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In 1962, a Hollywood legend delivered an iconic performance so unforgettable it instantly became part of American pop culture history.

Sixty-four years ago today, Marilyn Monroe stole the spotlight at Madison Square Garden in New York City to perform for then U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s birthday.

Serving as a massive Democratic Party fundraising gala, the event was filled with notable politicians and influential people, but they were all in awe of the actress’ sultry rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song, making it one of the most iconic and at the same time, controversial performances ever given for a president.

Notorious for her tardiness at events, Monroe arrived in New York behind schedule and was jokingly introduced by the master of ceremonies and JFK’s brother-in-law, Peter Lawford, as "the late Marilyn Monroe.”

The actress stepped on stage looking like a goddess in her infamous gown.

Actress Marilyn Monroe sings "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden, for his upcoming 45th birthday.

via Getty Images

Designed by French costume designer Jean Louis based on a sketch by then-21-year-old Bob Mackie, all eyes were on Monroe’s flesh-colored sheer gown, which created a striking nude illusion beneath the sparkling stage lights.

Now considered one of the most iconic dresses in pop culture, the custom-made outfit featured delicate marquisette gauze fabric and was encrusted with 2,500 hand-sewn shimmering rhinestones.

The Some Like It Hot star hit the stage despite running a high fever from a sinus infection, perfectly delivering a stunning performance as she sang the “Happy Birthday” song in a sultry voice.

Marilyn Monroe sang a sultry "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" to JFK today in 1962. pic.twitter.com/h0ytTpyG8D

— Today in History (@TodayinHistory) May 19, 2026

“Happy birthday, Mr. President.

Happy birthday to you,” she sang, followed by a custom lyric to the tune of "Thanks for the Memory.”

“Thanks, Mr. President,

For all the things you’ve done,

The battles that you’ve won

The way you deal with U.S. Steel

And our problems by the ton

We thank you so much.

Everybody, happy birthday.”

Following the performance, JFK took the stage and thanked all the celebrities who performed, from Maria Callas, Ella Fitzgerald, Jack Benny, Peggy Lee and of course, the The Seven Year Itch star.

“I can now retire from politics after having had ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way,” the late president joked.

In a book written by journalist Richard Meryman, which details the actress’ four-hour interview with LIFE magazine recorded just weeks before her passing in 1962, Monroe talked about her iconic performance at JFK’s birthday celebration.

"There was a hush that came over the place," the Hollywood icon told Meryman, as cited by People. "I didn’t think anything was going to come out. When I got to the microphone, I just took one breath and suddenly, I thought, here goes!”

Just months after the infamous performance, Monroe passed away on August 4, 1962, at the age of 36.

Related: ’50s Hit Film, Banned Among United States, Ranked No. 1 ‘Comedy Movie’ of All Time

At a philanthropic arts event in New York City last night, two of Marvel’s favorite stars reunited with a sweet kiss that the internet can't get enough of.

The Lincoln Center Theater Annual Spring Gala honored Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan Downey, who “were all smiles,” according to Us Weekly. But it was a fun moment between Downey and Paul Bettany that has fans losing their minds.

Downey, known for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Bettany, who plays Vision, were spotted by John Pascarella in an embrace. Downey planted a kiss on Bettany’s cheek, and Bettany gave one in return before the stars hugged once more.

“It’s all love between Iron Man and Vision,” Entertainment Tonight posted on Instagram along with the video from Pascarella.

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Marvel fans quickly flocked to the comment section, expressing their excitement over the two stars reuniting.

“they’ve been through it all since the very beginning,” one fan commented, referring to Bettany’s original MCU role as JARVIS.

"That’s how much love Robert Downey Jr has for his cast members," one user said.

“Love seeing these two together again,” another commented on a post from E! News. “Such an iconic duo!”

Downey and Bettany recently presented at Disney Upfronts, a showcase of sports and entertainment. The two were joined by Tom Hiddleston (Loki in the MCU), teasing what’s next for the franchise. A trailer debuted during the presentation, showing Bettany’s return as Vision in the MCU’s upcoming TV show, VisionQuest.

“[VisionQuest] manages to feel very much like it’s somehow a part of that world, an end to a trilogy of sorts, whilst also being very much its own thing, and it is just really good,” Bettany said in an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “I’m really proud of it.”

VisionQuest is set to release on Oct. 14.

The Kinks' 1970 hit "Lola" may not have become the iconic song that it did if not for one minor lyric change.

Lead vocalist Ray Davies claimed in his autobiography that he was aiming to write something that would "sell in the first five seconds."

So when BBC informed the band that they would not be airing "Lola," Davies reportedly flew across the globe to re-record the song.

"I met her in a club down in old Soho / Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca-Cola / C-O-L-A, Cola," the original lyrics read.

However, due to the BBC Radio's "no product placement" policy, Davies changed the line to "tastes just like cherry cola."

The band was on tour at the time, and, according to UCR, Davies flew to London after a gig in Minnesota for the re-record. However, the new recording was not up to par, and he was forced to do another round-trip flight to London shortly after.

"Lola" went on to become a massive hit, reaching No. 1 in Netherlands, Ireland and New Zealand. It peaked at No. 2 in the UK, and topped out at No. 9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Hitchhiking is a no-no from both ends of the transaction. We know this. But sometimes it takes a film so visceral and a villain so terrifying to keep us miles away from those wandering the highways with bad intentions.

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Released in February 1986, The Hitcher stars C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders) as Jim Halsey, a kid driving cross-country, and Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner), the murderous drifter who frames Jim for the carnage he’s left in his wake. It’s an absolutely thrilling yet terrifying cat-and-mouse game that goes on for an hour and a half, and when you learn that its origins lie in a dark classic rock song by The Doors, it will all begin to make sense.

“The Doors’ ‘Riders on the Storm’ is prime movie-making material with its eerie and dramatic tone,” Ultimate Classic Rockwrote in 2024, sharing the original inspiration for director Robert Harmon’s film. “Screenwriter Eric Red recognized that and, in the early ’80s, took inspiration from the song to write The Hitcher.”

“Riders on the Storm,” which sets an ominous tone immediately with the sounds of a thunderstorm, was the second single off the band’s sixth and final studio album, L.A. Woman, released in April 1971. It was the last song frontman Jim Morrison recorded before his death in July that same year at age 27, Far Out shared. Though it didn't reach No. 1, it did make the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 14.

“The script was inspired by The Doors song ‘Riders on the Storm,’ which I felt was a great jumping off point for a thriller," Red said in an interview with the Horror Writers Association. UCR added that Red was inspired by the song while cruising through “the American badlands,” and wanted to replicate the foreboding sensation of a maniac preying on innocent drivers during a rainstorm.

