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Leopard print has a funny way of making itself at home. Whether it shows up on a handbag, a pair of shoes or tucked into a kitchen accessory, those spots instantly add personality to an otherwise ordinary space. I especially love using unexpected home pieces to make a wild statement, because you don’t need an entirely leopard-themed room to have fun with the trend.

That’s exactly why I have my eye on these wild plates from T.J. Maxx. The Leopard Border Salad Plates from Coastlines cost just $19.99, and each 8.25-inch plate features an animal print border that gives the classic white plate a much more playful personality. Made from fine porcelain, the set of four is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, so they’re not just pretty—they’re practical, too.

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Coastlines Set of 4 Leopard Border Salad Plates, $19.99 at T.J. Maxx

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I think the leopard border is what really makes these work for me. Instead of covering the entire plate in an animal print, the design frames the food while leaving plenty of clean white space in the center. That makes them feel fun without being overwhelming, which is exactly what I’d want if I were adding a trendier piece to my kitchen.

Related: Get a Jump on Holiday Decorating With Aldi’s Adorable Gingerbread Village Collection

Personally, I’d use these as a way to spice up a neutral tablescape. Think white or cream dinner plates underneath, natural wood serving boards, woven placemats and a few simple black accents. For fall, I could also see them looking fantastic with amber glassware, warm-toned napkins and a centerpiece of autumnal greenery. If you love mixing patterns, pair these with stripes, gingham or even a subtle floral print for a more collected, maximalist look.

I’d happily pull this set of china out for a casual dinner party. Salad, appetizers, dessert or even a slice of birthday cake suddenly feels a little more special when it’s served on something with this much charm.

At under $20 for four, I think they’re an easy way to experiment with the leopard print trend without going overboard. If you want your table to have a wild side, these plates seem like a fun place to start.

Related: William Sonoma’s Cornucopia Loaf Pan Turns Your Favorite Fall Baked Goods Into Edible Art

Lindsey Buckingham is celebrating his 77th birthday.

The legendary Fleetwood Mac guitarist was born on Oct. 3, 1949, in Palo Alto, Calif., and went on to pen some of the band’s greatest songs, including “I’m So Afraid” and “Go Your Own Way.”

Buckingham was a driving force behind the success of Rumours, Fleetwood Mac’s iconic 1977 album that spent a whopping 31 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Buckingham wrote and sang on “Second Hand News,” Never Going Back Again,” and “Go Your Own Way” and co-wrote “The Chain.” The album became the biggest and best-selling album of 1977 and solidified Buckingham and his bandmates Mick Fleetwood, Steve Nicks, Christine McVie and John McVie as rock superstars.

Nearly 50 years later, Buckingham is known as one of the greatest classic rock guitarists of all time—and he’s not done yet.

In a post to his Instagram page earlier this year, Buckingham teased his future plans, telling fans, “I am still very, very grounded in my creative life. I’ve been working on a new solo album for the last couple of years, which is one song away from being finished.”

Buckingham has been playing guitar for almost his entire life. Rolling Stone once shared that the future legend grew up listening to his brother’s Elvis, Buddy Holly and Little Richard records and later learned how to play guitar on a plastic Mickey Mouse guitar.

Decades later, Buckingham admitted he always played guitar his own way.

“Because I was not taught and don’t read music, I don’t approach it academically,” he said in a 2011 interview with Darryl Sterdan. “I don’t play every day. I don’t sit and practice scales. I don’t even know scales. If there’s an academic aspect to it, it’s about intellectualizing how to approach songs. When I started playing at about seven, I had a chord book and an older brother who had 45s, and I was just learning songs. And it’s always been about songs.”

“As far as the guitar becoming more important or prominent, a few years ago the song ‘Big Love’ made its way to the stage as a guitar-and-voice piece,” he added of the hit song from the 1987 Fleetwood Mac album Tango in the Night. “It became such a touchstone for me in terms of using the guitar to do the work of a whole track. And that approach has expanded over the years.”

Buckingham’s last solo album came in 2021.  At the time, he said he wanted to experiment with different musical styles.

“I wanted to make a pop album, but I also wanted to make stops along the way with songs that resemble art more than pop,” the Fleetwood Mac guitarist said. “As you age, hopefully you keep getting a little more grounded in the craft of what you’re doing. For me, getting older has probably helped to reinforce the innocence and the idealism that hopefully was always there.”

Related: 1975 Fleetwood Mac Song, Four Years in the Making, Became Lindsey Buckingham’s Greatest Guitar Showcase

I recently turned 40, and I can already tell that I travel differently than I did 10 or 15 years ago. I still crave long hikes and lowkey love a 16-hour flight to somewhere exotic, but the whole sleeping in an airport to save on flights or cramming myself in row 65 next to the toilet is where I draw the line now. Plus, I would now rather spend several nights in one place than lose half a day (and my sanity) moving hotels, and I will happily pay more for the guide who knows exactly where we are going versus me trying to navigate it by myself.

And I’m not the only one. When I asked four travel experts what makes the ultimate fall and winter vacation for women in the 60+ range, I was shocked by how much I agreed with every single one of their answers. Orthopedic shoes aside, I’m drawn to travel that’s a little more comfy, a little more bougie, but still as adventurous and exciting as as before. Doni Belau, founder of Girls’ Guide to the World, hit the nail on the head. “I’ve picked some very active trips because if you don’t do these at 60-something they won’t get any easier in your 70’s or 80’s. Capture the adventure now while you still have time,” she says.

The destinations below leave plenty of room to be active without hurting your knees (or your hips). You can drive and hike through Scotland, spend harvest season in Tuscany, or head to Finnish Lapland once the snow arrives. And for anyone who would rather have someone else handle the reservations and transportation (hi, it’s me), you’re in luck too. Check out which destinations made the cut for women over 60.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Experts the Best U.S. Destination for Travelers Over 60

Scottish Highlands Looking towards Beinn Ghlas, a Munro from Ben Lawers above Loch Tay in the Scottish Highlands, UK.

The Scottish Highlands in fall are pure magic. The hills glow with copper bracken, mist settles over the lochs, and the light seems to change by the minute. Drive long enough and you will round a bend to find a castle on the water or a trail disappearing into the woods. Starting around Dunkeld in Perthshire, you can kick off your hike with The Hermitage and Braan Walk runs which covers about 4.25 miles with roughly 460 feet of ascent on clear, waymarked paths. The route follows the River Braan through forest to Ossian’s Hall and Black Linn Falls. Farther north near Aviemore, Loch an Eilein is another 4.25-mile loop, but with only about 230 feet of ascent. The trail circles the loch through Rothiemurchus Forest, with a ruined 13th-century castle sitting on a small island offshore. Neither walk should be considered universally “easy” based on age alone, but both offer reasonable mileage and relatively modest climbing for active travelers who do not want a major mountain day.

Photographer Johan Siggesson puts the Highlands high on his fall bucket list. “The Highlands are particularly breathtaking during fall,” he says. “Plus, they are full of wildlife, charming castles and offer many opportunities for picturesque drives. I would give yourself enough time to actually pull over when something looks interesting rather than treating the Highlands as one long drive between hotel reservations.”

For travelers who want that independence without researching every trail themselves, Macs Adventure is an obvious choice. As a company that started in Scotland, it’s Scotland Self-Drive & Hike trips combine preplanned driving routes with optional walks graded by difficulty, plus lodging and 24-hour support and luggage assistance. Its eight-day Walking in the Scottish Highlands itinerary also offers a choice of easy-to-moderate hikes on many days. Macs says late spring through early fall is the best window for its self-drive trips, so September is the safest bet if you specifically want autumn views in the Highlands.

