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1983 Talking Heads Song, Never a Major Chart Success, Became One of the 'Best Songs of the '80s'
Talking Heads didn’t initially have a commercial success on their hands with “This Must Be the Place,” but the song has nevertheless become an essential part of the band’s legacy.
Released in November 1983 as the as the second single from their fifth studio album Speaking in Tongues, “This Must Be the Place” is one of the most iconic songs to come from the David Byrne-fronted band, despite never becoming a major chart hit.
The song only ever rose to No. 62 on Billboard’s Hot 100, spending a career total of just eight weeks at various positions on the chart.
But the song’s lackluster chart performance wouldn’t stop it from becoming a defining song of the Talking Heads sound, and even one of the most beloved songs of the entire decade. In fact, Rolling Stone even included it on a 2023 roundup of the 200 Best Songs of the 1980s, where it’s ranked at No. 28.
“This Must Be the Place” also appears on Rolling Stone‘s ranking of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, coming in at No. 123 on that list.
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Talking Heads released several live versions of “This Must Be the Place,” including a recording from Stop Making Sense concert album in 1984. The song was later remastered in 2003 for the Once in a Lifetime: The Talking Heads Box, and was included on their compilation album, The Best of Talking Heads in 2004.
GQ ranks “This Must Be the Place” as the No. 6 top song from the band’s entire discography, whereas Paste Magazine crowns it as No. 1.
On Spotify, “This Must Be the Place” is the band’s second most-listened-to song, with over 422 million streams, behind only “Psycho Killer” with over 733 million.
One Of America's Most Unique Music Festival in Montana Announces Band Lineup
Fire In the Mountains is bringing back the unique experience of heavy metal and cultural arts in the wilderness as the music festival returns to Montana in 2027.
Following this year’s successful run, the annual event will take place from July 22 to 25 at the Red Eagle Campground on Blackfeet Nation land in Montana.
In an Instagram post, organizers gave fans a glimpse of what to expect from the highly anticipated Fire In the Mountains 2027.
“The 2026 festival has made an imprint on all of us in a way we cannot fully explain. While we’re still processing the incredible experience, we’re thrilled to share some of what we’ve been working on for 2027.
The post also presented the initial lineup, with acclaimed artists joining one of America’s most distinctive music festivals.
“2027 will be known as the Year Of The Eagle. We’re excited and proud to announce the first wave of artists to perform at Fire in the Mountains 2027,” the post reads.
Efrim Menuck of Godspeed You! Black Emperor performs at National Stadium, Dublin on September 27, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland.The initial lineup includes music heavyweights like the iconic Canadian post-rock collective Godspeed You! Black Emperor and the acclaimed American heavy metal band Nevermore.
In addition to Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Nevermore, five more acts are confirmed to share the stage at the upcoming music festival.
View this post on InstagramGodspeed You! Black Emperor
Nevermore
Russian Circles
Stormkeep
Invunche
Rwake
Buffalo Nichols
Following the announcement, organizers continued to build anticipation for the festival, noting the diverse group of heavy and experimental artists performing next year.
“While we are still processing the immense experience that was Fire In The Mountains 2026 at Red Eagle Campground, we are excited to peel back some of what we have been working on for 2027, which has revealed itself as the Year Of The Eagle,” the event officials mentioned in a statement as cited by Knotfest, adding “We have quite a special edition in the works for this coming year, featuring bands with a legendary command of soundscapes and artistry, to returning fast riffing metal legends, post metal icons, symphonic black metal rippers, musical purveyors of Chilean mythology, American sludge darkness, and blues laden storytelling. We already look forward to joining you once again at the Backbone of The World next Summer – and cannot WAIT to share what else we have in store.”
While Fire In the Mountains 2027 is still taking shape, this year’s event featured the legendary Oakland post-metal band Neurosis, who performed their first live show in seven years with new vocalist Aaron Turner.
In addition, the 2026 event also showcased exclusive reunions and rare performances that added excitement and energy to the crowd.
One of Rock's Most Distinctive Voices, Raised in a Small Illinois Town, Turns 76 Today
Doug Pinnick had been playing music for years when King’s X finally signed a record deal.
Pinnick turns 76 today, Sept. 3. The King’s X singer and bassist was born in 1950 and spent his early years in Braidwood, Illinois, a rural community outside Chicago.
In a 2025 interview, he remembered Braidwood as a country town with around 1,000 residents. “We had cornfields to play in. That’s it,” Pinnick said on Backstage Pass Radio.
His mother later told him that he cried when she turned off the record player, even before he could talk. Pinnick was raised by his great-grandmother, who did not own one, so he listened to music at the homes of friends and relatives. R&B drew him toward the bass while gospel influenced his singing.
After touring with Christian guitarist Phil Keaggy, Pinnick started playing with guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer Jerry Gaskill in the early 1980s. The trio performed covers in clubs throughout the South and changed names several times before settling on King’s X. The band signed with Megaforce/Atlantic in 1987 and released its debut album, Out of the Silent Planet, the following year.
Gretchen Goes to Nebraska came next in 1989, followed by Faith Hope Love in 1990. The gospel influence stayed in Pinnick’s singing, giving King’s X an unusual lead voice for a hard rock band. He also used a 12-string bass, an uncommon choice that became a noticeable part of the group’s records.
The band’s audience continued to grow through albums such as 1992’s King’s X and 1994’s Dogman. King’s X also played Woodstock ’94 and shared bills with acts including AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Pearl Jam.
Pinnick made plenty of music outside the band as well. He released solo records under his own name and as Poundhound, then worked with artists including Dream Theater and Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament. He later formed KXM with George Lynch and Korn drummer Ray Luzier.
King’s X returned with Three Sides of One in 2022, its first studio album in nearly 14 years. The trio has remained on the road in 2026, with shows scheduled through October. One of those dates will bring Pinnick back to Illinois for an Oct. 16 concert at House of Blues Chicago.
Related: 1966 Rock Song, Created in a Michigan Basement, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit
1976 Soft Rock Song, Recorded at Iconic London Studio, Is Still a Powerful Hit 50 Years Later
Fifty years ago, soft-rock legend Al Stewart released “Year of the Cat” — a song that would go on to define his career for years to come.
“Year of the Cat” first appeared in the U.S. on Oct. 22, 1976, as a single from his seventh studio album of the same name. By Dec. 11, the track had entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 98, peaking at No. 8 in early 1977 and becoming his first charting U.S. single. In total, the song spent 17 weeks on the tally.
Not only was “Year of the Cat” a massive commercial phenomenon, but its parent album was an undeniable triumph. Stewart’s record sold over 1.45 million copies in the U.S. alone, becoming the best-selling album of his career and earning a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Peter White, Al Stewart, George Ford and Peter Wood of The Al Stewart Band perform live at The Greek Theatre in 1979 in Berkeley, California.Richard McCaffrey/ Michael Ochs Archive/ Getty Images
Creating “Year of the Cat”“Year of the Cat” was produced by Alan Parsons at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London—the legendary studio famously immortalized by The Beatles’ 1969 album of the same name. The track is notable for its catchy, jazz-inspired melody built around an opening piano riff composed by keyboardist Peter Wood during sound checks. Its intricate chord progressions and extended instrumental breaks created a dreamy atmosphere that captivated listeners.
