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Nearly a quarter-century after it first aired, one HBO miniseries is still sitting near the very top of IMDb’s rankings, and it’s not hard to see why.

Band of Brothers premiered in 2001, based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 book of the same name. It followed Easy Company, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, from their training ahead of D-Day through the brutal fighting across Europe that followed, all the way to the war’s end. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks served as executive producers, bringing the same kind of grounded, unflinching approach to World War II they’d already explored together in Saving Private Ryan.

What set the series apart was its commitment to authenticity. Each episode opened with interviews featuring the real surviving veterans of Easy Company, whose firsthand accounts were woven directly into the storytelling. Reportedly made on a budget north of $100 million, an enormous sum for television at the time, the series spared little expense recreating the scale and chaos of combat, from the Normandy jump to the fight for Bastogne.

Critics and audiences responded overwhelmingly. The series took home six Primetime Emmys, including Outstanding Miniseries, and currently holds a 9.4 out of 10 rating on IMDb, landing it among the site’s top three highest-rated TV shows of all time. Fans and critics alike have pointed to its deep bench of now-recognizable actors, including Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, and Scott Grimes, along with its refusal to romanticize war, as reasons it’s held up so well over time.

The series’ impact stretched well beyond its original run, too, inspiring companion projects like The Pacific and Masters of the Air, which applied the same format to other corners of the war. More than 20 years later, Band of Brothers is still regularly cited as one of the gold standards for war storytelling on television.

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When thinking about at-home skincare that feels luxurious, many of us immediately visualize face masks. From clay, sheet, overnight, foaming and peel-off, there seem to be endless mask options. I’ve heard of and personally used many different kinds, but I paused when I recently saw something about air bubble masks for the first time.

Then, I was given the chance to test out four different K-beauty air bubble masks from Gear By Gash, and I was immediately intrigued, especially because they were called “face masks in a can.” That sounded kind of fun!

As Sona Oh, brand manager with Gear By Gash, tells Parade, “This revolutionary K-beauty innovation uses patented Air-Bubble CDS technology to transform active ingredients into micro air bubbles 4.9 billion times smaller than a pore, instantly absorbed for 461% skin absorption.”

So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work adding this extra step to my skincare routine for 30 days, ready to see if I’d notice a difference. Find out more about the technology, benefits and application, as well as my honest thoughts after trying out these bubble masks for a month.

Related: 9 Best Overnight Face Masks for Effortlessly Glowy Morning Skin, According to Dermatologists

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

What Are Bubble Face Masks, Exactly?

I hadn’t actually heard of bubble face masks before this year. If you’re unfamiliar as well, here’s what to know.

“A bubble mask is a sheet-free mask—instead of a fabric sheet soaked in essence, the foam itself is the mask,” Oh tells Parade. “When you pump it out, it transforms into a rich, dense foam right in your hands, and that foam carries the formula onto your skin as you press it in.
Because it is delivered as a fine foam rather than a standard emulsion, it spreads evenly and sinks into the skin’s surface for a fresh, conditioned feel.”

Related: This Cult-Favorite Lactic Acid Serum Gets a Dermatologist’s Seal of Approval for Dull, Uneven Skin After 50

How Often Should You Use a Bubble Mask?

It will likely depend on the specific brand and mask itself, but here’s what Oh shares about Gear By Gash’s masks.

“For intensive care as a mask, three to five times a week after your skincare is ideal,” she explains. “If you are using it in place of your basic skincare, it is gentle enough for daily use, morning and night. There is no strict maximum—adjust to your skin’s needs and how you are using it.”

Related: The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne That Unclog and Transform Skin, Tested by Dermatologists

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Gear by Gash Air-Bubble CDS Technology

For these bubble masks, specifically, I was curious about the “CDS technology.”

“There are two parts to CDS,” Oh tells Parade. “First is how the foam is created. Before you pump, the formula is a clear, ampoule-like liquid; the moment it is dispensed, an aerosol mechanism turns it into a dense, even foam. Because the foam is generated physically—by air, not a chemical reaction—the active ingredients stay stable in the formula.”

She continues, “Second is the micro-bubble processing of the ingredients themselves: the formula already contains ingredients prepared in extremely fine micro-bubble units, measured at roughly 2.04 µm, so the actives are carried onto the skin in a very fine, even form.”

How they’re different from other bubble masks

“Most bubble masks fall into two types,” Oh explains. “With purely physical methods, the bubbles tend to be uneven in size, and chemical-reaction methods can feel harsher on the skin. On top of that, the foam in many bubble masks collapses quickly, so the usable time is short.”

For Gear By Gash, specifically, the bubble masks dispense “dense foam” that “holds up while you work it in,” allowing the experience to last longer.

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Gear By Gash bubble masks cheat sheet

I’ve tested this brand’s four different air bubble masks—Ultra V-Aqua Bomb, Perfect Mela Zero, Triple Serum Repair and Boosted Skin Firming With Lacto Collagen.

“In Korea, all four are certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, MFDS, as functional cosmetics for brightening and improving the appearance of fine lines,” Oh tells Parade.

According to Oh, this is a quick guide to matching each mask to your skin goal:

Air Bubble Mask Type

Best For

What It Helps With

Boosted Skin Firming With Lacto Collagen

Loss of firmness

Helps skin look firmer, bouncier and more lifted

Ultra V-Aqua Bomb

Dry, dehydrated skin

Deep, lasting hydration—skin looks plumped and feels comfortable

Perfect Mela Zero

Dull, uneven-looking tone; dark spots

Helps skin look brighter and more even-toned

Triple Serum Repair

Sensitive, blemish-prone skin

Soothes the look of stressed skin and helps it feel calmer

Shop Them at Gear By Gash How To Apply the Bubble Masks

The instructions are pretty simple.

“Pump the foam into your hands, then press it gently onto your face so it sinks in,” Oh explains. “You will hear the foam softly popping as you press—keep pressing lightly, and pat any remaining liquid into the skin until it is absorbed.”

When to apply air bubble masks in your skincare routine

As for when to apply these masks in your skincare routine, here’s the recommended approach: “Use it after cleansing and your first toner or prep step,” Oh says. “Apply a generous, even layer over the whole face and let it absorb.”

“It works both as a treatment mask and as a stand-in for your basic skincare steps,” she continues. “If your skin feels a little dry afterward, finish with a small amount of cream.”

(Personal note: I would say that while my face sometimes had a little stickiness to it after applying the bubble masks, it never felt dry.)