The song, written by Morrison, is partly based on a real-life serial killer. According to Far Out, Morrison took inspiration from the 1950s killing spree committed by a hitchhiker named Billy Cook, who murdered the family of five that picked him up.

Though the film was a box-office disappointment, unable to clear its estimated $6 million budget, it found an audience over time and is now considered a cult classic. It’s even been documented as a favorite of auteurs like Christopher Nolan and Stephen King, while entertainment outlets like Collider consistently rank it in Top 10 cult classic roundups.

“Open road thrillers are a subgenre that exploits audiences’ inherent fears of isolation and vulnerability. Expert thrillers like Duel, RoadGames, and Breakdown all exploit those fears with visceral efficiency, but there’s no matching the intensity and apocalyptic terror of The Hitcher,” the outlet writes, calling the film one of “the most intense thrillers ever made.”

So, yeah, lock the doors, thank The Doors, and get lost in a really great watch.

The Hitcher is streaming on Cinemax.

Related: 1991 Drama Inspired by a Haunting Bruce Springsteen Ballad Became a Fan-Favorite Cult Classic

Hannah Nicole Maehrer, the creator of one of Booktok's biggest hits, set fans into a tizzy this week with a super exciting announcement about her Assistant to the Villain series: a new version of one of the novels is headed to shelves later this year, following in the footsteps of a previously published deluxe edition of her debut novel.

The New York Times bestselling author took to TikTok this week to share the news, cheekily detailing the new release as her main character (if you're unfamiliar, the series was born of a beloved string of TikTok videos in which Maehrer imagined what it would be like to be the assistant to a morally gray fantasy villain).

Available for preorder now for a Nov. 3 release, the sophomore novel in the soon-to-be quadrilogy is getting a regal makeover with gold foil details embedded in a red hardcover, which also comes with "beautiful artwork on the inside cover" to match the unique illustrations in the first novel's hardback edition, along with a bonus chapter that can't be read anywhere else.

@hannahnicolemae

Something Wicked this way comes… beautiful cover by the lovely @Elizabeth Turner Stokes (ETS) !!!@Red Tower Books

♬ Fire the Cannons (1812 Overture) - Jochen Flach & Peter Ilych Tchaikvsky & Thomas Hewitt Jones

Loyal readers can feel their wallets hurting over the latest addition to the series, which also includes Barnes & Noble-exclusive and Target-exclusive versions.

One fan, who has "like at least 3 copies of every book," vented, "GURL YOUR BLEEDING MY BANK ACCOUNT!" while another put it a little more gently: "Hannah, my lovely lady, you're killing my wallet 😂😂."

"seriously ur book is the only series im going to have not only paper back but now hard back," someone else admitted, with another agreeing that they typically make it a rule to only keep a single edition of a book on their shelf. "BUT THIS MIGHT JUST BE THE ONE," they quipped.

"I mean, I'm not Not going to buy more copies of my favorite series..." someone else agreed. "like who do you think I am? Someone with self control? Ha!"

Still, the excitement in the comments was palpable, with one lamenting, "August can't come fast enough," and others celebrating, "HOORAAAYYYYYY," and, "THIS IS SOOOO EXCITING!!!!!"

"Oh yay! Just went to preorder! So excited!!" another emphasized, as someone else reiterated, "AGHHHH Yesss I will be buying this immediately!"

"I NEED ALL OF THE BOOKS TO BE IN THIS STYLE ASAP," someone else begged, noting that they were hoping to collect the whole series at once.

They're probably in luck, seeing as the first two have already rolled out with the deluxe, gold-foiled covers. While there's no word yet on copies of the third or fourth book being released in the same style, it seems like a safe bet to say they may follow the same pattern as the first two, and release over the following two summers.

The Assistant to the Villain series has sold over one million copies, and a television adaptation is in development. The fourth novel, Adversary to the Villain, is due out on Aug. 4.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Heartwarming Coming-Of-Age Tale Among Goodreads’ Top-Rated Classics of All Time

The recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo may seem like it’s a world away, but for one American doctor, it’s very close to home. Surgeon, Dr. Peter Stafford, tested positive for the virus after operating on a sick patient. His wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford, and the pair’s four children are currently being monitored for signs of the illness.

Stafford reportedly contracted the disease at Nyankunde Hospital. East and Central Africa area director for the Christian missionary group Serge, Dr. Scott Myhre, told NBC News that Stafford believed the patient who infected him had a gallbladder-related issue, saying the surgeon “did an abdominal procedure and found that the gallbladder was normal and closed him up, but this patient subsequently died the next day.” 

It wasn’t until days after the surgery that doctors realized the patient most likely had Ebola. Myhre explained, of Stafford, “He’s a very meticulous professional, and for every surgical case he does, he would be completely gowned in sterile garb and gloves and hats and glasses…But that’s not quite enough to prevent an Ebola exposure.”

The doctor tested positive for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain last weekend and, according to information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was evacuated to Germany for treatment. 

Per the CDC, a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers was noted in early May. While the first samples from sick employees from a hospital in Bunia Health Zone were negative, by mid-May, eight of the potentially infected people had tested positive. By May 19, the CDC reported 536 suspected cases, 105 probable cases, 34 confirmed cases, and 134 deaths related to the recent outbreak. 

While Stafford’s wife reportedly has no symptoms, she treated the same infected patient. Likewise, another doctor, Patrick LaRochelle, was also exposed to an infected patient. According to Serge, Rebekah and Dr. LaRochelle are symptom-free and in quarantine. Matt Allison, Executive Director of Serge, said, “Our hearts are with the Stafford family and the Congolese communities facing this outbreak.”

Allison continued, “Peter and Rebekah have faithfully served vulnerable communities in Kyankunde with extraordinary compassion and courage. We are deeply grateful for the medical teams, government agencies, and international partners working together to provide care, contain the outbreak, and protect lives.”

The Trump administration recently enacted travel restrictions for anyone without a U.S. passport who has visited South Sudan, DRC, or Uganda in the past three weeks and is enhancing public health screenings for all others. 

Paul Ruddis recalling a scary encounter he had with law enforcement as a teenager.

The actor was featured on the Tuesday, May 19 episode of Benny Blanco and Lil Dicky's podcast Friends Keep Secrets. During the episode, Blanco asked Rudd if he had ever been pulled over. However, Blanco then changed the question to "Have you ever been arrested?"

"Two times, when I was a teenager," Rudd replied. "One time I was in a car, I was riding shotgun, my friend Mike was driving, and we had water guns."

Rudd continued to explain that another car of their friends were driving alongside them with their own water guns.

We were just having a water gun fight," he said. "We were just being rascals."