“I think it just appeals to people,” Stewart joked in a 2024 interview with Guitar Player. “And you’ve also got four different instruments playing solos in the middle of the song, where it goes out of the strings and into the acoustic solo, then the electric solo, and finally the saxophone solo. The song’s longevity also affirms that one should write about what one is interested in, without regards to fashion or favor of the crowd. Which is exactly what I did.”
The single’s entrancing production was only amplified by its lyrical themes. Written by Stewart, “Year of the Cat” tells the whimsical story of a tourist being swept up in an exotic yet brief romance with a foreign woman while traveling. The spontaneous encounter creates a whirlwind of emotions when put alongside the song’s production, wrapping listeners up in the intoxicating nature of the narrator’s experience.
Five decades since its release, “Year of the Cat” continues to persevere as a staple of ’70s progressive soft rock. In the digital era, the track has found its footing among younger generations, racking up over 173 million streams on Spotify alone.
Turquoise Jewelry Is So on Trend, and We Found a Stunning ‘Everyday' Necklace for Nearly 60% Off
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Turquoise jewelry is soaring in popularity in 2026, and it’s easy to see why. It makes any outfit feel more elevated, especially during summer when vibrant pops of color come into play. Statement turquoise necklaces, in particular, can instantly turn a basic white tee or linen button-down into a more sophisticated look.
The stunning Southwest Elements Sterling Silver Gemstone Coin & Gem Bead Necklace is that type of statement maker, and it’s on sale on ShopHQ for $80. It’s marked down an amazing 57% off of its original $185 price tag.
Southwest Elements Sterling Silver Gemstone Coin & Gem Bead Necklace, $80 (was $185) at ShopHQThis stunning 18-inch necklace has a vintage-inspired aesthetic, complete with vibrant turquoise tones, silver detailing, and a layered bead design. It comes in four headturning colorways: multi, orange, purple, and green, which makes it perfect for layering and great for gifts. The gorgeous accessory is made from sterling silver with copper brushing around the gemstones, and finished with an oxidized treatment that gives it a beautiful shine.
It’s also hand assembled in the United States, and weighs about 1.4 grams. So although it’s a statement necklace, it’s also delicate and lightweight. That, combined with the various color tones in each colorway, makes it easy to wear every day and with a variety of looks. One shopper who gave it a five-star rating wrote that it’s a “very nice everyday necklace.”
The 18-inch length sits comfortably near the collarbone, making it easy to layer or wear on its own. This necklace has a rustic edge, but it’s also versatile. So, you can wear it with almost anything, from T-shirts to sundresses.
Unlock Free Shipping at ShopHQWhen you’re ready to order, use the code FREERETURN to unlock free returns at ShopHQ. That means you can try the piece risk-free, since you won’t have to spend any additional money to return the necklace if it doesn’t work out.
This stunning turquoise coin and bead necklace is the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. Grab this awesome deal before the sale ends!
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2017 Debut Novel That Spent 30 Weeks in the NYT Top 5 Became Reese Witherspoon’s First-Ever Book Club Pick
When Reese Witherspoon launched Reese’s Book Club in 2017, she set the tone for what would become one of the most influential celebrity book clubs of all time. Her first-ever book club pick was not only a debut novel, but one that would spend over 80 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and over 30 weeks in the NYT Top 5. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine wasn’t just Reese Witherspoon’s inaugural book club pick; it helped launch the actress-turned-producer as one of the leading champions of books centered around women. Over 100 books later, Witherspoon’s taste in books is definitely fine.
@reesesbookclubThe book that started it all. Forever grateful for every story, author, and reader who’s joined us since. 💛
♬ original sound – ReesesBookClub Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine Was Reese Witherspoon’s First Book Club PickEleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman was an auspicious choice for Reese’s first book club pick. Honeyman’s debut novel tells the story of a socially awkward woman whose life begins to change after an unexpected friendship.
The book, with an isolated, emotionally resilient woman as its main character, was a natural fit for Reese’s Book Club and a precursor for the kind of stories Witherspoon would continue to champion through her book recommendations.
Related: 2009 Novel Rejected by 60 Literary Agents Named Goodreads’ Best Book for Book Clubs
How Reese Witherspoon Started Her Book Club @reesesbookclubTime for a Bookshelf Confession with the FMC who started it all 📚 Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine was our very first RBC pick, and @daniellerobay is sharing why this story still hits every single time. Know someone who needs this read on their nightstand?Tag them below 💛
♬ original sound – ReesesBookClubReese’s Book Club officially launched in June 2017, quickly becoming a go-to resource for avid readers hungry for their next pick. But Reese didn’t just recommend new books; she introduced readers to dozens of unknown authors, including Gail Honeyman, and created an avid community centered on reading.
Witherspoon, like Oprah Winfrey and Jenna Bush Hager, has had a massive influence on book sales with her book club picks. When Reese’s Book Club officially launched in 2017, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine had already attracted attention, winning the 2017 Costa First Novel Award and going on to win the 2018 British Book Award for Book of the Year.
But Witherspoon’s pick helped catapult book sales and cement Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine in book club history as Reese Witherspoon’s first-ever pick. More importantly, it helped launch the actress’s company, Hello Sunshine, into one of the leading producers of women-centered stories in books and on film.
Reese Witherspoon Continues to Champion BooksBy establishing her book club, Reese Witherspoon took her decades of success as an actor and producer and used her voice to champion stories about women, from Where the Crawdads Sing to The Morning Show on TV. But it was Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine that started it all.
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The Supplement Pharmacists Wish More People Would Tell Their Doctor They’re Taking
When your doctor prescribes a medication, they likely go over any crucial information you need to know, like when to take it and what you can or can’t mix it with.
Supplements are a different story. Most people buy supplements over the counter instead of getting them from a doctor. That means it’s up to you to know how to take them safely. But often, supplements are taken without much thought.
“As a pharmacist, one thing I always emphasize is that vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements should be treated as part of a person’s complete medication list and should be communicated to their medical team, including pharmacist and primary care doctor,” says Dr. Janis Kosma-Covey, PharmD, a compounding pharmacist and founder of Kosmatology.
Related: Endocrinologists Are Begging People To Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Thyroid Medication
Dr. Kosma-Covey tells Parade that one of the biggest misconceptions she sees as a pharmacist is people thinking that supplements labeled “natural” are harmless, explaining, “Supplements can interact with medications, affect how medications are absorbed and sometimes contribute to side effects or toxicity.”
There’s one very popular supplement in particular that pharmacists wish people would tell their doctor they’re taking. Read on to learn more.
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The Supplement Pharmacists Wish People Would Tell Their Doctor They’re TakingWhile Dr. Kosma-Covey says that, ideally, everyone would talk to their doctor before starting any supplement, there’s one in particular that she wishes people would tell their doctor about first: magnesium.
“Magnesium has become an incredibly popular supplement, with people taking it for everything from sleep and relaxation to muscle cramps and constipation,” she explains. “Because magnesium is a mineral our bodies naturally need and it’s readily available over the counter, people may not think of it as something that could interact with their medications, but it absolutely can.”