Related: Can’t Tolerate Retinol? Dermatologists Say Bakuchiol Is the Next Best Thing for Mature Skin

Benefits of Using Air Bubble Masks

Here are some of the biggest benefits, according to Oh:

• “In the short term, right after use your skin looks smoother and more refined, with an immediate glow (it is perfect the night before an important event or shoot, when you want your skin looking its best fast).
• Over time, with consistent use, the key ingredients in each line build up and you start to see a visible difference in how your skin looks and feels.
• Depending on which one you use, you can expect lasting hydration, a brighter and more even-looking tone, or skin that looks firmer and more supple.”

Most people start to notice a change after about two to four weeks of regular use, she explains.

Related: The Best Korean Eye Creams for Fine Lines, Puffiness, Dark Circles and Mature Skin

Parade

Bubble Face Mask Review: My Honest Thoughts After Trying Them for 30 Days

I never felt like my face was dry after using any of these four masks, even though Oh suggested following up with a moisturizer if that had been the case. Instead, my face felt hydrated and there was a slight stickiness, or a little bit of a tacky film left, but nothing too crazy.

My skin definitely looked glowy immediately after using the bubble masks, which I loved, and I can confidently say they helped my skin feel firmer toward the end of the 30 days.

My two favorites were the Boosted Skin Firming With Lacto Collagen and Ultra V-Aqua Bomb cans, but I did feel like all four had similar textures, smells and immediate brightening impacts.

I liked the fact that I didn’t have to wash anything off after application, or set a timer for a certain time to remove product, like other types of facial masks require.

The only downside, in my experience, was getting the foam to truly spread throughout the skin evenly. With the thickness of the product when it’s sprayed out of the can, it would almost fold up over my hand as I tried to spread it, instead of gliding seamlessly across my face, which took some time to get used to and learn how to adjust accordingly. It was helpful to focus more on the “pressing into the skin” focus that Oh had shared.

I cannot stress enough how I was a huge fan of the actual “bubbling” of the product. Oh described the sound earlier as “softly popping,” which I’d agree with, and it was entertaining (and weirdly satisfying?!) to watch the bubbles popping and fizzing, actually seeing the product do its thing.

I’m planning on continuing to use bubble masks throughout my regular skincare routine going forward.

Up Next:

Related: The 12 Best Collagen Masks, According to Dermatologists

Source:

• Sona Oh, brand manager with Gear by Gash

Scorpions’ fans received unfortunate news on Wednesday.

It was announced by Live Nation that German metal band Scorpions have postponed their 2026 residency at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to September 2027. The residency was supposed to kick off on Sept. 17 and run until Oct. 3, with Buckcherry serving as their opening act. The global entertainment company that is known for producing concerts and managing artists cited “unforeseen circumstances” as its reason.

“Scorpions regret to announce that, due to unforeseen circumstances, their upcoming September shows in Las Vegas will need to be postponed,” the social media post read. “The band is extremely disappointed but looks forward to returning to Las Vegas in September 2027.”

On Thursday, Scorpions also released a statement, apologizing for the inconvenience and telling their fans the new dates of their postponed concerts in Las Vegas and Mexico, which were also set to take place this month.

“We are extremely disappointed but look forward to returning in 2027 along with a number of European shows with details to be announced soon. We cannot wait to rock with you all again!” Scorpions wrote on Instagram. “To those who have purchased tickets, all tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Refunds will be available for those who cannot attend the rescheduled shows.”

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The postponed residency was an extension of the group’s Coming Home – 60 Years Of Scorpions Tour. Prior to this, Scorpions have held three sold-out runs at the Planet Hollywood in 2022, 2024 and 2025.

While on their Rock Believer Tour, frontman Klaus Meine teased a 60-year anniversary tour back in 2022, telling Monsters, Madness and Magic that he believes that “there’s so many rock believers out there.”

“When you think, so many people in all those years said rock is dead because of grunge, because of hip-hop, because of rap, whatever it is. But no, it’s not dead at all. There are millions of rock believers out there, and we can’t wait to see them in 2024 and in ’25, because it will mark the 60th anniversary of the Scorpions,” Meine said.

Guitarist Rudolf Schenker of the Scorpions performs during Scorpions – Coming Home to Las Vegas 60th Anniversary Las Vegas Residency kickoff at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on August 14, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Live Nation Las Vegas

The Scorpions were established in Hanover, Germany, in 1965, by Rudolf Schenker, who founded the group with three friends from school. Starting as a cover band in the late 1960s, they performed all over Germany before releasing their debut album Lonesome Crow in 1972. After a brief breakup, they reformed two years later and released Fly to the Rainbow, which was a commercial success and made Scorpions more mainstream. The metal band spent the 1980s and 1990s releasing more albums and touring the world, increasing their fan base.

Since their formation more than 60 years ago, the Scorpions have released 19 studio albums with original music, with their most recent being Rock Believer in 2022, as well as a live album put out late last year to celebrate the anniversary.

“We are very happy to have the possibility, especially after starting to be a musician and making this music called rock music, where everybody says in the beginning, ‘Okay, when the Beatles and Rolling Stones came, this holds for another two or three years, then it’s over,’ and now I’m still doing it,” Schenker told the San Antonio Current in 2016 while they were celebrating 50 years. “I remember when the people told me, ‘You still make music, after three or four years.’ I said, ‘Yes, why?’ ‘It’s stupid … you have to do something real; you never will get famous; you never will do this music for longer.’ So, in this case, we proved everybody wrong.”

Klaus Meine of Scorpions performs onstage during a concert at Piazza Napoleone on July 10, 2025 in Lucca, Italy.

Francesco Prandoni/Getty Images

Fans who have purchased tickets to Scorpions’ 2026 residency in Las Vegas will be honored at the rescheduled dates. Refunds can be made at the point of purchase for those who can no longer attend.

The rescheduled dates for Scorpions’ 2027 Las Vegas residency are September 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, and 25.

Related: Beloved Metal Band, Disbanded for 5 Years, Announces Final Performance

In an era where K-pop music has taken the world by storm, a certain coffee giant hailing from South Korea is now making its way over to the U.S.

Twosome Place, the Asian country’s leading premium café brand, has just announced plans to open its first location in Alexandria, Virginia.

Since opening its first café in Seoul in 2002, Twosome Place has grown to more than 1,750 locations, according to a recent news release, building a café experience around the pairing of specialty coffee and cake.

Check out one of its decadent desserts in the Instagram post below by Food & Beverage Magazine on Thursday, September 3.

View this post on Instagram

“Our debut in the Washington region is an important milestone for Twosome Place as we look ahead to future growth in the U.S.,” Jay (Young Joo) Moon, CEO of Twosome Place Korea, said in a statement shared on Thursday. “We’re excited to introduce American consumers to the café culture we’ve built over the past two decades, one centered on quality, hospitality, and creating a place where guests can gather over exceptional coffee and cake.”