Related: We Asked 4 Travel Advisors the #1 Flight Habit Travelers Over 50 Should Drop Immediately

Thailand Yee Peng firework and temple, Thailand Floating lantern.

Thailand offers plenty of adventure without turning the trip into a race. Start in Bangkok, where long-tail boats cut across the Chao Phraya River and gilded temple roofs rise above the traffic. Some of the best meals may come from a market stall you nearly walked past. After a few days, fly north to Chiang Mai, where the streets are quieter and the pace of travel is too. Wander the temples inside the old city walls, head up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for views over Chiang Mai, or spend a day outside the city at Doi Inthanon National Park, home to waterfalls, forest trails, and Thailand’s highest peak. Back in town, take a northern Thai cooking class or order a bowl of khao soi before browsing one of the evening markets.

November is especially appealing because the worst of the heat has passed, and the city is heading into festival season. Time your visit for November 24 or 25 and you can catch Yi Peng, when thousands of lanterns rise into the night sky as Loy Krathong celebrations unfold across Chiang Mai. That is also why Duncan Greenfield-Turk, founder of luxury travel company Global Travel Moments, recommends this country to some of his retired guests. “The cooler, drier months from November on in Thailand make it a comfortable season to visit, and the hospitality is famously gracious. A gently paced itinerary with a private guide and a beautifully chosen hotel suits the way many of my clients like to travel,” he says. He adds, “One practical tip I share with every client traveling this way is that the hotel is where the trip is won or lost, so it is worth booking through a travel advisor who can secure the upgrades, breakfast and credits that make the stay feel considered.”

If you would rather have someone else do the planning for you, Intrepid Travel’s 12-day Premium Northern Thailand trip starts in Bangkok and finishes in Chiang Mai with a maximum of 12 travelers. The itinerary goes beyond the headline sights, including time in ancient Ayutthaya and two nights at Lisu Lodge among the rice fields and fruit orchards of northern Thailand. There is also a visit to Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park with local experts. A November 24, 2026 departure is currently listed, putting the trip right at the beginning of Thailand’s cooler season.

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

Tuscany & Florence, Italy Tuscan vineyard landscape , Chianti hills in sunset, Fog in Tuscany from Drone

In October, the hills around Chianti are busy with grape harvest, and the vineyards are starting to turn red and gold. It’s a destination you may visit with a dedicated itinerary, but quickly find your wine tastings turn into long lunches, followed by an afternoon in Greve, Panzano, or the medieval walled city of San Gimignano. When November and December hit, the focus shifts to white truffles around San Miniato, where weekend markets and truffle events (like pig-lead hunts) draw visitors from across the region. Base yourself at an agriturismo in the Chianti countryside for a few nights, so you can stay close to the wineries and hill towns without driving back to Florence each day.

Brandon Shaw, COO and co-founder of The Tour Guy, has spent more than 15 years in the travel industry, first as an international tour guide and now helping run a company that operates in more than 60 European destinations. He recommends Tuscany specifically for fall. “I highly recommend Tuscany, because harvest season in Chianti brings vineyard visits and tastings, with fall foliage across the hills. It’s easy to reach from Florence, which is well connected by high-speed train and by air.”

For women over 60, I would start your trip in Florence rather than packing and unpacking every night. The Tour Guy offers day trips into Chianti, including private options with hotel pickup, so you can get into the countryside without renting a car. That is especially useful in Siena and San Gimignano, where steep streets and uneven stones can make it hard to walk and carry luggage around. You can still enjoy the wineries and hill towns, but you return to the same hotel at the end of the day.

Related: The Fall Getaway That’s Perfect for Your Personality Type

Finland & Laplands Man with snowshoes exploring the frozen winter forest, Lapland, Finland

If you have ever wondered what the North Pole looks like, Finnish Lapland gets pretty close. By late November, Rovaniemi is blanketed in snow, reindeer move through the forest, and the sky can start glowing green before dinner. You can stay in a glass-roofed cabin, book a husky outing, and still return to a proper sauna at the end of the day. The team at Visit Finland notes that autumn around the equinox can bring especially strong aurora activity, while winter gives you far longer hours of darkness for watching the sky.

Belau recommends being as active as you can on this trip since you’ll want to spend as much time as you can outside (even against the icy wild chill). “You can really take part in a true winter wonderland here,” she says. “You can chase the Northern Lights, take a reindeer sleigh ride, take a Finnish sauna followed by an ice-cold plunge into the Baltic Sea, go mushing with husky dogs and, of course, visit an ice or snow hotel. I don’t recommend actually staying the night as it is truly freezing cold but you can make a day of it like we do on our Northern Lights Tour.”

For women over 60 who would rather not deal with the stress of Arctic transportation and excursions themselves, there are a couple of good organized options. Collette Travel Service, the guided-tour company founded in 1918, offers an eight-day Northern Lights of Finland small-group trip that combines Helsinki with Lapland and includes time at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, a husky safari, multiple Northern Lights outings, and a night in a glass igloo. Belau’s Girls’ Guide to the World also runs a women-only Finland and Norway trip with reindeer rides, Northern Lights excursions, sauna time, and a snow hotel. The February 17, 2027 departure is currently sold out, but it is worth watching for future dates.

Related: The New England Fall Road Trip Travel Experts Swear By

Oaxaca, Mexico Oaxaca, Mexico; 1st January 2025: Popular folklore parade and dance in front of the cathedral represented by the Chinas and Titliches of Oaxaca.

Oaxaca, the capital of the southern Mexican state of the same name, is a compact, walkable city with enough food, history, and culture to fill several days without constantly changing hotels. That makes it an especially good fit for women over 60 who want a trip with plenty to do but less time spent in transit. By December, the historic center is deep into the Christmas season, with brass bands and calendas moving through the streets around the Zócalo and the smell of toasted chiles and warm corn drifting out of markets. If you are there on December 23, do not miss Noche de Rábanos, when local growers and artists carve enormous radishes into elaborate scenes.

During the day, head just outside the city to Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital perched above the valley, then come back into town for dinner. In Mexico, you’ll want to embrace the food—like blue-corn tortilla straight from the comal for breakfast and mole or sip smoky mezcal made from agave grown nearby for dinner. There is enough to do in Oaxaca to stay busy for several days without changing hotels, which takes the stress and guesswork of having to lug your bags through town.

Belau knows Oaxaca personally and deeply, and loves this destination especially for this age-range. “I am a huge fan of Oaxaca, Mexico, the historic colonial town which is the capital of the Oaxaca region. The city just won an award from Travel & Leisure by being voted one of the happiest places to visit in the world, and as someone who has done Christmas here, it’s delightful during the festive season as they do festive right,” she says.

“We lived in Oaxaca for several months during Covid and completely fell in love with the culture. The region is rich with 16 different indigenous peoples, Monte Alban the ancient capital of the Zapotec people and the serious arts and crafts scene. What will make you want to stay is the food—Mexicans agree that Oaxaca has the best food in Mexico. Think moles, aqua chiles, homemade blue corn tortillas, and the best breakfasts you’ll ever try,” she says.

If you want someone else handling the transportation between cities, Intrepid Travel’s Premium Mexico City to Oaxaca trip runs eight days in a small group. It starts in Mexico City, spends two nights in Puebla, and finishes in Oaxaca, where specialist guides lead visits to Monte Albán and introduce travelers to local textile traditions and mezcal production. For a women-only option, Belau’s Girls’ Guide to the World offers a seven-day Oaxaca trip centered on the city’s food and artisans. Guests stay in the historic center, eat everywhere from street stands to high-end restaurants, and get their own room without paying a single supplement.