Dr. Joseph Walter, PharmD, BCPS, a pharmacist at Hackensack Meridian Health, agrees. He explains that magnesium is a highly reactive mineral that can bind to medications in the stomach or change how your body processes them. For example, he says that magnesium can bind to certain antibiotics, which prevents the body from absorbing the medicine. Because of this, it’s important to take magnesium two to three hours after taking an antibiotic, something many people don’t realize.
Related: The Supplement Cardiologists Say Is a Waste of Money for Heart Health
Both pharmacists also say that magnesium can decrease the absorption of certain medicines taken for osteoporosis. “All patients should inform their doctor or pharmacist that they take a magnesium supplement to ensure it does not interact with any other medications that they may be taking,” Dr. Walter emphasizes.
The pharmacists add that magnesium supplements can potentially be dangerous for those with kidney disease, neuromuscular disorders or cardiovascular disorders.
Who Can Benefit From a Magnesium SupplementWith all these disclaimers in place, you may think you should steer clear of magnesium supplements completely. This isn’t necessarily true. Dr. Walter says that many people can benefit from taking a magnesium supplement; you just want to talk to your doctor about it first.
“Magnesium is essential for numerous functions in our bodies, so many people could benefit from a supplement, particularly if, like most, they do not receive the recommended daily allowance in their daily diet. Your body relies on magnesium for a variety of crucial daily tasks, from keeping your muscles and nerves working properly to stabilizing glucose and blood pressure levels. It also contributes to bone health,” Dr. Walter says, adding that it may also be beneficial for people experiencing migraines.
Related: Psychiatrists Are Begging People To Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Antidepressants
If you do want to take a magnesium supplement, Dr. Walter stresses that it’s important to consider the form of magnesium. In general, he recommends magnesium glycinate over other forms because it is highly absorbable and gentle on the stomach. “It’s widely considered the best option for correcting a deficiency, promoting relaxation and supporting sleep,” he says.
It’s worth remembering that the goal should be to get magnesium from your diet, not relying on a supplement. Dr. Walter explains that, unlike with magnesium supplements, it’s virtually impossible to overdose on magnesium through food.
“When you eat a giant spinach salad with pumpkin seeds and almonds, your healthy kidneys will simply flush out whatever magnesium your body doesn’t need through your urine,” he says. “However, because supplements deliver a highly concentrated dose of magnesium all at once, they bypass the body’s natural pace of absorption and can lead to excess magnesium in your body. This is why it is important to follow the 350 milligrams a day safety limit set by the National Institutes of Health only for supplements and medications, not the food on your plate.”
Other Common Supplement Mistakes People MakeOne common mistake Dr. Kosma-Covey sees people making with supplements is accidentally doubling up on what they’re taking. For example, if you take a multivitamin and another supplement for bone health or sleep, there could be overlapping ingredients, which can lead to consuming too much of certain nutrients or vitamins. With this in mind, it’s important to diligently read the labels of all the supplements you’re taking and make sure there is no ingredient overlap.
Another common mistake is timing. “People often take all their vitamins, supplements and medications together because it’s convenient, but depending on what they’re taking, that may not be appropriate,” Dr. Kosma-Covey says.
Last, Dr. Kosma-Covey emphasizes that more isn’t always better. “Many essential vitamins and minerals can be detrimental when taken in excessive doses. Start by asking [your doctor] whether you actually need the supplement and whether there’s evidence supporting its use for what you’re trying to accomplish,” she says.
If you have any questions at all about a supplement you’re taking or are considering taking, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist. Both are trained to answer any questions you may have to ensure that the supplement you’re taking is supporting your health, not harming it.
Up Next:
Related: Cardiologists Are Begging People to Stop Pairing This Common Supplement with Statins
Sources- Dr. Janis Kosma-Covey, PharmD, compounding pharmacist and founder of Kosmatology.
- Dr. Joseph Walter, PharmD, BCPS, pharmacist at Hackensack Meridian Health.
- Magnesium. National Institutes of Health.
Hobby Lobby’s Bamboo Shoe Rack Is a Simple Fix for Entryway Clutter
Shoes have a way of taking over a home without anyone noticing. A pair by the front door turns into a pile in the entryway, then more pairs end up under the bed, in the closet or scattered around the mudroom. It is one of the most common forms of everyday clutter, especially in busy households where everyone is rushing in and out.
The easiest solution is often to give shoes a designated place to go. A compact shoe rack can keep pairs visible, easy to grab and off the floor without taking up much room. It also helps make an entryway or closet look more intentional, rather than feeling like a drop zone for everything you wore that day.
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4-Tier Bamboo Shoe Rack, $24.99 at Hobby LobbyHobby Lobby’s 4-Tier Bamboo Shoe Rack is a practical find for organizing your footwear without spending a lot. Priced at $24.99, the rack has four open shelves and can hold up to 16 pairs of shoes, depending on the size and style of each pair. It is a useful option for sneakers, flats, sandals, loafers and other everyday shoes.
The rack measures 31.5 inches wide, 26.5 inches high and just 9.75 inches deep. Its slim profile makes it a good fit for an entryway, closet, mudroom, bedroom, laundry area or even a small apartment. Since it is less than 10 inches deep, it can sit neatly against a wall without taking over a walkway.
It is made from a combination of bamboo wood and MDF, with a natural finish that gives it a warm, simple look. That neutral style works with a range of decor aesthetics, from modern and minimalist to farmhouse, boho and more traditional spaces. Unlike a bulky plastic shoe organizer, it looks decorative enough to leave out in the open.
Related: Hobby Lobby’s $9 Organization Find Is a Simple Fix for Everyday Clutter
Assembly is required, but Hobby Lobby says the rack comes with the materials needed to assemble it. Reviewers have generally praised its sturdiness and ease of setup, though it is best suited for lighter shoes rather than bulky work or tall boots.
Beyond shoes, the four tiers can also be used for other storage needs. Place baskets on the shelves for pet supplies, use them in a bathroom for rolled towels, or set them in a closet to hold handbags and accessories. The open design makes it easy to see what you have at a glance.
At $24.99, this bamboo rack comes out to a little more than $6 per shelf, making it a budget-friendly alternative to larger entryway cabinets or built-in storage. If you are looking for a quick way to clear your floor and bring more order to your daily routine, this four-tier shoe rack is an easy addition to your home.
Related: This Multifunctional IKEA Find Is So Sturdy, Shoppers Are Keeping It for Decades
1971 Rock Album, With Just 1 No. 1 Hit, Named the Greatest Album of a 60-Year Career for the Rolling Stones
In 1971, the Rolling Stones released an album that marked both a new chapter and a high point in their career. Now 55 years later, Sticky Fingers has now been named the band’s greatest studio album.
Classic Rock’s Ian Fortnam ranked all 25 of the Stones’ U.K. studio albums for Louder, covering a recording career that stretches from the band’s 1964 self-titled debut through 2026’s Foreign Tongues. And Sticky Fingers landed at No. 1, beating out Exile on Main St. at No. 2, Let It Bleed at No. 3 and Beggars Banquet at No. 4.
It’s an interesting winner considering the album contains just one of the band’s No. 1 hits: “Brown Sugar.” “Wild Horses” was also a success, reaching the Top 30 in the U.S., but Sticky Fingers isn’t exactly packed with chart-toppers.