The first U.S. café will offer an assorted menu, featuring Twosome Place’s signature cakes, available both whole and by the slice, including the iconic Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cake and the bestselling Ice Box Cake.

Alongside classic espresso beverages, Twosome Place will introduce Korean-inspired items developed specifically for the U.S. market, including handcrafted beverages such as the famed Black Sesame Latte and Korean Apple Cinnamon Tea.

The all-day menu offered by the restaurant, which is expected to open in mid-October, will feature:

• K-Toast with Bulgogi and egg
• K-Chicken Panini
• Bibimbowl

More details regarding opening celebrations will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional U.S. locations are planned as Twosome Place continues its expansion, with two locations set to open soon.

Danica McKellar‘s new Christmas movie briefly looked more like a crime drama on Thursday, September 3. While Great American Family was filming The Greatest Christmas Gift, starring McKellar and Matthew Marsden, police showed up to arrest former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, who was on set to be an extra in the movie.

According to the Lexington Herald Leader, sheriff’s deputies arrived at the 88-acre Houstondale farm in Paris, Kentucky, in search of Bevin, who had an active arrest warrant over a divorce and child support case.

Bevin, who served as the Republican Governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019, had eluded arrest since Judge Angela Johnson issued the warrant on June 5 because he’d failed to provide financial records for the case, per the outlet. The father of nine children was also ordered to attend several court hearings in person but didn’t appear at any, including the most recent hearing in July.

Farm owner Jessica Mohr told the Lexington Herald Leader that she wasn’t aware Bevin was on-site when deputies from the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office arrived, noting, “No one really knew who he was. There wasn’t any hype about some former governor being here.”

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Once Bevin was located on the property, officers escorted him to a restroom, Mohr said, and then took him into custody. According to Kentucky Today, someone on the set called authorities to alert them that Bevin was there, and he was cooperative when police arrived.

After spending the night in jail, the outlet reported, Bevin appeared in Jefferson Family Court, where Judge Johnson ordered him to serve 60 days in jail for contempt of court. She said the sentence is appealable, and that she may revisit the case in 30 days.

McKellar, who’s best known for her role as Winnie on the ’80s sitcom The Wonder Years and past rom-coms on the Hallmark Channel before her move to Great American Family in 2021, has posted periodically from the Kentucky set, but has not addressed Bevin’s arrest publicly.

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The Greatest Christmas Gift was expected to finish filming at the farm on Friday, and is scheduled to premiere on November 29.

“Kudos to them for not letting it derail them and their schedule, and handling it very professionally,” Mohr told the Lexington Herald Leader of how the cast and crew handled Bevin’s arrest. “I guess the big question is if he’ll still be in the film.”

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There’s a reason Winnie the Pooh has managed to stick around for generations, charming everyone from toddlers to grown-ups who probably thought they had outgrown stuffed bears and storybooks. Sure, Pooh is adorable, with his little red shirt, honey obsession and generally sunny outlook. But that’s only part of the magic. His seemingly simple observations about friendship, kindness, bravery and being there for the people you love have a way of sneaking up on you. Sometimes the simplest words really are the ones that stick.

And then there’s the Hundred Acre Wood crew, each bringing something special to the friendship. Piglet reminds us that being scared doesn’t mean you can’t be brave; Tigger brings an infectious enthusiasm for life; Eeyore somehow makes melancholy feel lovable; and Christopher Robin ties it all together with the kind of childhood wonder we could probably all use a little more of.

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Lego Disney Winnie the Pooh Building Set, $149.99 at Target

Target

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Maybe that’s why Pooh never really feels like a character we outgrow. He’s a reminder that life can be complicated, but friendship doesn’t have to be. And now, you can bring a little of that timeless charm to your shelf with a sweet Winnie the Pooh Lego set at Target.

The 1,399-piece set is designed for builders ages 18 and up, featuring a smiley Pooh beside a dripping pot of honey (or “hunny” as he might spell it) and a couple of bumblebees hovering over it.

Related: Dollar General’s $8 Glass Pumpkin Jars Are the Elegant Way to Decorate This Fall

But wait, there’s more. The honey pot actually opens, and there are two “hidden rooms” within it, including a Pooh minifigure and an Eeyore figure.

Disney fans are loving this build, according to reviews on Target.com.

“I purchased this set and it sat awhile,” says a shopper. “I finally got started and almost could not stop. I was excited to see him take shape and let not forget his honey jar that’s what really makes this set a must have. Love the way it turn out.”

Others noted how much they love the little surprise of the honey pot’s hidden rooms.

“Really enjoyed building the Lego Disney Winnie the Pooh set,” they wrote. “The colors are bright and cheerful, and it was a lot of fun from start to finish. It actually took me a bit longer than I expected, which made it even more enjoyable. The honey pot design was a very cool idea, and I loved the little Easter egg hidden inside Pooh’s head.”

While the $149.99 price tag might be a little eye-popping, it sounds like it’s well worth the entertainment the build provides.

Related: Aldi’s $20 Washable Runner Rug Is Botanical Beauty at Its Finest

Stevie Nicks‘ younger brother, Christopher Aaron Nicks, has died at age 72 after battling cancer for two and a half years.

The former Fleetwood Mac frontwoman’s niece, Nixi Parkinson Nicks, announced her father’s death on Instagram Friday, September 4. She posted a photo of herself holding her father’s hand, writing, “second star to the right, and straight on till morning. i love you, daddy. rest easy.”

Nixi also shared a longer tribute on her Instagram Story, revealing that Christopher died earlier that morning surrounded by his loved ones. “It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my father, Christopher Aaron Nicks, early this morning, surrounded by family,” she wrote. 

Nixi explained that her father had been privately battling cancer. “Some of you may know that he has spent the last 2.5 years battling a cancer diagnosis, and to some this may come as a shock,” she wrote. “If this is news to you, please know it was because he never wanted people to worry about him that he kept this to himself.”

She went on to remember the impact her father had on those around him, particularly his close friends. “I know that he has left his mark on so many people, and this will leave many more than his immediate family with a piece of them missing. I know I speak for my dad when I say that his friends, his lost boys, meant the world to him.”

View this post on Instagram

She ended the emotional tribute by writing, “Rest easy, Coach. We will see you in Neverland.” 

At the time of writing, Stevie had not shared a public statement about her brother’s death. Christopher was five years younger than Stevie, and the siblings grew particularly close as adults.

Christopher welcomed Nixi with his ex-wife, Lori Perry-Nicks, who previously sang as one of Stevie’s backing singers.