Related: We Gave 3 Travel Experts a Strict $500 Fall Vacation Budget

Canada: Montréal & Québec City A View Of Montreal Cityscape During The Fall

By late fall, Montréal is all gray stone, glowing café windows, and the smell of fresh bread drifting out onto foliage-lined streets. Then in winter, it is blanketed in sparkling snow, with twinkle lights strung across Old Montréal and steam rising from café doors every time someone steps inside. No matter when you go, spend the morning inside Notre-Dame Basilica, then head to Mile End for a hot sesame bagel from St-Viateur or Fairmount. If the weather turns, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts is somewhere you can spend at least 2-3 hours without rush. For women over 60, it’s the ease of getting around and the charm of the city, with shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants lining the old street, making it seamless to meander as you shop and snack. Plus, with more time, Québec City is a natural next stop for even more exploration.

Belau, recommends the same itinerary. “A short trip up to Montreal is a lovely destination in both fall and winter. Try their world-famous bagels, totally different than the NY variety. Stay at the Grey hotel in Old Town and be sure to visit their own version of Notre Dame, it’s gorgeous inside. Old Town, Montreal gives you a slice of France without heading over the pond and there are a plethora of wonderful restaurants and museums for foodies and culture vultures alike,” she says. “For a real Canadian feel, head to L’Original and if seafood is your wish you’ll love Le Garde Manger. The Montreal Museum of Fine Art deserves a morning of your time and if the weather is mild get out onto the river and do a brunch cruise,” she says.

If you want both cities handled in one trip, Road Scholar, the educational travel company geared toward older adults, offers a seven-day French Canada: Montréal & Québec City program that begins in Montréal and finishes in Québec City. The itinerary includes eight expert-led field trips, a group leader, and time to explore between scheduled activities, with several fall 2027 departures currently listed. It is a good fit if you want the transportation and major sightseeing arranged without spending extra money.

Related: We Asked 4 Travel Advisors For Their Favorite Coastal Getaway of 2026—They All Said the Same Thing

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Chances are, you’ve probably heard of the cottagecore aesthetic, whether you’ve seen it while scrolling TikTok or online shopping. What once started as a viral trend is now a staple in home decor and fashion. Filled with nature-inspired designs, vintage charm, natural materials, and all things whimsical, it’s an aesthetic that romanticizes life, capturing the essence of a slow-paced, cottage-inspired lifestyle. 

@gracecorley16

Some cottagecore details I’m loving in my home right now #cottagecoreaesthetic #cottagecore #vintagehome #homedecorideas #fyp

♬ Amas Veritas – Alan Silvestri

Put simply, the cottagecore aesthetic evokes a sense of joy and whimsy. If you want to incorporate it into your everyday life, this Floresita Dried Flower Table Lamp is an easy choice to start with, and it’s currently on sale in two styles at Amazon. Normally retailing for $37, it’s now marked down to $29 in a cone lampshade version, and $30 in a cylindrical lampshade option. This lamp is also available in two dimmable styles, which are currently available at full price. 

Floresita Dried Flower Table Lamp, From $29 (was $37) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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From the floral design to the wooden base, everything about this lamp screams cottagecore. It’s handmade, giving the piece artisanal charm and leaning into the crafting lifestyle. Capturing the natural essence of this aesthetic, the lampshade features real dried flowers and leaves. On top of that, the shade itself is made of linen, and the base is made of solid wood, both of which are natural materials.

The delicate flowers and leaves boast vibrant hues, adding a pop of color to your home and bringing it to life. Because the flowers and leaves are real, their appearance may vary, which only adds to its natural appeal. Amazon shoppers absolutely adored this lamp, describing it as “very cute” and “beautiful.” 

“This dried flower tripod lamp is stunning, and I love how it enhances my space,” one reviewer raved. “The preserved flowers inside look delicate and beautiful, adding a natural touch to my room,” the same person added. 

Floresita Dried Flower Table Lamp, From $29 (was $37) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Featuring a streamlined lampshade and a sleek tripod base, this lamp will complement the decor of any room you set it in, whether it’s your living room, dining room, kitchen, or bedroom. You can place it on your console, bedside table, work desk, kitchen counter, or anywhere else where you could use some ambient lighting. 

Designed to meet your lighting needs, the lamp has three temperature settings, including warm, neutral, and cool. The warm setting emits a yellow-tinted glow, which is ideal for relaxing, while the cool setting radiates white light, which helps keep you alert and focused if you’re working. The neutral light strikes a balance between the two, making it a great choice for everyday activities. 

Fortunately, this lamp comes with an LED light bulb so you don’t have to make a separate purchase. The bulb doesn’t flicker, and the lampshade softens the light, preventing it from glaring into your eyes. The lamp is powered by a standard AC power cord that measures 4.6 feet long. You can find the light switch on the cord, which also controls the temperature setting. 

Shop More Deals 

• Funistree Flower Candle Warmer, From $25 (was $40) at Amazon
• Blivuself Dragonfly Tiffany-Style Lamp, From $62 (was $77) at Amazon
• Lonrisway 2-Pack of Mushroom Lamps, $29 (was $40) at Amazon

Related: Joanna Gaines’ ‘Unique’ $32 Rattan Mushroom Lamp Adds a ‘Cozy, Natural Vibe’ to Any Space

If you’re looking to bring some cottagecore flair into your home, head to Amazon and snag the Floresita Dried Flower Table Lamp while it’s still on sale for as low as $29! 

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

If you know a child who is a natural perfectionist—or who has experienced things in their life that have made them this way, like parentification—then you also know it can be really tough for them and their confidence when they struggle. 

Maybe they don’t branch out to try new things because they know they won’t be great on the first try. Or maybe they strain themselves to study hard so they never receive a bad grade. Even if you do all of the “right” things and try to help them build confidence and self-trust with all the expert-approved scripts, sometimes these children are just so hard to get through to. So what do you do?

Well, Parade recently spoke with Dr. Becky Kennedy—a clinical psychologist better known as just Dr. Becky on Instagram, where she has 3.5 million followers—and she shares something that might seem counterintuitive: you have to let them fail. And not just that, but it should happen sooner rather than later. 

She’s of course not suggesting that you should find a way to make your child fail. But she’s saying that if a child goes through their whole adolescence without any missteps or bad grades, it’ll be harder for them to experience that later on, as a teenager or as an adult. And for someone who grew up a perfectionist, let me tell you that college is absolutely the worst time to get your first poor grade.

In an effort to help parents with the tools and resources they need to raise confident kids in an era of comparison, social media and instant gratification, Dr. Becky and Good Inside, which she is the CEO and founder of, teamed up with Carter’s to start the Childhood Confidence Project. For this initiative, Carter’s unlocked Good Inside’s Confidence Program for free, and Good Inside is offering three months free of their regular membership for a limited time.

So, with those resources at your fingertips, Dr. Becky also shares how best to handle a perfectionist child’s confidence and help them get comfortable with a lack of success. 

Related: Dr. Becky Says This Parenting Advice About Confidence in Kids Is Outdated—Here’s Why

Why Early Success Can Be a Trap for Your Child’s Self-Esteem

If you’ve gone through Good Inside’s Confidence Program or you’ve watched a lot of parenting videos on how to help a child build resilience, you might have every trick and “correct” thing to say up your sleeve. But with a kid who’s a perfectionist, those might not matter if they’re dead-set on believing something about themselves or their abilities. 

If a child has always been good at school or naturally gifted at a sport, it can be such a confidence booster. But it can also hinder them from sustaining that self-esteem because they connect it to external factors (which will not always end in success). So once they come in contact with something that is no longer as easy as before, or they are terrified of experiencing (or determined not to experience) failure, their self-assurance wanes. 