Instead, Fortnam argues that the 10-song album captures virtually everything that made the Stones great, from “Brown Sugar” and the country-rock of “Wild Horses” to “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” “Bitch,” “Sister Morphine” and “Moonlight Mile.” Of the album’s place in the band’s history, he concludes simply, “the Stones were never better than this.”
‘Sticky Fingers’ Marked a New Era for the Rolling StonesThe choice is particularly notable because the Rolling Stones had already spent most of the 1960s establishing themselves as one of the defining bands of their generation.
As “The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll” recounts, the band’s early years took them from blues and R&B covers to the burgeoning songwriting partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. By 1965, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” had given them one of their defining hits and spent four weeks at No. 1 in the U.S.
By the dawn of the ’70s, however, the Stones were entering a different phase. No longer merely the rebellious counterpoint to the Beatles, they had become members of rock’s ruling class. Sticky Fingers arrived right at that transition.
Related: The ‘Greatest Rock Lead Singer of All Time’ Turns 83
Released April 23, 1971, it was the Stones’ first studio album on their own Rolling Stones Records label and their first studio LP without founding member Brian Jones. It was also the first album to feature the now-famous tongue-and-lips logo.
And commercially, it was enormous. Sticky Fingers became the band’s first album to reach No. 1 in both the United States and United Kingdom. It spent four weeks atop the Billboard 200 and has since been certified triple platinum in the U.S.
‘Brown Sugar’ Gave the Rolling Stones Their Only No. 1 From the Album“Brown Sugar” was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama in December 1969, well over a year before Sticky Fingers arrived. The song was released as a single in 1971 and became another No. 1 for the Stones.
In “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits,” music historian Fred Bronson notes that the single reached No. 1 on May 29, 1971, and spent two weeks at the top. He also places its release amid a major turning point for the band, as the Stones left England amid Britain’s steep tax rates, launched their own record label and entered a new stage of rock superstardom.
“Brown Sugar” may have been Sticky Fingers’ lone No. 1 single, but its surrounding songs have developed formidable reputations of their own. “Wild Horses,” “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” and “Dead Flowers” remain among the Stones’ best-known recordings.
And Sticky Fingers has hardly lacked recognition over the decades. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and is ranked No. 104 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—though the outlet does have Let It Bleed and Exile on Main St. ranked higher, at 41 and 14, respectively.
“New guitarist Mick Taylor, replacing Brian Jones, stretches out the Stones sound in ‘Sway,’ ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,’ and ‘Moonlight Mile.’ But ‘Brown Sugar’ is a classic Stones stomp, and two of the best cuts are country songs: one forlorn (‘Wild Horses’) and one funny (‘Dead Flowers’),” wrote Rolling Stone of Sticky Fingers.
Now, 55 years after its release, it has another distinction: No. 1 in a ranking that spans more than six decades of Rolling Stones history.
Rooney, Kate Mara 'So Cute' on Red Carpet as First Film Together Debuts
Wait, Rooney Mara had never done a movie with her sister, fellow actress Kate Mara?
Bucking Fastard now marks the first time for the beloved celebrities, and they just strutted the red carpet together to celebrate. The head-turning new film — with an equally shocking title — had its world premiere on Thursday, September 3 as part of this year’s Venice Film Festival
Co-star Orlando Bloom was also in attendance, along with renowned director Werner Herzog. If you’re curious about the movie’s spoonerism of a title, well, the 80-year-old filmmaker’s new project is loosely inspired by real-life twins who reportedly spoke in a synchronized fashion. The title refers to a verbal slip they once made in court, according to The Guardian.
And guess what? Rooney, 41, and Kate, 43, play the same sort of twin sisters in their new movie, which just debuted in Italy. Check out the red-carpet pics of them leading up to the world premiere below, as shared via Instagram by Entertainment Tonight.
View this post on InstagramFans have since flooded the post’s comments section to show their love for the celebrity siblings. “They’re so cute together 😍,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “If you didn’t know, they look like a very in love couple, and I absolutely love that for them!💕🥰”
During a press conference for Bucking Fastard earlier on Thursday, Rooney said she found the project “very daunting” because of “the idea that we were playing this same person,” according to People.
Rooney continued, per the magazine, “But I think we found pretty quickly that having a lifetime together and all this history and childhood playing together, there was just an unspoken world between us that we didn’t have to work very hard to create at all. Once we found our flow together, we had so much fun and [it was a] very once-in-a-lifetime, very unique experience.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus Reveals 'Tons' of Friction On 'Seinfeld' Set
Nearly 40 years after Seinfeld premiered on NBC and became one of the biggest TV shows in history, the sitcom and its comically angst-filled characters are still revered by fans and critics.
The show’s recipe for success was a perfect balance of tension and camaraderie among New York City pals Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George (Jason Alexander), and Kramer (Michael Richards) as they navigated hilarious predicaments for nine seasons.
But that mix of tension and camaraderie wasn’t just reserved for Seinfeld’s quirky characters. On a new episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast hosted by Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky (Dave Burd), and Kristin Batalucco, Louis-Dreyfus admitted that oftentimes, tensions were high on set.
When Batalucco asked if there was “ever any friction” while filming Seinfeld, Louis-Dreyfus quickly replied, “Of course. Yes. Tons. Yeah. I mean, it’s hard to do anything really well, and it takes a lot of work, and you’re going to butt heads.”
But the magic of the show, Louis-Dreyfus said, was that while they worked, they were “just being friends together and just hanging out. … That sounds as if it was just hanging out. It was a lot of work to make the show. But what I mean was we were all, like, kids.”
“And we had our own idea and (the writers) had their own idea of exactly what they wanted to do, which was not the norm at the time in terms of structured television. So I think there was an air of freedom because of that. We had a lot of fun making it.”
In May, Louis-Dreyfus dished about one big on-set argument. While appearing on the Awards Chatter podcast, she recalled how mad show co-creator Larry David got while making a 1991 episode called “The Deal,” in which Elaine and Jerry sleep together but agree to only be friends with benefits, nothing more.
“There was tension between creatives,” she recalled. “Actually, it was Castle Rock and Larry, about whether or not to turn this into a will they, won’t they? Larry was livid. He did not want anything to do with the idea of romance, the cute, the sexy.”
Seinfeld Didn’t Become a Top Show Until Its 5th SeasonSeinfeld wasn’t an automatic hit, though. According to TV Insider, the ratings were so low during the show’s first two seasons that it “barely registered” in Nielsen’s TV ratings. During the third season, which aired from 1991 to 1992, it managed to place 36th in the ratings.
But the show found its groove in the fifth season, the outlet said, and came in third place in the ratings that year. The last four seasons were blockbuster seasons, with the show consistently ranking in first or second place, and securing its place in TV history.
1994 Rock Song, Co-Written by Chrissie Hynde, Is Still a Massive Hit 32 Years Later
After over a decade of releasing hit after hit, the Pretenders were looking for their next big track in the early 1990s while making their album Last of the Independents. Surprisingly, the one that fans started connecting with was the record’s unexpected single, “I’ll Stand by You.”
The track was written by Chrissie Hynde along with the producing team Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg. After they completed the song, Hynde was still unsure about it, saying in an interview that she first thought it “was s–t.”
She explained what changed her mind: “I played it for a couple of girls who weren’t in the business and by the end of it they were both in tears. I said, ‘OK, put it out.’”