As they were in the middle of shooting at each other with water guns, a police car pulled up behind them.

"This cop was a super psycho," Rudd said. He recalled how his other friends were able to evade police but he and Mike had to face the officer.

He has a gun trained on us," Rudd recalled. "And he comes walking around the side, and he says, 'Alright, boy. Slowly, real slowly, hand over that water gun. And you better pray it’s a water gun.'"

He added, "And he has a gun on me. I’m like 16."

Rudd said he and Mike handed over their water guns to the officer and were faced with one charge each.

"He wrote both of us up, and he gave Mike a ticket for reckless driving, and he gave me accomplice to reckless driving," Rudd said. "He said it was 'cause you swerved into another lane.' I was like, 'What? No.' But anyway, maybe he was just trying to teach us a lesson. I wound up having to go to a court for that."

Rudd revealed this wasn't his only time getting in trouble with the law. He then shared another story from a few years later.

"I was in college, my freshman year," Rudd began.

"You killed someone," Blanco quipped.

"I killed someone," Rudd joked. "And that was, let me tell you something— that was hard to get out of. I didn't technically get out of it. It's still a pain in the ass."

Rudd then shared what actually happened, recounting, "I was in Lawrence, Kan., hanging outside of a bar called The Bull. I was kind of new to drinking, I’ll be honest with you," admitted Rudd, who said he was holding a can of beer when two cops approached him, "I was underage, and so I just dumped it."

"He was like, 'Was that yours?' I was like, 'Yeah, I wasn't drinking it though,'" Rudd recalled. "I think I gave him like the dumb— 'I was holding it, I wasn't drinking it.'"

Rudd found himself back in court but this time his only consequence was community service with the Boys and Girls Club.

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If you already own Adirondack chairs but wish you had somewhere to kick your feet up, Target has a very easy fix. The WestinTrends All-Weather Patio Adirondack Ottoman is on sale for $50 right now, down from $99, and it can make a standard patio chair feel more like a lounger without taking up nearly as much room as a full chaise. It comes in 14 colors, so you can match your current setup or bring in a brighter accent for a porch, deck, or patio.

The ottoman is made with eco-friendly plastic-like material with rust-resistant hardware, an all-weather design, and UV-resistant treatment to help keep the color from fading. The slight arch gives your feet a more natural place to rest, while the foldable design makes it easier to store when you want it out of the way. It measures 20 inches wide by 18.7 inches deep by 13.5 inches high, weighs 8.8 pounds, and has a 220-pound weight capacity.

WestinTrends All-Weather Patio Adirondack Ottoman, $50 (was $99) at Target

Courtesy of Target

Shop at Target

What makes this ottoman especially great is you don’t have to replace the outdoor chairs you already own. It gives you a stretched-out feel, but it’s still small enough for a tighter outdoor space. And since it weighs less than nine pounds, it’s easy to move from one seat to another, whether you want to use it with an Adirondack chair, a rocking chair, or another patio spot.

One shopper said it’s the “perfect addition to your Adirondacks,” noting it’s “very sturdy yet lighter weight,” “so easy to move about,” and only “took four minutes to assemble.” Another person mentioned that “they don't get hot in the direct sun,” and a different reviewer said it’s the “perfect size,” allowing them to rest their legs comfortably.

Related: Target’s ‘Cute' 3-Piece Bistro Set Is Nearly 50% Off, and It's Perfect for Small Patios

The color range makes this ottoman a breeze to work into your space. You can choose from white, sand, teak, gray, and weathered wood if you prefer easy neutrals, or you could opt for turquoise, lime, orange, or red if you want it to be more of a bright accent piece. It’s also a nice way to refresh an older chair without buying an entirely new seating set.

Shop More Deals

• Costway 4-Piece Patio Furniture Set, $230 (was $390) at Target
• Costway Steel Patio Garden Bench, $100 (was $200) at Target
• Costway 3-Piece Solid Wood Patio Furniture Set, $210 (was $396) at Target

The WestinTrends All-Weather Patio Adirondack Ottoman is a simple way to make an outdoor chair more comfortable for summer. It’s foldable, weather-resistant, lightweight, and currently 50% off at Target. Grab it now while it’s still marked down to just $50 in 14 colors.

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 Mini Crossword takes a few twists and turns. And if you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you're working on today's Mini on for Today's Mini Crossword on Wednesday, May 20, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Ross Edgley's 1,700+-mile journey around Great Britain, for example — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

5 Across: Fuzzy fruit —HINT: Ends with the letter "I"

6 Across: Someone who assumes the worst intentions in everything — HINT: Ends with the letter "C"

7 Across: Orangutans e.g. — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

8 Across: Work well together — HINT: Ends with the letter "H"

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Former competitor of Google Hangouts — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

2 Down: Signature products of Napa Valley — HINT: Starts with the letter "W"

3 Down: "Yeah, in my dreams!" — HINT: Ends with the letter "I"

4 Down: Open __ night — HINT: Ends with the letter "C"

6 Down: Something found on a Mac (that anagrams to MAC) — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Ross Edgley's 1,700+-mile journey around Great Britain, for example — SWIM

5 Across: Fuzzy fruit —KIWI

6 Across: Someone who assumes the worst intentions in everything — CYNIC

7 Across: Orangutans e.g. — APES

8 Across: Work well together — MESH

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Former competitor of Google Hangouts — SKYPE

2 Down: Signature products of Napa Valley — WINES

3 Down: "Yeah, in my dreams!" — IWISH

4 Down: Open __ night — MIC

6 Down: Something found on a Mac (that anagrams to MAC) — CAM

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Sometimes, a favorite movie of yesteryear finds itself having a resurgence decades later, whether it's through a social media trend or an upcoming sequel that brings the original film to top of mind.

This week, a 2000s hit is suddenly climbing the charts again, 17 years after it was first released in theaters.

Netflix named I Am Legend as one one its top trending films right now, placing at number 10 on the weekly Top 10 Movies list. From May 11 through May 17, the popular action thriller has been viewed 2.8 million times globally. That's 4.7 million hours of viewing time.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, the director behind The Hunger Games franchise, I Am Legend stars Will Smith and Alice Braga. The film follows U.S. Army virologist Robert Neville, the seemingly lone, immune human who survived after a man-made virus wiped out the majority of humanity and turned the rest into nocturnal, vampire-like mutants. Left to survive alongside his German Shepherd in New York City, he works to create cure while battling grief, loneliness, and survival.

The hit movie was directed by Francis Lawrence.

(Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Lionsgate)

Based on Richard Matheson's 1954 post-apocalyptic horror novel of the same name, the film broke box-office records, debuting with $77.2 million and becoming the biggest December opening in history, per Today.com.