“So in a way, this is a kid who struggles to separate a feeling in a moment from a feeling about themselves,” Dr. Becky tells Parade. “And maybe they’ve just been very successful at generating so many good outcomes that they’ve been able to use that to feel good about themselves.”

As she also points out, many of us are on that journey ourselves. But when it comes to our children, it’s good to open up a conversation about how being unsuccessful is okay and even welcome in your eyes.

“It’s really kind of helpful and playful to reverse the goal with a kid like that,” she says of perfectionist children. 

Related: Child Psychologist Is Begging Parents To Teach Kids These 7 Daily Habits

She continues, giving a script of what to say to them. 

“‘Hey, this is going to sound weird, but a big part of your job in first grade is to learn, and you mostly learn when you make mistakes.’ I remember saying this to my perfectionist kid,” she shares. “‘So, look, I might have to call your teacher if every piece of homework is exactly right, because I don’t know if you’re really learning, you know, I really don’t.’”

Dr. Becky explains that this opens up a “playful freedom” for the child. 

“It’s like, ‘Oh, my parent is giving me permission to be human. My parent is like almost going to the nth degree…’” she adds. 

Introducing this mindset to your child allows them to get comfortable with the idea of losing or failing, and it lets them know that you not only are okay if they “fail” but encourage it. It aims to teach them that they are more than what they produce or how they perform in this world; you’re helping them build internal self-worth that, in turn, grows resilience. 

Another script she shares involves bad grades:

“You’re going to study. You’re going to be fine… Look, I kind of hope you get some bad grades in sixth grade. I do… because the sooner you get a bad grade, the sooner you’re going to see: Hold on. Nothing about me changed. The thing I was so worried about. I can survive. And so I’ve total faith in you and all the things you’re going to do for your future… Because you’re the same smart kid no matter what grade you get.”

Dr. Becky knows that the idea of a bad grade can actually be scary for a parent of a perfectionist child, because you know how much that perfect GPA means to them. But she notes that they need to get that D or C- (which is bad for them) now, before the stakes get higher. 

“But I actually kind of hope that bad grade comes sooner than later, though. The later it happens, the more freaked out [they’re] going to be. That’s awful, right?” she states. “It just starts to give kids again a little bit of a wider range [of emotions to experience and handle].”

Dr. Becky’s Insight: Why Kids Need To Experience Failure Sooner Rather Than Later

All kids—not just perfectionists—can benefit from building confidence that is focused on self-trust and self-worth rather than outside motivators or factors. Facing bad grades, feeling rejection and failure, and experiencing defeat early on builds lifelong emotional resilience.

“I think the benefits are [that] you have a kid who can separate a feeling in a moment from a feeling about themselves, and I kind of think that’s the trick in life,” Dr. Becky explains. “’I didn’t get the job.’ You know what? You’re supposed to be disappointed about that if you wanted the job, and you’re supposed to feel that’s a bad feeling. But that doesn’t mean you’re a bad, incapable person.”

As she explains, that’s the key: being able to separate those two things is what sustains confidence and what an adult who learned resilience as a child can do. You can think, “That stinks” about not being hired, but you’re still OK being you.

She goes on to say that “not only does that help my mental health in that moment, but that ability is also what’s going to enable” someone to ask for feedback when they don’t succeed. 

“The only reason I’d be able to take feedback and learn from that is if I’m not telling myself the story that I’m like a horrible, stupid, worthless person. That person is never going to learn, right?” she points out. “So the ability to separate feeling bad in a moment from feeling bad about yourself is the biggest benefit.”

Another major benefit of teaching your child confidence and self-trust is that they’re going to be “willing to take on hard things without the promise that they’re going to be good at it, or that it’s all going to work out, which is very practical in day-to-day life,” Dr. Becky shares. This child is going to be the kid who tries out for things, even if it’s not “cool” or it’s not the child’s strong suit. They’re going to be willing to play a board game they know they’re not good at. They’re going to be able to have a fuller range of experiences because the outcomes of their endeavors won’t impact how they see themselves.

“So if you’re able to feel good about yourself, even though you’re not good at the particular moment you’re in, that is such an unlock for a really full, successful life,” she states.

Related: ​​People Who ‘Overfunctioned’ as Children Probably Have These 9 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say

How To Let Your Child Fail Without Making Them Feel Abandoned

So, you want to make your child okay with failing and encourage them to not only focus on a successful outcome. But when they do ultimately fail, what do you do? Dr. Becky tells Parade that you should “sit” with your kids when they feel these down, negative emotions, like when they’re not immediately good at something or when they feel left out.

Supporting them in these times will not just give them the support they need; it will help them remember that someone was with them in their dark, scary, uncomfortable moments. It’s always easier to deal with big emotions or tough times when someone is by your side.

And while you’re keeping your child company as they deal with these harsh emotions, it’s important to help them avoid catastrophizing things and turning a broad statement into one that’s more manageable and not as self-deprecating. 

“One big theme I want to say when kids say things like that is [to] try to go from global to specific,” she states. “Intense feelings lead to intense words.”

Dr. Becky shares that if a child is saying something like, “I’m so stupid,” they may have just faced a really hard math test, or maybe they got a bad grade on something they studied heavily for. So, a parent can go from this big, “global” statement that diminishes their self-worth to something more specific. This can sound like telling them: “That stinks. I get that. I’d be upset about that too.”

“I’m communicating something huge. ‘Wait. My parent would be upset, but my parent is like a really capable, awesome person. So maybe it’s okay to be upset. Maybe that doesn’t mean I have to lose myself,'” she explains. “And so sometimes the simplest things can have the most positive impact.”

Up Next:

Related: If You Say These 7 Things Regularly, You ‘Exude Confidence Effortlessly,’ According to a Psychologist

Source:

Courtesy Good Inside

• Dr. Becky Kennedy, known to millions as Dr. Becky, is a clinical psychologist, mom of three, as well as the founder and CEO of Good Inside, a parenting support ecosystem. Through her app, New York Times bestselling books, viral social media presence and chart-topping podcast, she has inspired a generation of cycle-breakers to join a parenting revolution, helping them become sturdy, confident leaders so they can raise sturdy, confident kids. 

For decades, Silver Dollar City has been one of the travel world’s best-kept secrets: an 1880s-themed mining town tucked into the rolling hills of the Ozarks where master blacksmiths and glassblowers share real estate with world-class, record-breaking wooden coasters. It has long been the crown jewel of Branson, Missouri, drawing millions of visitors who come for the cinnamon bread and stay for the old-school mountain charm.

There was just one catch: when the park gates closed for the evening, travelers had to disperse to off-site motor lodges or vacation rentals scattered around town.

That is officially about to change.

Opening in spring 2027, the brand-new Silver Dollar City Resort will debut as the first official family theme park resort in America’s Heartland, marking a major turning point that elevates the beloved theme park into a bona fide multi-day vacation destination.

Related: Silver Dollar City Named No. 1 Theme Park in the U.S.

: Herschend Creative Studios.

Perched high above Table Rock Lake, the 262-room property is designed to give families a reason to slow down and linger in one of the country’s most scenic regions. Rather than a cookie-cutter chain hotel, the resort leans all the way into the craftsmanship and natural wonder that made the park famous in the first place. Expect soaring panoramic windows framing lake and mountain vistas, roaring stone hearths, and handcrafted details woven into every communal corner.

Related: Silver Dollar City Unveils New Record-Breaking Coaster

: Herschend Creative Studios.