It was a good decision, as it soon became a Top 10 hit in the U.K. and peaked at No. 16 in the U.S. The song also became a major success in many other countries too, including Italy, Sweden, Belgium, France, Australia and more.
“I’ll Stand by You” was welcomed by critics as well. Billboard wrote of Hynde’s vocals, “Hynde returns with a worn, but warm vocal that evokes a powerful, moving presence.” As for the song itself and its potential to perform well, the publication went on, “Top 40 radio is
starving for material as strong as this. A welcome return from the real thing.”
Related: 1987 Rock Song, Performed by The Cure, Became One of the “Best Rock Love Songs” Ever
The song was a diversion from the sound that the Pretenders were known for, but as appreciation for the song increased, fans started to come around to the change. The other singles released from Last of the Independents were “Night in My Veins” and “977,” although neither performed as well.
Over the years, the song grew even more, becoming a hit for a few other artists as well. The British girl group Girls Aloud, Carrie Underwood, and Shakira all performed and released cover versions in some form that were very successful in the years after.
Related: 1973 Rock Song, Written by Pete Townshend, Among ‘Greatest Rock Lyrics of All Time’
‘Survivor Greece’ Star Sues Producers for $100 Million After Losing Leg on Show
Survivor Greece star Stavros Floros, who lost part of his leg in a boating accident while filming the reality competition series, is suing the show’s producers for $100 million.
According to court documents obtained by People, Floros filed the lawsuit on Thursday, Sept. 3, accusing the show’s producers of negligence over the May accident in the Dominican Republic.
In the complaint, Floros alleges that “the producers built the show’s entire format around requiring contestants to spearfish in open water—waters heavily trafficked by tourist boats near Bayahibe, Dominican Republic—without safety boats, spotters, protected zones, or adequate warning markers, despite prior near-misses and even a prior fatality in the exact same waters.”
Floros also alleges that “only a tourniquet” applied to his injury “kept him alive.” According to the filing, he was later transported to a hospital in Miami, Florida, where he underwent “multiple surgeries over a grueling 61-day hospitalization.”
RELATED: ‘Survivor Greece’ Suspended After Contestant Loses Part of Leg During Filming
The accident occurred in May while Floros was spearfishing during a break from filming. According to Survivor Greece production company AcunMedya, Floros was “diving without a surface marker buoy in an area frequented by tourist vessels” when a boat “accidentally struck him.”
The Toronto Sun reported at the time that the boat’s propeller partially amputated Floros’ left leg below the knee and caused significant trauma to his right ankle.
“From the very first moment, there was an immediate response to provide assistance and safely transport the injured contestant, while the competent port authorities are investigating the causes of the incident in order to fully determine the circumstances,” AcunMedya said in a statement to the Toronto Sun. “The contestant remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition and is out of danger.”
Greek television channel Skai also said it would assist with Floros’ medical treatment and rehabilitation following the accident. “Until the causes of the incident are fully investigated, the television broadcast of the program is being suspended,” the network said.
As a result of the accident, Survivor Greece was temporarily pulled off the air. The series had been airing its 13th season, which premiered Jan. 11.
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the network released a statement announcing the show’s finale. A special 12-minute episode aired that night, featuring host Giorgos Lianos and the remaining contestants saying goodbye and sending their best wishes to Floros.
Despite the accident, Floros was ultimately named the sole survivor of Survivor Greece in 2026.
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89-Year-Old Song, Recorded in a Texas Hotel, Became a Big Hit
Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues” has become one of the most famous songs in blues history, even though the original recording was made in a small hotel room in San Antonio, Texas, in 1936.
The song, also known as “Crossroads,” was recorded by Johnson during his third recording session at the Gunter Hotel on Nov. 27, 1936, per Texas Public Radio. Nearly nine decades later, it remains a major part of the blues tradition and has influenced generations of musicians.
Johnson recorded the song alone, using his voice and acoustic slide guitar. At the time, he was a traveling blues musician with limited public recognition. The original version was released in 1937 and was mainly heard around the Mississippi Delta.
In 1961, a different take of “Cross Road Blues” appeared on King of the Delta Blues Singers, an album that introduced Johnson’s music to a much wider audience. The release helped bring his work to a new generation of listeners and musicians.
The song later became even more widely known through the rock version recorded by Cream, the British group featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Their version, titled “Crossroads,” became one of the group’s best-known songs.
Johnson traveled to San Antonio after being recommended to record for ARC Records. Over three days, from Nov. 23 to 27, 1936, he recorded 22 songs.
The recording sessions took place in an improvised studio inside Room 414 of the Gunter Hotel. Producer Don Law supervised the session.
“Cross Road Blues” was recorded during Johnson’s final session in San Antonio. Two takes were recorded that day.
The first take was released as a single in May 1937, with “Ramblin’ on My Mind” on the other side. It was one of 11 singles released during Johnson’s lifetime.
There are no known sales figures for the original record, but the song was widely heard in the Mississippi Delta. Johnson’s records could also be found in jukeboxes in the region.
The second take had a different journey. It was released in 1961 on King of the Delta Blues Singers. That album became important to the growing American folk music revival and helped Johnson’s music reach listeners far beyond the region where he had performed.
The album sold around 12,000 copies. Much later, Johnson’s recordings were collected on The Complete Recordings, which sold more than one million copies and won a Grammy Award for Best Historical Album in 1991.
Much of the mystery surrounding “Cross Road Blues” comes from its lyrics and Johnson’s own life story.
The song describes a man standing at a crossroads and asking for help. As darkness approaches, he worries about being stranded and calls for his friend Willie Brown to be told that he is “sinkin’ down.”
The lyrics do not mention Satan or a deal with the Devil. Still, a long-running legend connected Johnson with the idea of selling his soul at a crossroads in exchange for extraordinary musical talent.
That story became part of the mythology surrounding Johnson, especially because people who knew him remembered a dramatic improvement in his guitar playing. Later research offered a more ordinary explanation: According to uDiscover Music, Johnson may simply have spent years practicing and learning from other musicians, including Son House and guitarist Ike Zimmerman.
The song’s influence became much larger in the 1960s.
Cream, with Eric Clapton on guitar, recorded its own interpretation of “Crossroads.” The group transformed Johnson’s acoustic blues into a powerful blues-rock performance with electric guitar, bass and drums.
Cream’s version appeared on the 1968 album Wheels of Fire. After the group broke up, the recording was released as a single in January 1969. It reached No. 28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
“Cross Road Blues” has since been recorded by several artists, including Elmore James, Homesick James and Rush. It has also been performed by blues and rock musicians in different settings over the years.
The song’s influence has been recognized by major music institutions. Johnson’s original recording entered the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1986 and received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998.
Rolling Stone ranked “Cross Road Blues” No. 481 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The magazine also ranked Cream’s version No. 3 on its list of the greatest guitar songs.
In June 2026, CBS News included the song among its 250 essential American songs of the past 250 years.
Johnson’s own career was brief. His recording career lasted only months, and he died in 1938 at age 27. Yet his small body of recorded work became a major influence on later musicians.
1965 Jukebox Hit, Revived by an Oscar-Winning Film, Became One of the Greatest Movie Songs Ever
By September 1990, The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” broke free. Once archived among the greatest ballads of the ’60s and relegated to coin-operated play on jukeboxes, the legendary recording suddenly found a new audience and was back on the Billboard Hot 100.