“It’s nice to be in the Will Smith business,” said Dan Fellman, who was the head of distribution for Warner Bros at the time of the film's release. “He is just the number one box-office star in the world today.”

I Am Legend took home multiple awards, including World Soundtrack Award for Film Composer of the Year, awarded to composer James Newton Howard, and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie for Horror/Thriller.

While rumors of a sequel have been circulating for quite some time — almost two decades — it's officially on the way. In April 2026,Collider reported that the movie had finally found its director. According to the outlet, Steven Caple Jr. had confirmed that he will be developing I Am Legend 2 for Warner Bros.

Related: Legendary 1972 Film, Considered 'the Greatest American Film Ever Made,' Is Now Available to Stream For Free

Email is basically unavoidable at this point. Whether you’re firing off messages at work, submitting assignments for school or introducing yourself to someone you’ve never met, you're going to use email in your daily life. It feels quick and casual, like the digital version of talking, so most people don’t overthink it. In fact, in most cases, you type, you hit "send" and you move on. But that “It’s just an email” mindset is exactly where things can go sideways, especially in professional settings.

Believe it or not, the tiniest details can actually completely change how your message lands, which is why the punctuation you use matters. So, when it comes to the dos and don'ts of writing emails, it's understandable if you need some guidance. To help you out, see why an etiquette expert is begging you to stop using this punctuation in emails.

Can you guess what it is? After all, you don't want to sound too eager, or cold, or passive-aggressive—you just want to sound friendly and get your point across. However, when the person on the other end has zero context of who you are, they’re left to read between the lines. And if you add the wrong punctuation mark or leave it out, you may regret it. Suddenly, that little dot or dash you barely thought about is doing a lot more heavy lifting than you intended.

Luckily, Nick Leighton—an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the etiquette and manners podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?—is lending his know-how on this topic. Read on to see what expert advice he has and find out if you're guilty of making this email mistake or not. You may be surprised, as the punctuation he shares people need to stop using is probably something you've done to try to make yourself seem extra friendly.

Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging You To Stop Using This Phrase in Emails

The Punctuation To Stop Using in Emails, an Etiquette Expert Warns

When typing emails, people often think adding exclamation points is safe, because in their mind, they may think it makes them sound nice and lets the other person know they are friendly to work with. However, Leighton reveals that it can be a bit much, and actually backfire, especially if you're ending every sentence with one or you're tacking on multiple to a sentence as you might in a text message.

"Using two exclamation points in an email to someone is extreme, but can be fun for emphasis," he points out. And even though it can "be fun," you should be careful about typing too many.

"... Using three exclamation points stops conveying enthusiasm and starts to make the reader question your sanity," he adds. "For example, writing something to a potential client like, 'Let’s schedule brunch for noon!!!' doesn’t come across as more sincere or enthusiastic than writing it with just one and typing out, 'Let’s schedule brunch for noon!'"

Just_Super/Getty Images

While he says that using multiple exclamation points in a row and more than two in a single email is the punctuation mark he wishes people wouldn't use—and wishes were more cautious about—he explains that using one exclamation point is always recommended in an email.

"On the other hand, a single exclamation mark when well-placed is certainly one way to inject warmth into a message that might otherwise come across as flat," Leighton tells Parade.

So, where is the best way to incorporate an exclamation point? "Opening your email with 'Hi!' or closing your email with 'Thank you!' are often good places to put it," he suggests.

Related: Etiquette Experts Say These 7 Office Behaviors Make Coworkers Dislike You Fast

4 Other Punctuations To Try and Avoid

That's not the only form of punctuation that Leighton says people should be careful with and avoid using in emails. He reveals four others as well.

1. Ellipses

"There’s definitely a time and place for a well-placed ellipsis," he says. "But certainly if you’re ending a sentence with an ellipsis, that can definitely come across as super passive-aggressive in an email. For example, saying, 'The report was due on my desk on Friday…' can come across as you being judgmental or disappointed. To some people who see that in an email, it can even seem like a veiled threat." 

2. Multiple question marks

Another punctuation mark that he says etiquette experts, like himself, advise thinking twice about before typing is using multiple question marks.

"Stacking question marks takes a neutral question into new territory," he reveals. "It turns mere curiosity into impatience or disbelief when someone sees it in an email. For example, writing, 'Did you get my email?????' is very aggressive-like, compared to just, 'Did you get my email?'"

3. Dashes

According to Leighton, one more punctuation that etiquette experts advise against is a dash (—).

"People may think that a dash can sometimes take the place of a softer transition, but it depends on how it’s used, as that's not always how it comes across," he explains. "For example, writing, 'I’ll handle it—please don’t send more' can feel sharper than a softer, more spaced-out sentence. Therefore, using a dash can often add emphasis or a sudden shift in tone, which can come across as a little abrupt in emails—especially if the rest of the message is already brief or direct."

4. Too many periods

Lastly, while using periods is usually a person's go-to when crafting an email, Leighton shares that you still need to add some personality so you don't come across in a cold manner.

"Overusing periods can be a mistake in an email. In fact, sentences with only periods can make an email feel cold," he states. "In an age where everything can be over-analyzed, the humble period is now getting increased scrutiny. Sure, some sentences can be made to feel deliberately cold when they end with a period, like 'Fine.'"

Related: 7 Phrases To Avoid When Emailing Gen Z Coworkers, According to an Etiquette Expert

4 Expert-Approved Punctuations To Use in Emails Instead

There are tons of punctuations that Leighton approves of and suggests people use more of.

1. Commas

Leighton says commas can help soften the tone of your email.

"Commas give people those natural pauses that they use when they speak, so when they’re in our writing and used well, they can sometimes help make you come across as friendlier or more conversational," he points out.

2. Colons

Colons are also another great punctuation mark to include in emails to help create structure in a friendly way.

"A colon says, 'Get ready… here’s what’s coming!' It preps the reader for what’s ahead and helps keep things organized," Leighton states. "They’re also very helpful when skimming an email because they’re often followed by a short list. Being considerate of the reader is always polite. A good example is, 'Here’s what we need:'"

3. Slashes

Slashes can be good to include in an email as well to create a casual and friendly tone.

"A slash can be pretty chill," Leighton reveals. "It often gives an either/or vibe and signals that you’re not attached to either suggestion, so you’re letting the reader decide which they prefer. It’s often a low-pressure way to give someone options, like sending them a note that says, 'We can meet in person/virtually.'"

4. Parentheses

This last punctuation mark that Leighton suggests using may be one you might not think of. It's parentheses! He mentions they can be good to use in emails to give soft-toned side notes, like saying, "(if that works for you)."