Kids—and the young at heart—will likely head straight for the cavern-themed indoor pool and expansive outdoor adventure spaces, but the real game-changer for vacation planners is how seamlessly the hotel connects to the theme park itself.

Related: This Award-Winning Theme Park Is Finally Getting Its Own Resort

Herschend Creative Studios.

Anyone who has tried corralling a multi-generational crew out the door in the morning knows that logistics can make or break a trip. Guests staying on property will score an exclusive dedicated park entrance, expedited ride access to bypass the longest coaster lines, premium parking, and effortless complimentary transportation back and forth between the resort and the park gates. That means you can tackle coasters all morning, head back to your room for an afternoon nap or a swim overlooking Table Rock Lake, and stroll right back in for evening entertainment and fireworks.

Herschend Creative Studios.

Between its cozy, storybook design and major on-site VIP perks, the new resort is making a very strong case to put the Ozarks right at the top of your family’s 2027 travel bucket list.

Related: We Asked 8 Theme Park Experts Which New Attraction Is Actually Worth Planning a Trip Around—One Park Kept Coming Up

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If your outdoor space is dotted with statues, planters and other knicknacks, but feels like it’s missing something, a solar lantern might be it. Adding a soft, warm glow to your patio, balcony or even front stoop can instantly make it feel more whimsical and inviting. Solar lamps have quickly become one of the easiest ways to elevate your outdoor space in 2026, too. No wiring, no outlets, no hassle — just simple, low-effort ambiance.

Right now, Walmart has a range of fun, whimsical solar lanterns that make it surprisingly easy to create that cozy, low lit vibe that feels straight out of a romantic movie scene. Even better, there’s no steep price tag or complicated setup — just take them out of the box, place them where you want, and you’re good to go. 

Rirool Metal Hanging Solar Lantern, $16 (was $27) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This hanging solar lantern is designed not only to look pretty (which they do!), but also for durability, with weather resistant stainless steel and waterproofing. As most solar lamps do, it charges during the day using solar panels and automatically turns on at night, casting a detailed light pattern around it. The warm LED glow makes it a great accent piece for patios, pathways or garden decor. 

Rirool Outdoor Solar Lanterns, $14 (was $20) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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These lanterns truly add the whimsy to any garden with multicolor LED fairy lights that create a beautiful glow. Ideal for gardens or patios, they add a more playful and colorful ambiance compared to standard light lanterns. One reviewer wrote, “They were perfect for my wrought iron stands beside my entrance. The lights are teensy on little wires inside but there are a lot of them and they are bright!”

Daybetter Hanging Solar Hummingbird Lantern, $14 (was $20) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

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Hummingbirds are a sign of joy, healing, love and good luck, so adding these to outdoor spaces is bringing a little positive energy to your patio. At this price, they’re a good value for decorative lighting, especially if you want an easy solar-powered setup. One reviewer said, “The labyrinth-like design makes this solar light unique, and beautiful. It is actually mesmerizing to look at. The copper, antique coloring blends perfectly with the overall design. The hummingbirds are magically breathtaking!”

ExcMark Store Set of 2 Solar Hanging Lantern Lights, $20 (was $40) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

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More of a butterfly person? Then you have to check out these adorable butterfly-adorned solar lanterns, which are available in both bronze and white. (There’s a design with hummingbirds too if you still prefer them!) Designed to either hang or sit adorably along a ledge, it emits a lovely yellow-orange glow for hours and hours after charging up in the sun. 

Shop More Deals

• Cocobela 2-Pack Solar Outdoor Lights, $26 at Walmart 
• Rirool Solar Outdoor Hanging Lanterns 2-Pack, $30 (was $50) at Walmart 

Affordable and effortless, these solar lanterns from Walmart will be the addition to your garden or patio that you didn’t know you needed. 

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Julianne Moore and her lookalike daughter, Liv Freundlich, are the ultimate Paris Fashion Week duo.

The Oscar winner, 65, who has earned praise for films like The Hours, A Single Man, Still Alice, and The Kids Are All Right, just hit the red carpet in Paris with her redheaded daughter, Liv. While Liv is quite a bit taller than her movie star mom, the two beauties made it clear that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Boasting the same gorgeous red hair as her mom, Liv smiled for the cameras as the duo hit up the Messika photocall.

Gilbert Flores / Getty Images

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What Does Liv Freundlich Do For a Career?

Freundlich, 24, is Moore’s daughter with director Bart Freundlich. Liv graduated from Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in 2024 with a degree in English. In a photo showing Liv in her cap and gown, Moore praised her daughter, calling her a “smart, wonderful, beautiful and insightful young woman.”

View this post on Instagram Julianne Moore is Set to Receive a Major Honor

Gilbert Flores / Getty Images

It was announced just yesterday that the Rome Film Festival will honor Moore with a lifetime achievement award, Variety shared. The big news was announced in a statement by Salvatore Nastasi, president of the Fondazione Cinema per Roma, which organizes the event. Moore will receive the honor from none other than Jesse Eisenberg, who just directed her in The Debut. The Rome Film Festival will take place Oct. 13 to 25.

What is The Debut About?

The Debut features Moore as a shy, unassuming housewife named Mona Friedman who is cast in a bit part at a small community theater. She transforms into a zealous Method actor who is willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role, even if it means waging war against the show’s domineering director, Variety shared. The director, of course, is played by none other than Paul Giamatti. Check out the trailer for the film below:

Related: Julianne Moore, 65, and Her Lookalike Daughter, Liv Freundlich, 24, Blow Fans Away With Their Twinning Looks

On May 17, 2006, the Navy sank an 888-foot aircraft carrier about 24 miles south of Pensacola, Florida, on purpose. It took just 37 minutes for the USS Oriskany to settle onto the floor of the Gulf of Mexico, where it became the largest ship ever sunk as an artificial reef. Divers have a better name for it: the Great Carrier Reef.

The Oriskany had a long career before its second act. It was commissioned in September 1950 and saw combat in Korea and Vietnam, according to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. It was decommissioned in 1976, NBC News reported.

Turning a warship into a reef was a big job. Preparing the Oriskany took three years and about $20 million, according to Atlas Obscura. In early 2006, the EPA approved leaving about 700 pounds of PCBs in the ship’s cable, gaskets, insulation and paint, on the condition that Florida monitor fish at the site, according to the agency.

The final moment came at 10:25 a.m., according to a Navy news release. About 500 pounds of C-4 explosives went off, and 37 minutes later, “much more quickly than anyone expected,” the ship was on the bottom, per Atlas Obscura. It came to rest upright in about 212 feet of water with its bow pointing south, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“The Navy and Florida team performed flawlessly to execute today’s sinking,” said Glen Clark, deputy program manager of the Navy’s Inactive Ships Program Office, according to a Naval Sea Systems Command release. For some who had served on the ship, it was harder to watch. “I’m a little stunned,” said Vietnam veteran Lloyd Quiter. “It’s a little hard to take.”

The wreck has since become a destination. Divers can reach the ship’s island structure at roughly 80 feet, while the flight deck sits at about 145 feet and calls for advanced training, according to Scuba Diving magazine. Divers are asked to stay out of the interior. “The most common reaction for first-time Oriskany divers is awe,” veteran instructor Kerry Freeland told the magazine.

The sea life moved in quickly. Within a week, one early diver noted the ship “had been almost completely colonized by tiny newborn crabs,” according to Atlas Obscura. These days, divers report barracuda, rays, red snapper, groupers and even tiger sharks and hammerheads around the hull.

The Oriskany isn’t the only retired vehicle that has found a second life on the sea floor. Delaware has sunk more than 700 retired New York City subway cars off its coast to build a reef.