Why? Because of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the Oscar-winning film Ghost, of course.
Released earlier that year in July, Ghost was a smash. Loved by both fans and critics, Jerry Zucker’s supernatural romance-thriller hybrid became an unexpected sleeper hit and the highest-grossing film worldwide that year. Much of its success is attributed to its talented cast—Moore, Swayze, and Tony Goldwyn—but even more so to Whoopi Goldberg, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as psychic Oda Mae Brown.
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Perhaps the film’s greatest contribution to pop culture history, however, is its famous pottery scene. Highly sensual and absolutely unforgettable, the movie moment begins with a quiet, late-night case of insomnia. Moore’s Molly can’t sleep, so she relaxes by shaping some clay instead. When Swayze’s Sam awakes and learns she’s up, he joins her.
Before he takes a seat behind her, their jukebox cues up and plays The Righteous Brothers’ 1965 ballad. As the song’s acoustic guitar chords begin to play, Sam joins Molly at the wheel, where she then runs his hands with hers through wet clay. The playful scene gradually turns deeply romantic, cinematic, and decidedly no longer PG.
“We played off each other and really made up the scene as we went along,” Swayze later wrote in his memoir The Time of My Life. “It was pretty sexy playing in all that clay, so all we had to do was go with it, let our imaginations run wild and then touch each other’s arms for the sparks to fly.”
According to Vanity Fair, screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin recalled that the film originally included a more traditional scripted lovemaking scene. But after the filmmakers watched the pottery-scene dailies—and saw how intense and erotic they were—they pivoted.
Their instinct was right. The scene was so remarkable it resurrected a 25-year-old recording.
Following its original charting, which resulted in an impressive No. 4 peak, “Unchained Melody” saw a massive resurgence, re-entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 78 on Aug. 25, 1990, before climbing to a secondary peak of No. 13 that fall.
Bizarrely, a newly re-recorded version by the classic duo also charted. For eight weeks, both versions were on the Hot 100 simultaneously, making The Righteous Brothers the first act to place two versions of the same song in the Top 20 at the same time.
But the song’s second life is about more than chart history.
In the years that followed, “Unchained Melody” became impossible to separate from one of cinema’s most famous romantic moments. That legacy earned the song a spot on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest American movie songs ever—a fitting afterlife for a song featured in a movie about the afterlife.
Rosie O'Donnell Brings Epstein Survivors Together for Powerful Performance of Iconic Feminist Anthem
Rosie O’Donnell is standing up for and standing with a group of Epstein survivors. The actress recently posted a video on Instagram featuring the group of women singing Helly Reddy’s iconic 1971 feminist empowerment anthem, and she wants people everywhere to take her cue.
O’Donnell starts the clip by saying to the other women, “Thank you all for coming. We have a couple of hours. I was thinking we’ll each hold hands and lift our hands up together.”
She continues, “I know it’s been very hard for you. And with very little support. And I’m sorry that our country is so f***ed up that this is what you have to live through. Because you are all heroes and you’re going to change how the world deals with child sex abuse.”
View this post on InstagramThe actress and advocate also added a poignant caption to the clip, writing, “After the corrupt AG (Trump’s former personal lawyer) implied that he did not believe men accused of sex abuse would be charged as a result of the evidence in the Epstein files – despite mountains of evidence, I called some Epstein survivors, asked them to sing with me.”
The video features the classic tune that O’Donnell describes as: “A powerful Helen Reddy song that taught me at 10 years old to use my voice” and a call to, “Show ur support for abuse survivors…repost – duet – make ur own video. Sing I AM WOMAN.”
After an inspirational rendition of Reddy’s hit, O’Donnell shares photos of the women in their younger years and the words “Support survivors. The Epstein Files.”
Comments, stories, and applause poured in to the post, with commenters writing meaningful messages to O’Donnell and the survivors she featured in the video.
“Thank you, Rosie for always having the courage to speak out. As a SA survivor myself, I know how important using our voice is!” wrote one fan.
Others added, “We knew when we lost Dolly the world was dimmer and I know we all wonder who is going to keep that light going. We have an answer folks and it’s @rosie”, “Thank you Rosie so much for this…I think in my mind the biggest disappointment was not the men, it was the women that should have been supporting other women and really children as many were at the time…this made me cry, I support you all,” and “Rosie! OMG, I have such chills from this. Helen Reddy’s anthem! I felt like she was right there singing with you all. The strength of these women is stunning.”
ADT vs. SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm: Which Home Security System Is Right for You?
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Shopping for a home security system often starts with a simple goal: You want to feel safer at home and more comfortable when you’re away. Then, things get complicated.
Suddenly, you’re comparing door sensors, cameras, monitoring plans, installation fees and subscription tiers. One company emphasizes low-cost DIY equipment. Another promises an easy setup with no long-term monitoring commitment, or offers to send a professional to your home, evaluate the property and install a customized system.
That makes comparing ADT vs. SimpliSafe—and increasingly Ring Alarm—more complicated than simply asking which company has the lowest monthly price. All three offer viable home security options. But they are built around different priorities.
For homeowners who want a low-cost system they can install and manage themselves, SimpliSafe and Ring are strong contenders. For homeowners who would rather have a professional evaluate the property, install the system and provide 24/7 monitoring afterward, ADT is the option to look at first. Here’s why.
Want professional help figuring out what your home needs? ADT offers a free in-home consultation and a customized quote before you commit to a system.
ADT is the strongest overall choice for homeowners who want professionally designed, installed and monitored home security. SimpliSafe is especially attractive for DIY security without long-term monitoring contracts, while Ring Alarm offers low-cost monitoring and works particularly well for homeowners already using Ring cameras.
Feature
ADT
SimpliSafe
Ring Alarm
Best for
Professional, whole-home security
DIY flexibility
Budget-focused
DIY installation
Yes
Yes
Yes
Professional installation
Yes
Optional
Optional
24/7 professional monitoring
Yes
Yes
Yes
Long-term agreement
Often required with professional installation
No long-term monitoring contract
No traditional long-term monitoring contract
Camera ecosystem
Google Nest integration
SimpliSafe cameras
Extensive Ring lineup
Smart-home integration
Strong
More limited
Strong
Biggest advantage
Professional design, installation and monitoring
Flexibility
Price and Ring integration
The biggest difference isn’t necessarily the hardware. It’s how much of the security planning you want to handle yourself.
With SimpliSafe or Ring, DIY setup is a major part of the appeal. With ADT, homeowners can instead schedule a free in-home consultation and receive recommendations based on the property’s layout.
Homeowners should look beyond the advertised starter-kit price. Compare entry-point coverage, cameras, professional monitoring, cellular and battery backup, installation quality, smart-home compatibility and what happens when an alarm is triggered.
A starter kit doesn’t know how your house is laid out. For example, a small ranch with two exterior doors has very different needs than a two-story suburban home with an attached garage, rear patio and numerous first-floor windows.
Before shopping, walk around your house and look at:
- Front, rear and side doors
- Garage entrances
- Accessible windows
- Sliding glass doors
- Basement entrances
- Areas hidden by fences or landscaping
- Places where exterior cameras may be useful
You may also want smoke, carbon monoxide or water-leak detection. This is one place where ADT’s approach has an advantage. Instead of determining everything yourself, homeowners can have an ADT representative evaluate the property and recommend a customized setup.