Up Next:

Related: The 9 Email Sign-Offs You Should Stop Using in 2026, According to an Etiquette Expert

Source:

• Nick Leighton is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the etiquette and manners podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?

The '80s was definitely one of the best decades of all time for power ballads. In fact, the era spawned so many epic hits in that category, it's nearly impossible to pick a single track as the greatest of all...but one standout would have to be "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS.

Released in June 1988 as the fourth single from the band's iconic 1987 album Kick, "Never Tear Us Apart" took radio and MTV by storm, inspiring countless lovestruck fans to sing along at the top of their lungs:

"I was standing / You were there / Two worlds collided / And they could never tear us apart / I told you / That we could fly / 'Cause we all have wings / But some of us don't know why"

"Never Tear Us Apart," which peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, went on to be ranked #282 on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" years later, with RS editors praising the "orchestra-scale riff" and "wailing saxophone solo by Kirk Pengilly."

As Andrew Farriss, INXS’ co-songwriter, keyboardist and guitarist, told Billboard in 2024, the song's orchestral parts were originally written on guitar in a “very bluesy type way.” According to Farriss, late singer Michael Hutchence “laughed" when he first heard the song: “He thought it was funny, because for us it was so different.”

'Never Tear Us Apart' was written for a longtime love

In the documentary Mystify: Michael Hutchence, directed by Richard Lowenstein, Hutchence revealed that the lyrics for "Never Tear Us Apart" were written for an ex-girlfriend, Michele Bennett.

"I don't make up love songs, so...that's definitely a song for a girl called Michele," Hutchence said, adding, "She knows, but we're not together anymore, so it doesn't work, does it?"

In an interview with NME, Lowenstein said Hutchence suffered with feelings of guilt over the end of his relationship with Bennett, his childhood sweetheart.

“His break-up with Michele, he was utterly torn between this woman he loved and how their lives were going in so many different directions," Lowenstein said. "That’s why it inspired ‘Never Tear Us Apart.' Kick had gone to number one and suddenly there’s this kid-in-a-candy store mentality — he was travelling around the world and thought he’d never settle down."

“There was the hedonistic side to him, but always an almost catholic sense of self-flagellation too," Lowenstein added.

When Hutchence died in 1997, "Never Tear Us Apart" was played in the background as his coffin was carried out of St. Andrew’s Anglican Cathedral in Sydney, Australia.

Related: 1982 Classic Rock Hit, With Two 'Scorching' Guitar Solos, Went to No. 1 Before It Was Even Released

Toy Story has long been one of the most popular Disney Pixar movies of all time, and 21 years after the original movie debuted, Toy Story 5is about to hit theaters.

Buzz, Woody and their ever-growing group of toy friends have been fan favorites for decades, although the conclusion of Toy Story 4 broke some hearts by confirming that Buzz and Woody had gone their separate ways, with Buzz staying with Bonnie (the new owner of the toys after Andy went to college at the end of Toy Story 3) and toys like Jessie, Rex, Mr. Potato Head and Hamm, whereas Woody set out with Bo Peep.

For a time, it seemed as though this might be how Toy Story ended permanently, especially because it's been seven years since Toy Story 4 was released. However, the trailer for Toy Story 5 has already confirmed that the toys are back, a reunion between Woody and the rest of Andy/Bonnie's toys is imminent and the toys will now face perhaps their biggest challenge yet: A tablet named Lilypad.

In fact, it seems the toys will be tackling technology in general, trying to figure out where they fit into this strange new world where digital games are becoming more popular than imaginative play.

Per an Instagram post by People, speaking about the upcoming story, Hanks indicated that he couldn't say too much. However, he did share, "All I can say is the saga continues. I have seen it. I don't know how they do it, but it is a vibrant and proper chapter in the Toy Story canon, and none of us can believe that we're still a part of it."

Although that doesn't reveal much about the narrative to come, it at least offers fans of the franchise reassurance that this movie will fit neatly into what's been done with these characters before and will be an exciting new story.

Ahead of Saturday Night Live’s 50th season in 2024, Ashley Padilla joined the cast of the late-night show. As the 32-year-old comedian continues to establish herself as a vital cast member of SNL, Padilla took to social media to reminisce on the recently wrapped Season 51.

“I cannot believe this all happened in one season,” Padilla said, along with an Instagram photo carousel from various sketches. “It feels like 12 separate lives. Thank you SO MUCH for letting me be a full blown IDIOT these past 20 shows. I feel so lucky. AND I LOVE YOU SO MUCH IT HURTS MY HEART OK?!”

The post concluded with several pink hearts and a “VERY LARGE, VERY LONG HUG” from Padilla.

Fans and her fellow SNL co-stars showed their support in the comments, including Kenan Thompson, who holds the record as the longest-running cast member in SNL’s history.

“Great job Ash!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️” Thompson commented.

Chloe Fineman, who just celebrated her seventh season with the show, commented: “KILLED IT 🙌🙌🙌”

View this post on Instagram

Last month, The New York Times singled out Padilla as SNL’s next breakout star. They said that her finely honed timing, “a virtuosic deployment of the pregnant pause,” is what distinguishes her as a comedian. The New York Times referenced a sketch from Season 51 where Padilla gets a disastrous haircut.

“Before she says a word, her entire character is established in this pause: the hesitation, head shaking and pivot into steely resolve,” they said. “You get the sense that she considered canceling plans but decided to power through. Another actor might rush into the jokes, but by using the pause to reveal her inner life, Padilla gets an early laugh and makes her character more sympathetic, vulnerable and funny.”

Since the curtain closed on Season 51, fans are looking ahead to what the next season will bring. Expected to return this fall, Deadline reported that there seems to be no current talk of cast departures. They believe that there is, however, a chance of promotion for Padilla.

“SNL cast members start as featured players for two years before getting upped to full cast members if they are still on the show,” Deadline reported. “Padilla, in her Year 2 as a featured player, will get a much-deserved upgrade for Season 52.”

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Crocs have been known as one of the most comfortable shoes on the market for years. Once considered a polarizing pick, the brand now has become a staple thanks to its lightweight design, supportive construction and celeb-approved status. From the classic clog to new sandal styles that you might not even recognize from the brand, each pair of shoes is made from the iconic signature foam material that makes it feel supportive and surprisingly light as a feather. 

That's what makes them perfect for the summer, and the longer summer days ahead of us. No blisters, no aches and pains, very little rubbing — they could be the summer sandal solution you've been looking for. And over at Amazon, not only are there a slew of adorable Crocs styles to pick from, but prices start at just $35. Shop on. 