In a 2003 interview with You Magazine, Stevie opened up about what it was like growing up with her younger brother. She jokingly admitted that she wasn’t exactly thrilled when Christopher came along.

“By the time I was five, I was a little diva. I was out of control, so my parents decided to have another child. I hated Chris, my brother,” she contiuned. “I would pull his hair and kick him, until one day my father gave him permission to fight back. I’ll be apologizing to him for the rest of my life.”

Despite their rocky start as children, Stevie and Christopher grew much closer over the years. When she wasn’t on the road, Stevie said she would spend time with Christopher, Lori and their daughter at the Phoenix home she had owned since 1980.

“My parents live five minutes away,” she told the outlet. “At Christmas I’ll be home for six weeks. That’s when I bond with my family. My mom collects my cuttings; Chris does my merchandizing and Lori is one of my backing singers.”

Following news of Christopher’s death, fans have been sharing messages of sympathy for Stevie and her family on a Stevie Nicks fanpage. 

“Sending you my deepest sympathy and warm thoughts as you navigate this loss,” one user wrote. Another shared, “Sorry To Hear  The Sad News. My Condolences To Miss Nicks & Friends” 

“So sorry for your loss Stevie. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,” a third added. 

Other fans also expressed their condolences, with one writing, “Sending my deepest condolences!! Rest in peace Chris,” while another shared, “This is devastating news, Rest In Peace Chris, sending lots of love and prayers to Stevie and her family.”

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If you are a hot sleeper like me, you know how vital it is to have the right bedding—and how detrimental it is when you don’t. Well, if you are currently in the market for a new duvet cover set, you will definitely be interested in this beautiful new option at none other than IKEA. It’s soft, breathable and lightweight, making it perfect for anyone who runs warmer at night. It’s also the perfect color scheme for fall, which is just an added bonus.

The DAGGBJÖRNBÄR Duvet Cover and Pillowcase set at IKEA is gorgeous, featuring a charming crisp white floral pattern with a forest green background, bringing an elevated but understated elegance to your bedroom.

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DAGGBJÖRNBÄR Duvet Cover and Pillowcases, Dark Green/Floral Pattern, $34.99 at IKEA

IKEA

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In addition to being stunning, this duvet cover set is also so soft and breathable. While the thread count is a bit low at 152, it still feels nice and smooth thanks to its cotton-lyocell blend. This also helps it absorb moisture, so if you run hot at night, this is a great bedding option for you.

Shoppers love this duvet cover set, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars on IKEA.com, with fans rating it highly for its appearance, product quality, value for the money and functionality. Hot sleepers especially appreciated it for its lightweight, breathable material.

“Beautiful and priced right,” said one fan in a five-star review on IKEA.com. “The thread count may be a little low, but the lyocell more than makes up for it. It is silky smooth and keeps me cool at night (my body is like a furnace). The dark green color is beautiful, and the understated floral pattern is a bonus.”

You can find this gorgeous green duvet cover set at select IKEA stores or on IKEA.com. It comes in a two-piece twin size for $29.99, a three-piece full/queen size for $ 34.99 and a three-piece king size for $44.99.

Related: T.J. Maxx Is Selling a Travel-Size Mahjong Set and It’s Too Cute to Pass Up

There are certain inventions I’d like to personally thank, and washable rugs are very high on that list. Whoever looked at a traditional rug and thought, “You know what this needs? The ability to go into the washing machine,” deserves a firm handshake and possibly a parade. Because rugs are wonderful right up until someone spills coffee on one, tracks in muddy footprints or drops an entire plate of spaghetti directly onto it. Next thing you know, that pretty floor covering is no longer a lovely finishing touch and starts to look more like a crime scene.

Washable rugs are a genuine game changer for real life, particularly in busy homes where things have a pesky habit of getting dirty. And just because something is practical doesn’t mean it has to look like it belongs in a laundry room.

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Kirkton House Fall Botanical Washable Runner, $19.99 at Aldi

The latest washable runner at Aldi proves the point with a gorgeous fall botanical print that brings all the cozy, leafy-season vibes without screaming “pumpkin spice.” It’s the kind of rug that can add a little personality to a hallway, kitchen or entryway while giving you the comfort of knowing that when life inevitably happens, you can wash it and carry on.

Aldi’s fall botanical runner measures two by six feet, which makes it long and narrow enough to work beautifully in a number of different spots in your house—even alongside a bed. It adds a little softness without overwhelming the space.

Related: Dollar General’s $8 Glass Pumpkin Jars Are the Elegant Way to Decorate This Fall

At $19.99, you’re also talking about a pretty easy way to change up the look of an area without committing to a major decorating expense. For nearly 12 square feet of rug, that works out to roughly $1.67 per square foot, which is especially appealing if you like to switch up your decor seasonally. A rug in a pretty fall print can give a room an instant autumnal refresh, and at this price, you don’t have to overthink it. It’s more of a “Sure, why not?” purchase than a “Let me sleep on this” purchase.

Before tossing a rug in the washing machine, check the care label first—because “washable” doesn’t necessarily mean you can wash it however you want. Generally, it’s best to vacuum or shake off loose dirt first, then wash using the recommended cycle and water temperature, often with a mild detergent. Skip bleach and harsh cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically says they’re safe, and resist the urge to drown the rug in fabric softener, which can affect certain fibers or finishes.

Related: Target’s New 6-Tier Arched Bookcase Is Perfect for Blending Farmhouse Style With Vintage Appeal

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Whether she’s curled up on a dreamy oversized couch dishing with guests on her talk show, showcasing her redecorating skills on Instagram, or starring in a movie, Drew Barrymore has entertaining down to a science. So it comes as no surprise that her Beautiful by Drew Barrymore line at Walmart includes plenty of staples that make hosting at home as effortless and chic as the starlet herself. 

One of the keys to entertaining with ease comes from being organized. It’s those little things that turn a kitchen from a place to whip up a meal to a space where you can host guests without feeling like the messiest contents of your cabinets are on full display. Something that beautifully bridges the gap between everyday usefulness and skilled hosting is a versatile set of nesting bowls. And right now, there’s a wonderful three-piece stoneware mixing bowl set by none other than Drew Barrymore on sale for just $20 at Walmart.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3-Piece Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl Set, From $20 (was $33) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Normally priced at $33, you can snag this set of three stoneware mixing bowls for just $20 in sage green or cornflower blue. The set is also available in porcini taupe at full price. Featuring a 1.6-quart, 3-quart, and 5-quart bowl that stack cleverly to save space in cabinets and on kitchen countertops. With three sizes to choose from, you’ve got options with ample capacity for everything from whisking a quick vinaigrette to folding a large batch of cookie dough.