Why Does ADT Stand Out From SimpliSafe and Ring?ADT’s biggest advantage is its full-service approach. Homeowners can combine professional system design, professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, cellular backup and compatible smart-home devices within a single security ecosystem.
SimpliSafe and Ring have plenty of useful features and can cost less. But ADT offers something totally different.
They’re not simply selling a box of sensors. Instead, ADT provides homeowners with the option to hand much of the planning and installation process to someone else.
Professional Security PlanningImagine a typical suburban home with several doors, a garage, numerous accessible windows and a backyard. How many entry sensors do you need? Where should cameras go? Would a motion detector cover several windows more efficiently? And should the garage be monitored separately?
Those questions don’t have one universal answer.
ADT’s in-home consultation allows homeowners to walk through those decisions with a security professional instead of designing the entire system alone.
Professional InstallationDIY installation isn’t necessarily difficult, particularly in a smaller home. But complexity increases quickly once multiple cameras, locks, sensors and other devices are involved.
Professional installation removes much of the guesswork over placement, connectivity and setup. That becomes more valuable as the house gets larger.
Backup During Internet or Power ProblemsHome internet connections fail, and power outages happen. ADT’s current platform includes cellular alarm-event backup on compatible configurations, allowing alarm signals to continue being transmitted when Wi-Fi is unavailable. Backup battery capabilities also help keep critical security equipment operating during outages.
Is SimpliSafe Better Than ADT?SimpliSafe may be better for homeowners who prioritize DIY installation, lower costs and avoiding a long-term monitoring agreement. But ADT is the stronger choice for homeowners who place greater value on professional installation, customized system design and a more hands-off security experience.
SimpliSafe’s appeal is easy to understand. Its wireless equipment is designed for straightforward DIY installation. Professional monitoring is available, too, and customers don’t have to sign a traditional multiyear monitoring agreement.
For a smaller home or someone comfortable installing smart-home equipment, that combination is compelling. But DIY simplicity has a tradeoff: You become the system designer.
You determine which windows need sensors, where cameras belong, whether motion detectors provide enough coverage and whether anything has been overlooked.
Many homeowners are perfectly comfortable doing that. Others are shopping for a security system precisely because they don’t want another piece of technology they have to engineer and maintain themselves.
For those homeowners, ADT makes more sense.
Is Ring Alarm Better Than ADT?Ring Alarm may be the better value for homeowners who already use Ring cameras and want relatively inexpensive DIY security. However, ADT is the better fit when professional system design, installation and whole-home monitoring are more important than monthly cost.
Ring Alarm becomes particularly attractive when a home already has a Ring Video Doorbell and several Ring cameras. Everything can live within the same broader ecosystem, and professional monitoring remains competitively priced.
But I would distinguish between adding an alarm to a camera ecosystem and designing a security system around an entire house.
For homeowners starting from scratch, especially in a larger suburban property, I would still get an ADT quote before buying Ring equipment. You may ultimately prefer Ring’s price and flexibility. But you’ll at least know what a professionally planned alternative would look like.
Which Costs Less: ADT, SimpliSafe or Ring?Ring and SimpliSafe generally appeal more to homeowners prioritizing low upfront and monthly costs. Professionally installed ADT service can cost more, but that comparison also includes professional planning and installation that may not be part of a DIY system.
ADT will not always win on price. And it shouldn’t be presented that way. If your No. 1 priority is spending as little as possible, SimpliSafe or Ring deserves serious consideration.
But the cheapest system isn’t automatically the best value. A small DIY package with several sensors isn’t directly comparable to a professionally designed system with cameras, monitoring, cellular backup and smart-home integration.
The better question is: What will it cost to get the level of protection I actually want?
That’s why getting an ADT quote can be worthwhile even if you’re leaning toward one of the DIY competitors. It gives you a real system and a real price to compare.
Which System Is Best for a Larger Home?ADT is particularly attractive for larger houses because additional doors, windows, cameras, garages and smart-home devices make professional system design and installation more valuable. SimpliSafe and Ring can also protect large homes, but homeowners generally take more responsibility for planning the coverage themselves.
Think about a two-story suburban house with:
- Three exterior doors
- An attached garage
- Numerous first-floor windows
- Front and rear cameras
- A backyard
- Smoke and CO detection
- Smart locks
- Pets or children in the house
At that point, you’re no longer installing a couple of sensors. You’re designing an entire system. That is where ADT’s professional approach becomes particularly compelling.
If you’re unsure how many sensors or cameras your home really needs, an ADT in-home consultation can give you a customized recommendation before you purchase equipment.
Which Has Better Smart-Home Features?Ring has an especially strong camera ecosystem, while ADT integrates compatible Google Nest cameras and Yale smart locks through the ADT+ platform. SimpliSafe offers its own cameras and increasingly sophisticated monitoring features.
Ring is hard to beat if your priority is building around Ring cameras and doorbells.
ADT’s advantage is integration within a broader professionally monitored security setup. Compatible systems can include Google Nest cameras and Yale smart locks, while features such as ADT’s Trusted Neighbor can allow approved people temporary access to the home under specified conditions.
That could be useful for family members, dog walkers, house cleaners or neighbors checking the property while you’re away.
What Are the Drawbacks of ADT?ADT’s primary drawbacks are price and commitment. Professionally installed systems can cost more than DIY competitors and often involve a multiyear monitoring agreement. Homeowners who prioritize low cost, maximum flexibility or hands-on DIY setup may prefer SimpliSafe or Ring.
There are legitimate situations where SimpliSafe or Ring may be a better fit if:
- You expect to move soon
- You strongly dislike service agreements
- You enjoy installing smart-home equipment
- Your house is small and straightforward
- Your primary concern is minimizing cost
- You already own several Ring devices
But if your priorities are professional help, customized coverage, installation and monitored protection, ADT becomes much harder to dismiss simply because another service costs less.
ADT vs. SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm: Final VerdictRing Alarm is a strong choice for existing Ring users and budget-conscious DIY shoppers. SimpliSafe is excellent for homeowners wanting flexible, contract-free DIY security. For homeowners seeking a professionally designed, installed and monitored security system, ADT is my overall pick.
That distinction is what matters most.
- Choose Ring if: You already use Ring cameras and want an affordable DIY system.
- Choose SimpliSafe if: You want simple DIY installation and don’t want a long-term monitoring agreement.
- Choose ADT if: You want professional help deciding what your home needs, installing it correctly and monitoring the system afterward.
For a typical suburban homeowner who isn’t a home security expert, I would start with ADT. Not because Ring and SimpliSafe can’t protect a home. They can. But most homeowners don’t spend their time thinking about sensor placement, camera sight lines, cellular backup or how many entry points need protection.
Get a Free ADT Quote Before You DecideIf you’re still comparing ADT vs. SimpliSafe or wondering whether Ring Alarm would be enough, don’t start by ordering a generic package. Start by finding out what your house actually needs.
ADT offers a free in-home consultation and customized quote, giving homeowners an opportunity to have the property evaluated before committing to equipment.