In 1979, a man who called himself R.C. Christian approached a granite company in Elberton, Georgia, with an unusual order. The result stood about 19 feet tall, weighed 237,746 pounds and carried ten guidelines for humanity in eight languages. It was dedicated in 1980, and as of July 6, 2022, it no longer exists.

“R.C. Christian” was a pseudonym, and the man’s real identity has never been established, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia. He claimed to represent a group of concerned Americans. Joe Fendley, who ran Elberton Granite Finishing Company, first suspected a hoax, Religion News Service reported. A local banker, Wyatt Martin, helped arrange the financing.

The finished Georgia Guidestones were unveiled on March 22, 1980. Four upright slabs surrounded a center stone and held up a capstone, according to the Encyclopedia. The main stones carried the guidelines in English, Spanish, Swahili, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese and Russian. The capstone added four ancient languages: Babylonian cuneiform, classical Greek, Sanskrit and Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The messages ranged from the practical to the poetic. The first called for keeping humanity under 500,000,000 in balance with nature. The last urged readers not to be “a cancer on the earth” and to “leave room for nature.” The guidelines also touched on laws, courts and a shared world language, and NPR noted that the mix fueled conspiracy theories for decades.

The theories never slowed the foot traffic. The monument, nicknamed “American Stonehenge,” drew about 20,000 visitors a year, according to WSB-TV.

Then, at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, unknown people set off an explosive that destroyed a large portion of the structure, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said. NPR reported that one of the four main panels was destroyed. A surveillance camera at the site caught the blast and a car leaving the scene shortly after, per the GBI. Nobody was hurt.

The rest didn’t last the day. “For safety reasons, the structure has been completely demolished,” the GBI said. A backhoe operator brought down the remaining stones while GBI agents looked on, the Athens Banner-Herald reported. “We don’t know at this point what type explosive was used,” GBI agent Jesse Maddox said at the time.

Local historian Raymond Wiley, who co-wrote a book on the monument, summed it up for Religion News Service. “The stones would probably have survived a nuclear war,” he said, “but they could not survive Southern culture.”

The wreckage found a home that August. Elbert County commissioners donated the remains to the Elberton Granite Association, which said it would preserve them while the question of rebuilding was settled, Atlanta News First reported.

A year later, the site was gravel and weeds, and visitors were still arriving with shovels and paper bags to collect bits of grit as souvenirs, 11Alive reported. Property owner Wayne Mullinex said he has no plans to bring the stones back. “I put them up, but it wasn’t my idea,” he told the station. Investigators still hadn’t named a suspect.

The Guidestones weren’t the only American monument to borrow Stonehenge’s look. In Alliance, Nebraska, Carhenge arranges 38 vintage cars to match the dimensions of the original.

In September 1983, Atari dumped truckloads of game cartridges and other equipment in a landfill in Alamogordo, New Mexico. For decades, people argued over whether the story was true. In 2014, a dig proved it was, and 881 of the recovered cartridges later sold on eBay for more than $107,000.

The dumping was reported at the time. “That September, according to newspaper accounts, 14 trucks backed up to the dump and dropped their loads,” NPR reported. Company officials said the waste was mostly broken and returned merchandise, including consoles, boxes and cartridges.

The scale was big. James Heller, a former Atari manager, told the Associated Press he was tasked in 1983 with disposing of 728,000 cartridges from a warehouse in El Paso, Texas. The Smithsonian says the cartridges were buried “to prevent people from scavenging them,” and that concrete was allegedly poured over the site.

Local legend said the pile was full of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” Atari’s famous flop. The truth was messier. The 2014 dig turned up more than 60 titles, including Asteroids, Missile Command and Centipede, according to the AP.

That dig happened on April 26, 2014, with a film crew and the city’s blessing. Backhoes and bulldozers worked through the concrete-covered site while about 200 residents and fans watched, according to the AP. “It was pitch dark here that night, but we came with our flashlights and found dozens of games,” recalled city official Armando Ortega, who remembered visiting the site in 1983.

Just over 1,300 games came out of the ground, according to the Digital Archaeological Record. Film director Zak Penn said he felt “pretty relieved and psyched that they actually got to see something.” Former landfill manager Joe Lewandowski, who helped arrange the dig, has a new nickname. “Now they call me the Indiana Jones of garbage,” he told New Mexico Magazine.

The cartridges went to market in 2015. In all, 881 sold on eBay for $107,930.15, with the top price hitting $1,535, according to the AP. The buyers came from 45 states and 14 countries. Lewandowski kept 297 cartridges in reserve, and 23 went to museums, including the Smithsonian, which says its recovered E.T. cartridge bears a City of Alamogordo serial number verifying it came from the landfill.

Atari’s name still turns up in surprising places, and usually in contexts outside of video games. Phoenix, for one, is planning an Atari-branded hotel.

Elton John’s fight against HIV and AIDS has grown into a global charity effort, with the Elton John AIDS Foundation reporting that it has raised more than $660 million since its founding in 1992.

The foundation says the money has supported more than 3,236 projects across 108 countries, helping people affected by HIV and working to improve access to prevention, treatment and care.

The charity was started by John more than three decades ago, during the height of the AIDS crisis. What began as a personal response to loss has since become one of the singer’s most important charitable efforts.

The foundation’s current work focuses on communities that can face major barriers to healthcare, including young people, LGBTQ+ communities and people who use drugs.

Elton John performs at the Mundo Stage at Cidade do Rock on Sept. 7, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

John founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 in the United States. A U.K. foundation followed in 1993.

His decision to take action came after he lost friends to AIDS. Among those who deeply affected him was Ryan White, an Indiana teenager who became widely known for raising awareness about HIV before his death in 1990.

John also lost his friend Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, who died from an AIDS-related illness in 1991.

The foundation ranks among the top philanthropic funders of HIV work worldwide. According to its website, the foundation is the top non-profit funder of HIV programs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It also ranks high for support aimed at people who use drugs and for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

Money from the foundation goes to projects in many places. Examples include research and treatment efforts in Eswatini, care for pregnant women in Lesotho, and reviews of end-of-life care around the world. It has backed more than 3,000 projects in recent counts.

The group focuses on people who face extra barriers. These include young people, LGBTQ+ communities, and people who use drugs. Stigma and limited access to health services remain big problems in many areas.

According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, David Furnish chairs the foundation board. He has worked closely with John on the effort for years. The pair have spoken about the need for continued action. 

John said: “I lost so many friends to AIDS in the ’80s and ’90s; brilliant, beautiful people who deserved so much more time. The Foundation became my way of channeling grief into action.”

Furnish added: “It’s given our lives deeper purpose and connected us to something far greater than ourselves.”

The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party has run for decades. Guests watch the Oscars, enjoy dinner and music, and take part in auctions. One recent party raised millions in a single night.

Another regular event is the An Enduring Vision gala in New York. It honors long-time supporters and features awards, dinner and performances.

The foundation has also partnered with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation on joint grants. One set of grants went to groups in the southern United States, where many people live with HIV.

Recent work includes efforts to expand access to PrEP, a medicine that can greatly lower the chance of getting HIV. Injectable forms that last longer are part of current plans. The foundation has set higher fundraising goals to keep programs going amid cuts in other aid.

John and Furnish stress that science and young people give reason for hope. Tools like long-acting PrEP exist. Younger advocates push against stigma. The foundation continues to fund partners who deliver services in hard-to-reach places, including through drones that carry medicine.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation remains active more than three decades after it began.