Made from stoneware, the bowls are chip- and stain-resistant, so they should maintain a pristine appearance over time. Care is low-maintenance, as the set is dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe.

As practical as they are pretty, these bowls offer significant versatility in the kitchen. They work equally well for behind-the-scenes prep work to separate chopped ingredients or stir sauces as they do to serve salads, desserts, or family-style sides. When you’re entertaining, these bowls can add sophisticated style to your tablescape. 

Described as “gorgeous” and “lovely”, shoppers said these nesting bowls “stack beautifully” to keep kitchens clutter-free. Reviewers also appreciated how handy the bowls were for various tasks, with one person noting they are “perfect for baking, serving, or just displaying on the counter.”

Related: Walmart’s $31 Portable Closet With Drawers Is a Dream for Organizing Dorms, Apartments, and Bedrooms

You won’t want to miss the chance to snag the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3-Piece Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl Set while it’s on sale for just $20. Head to Walmart and add it to your cart before this deal is gone!

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If you’re planning on hosting a Labor Day barbecue, you may want to check the brand of the grill brush you’ll be using, as millions have been recalled just days before the long holiday weekend. 

Related: Recall Issued for Berries Sold at Walmart Due to E. Coli Risk

A notice published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that on August 27, the manufacturer expanded a July recall of over one million grill brushes to a whopping 3,625,800 grilling tools due to an ingestion hazard. 

“Small metal wire bristles can detach from the brushes and stick to the grill or food, posing an ingestion hazard and risk of serious internal injuries that could require surgery,” the notice explains about the metal wire bristle grill brushes, which were manufactured by Conair but sold under the Cuisinart brand. 

Related: Recall Issued for Candy Sold at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Homegoods

Consumers are asked to stop using the recalled grill brushes immediately and to discard them. They can contact Contair for a full refund or to receive a credit for use at Cuisinart.com that will provide a full refund in addition to 20% of the cash refund amount. 

The recalled grilling tools were sold at “Walmart, Burlington, TJ Maxx and Ross and online including Amazon and Cuisinart.com from June 2009 through March 2026 for between $8 and $20,” states the notice. 

Related: Recall Issued for Olive Oil Due to Ingredient ‘Not Approved for Culinary Use’

The grill brushes can be identified by the following markers:

• Triple Bristle Grill Cleaning Brush, model number CCB-100, distributed from January 2013 to March 2026
• 4-in-1 Grill Cleaning Brush with Stainless Steel Wire Bristles, model number CCB-4125, distributed from October 2022 to March 2026
• BBQ Grill Cleaning Brush and Scraper, 16.5″ Stainless Steel, model number CCB-5014, distributed from June 2009 to March 2026
• Triple Bristle Grill Brush SS Bristles, model number CCB-6450, distributed from January 2025 to March 2026
• 2-In-1 Grill Brush Bristle/Coil, model number CCB-8012, distributed from January 2025 to March 2026
• Pizza Stone Cleaning Brush, model number CCB-4114, distributed in 2024
• Wood Grill Cleaning Brush (18.5″ with Pakka Wood Handle), model number CCB-W2, distributed from March 2024 to July 2025
• Steam Clean Grill Brush, model number CSBS-777, distributed from March 2014 to July 2025
• Dual Grip Grill Brush, model number CGWM-024, distributed from 2018 to 2026
• 18″ Bamboo Cleaning Grill Brush, model number CGWM-059, distributed from 2019 to 2026
• Grill Dozer Steam Cleaning Grill Cleaning Tool, model number FCB-501, distributed from 2009 to 2026
• 18-Piece Wooden Handle Grill Set, model number CGS-W18, distributed from 2017 to 2026
• Comfort Grill Cleaning Brush (Colors: Black, Red, Green, Blue), model number CCB-134, distributed from 2017 to 2026
• 21″ Tri-Wire Grill Brush, model number CGWM-061, distributed from 2020 to 2026
• Cross-Action Grill Cleaning Brush, model number CB-395, distributed from 2014 to 2026 
• Triple Threat Grill Brush, model number CCB-3001, distributed from 2019 to 2026
• Steam Cleaner Grill Brush, model number CGWM-077, distributed from 2019 to 2026
• 3-Piece Multi-Use Grill Cleaning System, model number CGWM-058, distributed before 2019
• Tri-Wire 12”-Inch Grill Cleaning Brush, model number CCB-012/021, distributed before 2019
• 16” Wire Detailing Grill Brush, model number CGWM-060, distributed before 2019
• Cleaning Brush Replacement, model number FBH-51, distributed before 2019

Next: Recall Issued for Lunchmeat Nationwide, Including Illinois and Michigan, Due to Listeria Risk

Rush‘s 1980 hit “The Spirit of Radio” is still receiving acclaim, despite debuting 46 years ago.

In April 2026, Ultimate Classic Rock featured the tune, off the band’s seventh record, Permanent Waves, on the publication’s list, “Top 100 Rock Songs of All Time.” The ranking also included rock songs like “All Along the Watchtower” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968), “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (1991), and “Hotel California” by the Eagles (1976), with “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles (1967) taking home the number one spot.

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, “The Spirit of Radio” deserved the list’s 49th ranking as it’s a solid prog rock track that also marked the start of the band dipping their toes into the mainstream.

The song, penned by Rush members Neil Peart, who died in 2020 at the age of 67, Alex Lifeson, now 73, and Geddy Lee, also 73, secured the number 51 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1980, two months after Permanent Waves‘ debut.

In a 2009 interview with Louder, Lifeson discussed the creation and recording of “The Spirit of Radio” with his bandmates. According to Lifeson, Peart’s lyrics were “really a statement of where radio was going, where it had been.”

“Growing up in the early 70s, FM radio was such a free forum for music; you’d have DJs who would play stuff for an hour,” said Lifeson to Louder. “They’d just talk about the songs; there were no commercials or anything. So free-form, really a platform for expanding music at the time. And then it was moving more towards a format, and away from that freedom, becoming more regulated, more about selling airtime. It just speaks about that, really.”

In addition, he shared details as to how the band recorded the 4-minute-and-56-second track.

“I’m sure we did it in the control room, because that’s how we worked: on a stool, sitting behind Paul Northfield, who engineered the record, with Terry [Brown, producer] there, giving Paul a kick in the back of his chair every so often when he drifted away,” said the guitarist with a laugh during the 2009 interview.

Pet Shop Boys are releasing new music next month. It will be their first release since 2024. But the duo’s new album, A Man From the Future, is far more than a collection of songs. It’s an audio/musical biography built around the life and death of the renowned Alan Turing.