Crocs Getaway Strappy Sandals, From $40 at Amazon

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Made with the same lightweight foam as normal Crocs clogs, these are decidedly more modern and chic. Designed with the brand’s ultra soft Free Feel Technology, which shoppers describe as "pillowy soft," these sandals are made to feel flexible and barely there. They come in a range of colors, and if you are looking for something sparkly, there's even some that are studded with gems across the straps. Basic or not, these sandals are perfect for vacations (they'll pack light!), beach days, or long days of errands across town. 

Crocs Miami Flip Flops, $35 at Amazon

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A true minimalist flip flop that combines a sleek, classic sandal silhouette with the cushioned footbed and lightweight design of a Croc — this is your ultimate everyday staple. Also available in a range of colors and sizes, from 4 to 11 to be precise — these flip flops are sure to be a summer lifesaver. One reviewer wrote, “I’ve been wearing the Crocs Women’s Miami Flip Flops in black for a few weeks now, and they’ve quickly become my go-to sandals. As someone who’s on their feet a lot, I really appreciate how lightweight and comfortable these flip flops are.” Consider us sold. 

Crocs Brooklyn 4U Low Wedges, From $50 (was $55) at Amazon

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If you're looking for a little height, but don't want to sacrifice that classic Crocs comfort, look no further than these very cute platform wedges. With its not-too-high 1.7-inch wedge heel, it gives you just a bit of elevation to heighten your look, and it has Crocs' LiteRide foam technology, which means it'll feel like walking on foam all day long. The holes in the straps can also be customized with Jibbitz charms, so go crazy (or not!). 

Crocs Women's Kadee II Sandals, From $30 at Amazon

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Isn't it sort of incredible that these are … Crocs? Available in this adorable retro '70s flower power pattern, but also more traditional solids like black, beige, and white, these water-resistant strappy sandals are designed to look just as cute at the beach as they would at brunch. "They dry super fast and don't give you blisters while walking when they are wet," one shopper raved. "Plus, you won't slide right out of them like some other sandals out there. They're great for long walks too  — did I mention how comfortable they are? Seriously, it's like walking on clouds (or pillows or marshmallows or whatever soft thing you can think of)." 

Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandals, $55 at Amazon

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These bestselling wedge sandals have become a fan favorite for a reason. With over 3,000 five-star ratings, squint and you'd never know that these comfy platform sandals are actually Crocs. Because of their elevated silhouette, they're perfect for dinners out on the town, or even feeling a little fancy during your summer vacation. One reviewer wrote, “These sandals are absolutely amazing! From the very first wear, I felt like I was walking on clouds. The cushioning is incredible, and the wedge design gives just the right amount of height without sacrificing comfort.”

Crocs Women's Getaway Triangle Flip Flops, $45 at Amazon

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With soft, thick straps and a flexible foam footbed, shoppers say these cushiony Croc sandals are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. Specifically, this reviewer shared, “These flip-flops are comfortable and do not feel heavy on my feet. They seem to give good support, especially for someone with bad knees due to weight gain." Much like the styles above, this one is available in a slew of solid colors, but also variations studded with crystals. 

Shop More Deals

• Crocs Brooklyn Luxe Cross Strap Sandals, $52 (was $75) at Amazon
• Crocs Unisex-Adult Crocband Clog, $55 at Amazon
• Crocs Women's Getaway Toe Loop Platform Sandals, $45 at Amazon

Whether you are looking to update your classic Croc clogs or replace your tired summer sandals, these Crocs summer sandals will have your feet thanking you all summer long.

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Last week on Chopped Castaways, the 12 contestants weren't quite ready for what they signed on for and Sunny Moody was sent home.

On the second episode of Chopped Castaways, the 11 remaining contestants had to dig their ingredients out of the sand and prepare a family-style feast in just 90 minutes. Then the two lowest chefs on the losing team had to face off in the dreaded Gauntlet, which this week featured a torrential rainstorm and a funking alcoholic beverage called mamajuana.

In case you forgot, the teams are as follows:

• Green Team: Cate, James, Dwight, Ara, Hannah and Paulette
• Blue Team: Aidan, Jean-Paul, Logan, Steph and Carrie

Spoiler alert: The post below discusses the Tuesday, May 19 episode of Chopped Castaways, titled "Dig In or Go Home." Don't keep reading if you don't want to be spoiled.

Related: ‘Chopped Castaways’ Season 1 Cast Includes ‘Top Chef,’ ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Stars

Who Went Home on 'Chopped Castaways' Tonight? Chef Cate Meade

Food Network

Cate Meade — Chicago, IL

Related: ‘100 Cooks’ Brings Food Network’s Biggest Home Cook Competition Ever to TV This Summer

Advancing Contestants on 'Chopped Castaways' Season 1Aidan Barry Owens — San Diego, CA
Ara Zada — Los Angeles, CA
Carrie Baird — Denver, CO
Dwight Hudgins — Largo, FL
Hannah Flora — Boynton Beach, FL
James Peck — Northampton, England
Jean-Paul Bourgeois — Thibodaux, LA
Logan Sandoval — Simi Valley, CA
Paulette Tejada — New York, NY
Stephen Kina — Kalispell, MT

Related: Guy Fieri Drops Surprise ‘Tournament of Champions’ Season 8 Announcement During TOC VII Finale

What Were the Challenges on 'Chopped Castaways' Episode 2?

The weather on the island was all over the place this week. As Carrie hilariously put it, she was cold and wet but also hot at the same time, basically all the time. During the Team Challenge, it was absolutely pouring down rain. Not a storm, but just a steady deluge. Poor Maneet in her gorgeous island attire looked absolutely cold and miserable.

Related: ‘Chopped Castaways’ Is Your New Reality TV Obsession

Team Challenge

The chefs were sent to dig for ingredients. Inside four digging zones, there were four Xs. Two were decoys and two were two versions of one ingredient—one version of the ingredient was premium, one less so, so for example, queso fresco or spray cheese in a can. Whichever ingredient they dug up, they had to use. The ingredients were two versions of beef, corn, eggs and cheese.

They were given just 90 minutes to dig up their ingredients and cook a five-dish family feast—and each dish had to incorporate all four mystery ingredients. Wow, that is not a lot of time because they could only have one chef dig at a time.

Related: Brooke Williamson Reveals ‘Mind-Screwing’ Reality of ‘Top Chef’ vs. Food Network

The ingredients the teams ended up with were:

• Blue Team:popcorn kernels (not premium), beef bavette (premium), queso fresco (premium) and century eggs (not premium).
• Green Team: spray cheese (not premium), popcorn kernels, beef bavette and century eggs.