Related: Frank Sinatra paid for a 10-week world tour out of his own pocket in 1962, performing from Tokyo to Israel; the concerts raised more than $1 million for children’s charities

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Finding the so-called “perfect” pair of shoes can be tricky for anyone. When you’re specifically looking for comfort-forward footwear that you can wear virtually anywhere, though, the task becomes even more challenging. Thankfully, Clarks has developed a reputation for exactly that type of shoe — and the brand’s Ashland Bubble Slip-Ons are just the right option if you’re seeking a smart pair for daily wear.

On top of offering a sensible loafer design, they’re also an excellent deal at Walmart right now. Originally $55, they’re available in black, blue and brown for as little as $48 depending on the size and width you choose. There’s also a few other options at full price. All three discounted hues are great for fall, when many people reach for apparel in earthy tones that complement the season’s cozy vibe.

Clarks Ashland Bubble Slip-Ons, From $48 (were $55) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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It’s rare for shoes to cover as impressive a size spectrum as these. Some varieties are available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths, and there are whole and half sizes ranging from 7 to 12. With their simple, no-fuss design and thoughtful details, these loafers promote all-day comfort from the first step.

They’re part of the brand’s Bendables range, which is designed to completely eliminate the usual break-in period. With enhanced cushioning and an Ortholite footbed to absorb shock, the shoes offer a supportive, cloud-like sensation that can make all the difference when you’re on your feet all day. 

Clarks Ashland Bubble Slip-Ons, From $48 (were $55) at Walmart

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The distinctive loafer design is classic from front to back, making it exactly the kind of shoe you’ll want to wear every day. A smooth leather upper adds a refined touch to the look, while a signature tassel detail gives them that retro-inspired, preppy quality that sets the style apart from other shoes. 

With over 250 five-star reviews, they’ve earned widespread praise from enthusiastic shoppers who swear by their Clarks for durability and longevity. One person noted they “walked all day with them on” and said the shoes felt “very comfortable.” Another reviewer dubbed them “really cute,” adding they wear them all the time. 

Sizing is by far the area that impresses people the most. Many shoppers shared that they appreciated the wide range of options, including those with wide feet who said they rarely find footwear that’s as forgiving and roomy in the toe box as these. 

Related: Walmart’s 8-Tier Arched Bookcase With Modern Farmhouse Charm Adds ‘Elegance’ and Extra Storage to Small Spaces

If you’re shopping for comfortable shoes you can wear every day, a pair of Clarks Ashland Bubble Slip-Ons fills the gap while adding a classic finishing touch to virtually any outfit. Don’t miss them while they’re on sale from $48 at Walmart.

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In 1976, Canadian rock band Rush took a major creative risk with “2112,” a 20-minute, seven-part rock suite inspired in part by Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem. The song became the centerpiece of Rush’s fourth studio album, 2112, and helped change the band’s career.

The nearly 21-minute track tells the story of an unnamed young man living in a future society controlled by the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx. In that world, music, art and other parts of daily life are controlled by the ruling system.

Written mainly by drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, “2112” explores individuality, creativity and freedom of expression through a science-fiction story. According to American Songwriter, Peart explained that Rand’s Anthem became an important influence on the story, although he said he did not fully recognize the similarities while writing it.

Canadian rock band Rush pose for a group studio portrait in 1978.

Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images

The track runs for 20 minutes and 33 seconds and is divided into seven movements: “Overture,” “The Temples of Syrinx,” “Discovery,” “Presentation,” “Oracle: The Dream,” “Soliloquy” and “Grand Finale.”

The connection between “2112” and Ayn Rand became one of the most discussed parts of the song’s history.

Rand’s 1938 novella Anthem follows a character living in a society where individuality has been suppressed. The story focuses on a person who discovers a sense of identity and begins to challenge a system that demands conformity.

Peart’s story in “2112” has a similar central idea.

In the song, the main character discovers a guitar in a cave. He has never seen such an instrument because music is controlled by the Priests. He teaches himself to play and becomes excited about sharing his discovery with others.

He believes the Priests will understand the beauty of the instrument.

Instead, they reject it.

The Priests tell him that the guitar has no place in their society and destroy it. The young man then dreams of an earlier world where people were free to create and express themselves.

The story reaches its darkest point in “Soliloquy,” before the final instrumental movement, “Grand Finale,” introduces the mysterious message: “Attention all planets of the Solar Federation / We have assumed control.”

The ending leaves the fate of the society open to interpretation. It can be heard as the fall of the ruling Priests or as the beginning of another change in power.

The album carried an acknowledgment to “the genius of Ayn Rand,” making the literary connection clear.

“2112” arrived at a difficult time for Rush.

The band had released Caress of Steel in 1975, an ambitious album that included the long piece “The Fountain of Lamneth.” While the album later gained a following, it did not deliver the commercial breakthrough the band needed.

Rush was under pressure when work began on its next record.

Guitarist Alex Lifeson rrecalled how serious the situation had become. Speaking to Guitar World in 2013, he said, “That was a very difficult tour. We were already extremely in debt, and it was just getting worse and worse.”

The band nevertheless chose to continue with ambitious music rather than abandon its progressive ideas.

“2112” became the result.

The title suite filled the entire first side of the original vinyl album. Its seven sections work together as one story, moving from the opening instrumental “Overture” to the final “Grand Finale.”

The music also helps tell the story.

During “Discovery,” Lifeson’s guitar gradually becomes more complex as the character learns how to use the instrument. In “Presentation,” the music changes as the young man confronts the Priests. The different sounds help separate the character from the people controlling his world.

Per uDiscover Music, the album was recorded at Toronto Sound Studios. Much of the material had already been developed while Rush was touring and working through ideas at soundchecks.

The result was a record that remained ambitious while giving the band a stronger sense of direction.

“2112” was also Rush’s longest studio track, with a running time of about 20:33. Despite its length and lack of an obvious radio-friendly structure, the song became one of the defining works of the band’s career.

The commercial story of 2112 was unusual. A 20-minute progressive rock suite was hardly an obvious choice for radio. Yet the album became Rush’s first record to reach the upper half of the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 61 and spending 37 weeks on the chart.

The album helped Rush build a larger audience and gave the band greater freedom to continue making ambitious music.

The classic Rush lineup of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart would go on to release major albums including A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures.

Related: 1975 Country Rock Song, Recorded on a Missouri Ranch, Is Still a Beloved Hit 51 Years Later

The most iconic couples in Hollywood over the years don’t always last. But some do.

One such example is Michael Douglas and fellow Oscar-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, the latter of whom has been making the rounds to promote her new crime series Kill Jackie.

The Welsh actress, 57, opened up about her personal life in a new interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups, especially since she and and Douglas, 82, are now empty nesters and watching their children pursue their own acting careers.

Was it Mom and Dad’s idea to have the kids follow in their footsteps? Definitely not, Zeta-Jones told the publication in an interview article published this week.

“We gave them all the horror stories to try and see if their passion for the art and the craft was genuine,” she said. “We tried to knock it out of them and say, ‘Hey, we need a doctor and a lawyer.'”

But now, the Chicago star says, “they’re making their way by themselves, their own path. And I’m very proud of them both.”

Zeta-Jones has been married to the Wall Street Academy Award winner for nearly 26 years and calls them “historic homebodies.” She also described their ideal day together to AARP: “Getting up, doing Wordle, me getting it first, him asking me for help… We go to the gym… then a 40-minute power nap. And we go and play golf in the afternoon. Then we come back and have a lovely dinner prepared at home. That is the perfect day.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones Can Still Strut Her Stuff

Late last month, the brunette beauty was back on the red carpet at the global premiere of Kill Jackie in London.

Wearing a sheer gown that shows off her legendary legs, Zeta-Jones made it clear that she can dominate the red carpet at any age. Find out more here.