Created in collaboration with Andrew Hodges, the biographer for the pioneering British mathematician and cryptanalyst, the album explores the life, death, and influence of the man who helped lay the foundations of modern computing.

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Across eight chapters, the guys behind chart-topping synth-pop anthems like “West End Girls” and “It’s a Sin” combine electronic and orchestral music, spoken word, and narration to tell Turing’s life story. The project begins with his childhood and school days, and moves through his time at Cambridge University, his sexuality, his contributions during WWII, his work in computing, his trial, and his death in 1954.

“Our motive in creating this work was to make a musical memorial to Alan Turing, who gave so much to his country and the world and was rewarded for it by being prosecuted for his sexuality,” Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe said in a press release.

“Alan made a massive contribution to the defeat of Germany in World War II and was a pioneer of computing, imagining a world with intelligent computers,” they added. “He also looked forward to a time when being gay would be accepted as normal. In both his professional and private lives, he was ahead of his time.”

With music written by Pet Shop Boys, the new album also features string arrangements composed by Sven Helbig and performed by the Manchester Camerata Octet, as well as the choir from Manchester Grammar School and narration spoken by Juliet Stevenson from Hodges’ book Alan Turing: The Enigma.

‘A Man From the Future’ Tracklist

• “Natural Wonders Every Child Should Know”
• “He Dreamed of Machines”
• “The Enigma”
• “Other Ranks”
• “The Memory and the Control”
• “The Trial”
• “Only in His Death”
• “A Man From the Future”

Pet Shop Boys originally performed A Man From the Future at the BBC Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2014, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Singers, and Stevenson. The work has since been revised and rearranged for this new recording.

The album news follows the run of Obscure live shows Pet Shop Boys performed earlier this year. The five-night London residency took place April 6 to 10 at the Electric Ballroom, with the duo performing non-single album tracks, B-sides, and fan favorites, including several songs they had never performed live before.

According to NME, the shows featured first-ever live performances of 1986’s “Jack the Lad,” 2012’s “After the Event,” 1996’s “Hit and Miss,” 2002’s “Always,” 2020’s “New Boy,” 2009’s “King of Rome,” 2024’s “Love Is the Law,” 2006’s “The Performance of My Life” and the previously unreleased “A Dream of a Better Tomorrow,” among others.

A Parlophone Records release, A Man From the Future arrives Oct. 9 and is available now for preorder.

Related: 1973 Rock Ballad, Compared to ‘Great Expectations,’ Launched a Duo Into Rock Royalty

Long before Fight Club became one of the most talked-about twist endings in movie history, it started as a side project for a guy punching a clock at a truck factory.

Chuck Palahniuk spent 13 years working as a diesel mechanic for Freightliner in Portland, Oregon, doing everything from assembly-line work to writing vehicle repair manuals. In his off hours, he was part of a local writers’ workshop, where he shared the short pieces that would eventually become his debut novel, published in 1996 for a modest $6,000 advance, all while he was still clocking in at Freightliner.

The novel follows an unnamed, insomniac narrator stuck in a soul-crushing office job who falls in with Tyler Durden, a charismatic soap salesman who pulls him into underground fight clubs and, eventually, a sprawling anti-consumerist plot called Project Mayhem.

Three years later, director David Fincher brought the story to the big screen with Edward Norton and Brad Pitt in the lead roles, alongside Helena Bonham Carter as Marla Singer.The film’s twist, that the Narrator and Tyler Durden are actually the same person, has gone on to be ranked among the best plot twists in movie history by outlets like SlashFilm, largely thanks to Fincher’s visual clues sprinkled throughout the film and standout performances from Norton and Pitt.

Despite that acclaim, Fight Club actually underperformed at the box office during its initial run, only picking up its massive cult following once it hit home video.Palahniuk has said he drew directly from his blue-collar years for the book’s themes, channeling the frustration and disconnection he saw in workers who spent their lives chasing possessions instead of purpose.

More than 25 years later, that mechanic’s-eye view of modern masculinity and consumer culture is still being dissected in film classes and think pieces, proof that some of the most memorable stories in movie history started far from a writers’ room in Hollywood.

Halloween decor has a reputation for going from zero to “Wow, the skeletons have really taken over the yard” pretty quickly. And listen, if your dream Halloween involves oozing eyeballs, giant spiders and an oversized skeleton looming over the garage, I wholeheartedly support your commitment to the bit. But not every home needs to look like it’s auditioning for a haunted house.

Sometimes, a little restraint can be just as festive. Think warm autumnal colors, subtle nods to the season and pieces that feel more like an October dinner party than a zombie apocalypse. You can absolutely embrace Halloween without sacrificing the rest of your decorating style—or having to explain to the neighbors why there’s a 12-foot ghoul in your hydrangeas. Although, frankly, that’s kind of a hoot.

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Harvest Orange Glass Pumpkin-Shaped Transparent Storage Jar, $8 at Dollar General

Dollar General

That’s where small, thoughtfully chosen accents come in handy, like Dollar General’s pretty Harvest Orange Glass Pumpkin-Shaped Storage Jars. For only $8 apiece, they bring plenty of seasonal personality while still feeling polished enough to leave around the house throughout fall. Better yet, this pumpkin happens to be useful, earning its spot on the counter. Each jar is 74 ounces, which means it can hold about 9 ¼ cups. That gives you plenty of room for cookies, wrapped Halloween candy, pretzels, granola, coffee beans or whatever snack happens to be disappearing fastest in your house. You could fill it with dog treats or use it to corral small seasonal odds and ends, too.

Related: Target’s New 6-Tier Arched Bookcase Is Perfect for Blending Farmhouse Style With Vintage Appeal

What I love most is that it offers that classic harvest shape with a more understated look, letting you celebrate the season without going full haunted mansion. I’ll probably spiral some twinkle lights in mine and set it out for a little ambient glow on a bookshelf.

While this pumpkin jar is $8, if you haven’t heard, Dollar General is planning on adding way more $1 items to its shelves in the near future. This is a way for the budget-friendly store to get back to its roots. Who doesn’t love the chance to score groceries or decor for a buck? I know I do. So bring it on, Dollar General.

Related: Kohl’s Chic and Compact 4-Tier Organizer Is the Ultimate Lazy Susan for Makeup

Patrick Clancy now has to reckon with the possibility of reliving a painful ordeal all over again, after a Massachusetts jury failed to reach a verdict in the case against his ex-wife, Lindsay Clancy.

Lindsay, 36, has admitted to killing the couple’s children, 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan, at their Duxbury, Massachusetts, home on January 24, 2023.

Patrick issued a statement through attorney David Meier on Friday, September 4, hours after Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial following seven days of deliberations.