It's interesting that they ended up with identical ingredients save for the cheese. The dishes the teams decided on were:

Related: Insider Exposes How Bobby Flay’s Competitions Are Run: ‘Bobby Isn’t a Cheater’

Blue Team

• Logan: Grilled bavette with yuca mash
• Aidan: Bavette carpaccio
• Carrie: Fried tostones with seared bavette
• Steph: Bavette hash
• Jean-Paul: Bavette steak with century egg salsa verde

Green Team

• Paulette: Bavette tagliata salad
• James: Deviled eggs
• Dwight: Country potato hash
• Ara: Latke with grilled bavette
• Cate: Bayette tartare with yuca chips
• Hannah: She was the tournant, which meannt she was the swing chef running around helping whoever needed help.

Related: Food Network Producer Reveals Two Chefs ‘Were Not Pleasant’ Behind the Scenes

We found out during the Team Challenge that Paulette has a bit of crush on James, who then told a producer that while he is single, he's "emotionally unavailable and dead inside." Ha!

We also found out that the chef Jean-Paul was referring to in the preview for this week whom he called the biggest threat but also the biggest team asset is Aidan, and later, he's the chef who judge Marcus Samuelsson said was cooking beyond his years.

Finally, Hannah also shared that six years ago, her husband died by suicide. That's awful. I can hardly imagine anything worse.

After judging, the Blue Team emerged victorious in the Team Challenge, which sent Green Team members Cate and James to the Gauntlet.

Related: Meet the Cast of ’24 in 24: Last Chef Standing’ Season 3

The Gauntlet

In the Gauntlet, Cate and James were given mystery baskets that contain: rabbit saddle, pineapple, mamajuana and bok choy. Mamajuana is like a sangria or mulled wine-type thing but with rum. It's rum, red wine and honey that has spices, roots, herbs and bark infused in it. It's originally from the Dominican Republic.

James prepared rabbit ramen with charred pineapple and burnt leek vinaigrette, while Cate prepared mamajuana and pineapple marinated rabbit with pineapple and bok choy slaw. Cate had a huge advantage because she grew up hunting and cooking rabbit. She very smartly marinated her rabbit in the juice from the pineapple, which has an enzyme that naturally tenderizes meat.

Related: Which Chefs Are Still Alive on '24 in 24: Last Chef Standing' Season 3?

It seemed like James incorporated way more pantry ingredients than Cate did and that's always a risk on Chopped—that you used too many other things and didn't focus on the basket ingredients enough.

And suddenly with about 10 minutes left in the cook, it absolutely started pouring down rain, but the chefs watching jumped in to hold umbrellas over the contestants, even the Blue Team holding umbrellas for Cate. It was very nice.

In the end, Cate was sent home for not having a cohesive dish. Bummer, I enjoyed her.

Next on 'Chopped Castaways'

Next week's episode is titled "Dive Deep" and its description reads, "For a high-risk challenge, the 10 remaining chefs must dive into choppy waters to retrieve their basket ingredients. In the head-to-head elimination Gauntlet, a delicate protein meets unexpected flavors, and relentless smoke pushes precision to the limit."

In the preview montage, it looks like Hannah really struggles with the swimming and might actually be in danger at one point. The ocean and its undercurrents are no joke.

Chopped Castaways airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network.

Related: ‘100 Cooks’ Brings Food Network’s Biggest Home Cook Competition Ever to TV This Summer

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Summer is coming to an end — but instead of ending with one last carefree sendoff, the Summer House Season 10 finale plays out more like a funeral for the life Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula once built together.

Amid the jaw-dropping chaos — including West Wilson and Ciara Miller’s shocking makeout — the final moments of the episode take a devastating turn as viewers watch Kyle and Amanda’s marriage seemingly unravel in real time. For Bravo fans who met the couple back in Season 1, when the house was fueled by sloppy hookups, late-night fights, and endless summers that felt invincible, the emotional shift is impossible to ignore.

This year, even the cast’s iconic final pool jump feels different. Instead of celebrating another wild summer, Kyle appears visibly emotional, lingering on the sidelines as the weight of the last decade catches up to him. The scene feels less like the end of a party and more like someone grieving the future they thought they’d have.

“I don't want to tear up in confessionals,” Kyle says, wiping away tears. “It's been 10 years. I feel like the severity of my actions have just compounded and thrown a wrench in things. Could potentially lead to us not coming back as a couple. A lot of memories. It's been weighing down on me because I don't want what we have here to just all of a sudden disappear.”

It’s the last few minutes of the finale that may leave fans reaching for tissues — even knowing the couple publicly announced their separation in January.

After refusing to speak to her husband for most of the night, Amanda finally sits down with Kyle once the rest of the housemates have gone home. Fighting back tears, Kyle appears to realize that both his marriage — and the life he’s built over the last decade — may be slipping away.

“I literally feel sick to my stomach,” he tells Amanda while reflecting on conversations with both Amanda and Ciara about needing time apart.

Amanda, insisting she and Kyle were in a good place until he snapped the other night, changes her mind about moving forward with him.

“I grew up in this house,” Amanda says. “I've learned so much about myself. We've been through so much together. We've been through cheating rumors, and infidelity, and engagements and fake weddings…real weddings. It's like, we've been through it all. It's been so amazing and also so f—ing hard.”

She continues, "I want to close that chapter and start over with whatever that looks like for us." While Kyle admits he's unsure what to do and is scared, Amanda agrees but says, "something has to be different."

That different scenario is "time apart." Amanda tells Kyle she's not going home with him but instead to a hotel. "I feel like everything I put my heart and soul into... our relationship, I feel like everything is like, crumbling," Kyle says.

Amanda says as much as she wants to protect and help Kyle, she needs to look out for herself. As Amanda says, "Goodbye house," it pushes Kyle to tears.

The couple, who always leave the house during that final day together, drives away in separate cars.

But... in typical Bravo fashion, cameras picked back up after news broke that Amanda was dating West. On April 9, producers caught up with Kyle and Amanda, and he expressed concern for her well-being. And while he wants to be there for her, Kyle said, looking back on the summer, he feels like Amanda was "done" with him. Amanda insists she gave everything to her relationship with Kyle and wanted their marriage to work.

Kyle then wants to know if Amanda was having an affair with West through Thanksgiving, even if it was emotional. "Nothing was happening!" she insists. Through it all, Kyle tells Amanda he's going to be there for her. But adds, "It makes me so f—ing upset because someone else gets the version that I fell in love with."

Part one of the three-part Summer House Season 10 reunion begins Tuesday, May 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

In 1977, Smokey and the Bandit raced into theaters and unexpectedly became one of the biggest pop culture sensations of the decade.

Now, the film has earned another major honor after being included in Paste’s ranking of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time, thanks to its unforgettable blend of country, rock and Southern road-trip energy.

Directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, the film follows the Bandit and his partner Cledus "Snowman" Snow as they attempt to illegally transport Coors beer across state lines while evading law enforcement led by the hilariously relentless Sheriff Buford T. Justice, played by Jackie Gleason.

"That picture ["Smokey"] was some kind of strange little miracle in a way, for the fact that it made so much damn money and it was so much fun to do," Reynolds told Business Insider. "As soon as we got [Jackie] Gleason and Sally [Field], I knew we were off."

But beyond the car chases and comedy, music became one of the movie's defining ingredients.

The soundtrack prominently featured songs by Jerry Reed, who also co-starred in the film as Snowman. Reed's energetic country songs, including "East Bound and Down," helped establish the movie's fast-moving, rebellious spirit and became deeply associated with the film itself.

The soundtrack's success helped turn Smokey and the Bandit into more than just a hit comedy. The film became a cultural snapshot of 1970s Southern Americana, blending outlaw country music, CB radio culture and muscle cars into one wildly entertaining package.

The movie also famously sparked a real-life Hollywood romance between Reynolds and co-star Sally Field, who played Carrie, better known as "Frog."

Their chemistry onscreen quickly became one of the movie's most memorable elements, and the pair later became one of Hollywood's most beloved celebrity couples of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

"About a third of the way into filming, I was in the car with Sally and there was this little moment where we kind of looked at each other, and then we both turned and looked over at [stuntman] Hal [Needham]," Reynolds told Car and Driver. "He gave us a thumbs up and said, 'Yeah!' And we kind of knew there was some magic going on."

At the box office, Smokey and the Bandit became a massive surprise success, eventually turning into one of the highest-grossing films of 1977 behind only Star Wars.

Over the decades, the movie's influence only continued to grow. Its soundtrack, quotable dialogue and rebellious charm helped make it a staple of nostalgic American pop culture.

Its inclusion among the greatest movie soundtracks of all time reflects how essential the music was to the film's identity.

Nearly 50 years later, Smokey and the Bandit still feels loud, fast and unmistakably fun, a movie where the soundtrack became just as iconic as the car chases themselves.

Related: 1973 Classic Horror Film, Originally a Box Office Flop, Ranked Among ‘Best Movie Soundtracks’ of All Time

Some movies are more meaningful to certain generations, and if you're Generation X, chances are Reality Bites is one of those movies for you.

Released in 1994, the comedy classic stars Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke as Lelaina and Troy, a pair of friends fumbling through a will-they-or-won't-they type of scenario, along with Janeane Garafolo as Lelaina's hilariously sarcastic BFF, Vickie, Steve Zahn as the sweet, supportive Sammy and Ben Stiller as Michael, Lelaina's TV exec love interest. The movie was a modest hit at the box office but a major success with young adult audiences who related to everything from the romantic struggles of the characters to the pop culture references sprinkled heavily throughout ("Conjunction junction, what's your function...").

Of course, one of the best parts of Reality Bites will always be the soundtrack, ranked #80 on Rolling Stone's list of "100 Best Movie Soundtracks." All these years later, the collection of tunes serves as a sort of sonic time capsule linked to some of the movie's most memorable scenes: Lelaina and Vickie sing along to "Tempted" (1981) by Squeeze while driving in the car; the whole gang of friends (except wet blanket Troy) does a wacky dance to The Knack's "My Sharona" (1979) in the middle of a gas station. ("My Sharona" even made a return to the charts after being featured in the movie.)

The Reality Bites soundtrack introduced some new songs to the world, too, including Lisa Loeb's "Stay," which not only went to #1 but made history by being the first song by an unsigned artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100.

Now the stuff of Gen X legend, the story of how Loeb managed to achieve such a feat is pretty great.

As Loeb explained in a 2020 interview with Songwriter Universe, she "knew Ethan Hawke; he was a friend and a collaborator."

"I used to write music for this theatre company," Loeb said. "Ethan heard and liked it, and he wanted to pass it along to Ben Stiller. He thought it would work well in the movie, so he asked me for a copy of the song, which I had just recorded in New York. There was a whole bunch of people who were involved in the movie, and they believed the song would work well. So they ended up using it in the end credits, and we gave them rights to promote it as a single."

"It ended up going to number one, which was really exciting," Loeb continued. "It gave me so much freedom after that, because I’m somebody who is very strong-headed when it comes to my songwriting and production and my videos. Because that song had so much success, and it went down so independently, without the influence of a major record label, it tends to give me a lot of freedom. People would say, 'Oh, you know what you’re doing.'"

According to Loeb, "Stay" was actually written a couple of years before Reality Bites came out.

"It was a song that I wrote about a really personal experience…about an argument with a boyfriend. [Usually] I like to create things and mask my own experiences, and craft them into more mysterious things, or things outside of myself. But this song was really a personal one," she explained.

Related: Iconic '90s Movie Soundtrack Celebrates Milestone Anniversary and Fans Are 'Still Obsessed'

In the summer of 1966, Jimi Hendrix was struck with inspiration while fronting his band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames in Greenwich Village. He said:

"I got the idea like, when we were in Monterey and I was just looking at everything around. So I figured that I take everything I see around and put it maybe in the form of a girl maybe, somethin' like that, you know, and call it 'Little Wing', and then it will just fly away. Everybody's really flyin' and they're really in a nice mood, like the police and everybody was really, really great out there. So I just took all these things and put them in one very, very small little matchbox, you know, into a girl and then do it. It was very simple, but I like it though."

That inspiration would eventually take shape as the 1967 rhythm and blues ballad, "Little Wing."

In October of 1967 Hendrix and his new band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, were in the studio recording their second album, Axis: Bold as Love. An instrumental version of the song was recorded first, and Hendrix spent a lot of time perfecting the tones for his different guitar tracks. His rhythm guitar he repositioned his pickup selector to create a "hollow" tone, for his lead he fed his signal through a speaker intended for electric organs, and he also added a glockenspiel to create a "straight, dry" tone to underscore everything plus his vocals.

"Little Wing" is notably one of Hendrix's shortest songs, clocking in at just two-and-a-half minutes. After the intro there are just two verses, and then a guitar solo to close out the track. Music historian Harry Shapiro said, "The song fades on a magical solo after only two minutes and twenty-five seconds. Even live, 'Little Wing' was hardly any longer—he said what he wanted to say and stopped."

Axis: Bold as Love was released on December 1, 1967, and "Little Wing" has been included on several numerous Hendrix compilation albums. Rolling Stone included "Little Wing" as one of its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and several other artists have gone on to record covers including Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Gil Evans.

Related: Smash 1968 Jimi Hendrix Hit Was Originally Written and Recorded by an Iconic Folk Artist

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