bell’s Cheesy Gordita Crunch Gets Snack-Sized Spinoff for a Limited Time

Just like the legendary namesake that inspired it, the new Gordita Crunch Duos feature the beloved pairing of pillowy flatbread and crunchy corn tacos.

  • Gordita Crunch Duos: Two snack-sized flatbreads layered with melted mozzarella, pepper jack, and cheddar cheeses, wrapped around a white corn shell filled with a choice of grilled, marinated steak or savory slow-roasted chicken, plus creamy chipotle sauce, fresh lettuce, and pico de gallo.

Related: Taco Bell Sweetens Up Its Menu With 2 New Salt & Straw Desserts—for a Limited Time Only

The new menu item will be available on its own (for about $5.49; prices may vary) or as part of Taco Bell’s $9 Discovery Luxe Box, which also includes a Doritos Locos Taco, Crunchy Taco, Chips & Nacho Cheese Sauce, and a medium fountain drink.

Taco Bell’s new Gordita Crunch Duos.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Slider Is Also Returning—With a New Sauce

And though its Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders aren’t brand-new to menus (having debuted earlier this year), they’re returning with a new sauce—but only for a limited time.

  • Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders: All-white-meat chicken nuggets coated in crunchy tortilla chips, fresh pico de gallo, and a shredded three-cheese blend, now drizzled with Hidden Valley Diablo Ranch Sauce and wrapped in a warm flour tortilla with a signature fold for the all-in-one bite Crunchwrap. (The original recipe featured a choice of Creamy Chipotle or Jalapeño Honey Mustard sauce.)
When Will the New and Returning Items Arrive on Menus?

Taco Bell said both the new Gordita Crunch Sliders and the refreshed Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders will be available at participating locations nationwide for a limited time beginning today (Thursday, September 17).

Next: Taco Bell Is Teeing Up Its First-Ever Celebrity Golf Tournament—And Fans Are Invited

Walmart’s Floral Table Lamp Has Touch Control, USB Ports, and Is Just $20 Now

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 7:00am

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Now that we’re in the midst of September, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is starting to cool down, signaling the start of fall. With the transition of seasons, now’s the perfect opportunity to give your home a little refresh. If fall and winter make you want to spend your nights snuggled up on the couch, consider adding some comforting and warm accents to make your space feel like a cozy retreat.

The smallest touches can make all the difference in your space, and lamps are a prime example. They replace harsh overhead light with a cozy glow, creating just the right ambience for all your favorite indoor fall activities. Walmart carries a ton of fabulous options at budget-friendly prices, and this Cinkeda Floral Table Lamp is one of our favorite finds. And right now, you can score it on sale for just $20, marked down from $23. 

Cinkeda Floral Table Lamp, From $20 (was $23) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Adorned with a botanical pattern, the linen lampshade oozes with cottagecore charm, leaning into the organic and natural appeal of the aesthetic. The nature-inspired design features outlines of flowers and leaves, capturing the essence of a rural lifestyle. Set against a cream-colored backdrop, the black outlines of the pattern pop out and make a statement. 

This lamp is also available in five other styles, which are currently full price, ranging from $26 to $30. You can snag it in a gray or pink hue with the same design, but it also comes in a muted rose design, a vibrant floral version, and a blue style with a scalloped pattern. 

Boasting a sleek silhouette with a cylindrical lampshade, this lamp will complement any space. It has a slim body that transitions into a wide circular base. For size reference, the lamp is around 10 inches tall. The lampshade has a 5.5-inch diameter, and the base is slightly smaller with a 5-inch diameter. Shoppers noted that the base is heavy, which prevents the lamp from tipping over. 

Cinkeda Floral Table Lamp, From $20 (was $23) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This lamp comes with a light bulb so you don’t have to go out of your way to buy one. Thanks to its touch-control design, you can easily adjust the light settings without any hassle. Touch the base anywhere to adjust the temperature and brightness. You can choose from warm white low light, medium natural white light, or bright daylight depending on your needs and preferences. 

For convenience, the base is fitted with two USB ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. If you don’t have a nearby power outlet by your couch or bed, this lamp keeps your devices within arm’s reach and plugged in. 

It’s no surprise that this Walmart bestseller has racked up nearly 300 five-star ratings. Shoppers loved the style of all these lamps, describing them as “beautiful,” “absolutely darling,” and “very cute.” Customers also adored the size and convenience. “This is perfect for a nightstand,” one reviewer raved. “It’s small enough to allow room for other items, and the touch function makes turning on the light easy!” 

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Related: Amazon’s $13 Tulip Table Lamp Adds a Dose of Sunshine to Your Space All Year Long

From movie nights to DIY projects, the Cinkeda Floral Table Lamp will set just the right mood for all your favorite fall activities. Head to Walmart and snag it while it’s still on sale for just $20!

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