Schedule a free ADT consultation or request a quote to see what professionally designed protection would look like for your home. Then compare that recommendation with the DIY alternatives. You’ll be making the decision based on your house—not somebody else’s starter kit.
Target's Antique-Style Kitchen Find Looks Far More Expensive Than It Actually Is
There is something about making coffee at home that can turn an ordinary morning into a small ritual. Whether you are easing into the day before work, taking a quiet afternoon break, or hosting friends for brunch, a thoughtful coffee setup makes the experience feel more intentional.
You do not need a large espresso machine or a complicated collection of gadgets to create a coffee-bar moment at home. Sometimes, a beautiful pour-over setup is all it takes. It is simple to use, looks great displayed on the counter and gives you more control over the brewing process than a standard drip machine.
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Hearth & Hand With Magnolia 2-Piece Pour-Over Coffee Set, $39.99 at TargetTarget
Shop It!Target’s 2-Piece Pour-Over Coffee Set from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is a stylish option for anyone looking to upgrade their daily coffee routine. Priced at $39.99, the set includes a ceramic cone filter holder and a warm acacia-wood stand designed to hold the dripper while you brew directly into your preferred mug or carafe.
The set measures 9.76 inches high, 7.56 inches wide, and 6.02 inches deep, so it is compact enough to keep on a kitchen counter or coffee cart without taking up too much room. The ceramic and acacia materials give it an earthy, elevated look that fits naturally with a warm, collected kitchen aesthetic.
To use it, place a compatible cone filter inside the ceramic holder, add your coffee grounds and slowly pour hot water over the grounds in a circular motion. The stand holds the filter holder above your cup, allowing brewed coffee to drip directly into your mug. You will need to provide your own filters, coffee grounds, and kettle, but the setup itself gives you a simple, hands-on way to brew a fresh cup.
Related: Hobby Lobby’s Perfect-for-Fall $7 Find Will Take Your Seasonal Display Up a Notch
The ceramic cone is reusable, and the acacia stand brings a natural touch to your countertop. Since both pieces should be hand-washed, this set is best for someone who enjoys the slower, more intentional process of making coffee rather than relying on a quick dishwasher-safe machine.
At $39.99, it is also a thoughtful gift for a coffee-loving friend, a housewarming gift, or someone building their first apartment kitchen. Pair it with a bag of locally roasted coffee, a gooseneck kettle and a favorite mug for a gift that feels personal but still useful.
Target currently lists the set as a new arrival with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews. As with many Hearth & Hand items, availability may vary by store, so it is worth checking online or through Target’s Drive Up and pickup options before making a special trip.
Related: Shoppers Are Racing to Grab These 5 New Costco Bakery Finds This September
1970 Country Song, Written in 25 Minutes at a Canadian Beach, Is Still a Powerful Hit 56 Years Later
Fifty-six years ago, country singer Anne Murray released “Snowbird,” a song that took the charts by storm and launched her into international stardom.
“Snowbird” first appeared in 1969 as an album track on Murray’s second studio album, This Way Is My Way. In June 1970, the song experienced a sudden surge in popularity, prompting Capitol Records to issue it as a single. On July 18, the single entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 86 before peaking at No. 8. The song also dominated the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart, spending six weeks at No. 1 and marking her first major hit.
Aside from chart success, “Snowbird” achieved significant commercial triumph. Since its release, it has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 1 million copies in 1970 alone—making her the first Canadian female solo act to achieve the feat in the U.S.
Johnny Cash and Anne Murray appear on the “Johnny Cash Christmas Special,” on the CBS Television Network, on December 6, 1979.It may be hard to believe, but Murray’s stunning ballad was penned by Canadian songwriter Gene MacLellan in just 25 minutes. MacLellan was inspired to write the track while observing snow buntings migrating during a scenic walk along a Prince Edward Island beach. The sight led him to reflect on life’s hardships, leaving him to wonder what it would be like if humans could simply fly away when times got tough.
The sentimental song explores melancholic themes of heartbreak and a longing to escape painful circumstances. Its vivid and poignant lyricism touched the hearts of millions of listeners—an appreciation that has yet to dissipate. Paired with Murray’s warm contralto vocals and a gentle country-pop arrangement, the crossover hit became timeless.
Even Murray recognizes the power the song holds, noting how it transformed her career: “’Snowbird’ was the song that started it all and was the one no matter how many hits I had, was the one people seemed to always go back to. It absolutely changed my life!”
Nearly six decades since its release, “Snowbird” is still considered a masterclass in pop-country and adult contemporary songwriting. Its legacy has continued well into the digital era, accumulating over 23 million streams on Spotify alone.
Related: 1970 Folk Rock Song, Written in a Vacant Toronto House, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit
The Pioneer Woman's 'Gorgeous' 12-Piece Scalloped Stoneware Dish Set Adds Heirloom Charm for Just $30
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The right dinnerware transforms everyday meals into memorable moments, inviting everyone to slow down, share stories, and savor the experience. With just a touch of vintage flair and a pop of cheerful color, even a weeknight dinner can feel like a special occasion.
If you think dinnerware should be as cheerful as your favorite gathering, you are in luck this Labor Day. The Pioneer Woman’s Colette Scallop 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set is on sale at Walmart and ready to turn every meal into an occasion. With its vintage-inspired scalloped edges and three garden-fresh colors, this set is like a little party for your table.
The Pioneer Woman’s Colette Scallop 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, from $30 (was $50) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThis set is a bestseller for a reason. You get service for four, with four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four perfectly sized bowls. The standout scalloped rim channels nostalgic charm and makes each piece look like a family heirloom, without the worry about breaking Grandma’s china.
Available in a vintage-like sage green, lavender purple, and deep cobalt blue, The Pioneer Woman’s signature blend of nostalgic country flair shines through. Just picture a summer salad or your favorite cobbler nestled against that pretty pastel stoneware. The dishes make any dish look instantly more Instagrammable.
The Pioneer Woman’s Colette Scallop 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, from $30 (was $50) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThese plates and bowls are crafted from durable stoneware, built to handle everything from big Sunday dinners to speedy microwave lunches. They are dishwasher- and microwave-safe so that you can spend more time savoring and less time scrubbing.
Reviewers raved about the collection, noting that it’s great for both mixing and matching or going for a coordinated set.
“Absolutely gorgeous and terrific quality!” one shopper wrote. “When I saw these, I was smitten. The dishes are sturdy and well-made and, to me, look like very expensive high-end products.”
“Beautifully made,” another shopper stated. “The scalloped edges give it a flair from regular flat dishes. Love that vintage look. Looks like it should cost far more than it is.”
There is something about scalloped edges and bold color that puts everyone in a good mood. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe it’s the Pioneer Woman magic. Either way, this is the kind of dinnerware that makes you want to linger at the table, pour another glass of sweet tea, and enjoy the little things.
Shop More Deals- The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Stoneware Mini Cocottes with Lids, $22 at Walmart
- The Pioneer Woman Colette Ramekins, $5 (was $8) at Walmart
- The Pioneer Woman Vintage Lace Oval Serving Bowl, $17 at Walmart
At just $30, down from nearly $50, the green or purple sets let you give your table a fresh new look for less than the price of a restaurant meal for two. Grab your stoneware set while it is on sale and bring home a slice of heirloom style for every day of the week.
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