“Patrick Clancy is grateful to the Court and to the jurors for their hard work, their commitment, and their perseverance,” Meier said, as per the statement obtained by NBC Boston. “The loss of Patrick’s children is something from which he will never recover and from which there will never be closure.”

His statement continued, “The prospect of reliving this tragedy through another trial is extraordinarily painful — for Patrick, for his family, and for all of us.”

Why Did Lindsay Clancy’s Trial End in a Mistrial? Plymouth, MA – August 18: Lindsay Clancy and defense attorney Kevin Reddington listen to testimony at Plymouth Superior Court on August 18, 2026.

(Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Jurors repeatedly told the court they could not reach a unanimous decision after beginning deliberations on Thursday, August 27. The dispute intensified after the jury foreperson raised concerns about a single juror’s approach to reasonable doubt.

Lindsay’s defense unsuccessfully sought to prevent the mistrial, taking an emergency appeal to Massachusetts’ highest court before Sullivan formally ended the trial Friday.

Also read: Could Lindsay Clancy Avoid a Second Trial With a Plea Deal? Legal Expert Weighs In (Exclusive)

What Charges Does Lindsay Clancy Face? DUXBURY, MA – January 31: A makeshift memorial continues to grow on January 31, 2023 in Duxbury, Massachusetts in front of the home of Lindsay Clancy.

(Photo by Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)

Her attorneys argued that postpartum psychosis left her without criminal responsibility. Prosecutors maintained that Lindsay was mentally ill but still understood what she was doing and knew right from wrong.

Patrick was the prosecution’s first witness and previously testified about returning home and discovering what happened.

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That question remains unresolved. Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said Friday that prosecutors had made “no decisions” about trying Lindsay again, according to a video shared by NewsNation.

The parties are scheduled to return to court on September 29. Sullivan indicated that any second trial could potentially take place in the fall.

For Patrick, however, the legal uncertainty comes after more than three years of grief. His attorney made clear that regardless of what happens next in court, no verdict can restore what he lost in 2023.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.

Originally written and recorded by Barry Mann in 1980, the love song “Don’t Know Much” didn’t become a famous track until it was covered in 1989 by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville. The song was a part of Ronstadt’s album from that same year, Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind.

Released on September 12th, 1989, “Don’t Know Much” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track reached the top spot on the Hot Adult Contemporary chart and was certified gold, selling over 900,000 copies in the United States alone. Overseas, the song peaked at number two in the United Kingdom and Australia, and number one in Ireland.

Ronstadt was eager to work with Neville after the pair both performed at the 1984 World’s Fair. She was a fan of his voice, saying, “his falsetto is very evocative of that, and that – the Creole tradition – was interesting to me.”

Lyrically, “Don’t Know Much” is told from the perspective of a couple who are looking back at their lives and relationship, reflecting on how the love they share for each other is really all that they need at the end of the day.

The pair recorded the track and starred in the subsequent music video together. The song eventually won them the Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance by a Pop Group or Duo. The duo would go on to win the same award for their rendition of “All My Life” in 1990.

Music critics praised “Don’t Know Much” for being a “soaring, wide-screen ballad.” Additionally, they complimented Ronstadt and Neville’s voices and how they blended together. People Magazine stated, “their voices fuse like sunlight beaming through a stained-glass window.”

The track became one of the 11 Grammy Wins over the course of Ronstadt’s legendary career in the music industry. Like so many of her songs, they continue to be a staple on our playlists even still today.

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Related: 1971 Powerful Love Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Became a Signature Linda Ronstadt Hit

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Window replacement sounds simple until you start comparing materials. What begins as a search for better-looking or less drafty windows quickly turns into a choice between vinyl, fiberglass, wood and composite frames.

Vinyl is typically less expensive and requires little maintenance. Fiberglass generally costs more but offers greater strength and dimensional stability. Neither material alone determines how energy efficient a window will be.

Before choosing, it helps to understand where each material performs best.

If you’re already considering replacement windows, Renewal by Andersen offers a free in-home consultation where a design consultant can evaluate your existing windows, discuss materials and provide a project quote.

Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: Which Is Better?

Vinyl windows are generally less expensive and low-maintenance. Fiberglass windows are stronger, more rigid and also require relatively little upkeep.

The U.S. Department of Energy says both materials can provide good thermal performance. Vinyl frames are made from PVC and resist moisture without requiring paint. In contrast, fiberglass frames are more stable and can contain insulated cavities that improve thermal performance.

Feature

Vinyl Windows

Fiberglass Windows

Upfront cost

Generally lower

Generally higher

Maintenance

Low

Low

Strength

Good, but varies in quality

Generally stronger and more rigid

Frame thickness

May require wider profiles for rigidity

Strength allows for slimmer profiles

Moisture resistance

Good

Good

Painting

Usually not required

Some products can be painted

Thermal performance

Good, particularly with insulated cavities

Good, particularly when insulated

Best for

Budget-conscious replacement projects

Homeowners prioritizing strength and stability

Are Fiberglass Windows More Energy Efficient Than Vinyl?

Fiberglass offers excellent thermal performance, but it isn’t inherently more energy efficient than vinyl. Glass packages, low-emissivity coatings, gas fills, spacers, frame construction and installation all affect overall performance.

The Department of Energy recommends comparing windows using their NFRC labels, which show standardized ratings such as U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient.

A high-quality vinyl window with the right glass package can outperform a poorly designed fiberglass window. Installation also matters. Even an efficient window can underperform if it isn’t properly fitted and sealed.

This is why Renewal by Andersen custom-builds its replacement windows for each opening and includes professional installation as part of the replacement process.

Which Window Material Has Thinner Frames?

Fiberglass is more rigid than basic vinyl, which can allow for slimmer frame profiles. Vinyl frames may also require more material or reinforcement to achieve similar strength.

Frame thickness matters because wider frames leave less room for glass.

Renewal by Andersen makes a similar case for its proprietary Fibrex composite material. The company says Fibrex is “twice as strong as vinyl,” allowing its windows to use narrower frames and provide more glass area.

Fibrex isn’t fiberglass. It’s made from reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer. For homeowners comparing vinyl and fiberglass, it offers another option that combines low maintenance with greater structural strength than standard vinyl.

If thinner frames, larger views or replacing several windows at once are priorities, Renewal by Andersen’s free consultation gives you an opportunity to see how Fibrex windows would compare with the materials you’re already considering.

Do Vinyl or Fiberglass Windows Require More Maintenance?

Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are relatively low-maintenance.

Vinyl generally doesn’t require painting and resists moisture. Fiberglass also resists warping and rotting, although some finishes may eventually require maintenance depending on the manufacturer and coating. Neither requires the regular scraping and refinishing associated with exposed wood.

Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex material is also designed for low maintenance. The company says it never requires painting and is warranted not to rot, chip, corrode, flake or peel.

Recently, Renewal by Andersen examined six Fibrex window units that had spent 30 years installed in a Minnesota home. According to the company’s testing, the material remained twice as strong as vinyl and showed no cracking, rotting, pitting, corrosion, flaking, blistering or peeling after that period.

That’s company testing rather than an independent head-to-head fiberglass study, but it provides useful evidence about the long-term performance of the material Renewal actually sells.

Are Fiberglass Windows More Expensive Than Vinyl?

Yes. Fiberglass windows generally cost more upfront than vinyl.

Actual replacement costs depend on window size, style, glass package, customization, installation and the condition of the existing opening. Still, lower upfront cost remains one of vinyl’s biggest advantages.

Price alone doesn’t tell you what a window will cost over its lifetime. You’ll also want to compare:

• Durability
• Warranty coverage
• Energy performance
• Installation quality
• Maintenance requirements
• Frame size and glass area
• How long you expect to stay in the home

Those factors matter more when the windows are expected to remain in place for decades.

New Windows From Renewal by Andersen

Renewal by Andersen

Professional window replacement from Renewal by Andersen can help you save money on your utility bills.

Get a Quote Now

Vinyl vs. Fiberglass: Which Window Material Should You Choose?

Choose vinyl if keeping upfront costs low is the priority. Fiberglass makes more sense when strength and dimensional stability justify the higher price.

Fibrex gives homeowners another option. Renewal by Andersen’s composite material is designed to provide low maintenance and strong, narrow frames while remaining part of a professionally installed replacement-window system.

If you’re replacing several windows, comparing complete project quotes is more useful than comparing frame materials in isolation.

Renewal by Andersen offers a free in-home consultation where a design consultant can inspect your existing windows, discuss styles and energy-efficiency options and provide a customized replacement quote.

Forty-nine years ago, the iconic folk-rock supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) released “Just a Song Before I Go,” a beloved song that became one of their most notable hits.

Released on June 17, 1977, as the lead single from their third studio album, CSN, “Just a Song Before I Go” quickly surged in popularity. Upon its arrival, the song climbed up the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 7 on August 27 for two consecutive weeks. The chart feat marked the trio’s highest-charting single of their career.

“Just a Song Before I Go” not only broke records in the group’s charting history, but it dominated in sales as well. In 1977, the song sold over 800,000 physical copies, with its parent album moving over 4 million units and earning them a 4x Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young perform at the Boston Garden on August 6, 1974.

Ron Pownall/Getty Images

Creating “Just a Song Before I Go”

Despite being widely recognized as a masterclass of folk-rock songwriting, “Just a Song Before I Go” only took 15 minutes to pen. The track was written solely by Graham Nash in response to a $500 bet made by an acquaintance who drove him to the airport.

 “Graham was at home in Hawaii, about to go off on tour,” David Crosby explained in the liner notes for their 1991 box set. ”The guy who was going to take him to the airport said, ‘We’ve got 15 minutes. I’ll bet you can’t write a song in that amount of time.’ Well, you don’t smart off to Nash like that. He’ll do it. This is the result.”

“Just a Song Before I Go” explores the grueling reality of leaving loved ones behind to hit the road. Its lyrics directly reflect the details of departing from home, taking listeners through Nash’s emotional experience while going through the motions of airport travel.

Lines like “Going through security, I held her for so long / She finally looked at me in love / And she was gone” reflect the painful realities of long-distance relationships, resonating deeply with a wide audience.

Today, listeners across generations maintain an appreciation for the track. In the digital era, “Just a Song Before I Go” has persevered as a folk-rock staple, solidifying its legacy on Spotify where it has racked up over 48 million streams.

Related: 1976 Soft Rock Song, Recorded at Iconic London Studio, Is Still a Powerful Hit 50 Years Later

In September 1976, Blue Öyster Cult was beginning its unlikely climb toward the big time. The Long Island rock band released its fourth studio album, Agents of Fortune, in May, and its haunting single “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” was steadily gaining traction. By November, the song had climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band’s biggest U.S. hit and helping propel the five-piece into the mainstream.

A haunting and iconic hit ideal for the spooky season, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” is one of those songs that is instantly recognizable. Blending hard and psychedelic rock with a pop melody, it’s a sonic overload of the best kind from lead guitarist Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser, who wrote the lyrics and sang the song.

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“It was one of those things that just sort of fell off my fingers,” Roeser explained to Music Radar. “And I knew I had something there because I liked it the first time I heard it. I was like, ‘Wow!’ The first two lines of the lyric, again, just came from my head rather unbidden. Then the idea of the song took shape, but it took about six weeks to write the rest of it.”

According to Songfacts, Roeser was inspired to write the song after being diagnosed with a temporary heart arrhythmia in his late 20s, prompting him to contemplate his own mortality. He began imagining his death not as an end but as a transition, envisioning lovers reunited after death.

He even drew on Shakespeare’s 16th-century classic Romeo and Juliet as one of the song’s central images.

“It’s a love story that transcends the death of one of the partners, and then they get back together again in another plane,” Roeser continued. “It’s not about suicide, although I can see how people can think that, but that’s not where it’s at. It just imagines that there is an afterlife and that lovers will be reunited. … Dying is a part of life, so don’t fear it; know that it’s there for everybody, and it just happens at different times.”

One of the song’s most iconic features—beyond its mesmerizing interlocking guitar riff, of course—is its cowbell. Producer David Lucas has said that he suggested adding it, while drummer Albert Bouchard has said he was the one who actually played the part. Still, others have their own contentious claims about the novelty bell.

Whatever the truth, the relatively subtle percussion element took on a life of its own decades later, when Saturday Night Live turned it into one of the show’s most famous musical jokes.

SNL isn’t the only place the song found a second life, though. It’s shown up all over screens big and small, with films like Halloween, Scream, The Frighteners, Gone Girl, and Zombieland featuring it, as well as series including Supernatural and Wednesday.

“I think the song resonates with people and it doesn’t seem to matter how old they are or what generation they come from,” Roeser said. “And for that I am grateful … it almost had a life of its own. I don’t even think it’s mine sometimes–it’s just out there! It’s unlike the rest of our music, and it’s unlike the rest of the songs I’ve written, too, which is funny.”

Now, 50 years later, the song continues to find new audiences who want more cowbell. It’s always more cowbell.

Related: 1973 Rock Ballad, Compared to ‘Great Expectations,’ Launched a Duo Into Rock Royalty