Solving today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle should be easy if you know anything about winning games on the green, have a general understading of baseball, know a thing or two about Cincy orgs, or have a great arm.

have some desire to get, you’ll be exploring gym class basketball games, Pennsylvania football, Lone Star arenas and words that complete phrases that end with “away.”

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

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Saturday, October 3, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, October 3, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on October 3, 2026

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

• Yellow: Make sure to pack a driver and extra tees.
• Green: Queen City orgs.
• Blue: Junior circuit greats.
• Purple: Launchpad.

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

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

• Yellow: GOLF SCORING TERMS
• Green: CINCINNATI TEAMS, MINUS THE S
• Blue: AMERICAN LEAGUE MVPS
• Purple: STARTS WITH A SYNONYM FOR THROW

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

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #740 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• GOLF SCORING TERMS: ALBATROSS, BIRDIE, BOGEY, EAGLE
• CINCINNATI TEAMS, MINUS THE S: BEARCAT, BENGAL, MUSKETEER, RED
• AMERICAN LEAGUE MVPS: BLUE, JUDGE, KILLEBREW, TROUT
• STARTS WITH A SYNONYM FOR THROW: HEAVEN, HURLEY, LOBSTER, SLINGSHOT

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

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

Related: Breville’s ‘Insane’ New Gadget Hopes to Change the Way You Experience Your Morning Coffee for Good

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If summer led to an excess of pool toys, gardening tools, and lawn care equipment cluttering your deck or patio, fall is the perfect time to invest in extra storage to tidy up outdoors. A storage shed can help protect your gear year-round, but it’s especially handy in summer and fall when spending more time outside creates an excess of extras that you can’t fit anywhere else. Permanent structures can be costly and cumbersome to build, but Amazon has a deal on a super practical outdoor storage option right now.

Normally $270, the Aoxun Triple Door Outdoor Storage Shed is currently discounted to $210, making it 22% off. Need something a bit bigger? The 11.5-foot by 3.5-foot version (which comes with its own gazebo) is marked as 32% off, bringing the usual price of $370 down to $250. If you’ve been waiting to enjoy your yard without tripping over random toys or tools, now is your chance to save over 20% and do just that. With its easy-to-build design and spacious interior, this shed can give all of your outdoor gear a designated home, keeping the rest of your outdoor space clutter-free. 

Aoxun Triple Door Outdoor Storage Shed, From $210 (was $270) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Measuring 7.5 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 6 feet tall, this storage shed is perfectly sized for storing everything from bicycles and all-terrain vehicles to snow blowers, rakes, and shovels. The triple-door design offers more convenient access to the shed than traditional single or double-door options. Shoppers were impressed by how easy it was to move larger items like riding lawn mowers and patio furniture stored in the winter in and out of this shed. 

Not only does this shed make a great spot to store tools, but the ability to open up the doors and let air flow through the structure makes it an excellent workspace for home improvement projects. During assembly, the door hinges can be flipped either direction, so you have some flexibility to make the design work best for your specific space. Reviewers said the shed is “easy to install” with “straightforward” assembly, taking on average two hours to build. 

Aoxun 12’x3.5′ Outdoor Storage Shed & Hardtop Gazebo, $250 (was $370) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Made of powder-coated galvanized steel, reviewers raved about how “sturdy” this shed is. Rust-resistant and weatherproof with a sloped roof, you can rest assured that anything you store inside will remain protected year-round.

“It was the perfect size for storing my garden tools, pool supplies, and a few random outdoor items that were taking up space in the garage,” one shopper said. Reviewers also said this shed’s “spacious” design is “incredibly convenient,” calling it “a worthwhile purchase” and a “good little storage shed for the backyard.” 

Related: Amazon’s ‘Buttery Soft’ $10 Plaid Sweatshirt Is ‘Perfect for Fall’ Days at the Orchard

With free shipping for Amazon Prime members, a durable design, and easy setup, the Aoxun Triple Door Outdoor Storage Shed (and the larger version with a gazebo) is definitely worth adding to your cart. You won’t want to miss this chance upgrade to your outdoor experience for up to 32% off.

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

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle might make you do a double take.

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

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

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #944 on Saturday, October 3.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

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

Find theme words to fill the board.

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

Find the “spangram.”

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

Need a hint?

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

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “A figment of your imagination“

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Do my eyes deceive me?!

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• PH
• IL
• MI
• SP
• CH
• WI (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for October 3

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Saturday, October 3, 2026, is WILLOTHEWISP.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, October 3?

• PHANTASM
• ILLUSION
• MIRAGE
• SPECTRE
• CHIMERA
• SPANGRAM: WILLOTHEWISP

Related: xx

October is known for its signature spookiness, but foodies are probably aware it’s also National Pizza Month.

In honor of the occasion, California Pizza Kitchen revealed on Friday, October 2 that it has a “confession”: The popular chain has been ignoring years of fan pleas to bring back pizzas such as Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Shrimp Scampi, and Pear & Gorgonzola.

So, this October, CPK is finally saying sorry — and doing it with 25,000 free “Apology Pizzas.” Fans can just comment “Apology Accepted” on CPK’s Instagram, TikTok or Facebook posts and get a code for a free 7″ pizza (with a $20 online order) sent straight to their DMs.

The brand even hired a Chief Forgiveness Officer to deliver a “very serious” video apology. “Introducing our CFO, Chief Forgiveness Officer 💛😉,” reads the caption of CPK’s recent Instagram post. “He’s here to apologize to everyone missing long lost CPK pizzas that have not been brought back to the menu (yet).”

Check out the passionate — and comedic — social reel below.

View this post on Instagram

On top of that, CPK said it’s bringing back one fan-favorite pizza in 2027, and the fans get to help decide which one by speaking up on social all month.

“We take full responsibility for the unforgettable pizzas that fans have loved and lost,” said Chef Paul Pszybylski, vice president of culinary innovation at CPK, said in a statement shared Friday. “But this National Pizza Month, we’re making it right – with 25,000 free pizzas now, one returning pizza next year, and zero regrets about how seriously we’re taking this. So yeah, we’re sorry, but also you’re welcome.”

Codes will be distributed from through October 31 for one free 7” pizza with a $20 purchase with code APOLOGYPIZZA and can be redeemed through November 10.

Qualifying 7” pizzas include:

• The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage
• Pepperoni
• Margherita
• Wild Mushroom
• Hawaiian

Check out CPK’s website dedicated to its Apology Pizza launch for further details.

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers a variety of topics including other names for the loo, melodic forms of enterainment, places to learn about fine art, and fantastical creatures.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1210 on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, October 3, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Saturday’s puzzle, you’re not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I’ll reveal the answers further down.

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

Hints About Today’s NYT Connections Categories on Saturday, October 3

1. Outhouse.
2. As seen on Broadway.
3. A home for art.
4. Like a centaur or chimera.

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today’s Connections Game Answers for Saturday, October 3:

1. STARTING WITH TERMS FOR “TOILET”: CAN OPENER, HEAD WAITER, JOHN DENVER, W.C. FIELDS
2. ENDING IN MUSICALS: ELBOW GREASE, FAT CATS, LINDA HAMILTON, SOMETHING WICKED
3. STARTING WITH U.S. MUSEUMS: BROAD BEAN, GETTY IMAGES, MET HALFWAY, WHITNEY HOUSTON
4. ENDING IN FANTASY CREATURES: DIET SPRITE, MERV GRIFFIN, NY GIANT, RIVER PHOENIX

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: I Tried Peter Fonda’s Blender Breakfast—and It’s the Only Smoothie I’ll Drink From Now On